atone
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C1 verb /əˈtoʊn/

atone

Meaning
to make amends for a wrong or injury; to make reparation
Example
He tried to atone for his mistakes by helping others.
C1 verb /ˈsenʃər/

censure

Meaning
to criticize severely; to express strong disapproval
Example
The committee censured the politician for his misconduct.
C1 noun, verb /ɡliːm/

gleam

Meaning
a small or brief shining light; to shine softly
Example
A gleam of hope appeared in her eyes.
C1 noun əˈpreɪ.zəl

appraisal

Meaning
An assessment or evaluation of performance or quality.
Example
The annual appraisal determines salary increments.
C1 verb /ˈdæŋɡəl/

dangle

Meaning
to hang loosely or swing freely
Example
The keys dangled from his belt.
C1 noun /ˈfoʊliɪdʒ/

foliage

Meaning
The leaves of a plant, collectively.
Example
The autumn foliage looked stunning in the park.
C1 noun /ˈeɪ.peks/

apex

Meaning
The highest point or peak of something; the top or summit.
Example
He reached the apex of his career.
C1 noun /ˈmæn.juˌskrɪpt/

manuscript

Meaning
a handwritten or typed document, especially a writer’s draft before publication
Example
The author submitted her manuscript to the publisher.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrdəməm/

Cardamom

Meaning
aromatic seeds from a plant in the ginger family, used as a spice
Example
The recipe calls for a pinch of ground cardamom.
C1 noun/verb /ˈsaɪ.fər/

cipher

Meaning
A secret or disguised way of writing; a code; to put a message into secret writing.
Example
Military messages are protected using a cipher.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɔɪd/

devoid

Meaning
Completely lacking or without something.
Example
His speech was devoid of any real emotion.
C1 adjective /kɑːrˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Carnivorous

Meaning
feeding on other animals; meat-eating
Example
Lions are carnivorous animals that hunt other animals for food.
C1 verb /splaɪs/

splice

Meaning
to join two pieces of rope, film, or other material by weaving or attaching them together
Example
The technician spliced the two wires to restore the connection.
C1 verb/noun /ɡraʊl/

growl

Meaning
To make a low, guttural sound, often in anger (by animals or humans).
Example
The dog growled at the stranger.
C1 noun /sʌˈmeɪʃən/

summation

Meaning
The process of adding things together; a summary of points.
Example
The lawyer gave a powerful summation of the case.
C1 noun ˈdɪskɔrd

discord

Meaning
Disagreement or conflict between people or ideas.
Example
Discord among people disrupts societal stability.
C1 verb, noun /læɡ/

lag

Meaning
To fall behind in movement, progress, or development; a delay or period of falling behind.
Example
The old computer tends to lag when running new software.
C1 noun /ɪnˈɛk.wɪ.ti/

inequity

Meaning
Lack of fairness or justice; unequal distribution or treatment.
Example
Social inequity continues to be a global issue.
C1 adjective /əˈbɪzməl/

abysmal

Meaning
extremely bad or appalling
Example
The team's performance was abysmal.
C1 verb /dɪˈdjuːs/

deduce

Meaning
to reach a conclusion by reasoning or inference
Example
From the evidence, the detective deduced that the suspect was lying.
C1 adjective /ˈɪrɪtəbl/

irritable

Meaning
easily annoyed or made angry
Example
She became irritable after working long hours without rest.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

Meaning
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
Example
The new regulations could stymie small businesses.
C1 verb /fɔːrˈɡoʊ/

forego

Meaning
to decide not to do or have something pleasant or valuable
Example
She decided to forego dessert to maintain her diet.
C1 verb /ɪˈmænsɪpeɪt/

emancipate

Meaning
to set someone free from legal, social, or political restrictions; to liberate from slavery or oppression
Example
The law was designed to emancipate slaves and grant them full citizenship.
C1 verb /rɪˈtælieɪt/

retaliate

Meaning
to make an attack in return for a similar attack
Example
The army retaliated after the enemy attack.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.trə.vɜːrt/

introvert

Meaning
A person who tends to be shy and prefers spending time alone rather than in groups.
Example
As an introvert, he preferred reading over attending parties.
C1 noun /ˈɪŋklɪŋ/

inkling

Meaning
A slight idea, hint, or suspicion about something.
Example
She had an inkling that he was planning a surprise.
C1 noun /ˌrɛfjʊˈteɪʃən/

refutation

Meaning
The act of proving a statement or argument to be false or incorrect.
Example
Her essay was a strong refutation of the opposing theory.
C1 adjective /ˈstæɡ.nənt/

