Bitterness
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B2 noun /ˈbɪtərnəs/

Bitterness

Meaning
anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment; a sharp, unpleasant taste
Example
She spoke with bitterness about her former employer.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈbroʊkən/

Broken

Meaning
damaged; not working; fractured
Example
The broken window needs to be replaced immediately.
B2 noun /braʊ/

brow

Meaning
the part of the face above the eyes; forehead
Example
She wiped the sweat from her brow.
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.
C2 verb /ˈblʌstər/

bluster

Meaning
to speak loudly in an aggressive or threatening way, often without real power
Example
The manager blustered about firing people but did nothing.
B2 noun, verb /ˈblækmeɪl/

blackmail

Meaning
the act of demanding money or advantage by threatening to reveal secrets; to force someone to act by using such threats
Example
He tried to blackmail her by threatening to reveal the documents.
C2 noun /ˈbrɛviˌɛri/

breviary

Meaning
A book containing the service for each day, used in Christian liturgy.
Example
The monk read from the breviary during morning prayers.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪn.dʒəl/

Brinjal

Meaning
a large purple vegetable that is white inside; also called eggplant
Example
My mother cooked brinjal curry for lunch.
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.
B2 adjective /boʊld/

Bold

Meaning
brave; confident; daring
Example
He made a bold decision to start his own business.
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 /blæk biː/

Black-bee

Meaning
a large dark-colored bee that makes a loud buzzing sound
Example
The black-bee was buzzing around the flowers in the garden.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈbloʊtɪd/

bloated

Meaning
swollen or puffed up, often unpleasantly
Example
After the big meal, he felt bloated and uncomfortable.
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 noun /ˈbaɪ.lɔː/

by-law

Meaning
A rule made by a company, organization, or local authority to control the actions of its members.
Example
The city council passed a new by-law regulating street vendors.
B2 noun /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəri/

beneficiary

Meaning
a person who receives something, especially money or property, from a will or insurance policy
Example
She is the sole beneficiary of her father’s estate.
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.
B1 verb /blɛs/

bless

Meaning
to give divine favor; to ask for God's favor
Example
The priest blessed the congregation.
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.
A1 noun /ˈbɜːrθ.deɪ/

birthday

Meaning
the anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically celebrated annually
Example
We are planning a surprise birthday party for her.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪlɪf/

bailiff

Meaning
An official who keeps order in a court, carries out court orders, or collects debts.
Example
The bailiff asked everyone to rise as the judge entered the courtroom.
B1 noun /bɔɪl/

Boil

Meaning
a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected hair follicles
Example
The painful boil on his neck required medical treatment.
B1 adjective /brɔːd/

Broad

Meaning
wide; extensive; covering a large area
Example
The river is very broad at this point.
C2 verb /ˈbækˌslaɪd/

backslide

Meaning
To relapse into bad habits, undesirable practices, or moral decline.
Example
After months of progress, he began to backslide into old habits.
A1 noun /biːtʃ/

beach

Meaning
An area of sand or small stones beside the sea or a lake.
Example
They spent the day relaxing on the beach.
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.
B2 noun /blæk sneɪk/

Black Snake

Meaning
a snake with dark or black colored skin
Example
The black snake slithered through the grass.
B1 adverb /ˈbriːf.li/

Briefly

Meaning
in a short and clear way; for a short time
Example
Please explain the problem briefly.
B2 noun /ˈbeə.rər/

Bearer

Meaning
a person who carries or brings something; holder of a document
Example
The bearer of this message must deliver it quickly.
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 /ˈbɪvuˌæk/

bivouac

Meaning
a temporary camp without tents or cover, usually used by soldiers or mountaineers
Example
The climbers set up a bivouac on the mountainside.
B2 noun ˈbænd.wɪdθ

bandwidth

Meaning
A range of frequencies within a given band, in particular that used for transmitting a signal; the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time.
Example
Increasing bandwidth enhances internet speed.
A1 noun /breɪk/

break

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

bedroom

Meaning
A room used for sleeping in.
Example
The children were playing in the bedroom.
B2 noun /brɪŋk/

brink

Meaning
The edge or point just before a significant event or change.
Example
The company was on the brink of bankruptcy.
C1 verb /bɪˈɡrʌdʒ/

begrudge

Meaning
to resent someone for having something; to give reluctantly
Example
She did not begrudge him his success.
C2 noun /ˈbriːzˌweɪ/

breezeway

Meaning
A roofed outdoor passage, often connecting two buildings.
Example
The breezeway connected the house to the garage.
B2 adjective /bliːk/

bleak

Meaning
cold, miserable, or without hope
Example
The future seemed bleak after the economic downturn.
B2 noun /brɑː/

bra

Meaning
a woman's undergarment worn to support and cover the breasts
Example
She bought a comfortable bra for everyday wear.
B2 verb /ˈbrɪdʒɪŋ/

bridging

Meaning
The action of building a bridge over something; connecting or reducing the distance between two things.
Example
The new initiative is bridging the gap between urban and rural development.
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.
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 noun /blɑːtʃ/

blotch

Meaning
a large, irregular spot or stain, often on skin or fabric
Example
His shirt had a red blotch from the spilled juice.
C2 noun /ˈbɛlfri/

belfry

Meaning
A bell tower, especially one attached to a church or building.
Example
The church belfry housed a large bronze bell.
A2 noun /ˈbætəri/

battery

Meaning
A device that stores and provides electrical energy; also refers to a group of similar things or repeated blows.
Example
The phone battery ran out after a long day.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɪndl̩d/

brindled

Meaning
Having a brownish or tawny color with streaks or spots of another color.
Example
The farmer owned a brindled cow with distinctive stripes.
C1 adjective /ˈbaɪtɪŋ/

