besmear
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C2 verb /bɪˈsmɪər/

besmear

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance; to soil
Example
His clothes were besmeared with mud.
B2 adjective /beər/

Bare

Meaning
naked; uncovered; empty; minimal
Example
The bare walls of the room needed some decoration.
C1 verb /ˈbædʒər/

badger

Meaning
To repeatedly ask or annoy someone with demands or questions.
Example
The reporter kept badgering the politician with questions.
C1 noun, verb /buːz/

booze

Meaning
alcoholic drink, especially strong liquor; to drink alcohol, often excessively
Example
They bought some booze for the party.
C2 noun /bəˈnæləti/

banality

Meaning
The condition of being unoriginal, boring, or obvious; trite remark or quality.
Example
The speech was criticized for its banality and lack of originality.
C2 noun /brəˈkeɪd/

brocade

Meaning
a rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, often in gold or silver thread
Example
She wore a beautiful brocade dress to the wedding.
A1 noun /bɔːl/

ball

Meaning
a round object used in games or sports
Example
The children played with a ball in the park.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbɒnəmi/

bonhomie

Meaning
Cheerful friendliness and geniality.
Example
The meeting was filled with laughter and bonhomie.
C1 verb /bɪˈɡɛt/

beget

Meaning
to bring about or give rise to; to father or produce
Example
Violence begets more violence.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈbær.ən/

Barren

Meaning
sterile; unable to produce; desolate; unproductive
Example
The barren desert stretched for miles without any vegetation.
C2 noun /boʊ/

beau

Meaning
a male admirer or boyfriend; a fashionable young man
Example
She arrived at the party with her beau.
C2 noun /ˈbed.ləm/

Bedlam

Meaning
a scene of noisy confusion; chaos and disorder
Example
The classroom was complete bedlam after the fire alarm.
B2 verb/noun /buː/

boo

Meaning
To show disapproval by shouting 'boo'; or a sound made to surprise or scare.
Example
The audience began to boo the bad performance.
B2 noun /ˈbækɪŋ/

Backing

Meaning
help or support; financial or material support
Example
The project received backing from several major investors.
A2 noun /biːn/

Bean

Meaning
an edible seed, typically kidney-shaped, growing in long pods on certain leguminous plants
Example
We planted green beans in our vegetable garden this spring.
A1 noun /breɪk/

break

Meaning
A pause in work or during an activity or event.
Example
Short breaks refresh your mind.
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.
A1 noun /boʊt/

Boat

Meaning
a small vessel for traveling over water
Example
We took a small boat to cross the river.
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.
C1 noun /blɜːrb/

blurb

Meaning
a short promotional description of a book, product, or service
Example
The back cover had a blurb praising the novel.
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/adjective /ˈbæstərd/

bastard

Meaning
a child born to unmarried parents (offensive); also used informally as an insult or to describe something unpleasant
Example
He called him a bastard in anger.
A1 adjective /ˈbɪɡɪst/

biggest

Meaning
largest in size, amount, degree, or importance; superlative form of big
Example
This is the biggest challenge we have ever faced.
A2 adjective /blaɪnd/

blind

Meaning
Unable to see because of injury, disease, or a congenital condition.
Example
He has been blind since birth.
B1 verb /bʌmp/

bump

Meaning
To hit something or someone by accident; to knock against something.
Example
He accidentally bumped into the door.
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.
A2 verb /bet/

bet

Meaning
to risk money on the outcome of something; to be confident
Example
I bet it will rain tomorrow.
B1 noun ˈbreɪvəri

bravery

Meaning
Courageous behavior or character; the quality of being brave.
Example
The bravery of our soldiers is unforgettable.
A1 verb /bɪˈkʌm/

become

Meaning
to grow to be; to come to be
Example
She became a doctor after years of study.
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.
B2 noun /ˈbɑː.li/

