beware
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B2 verb /bɪˈwɛər/

beware

Meaning
to be cautious or alert about a potential danger or problem
Example
Beware of the dog near the gate.
C1 verb, noun /ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ/

brainwash

Meaning
to manipulate someone into adopting certain beliefs by repeated pressure or propaganda; the act or process of such manipulation
Example
The group tried to brainwash new members with constant propaganda.
B2 noun /bɑnd/

Bond

Meaning
a close connection joining two or more people; a certificate of debt issued by a government or corporation
Example
The strong bond between the mother and child was evident.
C2 noun /ˈbriːtʃɪz/

Breeckes

Meaning
knee-length trousers; short pants
Example
He wore riding breeches for the equestrian event.
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 noun /ˈboʊsən/

boatswain

Meaning
a ship's officer in charge of equipment and the crew
Example
The boatswain supervised the sailors on deck.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːr.kəˌroʊl/

barcarole

Meaning
a traditional Venetian boat song, often in 6/8 time
Example
The orchestra played a beautiful barcarole that reminded me of Venice.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbɛnɪsən/

benison

Meaning
A blessing or benefit.
Example
The rain was a benison for the drought-stricken farmers.
C2 verb /bɪˈsmɪər/

besmear

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance; to soil
Example
His clothes were besmeared with mud.
B1 noun /ˈbæɡɪdʒ/

Baggage

Meaning
suitcases and bags containing personal belongings; past experiences or problems that affect behavior
Example
Please collect your baggage from the conveyor belt at the airport.
A1 noun /bɜːrd/

bird

Meaning
a warm-blooded animal with feathers and wings that usually lays eggs and can often fly
Example
A bird was singing on the tree branch.
C1 noun /blɒˈkeɪd/

Blockade

Meaning
an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Example
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the port.
B2 adjective /blʌnt/

blunt

Meaning
not sharp; direct and straightforward in speech
Example
Her blunt remarks offended some people.
A1 verb /bɪˈɡɪn/

begin

Meaning
to start doing something; to commence
Example
I will begin my studies tomorrow.
A2 noun /ˈbiː.ɪŋ/

Being

Meaning
existence; a living creature; the state of existing
Example
Every human being deserves respect and dignity.
C2 noun /bəˈsuːn/

bassoon

Meaning
a large woodwind instrument with a deep sound
Example
The orchestra featured a beautiful bassoon solo.
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.
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.
B2 noun /blæk sneɪk/

Black Snake

Meaning
a snake with dark or black colored skin
Example
The black snake slithered through the grass.
A1 noun /bæɡ/

bag

Meaning
a container made of flexible material, used for carrying items
Example
She carried her books in a bag.
C1 noun /ˈbænɪstər/

banister

Meaning
a railing supported by posts at the side of a staircase or balcony
Example
She held the banister tightly while going down the stairs.
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 /bjuːt/

butte

Meaning
an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, common in arid regions
Example
The travelers could see a tall butte rising in the desert.
A2 verb /bɪˈheɪv/

behave

Meaning
to act in a particular way; to conduct oneself
Example
Children should behave well in school.
C2 adjective /bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/

bewitching

Meaning
charming, enchanting, or captivating in a magical or irresistible way
Example
She wore a bewitching smile that captivated everyone in the room.
A2 verb /ˈbɑroʊ/

borrow

Meaning
to take temporarily with intention to return; to take on loan
Example
Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
B1 noun ˈbreɪvəri

bravery

Meaning
Courageous behavior or character; the quality of being brave.
Example
The bravery of our soldiers is unforgettable.
B1 noun /bæŋ/

Bang

Meaning
a sudden loud noise; a hard blow or hit
Example
The door closed with a loud bang that woke everyone up.
B2 noun breɪn ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ

brain-training

Meaning
Mental exercises designed to improve cognitive functions, memory retention, and overall brain performance.
Example
Regular brain-training can improve memory retention.
A2 adverb /ˈbæk.wərdz/

