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C2 noun /boʊl/

boll

Meaning
The rounded seed capsule of plants such as cotton or flax.
Example
The farmer examined the cotton boll to check its quality.
A1 verb /bɪˈɡɪn/

begin

Meaning
to start doing something; to commence
Example
I will begin my studies tomorrow.
C2 adjective /ˈbræsi/

brassy

Meaning
loud and showy in a way that lacks good taste; resembling brass in color or sound
Example
She wore a brassy necklace that caught everyone’s attention.
C1 noun /blɒˈkeɪd/

Blockade

Meaning
an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Example
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the port.
A2 noun /biːn/

Bean

Meaning
an edible seed, typically kidney-shaped, growing in long pods on certain leguminous plants
Example
We planted green beans in our vegetable garden this spring.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈbɒni/

Bonny

Meaning
cheerful; pretty; attractive
Example
The bonny child played happily in the garden.
B2 noun /ˈblʌn.dər/

blunder

Meaning
A stupid or careless mistake; a serious error in judgment.
Example
His blunder cost the company a fortune.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌlbəs/

bulbous

Meaning
Bulging, round, or swollen in shape; resembling a bulb.
Example
The frog had a bulbous nose and big eyes.
C1 adjective /ˈbreɪzən/

brazen

Meaning
Bold and without shame; shameless.
Example
She made a brazen attempt to lie in front of everyone.
B2 verb /bɑːrk/

bark

Meaning
to make a sharp sound like a dog; to speak angrily
Example
The dog barks at strangers.
C2 adjective /ˈblɪŋkəd/

blinkered

Meaning
Having a limited or narrow outlook; unable or unwilling to consider other perspectives.
Example
His blinkered attitude stopped him from seeing the bigger picture.
B2 noun /ˈbætʃələr/

Bachelor

Meaning
an unmarried man; a person who holds a first degree from a university
Example
He remained a bachelor all his life and earned a bachelor's degree in engineering.
C1 verb /ˈbɑːrtər/

barter

Meaning
To exchange goods or services without using money.
Example
They bartered their crops for handmade tools.
B1 noun /ˈbeɡər/

Beggar

Meaning
a person who lives by asking for money or food
Example
The beggar sat by the temple asking for alms.
C1 noun /bɑːm/

balm

Meaning
A soothing ointment or something that provides comfort or relief.
Example
The balm helped relieve the pain from her sunburn.
C2 verb /ˈbætn/

batten

Meaning
To fasten or secure something tightly.
Example
They battened down the hatches before the storm.
C2 adjective, noun /bɪˈtroʊðd/

betrothed

Meaning
Engaged to be married; a person who is engaged.
Example
She introduced him as her betrothed.
C1 verb /blɜːrt/

blurt

Meaning
to say something suddenly without thinking
Example
He blurts out the secret accidentally.
C2 noun /bɛk/

beck

Meaning
a gesture of beckoning; a small stream or brook (chiefly Northern English)
Example
The servant came at his master's beck and call.
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.
B2 noun /ˈblɒkˌtʃeɪn/

blockchain

Meaning
A system of recording information in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system
Example
Blockchain technology ensures transparency in financial transactions.
B2 noun/verb /beɪt/

bait

Meaning
Food or lure used to attract fish or animals; to deliberately provoke or annoy.
Example
He used worms as bait to catch fish.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪ/

belay

Meaning
to secure a rope by winding it around an object; to stop or cancel an order (nautical/military use)
Example
The climber asked his partner to belay the rope tightly.
C1 verb /bɪˈɡɛt/

beget

Meaning
to bring about or give rise to; to father or produce
Example
Violence begets more violence.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌmpʃəs/

bumptious

Meaning
Arrogantly self-assertive or conceited.
Example
The bumptious student interrupted the teacher several times.
B1 noun /ˈbed ˌkʌv.ər/

Bed cover

Meaning
a protective covering for a bed, typically a bedspread or comforter
Example
She pulled the bed cover up to her chin to stay warm.
A2 adverb /ˈbjuːtɪfəli/

beautifully

Meaning
in a beautiful or pleasing manner; excellently or skillfully
Example
She sang beautifully at the concert.
A1 noun /bəˈnæn.ə/

Banana

Meaning
a long curved fruit with yellow skin and soft sweet flesh
Example
Bananas are a good source of potassium.
B2 noun /ˈbeɪ.zəl/

