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A1 noun /bɔːl/

ball

Meaning
a round object used in games or sports
Example
The children played with a ball in the park.
A2 noun /brɛθ/

breath

Meaning
The air taken into or expelled from the lungs during breathing.
Example
He took a deep breath before speaking.
A2 noun /ˈbʌtərflaɪ/

butterfly

Meaning
an insect with large, often brightly colored wings that flies during the day
Example
A beautiful butterfly landed on the flower.
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 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ət/

bigot

Meaning
A person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions or beliefs.
Example
He was called a bigot for refusing to listen to others' views.
A1 adjective /ˈbɪzi/

busy

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

bask

Meaning
to lie in warmth and light; to enjoy something pleasurable
Example
The cat basks in the sunny window.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌlbəs/

bulbous

Meaning
Bulging, round, or swollen in shape; resembling a bulb.
Example
The frog had a bulbous nose and big eyes.
C1 adjective /ˈbuːzi/

boozy

Meaning
containing or involving a lot of alcohol; slightly drunk from alcohol
Example
The party became boozy as the night went on.
C1 verb bɪˈkwiːð

bequeath

Meaning
Leave something to someone in a will; pass down or hand down to the next generation.
Example
The scientist bequeathed his research papers to the university.
C2 noun /ˈbɛvi/

bevy

Meaning
A large group of people or things of a particular kind.
Example
A bevy of swans floated on the lake.
A1 determiner/pronoun /boʊθ/

both

Meaning
referring to two people or things together
Example
Both of the children were excited about the trip.
B2 noun /bent/

Bent

Meaning
a natural inclination or talent; a strong interest or liking for something
Example
She has a natural bent for music and art.
B1 noun /ˈbeɡər/

Beggar

Meaning
a person who lives by asking for money or food
Example
The beggar sat by the temple asking for alms.
B2 noun /ˈbɛərɪŋ/

bearing

Meaning
a person's way of standing or moving; relevance or connection to something
Example
Her calm bearing impressed everyone in the room.
A1 preposition/adverb/conjunction /bɪˈfɔːr/

before

Meaning
At an earlier time; in front of in order or place.
Example
She arrived before the meeting started.
C1 verb /ˈbæbəl/

babble

Meaning
to talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish way
Example
The baby babbles all day long.
B1 noun /bɪˈheɪvjər/

behavior

Meaning
The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.
Example
The teacher praised her good behavior in class.
B1 adjective /blæŋk/

blank

Meaning
showing no expression or containing nothing written, printed, or recorded.
Example
Her face went blank when she heard the bad news.
C1 noun /ˈbenɪˌfæktər/

Benefactor

Meaning
a person who gives money or other help to support a person or cause; a patron
Example
The anonymous benefactor donated millions to the hospital.
B2 noun /ˈbælət/

ballot

Meaning
a process of voting, usually in secret; the paper used to record a vote
Example
Voters cast their ballot in the election.
A2 noun /boʊl/

Bowl

Meaning
a round, deep dish or basin used for food or liquid
Example
She served the soup in a large ceramic bowl.
A2 verb /beɪs/

base

Meaning
to use something as a foundation; to establish or locate something
Example
They based their decision on facts.
C2 verb /bɪˈtroʊð/

betroth

Meaning
To formally promise to marry someone; to engage.
Example
He was betrothed to the princess at a young age.
C2 verb /bɪˈfɒɡ/

befog

Meaning
to confuse or make unclear; to cover with fog or mist
Example
His mind was befogged by exhaustion.
C2 noun /ˈbælæst/

ballast

Meaning
heavy material used to stabilize a ship or vehicle
Example
The ship was loaded with ballast to remain steady in the storm.
B2 noun; verb /breɪs/

brace

Meaning
a device that supports or strengthens something; to prepare mentally or physically for something difficult
Example
She braced herself for the strong wind.
C2 verb /ˈbɜːrdʒən/

burgeon

Meaning
To grow or develop rapidly; to flourish.
Example
The city's population began to burgeon after the new factory opened.
C2 noun /ˈbɪbliəfaɪl/

bibliophile

Meaning
A person who loves or collects books.
Example
She is a true bibliophile who spends weekends at old bookstores.
C2 verb /bɪˈtaɪd/

betide

Meaning
to happen or occur, usually of something that befalls someone
Example
Woe betide anyone who breaks the rules.
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 adjective /ˈbɔɪstərəs/

boisterous

Meaning
noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy
Example
The children were boisterous during the birthday party.
A2 adjective /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/

british

Meaning
relating to Great Britain or its people
Example
She loves British culture and traditions.
B1 verb /bæn/

ban

Meaning
to officially forbid something; to prohibit
Example
The government banned smoking in public places.
C1 noun /bʊk ˈbaɪn.dər/