Backwards

Meaning
in the direction that is behind; in reverse order
Example
He counted backwards from ten to one.
A2 verb /blɒk/

block

Meaning
to obstruct; to prevent passage or progress
Example
The fallen tree blocks the road.
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 /ˈbreɪsɪŋ/

bracing

Meaning
Invigorating, refreshing, or providing strength and energy.
Example
The hikers enjoyed the bracing mountain air.
B2 noun /ˈbʊlɪt/

Bullet

Meaning
a metal projectile fired from a gun
Example
The bullet missed its target and hit the wall.
B2 noun /ˈbɒtəni/

botany

Meaning
the scientific study of plants
Example
She is studying botany at the university.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪ.laɪn/

byline

Meaning
A line in a newspaper or magazine article that names the writer.
Example
Her byline appeared on the front page of the newspaper.
B2 adjective /ˈbɒdɪli/

bodily

Meaning
relating to or concerning the body
Example
He suffered bodily harm in the accident.
C1 adjective /ˈbær.ən/

Barren

Meaning
sterile; unable to produce; desolate; unproductive
Example
The barren desert stretched for miles without any vegetation.
B2 noun /ˈbærəl/

barrel

Meaning
a large cylindrical container used to hold liquids
Example
The wine was stored in a wooden barrel.
C2 adjective /ˈblæs.fə.məs/

blasphemous

Meaning
showing disrespect or lack of reverence for God or sacred things
Example
The book was banned for its blasphemous content.
B2 noun bjʊəˈrɒk.rə.si

bureaucracy

Meaning
A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
Example
Excessive bureaucracy can slow down decision-making.
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 /ˈbuːt.stræp.ɪŋ/

bootstrapping

Meaning
Starting a business with personal resources or small investments without external funding or venture capital.
Example
Many entrepreneurs rely on bootstrapping to launch their businesses.
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.
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.
B2 noun; verb /breɪs/

brace

Meaning
a device that supports or strengthens something; to prepare mentally or physically for something difficult
Example
She braced herself for the strong wind.
C2 verb /bruːt/

bruit

Meaning
to spread a rumor or report widely
Example
The scandal was quickly bruited about the town.
B1 adverb /ˈbraɪtli/

brightly

Meaning
in a way that gives off a lot of light; in a vivid, cheerful, or intelligent manner
Example
The stars shone brightly in the clear night sky.
B2 noun /biːt/

Beet

Meaning
a plant with a round dark red root that is eaten as a vegetable
Example
Roasted beet with goat cheese makes a delicious salad.
B1 noun /boʊ/

Bow

Meaning
a weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood
Example
The archer drew his bow and aimed at the target.
C2 verb /bɪˈhuːvz/

behooves

Meaning
third person singular form of 'behoove'; means it is proper or necessary
Example
It behooves every citizen to follow the law.
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.
A2 noun /ˈbjuː.ti/

Beauty

Meaning
the quality of being pleasing to look at; attractiveness
Example
The beauty of the sunset took my breath away.
B2 noun/verb /ˌbærɪˈkeɪd/

barricade

Meaning
a barrier erected to block or defend against movement; to block a passage with obstacles
Example
Protesters built a barricade across the street.
C1 noun/verb /ˈbæntər/

banter

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

beset

Meaning
to trouble, harass, or attack on all sides
Example
The village was beset by constant floods.
A2 noun /brænd/

brand

Meaning
a type of product manufactured by a company under a particular name
Example
Nike is a popular brand of sportswear.
C2 verb /bɪˈfʌdəl/

befuddle

Meaning
to confuse someone completely; to make someone unable to think clearly
Example
The complex instructions befuddled the students.
C1 verb /ˈbruːtəlaɪz/

brutalize

Meaning
to treat someone with extreme violence or cruelty; to make something harsh or cruel
Example
The regime was accused of brutalizing innocent civilians.
A2 preposition /bɪˈsaɪd/

beside

Meaning
next to or at the side of someone or something
Example
She sat beside her best friend during the ceremony.
A1 noun /bɪt/

Bit

Meaning
a small piece or quantity of something; a short time or distance
Example
Can you wait a bit longer for me?
B1 noun /bloʊ/

