blunder
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
B2 noun /ˈblʌn.dər/

blunder

Meaning
A stupid or careless mistake; a serious error in judgment.
Example
His blunder cost the company a fortune.
B1 verb /ˈɒpəreɪt/

operate

Meaning
to function; to control or manage; to perform surgery
Example
The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow.
C1 noun /roʊz ˈber.i/

Rose berry

Meaning
a type of berry with rose-like characteristics or flavor
Example
The rose berry has a delicate floral taste that reminds me of roses.
C2 noun /əˈpɜːrtənənsɪz/

appurtenances

Meaning
Additional items or accessories associated with something, often used in a legal or property context.
Example
The house was sold along with all its appurtenances, including the garage and garden.
B2 adjective ˌæn.tiˌdɪs.krɪˈmɪn.eɪ.ʃən

anti-discrimination

Meaning
Opposed to or working against discrimination; promoting equal treatment regardless of differences.
Example
The anti-discrimination movement was groundbreaking.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

Meaning
To distract from the main subject or activity.
Example
She was sidetracked by an unexpected phone call.
B1 noun /ˈkɒləm/

column

Meaning
A vertical structure that supports a building; also a section of text arranged vertically in a newspaper or table.
Example
The ancient temple had tall marble columns.
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 adjective /ɪˈmædʒ.ɪ.nər.i/

Imaginary

Meaning
existing only in imagination; not real; fictional
Example
The child had an imaginary friend who she talked to every day.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrθi/

earthy

Meaning
resembling or suggestive of earth or soil; simple, natural, and sometimes coarse
Example
The dish had a rich, earthy flavor from the mushrooms.
C1 adjective /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/

affirmative

Meaning
expressing agreement, approval, or a positive response
Example
She gave an affirmative answer to the proposal.
C1 noun /ˈmɪd.əl.mæn/

Middleman

Meaning
A person who acts as an intermediary between two parties in a business transaction
Example
They decided to cut out the middleman and sell directly to customers.
C2 adjective /ˈæprəbəˌtɔːri/

approbatory

Meaning
expressing approval or praise
Example
The teacher gave an approbatory nod after reading the essay.
A1 noun /wɔːl/

wall

Meaning
a vertical structure that encloses or divides an area
Example
The wall in our living room is painted blue.
C1 noun /pɔl/

Pall

Meaning
a cloth spread over a coffin; a dark covering that creates a gloomy atmosphere
Example
A pall of smoke hung over the burning building.
C2 noun /ˈwɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

witticism

Meaning
a clever or funny remark
Example
Her witticism made everyone laugh during the meeting.
B1 adjective /ˈvælɪd/

Valid

Meaning
legally or officially acceptable; having a sound basis in logic or fact
Example
The passport is valid for ten years.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvoʊk/

invoke

Meaning
to call upon a higher power, authority, or principle for help, support, or justification
Example
The lawyer invoked the constitution to defend his client.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪt/

caret

Meaning
A proofreading symbol (^) used to indicate where something should be inserted.
Example
The editor placed a caret to show where the missing word should go.
B1 adjective dəˈmes.tɪk

domestic

Meaning
Existing or occurring inside a particular country; not foreign or international.
Example
Domestic investments stabilize the economy.
B2 verb /ˈfæs.ɪ.neɪt/

fascinate

Meaning
to attract and hold the attention of someone; to charm or captivate
Example
The magician's performance fascinated the audience.
B2 noun /kəˈmɪʃənər/

commissioner

Meaning
an official in charge of a particular department or area
Example
The police commissioner addressed the media about the incident.
C1 noun /ˈdɪsənˌtɛri/

dysentery

Meaning
An infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.
Example
Many soldiers suffered from dysentery during the war.
B2 adjective /ˈbraʊn.ɪʃ/

Brownish

Meaning
having a color somewhat like brown; tending toward brown
Example
The old paper had a brownish tint from age.
A1 preposition /ˈɪntuː/

into

Meaning
expressing movement or direction to the inside of something
Example
She walked into the room quietly.
C2 noun /ˈæpəˌθɛm/

apothegm

Meaning
A short, witty, and instructive saying or maxim.
Example
His speech was filled with apothegms about life and success.
C1 verb rɪˈpel

repel

Meaning
To push away or force apart due to similar charges or properties.
Example
Protons repel each other.
C1 verb /kraʊtʃ/

crouch

Meaning
to bend your knees and lower your body close to the ground
Example
The cat crouched before leaping at its prey.
B1 noun ɡrəʊθ

Growth

Meaning
The process of increasing in physical size, number, value, or strength.
Example
Economic growth improves living conditions.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈθʌrəli/