Basil

Meaning
an aromatic herb with green leaves used in cooking, especially Italian cuisine
Example
The pasta sauce was flavored with fresh basil.
C2 noun /ˈbækənæl/

bacchanal

Meaning
A noisy party involving drinking and revelry.
Example
The festival turned into a wild bacchanal by midnight.
B2 verb/noun /buː/

boo

Meaning
To show disapproval by shouting 'boo'; or a sound made to surprise or scare.
Example
The audience began to boo the bad performance.
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 /ˈbɜːrsər/

bursar

Meaning
An official in a school or college responsible for financial affairs.
Example
The bursar approved the budget for the new library.
B1 noun /bæŋ/

Bang

Meaning
a sudden loud noise; a hard blow or hit
Example
The door closed with a loud bang that woke everyone up.
A2 noun /ˈbæskɪt/

basket

Meaning
a container made of woven materials used for carrying or storing things
Example
She carried the apples in a basket.
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.
B1 noun /ˈbaɪər/

buyer

Meaning
a person who makes a purchase
Example
The buyer inspected the car before making payment.
B2 noun /bʌd/

Bud

Meaning
An undeveloped or immature flower before it opens
Example
The rose bud will bloom into a beautiful flower in a few days.
C1 verb /bɔːl/

bawl

Meaning
to shout or cry loudly
Example
The baby bawled all night, keeping everyone awake.
A2 adverb /ˈbædli/

badly

Meaning
in a way that is not good; poorly or severely
Example
He performed badly in the exam.
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 verb /ˈbɔːrdɪŋ/

boarding

Meaning
Getting on or into a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
Example
The explorers were boarding the ship at the port.
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 interjection /ˈbrɑː.voʊ/

bravo

Meaning
used to express approval, admiration, or praise
Example
The audience shouted 'Bravo!' after the stunning performance.
C1 noun /bəˈrɒmɪtər/

barometer

Meaning
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
Example
The barometer indicated a storm was approaching.
C2 noun /bəˈfuːn/

buffoon

Meaning
A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown or jester.
Example
He acted like a buffoon at the party, making everyone laugh.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
C2 noun /ˈbed.ləm/

Bedlam

Meaning
a scene of noisy confusion; chaos and disorder
Example
The classroom was complete bedlam after the fire alarm.
C2 noun /bɛl/

belle

Meaning
A beautiful woman, especially the most attractive woman at a gathering.
Example
She was the belle of the ball that evening.
C2 adjective /ˈbæti/

batty

Meaning
crazy or eccentric in behavior
Example
The old man down the street is a bit batty but harmless.
C2 noun /ˈbriːtʃɪz/

Breeckes

Meaning
knee-length trousers; short pants
Example
He wore riding breeches for the equestrian event.
C2 noun /ˈbɔːlsəm/

Balsam

Meaning
a flowering plant with colorful blooms that often open in the evening; also refers to aromatic resin
Example
The garden balsam flowers bloomed beautifully in various shades of pink and purple.
C2 adjective /bɪˈnaɪtɪd/

benighted

Meaning
In a state of intellectual or moral ignorance; overtaken by darkness.
Example
The explorers were lost in the benighted forest without any guide.
B1 noun /bɪˈheɪvjər/

behavior

Meaning
The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.
Example
The teacher praised her good behavior in class.
B1 noun /ˈbæɹɪəz/

barriers

Meaning
Something that prevents progress or access; obstacles or hindrances.
Example
Language barriers can make communication difficult.
B2 adjective /bəˈtænɪkəl/

botanical

Meaning
relating to plants or plant life
Example
She works at the botanical garden.
C1 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ət/

bigot

Meaning
A person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions or beliefs.
Example
He was called a bigot for refusing to listen to others' views.
A2 adjective /braɪt/

Bright

Meaning
giving out or reflecting much light; vivid in color
Example
The artist used bright colors in her painting.
C2 noun /bɪˈtroʊðəl/

betrothal

Meaning
The formal engagement to be married.
Example
Their betrothal was announced to the whole village.
B2 noun /ˈbæŋkrʌptsi/

bankruptcy

Meaning
the state of being unable to pay debts owed, declared by a legal process
Example
The company declared bankruptcy after months of financial struggles.
C1 noun /baɪl/

