borrow
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A2 verb /ˈbɑroʊ/

borrow

Meaning
to take temporarily with intention to return; to take on loan
Example
Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
B2 adjective /ʌnˈfeɪv(ə)rəbəl/

unfavorable

Meaning
not beneficial or advantageous; showing disapproval or opposition
Example
The proposal received an unfavorable response from the committee.
C1 adjective /ˌhɔːrtɪˈkʌltʃərəl/

horticultural

Meaning
Relating to the art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
Example
She studied horticultural science at the university.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːtɪnəs/

haughtiness

Meaning
The appearance or quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainful.
Example
His haughtiness made him unpopular among his peers.
A2 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ər.mən/

Fisherman

Meaning
a person who catches fish as a job or hobby
Example
The fisherman caught three large fish in the river today.
B1 noun /ˈbɪldər/

builder

Meaning
a person or company that constructs buildings or other structures
Example
The builder checked the site before starting the construction.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪv dɪˈpləʊ.mə.si/

integrative diplomacy

Meaning
A diplomatic approach that seeks to combine or coordinate different elements, interests, or parties into a unified whole.
Example
Integrative diplomacy strengthens alliances.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.lekt/

intellect

Meaning
The ability to think, reason, and understand objectively.
Example
Her intellect is admired by all her colleagues.
C1 noun ˌmɪs.kənˈsɛp.ʃən

misconception

Meaning
A wrong idea or false understanding about something.
Example
There is a common misconception that success happens overnight.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrkəleɪt/

percolate

Meaning
To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to spread slowly.
Example
The rainwater percolated through the soil into the groundwater.
C1 noun /ˌrɛkwɪˈzɪʃən/

requisition

Meaning
An official order laying claim to the use of property or materials; a formal demand or request.
Example
The manager submitted a requisition for new office supplies.
B1 noun /kənˈstrʌk.ʃən/

construction

Meaning
The building of something, typically a large structure.
Example
Construction dust significantly contributes to pollution.
C2 noun /ˈplænɪsfɪr/

planisphere

Meaning
a rotating star chart used to display the visible stars for any time and date
Example
The astronomer used a planisphere to identify the constellations.
C1 noun dɪˈsʌɪsɪvnɪs

decisiveness

Meaning
The ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
Example
His decisiveness during the crisis saved the company.
C1 verb ɪkˈstræp.ə.leɪt

Extrapolate

Meaning
Making future estimates based on existing information
Example
Scientists extrapolate climate changes based on past data.
B2 verb /ɪnˈveɪd/

invade

Meaning
to enter a place or country forcefully, especially as an enemy
Example
The army invaded the neighboring country.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈpoʊz/

discompose

Meaning
To disturb the order or calmness of something or someone.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to discompose her.
B2 noun /ˈnæʃənəl ˈænθəm/

national anthem

Meaning
an official patriotic song of a country, performed at national events and ceremonies
Example
The national anthem was played before the international match.
C1 adjective ˈtæs.ɪt

tacit

Meaning
Understood or implied without being openly expressed or stated
Example
Their mutual understanding was based on tacit agreement.
A2 noun/verb /əˈmaʊnt/

amount

Meaning
a quantity of something, typically the total of a thing or things in number, size, value, or extent
Example
The total amount of money is not enough.
C1 noun /ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/

overture

Meaning
An introduction to something more substantial; a proposal or preliminary action.
Example
The peace overture was welcomed by both nations.
C2 noun /ˌɪnəməˈrɑːtə/

inamorata

Meaning
A woman with whom someone is in love; a female lover.
Example
He wrote a poem dedicated to his inamorata.
C2 noun /ˈaʊtˌrɪɡər/

outrigger

Meaning
a projecting structure on a boat, used for stability, or a boat fitted with such support
Example
The fisherman paddled his outrigger canoe across the lagoon.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪlaɪn/

Saline

Meaning
containing salt; salty; relating to salt water
Example
The saline solution is used for medical treatments.
B2 verb /kənˈfɔːrm/

conform

Meaning
To comply with rules, standards, or laws.
Example
Students must conform to the school regulations.
B1 noun /ˈbæɹɪəz/

barriers

Meaning
Something that prevents progress or access; obstacles or hindrances.
Example
Language barriers can make communication difficult.
C1 adjective /ˈrænsɪd/

rancid

Meaning
having a bad taste or smell due to being old or spoiled (especially fats or oils)
Example
The butter had gone rancid after being left out too long.
A1 noun, adjective /hæf/

half

Meaning
one of two equal parts of something
Example
He ate half of the cake.
C2 noun /prɪˈzɛntmənt/

presentment

Meaning
The act of presenting something formally or officially; a formal statement or document.
Example
The lawyer made a presentment of the evidence to the court.
C1 noun /ˌsɑːrdʒənt ˈmeɪdʒər/

