attorney-general
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C1 noun /əˌtɜːni ˈdʒɛnərəl/

attorney-general

Meaning
The chief legal officer of a state or country.
Example
The attorney-general announced new reforms to strengthen justice.
C1 adjective /ˈtæk.taɪl/

tactile

Meaning
Connected with the sense of touch; perceptible by touch or giving a sensation when touched.
Example
The tactile experience of the fabric was soft and smooth.
C1 noun pɔɪz

poise

Meaning
Natural confidence and composure maintained under pressure.
Example
A good speaker maintains poise under pressure.
C1 adjective /rɪˈdʌn.dənt/

redundant

Meaning
Not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous.
Example
The report contained redundant information.
C1 noun ˌeə.rəʊ.daɪˈnæm.ɪks

aerodynamics

Meaning
The study of the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it.
Example
The aerodynamics of an aircraft determines its speed and efficiency.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
C1 noun /ˈvɔːrtɛks/

vortex

Meaning
A mass of whirling fluid or air, especially a whirlpool or whirlwind.
Example
The plane was caught in a dangerous vortex of air.
C1 adjective ˈfjuː.taɪl

futile

Meaning
Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
Example
His attempts to change the situation were futile.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

differential

Meaning
Relating to or showing a difference; involving a distinction.
Example
There is a differential treatment between the two groups.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfrænʧaɪz/

franchise

Meaning
A legal right to sell or distribute goods or services in a specific area; to grant such a right.
Example
He opened a new fast-food franchise in the city.
C1 noun /kliːˈʃeɪ/

cliche

Meaning
An overused expression or idea that has lost its originality or impact.
Example
The speech was filled with old clichés that failed to inspire the audience.
C1 adjective /ˌniːoʊˈlɪθɪk/

neolithic

Meaning
Relating to the later part of the Stone Age, when ground or polished stone weapons and tools prevailed.
Example
Neolithic communities began practicing agriculture and domesticating animals.
C1 adjective /ˈskwiːmɪʃ/

squeamish

Meaning
easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted
Example
She felt squeamish at the sight of blood.
C1 adjective /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/

grudging

Meaning
Reluctant or unwilling; given or allowed only with hesitation.
Example
She gave him a grudging smile after the argument.
C1 verb /ˈhɪpnətaɪz/

hypnotize

Meaning
to put someone into a state of hypnosis; to influence someone's mind deeply
Example
The magician tried to hypnotize the audience.
C1 verb /ˈkʌl.mɪ.neɪt/

culminate

Meaning
To reach the final or climactic stage of a process or activity.
Example
Years of hard work culminated in his success.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtɜː.nə.bəl/

Returnable

Meaning
able to be returned or given back
Example
The bottle is returnable for a deposit refund.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 noun /ˌdev.əˈtiː/

Devotee

Meaning
a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
Example
As a devotee of classical music, she attended every concert in the city.
C1 adjective /dʒuːˈdɪʃ.əl/

judicial

Meaning
relating to judges, courts, or the administration of justice
Example
The new law faced strong judicial review before implementation.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

comprehensible

Meaning
able to be understood; intelligible
Example
The teacher explained the topic in a comprehensible way.
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 /ˈfjuː.də.lɪ.zəm/

feudalism

Meaning
the social system in medieval Europe in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and land in return
Example
Feudalism shaped the political structure of medieval Europe.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪtɪŋ/

excruciating

Meaning
causing extreme physical or mental pain
Example
She was in excruciating pain after the accident.
C1 noun /baɪl/

Bile

Meaning
a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
Example
The liver produces bile to help digest fats.
C1 noun /dɪˈlɪriəm/

delirium

Meaning
An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
Example
The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication.
C1 noun, verb /ˈskʌf.əl/

scuffle

Meaning
a short, confused fight or struggle; to engage in such a fight
Example
Two players scuffled on the field after the foul.
C1 noun/adjective /kənˈfɛdərət/

confederate

Meaning
a person, group, or state joined in an alliance or union; relating to a confederacy
Example
The confederate soldiers fought bravely in the war.
C1 adjective /ˈsleɪ.vɪʃ/

slavish

Meaning
showing no originality; completely imitative or overly submissive
Example
His slavish devotion to tradition prevented any innovation.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔːf.ti/