Bile

Meaning
a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
Example
The liver produces bile to help digest fats.
C2 verb /ˈblændɪʃ/

blandish

Meaning
to flatter or coax someone with kind words or praise in order to influence them
Example
He blandished the officials with compliments to gain their support.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪɡ.ənd/

brigand

Meaning
A member of a gang that ambushes and robs people in forests or mountains; a bandit.
Example
The travelers were attacked by brigands in the mountains.
B2 noun /bɪtʃ/

Bitch

Meaning
a female dog; an unpleasant or spiteful woman (offensive)
Example
The bitch gave birth to five puppies.
A2 noun /bɜːrθ/

Birth

Meaning
the emergence of a baby or young from the body of its mother; the beginning or origin of something
Example
The birth of their first child was a joyful moment.
A2 preposition /bɪˈsaɪd/

beside

Meaning
next to or at the side of someone or something
Example
She sat beside her best friend during the ceremony.
C2 verb /ˈbɜːrnɪʃ/

burnish

Meaning
To polish something by rubbing; to enhance or improve.
Example
He burnished the old table until it shone.
C1 adjective /bəˈnɑːl/ or /ˈbeɪnəl/

banal

Meaning
Lacking originality; boringly obvious and commonplace.
Example
His speech was full of banal clichés.
B2 verb /ˈbætər/

batter

Meaning
To strike repeatedly with force.
Example
The waves battered the shoreline all night.
B2 noun /ˈbʌf.ə.loʊ/

Buffalo

Meaning
a large wild ox with heavy horns; American bison
Example
The buffalo grazed peacefully in the meadow.
C1 noun /bəˈnɛv.ə.ləns/

benevolence

Meaning
The quality of being well meaning and kindly; the disposition to do good.
Example
His benevolence towards the poor earned him respect.
B2 noun, verb /bəˈfeɪ/ (noun), /ˈbʌfɪt/ (verb)

buffet

Meaning
A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes arranged on a table; also means to strike repeatedly (as a verb).
Example
We enjoyed a large buffet at the wedding reception.
C1 verb /bɒmˈbɑːrd/

bombard

Meaning
to attack continuously with bombs, questions, or other forces
Example
Reporters bombarded the minister with difficult questions.
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 noun /brɪŋk/

brink

Meaning
The edge or point just before a significant event or change.
Example
The company was on the brink of bankruptcy.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊmaɪd/

bromide

Meaning
A trite or unoriginal idea or remark; also a chemical compound of bromine.
Example
His speech was full of old bromides about hard work.
B1 phrase bɛst ˈɛf.ərt

best effort

Meaning
The maximum amount of effort or energy that someone can give.
Example
He gave his best effort to complete the task on time.
B2 verb /ˈbɔɪkɑt/

boycott

Meaning
to refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a protest
Example
They decided to boycott the company's products.
A2 noun /ˈbækɡraʊnd/

Background

Meaning
the circumstances or situation that form the setting; a person's education, experience, or social circumstances
Example
She has a strong background in mathematics and computer science.
C1 noun/verb /ˈbɔɪ/ or /ˈbuːi/

buoy

Meaning
A floating marker on water; to keep something afloat or encourage someone.
Example
The news buoyed their spirits after the loss.
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.
B1 noun /bɪərd/

Beard

Meaning
hair that grows on the chin and lower cheeks of a man's face
Example
He grew a long beard during the winter months.
A2 noun /brɛθ/

breath

Meaning
The air taken into or expelled from the lungs during breathing.
Example
He took a deep breath before speaking.
B2 verb /bɪˈtreɪ/

betray

Meaning
to be disloyal to; to reveal secrets
Example
He felt betrayed by his closest friend.
C1 adjective /ˈbrɪslɪŋ/

bristling

Meaning
full of energy, anger, or excitement; showing bristles standing up
Example
He entered the room bristling with confidence.
C2 noun /bjuːt/

butte

Meaning
an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, common in arid regions
Example
The travelers could see a tall butte rising in the desert.
B1 noun /bʌlb/

bulb

Meaning
a rounded glass part of an electric lamp that produces light when lit; also an underground storage organ in some plants
Example
The light bulb burned out, so she replaced it with a new one.
C1 verb /ˈbəʊl.stər/

bolster

Meaning
To support or strengthen; to prop up.
Example
The new policy aims to bolster economic growth.
C1 noun/verb /brʊk/

brook

Meaning
As a noun: a small natural stream; As a verb: to tolerate or endure something
Example
The village was built near a clear brook.
C1 adjective /ˈbloʊtɪd/

bloated

Meaning
swollen or puffed up, often unpleasantly
Example
After the big meal, he felt bloated and uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˈbraɪ.dəl/

