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C1 noun /beɪn/

bane

Meaning
A cause of great distress, harm, or annoyance.
Example
Traffic jams are the bane of city life.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfrænʧaɪz/

franchise

Meaning
A legal right to sell or distribute goods or services in a specific area; to grant such a right.
Example
He opened a new fast-food franchise in the city.
C1 noun /kəˈmændər ɪn tʃiːf/

Commander-in-chief

Meaning
the supreme leader of a nation's armed forces
Example
The president serves as the commander-in-chief of the military.
C1 verb /ˌkɒm.pɑːtˈmen.təl.aɪz/

compartmentalize

Meaning
To divide into sections or categories; to separate things into compartments.
Example
To increase efficiency, he compartmentalized his work tasks.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpensətɔːri/

compensatory

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

credential

Meaning
a qualification, achievement, or aspect of a person's background used to indicate suitability for something
Example
She presented her credentials before starting the new job.
C1 noun /sɪˈkluːʒən/

seclusion

Meaning
The state of being private, away from other people.
Example
She spent the weekend in complete seclusion in her cabin.
C1 noun lɪˈkwɪd.ə.ti

liquidity

Meaning
The availability of liquid assets to a market or company; the ability to convert assets into cash quickly.
Example
Maintaining liquidity is crucial for financial stability.
C1 adjective /sɛkˈtɛəriən/

sectarian

Meaning
relating to or characterized by the differences between sects, often leading to conflict
Example
The region has been troubled by sectarian violence for decades.
C1 adjective ˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs

synchronous

Meaning
Existing or occurring at the same time.
Example
Synchronous learning involves live online classes.
C1 noun /væt/

vat

Meaning
A large container used for holding liquids such as dye or wine.
Example
The workers filled the vat with freshly pressed grape juice.
C1 noun /njʊəˈrəʊ.sɪs/

neurosis

Meaning
A relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress.
Example
His neurosis made social interactions difficult.
C1 noun /ˈoʊ.mən/

Omen

Meaning
an event regarded as a sign of future good or bad luck
Example
Many people consider a black cat crossing your path a bad omen.
C1 verb /daɪˈɡrɛs/

digress

Meaning
To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.
Example
The professor began to digress from the main topic of the lecture.
C1 noun /rəˈviːn/

ravine

Meaning
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
Example
The river carved a deep ravine through the mountains.
C1 verb /ɪˈnjuːməˌreɪt/

enumerate

Meaning
to mention things one by one; to list or count
Example
She enumerated the reasons for her decision.
C1 verb /dɪˈtɛst/

detest

Meaning
To dislike intensely or hate.
Example
I detest waking up early on weekends.
C1 noun /ˌkɒmpɪˈleɪʃən/

compilation

Meaning
a collection of things, especially pieces of writing or music, gathered together
Example
The book is a compilation of his best essays.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
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, verb /wɪf/

whiff

Meaning
A brief, faint smell or puff of air; to get a quick smell of something.
Example
I caught a whiff of perfume as she passed by.
C1 noun prəˈpɛn.sə.ti

propensity

Meaning
An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
Example
He has a propensity for taking risks in business.
C1 noun /ˈhiːdənɪst/

hedonist

Meaning
A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life.
Example
She was called a hedonist because she always prioritized enjoyment over duty.
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 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈpæθɪk/

psychopathic

Meaning
Relating to or affected by psychopathy; showing chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent behavior.
Example
The film portrayed a psychopathic killer with no sense of empathy.
C1 noun /wæks ɡɔːrd/

Wax Gourd

Meaning
a large white or green gourd with waxy skin, commonly used in Asian cooking
Example
The wax gourd soup is very nutritious and helps with digestion.
C1 verb /ˈrɛlɪɡeɪt/

relegate

Meaning
to assign to a lower rank, position, or category
Example
The manager decided to relegate the player to the bench.
C1 noun /ˈhɔː.kər/

Hawker

Meaning
a person who travels about selling goods, typically from door to door or on the street
Example
The hawker sold fresh fruits from his cart.
C1 adjective ˌprɒb.ə.bɪˈlɪs.tɪk

probabilistic

Meaning
Based on probability; involving chance or statistical likelihood.
Example
The model follows a probabilistic approach to predictions.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌbɛərz/

forebears

Meaning
Ancestors or people in previous generations from whom one is descended.
Example
We must honor the traditions of our forebears.
C1 noun /ˈblʌd.ʃed/

