Black Pepper
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B1 noun /blæk ˈpep.ər/

Black Pepper

Meaning
a hot-tasting spice made from dried peppercorns, widely used for seasoning food
Example
Season the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
B2 noun ˈsʌbstɪˌtut

substitute

Meaning
A person or thing acting or serving in place of another.
Example
Money cannot be a substitute for genuine happiness.
C1 noun /ɡɔːrd/

Gourd

Meaning
a climbing plant with large fruits that have hard shells when dried
Example
The bottle gourd curry was delicious and nutritious.
C2 adjective /nɪˈfɛəriəs/

nefarious

Meaning
Wicked, criminal, or morally bad.
Example
The police uncovered a nefarious plot to cheat investors.
B1 adjective /ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/

Fascinating

Meaning
extremely interesting; captivating; enchanting
Example
The documentary about ocean life was fascinating.
C2 noun /ˈsɪʒ.ən/

scission

Meaning
the act of cutting or dividing something
Example
The political party suffered a scission over ideological disputes.
C2 adjective /ˈɛrzæts/

ersatz

Meaning
made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one
Example
The cheap shoes were made of ersatz leather.
B1 noun /ˈtɛkstbʊk/

textbook

Meaning
a book used for studying a subject in school or college
Example
She bought a new biology textbook for her class.
C2 noun /əˈfleɪtəs/

afflatus

Meaning
a sudden divine inspiration or creative impulse
Example
The poet wrote the verses under a sudden afflatus of inspiration.
C1 verb /ræsp/

rasp

Meaning
to speak in a rough, harsh voice or to scrape with a coarse sound
Example
He rasped out a warning before collapsing.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
A2 verb /rɪˈtɜːrn/

return

Meaning
to come or go back to a place; to give back
Example
I will return home tomorrow.
B2 noun /ˈkreɪ.dəl/

Cradle

Meaning
a small bed for a baby, especially one that rocks from side to side
Example
The baby sleeps peacefully in the cradle.
A2 adjective /kəˈriːən/

korean

Meaning
relating to Korea, its people, language, or culture
Example
We went to a Korean restaurant for dinner.
C1 noun (plural) /ˈhɪntərlændz/

hinterlands

Meaning
Plural of hinterland; remote or less developed regions.
Example
Explorers traveled deep into the hinterlands of the country.
C1 verb /spɜːr/

spur

Meaning
To encourage or motivate someone to take action.
Example
The teacher's praise spurred him to study harder.
C2 noun /ˌnɛɡlɪˈʒeɪ/

negligee

Meaning
A woman's light dressing gown, often made of thin or silky material.
Example
She wore a silk negligee before going to bed.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəˌsɪləbəl/

monosyllable

Meaning
A word consisting of only one syllable.
Example
Words like 'yes' and 'no' are monosyllables.
C1 noun ˈɛf.lu.ənt

effluent

Meaning
Liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.
Example
Factory effluent contaminates nearby rivers and lakes.
B2 noun /ˈæməzɒn/

amazon

Meaning
A tall, strong, or powerful woman.
Example
She fought like an amazon in the competition.
B1 noun /ˈtʌnəl/

tunnel

Meaning
an underground passage or shaft
Example
They dug a tunnel under the river.
C1 verb /ˈnɔːrməlaɪz/

normalize

Meaning
to bring something back to a normal or standard condition; to make something conform to a standard
Example
The government took steps to normalize relations with neighboring countries.
C1 noun /ˌʌl.tɪˈmeɪ.təm/

Ultimatum

Meaning
a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation
Example
The boss gave him an ultimatum: improve or be fired.
A1 noun /kloʊðz/

clothes

Meaning
garments worn on the body
Example
She bought new clothes for the party.
C2 noun /ˌpæl.ənˈkiːn/

Palanquin

Meaning
a covered chair or bed carried on poles by bearers
Example
The bride was carried to the wedding ceremony in an ornate palanquin.
C1 adjective ɪˌɡæl.ɪˈteə.ri.ən

egalitarian

Meaning
Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
Example
The new law promotes an egalitarian society.
A1 noun /ˈpɪk.tʃər/

Picture

Meaning
a visual representation such as a painting, drawing, or photograph
Example
There is a beautiful picture hanging on the wall.
A2 noun /peɪn/

Pain

Meaning
physical suffering or discomfort; mental or emotional distress
Example
The patient felt severe pain in his back.
B2 verb /ˈmɑːdərət/

moderate

Meaning
to make less extreme or intense; to control or preside over
Example
She moderated the heated debate between the candidates.
C2 adjective /ˈæfərənt/

afferent

Meaning
carrying impulses toward a central organ or part, especially toward the brain or spinal cord
Example
Afferent nerves carry signals from the body to the brain.
C1 adverb /ˈæmpli/

amply

Meaning
more than sufficiently; generously
Example
She was amply rewarded for her hard work.
A2 noun /ˈkʌm.pə.ni/

company

Meaning
a business organization; the presence of other people
Example
She started her own company to sell handmade products.
C1 noun /ˈdʊr.i.ən/