Blow

Meaning
a powerful stroke with a hand, weapon, or hard object
Example
The boxer delivered a devastating blow to his opponent.
C2 noun /boʊl/

bole

Meaning
the trunk of a tree
Example
The bole of the tree was thick and strong.
B2 noun ˈbɪz.nɪs ˈfaɪ.næns

business finance

Meaning
The area of finance that deals with sources of funding and the capital structure of corporations.
Example
Effective business finance enhances profitability.
C2 noun /ˈbʌskɪn/

buskin

Meaning
A type of thick-soled boot that reaches halfway to the knee; also associated with tragic drama in ancient times.
Example
The actor wore a buskin as part of his classical costume.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪsɪs/

basis

Meaning
the underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process
Example
Trust is the basis of any strong relationship.
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.
B2 adjective /bɪˈlʌvɪd/

beloved

Meaning
dearly loved, highly regarded
Example
She was the beloved queen of the kingdom.
B2 noun /beɪ liːf/

Bay leaf

Meaning
dried aromatic leaf of the bay laurel tree used as a culinary herb
Example
Add a bay leaf to the soup for extra flavor.
B1 noun /ˈbʊt.ʃər/

Butcher

Meaning
a person whose job is cutting up and selling meat in a shop
Example
The butcher recommended the best cut of beef for our dinner.
B1 noun /bʊʃ/

bush

Meaning
a plant with many small branches growing close to the ground; a shrub
Example
A rabbit was hiding under the bush.
A2 noun /bentʃ/

Bench

Meaning
a long seat for several people, typically made of wood or stone
Example
The students sat on the bench.
C2 verb /ˈblʌdʒən/

bludgeon

Meaning
to hit someone with a heavy object; to force someone into doing something
Example
The guard was bludgeoned by the attacker in the alley.
C1 noun /bəˈrɒmɪtər/

barometer

Meaning
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
Example
The barometer indicated a storm was approaching.
C1 noun /ˈblɛm.ɪʃ/

blemish

Meaning
A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.
Example
The mirror had a small blemish on the surface.
C2 adjective /boʊˈhiːmiən/

bohemian

Meaning
unconventional, artistic, and free-spirited in lifestyle or appearance
Example
She decorated her apartment in a bohemian style with colorful fabrics.
A1 preposition /baɪ/

by

Meaning
indicating the agent performing an action, or the means of achieving something
Example
The book was written by a famous author.
C1 verb /bɪˈwɪldər/

bewilder

Meaning
to cause someone to be confused or puzzled
Example
The complex instructions bewildered the students.
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.
C2 noun /bəˈlɛəroʊ/

bolero

Meaning
A Spanish dance in slow triple time, or a short jacket open at the front.
Example
The dancers performed a passionate bolero at the festival.
C1 verb /bɪˈhoʊld/

behold

Meaning
to see or observe something, especially something remarkable or impressive
Example
She stood quietly to behold the sunrise over the hills.
C2 noun /ˈbaɪəˌɡræf/

biograph

Meaning
A written account of a person's life; an early motion-picture projector (historical use).
Example
The library holds an old biograph of the poet.
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.
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.
B2 noun/verb /beɪt/

bait

Meaning
Food or lure used to attract fish or animals; to deliberately provoke or annoy.
Example
He used worms as bait to catch fish.
C2 adjective /ˌbiːəˈtɪfɪk/

beatific

Meaning
blissfully happy or showing great joy
Example
She had a beatific smile after hearing the good news.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪoʊˌsfɪr/

Biosphere

Meaning
the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms
Example
Climate change is affecting the entire biosphere.
B1 adjective /brɔːd/

Broad

Meaning
wide; extensive; covering a large area
Example
The river is very broad at this point.
B2 verb /ˈbætər/

batter

Meaning
To strike repeatedly with force.
Example
The waves battered the shoreline all night.
B2 noun /bɪtʃ/

Bitch

Meaning
a female dog; an unpleasant or spiteful woman (offensive)
Example
The bitch gave birth to five puppies.
A2 noun /ˈbɑt.əm/

Bottom

Meaning
the lowest point or part of something; the ground under a body of water
Example
The treasure chest was lying at the bottom of the ocean.
A2 noun /ˈbʌk.ɪt/

