austere
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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 noun /əˈtjuːn.mənt/

attunement

Meaning
Being in harmony or responsive to someone's emotional state.
Example
Attunement to emotions improves relationships.
C1 adjective, noun /əbˈzɔːrbənt/

absorbent

Meaning
able to soak up liquid, moisture, or energy easily; a material or substance that absorbs
Example
This towel is highly absorbent and dries quickly.
C1 noun /ænˈtæɡənɪzəm/

antagonism

Meaning
active hostility or opposition
Example
There was clear antagonism between the two political parties.
C1 adjective ˌæv.ɒ̃ˈɡɑːd

avant-garde

Meaning
New and experimental; characterized by departure from or rejection of accepted standards.
Example
Avant-garde designs redefine the dining experience.
C1 noun /ˈæd.və.ser.i/

adversary

Meaning
One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
Example
The boxer faced a strong adversary in the ring.
C1 adjective /ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk/

apathetic

Meaning
showing or feeling little or no interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Example
He was apathetic about the outcome of the match.
C1 noun /ˈɑː.kɪ.taɪp/

archetype

Meaning
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; an original model or prototype.
Example
This painting is the archetype of modern art.
C1 adjective eɪˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs

asynchronous

Meaning
Of or requiring a form of computer control timing protocol in which a specific operation begins upon receipt of an indication that the preceding operation has been completed.
Example
Asynchronous courses allow students to learn at their own pace.
C1 noun ɔːˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

austerity

Meaning
Simple and disciplined lifestyle, avoiding luxury.
Example
The government implemented austerity measures to reduce expenses.
C1 noun /əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃən/

assassination

Meaning
The act of killing someone important, often for political or ideological reasons.
Example
The assassination of the president shocked the nation.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌæntiˈsɛptɪk/

antiseptic

Meaning
A substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms; clean and free from germs.
Example
The nurse applied an antiseptic to the wound.
C1 noun /əˈsem.bli ˈseʃ.ən/

assembly session

Meaning
A formal meeting where representatives gather to discuss and make decisions on important matters.
Example
The assembly session discussed global challenges.
C1 noun /ˈɑːrmfʊl/

armful

Meaning
As much as can be carried in one or both arms.
Example
She carried an armful of books into the library.
C1 noun /aɪ/

aye

Meaning
an affirmative vote or expression of agreement
Example
The committee voted aye on the proposal.
C1 noun /ˈæbət/

abbot

Meaning
The head of a monastery for monks.
Example
The abbot welcomed the visitors to the monastery.
C1 noun /ˈæmfɪˌθiətər/

amphitheater

Meaning
A large open circular or oval building with rising tiers of seats, used for public events.
Example
The concert was held in an ancient amphitheater.
C1 adjective /ˌæl.ɡəˈrɪð.mɪk/

algorithmic

Meaning
Based on or using algorithms; relating to mathematical rules or procedures.
Example
Algorithmic processes power artificial intelligence systems.
C1 noun /ˈælɪɡəri/

allegory

Meaning
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, often moral or political
Example
The novel is an allegory of the struggle between good and evil.
C1 noun /ˈænti ˈeəkræft ɡʌn/

Anti-aircraft-gun

Meaning
a weapon designed to attack aircraft from the ground
Example
The anti-aircraft gun was positioned to defend the military base.
C1 adjective /əˌpɒk.əˈlɪp.tɪk/

apocalyptic

Meaning
Describing the end of the world, or something catastrophic and disastrous.
Example
The movie depicts an apocalyptic future after a nuclear war.
C1 noun esˈθet.ɪks

aesthetics

Meaning
A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art and design.
Example
Interior design focuses on aesthetics and functionality.
C1 verb /əˈpɛnd/

append

Meaning
to add something as an attachment or supplement, usually at the end of a document or list
Example
She decided to append a note to the end of the report.
C1 noun /ˈæd.vənt/

