austere
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 adjective /ɔːˈstɪə/

austere

Meaning
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; plain and simple.
Example
The monk lived an austere life in the mountains.
C1 verb /ɪɡˈzuːd/

exude

Meaning
to display a quality strongly and openly; to release a liquid or smell slowly
Example
He exudes confidence whenever he speaks in public.
C1 verb /rɪˈvɜːrbəreɪt/

reverberate

Meaning
To echo repeatedly or have continuing effects.
Example
The sound of the explosion reverberated through the valley.
C1 noun /ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/

demolition

Meaning
the act or process of destroying a building or structure
Example
The demolition of the old factory took several weeks.
C1 noun /pəˈθɒlədʒi/

pathology

Meaning
the scientific study of diseases, their causes, processes, and effects on the body
Example
Advances in pathology helped the doctors identify the rare infection quickly.
C1 verb /tʃɑːr/

char

Meaning
To burn or scorch something so that it becomes blackened.
Example
The cook accidentally charred the steak.
C1 adjective /ˌsæŋktɪˈmoʊniəs/

sanctimonious

Meaning
Making a show of being morally superior to others; hypocritically pious.
Example
He gave a sanctimonious speech about honesty while he himself was corrupt.
C1 noun /ˈpæd.ək/

paddock

Meaning
a small enclosed field where horses or other animals are kept
Example
The horses were grazing in the paddock.
C1 noun /fɪˈziːk/

physique

Meaning
the form, size, and development of a person's body
Example
He has an athletic physique due to years of training.
C1 adjective /bɪˈnaɪn/

benign

Meaning
Gentle, kind, or not harmful (especially of a disease or tumor).
Example
The doctor assured her that the tumor was benign.
C1 verb /ˈræn.də.maɪz/

randomize

Meaning
To make something happen in a random order or manner.
Example
The software can randomize the order of questions.
C1 verb /deɪz/

daze

Meaning
to stun or confuse someone temporarily with a shock or surprise
Example
The bright lights dazed the runners as they entered the stadium.
C1 verb /sɪft/

sift

Meaning
to separate or sort through carefully, often using a sieve or by examining closely
Example
She sifted the flour before adding it to the cake mixture.
C1 noun ˌæɡ.rəʊˈkem.ɪ.kəl

agrochemical

Meaning
A chemical product used in agriculture, especially a pesticide or fertilizer.
Example
Excessive use of agrochemicals can degrade soil quality.
C1 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ən/

pantheon

Meaning
All the gods of a religion collectively; a building dedicated to all gods.
Example
The Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɜːmiəbl/

impermeable

Meaning
Not allowing fluid or gas to pass through.
Example
The container is made of impermeable plastic.
C1 noun ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən ˈstrætədʒiz

mitigation strategies

Meaning
Plans and actions designed to reduce the severity or impact of problems or risks.
Example
Governments must adopt mitigation strategies for climate change.
C1 adjective /ˈfænsiːd/

fancied

Meaning
imagined, desired, or believed without evidence
Example
He is a fancied suitor in the eyes of the young lady.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈveə.ri.ə.bəl/

Invariable

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

civics

Meaning
the study of the rights and duties of citizens and how government works
Example
Civics helps students understand their responsibilities as citizens.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪtʃi/

Litchi

Meaning
a small oval pink-red tropical fruit with white translucent flesh and sweet taste
Example
The litchi has a rough pink shell that you peel to eat the sweet white fruit inside.
C1 noun /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tənt/

Militant

Meaning
A person who uses aggressive or violent methods to promote a political or social cause
Example
The militant group demanded immediate political reforms.
C1 noun, adjective /dɪˈrɪvətɪv/

derivative

Meaning
Something that is based on another source; in math, a measure of how a function changes.
Example
The film was criticized for being too derivative of earlier works.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːreɪ/

foray

Meaning
A sudden short attack or attempt, especially into new activity or territory.
Example
The company made its first foray into the international market.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvɜː.sə.bəl/

Reversible

Meaning
able to be turned the other way around; able to be undone or changed back
Example
This jacket is reversible and can be worn on both sides.
C1 adjective /ˈnjuː.tri.ənt dɛns/

nutrient-dense

Meaning
Rich in nutrients and high nutritional value.
Example
Organic food is often more nutrient-dense than processed food.
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 /ˈhɔːrtɪˌkʌltʃər/

horticulture

Meaning
The art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
Example
Horticulture plays a vital role in producing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
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 adjective /kəmˈpensətɔːri/

compensatory

Meaning
serving to make up for a loss, damage, or injury
Example
The court awarded him compensatory damages.
C1 noun /ˈmælədi/