Thoroughly

Meaning
completely; entirely; in a thorough manner
Example
She thoroughly cleaned the entire house before the guests arrived.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛsər/

intercessor

Meaning
a person who intervenes or pleads on behalf of another
Example
He acted as an intercessor to resolve the conflict between the two families.
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.
B1 verb /ɪnˈstɔːl/

install

Meaning
To place or fix equipment or software so it is ready for use.
Example
He installed the new software on his computer.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪtərəl/

littoral

Meaning
Related to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake.
Example
The littoral zone is home to many unique marine species.
C1 adjective ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv

counterproductive

Meaning
Having the opposite of the desired effect; tending to hinder rather than help.
Example
Counterproductive activities often stem from dissatisfaction.
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.
C2 noun /ˈæl.kə.laɪ ækt/

Alkali Act

Meaning
A British law passed in 1863 to regulate the emission of hydrochloric acid gas from alkali works, representing one of the first pieces of environmental legislation.
Example
The Alkali Act of 1863 was one of the first environmental laws.
C2 noun /ˈɒnwiː/ or /ˈɑːnwiː/

ennui

Meaning
A feeling of boredom, listlessness, or dissatisfaction arising from lack of excitement.
Example
After weeks of doing nothing, he sank into a deep sense of ennui.
C1 adjective ʌnɪnˈhæbɪtəbəl

uninhabitable

Meaning
Not suitable or safe for people to live in.
Example
Rapid urbanization can make cities uninhabitable.
B2 adjective /ˈkælkjuleɪtɪd/

calculated

Meaning
Done with full awareness of the consequences; deliberate or carefully planned.
Example
Her calculated move gave her an advantage over her competitors.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtˌsɛt/

outset

Meaning
the beginning or start of something
Example
From the outset, the project seemed ambitious but achievable.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtˌɡroʊθ/

outgrowth

Meaning
something that grows out of something else; a natural development or result
Example
The new policy was an outgrowth of years of debate.
B2 noun /dɪsˈɡreɪs/

Disgrace

Meaning
loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action; a shameful situation
Example
His arrest brought disgrace upon his entire family and reputation.
C1 adjective /ˈvɪʒ.ən.er.i/

Visionary

Meaning
having original ideas about what the future will bring; innovative; imaginative
Example
Steve Jobs was a visionary leader who revolutionized technology.
B2 adjective /skeərs/

Scarce

Meaning
rare; not easily found; existing in small quantities
Example
Fresh water is becoming increasingly scarce in desert regions.
B1 adjective /ˈiː.ɡər/

Eager

Meaning
showing keen interest; enthusiastic; having or showing desire and excitement
Example
She was eager to start her new job.
B2 verb /mɜːrdʒ/

merge

Meaning
to combine or join together; to blend into one
Example
The two companies decided to merge to increase their market share.
C2 noun ˈdɒɡ.ɪd.nəs

doggedness

Meaning
Stubborn persistence in achieving something without giving up.
Example
His doggedness in pursuing his goals was inspiring.
B2 noun /ˈmaɪnd.fʊl.nəs/

mindfulness

Meaning
The basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing.
Example
Mindfulness practices improve focus and emotional balance.
B1 adjective /blɒnd/

blond

Meaning
having light-colored hair, typically pale yellow or golden.
Example
She has long blond hair that shines in the sunlight.
B2 noun /ˈfaɪ.bər/

fibre

Meaning
A thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed; dietary material that aids digestion.
Example
Eating foods rich in fibre can improve your digestion.
C2 adjective /həˈrɛtɪkəl/

heretical

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards, especially in religion.
Example
The priest condemned the book as heretical.
B1 adjective /ɑːrmd/

armed

Meaning
equipped with or carrying weapons
Example
The bank was robbed by armed men.
B2 noun /kənˌtɪn.juˈeɪ.ʃən/

continuation

Meaning
the action of carrying something on over time; extension
Example
The continuation of the series was announced after the finale.
A1 verb /keɪm/

came

Meaning
past tense of 'come'
Example
She came to the party on time.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈfɛərli/

unfairly

Meaning
In a manner that is not just, reasonable, or impartial
Example
He was treated unfairly by the committee.
C1 noun /ˈtæm.ər.ɪnd/

Tamarind

Meaning
a brown tropical fruit with a tangy, sour taste used in cooking and beverages
Example
Tamarind is commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines for its sour flavor.
A2 noun/verb /meɪl/

mail

Meaning
Letters, packages, or email messages sent or delivered to someone.
Example
I received an important letter in the mail.
A1 noun /maʊs/

Mouse

Meaning
a small rodent with a long tail and typically gray or brown fur
Example
The little mouse hid behind the cabinet.
C2 noun /ɪˈreɪdiəns/

irradiance

Meaning
the quality of shining brightly; the intensity of light falling on a surface
Example
The irradiance of the sun at noon was overwhelming.
B1 noun /piːtʃ/