advent

Meaning
The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
Example
The advent of the internet changed the way people communicate.
C1 adjective /əˈniːmɪk/

anemic

Meaning
Suffering from anemia; lacking in vitality, strength, or color.
Example
The doctor prescribed iron supplements for her anemic condition.
C1 noun /ˈænvɪl/

anvil

Meaning
A heavy iron block used by blacksmiths for hammering and shaping metal.
Example
The blacksmith placed the hot iron on the anvil.
C1 noun /əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən/

alliteration

Meaning
the occurrence of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in close succession
Example
She used alliteration in her poem to add musicality.
C1 adjective /ˈæʃən/

ashen

Meaning
Very pale in appearance, often due to shock, fear, or illness.
Example
His face turned ashen when he heard the terrible news.
C1 noun, verb /əˈsɛnt/

assent

Meaning
To agree to something, especially after careful consideration; an expression of approval.
Example
She nodded her head in silent assent.
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 /ˌeɪˈsɛkʃuəl/

asexual

Meaning
Without sexual feelings, associations, or reproduction through sex.
Example
Many plants reproduce through asexual methods like budding or splitting.
C1 verb /ˌæprɪˈhɛnd/

apprehend

Meaning
to arrest or seize someone; to understand or perceive something
Example
The police managed to apprehend the thief after a long chase.
C1 adjective /əˈθɔːrɪtətɪv/

authoritative

Meaning
Having or showing authority; commanding and self-confident; reliable as a source of information.
Example
She spoke in an authoritative tone that silenced the room.
C1 adverb /əˈfrɛʃ/

afresh

Meaning
From the beginning, in a new way.
Example
After the failure, they started the project afresh.
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 /əbˈsteɪn/

abstain

Meaning
To restrain oneself from indulging in or partaking of something.
Example
People often abstain from digital devices to enhance focus.
C1 noun /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks/

anticlimax

Meaning
A disappointing end after a big build-up of excitement or expectation.
Example
The movie's ending was an anticlimax after such a thrilling story.
C1 verb /əˈbriːvieɪt/

abbreviate

Meaning
To shorten a word, phrase, or text by leaving out letters or parts.
Example
We often abbreviate 'Doctor' to 'Dr'.
C1 noun /əˈsɪdɪti/

acidity

Meaning
the quality or degree of being acidic; the amount of acid present in a substance
Example
The acidity of the soil affects how well crops grow.
C1 verb /əˈskraɪb/

ascribe

Meaning
To attribute something to a cause, source, or person.
Example
Many scholars ascribe the poem to an unknown author.
C1 adjective /ˈærɪd/

arid

Meaning
extremely dry; lacking in interest or excitement
Example
The desert is known for its arid climate.
C1 adjective /ˈædʒɪteɪtɪd/

Agitated

Meaning
disturbed; anxious; restless; excited in a negative way
Example
He became agitated when he heard the bad news.
C1 noun /ˌænəlˈdʒiːzɪk/

analgesic

Meaning
A drug or substance that relieves pain.
Example
She took an analgesic to ease her headache.
C1 verb /ɔːˈθɛntɪkeɪt/

authenticate

Meaning
To prove or show that something is genuine or true.
Example
The bank uses advanced technology to authenticate online transactions.
C1 noun /ˌɑːrbɪˈtreɪʃən/

arbitration

Meaning
the process of resolving a dispute through an impartial third party whose decision is binding; formal judgment outside a court
Example
The contract requires arbitration to settle any disputes.
C1 adjective/adverb /əˈmɪs/

amiss

Meaning
Not quite right; inappropriate or out of place.
Example
Something seems amiss with the car's engine.
C1 noun /ˌæntɪˈsiːdənt/

antecedent

Meaning
something that came before; a previous event, condition, or cause
Example
The cultural antecedents of this festival go back centuries.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈneɪtl/

antenatal

Meaning
Relating to the medical care and treatment given to a pregnant woman before the birth of her child.
Example
She attended regular antenatal checkups throughout her pregnancy.
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 verb /ˈæmbʊʃ/