Bloodshed

Meaning
the killing or wounding of people, typically in large numbers during a conflict
Example
The peace treaty was signed to prevent further bloodshed.
C1 verb /slɪŋk/

slink

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed
Example
The cat slunk into the room without making a sound.
C1 noun ˌɪn.fɪlˈtreɪ.ʃən

infiltration

Meaning
The process of entering or gaining access to an organization or place surreptitiously.
Example
Cybersecurity prevents infiltration into sensitive data.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔːf.ti/

Lofty

Meaning
of great height; noble in character; elevated in style
Example
He has lofty ideals about making the world a better place.
C1 noun /koʊˈɜː.ʃən/

coercion

Meaning
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
Example
Cybercriminals use coercion to extract information.
C1 noun /ˈprɛsɪdəns/ or /prɪˈsiːdəns/

precedence

Meaning
the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority
Example
Safety takes precedence over speed in this factory.
C1 noun/verb /ˈbæntər/

banter

Meaning
playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks
Example
The colleagues enjoyed some light banter during the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈspɔɪlˌspɔːrt/

spoilsport

Meaning
A person who ruins other people's enjoyment or fun.
Example
Don't be a spoilsport and let us enjoy the party.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt/

incriminate

Meaning
to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing
Example
The new evidence could incriminate the suspect in the robbery case.
C1 adjective /ˈnɪp.i/

Nippy

Meaning
cold; chilly; quick and agile in movement
Example
It's quite nippy outside today, you should wear a jacket.
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 /ˌɪntərˈsɛpt/

intercept

Meaning
to stop, catch, or seize something on its way from one place to another
Example
The police intercepted the stolen car before it crossed the border.
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 noun /əˈkɔːrdiən/

accordion

Meaning
a musical instrument played by squeezing and expanding with keys and buttons
Example
The musician played a cheerful tune on the accordion.
C1 adjective /ˈfeɪl.seɪf/

fail-safe

Meaning
designed to prevent failure or accidents; guaranteed to work correctly
Example
The engineers installed a fail-safe mechanism in the nuclear plant.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbrɔɪl/

embroil

Meaning
to involve someone deeply in a conflict, argument, or difficult situation
Example
The politician was embroiled in a major corruption scandal.
C1 noun /ˈtrɛmər/

tremor

Meaning
a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or in the ground
Example
A small tremor was felt before the earthquake.
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 /ˈpoʊʃən/

potion

Meaning
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
Example
The witch gave the hero a healing potion.
C1 verb /ˈiːvzdrɒp/

eavesdrop

Meaning
to secretly listen to a conversation
Example
She stood near the door to eavesdrop on their conversation.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈvæljuː/

undervalue

Meaning
To assign too low a value or importance to something or someone.
Example
She felt that her boss consistently undervalued her contributions.
C1 noun /ˌluː.brɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

lubrication

Meaning
The action of applying a substance to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact.
Example
Lubrication of the eyes is essential for well-being.
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 noun /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt/

encroachment

Meaning
the act of gradually intruding or taking over someone’s rights, land, or space
Example
The villagers protested against the encroachment on their farmland.
C1 adjective /ˈtʌtʃi/

Touchy

Meaning
easily upset or offended; overly sensitive
Example
He's very touchy about his height.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnˈɪntɪmeɪtɪŋ/

unintimating

Meaning
Not giving a hint or suggestion; not indicating.
Example
His unintimating tone gave no clue of his true feelings.
C1 noun /ˈskɛptɪk/

skeptic

Meaning
A person who doubts or questions accepted beliefs or claims.
Example
The scientist was a skeptic of theories without solid evidence.
C1 noun /ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/

moratorium

Meaning
A temporary suspension or delay of an activity, law, or obligation.
Example
The government announced a moratorium on new mining licenses.
C1 noun /ˈɛər.luːm/

heirloom

Meaning
a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations
Example
The ring is a family heirloom passed down from her grandmother.
C1 adjective /bəˈroʊk/

baroque

Meaning
relating to a highly ornate and extravagant style of art, architecture, or music from the 17th and early 18th centuries; excessively elaborate or complex
Example
The church was decorated in a baroque style with intricate details.
C1 noun /əˈstuːt.nəs/

astuteness

Meaning
The ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example
His astuteness helped in negotiations.
C1 noun/verb ˈfɒr.ɪdʒ

forage

Meaning
Food for horses and cattle, especially dried hay or feed; to search for food.
Example
Animals forage for food during the winter months.
C1 noun /ˈæpəθi/

apathy

Meaning
a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Example
The students showed apathy towards the new rules.
C1 verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/