Durian

Meaning
a large spiky tropical fruit known for its strong smell and creamy custard-like flesh
Example
Durian is known as the king of fruits in Southeast Asia despite its pungent odor.
B1 adverb /ˈkeərləsli/

carelessly

Meaning
without care or attention; in a negligent or reckless manner
Example
He carelessly left the door unlocked.
B1 adverb /ˈɡrædʒ.u.ə.li/

Gradually

Meaning
slowly and steadily over a period of time
Example
The weather gradually became warmer in spring.
A2 noun /ˈhɒki/

hockey

Meaning
a sport played with sticks and a ball or puck on ice or a field
Example
He plays hockey for the national team.
C1 noun /dɪˈfaɪəns/

defiance

Meaning
Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Example
The protest was an act of defiance against injustice.
C1 adjective /ˌæbəˈrɪdʒənəl/

aboriginal

Meaning
Relating to the original inhabitants of a region.
Example
The museum has a large collection of aboriginal art.
B2 noun /ˈbæŋkrʌpt/

Bankrupt

Meaning
a person unable to pay debts; having no money; completely lacking in something
Example
The company went bankrupt after years of poor financial management.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɪə.ləs/

Cheerless

Meaning
lacking happiness or comfort; gloomy; depressing; without cheer
Example
The old house looked cheerless and abandoned in the winter rain.
C2 adjective /ˈɜːrsaɪn/

ursine

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a bear.
Example
The man’s ursine strength amazed everyone.
C1 adjective /ˈvɑːlətl/

volatile

Meaning
likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse
Example
The stock market is extremely volatile these days.
C2 noun /ˈɛpɪɡræm/

epigram

Meaning
A short, witty saying or poem that expresses an idea in a clever way.
Example
Oscar Wilde was famous for his sharp epigrams.
C2 adjective /ˈkælkjʊləbl/

calculable

Meaning
Capable of being calculated, estimated, or measured.
Example
The risk involved in the project is calculable.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
B1 noun, verb /ɡrɪl/

grill

Meaning
a metal frame used for cooking food over an open fire; to cook food on such a frame
Example
We grilled some chicken for dinner.
A2 noun /dɪˈzɜːrt/

dessert

Meaning
the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal
Example
We had ice cream for dessert after dinner.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɔː.mə.ti/

Deformity

Meaning
a distorted or unnatural shape or form; physical malformation
Example
The accident caused a permanent deformity in his left hand.
C1 verb /ˈɛnərˌdʒaɪz/

energize

Meaning
To give energy or vitality to something or someone.
Example
The motivational speech helped energize the team.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊt əv ðə ˈweɪ/

out-of-the-way

Meaning
remote or unusual; not in a convenient or usual location
Example
They stayed in an out-of-the-way village.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvɪɡ.ər.eɪt/

invigorate

Meaning
To give strength or energy to someone or something.
Example
A morning walk can invigorate both body and mind.
A1 verb /mʌst/

must

Meaning
to be required or obligated to
Example
You must complete your homework before you go out.
C2 adjective /mɜːrˈkjʊriəl/

mercurial

Meaning
subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
Example
She is known for her mercurial temperament.
B2 noun /ˈsɪɡ.nəlz/

signals

Meaning
A gesture, action, or sound conveying information or instructions.
Example
Signals from deep space were detected last week.
A2 noun /ˈɡɑːr.dən.ər/

Gardener

Meaning
a person who tends and cultivates a garden
Example
The gardener planted beautiful flowers in the backyard.
B2 adjective /ˈsel.jə.lər/

Cellular

Meaning
relating to cells; consisting of cells; relating to mobile phone technology
Example
Cellular technology has revolutionized communication.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtskɜːrts/

outskirts

Meaning
The outer parts of a town or city, away from the center.
Example
They moved to the outskirts of the city for a quieter life.
B1 noun /pɑːrˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃən/

participation

Meaning
the action of taking part in something
Example
Her participation in the competition was commendable.
C1 noun /ˈfɛərˌɡraʊndz/

fairgrounds

Meaning
A designated area where fairs, exhibitions, and amusement events are held
Example
The town set up rides and stalls at the fairgrounds for the annual festival.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfər/

lexicographer

Meaning
A person who compiles, writes, or edits dictionaries.
Example
The lexicographer spent years compiling the dictionary.
C2 noun /ˌbɪbliəʊˈmeɪniə/