ambush

Meaning
To attack suddenly and unexpectedly from a hidden position.
Example
The soldiers planned to ambush the enemy at dawn.
C1 noun /ˈæftərˌθɔːt/

afterthought

Meaning
Something added or considered later than originally planned.
Example
The gift seemed like an afterthought rather than a genuine gesture.
C1 noun /ˌædəˈreɪʃən/

adoration

Meaning
deep love and respect; worship
Example
The fans showed their adoration for the singer.
C1 noun /ˈænəɡræm/

anagram

Meaning
A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase.
Example
The word 'listen' is an anagram of 'silent'.
C1 noun /ˈæspɪrənt/

aspirant

Meaning
a person who seeks or hopes to achieve a position of honor or advancement
Example
She is an aspirant for the university's top scholarship.
C1 verb /əˈkwɪt/

acquit

Meaning
to declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge; to conduct oneself in a specified way
Example
The jury decided to acquit the defendant of all charges.
C1 noun /ɑːrˈmɑːdə/

armada

Meaning
A large fleet of warships.
Example
The Spanish Armada sailed against England in 1588.
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 verb /əˈpreɪz/

appraise

Meaning
to evaluate the value, quality, or importance of something
Example
The jeweler appraised the diamond before buying it.
C1 noun /əˈsæsɪn/

Assassin

Meaning
a person who murders an important person for political or religious reasons
Example
The president was protected from potential assassins by security guards.
C1 verb /əkˈsɛntʃueɪt/

accentuate

Meaning
to emphasize or make something more noticeable
Example
The lighting accentuated the beauty of the painting.
C1 adjective ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm drɪv.ən

algorithm-driven

Meaning
Controlled or powered by computer algorithms.
Example
Algorithm-driven systems increase accuracy.
C1 noun /ədˈhiːʒən/

adhesion

Meaning
the process or state of sticking to something
Example
Strong adhesion is needed for the tiles to stay in place.
C1 verb ˌæs.ɚˈteɪn

ascertain

Meaning
To find out or discover something with certainty; to verify.
Example
The police tried to ascertain the cause of the accident.
C1 noun /ˈælkəmi/

alchemy

Meaning
A medieval practice combining elements of chemistry and philosophy, aimed at transforming matter, especially turning base metals into gold.
Example
Medieval scientists devoted their lives to alchemy.
C1 noun ˈæltruɪzəm

altruism

Meaning
The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
His altruism motivated others to volunteer.
C1 adjective ˈɑː.dʒu.əs

arduous

Meaning
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Example
The trek through the mountains was an arduous journey.
C1 noun /ˈælkoʊv/

alcove

Meaning
A small recessed section of a room or a nook.
Example
She placed a reading chair in the alcove near the window.
C1 adjective /əˈnæl.ə.ɡəs/

analogous

Meaning
Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of things being compared.
Example
The human brain is analogous to a supercomputer.
C1 noun /ænˈθɒlədʒi/

anthology

Meaning
A collection of literary works, such as poems, short stories, or essays, compiled into one volume.
Example
She contributed a poem to the new poetry anthology.
C1 noun /ˈæl.ɪ.moʊ.ni/

alimony

Meaning
financial support that a person is ordered by a court to give to their spouse after separation or divorce
Example
He was ordered by the court to pay monthly alimony to his ex-wife.
C1 noun /ˌænɛkˈseɪʃən/

annexation

Meaning
the act of adding or taking control of territory or property, especially by a state
Example
The annexation of the region led to international condemnation.
C1 noun /əˈdʒɪl.ɪ.ti/

agility

Meaning
Ability to work quickly and easily, both physically and mentally.
Example
Mental agility is essential for problem-solving.
C1 verb /ədˈmɪnɪstreɪt/

