blotch
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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 /ˈeɪ.pi.ˌɛr.i/

apiary

Meaning
A place where beehives are kept, especially for commercial purposes.
Example
The farmer built a new apiary to produce organic honey.
C1 adjective /bɪˈmjuːzd/

bemused

Meaning
confused, puzzled, or lost in thought
Example
She looked bemused when he asked the strange question.
B1 adverb /ˈdaʊnwədz/

Downwards

Meaning
towards a lower place or position; in a downward direction
Example
The ball rolled downwards along the slope.
B1 noun /ˈprɛɡnənsi/

pregnancy

Meaning
the condition of being pregnant; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus
Example
Her pregnancy was carefully monitored by her doctor.
C1 verb /ˈʃʌdər/

shudder

Meaning
to tremble or shake suddenly, often due to fear, cold, or strong emotion
Example
She shuddered at the thought of walking alone in the dark forest.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊər.li/

Hourly

Meaning
every hour; happening or done each hour; continuously
Example
The weather report is updated hourly.
C1 adjective ˌæd.vɚˈser.i.əl

adversarial

Meaning
Involving or characterized by conflict or opposition.
Example
The two companies have an adversarial relationship in the market.
C1 noun /ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/

decimation

Meaning
The act of destroying or killing a large proportion of something.
Example
The decimation of the city left thousands homeless.
C2 verb /ˈɡlaʊ.ər/

glower

Meaning
To look at someone with an angry or sullen expression.
Example
He glowered at his rival across the room.
A2 noun /ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns/

Experience

Meaning
practical contact with and observation of facts or events; knowledge gained through involvement
Example
Her years of teaching experience made her an excellent mentor for new teachers.
A2 noun /stɛp/

step

Meaning
a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a new position
Example
She took a step towards the door.
C2 adjective /æbˈhɔːr.ənt/

Abhorrent

Meaning
extremely unpleasant and causing disgust; detestable
Example
The idea of animal cruelty is abhorrent to most people.
C1 noun /ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən/

illumination

Meaning
the act of lighting something or making something clear
Example
The street was filled with bright illumination from the lamps.
A2 noun /ˈketʃ.ʌp/

Ketch-up

Meaning
a thick sauce made chiefly from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices
Example
She squeezed some ketchup on her french fries before eating them.
B2 noun /slɒt/

slot

Meaning
a narrow opening into which something fits or is placed
Example
Insert the card into the slot to open the door.
B2 noun /prɪˈtens/

Pretence

Meaning
an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
Example
He made no pretence of being interested in the conversation.
C1 adjective /pəˈtɜːrnəl/

paternal

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a father.
Example
He took a paternal interest in the boy’s education.
B2 noun /stəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Stability

Meaning
the state of being stable; firmness; steadiness
Example
Political stability is essential for economic growth.
B2 noun /ˈmæt.rəs/

Mattress

Meaning
a large rectangular pad for supporting the reclining body, used as or on a bed
Example
We bought a new mattress for our bedroom.
C2 noun /ˈɒb.stɪ.nə.si/

obstinacy

Meaning
Stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.
Example
His obstinacy made negotiations difficult.
C2 adjective /prɪˈsɛnʃənt/

presentient

Meaning
Having a feeling or sense of something about to happen; predictive.
Example
She was presentient of the coming disaster.
B2 noun /ˈprɛmɪs/

premise

Meaning
a statement or idea on which reasoning or an argument is based; also a building or property
Example
His argument was based on a false premise.
A2 adjective /ˈteɪ.sti/

Tasty

Meaning
having a pleasant flavor; delicious
Example
The pizza was really tasty with fresh ingredients.
C2 noun /ˌæriˈviːst/

arriviste

Meaning
A person who has recently gained wealth or status but is considered arrogant or socially unsophisticated.
Example
The business world is full of ambitious arrivistes.
B2 noun /ˈpɔːt.fəʊ.li.əʊ/

portfolio

Meaning
A collection of work or samples demonstrating skills and expertise.
Example
His portfolio showcased his diverse range of skills.
C1 noun /fiːnd/

fiend

Meaning
an evil spirit or demon; a wicked or cruel person; someone obsessed with a particular thing
Example
He is a real fiend when it comes to solving puzzles.
B2 noun /plænˈteɪʃən/

plantation

Meaning
a large area of land where crops are grown, often for commercial purposes
Example
The sugarcane plantation stretched for miles across the valley.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒnstrəs/

Monstrous

Meaning
extremely large; shockingly evil or wrong; abnormal or unnatural
Example
The monstrous crime shocked the entire community.
B2 adjective rɪˈnaʊnd

renowned

Meaning
Known or talked about by many people; famous.
Example
The renowned scientist led the reform panel.
C2 noun /dʒenˈtɪl.ə.ti/