Biting

Meaning
extremely cold; sharply critical or harsh
Example
The biting cold made everyone shiver.
B2 adjective /bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

becoming

Meaning
attractive, suitable, or flattering to the wearer or situation
Example
That dress is very becoming on her.
B2 noun /ˈbækˌsaɪd/

backside

Meaning
the rear part or surface of something; informal term for the buttocks
Example
The kids slid down the hill on their backside.
B1 noun /ˌbækˈjɑːrd/

backyard

Meaning
an area of land behind a house, typically used for recreation or gardening
Example
The children played football in the backyard.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbuːt.leɪs/

Boot-lace

Meaning
a cord or string used to fasten a boot or shoe
Example
I need to tie my boot-lace before going for a walk.
B2 adjective /ˌben.ɪˈfɪʃ.əl/

beneficial

Meaning
Resulting in good; favorable or advantageous.
Example
Eye rubbing can be beneficial in moderation.
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.
A1 noun /ˈbeɪbi/

baby

Meaning
a very young child, especially one newly or recently born
Example
The baby is sleeping peacefully in the crib.
C2 noun /ˈbreɪziər/

Brazier

Meaning
a worker in brass; a portable container for burning charcoal or coal
Example
The brazier crafted beautiful brass ornaments.
A2 noun /ˈbeɪsˌbɔːl/

baseball

Meaning
a sport in which two teams try to score runs by hitting a ball and running around bases
Example
He loves watching baseball games on TV.
A1 conjunction /bɪˈkɔːz/

because

Meaning
for the reason that; since
Example
He stayed home because it was raining.
C2 adjective /ˈbaɪ.fərˌkeɪ.tɪd/

bifurcated

Meaning
Divided into two branches or parts.
Example
The river became bifurcated as it flowed around the island.
C2 noun /ˈbaɪpɛd/

biped

Meaning
An animal that walks on two feet.
Example
Humans are examples of biped creatures.
C1 noun /ˈbʌrə, ˈbʊrə/

borough

Meaning
A town, district, or administrative division, especially one with its own local government.
Example
Brooklyn is a borough of New York City.
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.
B2 noun /briz/

Breeze

Meaning
a gentle wind; something that is achieved with ease
Example
The cool ocean breeze made the hot summer day more pleasant.
C2 noun /ˈbed.ləm/

Bedlam

Meaning
a scene of noisy confusion; chaos and disorder
Example
The classroom was complete bedlam after the fire alarm.
A1 adjective /blæk/

Black

Meaning
having the darkest color; the opposite of white
Example
She wore a beautiful black dress to the party.
B2 noun/verb /bruːz/

bruise

Meaning
As a noun: an injury appearing as a purple or blue mark on the skin; As a verb: to injure without breaking the skin
Example
He got a bruise on his arm after falling.
C1 noun /beɪn/

bane

Meaning
A cause of great distress, harm, or annoyance.
Example
Traffic jams are the bane of city life.
C2 noun /ˈbrɔːdˌsaɪd/

broadside

Meaning
a strong verbal attack or a sheet of paper printed on one side
Example
The politician launched a broadside against his opponent.
B1 noun /ˈbʌb.əl/

bubble

Meaning
a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or gas; a temporary state of inflated value or excitement
Example
The children chased the bubbles in the air.
C1 verb /ˈbæbəl/

babble

Meaning
to talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish way
Example
The baby babbles all day long.
B1 noun /bʊl/

bull

Meaning
a male animal of the cattle family; sometimes refers to a strong or aggressive man
Example
The bull charged across the field towards the red flag.
C2 noun /bɪˈhiː.mɒθ/

behemoth

Meaning
Something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization.
Example
The company grew into a corporate behemoth.
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.
C2 verb, noun /blæb/

blab

Meaning
to talk too much or reveal secrets carelessly; excessive or foolish talk
Example
He accidentally blabbed the surprise to everyone.
C2 verb /ˈbaɪfərˌkeɪt/

bifurcate

Meaning
to divide into two branches or parts
Example
The road bifurcates into two separate paths at the hill.
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.
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.
C2 verb /bɪˈθɪŋk/

bethink

Meaning
to cause oneself to consider or remember something
Example
He bethought himself of the promise he had made.
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.
C1 noun /bʊk ˈbaɪn.dər/