sergeant-major

Meaning
A senior non-commissioned officer in the army responsible for discipline and administration within a unit.
Example
The sergeant-major inspected the troops before the parade.
C1 adjective /ˌfɑːrˈfɛtʃt/

far-fetched

Meaning
unlikely to happen or be true; improbable
Example
His explanation for being late was a bit far-fetched.
A1 adverb /haʊ/

how

Meaning
in what way or manner; by what means
Example
How do you solve this problem?
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.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
C2 adjective /əˈfɪʃəs/

officious

Meaning
Excessively eager to offer unwanted help or advice; meddlesome.
Example
The officious guard kept interrupting the visitors with unnecessary instructions.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtlʊk/

outlook

Meaning
a person's general attitude or view; a forecast or prospect
Example
The economic outlook for the year is positive.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrljuː/

purlieu

Meaning
The area near or surrounding a place; an outlying or neighboring district.
Example
They spent the afternoon exploring the purlieus of the ancient city.
C2 verb /əˈvaʊtʃ/

avouch

Meaning
to affirm or assert something as true
Example
He avouched his innocence before the judge.
A1 noun /ˈwɪntər/

winter

Meaning
the coldest season of the year, typically from December to February in the Northern Hemisphere
Example
Winter in the north can be very harsh with heavy snowfall.
C1 verb /loʊð/

loathe

Meaning
to feel intense dislike or disgust for
Example
He absolutely loathes being late to meetings.
B2 noun /rɪb/

Rib

Meaning
one of the curved bones that protect the chest and lungs
Example
He broke his rib in the accident.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
B2 noun /dɪˈpreʃ.ən/

Depression

Meaning
a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness; a severe economic downturn
Example
The therapist helped her cope with depression through cognitive behavioral therapy.
B2 noun, verb /bɒb/

bob

Meaning
a short sudden movement up and down; to move quickly up and down
Example
The small boat began to bob on the waves.
C1 verb /ɪkˈspaʊnd/

expound

Meaning
to present and explain in detail
Example
The professor expounded the theory in simple terms.
C2 noun /ˈkedʒ.ə.riː/

Kedgeree

Meaning
a European dish of cooked rice, fish, and hard-boiled eggs, originally from India
Example
The breakfast menu featured traditional kedgeree with smoked haddock and eggs.
B1 noun /ˈmiːtər/

meter

Meaning
A unit of length in the metric system equal to 100 centimeters; also, a device that measures quantity such as electricity or gas.
Example
The technician came to check the electricity meter.
B1 adjective /ˌel.ɪˈmen.tər.i/

Elementary

Meaning
basic; fundamental; primary level
Example
He learned elementary mathematics in school.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtrɛntʃt/

entrenched

Meaning
Firmly established and unlikely to change.
Example
Corruption is deeply entrenched in the system.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
C1 verb /dɪsˈmæntəl/

dismantle

Meaning
to take apart; to remove or destroy the parts of
Example
Workers will dismantle the old bridge next month.
B2 verb /ˈfɪltər/

filter

Meaning
to pass a substance through a device to remove unwanted material or to selectively pass certain items
Example
She used a coffee filter to separate the grounds from the liquid.
C1 noun /ˈfɛtɪʃ/

fetish

Meaning
an excessive or irrational devotion to something
Example
He has a fetish for collecting rare stamps.
C2 adjective /ˌsuː.pɚˈsɪl.i.əs/

supercilious

Meaning
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant and disdainful.
Example
She gave him a supercilious smile as if he was beneath her.
C2 verb /sɪˈkwɛstreɪt/

sequestrate

Meaning
To take legal possession of assets until a debt is paid or disputes are resolved.
Example
The court decided to sequestrate the company's property.
C1 verb/noun /skaʊl/

scowl

Meaning
To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
Example
She scowled when she heard the unfair remark.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/

Continual

Meaning
happening repeatedly over a long period of time; constant and uninterrupted
Example
The continual noise from the construction site was very annoying.
A2 verb /rɪˈdjuːs/

reduce

Meaning
to make smaller in size, amount, or degree; to decrease
Example
We need to reduce our expenses this month.
A2 verb /ɪnˈkluːd/

include

Meaning
to have as part of a whole; to contain or comprise
Example
The price includes all taxes.
A2 noun /læb/

lab

Meaning
a place equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
Example
The students conducted an experiment in the chemistry lab.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.raɪt.nəs/

