ballot
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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.
C2 noun /ˈbʌɡəˌbuː/

bugaboo

Meaning
An object of fear or worry; an imagined cause of anxiety.
Example
The threat of inflation became a political bugaboo.
C1 noun /ˈbɛd.rɒk/

bedrock

Meaning
the solid rock layer beneath the soil; the fundamental basis of something
Example
Trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship.
C2 noun /ˈbɔːbəl/

bauble

Meaning
A small, decorative trinket or ornament, often of little value.
Example
She wore a shiny bauble around her neck.
B1 noun, verb /bʌz/

buzz

Meaning
to make a low continuous humming sound; a feeling of excitement or interest
Example
I could hear the phone buzz during the meeting.
C1 noun /bəˈtɒn/

baton

Meaning
A thin stick carried by a conductor to direct an orchestra, or used as a symbol of authority.
Example
The conductor raised his baton to begin the symphony.
C2 verb /ˈbaʊdləˌraɪz/

bowdlerize

Meaning
to remove or modify parts of a text considered offensive or inappropriate
Example
The editor bowdlerized the novel to make it suitable for children.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈbæntərɪŋ/

bantering

Meaning
characterized by good-humored teasing or joking
Example
They had a bantering conversation at the café.
A1 noun /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

beginning

Meaning
The start or first part of something.
Example
The beginning of the story was very interesting.
B2 noun /beɪ liːf/

Bay leaf

Meaning
dried aromatic leaf of the bay laurel tree used as a culinary herb
Example
Add a bay leaf to the soup for extra flavor.
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.
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.
C2 verb /ˈbɒtənaɪz/

botanize

Meaning
to study plants in their natural environment
Example
They went to the forest to botanize during their vacation.
C1 noun /braɪn/

brine

Meaning
Water saturated with salt, often used for preserving food.
Example
The olives were stored in brine to keep them fresh.
B2 noun /ˈbækɪŋ/

Backing

Meaning
help or support; financial or material support
Example
The project received backing from several major investors.
C2 noun /ˌbɒmbərˈdɪər/

bombardier

Meaning
a member of a bomber crew responsible for releasing bombs
Example
The bombardier released the bombs with precision.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌmblɪŋ/

bumbling

Meaning
Acting in a clumsy, awkward, or confused way.
Example
The bumbling waiter spilled the drinks on the table.
C2 verb /boʊd/

bode

Meaning
to be an omen of a particular outcome, often something bad
Example
The dark clouds bode a heavy storm.
C1 verb /ˈbædʒər/

badger

Meaning
To repeatedly ask or annoy someone with demands or questions.
Example
The reporter kept badgering the politician with questions.
C2 noun /ˈbaɪəˌɡræf/

biograph

Meaning
A written account of a person's life; an early motion-picture projector (historical use).
Example
The library holds an old biograph of the poet.
C2 noun /bɜːrˈlɛsk/

burlesque

Meaning
A humorous and exaggerated imitation of a serious work; a type of theatrical entertainment involving comedy and parody.
Example
The play was a clever burlesque of traditional opera.
C2 noun /bɛl/

belle

Meaning
A beautiful woman, especially the most attractive woman at a gathering.
Example
She was the belle of the ball that evening.
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 /ˈbriːzˌweɪ/

breezeway

Meaning
A roofed outdoor passage, often connecting two buildings.
Example
The breezeway connected the house to the garage.
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.
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 /ˈbrɔːd.bænd/

broadband

Meaning
a high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies.
Example
Broadband internet has become a necessity in modern homes.
A2 noun /ˈbʊkʃɒp/

bookshop

Meaning
a retail store where books are sold
Example
She spent an hour browsing in the small bookshop.
C2 adverb /bɪˈtaɪmz/

betimes

Meaning
early; in good time
Example
She rose betimes to finish her work.
A1 interjection /baɪ/

bye

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

byline

Meaning
A line in a newspaper or magazine article that names the writer.
Example
Her byline appeared on the front page of the newspaper.
C2 verb /ˈblændɪʃ/

blandish

Meaning
to flatter or coax someone with kind words or praise in order to influence them
Example
He blandished the officials with compliments to gain their support.
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.
B1 noun /ˈbæŋkɪŋ/

banking

Meaning
the business or services provided by a bank
Example
Online banking has made financial transactions easier.
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 /ˈbɪs.kɪt/

