bleak
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B2 adjective /bliːk/

bleak

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

fantasy

Meaning
a creation of the imagination, especially something improbable or impossible
Example
She has a vivid fantasy about traveling to space.
B2 noun /ˈɔr.fən/

Orphan

Meaning
a child whose parents are dead; someone without protective support
Example
The orphan was adopted by a loving family.
B2 verb /kənˈtæmɪneɪt/

contaminate

Meaning
To make something impure, dirty, or harmful by contact with a poisonous or polluting substance.
Example
The river was contaminated by industrial waste.
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 noun /pʌŋk/

punk

Meaning
a type of popular music, or the culture associated with it, characterized by loud, fast rhythms and rebellious attitudes
Example
He’s always been into punk music and fashion.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
B2 noun /ˈbaɪoʊ ˌdeɪtə/

Bio-data

Meaning
biographical data; a resume or curriculum vitae containing personal and professional information
Example
Please submit your bio-data along with the job application.
B2 noun /ˈdʒoʊ.kər/

Joker

Meaning
a playing card with a picture of a jester, used as a wild card; a person who is fond of joking
Example
He used the joker card to complete his winning hand in the poker game.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtlet/

outlet

Meaning
a means by which something is released, expressed, or distributed
Example
Art is a great outlet for emotions.
B2 noun /prəˈtɛktər/

protector

Meaning
a person or thing that protects someone or something
Example
The dog was seen as the family's protector.
B2 noun /ˈlɛtɪs/

lettuce

Meaning
a leafy green vegetable commonly used in salads and sandwiches
Example
She added fresh lettuce to the sandwich.
B2 noun ˈbʌtərflaɪ ˌpɒpjəˈleɪʃən

Butterfly Population

Meaning
The total number of butterflies in a particular area or ecosystem.
Example
The butterfly population is declining due to habitat loss.
B2 noun /liːk/

Leek

Meaning
vegetable related to onion with long green leaves and white bulb, milder than onion
Example
The soup was made with potatoes and leeks.
B2 adjective /ˈjuː.nɪ.faɪd/

unified

Meaning
Made into a whole or joined together.
Example
A unified approach fosters better outcomes.
B2 noun /ˈsiː.krə.si/

Secrecy

Meaning
the practice of keeping something secret; the state of being kept hidden
Example
The project was conducted in complete secrecy.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊloʊ/

solo

Meaning
performed by one person alone; a single performance
Example
She decided to perform a solo dance at the talent show.
B2 noun /əˈmɛnətiz/

amenities

Meaning
useful or pleasant facilities and services provided for comfort or convenience
Example
The hotel offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a swimming pool.
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.
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.
B2 noun /bluːz/

blues

Meaning
a feeling of sadness; a style of music with melancholy themes
Example
Listening to blues music always calms him down.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/

optimal

Meaning
Best or most favorable; the most effective under particular conditions.
Example
The optimal temperature for plant growth is around 25°C.
B2 noun /ˈhʌrɪkən/

hurricane

Meaning
A violent tropical storm with very strong winds and heavy rain.
Example
The hurricane destroyed hundreds of homes along the coast.
B2 adverb /ˈskeəs.li/

Scarcely

Meaning
hardly; barely; only just
Example
I could scarcely believe my eyes.
B2 noun /ˈɡæmblɪŋ/

gambling

Meaning
the activity of betting money or valuables on an outcome, often involving risk
Example
He got addicted to gambling at the casino.
B2 verb /pʌmp/

pump

Meaning
to force liquid or gas to move in a particular direction using a device
Example
They pumped water from the well into the tank.
B2 noun /ˈklɪərəns/

clearance

Meaning
official permission or authorization; the removal of something unwanted; the distance between two objects
Example
The pilot received clearance to land the plane.
B2 noun /ˌsɛkʃuˈæləti/

sexuality

Meaning
a person's capacity for sexual feelings and orientation
Example
She spoke openly about her sexuality and identity.
B2 adjective /ɔːˈθen.tɪk/

Authentic

Meaning
genuine; real; not fake or copied
Example
The museum displays only authentic artifacts from ancient civilizations.
B2 noun /ˈmɪnərəl/

mineral

Meaning
a naturally occurring substance that is solid and inorganic, often used in industry or nutrition
Example
Calcium is an important mineral for strong bones.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈsiːn/

Unseen

Meaning
not previously seen or noticed; invisible; hidden
Example
The unseen forces of nature can be very powerful.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstɜː.bɪŋ/

disturbing

Meaning
causing anxiety, worry, or emotional distress
Example
The news about the accident was deeply disturbing.
B2 noun /ˈɪə.rə/

