bait
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B2 noun/verb /beɪt/

bait

Meaning
Food or lure used to attract fish or animals; to deliberately provoke or annoy.
Example
He used worms as bait to catch fish.
B2 verb /bɪˈfrɛnd/

befriend

Meaning
to act as a friend to someone; to make friends with
Example
She befriended the new student at school.
C1 verb /bɪˈmoʊn/

bemoan

Meaning
To express discontent or sorrow over something.
Example
Critics bemoaned the lack of diversity in the film.
C1 noun/adjective/verb /bʌf/

buff

Meaning
A fan or enthusiast; also to polish or shine something.
Example
He is a movie buff who watches films every weekend.
C1 verb /ˈbɪkər/

bicker

Meaning
To argue or quarrel about trivial matters.
Example
The children began to bicker over the last piece of cake.
A2 verb /beɪs/

base

Meaning
to use something as a foundation; to establish or locate something
Example
They based their decision on facts.
C1 verb /brɔɪl/

broil

Meaning
To cook food by direct heat, usually under a grill or over a fire.
Example
She broiled the chicken until it was golden brown.
B2 adjective /ˌbaɪˈlɪŋɡwəl/

bilingual

Meaning
Able to speak two languages fluently.
Example
She grew up in a bilingual household speaking both English and Spanish.
A2 verb /bit/

beat

Meaning
to strike repeatedly; to defeat; to pulsate rhythmically
Example
Our team will beat theirs in the final match.
C1 noun /ˈbɪɡətri/

bigotry

Meaning
Intolerance toward those who hold different opinions or lifestyles.
Example
Her bigotry prevented her from accepting people with different beliefs.
C2 verb /bɪˈdɔːb/

bedaub

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance
Example
The children bedaubed the wall with paint.
A1 noun/verb /bæŋk/

bank

Meaning
an institution where money is kept and managed; or to tilt in movement (like an airplane or riverbank)
Example
She deposited the money in the bank.
C2 adjective /bəˈnɛfɪsənt/

beneficent

Meaning
generous or doing good
Example
The beneficent leader donated funds to build a hospital.
C2 noun /ˌbluː ˈblʌd/

Blue-blood

Meaning
a person of noble birth; aristocrat
Example
She came from a family of blue-bloods with centuries of royal heritage.
C2 noun /ˈbæn.jən/

Banian

Meaning
a sleeveless undergarment worn next to the skin; vest
Example
He put on a cotton banian under his shirt.
B2 verb /blɛnd/

blend

Meaning
to mix things together smoothly; to combine harmoniously
Example
She blends the ingredients carefully.
A2 noun ˈbæl.əns

balance

Meaning
A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
Example
Balance among powers prevents conflicts.
B2 noun /ˈbænər/

banner

Meaning
a large printed sign used for advertisements or announcements
Example
The company displayed a banner to advertise their new product.
B2 noun /ˈbækˌsaɪd/

backside

Meaning
the rear part or surface of something; informal term for the buttocks
Example
The kids slid down the hill on their backside.
C1 verb /blæntʃ/

blanch

Meaning
to turn pale from shock, fear, or to briefly boil food to remove skin or prepare it
Example
She blanched at the sight of blood.
C1 adjective /bɪˈrɛft/

bereft

Meaning
Deprived of or lacking something, especially a nonmaterial asset.
Example
After the betrayal, he felt bereft of hope and trust.
C1 verb /bɪˈhoʊld/

behold

Meaning
to see or observe something, especially something remarkable or impressive
Example
She stood quietly to behold the sunrise over the hills.
C1 verb /bɒtʃ/

botch

Meaning
to carry out a task badly or carelessly
Example
He completely botched the repair job.
C2 noun /ˈbeɪlɔːr/

bailor

Meaning
a person who temporarily transfers possession of goods or property to another under a bailment agreement
Example
The bailor entrusted the valuable artwork to the museum for safekeeping.
C2 adjective /bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/