Biscuit

Meaning
a small, hard, dry cake; a cookie
Example
Children love to eat chocolate biscuits with milk.
C2 noun /ˌbɪbliəʊˈmeɪniə/

bibliomania

Meaning
An extreme obsession with collecting or possessing books.
Example
His bibliomania led him to fill every room with books.
A2 adjective /breɪv/

brave

Meaning
showing courage in the face of danger or difficulty
Example
The brave firefighter rushed into the burning building.
C1 noun /ˈbʊl.ək/

Bullock

Meaning
a young bull; a castrated bull used for farm work
Example
The farmer used a bullock to plow the field.
C1 noun /ˈbæs.ti.ən/

bastion

Meaning
a stronghold or fortification; a place or institution strongly defending particular principles
Example
The castle stood as a bastion against enemy attacks.
C2 verb /bɪˈfuːl/

befool

Meaning
to deceive or trick someone into believing something false; to make someone appear foolish
Example
The scammer tried to befool innocent people with fake promises.
C1 noun, verb /buːz/

booze

Meaning
alcoholic drink, especially strong liquor; to drink alcohol, often excessively
Example
They bought some booze for the party.
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 /bɪˈliːf/

Belief

Meaning
confidence in the truth or existence of something; trust or faith
Example
His belief in justice never wavered.
C2 adjective /bɪˈhoʊldən/

beholden

Meaning
indebted or obliged to someone for a service or help
Example
He felt beholden to his mentor for all the guidance.
B2 noun ˈbʌtərflaɪ ˌpɒpjəˈleɪʃən

Butterfly Population

Meaning
The total number of butterflies in a particular area or ecosystem.
Example
The butterfly population is declining due to habitat loss.
A2 noun /belt/

Belt

Meaning
a strip of leather or cloth worn around the waist to support clothes or for decoration
Example
He tightened his belt before going for a run.
C2 adjective /bjuːˈkɒlɪk/

bucolic

Meaning
Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.
Example
They enjoyed a bucolic picnic by the river.
C1 verb /bɔːl/

bawl

Meaning
to shout or cry loudly
Example
The baby bawled all night, keeping everyone awake.
A1 noun /bed/

Bed

Meaning
a piece of furniture for sleep or rest, typically a framework with a mattress
Example
She made her bed every morning before going to work.
A1 verb /bɪˈliːv/

believe

Meaning
to think that something is true; to have faith in
Example
I believe in hard work and dedication.
C1 adjective bəˈnev.əl.ənt

benevolent

Meaning
Kind, generous, showing goodwill and kindness.
Example
His benevolent nature made him beloved.
A2 noun /brʌʃ/

Brush

Meaning
a tool with bristles used for cleaning, painting, or grooming
Example
I brush my teeth every morning with a soft brush.
C2 adjective /bɪˈsɒtɪd/

besotted

Meaning
strongly infatuated or obsessed with someone or something
Example
He was completely besotted with her charm.
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.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪ.kɪŋ ˈsoʊ.də/

Baking Soda

Meaning
sodium bicarbonate used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent
Example
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to make the cake fluffy.
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.
A1 noun /ˈbɛdruːm/

bedroom

Meaning
A room used for sleeping in.
Example
The children were playing in the bedroom.
C2 verb /bɪˈnʌm/

benumb

Meaning
to make physically numb or without sensation; to make mentally dull or insensitive
Example
The freezing wind seemed to benumb his fingers within minutes.
B2 noun /brɑːnz/

bronze

Meaning
a metal made by combining copper and tin, often used for statues and medals
Example
The statue was made of solid bronze.
C2 noun /ˈbɪlɪŋzˌɡeɪt/

