bastion
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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 noun /ˈrɪvjʊlət/

rivulet

Meaning
a small stream of water; a tiny brook
Example
A rivulet ran down the hillside after the rain.
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 adjective /kəˈkɒfənəs/

cacophonous

Meaning
Producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophonous sounds of the city kept her awake all night.
B1 noun /ˈvoʊtɪŋ/

voting

Meaning
the act of making a choice in an election or decision by casting a vote
Example
Voting is an important part of a democratic society.
C1 noun /ˈrɛtɪsəns/

reticence

Meaning
the quality of being reserved or unwilling to speak freely
Example
His reticence made it difficult to know what he was thinking.
B2 noun /ɡreɪv/

Grave

Meaning
a hole dug in the ground to receive a coffin; a place of burial; serious or solemn
Example
The family visited the grave of their beloved grandfather every Sunday.
A2 noun /ˈkær.ɪk.tər/

Character

Meaning
the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual; a person in a novel, play, or film
Example
She showed great character by helping others during the crisis.
C1 noun, verb /səˈpiːnə/

subpoena

Meaning
a legal document ordering someone to attend court; to summon someone with such a document
Example
The witness received a subpoena to appear in court next week.
B2 noun, verb /sɪn/

sin

Meaning
an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law; to commit an offense against religious or moral law
Example
He confessed his sin to the priest.
B2 adjective ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv

proactive

Meaning
Taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it happens.
Example
Proactive strategies are needed to combat scarcity.
A2 noun ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃər

temperature

Meaning
The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object.
Example
Rising temperatures affect agricultural output.
C1 noun /ɔːˈtɒmətən/

automaton

Meaning
A machine that works automatically; also refers to a person who behaves like a machine, without thinking.
Example
He worked like an automaton, without showing any emotion.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbɪləns/

sibilance

Meaning
A hissing or hushing sound, especially in speech with 's' or 'sh'.
Example
The poet used sibilance to create a soft, hissing effect in the verse.
B1 noun/verb /ˈhʌntɪŋ/

hunting

Meaning
the activity of chasing and killing wild animals
Example
Hunting is strictly regulated in many countries.
A2 noun/verb /ˈsiːzən/

season

Meaning
One of the four periods of the year characterized by specific weather conditions; also, to add flavor to food.
Example
Spring is my favorite season of the year.
A2 noun /ˈdʌst.bɪn/

Dustbin

Meaning
a container for holding waste or garbage before disposal
Example
Please throw the paper into the dustbin after use.
C1 adjective /kəˈləʊ.kwi.əl/

colloquial

Meaning
Used in ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal language.
Example
His colloquial expressions made the speech relatable.
B2 adjective /ˈɛv.ə.ɡriːn/

evergreen

Meaning
Remaining green and functional throughout the year; not shedding leaves seasonally.
Example
Evergreen trees like pine and fir stay green year-round.
B2 noun /əˈsɜːʃən/

assertion

Meaning
a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief
Example
Her assertion that she was right was met with silence.
B1 adjective /pleɪn/

plain

Meaning
simple or clear, without decoration or complexity
Example
She wore a plain white dress to the ceremony.
C1 adjective ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ

daunting

Meaning
Something that seems intimidating or challenging.
Example
The task seemed daunting, but she completed it successfully.
C2 noun /əˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

annunciation

Meaning
The announcement of something; in Christianity, the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive Jesus.
Example
The church celebrated the Feast of the Annunciation with a special service.
B2 adverb /ˈpʌb.lɪk.li/

Publicly

Meaning
in a public manner; openly; for everyone to see or know
Example
The company publicly announced their new policy.
A1 noun/verb /ˈkʊkɪŋ/

cooking

Meaning
the process of preparing food by heating it
Example
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.
C1 noun /ˈfɛlən/

felon

Meaning
a person who has committed a serious crime
Example
The felon was sentenced to ten years in prison.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrfjuː/

curfew

Meaning
a rule requiring people to stay indoors after a certain time, usually at night
Example
The city imposed a curfew during the unrest.
A2 noun /flaʊər/

Flour

Meaning
fine powder made by grinding wheat or other grains; used for making bread, cakes, and pastry
Example
She mixed flour with water to make dough for bread.
B2 noun /ˈmɛr.meɪd/

Mermaid

Meaning
A mythical sea creature with the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish
Example
The little girl loved stories about mermaids living under the sea.
B2 noun /ˈveɪ.pər/

Vapour

Meaning
a substance in the form of a gas, especially when it has changed from a liquid or solid state
Example
Water vapour rose from the hot pavement after the rain.
C2 adjective /kəˈprɪʃəs/

capricious

Meaning
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Example
The stock market can be capricious, shifting dramatically without warning.
B2 adjective /poʊˈɛt.ɪk/

poetic

Meaning
having qualities of poetry; expressive, beautiful, or imaginative
Example
Her speech had a poetic rhythm that captivated the audience.
B2 adjective /ʌnfəˈmɪl.jər/