divulge

Meaning
to make known something private, secret, or previously unknown
Example
She refused to divulge the source of her information.
C1 verb /ˈmɒd.jʊ.leɪt/

modulate

Meaning
To change the strength, tone, or pitch of something; to adjust or regulate.
Example
A good speaker knows how to modulate their voice.
C1 adjective/adverb /ɡəˈlɔːr/

galore

Meaning
In large amounts; abundant or plentiful.
Example
There were books galore in the old library.
C1 noun ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts

micronutrients

Meaning
Essential nutrients required by organisms in small quantities throughout life to orchestrate a range of physiological functions.
Example
Micronutrients are essential for cellular function.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈmaɪndləs/

mindless

Meaning
without thought or intelligence; done without consideration
Example
He was bored by the mindless tasks at work.
C1 noun /ˈlɔː.meɪ.kər/

Lawmaker

Meaning
a person who writes and passes laws, especially a member of a legislative body
Example
The lawmakers voted on the new education bill.
C1 noun /əˈliː.dʒəns/

allegiance

Meaning
Loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause.
Example
Soldiers take an oath of allegiance to their country.
C1 verb /əˈfɪʃieɪt/

officiate

Meaning
To perform official duties, especially in a ceremony or as a referee.
Example
The priest will officiate the wedding ceremony.
C1 verb /ænˈtæɡənaɪz/

antagonize

Meaning
to cause someone to become hostile or angry; to provoke opposition
Example
His rude remarks only served to antagonize his colleagues.
C1 noun /ˈtriːzən/

Treason

Meaning
the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government
Example
He was accused of treason against the state.
C1 adjective /səˈsɛp.tə.bəl/

susceptible

Meaning
Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Example
Children are more susceptible to infections.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnənt/

pennant

Meaning
A tapering flag used for signaling or as an emblem of victory or achievement.
Example
The team raised the championship pennant proudly.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪlaɪn/

Saline

Meaning
containing salt; salty; relating to salt water
Example
The saline solution is used for medical treatments.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːɡə/

saga

Meaning
A long story of heroic achievement, or a long, complex series of events.
Example
The company's rise and fall became a corporate saga.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːr.vɪ.tuːd/

Servitude

Meaning
the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful
Example
Many people fought to escape the servitude imposed by the colonial system.
C1 noun kəmˈpleɪ.sən.si

complacency

Meaning
Excessive self-satisfaction with one's achievements that can hinder progress.
Example
His complacency led to a decline in his performance.
C1 noun (plural of fungus) /ˈfʌndʒaɪ/

fungi

Meaning
a group of spore-producing organisms such as mushrooms, molds, and yeasts
Example
Fungi play an important role in breaking down organic matter in nature.
C1 noun /səbˈdʒɛkʃən/

subjection

Meaning
the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination
Example
The people suffered under the subjection of a cruel ruler.
C1 noun /ˌæŋɡloʊ ˈsæksən/

anglo-saxon

Meaning
A member of the Germanic peoples who settled in England in the early Middle Ages; also relating to their language or culture.
Example
The Anglo-Saxon period greatly influenced English culture and language.
C1 adjective /ˌret.rəˈspek.tɪv/

Retrospective

Meaning
looking back on or dealing with past events or situations
Example
The museum held a retrospective exhibition of the artist's work.
C1 noun /sleɪ/

sleigh

Meaning
A vehicle pulled by horses or reindeer over snow or ice.
Example
Children were excited to ride in the sleigh through the snowy village.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/

demonstrative

Meaning
openly showing feelings, especially affection or emotion
Example
She was very demonstrative with her affection towards her friends.
C1 noun ˈkɒnfluəns

confluence

Meaning
An act or process of merging.
Example
The confluence of ideas from different cultures created a rich discussion.
C1 adverb /əˈtroʊʃəsli/

atrociously

Meaning
in a very cruel, shocking, or extremely bad manner
Example
The service at the restaurant was atrociously slow.
C1 adjective /ˈəʊnərəs/

onerous

Meaning
involving a great deal of effort, difficulty, or burden
Example
Fulfilling the contract proved to be an onerous task for the company.
C1 noun ˌɒp.tɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

optimization

Meaning
Improving processes to increase performance and efficiency.
Example
SEO optimization helps websites rank higher on search engines.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/

dissertation

Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually written for a university degree.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral dissertation.
C1 noun /ɡæsˈtrɒnəmi/