billingsgate

Meaning
Coarse or abusive language; vulgar or offensive speech.
Example
The heated argument quickly descended into billingsgate.
C2 noun /ˌbædɪˈnɑːʒ/

badinage

Meaning
Playful and humorous conversation; banter.
Example
The friends enjoyed a light badinage over coffee.
C2 adjective /bɪˈfʌdld/

befuddled

Meaning
confused, unable to think clearly
Example
He looked befuddled after hearing the complex instructions.
B2 verb /bleɪz/

blaze

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

betrothed

Meaning
Engaged to be married; a person who is engaged.
Example
She introduced him as her betrothed.
C1 adjective /ˌbaɪˈlæt.ər.əl/

bilateral

Meaning
An agreement or relationship between two parties that is mutual, two-sided, or reciprocal.
Example
The two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement.
B2 noun/verb /bʌk/

buck

Meaning
A male deer; also to resist or oppose strongly.
Example
The horse began to buck wildly as the rider tried to hold on.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɔːni/

brawny

Meaning
Physically strong and muscular.
Example
The brawny man lifted the heavy box with ease.
C1 noun /ˌbaɪˈlæt.ər.əl nɪˌɡəʊ.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃənz/

bilateral negotiations

Meaning
Negotiations or discussions between two parties, typically countries or organizations.
Example
Bilateral negotiations resolve disputes.
A1 noun /ˈbɑːθruːm/

bathroom

Meaning
a room containing a toilet and usually a sink or shower
Example
The bathroom is on the second floor.
C1 verb /ˈbæbəl/

babble

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

brochure

Meaning
a small booklet or pamphlet containing information or advertising
Example
The travel agent gave us a brochure about the holiday package.
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 verb /bɪlk/

bilk

Meaning
To cheat or defraud someone of money or rights.
Example
The scammer tried to bilk elderly people out of their savings.
B1 noun /bʌɡ/

Bug

Meaning
a small insect; a defect in a computer program
Example
I found a bug crawling on my bed sheets.
C2 noun /briːtʃ/

breech

Meaning
The back part of a gun barrel; a position of a baby in the womb where the buttocks or feet come out first at birth.
Example
The rifle was loaded through the breech.
A1 adjective /bɪɡ/

big

Meaning
large in size, extent, or importance
Example
They moved into a big house with plenty of space.
C2 adjective /ˈbreɪsɪŋ/

bracing

Meaning
Invigorating, refreshing, or providing strength and energy.
Example
The hikers enjoyed the bracing mountain air.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbər/

belabor

Meaning
to argue or elaborate on a subject in excessive detail; to attack verbally or physically
Example
The professor belabored the point until the students grew restless.
B2 adjective /ˈbɒdɪli/

bodily

Meaning
relating to or concerning the body
Example
He suffered bodily harm in the accident.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbæs.tərd tiːk/

Bastard teak

Meaning
A flowering tree with bright orange-red flowers, also known as flame of the forest
Example
The bastard teak tree blooms with vibrant orange flowers in spring.
A1 noun, verb /baɪk/

bike

Meaning
a bicycle or motorcycle; to ride a bicycle
Example
He biked to school every day.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈbɪbjələs/

bibulous

Meaning
Excessively fond of drinking alcohol.
Example
His bibulous habits worried his family.
C2 verb /bɪˈliːɡər/

beleaguer

Meaning
to cause difficulties, troubles, or harassment; to surround with military forces
Example
The company was beleaguered by constant complaints from its customers.
B2 noun ˈbleɪzə

blazer

Meaning
A coloured jacket worn by members of a club, team, or school as part of a uniform.
Example
He looked sharp in his navy blue blazer at the event.
C2 noun /ˈbuːt.leɪs/

Boot-lace

Meaning
a cord or string used to fasten a boot or shoe
Example
I need to tie my boot-lace before going for a walk.
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 noun /bɜːrθ/