Barley

Meaning
a cereal grain used for food, brewing beer, and animal feed
Example
The farmer harvested barley from his fields in autumn.
B1 noun /ˈbækʌp/

backup

Meaning
a copy of data stored separately to protect against loss
Example
Make sure to have a backup of your important files.
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.
C1 noun /bəˈrɑːʒ/

barrage

Meaning
a concentrated outpouring of questions, criticisms, or blows; a rapid, continuous attack
Example
The politician faced a barrage of tough questions from reporters.
B2 verb /ˈbjuːtɪfaɪ/

beautify

Meaning
to make something more beautiful or attractive
Example
The city plans to beautify the old park with trees and lights.
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.
A1 noun /ˈbɛdruːm/

bedroom

Meaning
A room used for sleeping in.
Example
The children were playing in the bedroom.
A2 noun /brɛθ/

breath

Meaning
The air taken into or expelled from the lungs during breathing.
Example
He took a deep breath before speaking.
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 /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 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.
C1 noun /bɪˈtreɪər/

Betrayer

Meaning
a person who betrays someone or something; one who is disloyal
Example
The betrayer was exposed and faced severe consequences.
C2 noun /ˌbɪbliəʊˈmeɪniə/

bibliomania

Meaning
An extreme obsession with collecting or possessing books.
Example
His bibliomania led him to fill every room with books.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈbrɪslɪŋ/

bristling

Meaning
full of energy, anger, or excitement; showing bristles standing up
Example
He entered the room bristling with confidence.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈbaɪ.ɡɒn/

bygone

Meaning
Something belonging to an earlier time; past and no longer existing.
Example
He often talks about the traditions of bygone days.
B2 adjective /bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

becoming

Meaning
attractive, suitable, or flattering to the wearer or situation
Example
That dress is very becoming on her.
C2 verb /bɪˈkɑːm/

becalm

Meaning
to make calm or still; to deprive a sailing vessel of wind
Example
The captain tried to becalm the anxious crew.
B2 noun /ˈbɒtəni/

botany

Meaning
the scientific study of plants
Example
She is studying botany at the university.
B2 adjective /bɪˈzɑːr/

bizarre

Meaning
very strange or unusual, especially so as to cause interest or amusement
Example
He told a bizarre story that no one could believe.
A2 verb /beɪs/

base

Meaning
to use something as a foundation; to establish or locate something
Example
They based their decision on facts.
B1 adverb /ˈbreɪv.li/

Bravely

Meaning
in a way that shows courage and determination
Example
The firefighter bravely entered the burning building.
C2 verb /blæsˈfiːm/

blaspheme

Meaning
to speak irreverently about God or sacred things
Example
He was accused of blaspheming during the heated argument.
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.
B2 noun ˈbɛriəl saɪt

burial site

Meaning
A place where a dead body is buried.
Example
The burial site of the martyrs was near the riverbank.
C1 noun /ˈbɑːr.tər ˌsɪs.təm/

barter system

Meaning
A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.
Example
Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade.
B2 noun /buːθ/

booth

Meaning
a small enclosed space or area used for a specific purpose, such as voting or selling.
Example
He went into the voting booth to cast his ballot.
C1 adjective /ˌboʊnəˈfaɪdi/

Bonafide

Meaning
genuine; authentic; legitimate
Example
She is a bonafide expert in her field.
B1 noun /bʊk ˈsel.ər/

Book seller

Meaning
a person who sells books, especially as a business
Example
The book seller recommended a great novel for my summer reading.
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 noun /beɪz/

baize

Meaning
A type of coarse woolen cloth, often green, used for covering tables such as billiard tables.
Example
The old card table was covered with worn baize.
C1 noun /blæk sɔːlt/