Malady

Meaning
A disease or ailment; a serious problem
Example
The doctor diagnosed a rare malady that affected her nervous system.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈtu/

Thereto

Meaning
to that; in addition to that
Example
The house and the garden attached thereto were sold.
C1 adjective /ˈkræfti/

crafty

Meaning
skilled at achieving goals through cunning or deceit; sly
Example
The crafty fox evaded the hunters again.
C1 noun ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt

micronutrient

Meaning
Essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts, including vitamins and minerals.
Example
Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for growth.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪˌbreɪk/

daybreak

Meaning
The time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn.
Example
They set out on their journey at daybreak.
C1 noun /ˈlɔːsuːt/

lawsuit

Meaning
a legal case brought to a court of law by one person against another
Example
The company faced a lawsuit over false advertising.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈlæps/

relapse

Meaning
to return to a worse condition, especially after improvement; a deterioration after recovery
Example
After months of progress, he suffered a relapse.
C1 noun njuːˈtræl.ə.ti

neutrality

Meaning
The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartiality.
Example
Neutrality fosters trust in decision-making.
C1 noun /ˈdʒækˌfruːt/

Jackfruit

Meaning
a large tropical fruit with a spiky exterior and sweet flesh inside
Example
The jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world.
C1 verb kəˈrɒb.ə.reɪt

corroborate

Meaning
Confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.
Example
The witness corroborated the defendant's testimony.
C1 adjective /ˈtrɛtʃərəs/

treacherous

Meaning
Dangerously unstable or deceptive; likely to betray trust.
Example
The treacherous road made driving difficult.
C1 verb /niːd/

knead

Meaning
to work dough or clay into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching
Example
She kneads the dough until it becomes smooth.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/

imposing

Meaning
having an appearance that is grand, impressive, or commanding
Example
The castle is an imposing structure overlooking the valley.
C1 noun ˈmetəl kənˌtæməˈneɪʃən

metal contamination

Meaning
The presence of toxic metals in the environment that pose health and environmental risks.
Example
Metal contamination poses severe health risks.
C1 adjective /kəˈlæpsəbl̩/

collapsible

Meaning
able to be folded down or reduced in size
Example
She bought a collapsible chair for camping.
C1 noun /ˈfɛtɪʃ/

fetish

Meaning
an excessive or irrational devotion to something
Example
He has a fetish for collecting rare stamps.
C1 verb /ɪˈspaʊz/

espouse

Meaning
To adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life.
Example
She espoused the philosophy of nonviolence throughout her career.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
C1 adjective /ˈfɔːrsəbl/

forcible

Meaning
Done by force; using physical strength or power.
Example
The police made a forcible entry into the house.
C1 adverb /ˈhɒtli/

hotly

Meaning
in an intense, angry, or passionate way
Example
She hotly denied the accusations.
C1 noun ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən

degradation

Meaning
The condition or process of degrading or being degraded.
Example
Soil degradation due to overuse is a growing issue.
C1 verb /ˈkwɪvər/

quiver

Meaning
To tremble or shake with slight but rapid motion.
Example
Her lips began to quiver as she tried not to cry.
C1 noun /sɔːd fɪʃ/

Sword fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with an elongated bill resembling a sword
Example
The swordfish can swim at speeds up to 60 mph.
C1 noun /ˈpɪnəkəl/

pinnacle

Meaning
the highest point or peak of something, especially of success or achievement
Example
Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
C1 noun /ˈreɪ.biːz/

rabies

Meaning
A viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals, usually transmitted through animal bites.
Example
The dog was vaccinated against rabies.
C1 noun ɪnˌten.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

intensification

Meaning
The process of becoming or making something more intense or extreme.
Example
The intensification of climate change requires urgent action.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒnstrəs/