Stagnant

Meaning
not moving or flowing; showing no activity or development
Example
The stagnant water in the pond was covered with algae.
C1 noun /səbˈvɜːrʒən/

subversion

Meaning
the act of trying to destroy or undermine an established system or authority
Example
The government accused the rebels of planning subversion.
C1 adjective /ˈkwɑː.rəl.səm/

Quarrelsome

Meaning
given to arguing and fighting; argumentative and confrontational
Example
His quarrelsome nature makes it difficult to work with him.
C1 verb /weɪn/

wane

Meaning
To decrease gradually in power, intensity, or size.
Example
The moon wanes after the full moon night.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
C1 noun /ˈwɪmzi/

whimsy

Meaning
playful or fanciful behavior or humor
Example
Her stories were full of whimsy and imagination.
C1 noun /ˈsɪtrɪk ˈæsɪd/

Citric Acid

Meaning
a natural acid found in citrus fruits, used as a food preservative and flavoring agent
Example
Add a pinch of citric acid to preserve the color of the fruit jam.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪsən/

christen

Meaning
to give a name to someone at baptism or to name something officially
Example
They christened the ship after the queen.
C1 noun /ˈvɜːrtɛks/

vertex

Meaning
The highest point; the top or the apex.
Example
The climber reached the vertex of the mountain.
C1 noun /ˈpɪn.sərz/

Pincers

Meaning
a tool made of two curved or hinged pieces of metal used for gripping and pulling things
Example
The chef used pincers to remove the hot pot from the stove.
C1 noun kəˈlæt.ər.əl

collateral

Meaning
Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default.
Example
The bank requires collateral for loan approval.
C1 verb /ˈpleɪdʒəraɪz/

plagiarize

Meaning
to take someone else's work or ideas and present them as your own
Example
He was warned not to plagiarize his friend's essay.
C1 noun /skɪt/

skit

Meaning
a short, humorous performance or piece of writing
Example
The students performed a funny skit at the event.
C1 noun /buːn/

boon

Meaning
A thing that is helpful or beneficial.
Example
The internet is a boon to modern education.
C1 verb /ˈbɛkən/

beckon

Meaning
to signal or call someone to come closer, often with a gesture; to attract or invite
Example
She beckoned him to come closer with a wave of her hand.
C1 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡɒn/

polygon

Meaning
a flat shape with three or more straight sides
Example
The artist drew a colorful polygon on the canvas.
C1 verb /riˈɪtəreɪt/

reiterate

Meaning
To say something again or repeatedly for emphasis or clarity.
Example
The teacher reiterated the importance of honesty.
C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning
a person or group who has captured someone or something
Example
The hostage managed to escape from his captors.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtoʊld/

Untold

Meaning
very great in amount or degree; countless; immeasurable
Example
The earthquake caused untold damage to the city.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhjuːmən/

Inhuman

Meaning
lacking human qualities; cruel; brutal; savage
Example
The dictator's inhuman treatment of prisoners shocked the international community.
C1 adjective /ˌpɛd.əˈɡɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

pedagogical

Meaning
Relating to teaching and education; concerned with the methods and practice of teaching.
Example
The school adopted new pedagogical techniques to improve learning.
C1 noun /ˈtæl.i/

Tally

Meaning
a count or record of a number or amount; a score or total
Example
Keep a tally of how many books you read this month.
C1 adjective /əˈkɪn/

akin

Meaning
Of similar character or related by blood.
Example
His reaction was akin to shock.
C1 noun /pəˈrɪm.ɪ.tər/

perimeter

Meaning
the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or area
Example
The soldiers guarded the perimeter of the camp.
C1 noun dɪˈtætʃ.mənt

detachment

Meaning
The state of being objective or aloof; not being emotionally involved.
Example
Buddhist philosophy encourages detachment from material desires.
C1 noun /ˌɪrɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/

irresponsibility

Meaning
lack of responsibility or accountability; failure to act in a reliable or sensible way
Example
The accident was caused by his irresponsibility at work.
C1 verb /rɪˈvɪər/

revere

Meaning
To deeply respect or admire someone or something.
Example
The students revered their teacher for his wisdom.
C1 noun /bɒɡ/

bog

Meaning
an area of wet, spongy ground; a swamp or marsh
Example
The hikers got stuck in a bog.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃənt/

sentient

Meaning
Able to perceive or feel things.
Example
Humans are sentient beings capable of reasoning.
C1 adjective /hjuːˈmeɪn/

humane

Meaning
Showing compassion or benevolence.
Example
The doctor provided humane treatment to the injured animals.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrdɪnəns/

ordinance

Meaning
An authoritative rule, law, or decree issued by a city, town, or authority.
Example
The city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public parks.
C1 noun /ˈiːkwɪnɒks/

equinox

Meaning
The time or date when day and night are of equal length, occurring twice a year.
Example
The spring equinox marks the beginning of longer days.
C1 noun /rɪˈpʌlʃən/