Peach

Meaning
a soft round fruit with fuzzy skin, sweet flesh, and a large pit in the center
Example
The peach was perfectly ripe and juicy when I bit into it.
C1 adjective /ˌɪməˈtɪəriəl/

immaterial

Meaning
Not important or relevant; lacking physical substance.
Example
The judge ruled that the argument was immaterial to the case.
C2 adjective /ˌɛfləˈrɛsənt/

efflorescent

Meaning
in the process of blooming or flourishing
Example
The efflorescent trees made the park look beautiful.
A2 noun ˈprəʊɡres

progress

Meaning
Forward or onward movement towards a destination or a more advanced state.
Example
Progress in recycling technologies can tackle pollution.
C2 noun /ˌnjuːməˈreɪʃən/

numeration

Meaning
the action or process of counting or assigning numbers
Example
The teacher explained the basics of numeration to the students.
C2 noun /ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə/

cornucopia

Meaning
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
Example
The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets.
B2 verb /suː/

sue

Meaning
to bring a lawsuit against someone in a court of law
Example
She decided to sue the company for damages.
B2 noun /ˈpes.ə.mɪst/

Pessimist

Meaning
a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believes that the worst will happen; someone who lacks hope or confidence in the future
Example
Being a pessimist, he always expected the worst outcome.
C1 verb /dɪˈfjuːz/

diffuse

Meaning
to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people
Example
The smell of fresh bread diffused through the entire house.
B2 noun sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒən

soil erosion

Meaning
The wearing away of topsoil by water, wind, or other natural forces.
Example
Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile land.
C2 verb /miːt/

mete

Meaning
To dispense or allot justice, punishment, or harsh treatment.
Example
The judge will mete out punishment according to the crime.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntərˈlɒkjətəri/

interlocutory

Meaning
Given during the course of a legal action, not final but temporary or provisional.
Example
The judge issued an interlocutory order to maintain the status quo until the hearing.
B1 noun /hjuːˈmænɪti/

humanity

Meaning
the quality of being human; kindness or compassion towards others; all human beings collectively
Example
Kindness is one of the greatest expressions of humanity.
A2 noun /drʌm/

Drum

Meaning
a percussion instrument typically made of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched over one or both ends
Example
The drummer kept perfect time on his drum kit.
C1 adverb /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl.i/

optimally

Meaning
In the most effective or efficient way possible.
Example
Tasks should be allocated optimally for maximum output.
B2 verb /flɜːrt/

flirt

Meaning
to behave as if you are attracted to someone, but not in a serious way
Example
She often flirts with her colleagues at work.
C1 noun /əˈpærəl/

apparel

Meaning
Clothing, especially formal or special clothes.
Example
The store specializes in wedding apparel.
C2 noun /ˈmæləprɒˌpɪzəm/

malapropism

Meaning
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with amusing effect
Example
He is famous for his malapropism when speaking in public.
C1 noun /mɔːs/

Moss

Meaning
a small flowerless plant that grows in clumps in moist places
Example
Green moss covered the old stone wall.
C1 adjective ˈɒptɪmaɪzd

optimized

Meaning
Made as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible; improved to achieve maximum efficiency.
Example
The system has been optimized for faster performance.
B2 adjective /əˈbjuːsɪv/

abusive

Meaning
extremely offensive or insulting; involving physical or verbal harm
Example
She left her job because of her abusive boss.
B2 verb /ˈʃætər/

shatter

Meaning
To break suddenly into many small pieces.
Example
The glass will shatter if you drop it.
C2 adjective /blɑːˈzeɪ/

blase

Meaning
unimpressed or indifferent to something because it has been experienced so often before
Example
After years of luxury travel, she felt blase about another trip to Paris.
C2 noun /ˌæntɪˈtɒksɪn/

antitoxin

Meaning
A substance that neutralizes a specific toxin in the body.
Example
The doctor administered an antitoxin to counter the snake venom.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
C1 noun /ˈpluː.mɪdʒ/

plumage

Meaning
the feathers covering a bird's body
Example
The peacock's plumage was vibrant and eye-catching.
B2 noun /ˈvel.vɪt/

Velvet

Meaning
a soft, luxurious fabric with a thick, short pile on one side
Example
The royal curtains were made of rich red velvet.
A2 adjective /əˈnɔɪd/

annoyed

Meaning
feeling slightly angry or irritated
Example
She felt annoyed by the constant noise.
C1 noun ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv

revolutionary initiative

Meaning
A groundbreaking action or plan that brings about significant change or transformation.
Example
The revolutionary initiative promotes sustainable energy.
C1 noun /ˈlɛk.sɪ.kɒn/

lexicon

Meaning
The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge; a collection of words and terms.
Example
A translator must have a vast lexicon of both languages.
C2 adjective /haɪˈbɜːrnəl/

hibernal

Meaning
Relating to or occurring in winter.
Example
The hibernal season is often harsh in the mountains.
B2 noun /ˈænθəm/

anthem

Meaning
A song that is identified with a particular group, movement, or nation, often expressing pride or unity.
Example
The national anthem was played before the football match.
C1 noun /ˈpɔː.pəs/

