bestow
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C1 verb /bɪˈstoʊ/

bestow

Meaning
To give or present something as a gift or honor.
Example
The king bestowed honors upon the brave soldiers.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈmɪsəbl̩/

inadmissible

Meaning
Not allowed, especially as evidence in a court of law.
Example
The judge ruled the evidence inadmissible.
C1 noun /ˈspaɪər/

spire

Meaning
a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, especially a church
Example
The church spire could be seen from miles away.
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.
C1 verb /sɪˈsiːd/

secede

Meaning
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
Example
Several states threatened to secede from the union.
C1 noun /ˈɪmɪnəns/

imminence

Meaning
the state of being about to happen
Example
The imminence of the storm forced people to take shelter.
C1 verb /ˌʌn.dəˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

undercharge

Meaning
To charge less than the correct or fair amount.
Example
The shopkeeper accidentally undercharged me for the groceries.
C1 adjective /ˈvɪrjʊlənt/

virulent

Meaning
Extremely severe or harmful in its effects.
Example
The virulent disease spread rapidly across the region.
C1 verb /ˈpærəlaɪz/

paralyze

Meaning
to cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or function normally
Example
The sudden shock seemed to paralyze him.
C1 noun /ˈsɛmbləns/

Semblance

Meaning
the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Example
There was only a semblance of order in the chaotic office.
C1 adjective /prəˈfɛtɪk/

prophetic

Meaning
accurately predicting or describing what will happen in the future
Example
His prophetic words came true after many years.
C1 adjective /pəˈleɪ.ʃəl/

palatial

Meaning
resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid
Example
They stayed in a palatial hotel during their vacation.
C1 verb /ɪnˈlɪst/

enlist

Meaning
to join or sign up, especially for military service; to secure someone's support or help
Example
He decided to enlist in the army after graduation.
C1 verb /riˈɪtəreɪt/

reiterate

Meaning
To say something again or repeatedly for emphasis or clarity.
Example
The teacher reiterated the importance of honesty.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪ.meɪt/

primate

Meaning
A member of the group of animals including humans, apes, and monkeys.
Example
Humans are classified as primates.
C1 noun /ˌɑːrbɪˈtreɪʃən/

arbitration

Meaning
the process of resolving a dispute through an impartial third party whose decision is binding; formal judgment outside a court
Example
The contract requires arbitration to settle any disputes.
C1 adjective ləˈθɑːrdʒɪk

lethargic

Meaning
Being inactive due to lack of physical or mental energy
Example
After a heavy meal, he felt lethargic and sleepy.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛlvəti/

velvety

Meaning
having a smooth, soft texture like velvet
Example
She spoke in a low, velvety voice.
C1 adjective /ˈbɔɪənt/ or /ˈbuːjənt/

buoyant

Meaning
Able to float easily; cheerful and optimistic.
Example
She remained buoyant despite the difficulties.
C1 adjective /tjuːˈmʌltʃuəs/

tumultuous

Meaning
Characterized by disorder, noisy excitement, or emotional agitation.
Example
They had a tumultuous relationship full of ups and downs.
C1 noun ˈɪn.fər.əns

inference

Meaning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; logical deduction.
Example
Scientists make inferences based on experimental data.
C1 noun ˈpɜː.mə.kʌl.tʃər

permaculture

Meaning
The development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Example
Permaculture promotes self-sufficient farming systems.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪzməl/

Dismal

Meaning
gloomy; depressing; causing sadness or despair
Example
The weather was dismal with heavy rain and dark clouds.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər ˈspɪn.ɪtʃ/

Water Spinach

Meaning
A semi-aquatic leafy vegetable with hollow stems, popular in Asian cuisine
Example
Water spinach grows well in wet soil.
C1 adjective /ɒˈstɛnsəbl/

ostensible

Meaning
stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
Example
His ostensible reason for leaving was illness, but many doubted it.
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 adjective /ɪˈrɛpərəbəl/

Irreparable

Meaning
impossible to repair or fix; permanent damage that cannot be undone
Example
The accident caused irreparable damage to his spine.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvənəns/

provenance

Meaning
The origin or source of something.
Example
The museum verified the provenance of the ancient manuscript.
C1 adjective /ˈskræpi/

scrappy

Meaning
Determined and willing to fight or argue; also messy or disorganized.
Example
Despite being small, he was a scrappy fighter.
C1 adjective /ˈlʌʃəs/

luscious

Meaning
deliciously sweet or rich; highly appealing to the senses
Example
She served a luscious chocolate cake.
C1 noun /ˈɡæmbɪt/

gambit

Meaning
a calculated move or remark intended to gain an advantage, especially in chess or conversation
Example
His opening gambit in the debate caught everyone by surprise.
C1 adjective /ˈwɒŋki/

