because
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
A1 conjunction /bɪˈkɔːz/

because

Meaning
for the reason that; since
Example
He stayed home because it was raining.
B2 noun ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs

photosynthesis

Meaning
The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.
Example
Plants depend on photosynthesis for survival.
C2 noun/verb /ˈlɛv.ən/

leaven

Meaning
a substance, typically yeast, that causes dough to rise; to permeate and modify
Example
A little yeast will leaven the bread dough.
C2 noun /ˈɡæd.flaɪ/

gadfly

Meaning
A person who annoys or criticizes others to stimulate change or provoke action.
Example
The journalist was a gadfly, constantly questioning the government's policies.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.laɪt/

Limelight

Meaning
the focus of public attention; a bright light produced by heating a cylinder of lime
Example
The celebrity enjoyed being in the limelight.
C2 adverb /bɪˈtaɪmz/

betimes

Meaning
early; in good time
Example
She rose betimes to finish her work.
B2 adjective aɪˈkɒnɪk

iconic

Meaning
Very famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time.
Example
The line "It was the best of times..." is iconic.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərəbl/

inconsiderable

Meaning
Too small or unimportant to be worth considering.
Example
The donation was not inconsiderable, though smaller than expected.
B1 noun /ˈfaɪər.mən/

Fireman

Meaning
a person whose job is to extinguish fires and rescue people
Example
The brave fireman rescued the family from the burning building.
C1 adjective /ˈniːd.ləs/

Needless

Meaning
unnecessary; not required; without purpose
Example
The argument was needless and could have been avoided.
A1 verb /bʌt/

but

Meaning
to hit or push with the head or horns; to strike forcefully
Example
The goat butted against the fence.
C1 noun/adjective /ɪˈliːtɪst/

elitist

Meaning
A person who believes that a society should be led by an elite; showing preference for a privileged class.
Example
His elitist attitude made him unpopular among his peers.
A1 noun /ʃuː/

Shoe

Meaning
covering for the foot, typically made of leather or cloth
Example
She bought a new pair of running shoes for exercise.
C1 verb /kənˈfleɪt/

conflate

Meaning
To combine two or more things, often confusingly, into one.
Example
The article tends to conflate facts with opinions.
B2 noun /ˌkɑːrboʊˈhaɪdreɪt/

carbohydrate

Meaning
a nutrient that provides energy, found in foods like rice, bread, and sugar
Example
Rice and potatoes are rich in carbohydrates.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

scathing

Meaning
severely critical; harshly scornful
Example
The critic wrote a scathing review of the movie.
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.
B2 noun/verb /ˈwɒf.əl/

waffle

Meaning
as noun: a crisp cake with a pattern of deep squares; as verb: to speak or write vaguely without making a clear decision
Example
He kept waffling instead of making a decision.
B2 verb /kənˈfɔːrm/

conform

Meaning
To comply with rules, standards, or laws.
Example
Students must conform to the school regulations.
B2 noun /ˈɔr.fən/

Orphan

Meaning
a child whose parents are dead; someone without protective support
Example
The orphan was adopted by a loving family.
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.
C1 noun /ˈbʊzəm/

bosom

Meaning
the human chest, especially a woman’s breast; also used metaphorically to refer to closeness or intimacy
Example
She kept the secret close to her bosom.
C2 adjective /səˈleɪʃəs/

salacious

Meaning
Having or conveying undue or inappropriate sexual interest.
Example
The tabloid published a salacious story about the celebrity.
A2 noun /laɪt bʌlb/

Light bulb

Meaning
a glass or plastic container that produces light when electricity passes through it
Example
The light bulb in the kitchen needs to be replaced.
B1 noun /edʒ/