Lofty

Meaning
of great height; noble in character; elevated in style
Example
He has lofty ideals about making the world a better place.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbl/

unaccountable

Meaning
Not able to be explained or justified.
Example
She felt an unaccountable fear as she entered the dark room.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfəsaɪ/

prophesy

Meaning
to state or predict that something will happen in the future, especially as if divinely inspired
Example
The monk prophesied that peace would return to the land.
C1 adjective /dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

degraded

Meaning
Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.
Example
The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnrɪˈfaɪnd/

unrefined

Meaning
not processed or purified; lacking polish or sophistication
Example
The unrefined oil must be processed before it can be used as fuel.
C1 verb /ˈaɪdəlaɪz/

idolize

Meaning
To admire or worship someone excessively.
Example
Fans often idolize celebrities for their talent and lifestyle.
C1 adjective /ˈlæk.tɪk/

lactic

Meaning
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
Example
Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
C1 noun /fɪˈnɛs/

finesse

Meaning
Subtlety and skill; refinement and delicacy in performance or artistry.
Example
The artist painted with great finesse.
C1 adjective /ˈdʒiː.ni.əl/

genial

Meaning
friendly, cheerful, and pleasant
Example
She greeted us with a genial smile.
C1 noun /bəˈrɑːʒ/

barrage

Meaning
a concentrated outpouring of questions, criticisms, or blows; a rapid, continuous attack
Example
The politician faced a barrage of tough questions from reporters.
C1 noun/verb /θrɒŋ/

throng

Meaning
A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals; to fill or be present in a place in large numbers.
Example
Tourists thronged the streets during the festival.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɔːltərɪŋ/

unfaltering

Meaning
Steady and resolute; not weakening or hesitating
Example
She continued with unfaltering determination.
C1 noun /ˈhɔː.kər/

Hawker

Meaning
a person who travels about selling goods, typically from door to door or on the street
Example
The hawker sold fresh fruits from his cart.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæst.li/

ghastly

Meaning
Causing great horror or fear; very unpleasant.
Example
The crime scene was a ghastly sight.
C1 noun prəˈfaʊnd ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

profound initiative

Meaning
A deep, meaningful, and significant action or program designed to create change.
Example
A profound initiative can create sustainable changes.
C1 noun /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪtər/

demonstrator

Meaning
a person who shows how something works or takes part in a public protest
Example
The demonstrators marched peacefully through the city streets.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.səˌbɔːr.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

insubordination

Meaning
Defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders.
Example
The soldier was punished for insubordination during the mission.
C1 noun /hjuː/

hue

Meaning
A color or shade.
Example
The artist chose a soft blue hue for the background.
C1 adjective /daɪər/

Dire

Meaning
extremely serious; urgent; terrible
Example
The country is facing a dire economic crisis.
C1 noun /ˈɒktəɡən/

octagon

Meaning
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Example
The stop sign is shaped like an octagon.
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 noun /ʌpˈhiːvəl/

upheaval

Meaning
a violent or sudden change or disruption to something
Example
The company faced a major upheaval after the sudden resignation of its CEO.
C1 noun /kɑst/

Caste

Meaning
a social class system; a hereditary class of Hindu society
Example
The ancient caste system divided society into different social groups.
C1 noun /bɒmˈbɑːrdmənt/

bombardment

Meaning
a continuous attack with bombs or other projectiles
Example
The city endured a heavy bombardment during the war.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈmæm.əθ/

mammoth

Meaning
An extinct large elephant-like animal with long curved tusks; also means something huge.
Example
The company faced a mammoth challenge during expansion.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌteɪkər/

undertaker

Meaning
A person whose job is to prepare the dead for burial and arrange funerals.
Example
The undertaker prepared the body for the funeral service.
C1 adjective/noun nɪˈmɒn.ɪk

mnemonic

Meaning
Assisting or intended to assist memory; a device or technique to aid memory.
Example
A mnemonic device helps students remember complex concepts.
C1 noun /æbˈstrækʃən/

abstraction

Meaning
the process of forming general ideas by removing specific details; an abstract concept or idea
Example
Abstraction allows complex ideas to be represented in a simplified form.
C1 noun /ˈhɔːl.mɑːrk/

hallmark

Meaning
a typical characteristic or feature of someone or something
Example
Honesty is the hallmark of a good leader.
C1 phrase ˌhjuː.məˈnɪt.ər.i.kəˈtæs.trə.fi

humanitarian catastrophe

Meaning
A widespread disaster affecting human life, health, and well-being on a large scale.
Example
The war created a humanitarian catastrophe.
C1 adjective /hɜːrˈbɪv.ər.əs/