Gentility

Meaning
social superiority as demonstrated by polite and refined manners; the quality of being well-mannered and refined
Example
Her natural gentility and grace made her popular among high society circles.
C1 adjective /praɪˈmiːvəl/

primeval

Meaning
Relating to the earliest ages in history; ancient and primitive.
Example
The explorers ventured into the primeval forest untouched by humans.
B1 noun, verb /ˈseɪ.lɪŋ/

sailing

Meaning
The act of traveling in a boat or ship using sails; the sport or activity of navigating a boat with sails.
Example
We went sailing on the lake during the summer.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəbl/

exceptionable

Meaning
Open to objection; causing disapproval.
Example
His rude remarks were considered exceptionable by everyone present.
B2 verb /əˈlɛdʒ/

allege

Meaning
to claim or assert something, typically without proof
Example
The witness alleged that the man was at the crime scene.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɜːrvɪsəbəl/

Unserviceable

Meaning
not in working order; unable to be used; defective
Example
The old computer became unserviceable after the system crash.
B1 noun /ˈflaʊər veɪs/

Flower-vase

Meaning
a decorative container used to hold cut flowers
Example
She placed beautiful roses in the flower vase on the table.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌski/

musky

Meaning
having a strong, sweet, earthy smell like musk
Example
The perfume had a musky fragrance.
C1 noun /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
B2 noun rɪˈtɛnʃən

retention

Meaning
The continued possession, use, or control of something
Example
The retention of information is essential for academic success.
B2 verb /tɔɪl/

Toil

Meaning
to work extremely hard for long periods
Example
Farmers toil in the fields from dawn to dusk.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃən/

convolution

Meaning
a twist, coil, or a complex and intricate shape or arrangement
Example
The brain has many convolutions that increase its surface area.
A1 noun /ˈɡrændˌmʌðər/

grandmother

Meaning
the mother of one's father or mother
Example
My grandmother makes delicious cakes.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈblʌʃɪŋ/

Unblushing

Meaning
showing no shame or embarrassment; boldly shameless
Example
He told the unblushing lie without any hesitation.
C1 noun /ˈpʌndɪt/

pundit

Meaning
An expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give opinions to the public.
Example
Political pundits debated the election results on television.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpɪleɪt/

depilate

Meaning
to remove hair from the skin, especially by mechanical or chemical means
Example
She decided to depilate her legs before the event.
C2 verb /ˈpɜː.fə.reɪt/

perforate

Meaning
to make a hole or holes through something
Example
The machine can perforate sheets of paper for easy tearing.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdaɪt/

indite

Meaning
To write or compose (literary or formal works).
Example
The poet indited a heartfelt sonnet.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfjuːsɪv/

effusive

Meaning
Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
Example
She gave him an effusive welcome after his long journey.
C2 adjective sɑːˈtɔːrɪəl

sartorial

Meaning
Of or relating to clothing or style or manner of dress.
Example
His sartorial choices were always on trend and admired.
C1 adverb /ˈæmpli/

amply

Meaning
more than sufficiently; generously
Example
She was amply rewarded for her hard work.
C2 noun /ˈdɪfθɒŋ/

diphthong

Meaning
A complex vowel sound that begins with one vowel and glides into another within the same syllable.
Example
The word 'coin' contains a diphthong.
C2 noun ˌsʌb.dʒʊˈɡeɪ.ʃən

subjugation

Meaning
The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control, especially by force.
Example
The subjugation of weaker nations by colonial powers shaped history.
B2 noun prɛsˈtiːʒ

prestige

Meaning
Widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality.
Example
The university has gained international prestige for its research.
B2 noun /ˈɒt.ər/

Otter

Meaning
a mammal with webbed feet that lives near water and feeds on fish
Example
The playful otter swam gracefully in the river.
C1 adjective /pəˈnɪnsjələr/

peninsular

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a peninsula.
Example
The peninsular region is surrounded by water on three sides.
C2 noun /ˈænθrəsaɪt/

anthracite

Meaning
A hard, shiny form of coal that burns with little smoke and a high heat value.
Example
The factory used anthracite as its primary fuel source.
C1 adjective /ʃruːd/

Shrewd

Meaning
having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute
Example
The shrewd businessman made a profitable deal in the competitive market.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkɒmp(ə)rəbl/

incomparable

Meaning
Without an equal in quality or excellence; matchless.
Example
The view from the mountain was incomparable.
B2 verb ɪnˈfɔːrsɪŋ

enforcing

Meaning
To compel observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.
Example
Enforcing strict laws is necessary to prevent violations.
C2 noun ˈkɑː.dərz

cadres

Meaning
A small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession; a group of activists in a communist or other political organization.
Example
There are 26 cadres under BPSC.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɔɪl/

despoil

Meaning
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
Example
The invaders despoiled the village during the war.
C1 noun /bɪˈtreɪər/