Edge

Meaning
the outside limit of an object or area; a sharp side of a blade
Example
Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edge of the knife.
B1 verb /ɪkˈspɔːrt/

export

Meaning
to send goods or services to another country for sale
Example
The company exports cars to many countries.
C1 verb /ˈbæfəl/

baffle

Meaning
to confuse; to be too difficult to understand
Example
The math problem baffles me completely.
C2 adjective /pərˈsɪpiənt/

percipient

Meaning
Having good understanding or insight; able to perceive things clearly.
Example
As a percipient critic, she recognized the deeper meaning of the play.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪz.mə.ɡræf/

seismograph

Meaning
An instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes, such as force and duration.
Example
The seismograph detected a strong tremor in the area.
B2 noun /kənˈvɛn.ʃən.əl ˈfɑːr.mɪŋ/

conventional farming

Meaning
Traditional farming method using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and modern technology.
Example
Conventional farming increases crop production using fertilizers.
C1 adjective /ˈdɒdʒi/

Dodgy

Meaning
suspicious; questionable; unreliable; risky or dangerous
Example
That deal sounds dodgy to me.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈɡreɪt.fəl/

Ungrateful

Meaning
not feeling or showing thanks for something done or given; not appreciating kindness
Example
She felt he was ungrateful for all the help she had given him.
C2 noun /ˈɡrændɪləkwəns/

grandiloquence

Meaning
Pompous or extravagant language, style, or manner, often intended to impress
Example
The politician’s speech was full of empty grandiloquence.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈsaɪkɪk/

psychic

Meaning
relating to the mind or supernatural powers; a person claiming to have extrasensory abilities
Example
The psychic claimed she could predict the future.
C1 noun /ˈlæd.i/

laddie

Meaning
A young boy or lad.
Example
The old man gave the young laddie a kind smile.
B2 adjective ˌkæt.əˈstrɑː.fɪk

catastrophic

Meaning
Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.
Example
Climate change has catastrophic consequences.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspətɪzəm/

despotism

Meaning
absolute power exercised in a cruel and oppressive way
Example
The people revolted against the era of despotism.
C1 noun /ˈmɒdɪfaɪər/

modifier

Meaning
a word or element that changes, limits, or describes the meaning of another word; something that alters or adjusts
Example
In the phrase 'very cold', 'very' is a modifier of 'cold'.
C1 noun /ˌpriːməˈnɪʃən/ or /ˌprɛm-/

premonition

Meaning
a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative
Example
She had a premonition of danger before the trip.
C1 verb /dɪˈɡreɪd/

degrade

Meaning
To lower in dignity, quality, or value; to treat with disrespect or to deteriorate.
Example
Harsh words can degrade a person's confidence.
C1 noun /ˈnɛkˌlaɪn/

neckline

Meaning
the edge of a garment around the neck, especially as cut to form a particular shape
Example
The dress has a beautiful V-shaped neckline.
A2 adverb /werˈevər/

Wherever

Meaning
In every place that; anywhere that; no matter where
Example
Wherever you go, I will follow.
B2 noun /prɒkˈsɪmɪti/

proximity

Meaning
Nearness in space, time, or relationship.
Example
The proximity of the school to her house made it convenient.
C2 adjective /prɪˈmɒnɪtəri/ or /ˌpriːməˈnɪtəri/

premonitory

Meaning
giving a warning or prediction about something, especially something unpleasant
Example
He ignored the premonitory signs of illness.
B2 noun /ˈbæŋkrʌptsi/

bankruptcy

Meaning
the state of being unable to pay debts owed, declared by a legal process
Example
The company declared bankruptcy after months of financial struggles.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪstʃɪvəs/

Mischievous

Meaning
playfully naughty; causing minor trouble; impish
Example
The mischievous child hid his sister's favorite toy.
B2 verb /rɪˈtriːt/

retreat

Meaning
to move back or withdraw from a position or situation
Example
The soldiers had to retreat after losing the battle.
C1 noun /pɪˈtaɪə/