Herbivorous

Meaning
feeding on plants; plant-eating
Example
Cows are herbivorous animals that graze on grass.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈmɪsəbl̩/

inadmissible

Meaning
Not allowed, especially as evidence in a court of law.
Example
The judge ruled the evidence inadmissible.
C1 verb /ˈbʌŋɡəl/

bungle

Meaning
To carry out a task clumsily or incompetently.
Example
He bungled the presentation and confused the audience.
C1 noun ˌmɪs.kənˈsɛp.ʃən

misconception

Meaning
A wrong idea or false understanding about something.
Example
There is a common misconception that success happens overnight.
C1 noun səbˈsɪs.təns

subsistence

Meaning
The action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level.
Example
Many farmers depend on subsistence agriculture.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪ.bəlˈbɒd.id/

able-bodied

Meaning
physically strong and healthy, not disabled
Example
The company is looking for able-bodied workers for the construction site.
C1 adjective /klæd/

clad

Meaning
dressed or covered in a particular way
Example
The knight was clad in shining armor.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfər/

proffer

Meaning
to offer something for acceptance; to present
Example
She proffered her hand as a sign of friendship.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ə.pi/

canopy

Meaning
The upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of trees; overhead cover.
Example
The rainforest canopy provides shelter to many birds and insects.
C1 noun ˌfræɡ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən

fragmentation

Meaning
The process or state of breaking or being broken into fragments.
Example
Habitat fragmentation threatens many species.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈseɪvəri/

unsavory

Meaning
Disagreeable, unpleasant, or morally offensive.
Example
The politician was linked to an unsavory scandal.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbloʊn/

overblown

Meaning
excessively exaggerated or inflated
Example
The controversy was overblown by the media.
C1 adjective /prɪˈpɒstərəs/

preposterous

Meaning
completely ridiculous or absurd; contrary to reason or common sense
Example
The idea that pigs could fly is preposterous.
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 noun /vʌlˈɡær.ɪ.ti/

Vulgarity

Meaning
the quality of being rude, offensive, or indecent; lack of sophistication or good taste
Example
The comedian's jokes were criticized for their vulgarity.
C1 verb/noun /skaʊl/

scowl

Meaning
To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
Example
She scowled when she heard the unfair remark.
C1 noun /ˌrɛstɪˈtjuːʃən/

restitution

Meaning
The act of restoring something to its rightful owner or compensating for loss
Example
The court ordered restitution to the victims of the fraud.
C1 adjective /ˈpɔːrəs/

porous

Meaning
Having tiny holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.
Example
The soil is very porous and drains quickly.
C1 adjective /ɡrəˈtjuːɪtəs/

gratuitous

Meaning
Unnecessary, unwarranted, or given freely without reason or cause.
Example
The movie was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
C1 noun /ˌɪmɔːrˈtæləti/

immortality

Meaning
the state of living forever; eternal life or lasting fame beyond death
Example
Many ancient cultures believed that heroes could achieve immortality through great deeds.
C1 noun /ˈθʌroʊˌbrɛd/

thoroughbred

Meaning
a horse of pure and recognized breed; a person of good breeding or education
Example
The jockey rode a fast thoroughbred in the race.
C1 verb /ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪt/

alienate

Meaning
To make someone feel isolated or estranged; to cause someone to become unfriendly.
Example
His rude behavior alienated many of his friends.
C1 noun /ˈsɪndɪkət/

syndicate

Meaning
A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest or carry out a business venture.
Example
A syndicate of investors bought the struggling company.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndənt/

pendant

Meaning
a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck
Example
She wore a silver pendant around her neck.
C1 adjective/noun /ˈsʌkjələnt/

succulent

Meaning
Juicy or full of juice; also refers to a plant with thick, fleshy leaves adapted to storing water.
Example
The steak was so succulent that everyone enjoyed it.
C1 noun /ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/

overture

Meaning
An introduction to something more substantial; a proposal or preliminary action.
Example
The peace overture was welcomed by both nations.
C1 verb /slɪŋk/

slink

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed
Example
The cat slunk into the room without making a sound.
C1 noun /ɪmˌpɜː.sənˈeɪ.ʃən/

impersonation

Meaning
The action of pretending to be another person for the purpose of entertainment or fraud.
Example
Online impersonation is a serious cybercrime.
C1 adverb/noun /ˌhɪərˈæftər/

hereafter

Meaning
from now on; in the future; also refers to life after death.
Example
Hereafter, all reports must be submitted electronically.
C1 noun /ˈfɛərˌɡraʊndz/

fairgrounds

Meaning
A designated area where fairs, exhibitions, and amusement events are held
Example
The town set up rides and stalls at the fairgrounds for the annual festival.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈbraɪdld/

unbridled

Meaning
Uncontrolled and unrestrained.
Example
The protesters showed unbridled enthusiasm for change.
C1 noun /tækt/

tact

Meaning
Adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
Example
He handled the situation with tact and professionalism.
C1 verb /dɪˈstɪl/

distill

Meaning
To purify a liquid by heating and cooling; to extract the essential meaning or most important aspects.
Example
The factory distills water to make it safe for drinking.
C1 adverb /maɪˈnjuːtli/