bibliomania

Meaning
An extreme obsession with collecting or possessing books.
Example
His bibliomania led him to fill every room with books.
C2 adjective /ˈfæl.oʊ/

fallow

Meaning
Describing land that is left unplanted for a period to restore its fertility, allowing soil to recover nutrients and break pest and disease cycles.
Example
Farmers leave their fields fallow to restore soil fertility.
B2 verb /daɪˈdʒest/

digest

Meaning
to break down food in the body; to think about and understand
Example
It takes time to digest a heavy meal.
C1 verb /ɪkˈstræpəleɪtɪŋ/

extrapolating

Meaning
Extend the application of (a method or conclusion) to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue.
Example
Extrapolating from the current data, we can estimate the trends for next year.
A2 noun /ˈɡraʊnd flɔːr/

ground floor

Meaning
the floor of a building at ground level; the starting level of an organization or activity
Example
The grocery shop is located on the ground floor of the building.
C1 noun /ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/

shaving

Meaning
the act of removing hair with a razor; a thin strip or piece shaved from something
Example
He bought a new cream for shaving.
B2 noun /prəˈtɛktər/

protector

Meaning
a person or thing that protects someone or something
Example
The dog was seen as the family's protector.
C1 verb /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/

alleviate

Meaning
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe; to relieve or ease.
Example
Meditation can alleviate stress and improve focus.
C1 verb /rɪˈbjuːk/

rebuke

Meaning
to criticize or scold sharply; to express disapproval
Example
The teacher had to rebuke the student for cheating.
C1 adjective /ˈspɛktrəl/

spectral

Meaning
Relating to a ghost or specter; ghostly. Also relating to a spectrum.
Example
The old mansion had a spectral atmosphere at night.
B2 noun /ˈfaʊn.dər/

Founder

Meaning
a person who establishes an institution or settlement; someone who starts or creates something
Example
Steve Jobs was the co-founder of Apple Inc. and revolutionized personal computing.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

Meaning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example
The waiter gave us a surly look when we asked for more water.
B1 noun /əˈtæʧmənt/

attachment

Meaning
a strong feeling of affection or connection
Example
The attachment he felt to his hometown was undeniable.
C2 noun /ˌænθrəpəˈsɛntrɪzəm/

anthropocentrism

Meaning
The belief that human beings are the most important or central element of existence.
Example
Anthropocentrism often shapes environmental policies.
C1 adjective /ˈblaɪtɪd/

blighted

Meaning
Spoiled, damaged, or destroyed.
Example
The blighted neighborhood was abandoned by most residents.
C2 noun /ˈɛpɪtɑːf/

epitaph

Meaning
A short text written on a tombstone in memory of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone bore an epitaph honoring the soldier’s bravery.
C2 noun /ˈklæpər/

clapper

Meaning
The free-swinging metal piece inside a bell that strikes it to produce sound.
Example
The clapper inside the bell was broken.
C2 noun /sɛnˈsɔːrɪəm/

sensorium

Meaning
The part of the brain or mind concerned with the reception and interpretation of sensory stimuli.
Example
The patient’s sensorium was clouded after the accident.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnətər/

senator

Meaning
a member of a senate, especially in a legislative body
Example
The senator spoke passionately about environmental policies.
C1 noun /ˈɪntrɪkəsi/

intricacy

Meaning
the quality of being very detailed or complicated
Example
The intricacy of the design impressed everyone.
B1 noun ˈtʃeə.pɜː.sən

chairperson

Meaning
A person who is in charge of a meeting or organization; the presiding officer of a committee, board, or organization.
Example
The chairperson ensures procedural integrity.
A2 noun /ˈɪʃ.uːz/

issues

Meaning
Important topics or problems for debate or discussion.
Example
Health issues from pollution are increasing.
C1 noun /əˈstuːt.nəs/

astuteness

Meaning
The ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example
His astuteness helped in negotiations.
C1 noun /kwoʊ/

quo

Meaning
The existing state of affairs or situation, often used in the phrase 'status quo'.
Example
He wanted to maintain the status quo at work.
B2 noun/verb /rɪˈmɑːrk/

remark

Meaning
something that is said; a comment
Example
She made a remark about the weather.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvaɪzəbl/

inadvisable

Meaning
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences.
Example
It is inadvisable to drive in such heavy rain.
C1 noun /ˈɛskəpeɪd/

escapade

Meaning
an adventurous, exciting, or reckless act
Example
Their summer escapade included camping and mountain climbing.
B2 noun ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃən

transformation

Meaning
A thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character; a complete alteration or evolution.
Example
Digital literacy leads to economic transformation.
C2 noun /ˈdɛntɪfrɪs/

dentifrice

Meaning
a substance such as powder, paste, or liquid used to clean teeth
Example
He bought a new herbal dentifrice from the pharmacy.
A1 noun /ˈtiː.ʃɜːrt/