Uprightness

Meaning
the quality of being honest and morally correct; integrity
Example
His uprightness in business dealings earned him great respect.
C1 adjective /ˈdʒiː.ni.əl/

genial

Meaning
friendly, cheerful, and pleasant
Example
She greeted us with a genial smile.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌpl/

supple

Meaning
Easily bending or moving without breaking; flexible and adaptable.
Example
The gymnast’s body was remarkably supple.
A2 noun /ˈfæktəri/

factory

Meaning
A building or group of buildings where goods are manufactured.
Example
He works in a shoe factory.
B2 verb /dɪˈpraɪv/

deprive

Meaning
to take something away from someone, or prevent them from having it
Example
The new law may deprive people of their rights.
C1 adjective ˌmɒn.jʊˈmɛn.təl

monumental

Meaning
Great in importance, extent, or size; exceptionally great; forming or serving as a monument.
Example
The discovery of electricity was a monumental achievement.
C1 noun ˈlaɪv.li.hʊd

livelihood

Meaning
A means of securing the necessities of life; a way of making a living.
Example
Fishing is the primary livelihood of coastal communities.
B2 noun /koʊˈɔːrdɪˌneɪtər/

coordinator

Meaning
a person who organizes people or activities so that they work well together
Example
The event coordinator managed everything perfectly.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈbaɪ.ɡɒn/

bygone

Meaning
Something belonging to an earlier time; past and no longer existing.
Example
He often talks about the traditions of bygone days.
C2 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːrt/

controvert

Meaning
to dispute or argue against; to contradict
Example
The scientist controversed the previous research findings.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈklɛmɛnt/

inclement

Meaning
unpleasantly cold, wet, or stormy (usually weather)
Example
The match was canceled due to inclement weather.
A1 adjective /bɔːrd/

bored

Meaning
feeling weary or uninterested because of lack of activity or excitement
Example
She felt bored during the long meeting.
A2 noun /ˈdrɔːər/

drawer

Meaning
a box-shaped storage compartment that slides in and out of furniture
Example
She kept her jewelry in the top drawer of the dresser.
C1 noun /ˈɡaɪ.zər/

geyser

Meaning
A natural hot spring that intermittently ejects a column of water and steam into the air.
Example
The geyser erupted, shooting water high into the sky.
C1 noun /ˈtrævɪsti/

travesty

Meaning
A false, absurd, or distorted representation of something.
Example
The trial was a travesty of justice.
C1 noun ˌkɒn.əˈteɪ.ʃən

connotation

Meaning
The implied or suggested meaning of a word beyond its literal definition
Example
The word 'home' has a warm connotation of comfort and family.
A2 conjunction /ˈwɛðər/

whether

Meaning
used to express a doubt or choice between alternatives
Example
I don’t know whether I should go.
C2 noun /ˈmɪn.i.ən/

minion

Meaning
A follower or underling of a powerful person, especially a servile one.
Example
The dictator was surrounded by loyal minions who carried out his orders.
B1 verb /bʌmp/

bump

Meaning
To hit something or someone by accident; to knock against something.
Example
He accidentally bumped into the door.
A2 verb /ɡriːt/

greet

Meaning
to welcome someone; to say hello
Example
She greeted her guests warmly at the door.
B2 adjective /ˈvoʊkəl/

vocal

Meaning
expressing opinions or feelings freely and loudly; relating to the voice
Example
She was very vocal about her dissatisfaction.
B2 noun /braɪb/

Bribe

Meaning
a sum of money or something valuable given to someone to persuade them to do something dishonest or illegal
Example
The corrupt official was caught accepting a bribe from the construction company.
B2 verb /rɪˈvɜːs/

reverse

Meaning
to change something to the opposite direction, position, or result
Example
She quickly reversed the car out of the driveway.
A2 adjective /ˈkraʊdɪd/

crowded

Meaning
filled with too many people or things
Example
The bus was so crowded that I could hardly move.
C2 adjective /fɪˈdjuːʃəl/

fiducial

Meaning
based on trust or confidence; serving as a standard of reference
Example
The fiducial point on the map ensures accurate measurements.
A2 adjective /ˈɒb.vi.əs/

Obvious

Meaning
easily perceived or understood; clear and apparent to the mind
Example
It was obvious that she was upset about something.
B2 noun /ˌkoʊəˈlɪʃən/

coalition

Meaning
a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action
Example
Several parties formed a coalition to pass the new law.
C1 adjective /ˌɒmnɪˈprezənt/

omnipresent

Meaning
(of God) present everywhere at the same time.
Example
Social media has become an omnipresent force in modern society.
C2 noun /ˈoʊ.vər.let/