Repulsion

Meaning
a feeling of intense distaste or disgust; a force under the influence of which objects tend to move away from each other
Example
She felt a strong repulsion towards the idea of eating insects.
C1 verb /ˈdʒʌk.stə.poʊz/

juxtapose

Meaning
To place two different things close together to show how they are different or similar.
Example
The artist juxtaposed traditional and modern elements in his painting.
C1 verb /dɪˈkraɪ/

decry

Meaning
to publicly criticize or express strong disapproval of something
Example
Many activists decry the destruction of the rainforest.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːdʒ/

centrifuge

Meaning
A machine that spins substances at high speed to separate different components.
Example
The lab technician used a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the plasma.
C1 adjective /ˈskræpi/

scrappy

Meaning
Determined and willing to fight or argue; also messy or disorganized.
Example
Despite being small, he was a scrappy fighter.
C1 adjective /əˈtrəʊ.ʃəs/

Atrocious

Meaning
horrifyingly wicked; extremely bad or unpleasant
Example
The conditions in the prison were atrocious.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
C1 noun dɪˌzɝː.t̬ə.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

desertification

Meaning
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Example
Deforestation accelerates desertification.
C1 adjective /ɔːˌθɒr.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/

authoritarian

Meaning
Demanding absolute obedience to authority; excessively controlling or strict in governance.
Example
Authoritarian parenting often limits a child's independence.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛndɪŋ/

impending

Meaning
about to happen soon, usually something unpleasant or threatening
Example
The villagers were worried about the impending flood.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈveə.ri.ə.bəl/

Invariable

Meaning
never changing; constant; always the same
Example
His invariable routine includes morning exercise and coffee.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnfəməs/

infamous

Meaning
well known for some bad quality or deed
Example
The dictator was infamous for his cruelty.
C1 noun /kənˈtʃɛrtoʊ/

concerto

Meaning
a musical composition for one or more solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra
Example
She played a Mozart concerto with the orchestra.
C1 noun /ˈdʒet.i/

Jetty

Meaning
a landing stage or small pier at which boats can dock or be moored
Example
The fishing boats were tied up at the wooden jetty near the harbor.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

illicit

Meaning
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
Example
The police shut down the illicit drug operation.
C1 adverb /ˈfɪksɪdli/

Fixedly

Meaning
in a steady, unmoving manner; with intense concentration
Example
He stared fixedly at the painting.
C1 noun /ˈmɒk.ər.i/

Mockery

Meaning
teasing and contemptuous language or behavior; ridicule
Example
His speech was met with mockery from the audience.
C1 verb məˈtæb.ə.laɪz

metabolize

Meaning
Process and use food for growth and to replace tissue, or process other substances in the body.
Example
The liver helps to metabolize toxins.
C1 adjective /ˈɒm.ɪ.nəs/

Ominous

Meaning
giving the impression that something bad will happen; threatening; foreboding
Example
The dark clouds looked ominous before the storm.
C1 adjective /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/

ubiquitous

Meaning
Existing or being everywhere at the same time.
Example
Social media has become ubiquitous among young people.
C1 adjective /trænˈsen.dənt/

transcendent

Meaning
Beyond or above the range of normal or merely physical human experience.
Example
His art has a transcendent quality.
C1 adjective /kɔɪ/

coy

Meaning
reluctant to give details or reveal feelings; shy or reserved
Example
She gave a coy smile when asked about her plans.
C1 noun /ˈflɔː.rə/

flora

Meaning
The plant life found in a particular region or habitat.
Example
The Amazon rainforest is home to a vast flora diversity.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

comprehensible

Meaning
able to be understood; intelligible
Example
The teacher explained the topic in a comprehensible way.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdlər/

peddler

Meaning
a person who sells goods, often traveling from place to place
Example
The peddler walked through the village selling fresh fruits.
C1 adjective ɔːˈspɪʃ.əs

auspicious

Meaning
Favorable or bringing good luck and success
Example
The wedding was held on an auspicious day.
C1 adjective /sɛkˈtɛəriən/

sectarian

Meaning
relating to or characterized by the differences between sects, often leading to conflict
Example
The region has been troubled by sectarian violence for decades.
C1 noun /fəˌsɪlɪˈteɪʃən/

facilitation

Meaning
The action of facilitating or making an action or process easier or helping bring about an outcome.
Example
Her facilitation made the meeting run smoothly.
C1 verb /ænˈtæɡənaɪz/

antagonize

Meaning
to cause someone to become hostile or angry; to provoke opposition
Example
His rude remarks only served to antagonize his colleagues.
C1 noun ˌdiːˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