Black Salt

Meaning
a type of rock salt with a distinctive sulfuric flavor, commonly used in Indian cuisine
Example
Add a pinch of black salt to enhance the flavor of the fruit salad.
C1 verb /bɪˈsiːdʒ/

besiege

Meaning
to surround a place with armed forces to capture it; to overwhelm with requests or attention
Example
The city was besieged by enemy troops.
C1 verb /broʊtʃ/

broach

Meaning
to bring up a subject for discussion
Example
She decided to broach the topic of salary with her manager.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlwərk/

bulwark

Meaning
A strong wall or defensive structure; something that provides protection or support.
Example
The fortress walls served as a bulwark against enemy attacks.
C2 verb /ˈbeɪɪŋ/

baying

Meaning
making a loud, prolonged barking or howling sound, especially of dogs
Example
The baying of the hounds echoed through the forest.
B1 verb /breɪk/

brake

Meaning
to slow down or stop a vehicle by applying a brake
Example
He braked suddenly to avoid hitting the dog.
A1 adjective /bɪɡ/

big

Meaning
large in size, extent, or importance
Example
They moved into a big house with plenty of space.
B2 noun /broʊtʃ/

brooch

Meaning
a decorative jewelry pin that is attached to clothing
Example
She wore a beautiful silver brooch on her jacket.
C1 noun /brɛdθ/

breadth

Meaning
The distance or measurement from side to side; width; a wide range.
Example
The breadth of his knowledge impressed everyone.
B2 noun /bʌlk/

Bulk

Meaning
the mass or size of something large; the greater part or majority of something
Example
The bulk of the work was completed before the deadline.
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.
C2 verb /bɪˈfɪt/

befit

Meaning
to be suitable for; to be appropriate to
Example
Formal attire befits the seriousness of the occasion.
B1 adjective /ˈbrɪliənt/

brilliant

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

Broken

Meaning
damaged; not working; fractured
Example
The broken window needs to be replaced immediately.
A1 noun /ˈbɒt.əl/

Bottle

Meaning
a container with a narrow neck, typically made of glass or plastic, used for storing liquids
Example
She drank water from a plastic bottle.
B1 noun /bʌlb/

bulb

Meaning
a rounded glass part of an electric lamp that produces light when lit; also an underground storage organ in some plants
Example
The light bulb burned out, so she replaced it with a new one.
B2 adverb /ˈbrɔːdli/

broadly

Meaning
in a general or wide manner.
Example
The rules are broadly similar across all regions.
B2 noun /ˈbev.ər.ɪdʒ/

Beverage

Meaning
a drink, especially one other than water
Example
Would you like a hot or cold beverage with your meal?
A2 noun /ˈbæskɪtbɔːl/

basketball

Meaning
a game played by two teams who try to score points by throwing a ball through a hoop
Example
He loves playing basketball with his friends.
C2 verb /breɪ/

bray

Meaning
To make a loud, harsh sound like a donkey.
Example
The donkey began to bray loudly in the field.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪ piː/

Butterfly Pea

Meaning
a blue flowering plant with butterfly-shaped flowers, used to make herbal tea
Example
Butterfly pea flowers turn tea into a beautiful blue color.
B2 verb /boʊlt/

bolt

Meaning
To move suddenly and quickly; also to fasten something with a bolt.
Example
The horse bolted from the stable after hearing a loud noise.
C2 noun /baɪt/

bight

Meaning
A bend or curve in a geographical feature, especially a coastline, or a loop in a rope.
Example
The sailors anchored in the calm waters of the bight.
C2 adjective /baɪˈkæmərəl/

bicameral

Meaning
Having two branches or chambers, especially in a legislature.
Example
The United States has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
A1 noun, verb /baɪk/

bike

Meaning
a bicycle or motorcycle; to ride a bicycle
Example
He biked to school every day.
C1 adjective /bəˈnɑːl/ or /ˈbeɪnəl/

banal

Meaning
Lacking originality; boringly obvious and commonplace.
Example
His speech was full of banal clichés.
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.
C1 phrase ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən

biodiversity preservation

Meaning
The protection and conservation of the variety of life in all its forms, including different species, genetic diversity, and ecosystems.
Example
Biodiversity preservation is critical for ecological balance.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrɡər/

burgher

Meaning
A citizen of a town, typically a member of the wealthy middle class.
Example
The burgher was respected as a prosperous merchant in the city.
B2 adjective /ˈbʌmpi/