bewitching

Meaning
charming, enchanting, or captivating in a magical or irresistible way
Example
She wore a bewitching smile that captivated everyone in the room.
C2 verb /boʊd/

bode

Meaning
to be an omen of a particular outcome, often something bad
Example
The dark clouds bode a heavy storm.
C2 noun /ˈbræɡərt/

braggart

Meaning
a person who boasts about achievements or possessions
Example
No one liked him because he was such a braggart.
B2 adjective /bəˈtænɪkəl/

botanical

Meaning
relating to plants or plant life
Example
She works at the botanical garden.
C2 verb /beɪt/

bate

Meaning
to lessen or restrain; to diminish the force or intensity of something
Example
He spoke with bated breath as he waited for the result.
A1 preposition, adverb /bɪˈtwiːn/

between

Meaning
at, into, or across the space separating two objects or regions
Example
She sat between her two friends.
C2 noun /ˈbiːlaɪn/

beeline

Meaning
a straight, direct route to a destination
Example
He made a beeline for the food table as soon as he entered the party.
C2 noun /bleɪn/

Blain

Meaning
an inflammatory swelling or sore on the skin; a blister or pustule
Example
The doctor examined the blain on his arm.
C2 noun /bɪˈtroʊðəl/

betrothal

Meaning
The formal engagement to be married.
Example
Their betrothal was announced to the whole village.
C1 noun /bɒɡ/

bog

Meaning
an area of wet, spongy ground; a swamp or marsh
Example
The hikers got stuck in a bog.
B2 verb /briːd/

breed

Meaning
to produce young animals; to reproduce; to keep animals for producing young
Example
They breed horses on their farm.
C2 noun /ˈbɛnɪsən/

benison

Meaning
A blessing or benefit.
Example
The rain was a benison for the drought-stricken farmers.
A1 noun /bɒks/

Box

Meaning
a container with flat sides and a lid, used for storing or carrying things
Example
She put her toys in the wooden box.
B2 adjective /bɪˈliːvəbl̩/

believable

Meaning
Able to be trusted or accepted as true or reasonable.
Example
Her story was so detailed that it sounded believable.
B1 noun /blæk ˈpep.ər/

Black Pepper

Meaning
a hot-tasting spice made from dried peppercorns, widely used for seasoning food
Example
Season the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
C1 verb /bɪˈɡɛt/

beget

Meaning
to bring about or give rise to; to father or produce
Example
Violence begets more violence.
B2 noun /ˈboʊld.nəs/

Boldness

Meaning
willingness to take risks; confidence and courage in behavior
Example
Her boldness in confronting the problem impressed everyone.
A1 noun /ˈbɑːθruːm/

bathroom

Meaning
a room containing a toilet and usually a sink or shower
Example
The bathroom is on the second floor.
C2 noun /ˌbæstərdaɪˈzeɪʃən/

bastardization

Meaning
the act of corrupting, degrading, or misrepresenting something
Example
Critics called the remake a bastardization of the original film.
B1 noun /biːst/

Beast

Meaning
a large or dangerous animal; a cruel or unpleasant person
Example
The lion is a fierce beast of the jungle.
A1 interjection /baɪ/

bye

Meaning
used to say goodbye; a short and informal farewell
Example
I said bye to her before leaving.
C2 noun /ˈbɪlɪŋzˌɡeɪt/

billingsgate

Meaning
Coarse or abusive language; vulgar or offensive speech.
Example
The heated argument quickly descended into billingsgate.
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 noun /ˈbreɪkər/

breaker

Meaning
A person or thing that breaks something; a large sea wave that breaks into foam near the shore; a device that interrupts an electric circuit.
Example
The breaker tripped during the storm, cutting off electricity.
B2 adjective /blænd/

bland

Meaning
lacking strong features, flavor, or character; dull or uninteresting
Example
The soup was too bland for my taste.
B2 noun /ˈbɪtərnəs/