Wonky

Meaning
unstable; unreliable; not working properly
Example
The old chair was wonky and wobbled every time someone sat on it.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbɛd/

imbed

Meaning
To fix firmly or deeply in a surrounding mass.
Example
The journalist imbedded himself with the troops to report firsthand.
C1 noun ˈθɜː.məl stres

thermal stress

Meaning
Stress caused by excessive heat that affects plant growth and development.
Example
High thermal stress affects plant growth.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntɪˌliːtər/

centiliter

Meaning
A metric unit of capacity equal to one hundredth of a liter.
Example
The recipe calls for 20 centiliters of milk.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪndsaɪt/

hindsight

Meaning
Understanding of a situation only after it has happened.
Example
With the benefit of hindsight, we realized the decision was a mistake.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

peevish

Meaning
Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Example
The child grew peevish when denied candy.
C1 adjective /səbˈmɪs.ɪv/

Submissive

Meaning
ready to obey others; yielding to authority; humble and compliant
Example
She became submissive after years of harsh treatment.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/

understate

Meaning
To describe something as being less important or serious than it really is.
Example
He tends to understate his achievements.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈtʌmnəl/

autumnal

Meaning
relating to or characteristic of autumn; occurring in autumn
Example
The autumnal colors of red and gold filled the forest.
C1 noun /ˈæd.və.ser.i/

adversary

Meaning
One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
Example
The boxer faced a strong adversary in the ring.
C1 noun, verb /bʌldʒ/

bulge

Meaning
A swelling or protruding part; to swell outward or protrude.
Example
The bag began to bulge with too many books inside.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɜːrst/

dispersed

Meaning
Scattered or spread across a wide area.
Example
The dispersed population made it difficult to provide public services.
C1 noun /ɡæf/

gaffe

Meaning
An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment; a blunder.
Example
The politician's gaffe quickly spread on social media.
C1 adjective /ˈfjuː.dəl/

feudal

Meaning
relating to the system of feudalism, a medieval social system based on land ownership and obligations
Example
The castle is a remnant of the feudal era.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪktəˈtɔːriəl/

dictatorial

Meaning
Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.
Example
His dictatorial style made him unpopular among colleagues.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪlfəl/

willful

Meaning
Deliberate, intentional, or stubbornly determined to do as one wants.
Example
Her willful disregard for the rules got her into trouble.
C1 noun /ɑːˌtɪkjʊˈleɪʃən/

articulation

Meaning
The action of putting into words an idea or feeling of a specified type.
Example
His articulation during the debate impressed everyone.
C1 verb /ˈɡɑː.nɪʃ/

garnish

Meaning
To decorate food with small items for added flavor or visual appeal.
Example
She garnished the dish with fresh coriander leaves.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkeɪnaɪn/

canine

Meaning
Relating to dogs; also refers to the pointed teeth in humans and animals
Example
The police trained a canine unit for search operations.
C1 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning
to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others
Example
The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.
C1 verb ˈrɛk.tɪ.faɪ

rectify

Meaning
To correct mistakes or make something right.
Example
The company took steps to rectify its financial mistakes.
C1 adjective /ˈmuː.və.bl̩/

Movable

Meaning
capable of being moved; not fixed in position
Example
The furniture is movable so we can rearrange the room easily.
C1 verb /əˈbɔːrt/

abort

Meaning
to stop a process or action before it is completed; to end a pregnancy deliberately
Example
The pilot decided to abort the mission due to bad weather.
C1 noun /pəˈfjuː.mər.i/

perfumery

Meaning
the art, business, or products of making perfumes
Example
She works in a perfumery that creates luxury scents.
C1 noun /jiːst/

Yeast

Meaning
microorganisms used in baking and brewing to cause fermentation
Example
Add yeast to the flour to make the bread rise.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈprɛsəbl̩/

irrepressible

Meaning
Impossible to control or restrain.
Example
She had an irrepressible urge to laugh during the speech.
C1 adjective /ˌpɛd.əˈɡɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

pedagogical

Meaning
Relating to teaching and education; concerned with the methods and practice of teaching.
Example
The school adopted new pedagogical techniques to improve learning.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪˌraɪt/

playwright

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright of all time.
C1 verb /kɜːrˈteɪl/

curtail

Meaning
to reduce or limit something, especially something considered undesirable
Example
The company had to curtail its spending due to budget cuts.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsaɪtli/

unsightly

Meaning
Unpleasant to look at; ugly.
Example
The garbage pile created an unsightly view in the park.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvɜː.sə.bəl/