Pitaya / Dragon fruit

Meaning
a tropical fruit with bright pink or red skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds
Example
The pitaya has a mild, sweet flavor and a unique appearance.
B1 verb /tɔs/

toss

Meaning
To throw something lightly or casually; to move or turn suddenly.
Example
He tossed the keys onto the table.
A1 adjective /bɔːrd/

bored

Meaning
feeling weary or uninterested because of lack of activity or excitement
Example
She felt bored during the long meeting.
C2 noun /ˈmɛtəfɔːrm/

metaphorm

Meaning
A coined or rare term sometimes used to describe a hybrid form of metaphor and form in literature or art.
Example
The poet introduced a metaphorm to blend imagery with structure.
C2 verb /ɪˈfɛktʃueɪt/

effectuate

Meaning
to put into force or cause to happen; to bring about
Example
The manager effectuated the changes to improve efficiency.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈwaɪz/

unwise

Meaning
Showing poor judgment; not sensible or prudent.
Example
It would be unwise to invest all your money in one company.
B1 verb /kæst/

cast

Meaning
to throw; to choose actors for a play; to shape metal
Example
The fisherman casts his line into the water.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈsɪv.ə.laɪzd/

semicivilized

Meaning
Partially civilized; having some aspects of civilization but not fully developed.
Example
The tribe was described as semicivilized by early explorers.
A1 adjective /ˈprɪti/

Pretty

Meaning
attractive in a delicate way; fairly or moderately
Example
She wore a pretty dress to the party.
B2 noun ɪˌvæljuˈeɪʃən

evaluation

Meaning
The making of a judgment about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment.
Example
Accurate evaluation helps determine resource sustainability.
C2 noun /tɔːˈtɒlədʒi/

tautology

Meaning
the unnecessary repetition of the same idea in different words
Example
The phrase 'it will happen or it won’t' is a tautology.
B1 adverb /ˈɡreɪtli/

greatly

Meaning
to a large extent or degree; very much
Example
She was greatly admired by her students.
B2 adjective /ˈʌl.tɪ.mət/

Ultimate

Meaning
being the best or most extreme example of its kind; final; last
Example
This is the ultimate test of your skills.
C1 adjective /əˌpɒk.əˈlɪp.tɪk/

apocalyptic

Meaning
Describing the end of the world, or something catastrophic and disastrous.
Example
The movie depicts an apocalyptic future after a nuclear war.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒŋɡruənt/

congruent

Meaning
in agreement or harmony; having the same shape and size in geometry
Example
Their values are congruent with the goals of the organization.
B2 adjective /ˈfʌsi/

fussy

Meaning
hard to please; very concerned with details
Example
The child is very fussy about what she eats.
B2 noun /ˈpɪt.ʃər/

Pitcher

Meaning
a large container with a handle and spout used for storing and pouring liquids
Example
The water pitcher on the table was filled with ice-cold lemonade.
B2 noun /tɔːrˈneɪdoʊ/

tornado

Meaning
a rapidly rotating column of air in contact with the ground and clouds, often destructive
Example
The tornado destroyed several houses in the village.
C2 noun /ˈɪəri/

eyry

Meaning
an alternative spelling of eyrie; a nest of a bird of prey
Example
The falcon guarded its eyry fiercely.
C1 noun /ræmˈbuːtən/

Rambutan

Meaning
a tropical fruit with red spiky skin and white translucent sweet flesh similar to litchi
Example
The rambutan looks scary with its hairy skin but tastes very sweet inside.
C2 noun /ˈlændˌhoʊl.dər/

landholder

Meaning
a person who owns land, especially in large amounts
Example
The landholder leased part of his property to local farmers.
A1 adjective, noun, adverb, verb (past tense of leave) /lɛft/

left

Meaning
on or towards the side of the body that is to the west when facing north
Example
He turned left at the intersection.
C1 adjective /fɪkˈtɪʃəs/

fictitious

Meaning
not real or true; imaginary or fabricated
Example
The story he told was entirely fictitious.
C2 noun /ˈeb.taɪd/

Ebb-tide

Meaning
the movement of the tide out to sea; a time when the sea level is falling
Example
During ebb-tide, we could walk further out on the beach.
B2 verb /ɪkˈsploʊd/

explode

Meaning
to burst or shatter violently and noisily as a result of rapid combustion or pressure
Example
The bomb exploded in the middle of the street.
B1 noun /ˈsɪt.ɪ.zənz/

citizens

Meaning
A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth.
Example
Citizens must follow pollution regulations.
C1 noun /kəˈlæm.ɪ.ti/