Bitterness

Meaning
anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment; a sharp, unpleasant taste
Example
She spoke with bitterness about her former employer.
B2 noun ˈbentʃ.mɑːk

benchmark

Meaning
A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.
Example
Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City sets a benchmark in sustainability.
B2 verb /bleɪz/

blaze

Meaning
to burn brightly or powerfully
Example
The fire blazed for hours before it was brought under control.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌmpʃəs/

bumptious

Meaning
Arrogantly self-assertive or conceited.
Example
The bumptious student interrupted the teacher several times.
C2 noun /ˈblændɪʃmənt/

blandishment

Meaning
flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently
Example
She used every blandishment to win his support.
C2 verb /bɪˈstruː/

bestrew

Meaning
To scatter or cover something with objects or substances.
Example
The ground was bestrewn with autumn leaves.
B2 adverb /ˈblʌnt.li/

Bluntly

Meaning
in a direct way without trying to be polite; frankly
Example
He told her bluntly that she was wrong.
B2 noun /ˈbɒdiɡɑːrd/

bodyguard

Meaning
a person employed to protect someone from harm
Example
The celebrity arrived with her bodyguard.
B2 noun /buˈkeɪ/

Bouquet

Meaning
an attractively arranged bunch of flowers, especially one presented as a gift or carried at a ceremony
Example
The bride carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses down the aisle.
C1 noun /ˈbɑːr.tər ˌsɪs.təm/

barter system

Meaning
A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.
Example
Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade.
C1 phrase ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən

biodiversity preservation

Meaning
The protection and conservation of the variety of life in all its forms, including different species, genetic diversity, and ecosystems.
Example
Biodiversity preservation is critical for ecological balance.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊmaɪd/

bromide

Meaning
A trite or unoriginal idea or remark; also a chemical compound of bromine.
Example
His speech was full of old bromides about hard work.
C1 adjective ˈbɜːdʒənɪŋ

burgeoning

Meaning
Beginning to grow or increase rapidly; flourishing.
Example
The burgeoning tech industry has attracted many investors.
B2 noun /ˈbrɔːdˌkæstər/

broadcaster

Meaning
a person or organization that transmits a broadcast program.
Example
The broadcaster aired the match live to millions of viewers.
C2 noun /bɒmˈbeɪ dʌk/

Bombay duck

Meaning
a type of lizardfish found in coastal waters, commonly eaten dried and salted in South Asia
Example
Bombay duck is a popular delicacy when dried and fried.
C1 noun, verb /bʌldʒ/

bulge

Meaning
A swelling or protruding part; to swell outward or protrude.
Example
The bag began to bulge with too many books inside.
A2 noun /ˈbʊkstɔːr/

bookstore

Meaning
a shop where books are sold
Example
She spent an entire afternoon browsing in the bookstore.
C1 noun /ˈblɛm.ɪʃ/

blemish

Meaning
A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.
Example
The mirror had a small blemish on the surface.
C1 noun /ˈblʌdˌbæθ/

bloodbath

Meaning
an event in which a lot of people are killed or injured, especially in a violent conflict
Example
The war turned into a bloody bloodbath.
C2 verb /bruːt/

bruit

Meaning
to spread a rumor or report widely
Example
The scandal was quickly bruited about the town.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪ.zəl siːdz/

Basil Seeds

Meaning
small black seeds from the basil plant, often used in drinks and desserts
Example
I added basil seeds to my lemonade for a refreshing drink.
A2 verb /bet/

bet

Meaning
to risk money on the outcome of something; to be confident
Example
I bet it will rain tomorrow.
B2 noun/verb /bruːz/

bruise

Meaning
As a noun: an injury appearing as a purple or blue mark on the skin; As a verb: to injure without breaking the skin
Example
He got a bruise on his arm after falling.
C1 noun /brɔːl/

brawl

Meaning
a noisy fight in a public place
Example
A brawl broke out outside the bar late at night.
B2 noun /bleɪd/