Reversible

Meaning
able to be turned the other way around; able to be undone or changed back
Example
This jacket is reversible and can be worn on both sides.
C1 noun ˈiː.θɒs

ethos

Meaning
The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.
Example
The company's ethos is built on innovation and integrity.
C1 adjective /ˈʃeɪp.ləs/

Shapeless

Meaning
having no definite or well-defined shape or form
Example
The fog created a shapeless mass in the distance.
C1 adjective /ˈstætʃətɔːri/

statutory

Meaning
Required, permitted, or enacted by law.
Example
The company must comply with all statutory regulations.
C1 noun /ˈlæd.i/

laddie

Meaning
A young boy or lad.
Example
The old man gave the young laddie a kind smile.
C1 adjective /ˈbɑːmi/

balmy

Meaning
Mild and pleasantly warm; soothing.
Example
We enjoyed a walk on a balmy summer evening.
C1 adjective /ˌɛvərˈlæstɪŋ/

everlasting

Meaning
Lasting forever or for an indefinitely long time.
Example
The poet wrote about his everlasting love for nature.
C1 noun /ˈdʒʊərər/

juror

Meaning
a member of a jury who is chosen to hear evidence in a legal case and help make a decision
Example
The juror listened carefully to the witness’s testimony.
C1 noun, verb /strænd/

strand

Meaning
Noun: A single thin length of thread, wire, or similar. Verb: To leave someone or something without a way of moving or leaving.
Example
The storm stranded many tourists on the island.
C1 noun /ˈmɑːrtər/

Martyr

Meaning
A person who is killed because of their religious or political beliefs
Example
He became a martyr for the cause of freedom and democracy.
C1 verb /skwiːl/

squeal

Meaning
to make a high-pitched cry; to inform on someone
Example
The children squealed with delight when they saw the surprise.
C1 verb /ɪˈnjuːməˌreɪt/

enumerate

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

filth

Meaning
dirty or disgusting matter; moral corruption
Example
The streets were full of filth after the storm.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfleɪt/

inflate

Meaning
to fill with air or gas so it expands; to increase excessively or artificially
Example
The mechanic inflated the tire to the correct pressure.
C1 noun ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən ˈstrætədʒiz

mitigation strategies

Meaning
Plans and actions designed to reduce the severity or impact of problems or risks.
Example
Governments must adopt mitigation strategies for climate change.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfɜːrloʊ/

furlough

Meaning
temporary leave of absence from work, especially that granted to an employee or soldier
Example
Many workers were placed on furlough during the crisis.
C1 noun /krʌks/

crux

Meaning
the most important or decisive point of an issue
Example
The crux of the problem lies in poor communication.
C1 verb/noun ˈbuːt.stræp

bootstrap

Meaning
To start and develop a business using personal resources without external funding.
Example
He bootstrapped his company with minimal resources.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːr.θən/

Earthen

Meaning
made of earth or clay; relating to pottery or ceramic materials
Example
The kitchen had beautiful earthen pots for storage.
C1 verb /ˌsuːpərˈsiːd/

supersede

Meaning
To replace or take the place of something because it is more modern or effective.
Example
This new law will supersede the old regulations.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfɛst/

infest

Meaning
to overrun in large numbers, especially so as to cause damage or discomfort
Example
The old house was infested with rats.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɔːdjʊlənt/

fraudulent

Meaning
Involving or using deceit, especially criminal deception.
Example
He was arrested for making fraudulent insurance claims.
C1 adjective /ˈreɪdiənt/

radiant

Meaning
Shining brightly; expressing great happiness.
Example
She looked radiant in her wedding dress.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
C1 noun /rɪˈdʌn.dəns/

Redundance

Meaning
the state of being not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous repetition of information
Example
The document contained redundance that made it unnecessarily long.
C1 adjective /ˈnæs.ənt/

nascent

Meaning
Emerging, developing, or in the early stages of formation
Example
The nascent technology is revolutionizing industries.
C1 noun /ˈʃoʊ.və.nɪst/

chauvinist

Meaning
A person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty to a group, cause, or gender.
Example
He was labeled a chauvinist after his remarks about women in the workplace.
C1 noun /ˈrem.nənt/

Remnant

Meaning
a small remaining quantity of something; a piece of cloth left over after the main piece has been used
Example
Only a remnant of the ancient wall remains.
C1 noun /ˌlɛ.seɪ ˈfɛər/

laissez-faire

Meaning
An economic policy where government does not intervene in business affairs.
Example
Laissez-faire policies encourage private enterprise.
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 verb /ˈnʌlɪfaɪ/

nullify

Meaning
to make something legally invalid or ineffective
Example
The court decided to nullify the contract.
C1 noun /haʊnd/