T-shirt

Meaning
a casual shirt with short sleeves and no collar
Example
She bought a new t-shirt for the summer vacation.
B2 verb /ʌnˈtaɪ/

untie

Meaning
to loosen or remove a knot or binding; to release something that is tied
Example
She untied the rope to free the boat.
A1 noun ˈfjuː.tʃər

future

Meaning
The time or a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come.
Example
Future projects depend on strategic planning.
C1 noun/verb /ˈkwɒr.i/

quarry

Meaning
A place where stone or minerals are extracted; also means prey when hunted.
Example
The workers quarried limestone from the hill.
B2 verb /əˈteɪn/

attain

Meaning
to achieve or reach something
Example
She worked hard to attain her goals.
A1 adjective /ʃɔːrt/

Short

Meaning
having a small length, height, or duration; not long
Example
The meeting was very short, lasting only ten minutes.
B2 adjective /ˈpen.dɪŋ/

Pending

Meaning
awaiting; not yet decided or settled; in the process of being completed
Example
The application is still pending approval.
C2 adjective /ˈnaɪt.li/

Knightly

Meaning
having the characteristics of a knight; chivalrous; noble and brave
Example
He showed knightly courage in defending the innocent.
C1 noun /oʊθ/

Oath

Meaning
a solemn promise or declaration; a sworn statement
Example
The doctor took an oath to help patients.
B1 noun ɪˈkwɒl.ə.ti

equality

Meaning
The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.
Example
Equality in education is a key goal.
B1 adjective /ˈsplendɪd/

Splendid

Meaning
magnificent; excellent; very impressive
Example
The castle looked splendid in the sunset.
B1 noun /kənˈsʌltənt/

consultant

Meaning
A professional who provides expert advice in a particular area.
Example
The company hired a consultant to improve its marketing strategy.
C1 noun sɜːrˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm

circadian rhythm

Meaning
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle that occurs within 24 hours
Example
Exposure to natural light regulates the circadian rhythm.
B2 noun /skɛtʃ/

sketch

Meaning
a simple, rough drawing or outline
Example
He made a quick sketch of the landscape.
C2 verb /dɪˈstreɪn/

distrain

Meaning
to seize someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
Example
The landlord distrained the tenant's furniture for unpaid rent.
A2 noun /ˈɡʊdnəs/

goodness

Meaning
the quality of being morally good or virtuous
Example
Her goodness was evident in the way she treated others.
B2 noun ˈwɪl.paʊər

willpower

Meaning
The ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve what you want to do.
Example
Strong willpower is essential for achieving long-term goals.
B2 noun, verb /steɪk/

stake

Meaning
A share or interest in a business or venture; to risk or support something of value.
Example
He has a major stake in the new company.
B2 adjective /ˌsɪm.pəˈθet.ɪk/

Sympathetic

Meaning
showing compassion or understanding for someone's feelings or situation
Example
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my problems.
C1 adjective /bɪˈnaɪn/

benign

Meaning
Gentle, kind, or not harmful (especially of a disease or tumor).
Example
The doctor assured her that the tumor was benign.
C2 adjective /traɪˈɛniəl/

triennial

Meaning
Occurring once every three years.
Example
The art festival is a triennial event in the city.
B2 verb /ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt/

devastate

Meaning
to cause severe and overwhelming destruction or damage
Example
The hurricane devastated the coastal town.
A2 verb /ˈpræktɪs/

practise

Meaning
to do something repeatedly to improve skill; to work in a profession
Example
She practises piano for two hours daily.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
B1 noun /ˈfɪnɪʃ laɪn/

finish line

Meaning
The line or point at the end of a race or competition where participants complete it.
Example
She sprinted towards the finish line and won the race.
A2 noun /ˈɔːtoʊ/

auto

Meaning
A motor vehicle, especially a car.
Example
He drove his auto to the market.
C2 noun /vɛnˈdɪʃən/

vendition

Meaning
The act of selling; sale.
Example
The auction was a formal vendition of the estate's assets.
B2 verb /ˈænəlaɪz/

analyze

Meaning
to examine something in detail to understand it better or draw conclusions
Example
Scientists analyze data to discover new patterns.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌɡi/

muggy

Meaning
uncomfortably warm and humid
Example
It was a muggy afternoon in July.
B2 noun /ˈspɒt.laɪt/

spotlight

Meaning
a strong beam of light directed onto a particular area; figuratively, public attention
Example
The singer stood proudly in the spotlight.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli/

undoubtedly

Meaning
without a doubt, certainly
Example
He is undoubtedly the best player on the team.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɛktɪd/

unaffected

Meaning
Not influenced or touched by something; genuine and natural.
Example
He remained unaffected by the criticism and kept working hard.