Era

Meaning
a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic
Example
The Renaissance was an era of great artistic and cultural achievement.
B2 verb /ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/

struggling

Meaning
Making forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction; having difficulty achieving something.
Example
Many regions are struggling with economic recovery.
B2 verb /tæn/

tan

Meaning
to make skin or a hide brown by exposure to the sun or by using chemicals
Example
She tanned her skin after spending the summer at the beach.
B2 adverb /ˈliːɡəli/

legally

Meaning
in a way that is allowed by law
Example
He is legally responsible for his actions.
B2 noun /ˈɡæl.ək.siːz/

galaxies

Meaning
Large collections of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.
Example
Distant galaxies hold clues about the early universe.
B2 adjective /ˈskætərd/

Scattered

Meaning
spread widely apart; dispersed; occurring here and there
Example
Scattered showers are expected throughout the day.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪz.mə/

charisma

Meaning
Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Example
His charisma helped him become a great leader.
B2 noun /ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən/

execution

Meaning
the act of carrying out a plan, order, or legal sentence
Example
The success of a project depends on its proper execution.
B2 noun /ˈsliːpər/

sleeper

Meaning
a person or thing that sleeps; something that unexpectedly succeeds
Example
The movie turned out to be a real sleeper hit.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊpi/

Soapy

Meaning
covered with soap; having the characteristics of soap; foamy
Example
The dishes were still soapy after washing.
B2 noun /ˈmes.ɪn.dʒər/

Messenger

Meaning
a person who carries messages or communications between parties
Example
The messenger delivered important battle plans to the commander.
B2 noun; verb /ˈkætəlɒɡ/

catalogue

Meaning
a complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or systematic order; to make a systematic list of items
Example
The library decided to catalogue all new books digitally.
B2 verb /ʃʌv/

shove

Meaning
to push someone or something roughly
Example
He shoved the box into the corner.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtaɪtəld/

entitled

Meaning
having the right to do or have something; feeling deserving of special treatment
Example
Employees are entitled to paid leave.
B2 adjective /esˈθet.ɪk/

Aesthetic

Meaning
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Example
Good aesthetic design enhances product appeal.
B2 noun ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən

preservation

Meaning
The action of maintaining something in its original or existing state; protection from harm or damage.
Example
Proper preservation extends the lifespan of machinery.
B2 noun /ˈspætʃ.ʊ.lə/

Spatula

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or lifting food
Example
I used a spatula to flip the pancakes in the pan.
B2 noun ˌnæv.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

navigation

Meaning
The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one's position and planning and following a route.
Example
GPS technology has improved the navigation of self-driving cars.
B2 noun /ˈfer.i boʊt/

Ferry-boat

Meaning
a boat that carries passengers and vehicles across water
Example
We took the ferry-boat to cross the river.
B2 noun ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn

dedication

Meaning
The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose; devotion.
Example
His dedication laid the foundation of Indian science.
B2 adjective ˌɪn.təˈræk.tɪv

interactive

Meaning
Allowing a two-way flow of information between it and a user, responding to the user's input.
Example
Interactive learning keeps students engaged in lessons.
B2 adjective /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/

biodegradable

Meaning
Capable of being decomposed by natural biological processes, typically by bacteria or other living organisms, without causing harm to the environment.
Example
Biodegradable materials break down naturally without harming the environment.
B2 noun /ˈʃəʊ.keɪs/

showcase

Meaning
A display case or exhibition; to present something in an attractive or favorable way.
Example
The exhibition showcased the artist's best works.
B2 noun /ɪnˈdjʊə.rəns/

endurance

Meaning
The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.
Example
Running a marathon requires exceptional endurance.
B2 verb /skæn/

scan

Meaning
To look at something carefully or quickly; to digitally copy or capture an image or document.
Example
She scanned the document before sending it by email.
B2 noun ˈfreɪm.wɜːk

framework

Meaning
An essential supporting structure of a building, vehicle, or object; a basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
Example
A strong framework is vital for governance.
B2 noun /ˈfɛə(r)nɪs/

fairness

Meaning
the quality of being free from bias, favoritism, or injustice
Example
She always strives for fairness in her decisions.
B2 verb aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪd

identified

Meaning
To recognize or establish who or what someone or something is.
Example
The root causes of the issue need to be identified.
B2 noun /ˈruːstər/

rooster

Meaning
A male domestic chicken, especially one that crows.
Example
The rooster crowed at dawn, waking up the whole village.
B2 adverb /ɪˈfɪʃəntli/

efficiently

Meaning
in a way that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense
Example
She managed to complete the task efficiently within the deadline.
B2 noun/verb /pəʊl/

poll

Meaning
a survey of public opinion or voting in an election
Example
The poll revealed that most people favored the new policy.
B2 adjective /ˈlɛŋθi/

lengthy

Meaning
long in duration or extent
Example
The meeting was lengthy, lasting over three hours.
B2 noun pɪər ˈɪnfluəns

peer influence

Meaning
The effect that members of a peer group have on each other, especially in terms of behavior, attitudes, and decision-making.
Example
Peer influence can shape juvenile behavior significantly.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpɜr.mə.nəns/