Unfamiliar

Meaning
not known or recognized; strange
Example
The city was unfamiliar to me since I had never been there before.
C1 adverb /ˈðɛərfɔːr/

therefor

Meaning
For that or for it.
Example
He received payment and gave a receipt therefor.
C1 adjective /proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

prosaic

Meaning
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
Example
The teacher’s explanation was accurate but rather prosaic.
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.
B2 noun /ˈdɪɡ.nə.ti/

Dignity

Meaning
the state of being worthy of honor or respect; composure and self-respect
Example
Despite facing hardships, she maintained her dignity throughout the ordeal.
C1 noun /ˈkuːdɒs/

kudos

Meaning
Praise and honor received for an achievement.
Example
She received kudos for her excellent performance.
C1 noun /ˈtjuːmʌlt/

tumult

Meaning
A loud, confused noise, especially caused by a crowd; commotion or disorder.
Example
The protest created a tumult in the city square.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dənt/

Dependent

Meaning
a person who relies on another for financial support; someone who depends on others
Example
As a tax dependent, she could not file her own tax return separately.
C2 adjective /ˌfæntæzməˈɡɒrɪkəl/

phantasmagorical

Meaning
Having a fantastic, dreamlike, or surreal appearance, often shifting or illusory.
Example
The movie created a phantasmagorical vision of another world.
C2 noun /əkˈsɛʃən/

accession

Meaning
the attainment of a position of rank or power, especially a monarch or president; the formal acceptance of an agreement or treaty
Example
The king's accession to the throne was celebrated with great ceremony.
B2 noun /əkˈsɛsəri/

accessory

Meaning
a thing which can be added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive; a person who assists in committing a crime
Example
She bought some stylish accessories for her new phone.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrmənt/

interment

Meaning
The act of burying a dead body in a grave or tomb.
Example
The interment took place at the family cemetery.
B2 adjective /ˈsiː.z ə n.əl/

Seasonal

Meaning
relating to or occurring in a particular season; changing according to the seasons
Example
Many businesses hire seasonal workers during the holidays.
A2 adjective /ˈɛvrideɪ/

everyday

Meaning
common or ordinary; occurring daily
Example
These shoes are perfect for everyday use.
C1 verb /ˈskʌt.əl/

scuttle

Meaning
To run hurriedly with short, quick steps; or to deliberately sink a ship.
Example
The children scuttled back to their seats when the teacher entered.
B2 noun /proʊˈbeɪʃən/

probation

Meaning
a period of testing or supervision, especially for offenders or new employees
Example
He was placed on probation for six months.
A2 noun /ˈfɜːrnɪtʃər/

furniture

Meaning
Objects such as chairs, tables, beds, or cupboards used to make a room suitable for living or working.
Example
The living room was filled with beautiful wooden furniture.
B1 noun /feɪθ/

Faith

Meaning
complete trust or confidence in someone or something; strong belief in religion
Example
She had unwavering faith in her team's ability to succeed.
A2 noun /dʒæm/

Jam

Meaning
a sweet spread made from fruit and sugar; a difficult situation; a blockage
Example
She spread strawberry jam on her toast for breakfast every morning.
B2 adjective /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/

systematic

Meaning
Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical.
Example
The company took a systematic approach to solving the issue.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkwɑːlɪfaɪ/

disqualify

Meaning
to officially prevent someone from participating or being eligible
Example
The referee decided to disqualify the player for cheating.
C1 noun /ˌɪməˈtjʊərəti/

immaturity

Meaning
the state of not being fully developed emotionally, mentally, or physically; lack of maturity
Example
His immaturity made it difficult for him to handle responsibility.
A2 noun/verb /puːl/

pool

Meaning
a small body of still water, or a game played in a rectangular table with balls
Example
The children swam in the pool all afternoon.
B2 verb /buːst/

boost

Meaning
To increase, improve, or raise something.
Example
The company launched a campaign to boost sales.
C2 noun /ˈmʌrɪn/

murrain

Meaning
An infectious disease that affects cattle and other animals, often fatal.
Example
The farmer lost many cows during the outbreak of murrain.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪt/

Debate

Meaning
a formal discussion of opposing viewpoints; argument with reasoned points
Example
The political debate lasted for three hours with passionate arguments.
B2 noun /ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/

proposition

Meaning
A statement, idea, or plan put forward for consideration or discussion.
Example
The company made a business proposition to the investors.
B2 adjective /teɪm/