Betrayer

Meaning
a person who betrays someone or something; one who is disloyal
Example
The betrayer was exposed and faced severe consequences.
B2 noun /kɜːrd/

Curd

Meaning
a white dairy product made by coagulating milk; yogurt
Example
She added fresh curd to the salad for a tangy flavor.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdɛsənt/

iridescent

Meaning
showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles
Example
She wore an iridescent dress that sparkled in the light.
A2 noun /ˈriːdɪŋ/

reading

Meaning
the action or skill of reading
Example
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.
B2 verb /niːl/

kneel

Meaning
to go down on one's knees; to rest on the knees
Example
The knight knelt before the king.
B2 noun ˈiːkoʊˌtʊrɪzəm

Eco-tourism

Meaning
A form of tourism involving responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
Example
Eco-tourism promotes responsible travel to natural areas.
B1 noun /ˈwɔːdrəʊb/

wardrobe

Meaning
A large cupboard where clothes are stored; also the collection of clothes someone owns.
Example
Her wardrobe is full of colorful dresses.
B2 noun ˈaʊt.pʊt

output

Meaning
The amount of something produced by a person, machine, or industry.
Example
Climate change reduces agricultural output.
C2 noun dʒʊˈdɪʃəsnɪs

judiciousness

Meaning
Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
Example
Her judiciousness in making decisions was appreciated.
B2 verb /saɪt/

cite

Meaning
to quote; to mention as an example or proof
Example
The lawyer cites relevant case law.
B2 noun /ˈɛksələns/

excellence

Meaning
the quality of being outstanding or extremely good
Example
The school is known for its academic excellence.
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.
B2 adjective ˈmem.ər.ə.bəl

memorable

Meaning
Worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual.
Example
Memorable events inspire generations.
B2 adverb juːˈnæn.ɪ.məs.li

unanimously

Meaning
With the agreement of all people involved; without opposition.
Example
The proposal was unanimously accepted.
B2 verb /skeər/

scare

Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
B2 verb /ˈvaɪbreɪt/

vibrate

Meaning
To move or cause to move continuously and rapidly back and forth.
Example
The phone began to vibrate on the table.
C1 adjective /əˈprɛs.ɪv/

Oppressive

Meaning
Harsh and authoritarian; overwhelming; causing distress; tyrannical;
Example
The oppressive heat made it difficult to work outside during the summer.
A2 noun /səˈpraɪz/

surprise

Meaning
a sudden and unexpected event or situation
Example
His arrival was a pleasant surprise.
B2 adjective /ˈsɒl.ɪ.ter.i/

Solitary

Meaning
alone; without companions; single; isolated
Example
He lived a solitary life in the mountains.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtræk.tə.bəl/

intractable

Meaning
Difficult or impossible to manage, control, or solve.
Example
The conflict has become an intractable problem.
C1 noun /rɪˈtrækʃən/

retraction

Meaning
the act of taking back a statement, promise, or belief
Example
The newspaper issued a retraction of the false report.
C1 noun /rɪˈpɔːrtɪʒ/

reportage

Meaning
the act of reporting news or describing events in the media
Example
The magazine is known for its detailed reportage of political issues.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪski/

risky

Meaning
Involving the possibility of danger, harm, or loss
Example
Investing in that startup is risky but could bring high rewards.
B2 noun /ˌriː.əˈʃʊr.əns/

Reassurance

Meaning
comfort or confidence given to someone to remove their fears or doubts
Example
She needed reassurance that everything would be okay.
A2 adjective /ˈemp.ti/

Empty

Meaning
containing nothing; vacant; without contents
Example
The glass is empty and needs to be refilled.
C1 noun /ˌkɔr.diˈæl.ɪ.ti/

Cordiality

Meaning
sincere affection and kindness; warm and friendly behavior
Example
The host's cordiality made all the guests feel welcome and comfortable.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɛtərət/

inveterate

Meaning
having a long-established habit, activity, or interest that is unlikely to change
Example
He is an inveterate reader who spends hours in the library every day.
B1 noun /ˈæmətər/

amateur

Meaning
A person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport or art, on an unpaid basis.
Example
The painting looked impressive, even though it was done by an amateur.
C2 adjective /sərˈkjuːɪtəs/

circuitous

Meaning
Longer than the most direct way; roundabout.
Example
He took a circuitous route to avoid traffic.
A2 adverb /jet/