Bucket

Meaning
a roughly cylindrical open container with a handle, used to hold and carry liquids
Example
The farmer filled the bucket with fresh water from the well.
A1 noun /ˈbɒdi/

body

Meaning
the physical structure of a person or animal
Example
Exercise helps keep the body healthy.
C1 verb /bɪˈmoʊn/

bemoan

Meaning
To express discontent or sorrow over something.
Example
Critics bemoaned the lack of diversity in the film.
C2 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ə.mɪst/

bigamist

Meaning
A person who commits the crime of marrying someone while already married to another.
Example
The man was arrested for being a bigamist.
C2 adjective /ˈbeɪnfəl/

baneful

Meaning
Causing harm, ruin, or destruction; deadly or poisonous.
Example
His baneful influence ruined the community.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbækənæl/

bacchanal

Meaning
A noisy party involving drinking and revelry.
Example
The festival turned into a wild bacchanal by midnight.
C1 adjective /ˈbuːzi/

boozy

Meaning
containing or involving a lot of alcohol; slightly drunk from alcohol
Example
The party became boozy as the night went on.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlrʌʃ/

bulrush

Meaning
A tall plant with long leaves that grows in or near water, also known as a cattail.
Example
The pond was surrounded by tall bulrushes swaying in the wind.
B2 noun ˈbluː.prɪnt

blueprint

Meaning
A detailed plan or framework for a work or project, a pre-planned structure.
Example
The architect presented a blueprint for the new building.
C1 adjective /bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/

belligerent

Meaning
Hostile and aggressive, ready to fight or argue.
Example
His belligerent attitude often leads to conflicts.
A2 adverb /bɪˈjɒnd/

Beyond

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

betray

Meaning
to be disloyal to; to reveal secrets
Example
He felt betrayed by his closest friend.
B2 noun, verb /blæst/

blast

Meaning
a strong gust of wind, an explosion, or a loud sound; to destroy or shatter by explosion
Example
The explosion sent a powerful blast through the building.
C1 verb; noun /beltʃ/

belch

Meaning
to expel air noisily from the stomach through the mouth; to emit or pour out suddenly and forcefully
Example
After drinking the soda, he belched loudly.
C1 noun /bɑːm/

balm

Meaning
A soothing ointment or something that provides comfort or relief.
Example
The balm helped relieve the pain from her sunburn.
C2 noun /ˈbiːlaɪn/

beeline

Meaning
a straight, direct route to a destination
Example
He made a beeline for the food table as soon as he entered the party.
B1 adverb /ˈbreɪv.li/

Bravely

Meaning
in a way that shows courage and determination
Example
The firefighter bravely entered the burning building.
B2 noun /ˈbrɔːdˌkæstər/

broadcaster

Meaning
a person or organization that transmits a broadcast program.
Example
The broadcaster aired the match live to millions of viewers.
C2 verb /bɪˈɡaɪl/

beguile

Meaning
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
Example
She beguiled the audience with her storytelling.
B1 adjective /blæŋk/

blank

Meaning
showing no expression or containing nothing written, printed, or recorded.
Example
Her face went blank when she heard the bad news.
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 /ˈbed sted/

Bed stead

Meaning
the framework of a bed; a bed frame without bedding
Example
The wooden bed stead was very sturdy.
A2 adverb /ˈbædli/

badly

Meaning
in a way that is not good; poorly or severely
Example
He performed badly in the exam.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

briticism

Meaning
a word, phrase, or characteristic feature of British English
Example
The word 'lorry' is a well-known Briticism.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪ.kɪŋ ˈsoʊ.də/

Baking Soda

Meaning
sodium bicarbonate used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent
Example
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to make the cake fluffy.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbər/

belabor

Meaning
to argue or elaborate on a subject in excessive detail; to attack verbally or physically
Example
The professor belabored the point until the students grew restless.
B2 adjective /bɪˈheɪvjərəl/

behavioral

Meaning
relating to the way a person or animal acts
Example
The psychologist studied the child's behavioral patterns.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪt/

belate

Meaning
to delay or make late
Example
Heavy traffic belated our arrival at the party.