Blade

Meaning
a sharp flat cutting edge of a knife, sword, or tool
Example
The blade of the knife needs to be sharpened.
B2 noun/verb /briːtʃ/

breach

Meaning
A violation or breaking of a law, agreement, or code of conduct; an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.
Example
The company faced a breach of data security.
C2 noun /bɑːrd/

bard

Meaning
a poet, traditionally one reciting epics and associated with oral traditions
Example
Shakespeare is often called the Bard of Avon.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪs.mənt/

Basement

Meaning
the lowest floor of a building, typically below ground level
Example
We store old furniture in the basement.
C2 noun /ˈbed.ləm/

Bedlam

Meaning
a scene of noisy confusion; chaos and disorder
Example
The classroom was complete bedlam after the fire alarm.
A2 verb /bɛɡ/

beg

Meaning
to ask for something earnestly; to request humbly
Example
The child begged for a new toy.
B2 noun /ˈbʊlɪt/

Bullet

Meaning
a metal projectile fired from a gun
Example
The bullet missed its target and hit the wall.
A1 noun /ˈbɒdi/

body

Meaning
the physical structure of a person or animal
Example
Exercise helps keep the body healthy.
B2 verb /buːst/

boost

Meaning
To increase, improve, or raise something.
Example
The company launched a campaign to boost sales.
C1 noun /baʊt/

Bout

Meaning
a short period of intense activity of a specified kind; a wrestling or boxing match
Example
After a bout of illness, she finally recovered and returned to work.
A2 noun /ˈbætəri/

battery

Meaning
A device that stores and provides electrical energy; also refers to a group of similar things or repeated blows.
Example
The phone battery ran out after a long day.
C1 verb, noun /ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ/

brainwash

Meaning
to manipulate someone into adopting certain beliefs by repeated pressure or propaganda; the act or process of such manipulation
Example
The group tried to brainwash new members with constant propaganda.
C2 noun /bɪsk/

bisque

Meaning
A rich, creamy soup made from shellfish.
Example
We ordered lobster bisque at the restaurant.
C2 noun /ˈbɒdɪs/

bodice

Meaning
the part of a woman's dress that covers the body from the neck to the waist
Example
She wore a dress with an embroidered bodice.
C2 noun /bəˈsuːn/

bassoon

Meaning
a large woodwind instrument with a deep sound
Example
The orchestra featured a beautiful bassoon solo.
B2 noun /ˈbærəl/

barrel

Meaning
a large cylindrical container used to hold liquids
Example
The wine was stored in a wooden barrel.
C2 noun /beɪz/

baize

Meaning
A type of coarse woolen cloth, often green, used for covering tables such as billiard tables.
Example
The old card table was covered with worn baize.
A1 adjective /ˈbɪzi/

busy

Meaning
actively engaged in work or activity; occupied
Example
He is too busy to answer the phone.
C1 noun /bɪz/

Biz

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

Black plum

Meaning
a dark purple or black colored edible fruit with sweet and sour taste
Example
I picked some fresh black plums from the tree in our backyard.
C2 noun /ˈbloʊˌhɑrd/

blowhard

Meaning
a person who brags a lot or talks in a boastful way
Example
Everyone avoided the blowhard at the party because he wouldn't stop bragging.
A2 noun /bæˈleɪ/

ballet

Meaning
a highly stylized and artistic form of dance
Example
She has trained for years in classical ballet.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪ/

belay

Meaning
to secure a rope by winding it around an object; to stop or cancel an order (nautical/military use)
Example
The climber asked his partner to belay the rope tightly.
C2 noun /brəˈvjʊrə/

bravura

Meaning
a display of great skill and brilliance, especially in music or performance
Example
The pianist delivered a bravura performance that left the audience spellbound.
B2 noun/adjective /ˈbʌmpər/

bumper

Meaning
A protective bar at the front or back of a vehicle; also used to describe something unusually large or successful.
Example
The farmer celebrated a bumper harvest this year.
C2 noun /brɔːn/

brawn

Meaning
physical strength in contrast to intelligence
Example
He used his brawn to lift the heavy box.
C1 preposition /ˈbɑːrɪŋ/

barring

Meaning
except for; if not for
Example
Barring a miracle, the team will not win the championship.
C1 noun /blɪs/