Tame

Meaning
domesticated and not wild; gentle and easy to control
Example
The tame lion performed tricks in the circus.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrdʒər/

forger

Meaning
a person who makes fake documents, artworks, or signatures
Example
The police arrested a forger who had been selling counterfeit paintings.
C1 noun /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsi/

insufficiency

Meaning
The state of not being enough or not being adequate.
Example
The project failed due to the insufficiency of funds.
C1 noun /pʌn/

pun

Meaning
A humorous use of words that suggests different meanings or words that sound alike.
Example
He made a clever pun about the bakery's bread rising.
C1 adjective /ˈdeɪnti/

dainty

Meaning
Delicately small, pretty, and often considered elegant.
Example
She wore a dainty necklace made of pearls.
B2 verb /ˈdɑːrkən/

darken

Meaning
to make or become dark; to reduce brightness or light
Example
The clouds began to darken the sky before the storm.
C2 noun /ˈmɒkəsɪn/

moccasin

Meaning
A soft leather shoe, traditionally worn by Native Americans, often made from deerskin.
Example
He slipped on a pair of comfortable moccasins before going outside.
C1 noun /kɔːrs flaʊər/

Course flour

Meaning
coarsely ground flour with larger particles, typically used for baking bread
Example
She used course flour to make homemade bread with a rustic texture.
C1 noun /ˈskævɪndʒər/

scavenger

Meaning
an animal or person that feeds on dead or discarded material
Example
Vultures are natural scavengers that clean up the environment.
A2 noun /ɡɒlf/

golf

Meaning
A game in which players use clubs to hit a ball into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible.
Example
He spends his weekends playing golf with his friends.
C1 noun /ˈtʃænsələr/

chancellor

Meaning
A senior state or legal official, or the head of a university.
Example
The chancellor delivered an inspiring speech at the graduation ceremony.
B2 noun /ɒdz/

odds

Meaning
the likelihood or probability of something happening; chances for or against something
Example
The odds of winning the lottery are very low.
B2 phrase teɪk ˈpɜː.sən.əl.i

take personally

Meaning
To interpret someone's words or actions as a personal attack or criticism.
Example
Don't take it personally, he didn't mean to upset you.
B2 noun /ˈɑːrm.pɪt/

Armpit

Meaning
the hollow area under the arm where it joins the shoulder
Example
He applied deodorant to his armpit.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪmˈbɑːrk/

disembark

Meaning
To leave a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
Example
The passengers disembarked from the plane after landing.
A2 noun /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

making

Meaning
the process of producing or constructing something
Example
The making of the movie took over two years.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈiːt/

overeat

Meaning
To eat more food than the body needs.
Example
She tends to overeat when she is stressed.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌksəm/

buxom

Meaning
Plump, with a full figure and often large-breasted, especially used to describe women.
Example
The actress was described as a cheerful and buxom woman.
B2 adjective /ɪkˈsprɛsɪv/

expressive

Meaning
Effectively conveying thought or feeling.
Example
Her eyes were so expressive that no words were needed.
C1 noun səˈsteɪnəbəl ænd kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈproʊtʃ

sustainable and collaborative approach

Meaning
A method of working together that can be maintained over time without depleting resources or causing harm.
Example
A sustainable and collaborative approach is crucial for solving environmental problems.
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 adjective /ˈhɑːrtˌrɛndɪŋ/

heartrending

Meaning
Causing great sadness or distress; very moving emotionally.
Example
The documentary showed heartrending scenes of war victims.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒtli/

motley

Meaning
Made up of different, often incongruous or diverse elements.
Example
The festival attracted a motley crowd of artists, musicians, and tourists.
C2 noun /ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən/

predilection

Meaning
A strong liking or preference for something.
Example
She has a predilection for classical music.
A1 verb /brɪŋ/

bring

Meaning
to carry or take something to a place; to come with something
Example
Please bring your books to class tomorrow.
A1 noun /ˈprɒb.ləm/

Problem

Meaning
a situation that causes difficulties and needs to be dealt with or solved
Example
We need to solve this problem quickly.
B2 adverb /ˈvɜː.tʃu.ə.li/

Virtually

Meaning
nearly; almost; in effect though not in name
Example
The building was virtually destroyed in the earthquake.
C1 noun /ˈziːnɪθ/

zenith

Meaning
The time at which something is most powerful or successful; the highest point.
Example
Her career reached its zenith in the late 1990s.
B1 noun /ˈvəʊtə/

voter

Meaning
a person who votes in an election
Example
Voters lined up outside the polling station to cast their ballots.
B2 noun /rɪˈsɛs/

recess

Meaning
A short break from work or school; also a small space set back in a wall.
Example
The children played outside during recess.
B2 adjective /ˈpær.ə.lel/