Yet

Meaning
up to now or a specified time; still; however; nevertheless
Example
He hasn't finished his homework yet.
C1 noun /ˈdɛsɪˌbɛl/

decibel

Meaning
a unit used to measure the intensity of sound
Example
The noise level in the factory exceeded 90 decibels.
C1 noun ˈdaɪ.nə.sti

dynasty

Meaning
A line of hereditary rulers of a country; a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field.
Example
The Ming dynasty ruled China for centuries.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

Meaning
a doctor who performs medical operations
Example
The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.
A2 verb /fraɪ/

fry

Meaning
to cook food in hot oil or fat
Example
She fries eggs for breakfast every morning.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsfɛrɔɪd/

spheroid

Meaning
A three-dimensional shape that is almost spherical but slightly flattened or elongated.
Example
The Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɔːrtmənt/

deportment

Meaning
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
Example
Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪnɪstər/

sinister

Meaning
Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
Example
The abandoned house had a sinister atmosphere.
C1 noun /ˈɪnˌmeɪt/

inmate

Meaning
a person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital
Example
The prison has over a thousand inmates.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtpoʊst/

outpost

Meaning
A small military camp or position at some distance from the main force, used especially as a guard.
Example
The soldiers were stationed at a remote outpost.
C2 noun /ˈfɔːrˌseɪl/

foresail

Meaning
The principal sail set on the foremast of a sailing vessel.
Example
The crew adjusted the foresail to catch the wind.
C1 verb, noun /mjuːz/

muse

Meaning
to think deeply about something; a source of inspiration, especially for an artist or writer
Example
She sat by the window to muse about her future.
B2 noun /ˈɑːr.tɪ.zən/

Artison

Meaning
a skilled craftsperson who makes things by hand
Example
The artisan created a beautiful wooden sculpture.
C1 adjective /ˈɡreɪsləs/

graceless

Meaning
Lacking elegance, charm, or social refinement.
Example
His graceless behavior embarrassed everyone at the party.
C2 noun mɒnəˈtɑːskɪŋ

monotasking

Meaning
The practice of dedicating oneself to a given task and minimizing potential interruptions until the task is completed or a significant period of time has elapsed.
Example
Monotasking can often lead to higher quality work.
C2 verb /ˈlɔɪtər/

loiter

Meaning
To stand or wait around idly without apparent purpose.
Example
The teenagers were told not to loiter outside the shop.
C1 adjective /ˈkwiːzi/

queasy

Meaning
Feeling sick to one's stomach; nauseated.
Example
She felt queasy after the long boat ride.
C1 noun /ˈneɡ.lɪ.dʒəns/

Negligence

Meaning
failure to take proper care in doing something; carelessness
Example
The accident was caused by driver negligence.
B1 noun /soʊl/

Soul

Meaning
the spiritual or immaterial essence of a human being or animal; a person's emotional or intellectual nature
Example
She poured her heart and soul into her artwork.
C2 noun /ˌbræɡəˈdoʊʃioʊ/

braggadocio

Meaning
boastful or arrogant behavior; empty boasting
Example
His endless braggadocio annoyed everyone at the party.
C1 adjective /bəˈroʊk/

baroque

Meaning
relating to a highly ornate and extravagant style of art, architecture, or music from the 17th and early 18th centuries; excessively elaborate or complex
Example
The church was decorated in a baroque style with intricate details.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.hən/

Peahen

Meaning
female peacock
Example
The peahen is less colorful than the male peacock.
C2 noun /ˌpɜː.spɪˈkæs.ɪ.ti/

perspicacity

Meaning
Sharp insight, keen understanding and discernment.
Example
Her perspicacity in business decisions led to success.
C1 adjective /ˈɡɑːrdɪd/

guarded

Meaning
Cautious and careful in speech or action, often to avoid giving too much away.
Example
He gave a guarded reply to the journalist.
B2 adjective /ˈrɒt.ən/

Rotten

Meaning
decayed; spoiled; bad
Example
The apple is rotten and should be thrown away.
A2 noun /ɪmˈplɔɪər/

employer

Meaning
A person or organization that hires and pays people to work.
Example
The employer promised better benefits to attract skilled workers.
A1 verb /sɪŋ/

sing

Meaning
to make musical sounds with the voice
Example
She sings beautifully in the choir.
C1 verb /ˌriː.kənˈviːn/

reconvene

Meaning
to gather or assemble again, especially for a meeting
Example
The committee will reconvene after lunch.
A2 adverb /ˌɛniˈmɔr/

anymore

Meaning
used to refer to the present time, typically to mean no longer
Example
He doesn’t live here anymore.