Porpoise

Meaning
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
Example
The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water.
B2 noun ˈɡrætɪtjuːd

gratitude

Meaning
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation.
Example
Gratitude towards the martyrs is a moral duty.
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.
C2 noun /ˌlaɪ.pəˈdʒen.ɪ.sɪs/

lipogenesis

Meaning
The metabolic process of fat synthesis where excess carbohydrates are converted into fatty acids and stored as triglycerides.
Example
Excess carbohydrate intake promotes lipogenesis and fat storage.
A1 adjective, adverb, verb /ˈbɛtər/

better

Meaning
of a more excellent or effective type or quality; to surpass or improve
Example
He felt better after taking the medicine.
C2 noun /ˈtʃæt.əl/

chattel

Meaning
a personal possession; historically, movable property including slaves
Example
In the past, slaves were considered the chattel of their owners.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊɡəl/

mogul

Meaning
A powerful or influential person, especially in business or media.
Example
He became a tech mogul by founding a billion-dollar company.
B2 noun /prɪˈdɪk.ʃən/

Prediction

Meaning
a statement about what will happen in the future; a forecast
Example
The weather prediction says it will rain tomorrow.
A2 verb /hɜːrt/

hurt

Meaning
to cause pain or injury; to feel pain physically or emotionally
Example
My back hurts from sitting too long.
B2 noun /ɒpˈtɪʃən/

optician

Meaning
A person who makes or sells glasses and contact lenses.
Example
The optician adjusted my new glasses to fit better.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmwʌn/

someone

Meaning
a person, but not specifically known or named
Example
Someone left their umbrella in the hallway.
B2 adverb /ˈblʌnt.li/

Bluntly

Meaning
in a direct way without trying to be polite; frankly
Example
He told her bluntly that she was wrong.
B2 adjective /ˌhaɪ ˈtɛk/

high-tech

Meaning
using or involving advanced technology.
Example
The company produces high-tech medical devices.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɛmbəl/

resemble

Meaning
to look like or be similar to something or someone
Example
She resembles her mother in both appearance and mannerisms.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪt ˈnwɑːr/

bete noire

Meaning
A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or fears.
Example
Grammar has always been his bete noire.
A1 noun ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ

language

Meaning
A method of communication used by humans, consisting of spoken and written words structured in specific ways.
Example
Learning a new language can be exciting.
C2 adjective ˌnjʊə.rəʊ.saɪənˈtɪ.fɪk

neuroscientific

Meaning
Related to the scientific study of the brain and nervous system.
Example
Neuroscientific research helps understand memory retention.
A1 noun /laɪt/

Light

Meaning
the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength
Example
Turn on the light, it's getting dark.
C2 verb /fleɪ/

flay

Meaning
to strip off the skin of something or criticize severely
Example
The chef flayed the fish before cooking it.
C1 verb, noun /mʊər/

moor

Meaning
As a verb: to tie a ship so that it stays in place. As a noun: open, uncultivated land.
Example
The sailors moored the ship at the dock.
C1 verb /sɪft/

sift

Meaning
to separate or sort through carefully, often using a sieve or by examining closely
Example
She sifted the flour before adding it to the cake mixture.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/

incompetence

Meaning
Lack of ability, skill, or effectiveness in doing something.
Example
The project failed due to the manager’s incompetence.
C2 noun /ˈlɪŋ.ɡoʊ/

lingo

Meaning
Specialized or informal language used by a particular group that is often difficult for outsiders to understand.
Example
The manual was written in technical lingo that confused the new employees.
C1 noun /bɪˈriːvmənt/

bereavement

Meaning
The state of having lost a loved one through death.
Example
She received many letters of sympathy during her time of bereavement.
B1 verb /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/

qualify

Meaning
to successfully complete a course or pass an exam; to become eligible
Example
She worked hard to qualify for the competition.
B2 verb /həˈræs/

harass

Meaning
to persistently annoy or torment someone
Example
The employees complained that their boss harassed them.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈpɒpjʊlə/

unpopular

Meaning
not liked or supported by many people
Example
The decision was unpopular with the public.
B1 noun /dɪˈzɜːrts/ (noun: reward or punishment deserved)

deserts

Meaning
what someone deserves, especially punishment or reward
Example
He finally got his just deserts for cheating in the exam.