Monstrous

Meaning
extremely large; shockingly evil or wrong; abnormal or unnatural
Example
The monstrous crime shocked the entire community.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈstreɪ.ni.əs/

extraneous

Meaning
Not directly related or essential to the matter at hand; irrelevant.
Example
The editor removed extraneous details from the report.
C1 adjective ˈkɒn.təm.plə.tɪv

contemplative

Meaning
Expressing or involving prolonged thought; meditative and reflective.
Example
He spent a contemplative evening reflecting on his decisions.
C1 noun /ˈrɒstrəm/

rostrum

Meaning
A raised platform for speakers, performers, or leaders.
Example
The politician delivered a speech from the rostrum.
C1 verb /rɪˈtɑːrd/

retard

Meaning
to delay or slow down the progress of something
Example
Lack of funds may retard the development of the project.
C1 noun/verb /ˈɪnsɛns/

incense

Meaning
a substance burned for its sweet smell (noun); to make very angry (verb)
Example
The smell of incense filled the temple, but his rude words incensed her.
C1 noun /ˈlʌstər/

luster

Meaning
a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially from a polished surface
Example
The diamond had a brilliant luster.
C1 verb /kəmˈprɛs/

compress

Meaning
to press or squeeze something so that it becomes smaller
Example
The file was compressed to save storage space.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfjuːʒən/

infusion

Meaning
the act of introducing something into another; a drink made by steeping leaves or herbs in liquid
Example
She prepared a calming infusion of chamomile tea.
C1 noun /roʊz ˈber.i/

Rose berry

Meaning
a type of berry with rose-like characteristics or flavor
Example
The rose berry has a delicate floral taste that reminds me of roses.
C1 noun /ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

saboteur

Meaning
A person who engages in sabotage.
Example
The saboteur was arrested before he could plant the bomb.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnænɪmət/

inanimate

Meaning
not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans; lifeless
Example
The museum was full of inanimate objects from ancient times.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈpɑːrtɪzən/

partisan

Meaning
A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person; showing biased allegiance.
Example
The debate quickly turned partisan, with each side defending their own agenda.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈflæməˌtɔːri/

inflammatory

Meaning
causing inflammation in the body; arousing anger, hostility, or strong emotion
Example
His inflammatory speech triggered protests across the city.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/

intimidate

Meaning
To frighten or overawe someone, especially to make them do what one wants.
Example
The bully tried to intimidate the smaller kids.
C1 verb /dɪsˈlɒdʒ/

dislodge

Meaning
To remove or force out from a position, especially one that is fixed or hard to move.
Example
The troops dislodged the enemy from the hill.
C1 noun /peɪˈiː/

payee

Meaning
A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.
Example
The payee must sign the check before cashing it.
C1 noun /bɪz/

Biz

Meaning
business (informal); commercial enterprise or activity
Example
He's been in the restaurant biz for twenty years.
C1 noun /ˈwɛlˌduːər/

well-doer

Meaning
A person who does good deeds; a benefactor.
Example
The community praised the well-doer for his charity.
C1 verb /ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/

magnify

Meaning
to make something appear larger; to increase the importance or effect of something
Example
The microscope can magnify tiny objects for better observation.
C1 adjective /ˈskrʌfi/

Scruffy

Meaning
untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby and worn
Example
The scruffy old dog wandered through the streets looking for food.
C1 noun /oʊˈbɪt.ʃu.er.i/

Obituary

Meaning
a notice of someone's death published in a newspaper; biographical account of deceased person
Example
The newspaper published his obituary yesterday.
C1 noun /ˈpæntəmaɪm/

pantomime

Meaning
A type of theatrical performance using gestures and movements without spoken words; in Britain, a musical comedy play for families performed at Christmas.
Example
The children enjoyed the Christmas pantomime at the local theater.
C1 adjective /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtuːɪtɪv/

counterintuitive

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

rampant

Meaning
existing or spreading unchecked, often in an undesirable way
Example
Corruption was rampant in the city administration.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/

incompetence

Meaning
Lack of ability, skill, or effectiveness in doing something.
Example
The project failed due to the manager’s incompetence.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛlvəti/

velvety

Meaning
having a smooth, soft texture like velvet
Example
She spoke in a low, velvety voice.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊtənsi/

potency

Meaning
The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.
Example
The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors.
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 verb /məˈlɛst/

molest

Meaning
to assault or abuse someone, especially in a sexual or physical way
Example
The criminal was arrested for attempting to molest a child.
C1 verb /ˈɛnərˌdʒaɪz/

energize

Meaning
To give energy or vitality to something or someone.
Example
The motivational speech helped energize the team.
C1 noun /nɪˈɡeɪʃən/

negation

Meaning
The act of denying something; the contradiction or absence of something.
Example
The theory is built on the negation of traditional beliefs.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/

impulsive

Meaning
acting suddenly without careful thought
Example
She made an impulsive decision to buy the car.
C1 adjective kəˈlɒs.əl

Colossal

Meaning
Extremely large, gigantic, enormous in size or extent.
Example
The colossal pyramids of Egypt are a marvel of architecture.
C1 verb /lɜːrk/

lurk

Meaning
to remain hidden so as to wait for an opportunity to attack or observe
Example
A stranger lurked in the shadows.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/