Bliss

Meaning
perfect happiness; great joy
Example
She felt pure bliss while watching the beautiful sunset.
B2 noun bækˈtɪə.ri.ə

bacteria

Meaning
A member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms which have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus.
Example
Specialized bacteria aid in waste decomposition.
C2 adjective /bɪˈnɪɡnənt/

benignant

Meaning
Kindly and benevolent in nature.
Example
The teacher’s benignant attitude made the students feel comfortable.
C1 adjective /ˈbʊkɪʃ/

Bookish

Meaning
studious; scholarly; devoted to reading and studying
Example
She was known for her bookish nature and love of literature.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪn.dʒəl/

Brinjal

Meaning
a large purple vegetable that is white inside; also called eggplant
Example
My mother cooked brinjal curry for lunch.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlwərk/

bulwark

Meaning
A strong wall or defensive structure; something that provides protection or support.
Example
The fortress walls served as a bulwark against enemy attacks.
B1 noun /ˈbʊt.ʃər/

Butcher

Meaning
a person whose job is cutting up and selling meat in a shop
Example
The butcher recommended the best cut of beef for our dinner.
B2 noun /bʌd/

Bud

Meaning
An undeveloped or immature flower before it opens
Example
The rose bud will bloom into a beautiful flower in a few days.
C1 adjective /ˈbækˌhændɪd/

backhanded

Meaning
Indirect or sarcastic, often appearing as praise but actually insulting.
Example
She gave him a backhanded compliment about his work.
A2 noun /bel/

Bell

Meaning
a hollow metal device that makes a ringing sound when struck
Example
The church bell rang at noon.
C2 noun /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.rɪˌmiː.diˈeɪ.ʃən/

bioremediation

Meaning
The use of living organisms to neutralize or remove environmental contaminants.
Example
Bioremediation helps remove toxins from polluted soil.
C1 verb /bruːd/

brood

Meaning
to think deeply about something that makes one unhappy; also, a group of young birds hatched at the same time
Example
He sat alone, brooding over his failures.
C2 verb /bɪˈɡaɪl/

beguile

Meaning
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
Example
She beguiled the audience with her storytelling.
B1 phrasal verb /bloʊ aʊt/

blow out

Meaning
to extinguish by blowing; to fail suddenly or burst; to expand or exceed limits dramatically
Example
She blew out the candles on her birthday cake.
C2 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ə.mi/

bigamy

Meaning
The act of marrying one person while still legally married to another.
Example
He was charged with bigamy after his second marriage was discovered.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
C2 noun /ˈbærəˌɡræf/

barograph

Meaning
an instrument that records changes in atmospheric pressure
Example
The scientist checked the barograph for pressure variations.
C2 noun /ˌbækəˈneɪliə/

bacchanalia

Meaning
A Roman festival of Bacchus celebrated with dancing, drinking, and revelry; any occasion of wild and drunken revelry.
Example
The novel describes the party as a bacchanalia of excess and joy.
C2 verb /bɪˈmjuːz/

bemuse

Meaning
To confuse or puzzle someone.
Example
The complex instructions bemused the new employees.
B1 noun ˈbaʊndəri

boundary

Meaning
A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
Example
The river marks the boundary.
A1 verb /baɪ/

buy

Meaning
to get something by paying money for it; to purchase
Example
I want to buy a new car this year.