Book binder

Meaning
a person whose job is to fasten the pages of books together and put covers on them
Example
The old book binder carefully restored the antique manuscript.
B2 noun, verb /bʌt/

butt

Meaning
to hit or push with the head or horns; the end part of something, especially a cigarette
Example
The goat butted the fence with its horns.
C2 verb /bɪˈsmɜːrtʃ/

besmirch

Meaning
to damage someone's reputation; to make dirty or stained
Example
He tried to besmirch her good name with false rumors.
A1 noun /bɔɪ/

boy

Meaning
a male child or young male person
Example
The boy ran across the playground.
A1 noun/verb /bæŋk/

bank

Meaning
an institution where money is kept and managed; or to tilt in movement (like an airplane or riverbank)
Example
She deposited the money in the bank.
B2 verb /bɑːrk/

bark

Meaning
to make a sharp sound like a dog; to speak angrily
Example
The dog barks at strangers.
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 noun /brɑːnz/

bronze

Meaning
a metal made by combining copper and tin, often used for statues and medals
Example
The statue was made of solid bronze.
C1 adjective /ˈbɒt.əl ɡriːn/

Bottle-green

Meaning
a dark green color similar to that of a green glass bottle
Example
She wore a beautiful bottle-green dress to the evening party.
C2 verb /bɪˈtəʊkən/

betoken

Meaning
to be a sign or indication of something
Example
Dark clouds betoken an approaching storm.
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.
A2 noun /ˈbɪznəsmæn/

businessman

Meaning
a person engaged in commercial or industrial business activities
Example
The businessman invested heavily in new technology.
A1 adjective /bɪɡ/

big

Meaning
large in size, extent, or importance
Example
They moved into a big house with plenty of space.
C2 verb /bɪˈdræɡəl/

bedraggle

Meaning
to make something wet, dirty, and untidy by dragging it through mud or water
Example
The children came home bedraggled after playing in the rain.
C2 verb /bɪˈdɔːb/

bedaub

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance
Example
The children bedaubed the wall with paint.
B2 adverb /ˈbɪt.ə.li/

Bitterly

Meaning
in an angry, hurt, or resentful way; extremely; severely
Example
She complained bitterly about the unfair treatment.
C2 verb /bɪˈfʌdəl/

befuddle

Meaning
to confuse someone completely; to make someone unable to think clearly
Example
The complex instructions befuddled the students.
B2 noun /ˈbʌf.ə.loʊ/

Buffalo

Meaning
a large wild ox with heavy horns; American bison
Example
The buffalo grazed peacefully in the meadow.
C2 verb /bruːt/

bruit

Meaning
to spread a rumor or report widely
Example
The scandal was quickly bruited about the town.
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.
C2 noun /bænˈdænə/

bandanna

Meaning
A large, often brightly colored handkerchief, typically worn on the head or around the neck.
Example
He tied a red bandanna around his neck.
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.
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 adjective, noun /bɪˈtroʊðd/

betrothed

Meaning
Engaged to be married; a person who is engaged.
Example
She introduced him as her betrothed.
C2 noun /bɪər/

bier

Meaning
a frame or stand on which a coffin or body is placed before burial or cremation
Example
The coffin was placed on the bier during the funeral service.
B2 interjection /ˈbrɑː.voʊ/

bravo

Meaning
used to express approval, admiration, or praise
Example
The audience shouted 'Bravo!' after the stunning performance.
B1 noun /blæk ˈber.i/

Black berry

Meaning
a small dark purple or black fruit that grows on bushes
Example
We picked fresh blackberries from the garden for our pie.
C2 noun /breɪ/

brae

Meaning
A hillside or slope, especially in Scotland.
Example
They climbed up the grassy brae to see the sunset.
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.
C2 noun /ˌbɪbliəʊˈmeɪniə/

bibliomania

Meaning
An extreme obsession with collecting or possessing books.
Example
His bibliomania led him to fill every room with books.
B1 verb /bæn/

ban

Meaning
to officially forbid something; to prohibit
Example
The government banned smoking in public places.
A1 noun /ˈbɔɪˌfrɛnd/

boyfriend

Meaning
a man or boy that someone is having a romantic or close relationship with
Example
She introduced her boyfriend to her parents.
C2 adjective /blaɪð/

blithe

Meaning
Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered improper or carefree happiness.
Example
She had a blithe disregard for the rules.
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.
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.
A2 verb /beɪs/

base

Meaning
to use something as a foundation; to establish or locate something
Example
They based their decision on facts.
C1 noun /bɑːrˈbeəriən/

Barbarian

Meaning
a person from an uncivilized group; someone who is cruel or brutal
Example
The ancient Romans considered anyone outside their empire to be barbarians.
B2 adjective /bəˈtænɪkəl/

botanical

Meaning
relating to plants or plant life
Example
She works at the botanical garden.
A2 noun /ˈbɪz.nəs/

Business

Meaning
work relating to the production, buying, and selling of goods or services
Example
He started his own business after graduating from university.
C2 verb /baɪd/

bide

Meaning
to wait patiently for the right time or opportunity
Example
He decided to bide his time before making a move.