Berth

Meaning
a sleeping place in a ship, train, or other vehicle; a place where a ship can dock
Example
I booked an upper berth on the overnight train.
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 /ˈbiː.təl/

Beetle

Meaning
a hard-bodied insect with wing covers
Example
The black beetle scurried across the garden path.
B1 noun /bʊl/

bull

Meaning
a male animal of the cattle family; sometimes refers to a strong or aggressive man
Example
The bull charged across the field towards the red flag.
C1 noun /ˈblæs.fə.mi/

blasphemy

Meaning
the act of speaking disrespectfully about God or sacred things
Example
In some countries, blasphemy is a punishable offense.
B2 noun /ˈbærəl/

barrel

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

breviary

Meaning
A book containing the service for each day, used in Christian liturgy.
Example
The monk read from the breviary during morning prayers.
C1 verb /ˈbəʊl.stər/

bolster

Meaning
To support or strengthen; to prop up.
Example
The new policy aims to bolster economic growth.
A2 noun /bɪər/

beer

Meaning
An alcoholic drink made from yeast-fermented malt flavored with hops.
Example
He ordered a glass of cold beer at the bar.
A1 noun /bəˈnæn.ə/

Banana

Meaning
a long curved fruit with yellow skin and soft sweet flesh
Example
Bananas are a good source of potassium.
C2 noun /ˌbræɡəˈdoʊʃioʊ/

braggadocio

Meaning
boastful or arrogant behavior; empty boasting
Example
His endless braggadocio annoyed everyone at the party.
A2 noun /bɔːrd/

board

Meaning
a flat, thin, rectangular piece of material such as wood; also a group of people managing an organization
Example
The board decided to increase the budget.
A2 preposition /bɪˈloʊ/

below

Meaning
At a lower level or position than something else.
Example
The basement is below the ground floor.
B2 noun /ˈbʌn.dəl/

Bundle

Meaning
a collection of things or quantity of material tied or wrapped up together
Example
The mailman delivered a bundle of letters to our house.
A1 noun /ˈbrʌðər/

brother

Meaning
a male sibling
Example
My brother is two years older than me.
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.
B2 noun /ˈbroʊ.kər/

Broker

Meaning
a person who buys and sells goods or assets for others; an intermediary
Example
The stock broker helped me invest my money wisely.
C2 noun /bɪˈhiː.mɒθ/

behemoth

Meaning
Something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization.
Example
The company grew into a corporate behemoth.
A2 adjective /ˈbroʊkən/

Broken

Meaning
damaged; not working; fractured
Example
The broken window needs to be replaced immediately.
C1 noun /bɒmˈbɑːrdmənt/

bombardment

Meaning
a continuous attack with bombs or other projectiles
Example
The city endured a heavy bombardment during the war.
C2 verb /beɪst/

baste

Meaning
to pour or brush melted fat, juices, or liquid over meat during cooking to keep it moist
Example
She basted the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it juicy.
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.
B2 noun /ˈbækdrɒp/

backdrop

Meaning
a painted cloth or other structure used behind a stage
Example
The backdrop for the play was a beautiful mountain scene.
B1 noun ˈbæriə(r)

barrier

Meaning
A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.
Example
The barrier prevented entry.
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.
A1 adjective /ˈbjuː.tɪ.fəl/

Beautiful

Meaning
pleasing to the senses; attractive; having qualities that give great pleasure
Example
She has a beautiful voice that captivates everyone.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪsbɔːrd/

baseboard

Meaning
A narrow board running along the bottom of an interior wall, covering the joint between wall and floor.
Example
The carpenter painted the baseboard white.
C2 noun /buːb/

boob

Meaning
a foolish or clumsy person; an informal and sometimes rude term for a woman's breast
Example
He felt like a complete boob after forgetting the meeting.
C2 verb /bɪˈsiːtʃ/

beseech

Meaning
To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; to beg.
Example
He beseeched the judge for mercy.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈbaɪəst/

Biased

Meaning
showing prejudice for or against someone or something unfairly
Example
The judge was accused of being biased against the defendant.
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.