administrate

Meaning
to manage or supervise the execution of duties, laws, or resources; to formally give or apply something such as a test or medicine
Example
The committee will administrate the new policy across all departments.
C1 verb /ˈæɡənaɪz/

agonize

Meaning
To suffer extreme physical or mental pain; to spend time worrying.
Example
She agonized for days over whether she had made the right decision.
C1 adverb /əˈbrɛst/

abreast

Meaning
side by side and facing the same direction; informed about something
Example
The soldiers marched two abreast down the street.
C1 noun, verb /ˈɔːtɒpsi/

autopsy

Meaning
a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease
Example
The autopsy revealed that the victim had died from poisoning.
C1 adjective /ˌærɪˈstɒkrætɪk/

Aristocratic

Meaning
noble; having the manners of the upper class
Example
She had an aristocratic bearing that commanded respect.
C1 adverb /əˈkjuːtli/

acutely

Meaning
in a sharp, intense, or severe way; with keen awareness
Example
She was acutely aware of the risks involved.
C1 noun /ˈæb.stɪ.nəns/

abstinence

Meaning
the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol or sex
Example
His doctor advised abstinence from alcohol for better health.
C1 noun /ˌænəsˈθetɪk/

anesthetic

Meaning
A substance that causes loss of sensation or consciousness, especially used during surgery.
Example
The doctor administered a local anesthetic before stitching the wound.
C1 adjective əsˈtjuːt

astute

Meaning
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example
His astute observations helped solve the complex problem.
C1 noun /ˈæbsɛs/

abscess

Meaning
A swollen area within body tissue containing pus, usually caused by infection.
Example
The dentist treated the abscess in his tooth.
C1 noun ˈæ.sɛt ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən

asset allocation

Meaning
An investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning a portfolio's assets according to an individual's goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Example
Proper asset allocation is key to financial growth.
C1 verb /əˈfɪliˌeɪt/

affiliate

Meaning
to officially attach or connect (a group or organization) to a larger body
Example
The school is affiliated with the local university.
C1 noun /əˈlɜːrtnəs/

alertness

Meaning
the state of being mentally aware and quick to notice or respond; vigilance
Example
The driver maintained a high level of alertness during the long journey.
C1 adjective ˈeɪlɪəneɪtɪd

alienated

Meaning
Feeling isolated or estranged; disconnected from others or society.
Example
Alienated students are more prone to delinquency.
C1 adjective /ˌæn.ɪkˈdoʊ.t̬əl/

anecdotal

Meaning
Based on personal accounts rather than facts or research; characterized by anecdotes.
Example
The book was filled with anecdotal evidence rather than data.
C1 noun /ænˈtɪθəsɪs/

antithesis

Meaning
A person, thing, or idea that is the direct opposite of another; a rhetorical device contrasting opposing ideas in parallel structure.
Example
Love is the antithesis of hate.
C1 noun /əˌsaɪˈniː/

assignee

Meaning
a person to whom a right or property is legally transferred
Example
The assignee of the contract is responsible for all future obligations.
C1 noun /ˈɑːr.sən.əl/

arsenal

Meaning
A collection or storage place for weapons and military equipment.
Example
The army kept its weapons in a secure arsenal.
C1 noun /əˈtaɪər/

attire

Meaning
Clothing, especially formal or elegant wear.
Example
She wore traditional attire at the wedding ceremony.
C1 adjective /əˈbɪzməl/

abysmal

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

aperture

Meaning
an opening, hole, or gap, especially one that lets in light
Example
Light entered through the small aperture in the wall.
C1 verb /əˈflɪkt/

afflict

Meaning
to cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something
Example
Many people are afflicted by seasonal allergies.
C1 verb /əˈpiːz/

appease

Meaning
to calm or pacify someone by meeting their demands
Example
The manager tried to appease the angry customer.
C1 verb əˈkruː

accrue

Meaning
To accumulate or receive (payments or benefits) over time.
Example
Interest accrues on the savings account every month.
C1 noun /ˌɔːkʃəˈnɪər/

