B2 noun /ˈbɒt.əl.nek/

bottleneck

Meaning

Narrow path or obstruction, a place or situation where flow becomes slow.

Example

The narrow bridge is a major bottleneck during rush hour.

B2 adjective /bɪˈliːvəbl̩/

believable

Meaning

Able to be trusted or accepted as true or reasonable.

Example

Her story was so detailed that it sounded believable.

B2 noun /ˈbænər/

banner

Meaning

a large printed sign used for advertisements or announcements

Example

The company displayed a banner to advertise their new product.

B2 noun /ˈbɛriəl/

burial

Meaning

the act of placing a dead body into the ground.

Example

The burial ceremony took place in the afternoon.

B2 noun /ˈbɒmɪŋ/

bombing

Meaning

an attack using bombs or explosives

Example

The city was devastated by the bombing.

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.

B2 verb /buːm/

boom

Meaning

to make a loud deep sound; to grow or increase rapidly

Example

The thunder boomed across the sky.

B2 verb /blɛnd/

blend

Meaning

to mix things together smoothly; to combine harmoniously

Example

She blends the ingredients carefully.

B2 noun/verb /bʌk/

buck

Meaning

A male deer; also to resist or oppose strongly.

Example

The horse began to buck wildly as the rider tried to hold on.

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.

B2 noun /ˈbɜːrdn/

burden

Meaning

a heavy load, especially one that is difficult to carry

Example

The financial burden was too heavy for him to bear.

B2 noun /blæk sneɪk/

Black Snake

Meaning

a snake with dark or black colored skin

Example

The black snake slithered through the grass.

B2 noun /ˈbjʊəroʊ/

bureau

Meaning

An office or agency that provides services or manages specific duties.

Example

The travel bureau helped them plan their vacation.

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 /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.

B2 noun ˈbænd.wɪdθ

bandwidth

Meaning

A range of frequencies within a given band, in particular that used for transmitting a signal; the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time.

Example

Increasing bandwidth enhances internet speed.

B2 noun ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːr.kɪŋ

benchmarking

Meaning

Comparing with a specific industry or competitor to set the best standards.

Example

Companies use benchmarking to assess their performance.

B2 verb /ˈbrɔːdən/

broaden

Meaning

to make wider or larger in scope; to expand ideas, experience, or understanding

Example

Travel can broaden your perspective on different cultures.

B2 noun /ˈbrʌðərhʊd/

brotherhood

Meaning

The relationship between brothers; an association of people with common interests

Example

The soldiers shared a strong sense of brotherhood.

B2 noun /bɪˈliːvər/

believer

Meaning

a person who believes in something, especially a religious faith, idea, or principle

Example

She is a strong believer in hard work and honesty.

B2 verb, noun, adjective /baʊnd/

bound

Meaning

To move with large strides or jumps; also refers to being tied, limited, or certain.

Example

The dog bounded across the field with joy.

B2 adjective /blænd/

bland

Meaning

lacking strong features, flavor, or character; dull or uninteresting

Example

The soup was too bland for my taste.

B2 noun/verb /bruːz/

bruise

Meaning

As a noun: an injury appearing as a purple or blue mark on the skin; As a verb: to injure without breaking the skin

Example

He got a bruise on his arm after falling.

B2 adjective /boʊld/

Bold

Meaning

brave; confident; daring

Example

He made a bold decision to start his own business.

B2 noun /biːt/

Beet

Meaning

a plant with a round dark red root that is eaten as a vegetable

Example

Roasted beet with goat cheese makes a delicious salad.

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.

B2 verb /ˈbætər/

batter

Meaning

To strike repeatedly with force.

Example

The waves battered the shoreline all night.

B2 verb /bɪˈwɛər/

beware

Meaning

to be cautious or alert about a potential danger or problem

Example

Beware of the dog near the gate.

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 adverb /ˈbruːtəli/

brutally

Meaning

in a cruel, violent, or harsh manner; in a very direct and blunt way

Example

The prisoners were treated brutally by the guards.

B2 noun /ˈbækdrɒp/

backdrop

Meaning

a painted cloth or other structure used behind a stage

Example

The backdrop for the play was a beautiful mountain scene.

B2 noun ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈvɝː.sə.t̬i

biodiversity

Meaning

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Example

Rainforests are home to immense biodiversity.

B2 noun /bætʃ/

batch

Meaning

a quantity of items produced or processed at one time

Example

She baked a fresh batch of cookies this morning.