Hound

Meaning
a dog bred for hunting, typically having a keen sense of smell
Example
The bloodhound tracked the scent through the dense forest.
C1 noun /ˈbroʊkərɪdʒ/

brokerage

Meaning
A firm that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, often charging a fee.
Example
The real estate brokerage helped them find a new home.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkɒm.prə.maɪ.zɪŋ/

Uncompromising

Meaning
unwilling to change one's views or to agree about something; showing an unwillingness to make concessions to others
Example
He was uncompromising in his demand for a full apology.
C1 noun /ˈɛləkwəns/

eloquence

Meaning
Fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.
Example
His eloquence in speech won him great respect.
C1 noun /ˈsɪ.nɪk/

Cynic

Meaning
a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest; someone who is skeptical about human nature
Example
The old cynic believed that politicians only cared about getting votes.
C1 adjective /ɪˈledʒ.ə.bəl/

illegible

Meaning
Not clear enough to be read; unreadable.
Example
The doctor’s handwriting was almost illegible.
C1 adjective /ˈhɔːltɪŋ/

halting

Meaning
slow and hesitant, especially due to lack of confidence
Example
She gave a halting reply during the interview.
C1 noun /ˈdɪŋɡi/

dinghy

Meaning
a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat
Example
They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht.
C1 verb /əˈbaʊnd/

abound

Meaning
To exist in large numbers or amounts.
Example
Opportunities abound in the field of technology.
C1 noun /ˈswiːt.miːt/

Sweetmeat

Meaning
a small piece of confectionery or candy; a sweet delicacy
Example
The children enjoyed the traditional sweetmeats during the festival.
C1 noun /ˈfɛtɪʃ/

fetish

Meaning
an excessive or irrational devotion to something
Example
He has a fetish for collecting rare stamps.
C1 noun ˈtɑksɪk ɪˈmɪʃənz

toxic emissions

Meaning
Harmful or poisonous substances released into the environment, especially the atmosphere.
Example
Toxic emissions from vehicles pollute the atmosphere.
C1 adjective /ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk/

cataclysmic

Meaning
Relating to or denoting a violent natural event or upheaval.
Example
The war had cataclysmic effects on the nation's economy.
C1 noun /rɪˈvʌlʃən/

revulsion

Meaning
a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion
Example
She felt revulsion at the sight of the cruel act.
C1 verb /priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

preoccupy

Meaning
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
Example
Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly.
C1 verb /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

elicit

Meaning
To draw out a response, answer, or reaction from someone.
Example
The teacher’s question elicited thoughtful answers from the students.
C1 noun /moʊld/

Mould

Meaning
a hollow container used to give shape to molten material; fungus
Example
She poured chocolate into the mould to make candies.
C1 noun /ˈpɒpjʊləs/

populace

Meaning
the general public; the ordinary people living in a country or area
Example
The new law was welcomed by the local populace.
C1 noun prɪˈzɝː.və.tɪv

preservative

Meaning
A chemical substance that prevents decay, fermentation, or other natural processes that cause food deterioration.
Example
Artificial preservatives are harmful to health.
C1 verb /wɛt/

whet

Meaning
To sharpen the blade of a tool or to stimulate interest or appetite.
Example
The smell of food whetted my appetite.
C1 noun /ˌres.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Recitation

Meaning
the action of reciting or repeating aloud from memory
Example
The poetry recitation contest was held in the auditorium.
C1 adjective /ˈæmərəs/

amorous

Meaning
Showing, feeling, or relating to romantic love or desire.
Example
He sent her an amorous letter filled with declarations of love.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.i.ənt/

Orient

Meaning
the East, especially countries of eastern Asia; to determine one's position or direction
Example
Many spices come from the Orient.
C1 adjective ˈkwɒn.tɪ.faɪ.ə.bəl

quantifiable

Meaning
Able to be expressed or measured as a quantity; capable of being counted or calculated.
Example
The impact of the project is quantifiable.
C1 noun /tiː ˈstreɪnər/

Tea-strainer

Meaning
a small perforated device used to strain tea leaves from brewed tea
Example
I always use a tea-strainer when pouring tea into cups.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˌɒpərəˈbɪləti/

interoperability

Meaning
The ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make use of information.
Example
The interoperability of different software systems ensures seamless workflow.
C1 adjective /əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔː.ri/

obligatory

Meaning
Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.
Example
Wearing a seatbelt is obligatory in most countries.