deregulation

Meaning
The removal or reduction of government regulations in an economic sector.
Example
Deregulation has increased competition in the telecommunications sector.
C1 adverb spɒnˈteɪnɪəsli

spontaneously

Meaning
In a spontaneous way; naturally and without planning or external cause.
Example
Children learn spontaneously through peer interactions.
C1 noun /fɪkˈseɪ.ʃən/

fixation

Meaning
An obsessive interest in or feeling about someone or something.
Example
His fixation on perfectionism delayed project completion.
C1 adjective /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkəl/

paradoxical

Meaning
Seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense, yet possibly true.
Example
It is paradoxical that standing is often more tiring than walking.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən/

consternation

Meaning
A feeling of anxiety, dismay, or confusion, often caused by something unexpected.
Example
The sudden announcement caused widespread consternation among the employees.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt/

encroachment

Meaning
the act of gradually intruding or taking over someone’s rights, land, or space
Example
The villagers protested against the encroachment on their farmland.
C1 noun /strəˈtiː.dʒɪk ˈɪn.saɪts/

strategic insights

Meaning
Deep understanding and wisdom gained through careful analysis for planning purposes.
Example
Strategic insights guide policymaking.
C1 verb trænˈsɛnd

transcend

Meaning
To go beyond the limits of something; to surpass or exceed
Example
His effort to transcend traditional methods was commendable.
C1 noun /ˌfɪɡjʊˈriːn/

figurine

Meaning
a small ornamental statue or model of a human or animal
Example
She bought a porcelain figurine of a dancing ballerina.
C1 verb /bɪˈhɛd/

behead

Meaning
to cut off a person's or animal's head; to remove the leader or most important part
Example
The historical account describes how the traitor was beheaded as punishment.
C1 adjective /ˌboʊnəˈfaɪdi/

Bonafide

Meaning
genuine; authentic; legitimate
Example
She is a bonafide expert in her field.
C1 noun /ˈtrɛmər/

tremor

Meaning
a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or in the ground
Example
A small tremor was felt before the earthquake.
C1 verb /ˈkwɪkən/

quicken

Meaning
to make or become faster; to accelerate
Example
His pulse began to quicken as he approached the finish line.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsəʊʃəbl/

unsociable

Meaning
not enjoying the company of others; avoiding social interaction
Example
He became unsociable after moving to a new city.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
C1 adjective /ˈblaɪtɪd/

blighted

Meaning
Spoiled, damaged, or destroyed.
Example
The blighted neighborhood was abandoned by most residents.
C1 noun /wæks ɡɔːrd/

Wax Gourd

Meaning
a large white or green gourd with waxy skin, commonly used in Asian cooking
Example
The wax gourd soup is very nutritious and helps with digestion.
C1 verb /tɔːnt/

taunt

Meaning
to provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks
Example
The bully tried to taunt him with cruel words.
C1 adjective /ˈflæɡɪŋ/

flagging

Meaning
becoming tired, weaker, or less enthusiastic
Example
After hours of work, his energy was flagging.
C1 noun /ˈɡʌstoʊ/

gusto

Meaning
great enjoyment, energy, or enthusiasm in doing something
Example
She sang the song with great gusto.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
C1 noun /ˈjuːlədʒi/

eulogy

Meaning
A speech or piece of writing that praises someone, especially after their death.
Example
Her brother delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the funeral.
C1 noun /ˌsɛnsɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən/

sensitization

Meaning
The process of becoming sensitive to a substance, situation, or influence.
Example
The doctor warned about the sensitization caused by repeated exposure to chemicals.
C1 noun /kɔːr/

corps

Meaning
a branch of the military or a group organized for a specific purpose
Example
He joined the army corps after graduation.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrsəm/

foursome

Meaning
a group of four people or things, especially in games or social activities
Example
The foursome enjoyed a game of golf together.
C1 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ər/

fissure

Meaning
a long, narrow opening or crack in a surface or object
Example
The earthquake caused a deep fissure in the road.
C1 verb /ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

extinguish

Meaning
to put out a fire, light, or to end something
Example
The firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within an hour.
C1 adjective /əˈtjuːnd/

attuned

Meaning
Being receptive or sensitive to something; well adjusted or in harmony.
Example
She is attuned to the needs of her students.
C1 noun ˌnæʃ.ən.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

nationalization

Meaning
The process of a government taking control of private property or industry.
Example
The nationalization of banks was aimed at stabilizing the economy.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈskrɪmɪnət/

indiscriminate

Meaning
Done without careful judgment; random or haphazard.
Example
The indiscriminate use of pesticides harms the environment.
C1 noun /rɪˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən/

Retaliation

Meaning
the action of returning a military attack; counterattack; revenge for an injury or wrong
Example
The country threatened retaliation against any act of aggression.