Permanence

Meaning
the state or quality of lasting or remaining unchanged indefinitely; enduring nature
Example
The permanence of the stone monument impressed all visitors.
B2 adjective /ˈɔɪl.i/

Oily

Meaning
covered with oil; containing oil; greasy
Example
Her oily skin needs special care.
B2 adjective /ɪˈtɜː.nəl/

Eternal

Meaning
lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning; everlasting
Example
Their love seemed eternal and unbreakable.
B2 noun, verb /ræŋks/

ranks

Meaning
Positions within a group, especially in a hierarchy or organization.
Example
He quickly moved up the ranks of the army.
B2 noun/verb /ˈfɒs.tər.ɪŋ/

fostering

Meaning
The process of encouraging or promoting the development or growth of something; nurturing and caring for.
Example
Good teachers play a key role in fostering creativity in students.
B2 adverb /ɪkˈstɛnsɪvli/

extensively

Meaning
in a thorough or wide-ranging manner
Example
She traveled extensively across Europe for her research.
B2 verb ˈfɔːr.mjə.leɪt

formulate

Meaning
To create or develop a plan or idea clearly and specifically, to construct an idea or strategy clearly.
Example
The company must formulate a strategy for expansion.
B2 noun /kraɪˈtɪəriən/

criterion

Meaning
A standard or rule used to make a judgment or decision.
Example
Honesty is an important criterion for this job.
B2 noun /ˈɛseɪ/

essay

Meaning
A short piece of writing on a particular subject.
Example
She wrote an essay about climate change.
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.
B2 noun /jɔːn/

Yawn

Meaning
an involuntary opening of the mouth and inhalation of air due to tiredness or boredom
Example
She couldn't suppress a yawn during the boring lecture.
B2 noun /sɪlk/

silk

Meaning
a fine, smooth fabric made from the threads produced by silkworms
Example
The dress was made of pure silk.
B2 noun /ɡloʊb/

Globe

Meaning
a spherical or rounded object; the earth; a spherical model of the earth
Example
The teacher used a globe to show the students the locations of different countries.
B2 noun /ɪmˈpaʊə.mənt/

empowerment

Meaning
Authority or power given to someone to do something.
Example
Empowerment initiatives enhance confidence.
B2 noun /ˈdiːtʊr/

detour

Meaning
A longer or less direct route taken to avoid something or reach a destination.
Example
We had to take a detour because the main road was closed.
B2 noun/adjective /səˈvɪliən/

civilian

Meaning
a person not in the armed forces or police
Example
The area was evacuated to protect the civilians.
B2 noun /ˈdef.ə.sɪt/

Deficit

Meaning
the amount by which something is too small; a shortfall or lack
Example
The government faced a budget deficit of millions due to increased spending.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈwɜːrði/

Unworthy

Meaning
not deserving respect or attention; lacking worth or merit
Example
He felt unworthy of such praise and recognition.
B2 adverb /əˈproʊpriətli/

appropriately

Meaning
in a way that is suitable or proper for a particular situation
Example
She was dressed appropriately for the event.
B2 adverb /ruːˈtiːnli/

routinely

Meaning
as part of a regular procedure; habitually
Example
The staff routinely checks the equipment for safety.
B2 noun ˈhæb.ɪ.tæts

habitats

Meaning
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Example
Scientists envision habitats on the Moon.
B2 noun /ɡriːf/

Grief

Meaning
deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death; trouble or suffering
Example
The family was overwhelmed with grief after losing their beloved pet.
B2 noun /ˈɪnvənˌtɔːri/

inventory

Meaning
A complete list of items, such as goods in stock or property.
Example
The shopkeeper checked the inventory before opening the store.
B2 noun ˈəʊ.və.hed

overhead

Meaning
Ongoing business expenses not directly attributable to creating a product or service.
Example
The company reduced its overhead to increase profits.
B2 noun ˌkɒn.fɪ.den.ʃiˈæl.ɪ.ti

confidentiality

Meaning
The state of keeping or being kept secret or private
Example
Confidentiality is crucial in data security.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnsəs/

census

Meaning
An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Example
The government conducted a census to update demographic data.
B2 noun /dɪˈvoʊ.ʃən/