Parallel

Meaning
side by side and having the same distance continuously between them; similar or corresponding
Example
The two roads run parallel to each other for several miles.
A2 noun /ˈæk.sɪ.dənt/

accident

Meaning
An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally.
Example
Safety measures aim to prevent accidents.
C2 adjective /ˈsɑːdn/

sodden

Meaning
thoroughly soaked or saturated with liquid
Example
His clothes were sodden after the heavy rain.
B2 adverb /əˈdɪʃənəli/

additionally

Meaning
in addition to what has been said or done
Example
Additionally, we offer discounts for early bookings.
B2 adjective /aɪˈrɒnɪk/

ironic

Meaning
happening in the opposite way to what is expected, often amusing or sarcastic
Example
It is ironic that the fire station burned down.
B2 adjective /ˈjuː.nɪ.faɪd/

unified

Meaning
Made into a whole or joined together.
Example
A unified approach fosters better outcomes.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/

constellation

Meaning
a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern in the night sky
Example
Orion is one of the most famous constellations.
C2 noun /ˈfɪli/

filly

Meaning
a young female horse
Example
The filly ran swiftly across the meadow.
B1 noun /ˈswɛtʃɜːrt/

sweatshirt

Meaning
A casual, long-sleeved pullover garment, typically made of cotton or fleece, worn for warmth or comfort.
Example
He wore a grey sweatshirt while jogging in the park.
C2 noun /lɒŋ ˈwɪskəd ˈkætfɪʃ/

Long whiskered catfish

Meaning
A type of freshwater fish with long whisker-like barbels around its mouth
Example
The fisherman caught a long whiskered catfish in the river.
C2 verb /ˈstjuːpɪˌfaɪ/

stupefy

Meaning
to make someone unable to think clearly, usually because of surprise or shock
Example
The magician's tricks stupefied the audience.
B2 verb /ˈɔːdɪt/

audit

Meaning
to examine and verify financial records or accounts officially
Example
The accountant will audit the company's books next month.
B2 adjective /əˈɡriːəbl/

Agreeable

Meaning
pleasant; enjoyable; delightful; willing to agree
Example
The weather is very agreeable today.
C2 noun /pəˈræm.bjə.leɪ.tər/

Perambulator

Meaning
a four-wheeled carriage for a baby; baby stroller or pram
Example
She pushed the perambulator through the park while the baby slept peacefully.
A2 noun /ˈpæs.ən.dʒər/

Passenger

Meaning
A person who travels in a vehicle but is not driving it
Example
The bus can carry thirty passengers.
C1 adjective /ˈspaɪni/

spiny

Meaning
covered with or full of spines; having sharp points
Example
The spiny cactus stood tall in the desert.
C1 noun /stɛntʃ/

stench

Meaning
A very strong and unpleasant smell.
Example
The stench of garbage filled the alley.
A2 adjective /ˈsaɪ.lənt/

Silent

Meaning
making no sound; quiet; not speaking
Example
The library was completely silent during study hours.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkəˈdɪloʊ/

peccadillo

Meaning
a small or minor fault or sin
Example
Forgetting to call was just a small peccadillo, not a serious mistake.
A2 adjective /ˈɔː.dɪ.nər.i/

Ordinary

Meaning
normal; usual; not special
Example
It was just an ordinary day at the office.
B2 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Disability

Meaning
a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities
Example
Despite his physical disability, he became a successful athlete in wheelchair racing.
B2 verb /ˈsuːpərvaɪz/

supervise

Meaning
to watch and direct a person or activity to ensure things are done correctly
Example
The teacher supervises students during the exam.
C2 noun /ˈbiːtənd raɪs/

Beatened rice

Meaning
flattened rice; rice that has been parboiled, dried, and beaten into flat flakes
Example
Beaten rice is commonly eaten with milk and sugar for breakfast.
C1 noun /ˌplɔː.zəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

plausibility

Meaning
The quality of being reasonable or probable.
Example
The plausibility of his explanation convinced the jury.
C1 verb /ˈrɛzəneɪt/

resonate

Meaning
To produce or be filled with a deep, full, and reverberating sound; to evoke a feeling or memory.
Example
Her words resonated with the audience.
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 /əˈɡriː.mənts/

agreements

Meaning
Formal arrangements or understandings between two or more parties.
Example
Agreements strengthen partnerships.
C1 noun /ˈɒntʊrɑːʒ/

entourage

Meaning
A group of people attending or surrounding an important person.
Example
The celebrity arrived with her entourage of assistants and bodyguards.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊloʊ/

solo

Meaning
performed by one person alone; a single performance
Example
She decided to perform a solo dance at the talent show.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪdəˈlɑːtrɪəs/

idolatrious

Meaning
Excessively devoted or reverent towards idols or false gods.
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its idolatrious practices.
C1 noun /pʌnˈdʒɑː.bi/

Punjabi

Meaning
a traditional long shirt worn in South Asia, typically loose-fitting
Example
He wore a white punjabi for the festival celebration.
C2 noun /ˈjɪərlɪŋ/

yearling

Meaning
an animal that is one year old, especially a horse
Example
The farmer sold the yearling at the livestock market.