auctioneer

Meaning
a person who conducts auctions by calling out bids and selling items to the highest bidder
Example
The auctioneer quickly raised the price as bidders competed for the painting.
C1 adjective /əˈrɛstɪŋ/

arresting

Meaning
Attracting attention in a striking or impressive way.
Example
The actress gave an arresting performance.
C1 noun /əˈkʌmplɪs/

accomplice

Meaning
a person who helps another commit a crime
Example
The thief was arrested along with his accomplice.
C1 adjective /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/

apprehensive

Meaning
feeling anxious or fearful that something bad will happen
Example
He was apprehensive about starting a new job in a foreign country.
C1 noun /əˈsɛsər/

assessor

Meaning
a person who evaluates or estimates the nature, ability, or quality of something
Example
An external assessor reviewed the project report.
C1 noun /ˌæntɪˈsiːdənts/

antecedents

Meaning
previous events, conditions, or people that influence or serve as a basis for something that follows
Example
The lawyer examined the criminal antecedents of the suspect.
C1 noun /ˈælɔɪ/

alloy

Meaning
A mixture of metals or a metal combined with another element.
Example
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
C1 noun ˈæŋkərɪdʒ

anchorage

Meaning
A secure holding place; a place where ships can anchor safely.
Example
The boat was anchored near the shore for safety.
C1 adjective /əˈpriː.ʃə.bəl/

Appreciable

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

awash

Meaning
covered or flooded with water or something in large quantities
Example
The market was awash with cheap imported goods.
C1 noun /əˈlʌmnəs/

alumnus

Meaning
a former student or graduate of a school, college, or university
Example
He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
C1 adverb /əˈraɪ/

awry

Meaning
away from the expected or proper direction; wrong or amiss
Example
The plan went awry when the weather suddenly changed.
C1 noun /əˈluːʒən/

allusion

Meaning
An indirect reference to something without mentioning it explicitly.
Example
Her story contained an allusion to a famous myth.
C1 verb /əˈdʒɜrn/

adjourn

Meaning
to suspend a meeting or session to another time or place
Example
The judge decided to adjourn the hearing until next week.
C1 noun ˌæp.əˈreɪ.təs

apparatus

Meaning
The technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose.
Example
The apparatus was designed to be eco-friendly.
C1 adjective /ˈæmərəs/

amorous

Meaning
Showing, feeling, or relating to romantic love or desire.
Example
He sent her an amorous letter filled with declarations of love.
C1 noun əˈɡrɛriən səˈsaɪətiz

agrarian societies

Meaning
Societies based on agriculture and farming as the primary economic activity.
Example
Agrarian societies emerged from a need for stable food sources.
C1 noun æmˈbɪvələns

ambivalence

Meaning
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something; uncertainty or confusion.
Example
She felt ambivalence about taking the job offer.
C1 adverb /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bli/

Amicably

Meaning
in a friendly way without anger or resentment
Example
The divorce was settled amicably between both parties.
C1 noun /ˌæmplɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

amplification

Meaning
the act or process of making something stronger, louder, or more intense; an expansion or elaboration of details
Example
The microphone provides amplification of the speaker’s voice.
C1 noun ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti

ambiguity

Meaning
The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
Example
The ambiguity of the statement caused confusion among the team.
C1 noun /ˌæf.ɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/

affirmation

Meaning
The action or process of affirming something or being affirmed; emotional support or encouragement.
Example
Daily affirmation of self-worth boosts confidence.
C1 adverb /əˈlɜːrtli/

alertly

Meaning
in a watchful, attentive, and quick-to-notice manner
Example
She listened alertly to every sound in the dark forest.
C1 noun əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən

Assimilation

Meaning
Connecting new information with existing knowledge
Example
Proper assimilation of knowledge leads to effective learning.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪθiˈɪstɪk/

atheistic

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of atheists or atheism.
Example
She grew up in an atheistic household with no religious rituals.