Bridle

Meaning
the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps and a bit
Example
The rider adjusted the horse's bridle before mounting for the race.
C1 noun /ˈbæs.ti.ən/

bastion

Meaning
a stronghold or fortification; a place or institution strongly defending particular principles
Example
The castle stood as a bastion against enemy attacks.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

briticism

Meaning
a word, phrase, or characteristic feature of British English
Example
The word 'lorry' is a well-known Briticism.
C2 adjective /ˈbɔːlki/

balky

Meaning
difficult, uncooperative, or stubborn
Example
The balky printer refused to work when needed most.
B2 verb /bræɡ/

brag

Meaning
to talk proudly about oneself or one's achievements in an annoying way
Example
He always brags about his expensive car.
C1 noun /ˈbærɪstər/

barrister

Meaning
A type of lawyer in certain legal systems who specializes in courtroom advocacy and litigation.
Example
The barrister argued the case passionately before the judge.
C2 adjective /ˈbiːstiəl/

bestial

Meaning
Relating to beasts; showing savagery, brutality, or lacking human sensibility.
Example
The prisoners were treated in a bestial manner.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɔːni/

brawny

Meaning
Physically strong and muscular.
Example
The brawny man lifted the heavy box with ease.
B2 verb /blʌf/

bluff

Meaning
to deceive someone by pretending to have strength, knowledge, or resources that one does not actually possess
Example
He tried to bluff his way into the exclusive club.
A1 determiner/pronoun /boʊθ/

both

Meaning
referring to two people or things together
Example
Both of the children were excited about the trip.
B2 verb /ˈbraɪtən/

brighten

Meaning
to make something lighter or more colorful; to improve mood or make happier
Example
A few kind words can brighten someone's day.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈbaɪ.fərˌkeɪ.tɪd/

bifurcated

Meaning
Divided into two branches or parts.
Example
The river became bifurcated as it flowed around the island.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈbæntərɪŋ/

bantering

Meaning
characterized by good-humored teasing or joking
Example
They had a bantering conversation at the café.
A2 noun /brɪk/

brick

Meaning
A rectangular block of clay or similar material used in building walls and other structures.
Example
The workers laid brick after brick to build the wall.
B2 noun /ˈbɒdiɡɑːrd/

bodyguard

Meaning
a person employed to protect someone from harm
Example
The celebrity arrived with her bodyguard.
C1 adjective /ˈbaɪtɪŋ/

Biting

Meaning
extremely cold; sharply critical or harsh
Example
The biting cold made everyone shiver.
B1 noun /ˈbɜː.nɪŋ/

burning

Meaning
The process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (typically) smoke.
Example
Burning garbage exacerbates air pollution.
C1 noun /ˈboʊ.ə/

Boa

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The boa constrictor wrapped around its prey.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪ.zəl siːdz/

Basil Seeds

Meaning
small black seeds from the basil plant, often used in drinks and desserts
Example
I added basil seeds to my lemonade for a refreshing drink.
C1 verb /bɪˈlɪtl/

belittle

Meaning
To make someone or something seem less important or less valuable.
Example
He often belittled his coworkers to feel superior.
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.
A1 preposition/adverb/conjunction /bɪˈfɔːr/

before

Meaning
At an earlier time; in front of in order or place.
Example
She arrived before the meeting started.
B1 noun /ˈbɒksər/

boxer

Meaning
a person who fights in the sport of boxing; a type of short loose-fitting underwear; a breed of medium-to-large dog
Example
The boxer trained hard every morning before the championship match.
C2 noun /ˈbaɪəˌɡræf/

biograph

Meaning
A written account of a person's life; an early motion-picture projector (historical use).
Example
The library holds an old biograph of the poet.
C2 noun /baɪt/

bight

Meaning
A bend or curve in a geographical feature, especially a coastline, or a loop in a rope.
Example
The sailors anchored in the calm waters of the bight.
B2 noun /ˈbrɔːdˌkæstər/

broadcaster

Meaning
a person or organization that transmits a broadcast program.
Example
The broadcaster aired the match live to millions of viewers.
C2 noun /brɔːn/

brawn

Meaning
physical strength in contrast to intelligence
Example
He used his brawn to lift the heavy box.