gastronomy

Meaning
The art or science of good eating and fine cuisine.
Example
Paris is famous for its rich tradition of gastronomy.
C1 verb /ˈdʒʌk.stə.poʊz/

juxtapose

Meaning
To place two different things close together to show how they are different or similar.
Example
The artist juxtaposed traditional and modern elements in his painting.
C1 noun /əˈkwɪtl/

acquittal

Meaning
a judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged
Example
The acquittal of the accused shocked the public.
C1 noun /tʃæmp/

champ

Meaning
an informal word for champion or winner.
Example
He is the new champ of the boxing tournament.
C1 adjective /ˌmaɪ.krəˈskɑː.pɪk/

microscopic

Meaning
Extremely small and only visible with a microscope.
Example
The sample contained microscopic particles.
C1 verb /ˈpruːfˌriːd/

proofread

Meaning
to read written material and mark any errors
Example
She proofread the report before submission.
C1 noun /ˌæktʃuˈæləti/

actuality

Meaning
The state of existing in reality rather than in appearance or imagination.
Example
The movie was based on historical actuality.
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 /pərˈkʌʃən/

percussion

Meaning
Musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping, such as drums or cymbals.
Example
The percussion section added rhythm and energy to the orchestra.
C1 noun /ˈhiːdəˌnɪzəm/

hedonism

Meaning
The pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence as the highest goal.
Example
The lifestyle of the rich is often criticized as pure hedonism.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
C1 adjective /ˈkæl.əs/

Callous

Meaning
showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others; emotionally hardened
Example
He showed a callous disregard for others' feelings.
C1 noun /pæŋ/

pang

Meaning
a sudden sharp feeling of pain or emotional distress
Example
She felt a pang of guilt after the argument.
C1 verb /ˈstɪp.jʊ.leɪt/

stipulate

Meaning
to demand or specify a condition in an agreement or contract
Example
The contract stipulates that payment must be made within 30 days.
C1 adjective /ˈspɪndli/

spindly

Meaning
Long, thin, and weak-looking
Example
The spindly tree bent under the weight of the snow.
C1 adjective sɪˈlɛstʃəl

celestial

Meaning
Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy.
Example
The celestial bodies in the sky were clearly visible last night.
C1 verb /broʊtʃ/

broach

Meaning
to bring up a subject for discussion
Example
She decided to broach the topic of salary with her manager.
C1 noun məˈriːn ˈsɜː.veɪ

marine survey

Meaning
A systematic examination of the sea, seabed, and underwater features for the purpose of making maps or gathering other information.
Example
The marine survey identified the ideal cable routes.
C1 noun /ˈlʌləˌbaɪ/

lullaby

Meaning
a soothing song sung to help a child fall asleep
Example
She sang a lullaby to her baby every night.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkəmˈpætəbl/

incompatible

Meaning
Not able to exist or work together without conflict.
Example
Their personalities were completely incompatible.
C1 adjective /ˈrɔːkəs/

raucous

Meaning
loud, harsh, and unpleasant sound or behavior
Example
The crowd became raucous after the team scored.
C1 noun /naɪˈiːvteɪ/

naivete

Meaning
The quality of being naive; lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
Example
His naivete made him an easy target for manipulation.
C1 verb ˈsɪn.θə.saɪ.zɪŋ

synthesizing

Meaning
Combine (a number of things) into a coherent whole.
Example
He excels in synthesizing ideas from different sources.
C1 verb /ˈvɪktɪmaɪz/

victimize

Meaning
To make someone a victim, often by treating them unfairly or cruelly.
Example
The corrupt officials victimized the poor villagers.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪ.nəs/

Highness

Meaning
a title given to a person of royal rank; the quality or state of being high or elevated
Example
Your Highness, the royal carriage is ready to take you to the state banquet this evening.
C1 verb əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt

annihilate

Meaning
Destroy utterly; obliterate; reduce to nothing.
Example
The explosion annihilated the entire village.
C1 adjective /ˈrʌs.tɪk/

Rustic

Meaning
simple and unsophisticated; relating to rural areas
Example
The rustic cottage had wooden beams and a thatched roof.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːdəˌtɔːri/

auditory

Meaning
Relating to the sense of hearing.
Example
The lecture was designed to enhance students' auditory learning skills.
C1 noun /prəˈpraɪəti/

propriety

Meaning
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality.
Example
He always behaved with the utmost propriety in public.
C1 noun /ɡruːv/

groove

Meaning
a long narrow cut or depression, or a rhythmic pattern in music
Example
The DJ kept the crowd dancing to the groove.