Bumpy

Meaning
having an uneven surface; rough; jolting
Example
The bumpy road made the car ride very uncomfortable.
C2 noun /brɪˈtæniə/

britannia

Meaning
the personification of Britain, often shown as a woman with a helmet and shield
Example
Britannia has been a symbol of Britain since Roman times.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈbɛlɪˌkoʊs/

bellicose

Meaning
Showing a tendency to argue or fight; aggressive.
Example
His bellicose attitude often got him into unnecessary conflicts.
C2 verb /ˈbraʊˌbiːt/

browbeat

Meaning
To intimidate or bully someone into doing something
Example
The lawyer tried to browbeat the witness.
C2 noun /ˈblʌfər/

bluffer

Meaning
a person who pretends to be more confident, skilled, or knowledgeable than they really are; someone who deceives others by bluffing
Example
Everyone eventually realized that he was just a bluffer with no real experience.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪt ˈnwɑːr/

bete noire

Meaning
A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or fears.
Example
Grammar has always been his bete noire.
C2 noun /ˌbuː.ɡənˈvɪl.i.ə/

Bougainvillea

Meaning
a tropical climbing plant with colorful bracts surrounding small flowers
Example
The bougainvillea climbing over the garden wall creates a beautiful purple display.
B2 noun /ˈbrændɪŋ/

branding

Meaning
The process of creating and promoting a brand or company identity.
Example
Effective branding is key to building customer loyalty.
B2 noun /beɪ/

Bay

Meaning
a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward
Example
The boats are anchored in the bay.
B2 noun ˈbreɪk.θruː

breakthrough

Meaning
A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
Example
The breakthrough opens doors for new technology.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪk ə ˌbræk/

bric-a-brac

Meaning
Small decorative objects or ornaments, often of little value.
Example
The shelves were filled with old bric-a-brac from her travels.
B1 verb /briːð/

breathe

Meaning
To take air into the lungs and send it out again.
Example
It was hard to breathe in the smoky room.
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.
B1 verb /baʊns/

bounce

Meaning
to spring back after hitting something; to rebound.
Example
The ball bounced off the wall and hit the window.
A2 adverb /bɪˈjɒnd/

Beyond

Meaning
further away than; exceeding; more than
Example
The mountains stretched beyond the horizon.
B2 noun /boʊst/

Boast

Meaning
an act of talking with excessive pride about one's achievements
Example
His constant boast about his wealth annoyed everyone.
C2 verb /bɪˈdɛk/

bedeck

Meaning
to decorate or adorn something in a showy way
Example
The hall was bedecked with flowers for the wedding.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈbəʊld.li/

Boldly

Meaning
in a confident and brave way; without fear
Example
She boldly stepped forward to face the challenge.
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.
B2 noun/verb /bʌst/

bust

Meaning
As a noun: A sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest; As a verb: To break, smash, or arrest.
Example
The police busted the gang last night.
B2 noun /ˈbɒt.əl.nek/

bottleneck

Meaning
Narrow path or obstruction, a place or situation where flow becomes slow.
Example
The narrow bridge is a major bottleneck during rush hour.
C2 adverb /bɪˈtaɪmz/

betimes

Meaning
early; in good time
Example
She rose betimes to finish her work.
B2 noun, verb /ˈblɒsəm/

blossom

Meaning
a flower or mass of flowers on a tree or plant; to develop or flourish
Example
The small garden began to blossom in spring.
C2 verb /ˈbɜːrnɪʃ/

burnish

Meaning
To polish something by rubbing; to enhance or improve.
Example
He burnished the old table until it shone.
B2 verb /bɪˈwɛər/

beware

Meaning
to be cautious or alert about a potential danger or problem
Example
Beware of the dog near the gate.