Devotion

Meaning
love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause
Example
Her devotion to helping others made her a beloved figure in the community.
B2 adjective /ˈɡrʌm.pi/

Grumpy

Meaning
bad-tempered and irritable; easily annoyed
Example
He was grumpy all morning because he didn't sleep well.
B2 noun /ˈækjərəsi/

Accuracy

Meaning
the quality of being correct or precise; exactness
Example
The accuracy of the measurements is very important.
B2 noun /træŋˈkwɪl.ɪ.ti/

tranquillity

Meaning
the state of being calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance
Example
She enjoyed the tranquillity of the countryside after years in the city.
B2 verb ɪnˈhɑːnst

enhanced

Meaning
Intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of something.
Example
Enhanced strategies improve outcomes.
B2 noun /ˈkænjən/

canyon

Meaning
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
Example
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
B2 adjective, verb (past) /səˈspɛndɪd/

suspended

Meaning
Temporarily not allowed, stopped, or hanging.
Example
He was suspended from school for a week.
B2 verb /dɪˈstrækt/

distract

Meaning
to take someone's attention away from what they are doing or focusing on
Example
The loud noise distracted her during the exam.
B2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/

intersection

Meaning
a point where two or more things intersect, especially a road or path
Example
The intersection of Main Street and 5th Avenue is always busy.
B2 adjective /ˈfɪr.fəl/

fearful

Meaning
feeling afraid or showing fear
Example
She was fearful of walking alone at night.
B2 noun /ˈtriːti/

Treaty

Meaning
a formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries or states
Example
The peace treaty was signed after years of negotiations.
B2 adjective /ˈpoʊ.lər/

polar

Meaning
relating to the North or South Pole; opposite in nature or character
Example
Penguins live in polar regions of the Earth.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/

inclusive

Meaning
Including all the services, facilities, or items normally expected or required; not excluding any section of society or any party involved.
Example
Inclusive growth benefits all sections of society.
B2 noun /ˈkruː.əl.ti/

Cruelty

Meaning
behavior that causes pain or suffering to others; the quality of being cruel
Example
The documentary exposed the cruelty of factory farming to animals.
B2 verb /stɪŋ/

sting

Meaning
to pierce with a sharp point; to cause sharp pain
Example
The bee stung him on his arm while he was gardening.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪf.taɪm/

lifetime

Meaning
The duration of a person's life or the existence of something.
Example
She achieved more in her lifetime than most people dream of.
B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

Meaning
arranged for the present; temporary; subject to later confirmation
Example
The provisional agreement will be reviewed next month.
B2 verb /ˈfrʌsˌtreɪt/

frustrate

Meaning
to prevent from accomplishing; to make someone feel annoyed
Example
The traffic jam frustrated all the commuters.
B2 noun /kəmˈpɑːrt.mənt/

Compartment

Meaning
a separate section or division of a larger space, especially in a train
Example
We found seats in the first-class compartment.
B2 noun /ˈpæθweɪ/

pathway

Meaning
a route or course along which something travels or progresses
Example
The narrow pathway led to the hidden garden.
B2 noun /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/

distribution

Meaning
the act of sharing or delivering something to multiple people or places
Example
The company manages the distribution of food supplies to rural areas.
B2 noun /ˈɪntərvəl/

interval

Meaning
a period of time between two events or points; a pause or break in activity
Example
There was a short interval between the two performances.
B2 noun /ˈsæksəfoʊn/

Saxophone

Meaning
a wind musical instrument with a curved metal body and a single reed mouthpiece
Example
The jazz musician played a beautiful solo on his saxophone.
B2 noun /hɪp/

hip

Meaning
The part of the body on either side of the pelvis, or informal: trendy and fashionable.
Example
She put her hands on her hips.
B2 noun /ˈprɛʃər ˈkʊkər/

Pressure cooker

Meaning
a sealed cooking pot that uses steam pressure to cook food faster
Example
Using a pressure cooker reduces cooking time by more than half.
B2 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd/

Mustard

Meaning
A pungent seed or condiment made from ground mustard seeds
Example
She added mustard seeds to the curry for extra flavor.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsələr/

counsellor

Meaning
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems; an advisor
Example
She spoke to a counsellor to get advice about her career.
B2 noun /ˈædvəkəsi/

advocacy

Meaning
public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy
Example
Her advocacy for children's rights earned her international recognition.
B2 noun /ˈmeɪər/

mayor

Meaning
The elected head of a city, town, or municipality.
Example
The mayor announced a new policy to improve public transport.