Overlet

Meaning
a thin mattress or pad placed over a bed for additional comfort
Example
The overlet makes the bed more comfortable to sleep on.
C1 verb /slɪŋ/

sling

Meaning
to throw or hang something roughly or carelessly
Example
He slung his bag over his shoulder before leaving.
B1 noun ɪmˈplɔɪmənt

employment

Meaning
The condition of having paid work; the action of giving work to someone.
Example
Employment was limited to Urdu speakers.
C1 verb /ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt/

dissipate

Meaning
To disappear or cause to disappear gradually.
Example
The tension in the room slowly dissipated.
C1 noun /kæʃ/

cache

Meaning
A hidden storage of items or a high-speed memory in computing.
Example
The hikers found a cache of supplies hidden under the rocks.
A2 noun /væn/

van

Meaning
a large vehicle used for transporting goods or people
Example
The delivery van stopped in front of our house.
B2 verb /ˌkoʊ.ɪnˈsaɪd/

coincide

Meaning
To occur at the same time or to be in agreement.
Example
The meeting coincided with her birthday.
C2 adjective /səˈpʌlkrəl/

sepulchral

Meaning
Relating to a tomb or burial; gloomy, dismal.
Example
The abandoned house had a sepulchral silence about it.
B2 noun /pɪtʃ/

pitch

Meaning
the quality of a sound; the level or degree of intensity; a throw or toss
Example
The singer's pitch was perfect during the performance.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/

intimidate

Meaning
To frighten or overawe someone, especially to make them do what one wants.
Example
The bully tried to intimidate the smaller kids.
C1 verb /ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrs/

reimburse

Meaning
to pay back money to someone who has spent it or lost it
Example
The company reimbursed him for travel expenses.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnənɪm/

Synonym

Meaning
a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language
Example
Happy and joyful are synonyms.
B1 noun /ˈæbsəns/

Absence

Meaning
the state of being away from a place or person; lack or non-existence
Example
His absence from the meeting was noticed by everyone.
B2 verb /kənˈsɜːrv/

conserve

Meaning
to protect something from harm or destruction; to use resources carefully to avoid waste
Example
We must conserve water during the dry season.
B2 noun /kənˈstɪtʃ.u.ənts/

constituents

Meaning
Components or elements used to create something.
Example
Proteins and vitamins are essential constituents of a healthy diet.
A2 noun /ˈsuː.pəˌmɑː.kɪt/

supermarket

Meaning
a large self-service store selling food and household goods
Example
She went to the supermarket to buy groceries.
B2 noun /ˈmɛr.meɪd/

Mermaid

Meaning
A mythical sea creature with the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish
Example
The little girl loved stories about mermaids living under the sea.
B2 noun /buːˈtiːk/

boutique

Meaning
a small shop that sells fashionable clothes or accessories
Example
She bought a beautiful dress from a boutique downtown.
C2 verb /dɪsˈmɛmbər/

dismember

Meaning
to cut or tear the limbs from a body; to divide into separate parts
Example
The king ordered his enemies to be dismembered.
A2 noun /kriːm/

Cream

Meaning
the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid that rises to the top of milk
Example
She whipped the cream until it became fluffy.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtæl.i.ə.tɔːr.i/

retaliatory

Meaning
Taking action in response to another's action, characterized as punitive, revengeful, or counteractive.
Example
The country imposed retaliatory tariffs in response to trade sanctions.
C2 verb /skwɛltʃ/

squelch

Meaning
to make a soft sucking sound, such as when walking on mud; to suppress or silence
Example
His boots squelched in the wet ground.
B2 noun /haɪv/

Hive

Meaning
a structure in which bees live and produce honey; a place full of busy activity
Example
The garden was buzzing with activity as bees flew back and forth from their hive.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

deserted

Meaning
Empty of people; abandoned.
Example
The village looked completely deserted after the storm.
B2 noun /ˈspəʊksmən/

spokesman

Meaning
a person who speaks on behalf of others, especially for a group or organization
Example
The spokesman addressed the crowd during the rally.
C2 noun /ˈdjʊərəns/

durance

Meaning
imprisonment or confinement
Example
The prisoner spent years in durance before his release.
A2 noun /niː/

Knee

Meaning
the joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg in humans
Example
He fell and scraped his knee on the pavement.
C2 noun /ˈɪkθiəˌsɔːrz/

ichthyosaurs

Meaning
Extinct marine reptiles that resembled fish and dolphins, dominant during the Mesozoic era.
Example
Ichthyosaurs were swift predators of the ancient seas.
C2 noun /ˈsuːpsɒ̃/

soupcon

Meaning
a very small quantity of something; a trace
Example
She added just a soupcon of spice to the dish.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsuːsiənt/

insouciant

Meaning
Showing a casual lack of concern; carefree.
Example
He gave an insouciant shrug and walked away.
C1 adjective /ˈtæk.taɪl/

tactile

Meaning
Connected with the sense of touch; perceptible by touch or giving a sensation when touched.
Example
The tactile experience of the fabric was soft and smooth.
B1 adjective /ɪˈmiːdiət/

immediate

Meaning
happening or done without delay
Example
The doctor gave her immediate attention.
C2 noun /ˌmɪn.ɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/

ministration

Meaning
The act of providing care, assistance, or religious service.
Example
She recovered thanks to the kind ministrations of the nurses.