Minutely

Meaning
in very small detail; extremely carefully
Example
The detective examined the evidence minutely.
C1 noun /rʌk/

Ruck

Meaning
a situation where a crowd of people are pushing against each other; a disorderly crowd
Example
There was a ruck at the football match.
C1 noun /ˈbroʊkərɪdʒ/

brokerage

Meaning
A firm that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, often charging a fee.
Example
The real estate brokerage helped them find a new home.
C1 adjective /ˈlʌʃəs/

luscious

Meaning
deliciously sweet or rich; highly appealing to the senses
Example
She served a luscious chocolate cake.
C1 adjective /prəˈsiːdʒərəl/

procedural

Meaning
Relating to an established or official way of doing something; concerned with procedure.
Example
The committee followed the procedural rules strictly.
C1 noun /pɒmp/

pomp

Meaning
ceremonial display or splendor; grandeur
Example
The graduation ceremony was full of pomp and circumstance.
C1 verb /ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/

petrify

Meaning
to make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think; to turn into stone
Example
The loud noise petrified the little child.
C1 verb /ˈlɪkwɪdeɪt/

liquidate

Meaning
To sell assets in order to pay off debts; to close a business and convert assets into cash.
Example
The company decided to liquidate its assets to pay creditors.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪθɒs/

pathos

Meaning
a quality in speech, writing, or events that evokes pity or deep emotion
Example
The documentary balanced pathos with hope, making the audience both weep and think.
C1 verb /ˈɔːstrəˌsaɪz/

ostracize

Meaning
to exclude someone from a group or society; to banish or shun
Example
After the scandal, he was ostracized by his former colleagues.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪvstoʊn/

gravestone

Meaning
A stone that marks a grave, usually inscribed with the name of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone had her name carved beautifully.
C1 adjective ɪnˈsaɪ.sɪv

incisive

Meaning
Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important.
Example
His incisive comments revealed the core issues.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdʌstriəsnəs/

industriousness

Meaning
The quality of being hardworking and diligent.
Example
His industriousness earned him a promotion at work.
C1 adjective /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtuːɪtɪv/

counterintuitive

Meaning
contrary to what one would intuitively expect
Example
His approach seems counterintuitive but it actually works.
C1 adjective /əˈdɒptɪv/

adoptive

Meaning
relating to the adoption of a child or the act of taking something as one’s own
Example
She grew up in a loving adoptive family.
C1 noun /ˈfɒdər/

fodder

Meaning
food for livestock such as cattle, horses, or sheep; also something considered of little value but used to supply a demand
Example
The farmer stored enough fodder for the cattle to last through winter.
C1 noun /ˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Piety

Meaning
the quality of being religious or reverent; devout religious belief and practice
Example
His piety was evident in his daily prayers.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkrɛdjələs/

incredulous

Meaning
unwilling or unable to believe something
Example
He gave her an incredulous look when she claimed she could fly.
C1 verb /wɪns/

wince

Meaning
To make an involuntary movement of the face or body as a result of pain or distress.
Example
He winced when the doctor touched his injured arm.
C1 noun /ɡəˈrɪlə/

guerrilla

Meaning
a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger forces
Example
The guerrilla fighters used ambushes to attack enemy positions.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

Meaning
showing kindness that is perceived as condescending or superior
Example
His patronizing tone offended the audience.
C1 noun /ˈpærəˌlɛlɪzəm/

parallelism

Meaning
The state of being parallel or similar; in literature, the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in construction.
Example
The writer used parallelism to give rhythm to his prose.
C1 noun /ʌnɪmˈpɔːrtəns/

unimportance

Meaning
the state or quality of being insignificant or not important
Example
He dismissed the issue with a sense of unimportance.
C1 adjective /əˈpriː.ʃə.bəl/

Appreciable

Meaning
noticeable; significant; considerable in amount
Example
There was an appreciable improvement in his test scores.
C1 noun /ˌdɜːrməˈtɑːlədʒɪst/

dermatologist

Meaning
A doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin diseases.
Example
She consulted a dermatologist for her skin allergy.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛkt/

dissect

Meaning
to cut apart an animal, plant, or other organism to study its internal parts; to analyze something in detail
Example
In biology class, students had to dissect a frog to learn about its anatomy.
C1 adjective /ˈpen.ɪ.ləs/

Penniless

Meaning
having no money; extremely poor; completely without funds
Example
After losing his job, he became penniless.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnəns/

impertinence

Meaning
lack of respect; rudeness
Example
The teacher was shocked by the student's impertinence.
C1 verb /pərˈsɑːnɪfaɪ/

personify

Meaning
To represent or embody a quality, idea, or concept in human form.
Example
She personifies kindness and generosity.