Calamity

Meaning
an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster
Example
The earthquake was a terrible calamity that affected thousands of families.
C2 adjective /ˈsuːpaɪn/

supine

Meaning
Lying on the back, face upward; failing to act due to laziness or weakness.
Example
He lay supine on the grass, staring at the stars.
C2 verb /ʌnˈkaʊtʃ/

uncouch

Meaning
to remove from a couch or to release from being laid down (rare/archaic usage)
Example
The surgeon attempted to uncouch the cataract.
C2 adjective rɪˈtɛn.tɪv

retentive

Meaning
Having strong memory or the ability to retain information for a long time.
Example
Students with a retentive memory excel in academics.
C2 verb /ˌweɪˈleɪ/

waylay

Meaning
to stop or interrupt someone unexpectedly, often to attack or detain them
Example
He was waylaid by reporters as he left the courthouse.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtækt/

intact

Meaning
Remaining whole, complete, and undamaged.
Example
Despite the storm, the old house remained intact.
C2 adjective /vaɪˈtjuːpərəbl̩/

vituperable

Meaning
Deserving of blame, censure, or harsh criticism.
Example
His reckless actions made him vituperable in the eyes of his colleagues.
C1 adjective /ˈsiːzənəbəl/

Seasonable

Meaning
occurring at the right time; appropriate for the season; timely
Example
The seasonable rain helped the farmers with their crops.
A1 noun /dʒʌmp/

Jump

Meaning
an act of jumping; a sudden movement upwards or forwards
Example
The athlete made a perfect jump over the high bar.
C1 noun /pɜːrl drɒp/

Pearl drop

Meaning
a single pearl used as jewelry, often in earrings or pendants
Example
The elegant pearl drop earrings complemented her outfit perfectly.
A1 noun /mɑːrtʃ/

March

Meaning
An act of walking in a regular measured tread; a protest demonstration
Example
The soldiers performed a ceremonial march in front of the palace.
A1 noun /ˈpɜːrsən/

person

Meaning
an individual human being
Example
She is a kind person who always helps others.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪv dɪˈpləʊ.mə.si/

integrative diplomacy

Meaning
A diplomatic approach that seeks to combine or coordinate different elements, interests, or parties into a unified whole.
Example
Integrative diplomacy strengthens alliances.
C1 adjective /tɪˈrænɪkəl/

tyrannical

Meaning
exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way
Example
The tyrannical ruler silenced all opposition.
B2 noun /wʌn θɜːd/

one-third

Meaning
one part of something that is divided into three equal parts
Example
One-third of the class was absent today.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
C2 adjective /əˈfɪʃəs/

officious

Meaning
Excessively eager to offer unwanted help or advice; meddlesome.
Example
The officious guard kept interrupting the visitors with unnecessary instructions.
B2 noun /truːp/

Troop

Meaning
a group of soldiers; military personnel organized as a unit
Example
The troop marched in formation across the parade ground.
C1 noun /ˈfjʊərɔːr/

furor

Meaning
An outbreak of public anger or excitement.
Example
The politician's remarks created a furor in the media.
B2 noun /ˈpɪs.təl/

Pistol

Meaning
a small gun that can be held and fired with one hand
Example
The officer drew his pistol from the holster.
C2 verb /dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪt/

denominate

Meaning
to give a name or designation to something
Example
The currency was denominated in dollars.
B2 adjective /fɪərs/

Fierce

Meaning
violent; aggressive; showing strong feeling or determination
Example
The fierce storm destroyed many houses in the village.
A2 adjective /ˈmeɪdʒər/

major

Meaning
important, serious, or significant
Example
Climate change is a major concern for the world.
C1 verb /rɪˈsʌsɪteɪt/

resuscitate

Meaning
to revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death
Example
The doctors tried to resuscitate the patient after the heart attack.
A2 adverb /ˌdaʊnˈsteəz/