Book binder

Meaning
a person whose job is to fasten the pages of books together and put covers on them
Example
The old book binder carefully restored the antique manuscript.
C2 adjective /beɪˈkoʊniən/

baconian

Meaning
Relating to the philosopher Francis Bacon or his method of scientific reasoning.
Example
The researcher followed a Baconian approach to observation and experimentation.
C2 noun /ˌbʌkəˈnɪər/

buccaneer

Meaning
a pirate, especially one active in the Caribbean during the 17th and 18th centuries
Example
The buccaneer sailed across the Caribbean in search of treasure.
A2 noun /ˈbɪznəsˌwʊmən/

businesswoman

Meaning
a woman who works in business, especially one who owns or manages a company
Example
The businesswoman expanded her company into international markets.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
B1 noun /ˈbæɹɪəz/

barriers

Meaning
Something that prevents progress or access; obstacles or hindrances.
Example
Language barriers can make communication difficult.
C1 noun /ˈbɛərnəs/

bareness

Meaning
the state of being bare or uncovered; lack of decoration, warmth, or concealment
Example
The bareness of the room made it feel cold and unwelcoming.
C2 verb /bɪˈteɪk/

betake

Meaning
to go or resort to a place or course of action, especially as a response; to apply oneself
Example
After dinner, she betook herself to her room to read.
B1 noun /boʊ/

Bow

Meaning
a weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood
Example
The archer drew his bow and aimed at the target.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪsɪs/

basis

Meaning
the underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process
Example
Trust is the basis of any strong relationship.
A2 verb; adjective /broʊk/

broke

Meaning
past tense of break; having no money or being financially poor
Example
I broke my phone last night and now I’m completely broke.
C2 noun /boʊl/

boll

Meaning
The rounded seed capsule of plants such as cotton or flax.
Example
The farmer examined the cotton boll to check its quality.
A2 phrasal verb /bæk ʌp/

back up

Meaning
to support or help someone; to make a copy of data for safety; to move backward
Example
Please back up your files before updating the system.
C2 verb /breɪ/

bray

Meaning
To make a loud, harsh sound like a donkey.
Example
The donkey began to bray loudly in the field.
B2 adjective /ˈbruː.təl/

brutal

Meaning
extremely cruel or harsh; violent and without feeling
Example
The dictator’s rule was marked by brutal violence.
C2 verb /bɪˈfʌdəl/

befuddle

Meaning
to confuse someone completely; to make someone unable to think clearly
Example
The complex instructions befuddled the students.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbə/

belabour

Meaning
to explain something repeatedly or with excessive detail; to criticize or attack verbally at length
Example
The teacher did not belabour the point once the students understood it.
C2 noun /ˌbæstərdaɪˈzeɪʃən/

bastardization

Meaning
the act of corrupting, degrading, or misrepresenting something
Example
Critics called the remake a bastardization of the original film.
A2 noun/verb /bəˈluːn/

balloon

Meaning
A small bag made of thin rubber or similar material that can be inflated with air or gas; as a verb, to expand rapidly.
Example
The children played with a red balloon at the party.
C2 adjective /ˈbeɪnfəl/

baneful

Meaning
Causing harm, ruin, or destruction; deadly or poisonous.
Example
His baneful influence ruined the community.
A1 adjective /bluː/

Blue

Meaning
having the color of the clear sky or the sea
Example
The blue ocean stretched endlessly to the horizon.
C2 verb /ˈbɪloʊ/

billow

Meaning
To swell or rise in large waves or surges; to flow outward in a rolling motion.
Example
Smoke billowed from the burning building.
C2 noun /ˈbʌskɪn/

buskin

Meaning
A type of thick-soled boot that reaches halfway to the knee; also associated with tragic drama in ancient times.
Example
The actor wore a buskin as part of his classical costume.
C2 verb /bɪˈhuːv/

behoove

Meaning
to be necessary, proper, or appropriate for someone to do
Example
It would behoove you to study before the exam.
C1 adjective ˌbjʊə.rəˈkræt.ɪk

bureaucratic

Meaning
Involving or characterized by complex rules and procedures that can delay the achievement of goals.
Example
Bureaucratic red tape often delays project approvals.
C2 verb /bɪˈdɔːb/

bedaub

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance
Example
The children bedaubed the wall with paint.
B2 noun /ˈblɒkˌtʃeɪn/

blockchain

Meaning
A system of recording information in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system
Example
Blockchain technology ensures transparency in financial transactions.
A2 noun breɪn

brain

Meaning
The organ inside the head that controls thought, memory, feelings, and activity
Example
The brain can only focus on one thing at a time.
B1 noun ˈbaʊndəri

boundary

Meaning
A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
Example
The river marks the boundary.
B2 noun /briz/