Indecision

Meaning
the inability to make decisions quickly; uncertainty about what to do
Example
Her indecision about which job offer to accept caused her to miss both opportunities.
C1 adjective /ˈriː.fleks/

Reflex

Meaning
an action performed without conscious thought; relating to reflection
Example
The doctor tested her reflex response by tapping her knee.
C1 noun /doʊ/

doe

Meaning
a female deer, especially an adult one
Example
The doe and her fawn were grazing in the meadow.
C1 verb /skɪmp/

skimp

Meaning
to use less of something than is necessary in order to save money or effort
Example
Don’t skimp on quality when buying a new laptop.
C1 noun fɔːlt ˈtɒl.ər.əns

fault-tolerance

Meaning
The ability of a system to continue operating properly in the event of the failure of some of its components.
Example
Fault-tolerance ensures dependable systems.
C1 verb /hɜːrl/

hurl

Meaning
To throw something with great force.
Example
The boy hurled a stone into the river.
C1 noun ˈtær.ɪf

tariff

Meaning
A tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.
Example
The government imposed high tariffs on luxury goods.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪsɪˈmɛtrɪk/

asymmetric

Meaning
Not having equal or corresponding parts; lacking symmetry.
Example
The design of the building is asymmetric and unusual.
C1 verb /ˈpɒstʃʊleɪt/

postulate

Meaning
to suggest or assume that something is true as the basis for reasoning or discussion
Example
Scientists postulate that life exists on other planets.
C1 noun /ˈwɒndərlʌst/

wanderlust

Meaning
A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
Example
Her wanderlust took her to every corner of the globe.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈseɪvəri/

unsavory

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

contender

Meaning
a person or team competing for a title or prize
Example
She is a strong contender for the mayoral position.
C1 noun ˌlɪb.ərˈeɪ.ʃən

liberation

Meaning
The action of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release.
Example
Liberation movements inspired many countries.
C1 noun/verb /snɛər/

snare

Meaning
a trap for catching animals; to catch or trap
Example
The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits.
C1 noun /ˈrɛt.ər.ɪk/

rhetoric

Meaning
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; skillful use of language to influence others.
Example
Political leaders often use rhetoric to influence people.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæs.tɪ.ti/

Chastity

Meaning
the practice of refraining from extramarital or premarital sexual relations; sexual purity
Example
Many religious traditions value chastity as a virtue of moral purity.
C1 noun /ˌmæn.ɪ.fɛsˈteɪ.ʃən/

manifestation

Meaning
A visible form or expression of an idea, concept, or feeling; the action of displaying or showing.
Example
His generosity was a manifestation of his kind nature.
C1 verb /diːˈfjuːz/

defuse

Meaning
To make a situation less dangerous, tense, or explosive; to remove a fuse from a bomb.
Example
The negotiator helped defuse the tense situation.
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 noun /tɪnt/

tint

Meaning
a slight shade or variation of a color
Example
The walls were painted white with a slight blue tint.
C1 noun /ˈkʌvənənt/

covenant

Meaning
a formal agreement or promise, often legally binding
Example
The landlord and tenant signed a covenant to maintain the property.
C1 verb /rɪˈvɪər/

revere

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

supersede

Meaning
To replace or take the place of something because it is more modern or effective.
Example
This new law will supersede the old regulations.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbɛd/

imbed

Meaning
To fix firmly or deeply in a surrounding mass.
Example
The journalist imbedded himself with the troops to report firsthand.
C1 noun /ˈɛmbləm/

emblem

Meaning
A symbolic object, design, or figure representing an idea, group, or identity.
Example
The dove is an emblem of peace.
C1 noun /əˈnɒməli/

anomaly

Meaning
something that deviates from the norm or expected result
Example
The sudden drop in temperature was considered an anomaly.
C1 adverb /ˈæmpli/

amply

Meaning
more than sufficiently; generously
Example
She was amply rewarded for her hard work.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/

insinuate

Meaning
To suggest or hint something indirectly and often unpleasantly.
Example
He insinuated that she had lied about her qualifications.
C1 adjective /ˌmɒnəˈlɪθɪk/

monolithic

Meaning
Massive, uniform, and indivisible; resembling a large single stone or structure.
Example
The company maintained a monolithic structure resistant to change.
C1 noun /krʌks/

crux

Meaning
the most important or decisive point of an issue
Example
The crux of the problem lies in poor communication.