Downstairs

Meaning
on or to a lower floor of a building
Example
Please go downstairs and wait in the lobby.
B1 noun pɑːˈtɪs.ɪ.pənts

participants

Meaning
People who take part in something; those involved in an activity or event.
Example
Participants will enjoy breathtaking views.
C1 noun ˌhaɪ.drəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˈsaɪ.kəl

hydrological cycle

Meaning
The cycle of processes by which water circulates between the earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land.
Example
The hydrological cycle ensures continuous water movement in nature.
C2 noun /ˈmæk.rəˌkɒz.əm/

macrocosm

Meaning
The whole universe considered as a large, complex system; a large-scale representation of something.
Example
The macrocosm of the universe reflects the microcosm of human life.
C2 adjective /mɔːrˈdeɪʃəs/

mordacious

Meaning
Sharp or biting in style, tone, or remark; sarcastic.
Example
The critic’s mordacious review offended the author.
B2 noun /ˈvæn.ɪ.ti/

Vanity

Meaning
excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements; the quality of being worthless or pointless
Example
Her vanity made her spend hours looking at herself in the mirror.
A1 noun /tʃiːz/

Cheese

Meaning
a food made from the pressed curds of milk; used for photography to make people smile
Example
She added grated cheese to the pasta for extra flavor.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhjuːmən/

Inhuman

Meaning
lacking human qualities; cruel; brutal; savage
Example
The dictator's inhuman treatment of prisoners shocked the international community.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒtld/

mottled

Meaning
Marked with spots, streaks, or blotches of different shades or colors.
Example
The snake's mottled skin helped it blend into the forest floor.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrɡraʊnd/

foreground

Meaning
the part of a scene that is nearest to and in front of the viewer
Example
The flowers in the foreground brightened the picture.
C1 noun ˌpriːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən

preoccupation

Meaning
The state of being absorbed in thought; mental distraction.
Example
His preoccupation with work led to neglecting his personal life.
C1 noun /ˈtraɪ.pɒd/

tripod

Meaning
A three-legged stand used to support a camera, telescope, or other object.
Example
The photographer set up his camera on a tripod.
C2 noun /ˈpeɪpəsi/

papacy

Meaning
The office or authority of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
The papacy played a significant role in medieval European politics.
B1 noun /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/

encouragement

Meaning
the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope
Example
Her encouragement helped me finish the project.
B1 noun /ˈkɜː.ri/

Curry

Meaning
a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in an Indian-style sauce with hot spices
Example
I love spicy chicken curry with rice.
C2 noun /ˈtʌmbrəl/

tumbrel

Meaning
A two-wheeled cart, especially one used during the French Revolution to carry prisoners to the guillotine.
Example
The prisoners were carried to the square in a wooden tumbrel.
C2 verb /ˈnɔːzieɪt/

nauseate

Meaning
To make someone feel sick, with an inclination to vomit.
Example
The spoiled food nauseated him quickly.
C2 adjective /dʒɪˈdʒuːn/

jejune

Meaning
Naive, simplistic, and superficial; also dull or uninteresting.
Example
The professor dismissed the essay as jejune and lacking depth.
B2 adjective /dʌm/

Dumb

Meaning
unable to speak; silent; lacking intelligence; stupid
Example
She remained dumb during the entire meeting.
C2 noun /ˈjuːər/

ewer

Meaning
a large jug with a wide mouth, especially used in the past for carrying water
Example
The servant filled the ewer with fresh water.
C2 adjective ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs

surreptitious

Meaning
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; done stealthily.
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at his notes.
B1 adjective /ɪˈnɪʃəl/

initial

Meaning
Existing or occurring at the beginning.
Example
Her initial reaction was one of surprise.
B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

Meaning
arranged for the present; temporary; subject to later confirmation
Example
The provisional agreement will be reviewed next month.
C1 noun /ˈfjuː.də.lɪ.zəm/

feudalism

Meaning
the social system in medieval Europe in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and land in return
Example
Feudalism shaped the political structure of medieval Europe.