Breeze

Meaning
a gentle wind; something that is achieved with ease
Example
The cool ocean breeze made the hot summer day more pleasant.
C2 noun /ˈbækənæl/

bacchanal

Meaning
A noisy party involving drinking and revelry.
Example
The festival turned into a wild bacchanal by midnight.
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, noun /ˈbrɪsəl/

bristle

Meaning
to react angrily or defensively; a short stiff hair or fiber
Example
The cat bristled when it saw the dog.
A1 interjection /baɪ/

bye

Meaning
used to say goodbye; a short and informal farewell
Example
I said bye to her before leaving.
C1 verb /ˈbɑːrtər/

barter

Meaning
To exchange goods or services without using money.
Example
They bartered their crops for handmade tools.
C2 verb /ˈbɒtənaɪz/

botanize

Meaning
to study plants in their natural environment
Example
They went to the forest to botanize during their vacation.
A1 noun /biːtʃ/

beach

Meaning
An area of sand or small stones beside the sea or a lake.
Example
They spent the day relaxing on the beach.
B2 noun /beɪ/

Bay

Meaning
a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward
Example
The boats are anchored in the bay.
C2 noun brəˈvɑː.dəʊ

bravado

Meaning
Show of courage or confidence that is not real.
Example
His bravado masked his nervousness before the performance.
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.
A2 verb /baɪt/

bite

Meaning
to cut with teeth; to have a sharp effect
Example
The dog might bite if it feels threatened.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbɛlfri/

belfry

Meaning
A bell tower, especially one attached to a church or building.
Example
The church belfry housed a large bronze bell.
C1 noun/verb /ˈbɔɪ/ or /ˈbuːi/

buoy

Meaning
A floating marker on water; to keep something afloat or encourage someone.
Example
The news buoyed their spirits after the loss.
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.
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.
A2 preposition /bɪˈsaɪd/

beside

Meaning
next to or at the side of someone or something
Example
She sat beside her best friend during the ceremony.
C2 noun /bəˈsuːn/

bassoon

Meaning
a large woodwind instrument with a deep sound
Example
The orchestra featured a beautiful bassoon solo.
C1 noun /bɪz/

Biz

Meaning
business (informal); commercial enterprise or activity
Example
He's been in the restaurant biz for twenty years.
C2 adjective /ˈbʊərɪʃ/

boorish

Meaning
Rude, insensitive, and lacking manners or refinement.
Example
His boorish behavior ruined the dinner party.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪs.mənt/

Basement

Meaning
the lowest floor of a building, typically below ground level
Example
We store old furniture in the basement.
B2 noun /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ tɛkˌniːks/

breathing techniques

Meaning
Methods of controlling breathing to achieve relaxation and improve health.
Example
Breathing techniques help in reducing stress and anxiety.
B1 noun /ˈbed ˌkʌv.ər/

Bed cover

Meaning
a protective covering for a bed, typically a bedspread or comforter
Example
She pulled the bed cover up to her chin to stay warm.
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.
A2 noun /ˈbraʊzər/

browser

Meaning
a software application for accessing information on the World Wide Web.
Example
I use a web browser to search for information online.
C1 noun /bəˈbuːn/

Baboon

Meaning
a large African and Arabian primate with a dog-like snout and colorful buttocks
Example
The baboon troop gathered around the watering hole in the savanna.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊɡən/

brogan

Meaning
A heavy, sturdy shoe, often made of leather.
Example
The farmer wore old brogans while working in the field.
B1 verb /bʌmp/

bump

Meaning
To hit something or someone by accident; to knock against something.
Example
He accidentally bumped into the door.
B2 adjective /bliːk/

bleak

Meaning
cold, miserable, or without hope
Example
The future seemed bleak after the economic downturn.
C1 adjective bəˈnev.əl.ənt

benevolent

Meaning
Kind, generous, showing goodwill and kindness.
Example
His benevolent nature made him beloved.
C1 noun /ˈbɑn.dɪdʒ/

Bondage

Meaning
the state of being a slave; the state of being under the control of a force or influence
Example
The people fought to escape from the bondage of oppression.
C2 noun ˌbaɪ.oʊ.əˈveɪ.lə.bɪl.ə.ti

bioavailability

Meaning
The degree to which a substance can be absorbed and used by the body.
Example
Turmeric's bioavailability increases when consumed with black pepper.
B1 noun ˈbæriə(r)

barrier

Meaning
A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.
Example
The barrier prevented entry.
B1 adjective /ˈbrɪliənt/

brilliant

Meaning
Exceptionally clever, talented, or impressive; very bright or radiant.
Example
She gave a brilliant performance on stage.
C1 verb /bɔːk/

balk

Meaning
to hesitate or refuse to proceed or comply
Example
She balked at signing the contract without reading it fully.
A1 noun /ˈbɑːθruːm/

bathroom

Meaning
a room containing a toilet and usually a sink or shower
Example
The bathroom is on the second floor.
A1 noun /bɔɪ/

boy

Meaning
a male child or young male person
Example
The boy ran across the playground.
B2 noun/verb /ˈbʌfər/

buffer

Meaning
Something that lessens or absorbs the impact of a shock; to act as a protective barrier.
Example
The organization acts as a buffer between workers and management.
C1 noun /ˈbɪtər ɡɔːrd/

Bitter Gourd

Meaning
a green, bumpy vegetable with a very bitter taste, known for its medicinal properties
Example
Bitter gourd is excellent for controlling blood sugar levels.
C1 verb /bɪˈstoʊ/

bestow

Meaning
To give or present something as a gift or honor.
Example
The king bestowed honors upon the brave soldiers.
A2 noun /ˈblæŋ.kɪt/

Blanket

Meaning
a large piece of woolen or similar material used as a covering for warmth
Example
She wrapped herself in a warm blanket on the cold night.
C2 noun /ˈbiː.təl nʌt/

Betel-nut

Meaning
seed of the areca palm tree, often chewed as a stimulant
Example
Betel-nut is commonly chewed in many South Asian countries.
C1 adjective /bɪˈfɪt.ɪŋ/

Befitting

Meaning
appropriate; suitable; proper for a particular situation or person
Example
He wore formal attire befitting the important occasion.
B1 noun /ˈbraɪd.ɡrʊm/

Bridegroom

Meaning
a man on his wedding day or just before and after the event
Example
The nervous bridegroom waited at the altar for his bride to arrive.
C2 verb /bruːt/

bruit

Meaning
to spread a rumor or report widely
Example
The scandal was quickly bruited about the town.
B1 adjective /blɒnd/

blond

Meaning
having light-colored hair, typically pale yellow or golden.
Example
She has long blond hair that shines in the sunlight.
C2 noun /ˈbrɒŋkəs/

bronchus

Meaning
either of the two main branches of the trachea that lead directly into the lungs
Example
The left bronchus carries air into the left lung.
B1 noun /bɪˈhɑːf/

behalf

Meaning
as a representative of someone; in the interest of someone
Example
She accepted the award on behalf of her team.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪoʊˌsfɪr/

Biosphere

Meaning
the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms
Example
Climate change is affecting the entire biosphere.
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.
C2 noun /bjuːt/

butte

Meaning
an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, common in arid regions
Example
The travelers could see a tall butte rising in the desert.
C1 noun /bruːˈtæləti/

brutality

Meaning
extreme cruelty or violence; savage or inhumane treatment
Example
The brutality of the attack shocked the entire community.
C2 adjective /ˈblɪŋkəd/

blinkered

Meaning
Having a limited or narrow outlook; unable or unwilling to consider other perspectives.
Example
His blinkered attitude stopped him from seeing the bigger picture.
C1 noun /bəˈtæljən/

battalion

Meaning
A large body of soldiers ready for battle, typically consisting of several companies.
Example
The battalion was deployed to the front line.
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 noun ˈbaɪ.əʊˌfjuː.əl

biofuel

Meaning
A fuel derived immediately from living matter, as opposed to fossil fuels derived from long-dead biological matter.
Example
Biofuels reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
C2 noun /ˈbuːbi/

booby

Meaning
a foolish or gullible person; a silly individual
Example
He felt like a booby after making such a simple mistake.