B2 adjective /ˈbɪtər/

Bitter

Meaning

having a sharp, pungent taste; feeling or showing anger and disappointment

Example

The medicine had a bitter taste.

B2 noun /ˈblæk.smɪθ/

Blacksmith

Meaning

a person who makes and repairs things made of iron

Example

The blacksmith hammered the hot iron into a horseshoe.

B2 noun bjʊəˈrɒk.rə.si

bureaucracy

Meaning

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Example

Excessive bureaucracy can slow down decision-making.

B2 noun, verb /ˈblɒsəm/

blossom

Meaning

a flower or mass of flowers on a tree or plant; to develop or flourish

Example

The small garden began to blossom in spring.

B2 noun/verb /briːtʃ/

breach

Meaning

A violation or breaking of a law, agreement, or code of conduct; an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.

Example

The company faced a breach of data security.

B2 noun /ˈbɒtəni/

botany

Meaning

the scientific study of plants

Example

She is studying botany at the university.

B2 adjective /beər/

Bare

Meaning

naked; uncovered; empty; minimal

Example

The bare walls of the room needed some decoration.

B2 noun /ˈbætəlˌfiːld/

battlefield

Meaning

a place where a battle is fought

Example

The battlefield was covered with the remnants of the fight.

B2 adjective /ˈbɒdɪli/

bodily

Meaning

relating to or concerning the body

Example

He suffered bodily harm in the accident.

B2 noun ˈbɛriəl saɪt

burial site

Meaning

A place where a dead body is buried.

Example

The burial site of the martyrs was near the riverbank.

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 noun /broʊtʃ/

brooch

Meaning

a decorative jewelry pin that is attached to clothing

Example

She wore a beautiful silver brooch on her jacket.

B2 verb /ˈbjuːtɪfaɪ/

beautify

Meaning

to make something more beautiful or attractive

Example

The city plans to beautify the old park with trees and lights.

B2 noun /brɑːnz/

bronze

Meaning

a metal made by combining copper and tin, often used for statues and medals

Example

The statue was made of solid bronze.

B2 adjective /ˌbaɪˈlɪŋɡwəl/

bilingual

Meaning

Able to speak two languages fluently.

Example

She grew up in a bilingual household speaking both English and Spanish.

B2 noun ˈbaɪ.əʊˌfjuː.əl

biofuel

Meaning

A fuel derived immediately from living matter, as opposed to fossil fuels derived from long-dead biological matter.

Example

Biofuels reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

B2 noun /ˈbɪʃəp/

bishop

Meaning

a senior member of the Christian clergy, usually in charge of a diocese and empowered to confer holy orders.

Example

The bishop delivered a powerful sermon during Sunday service.

B2 noun /ˈbʊlɪt/

Bullet

Meaning

a metal projectile fired from a gun

Example

The bullet missed its target and hit the wall.

B2 verb /blʌʃ/

blush

Meaning

to become red in the face due to embarrassment or shyness

Example

She blushed when he complimented her.

B2 noun ˈbentʃ.mɑːk

benchmark

Meaning

A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.

Example

Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City sets a benchmark in sustainability.

B2 adjective /ˈbruː.təl/

brutal

Meaning

extremely cruel or harsh; violent and without feeling

Example

The dictator’s rule was marked by brutal violence.

B2 noun, verb /bʌt/

butt

Meaning

to hit or push with the head or horns; the end part of something, especially a cigarette

Example

The goat butted the fence with its horns.

B2 verb /blɪŋk/

blink

Meaning

to close and open the eyes quickly.

Example

She blinked rapidly to clear the dust from her eyes.

B2 verb /bɑːrk/

bark

Meaning

to make a sharp sound like a dog; to speak angrily

Example

The dog barks at strangers.

B2 noun/verb /ˈbrækɪt/

bracket

Meaning

A support attached to a wall for holding something; also, to group things together.

Example

The shelf was held up by a strong metal bracket.

B2 verb /briːd/

breed

Meaning

to produce young animals; to reproduce; to keep animals for producing young

Example

They breed horses on their farm.

B2 verb /boʊlt/

bolt

Meaning

To move suddenly and quickly; also to fasten something with a bolt.

Example

The horse bolted from the stable after hearing a loud noise.

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.

B2 noun /boʊst/

Boast

Meaning

an act of talking with excessive pride about one's achievements

Example

His constant boast about his wealth annoyed everyone.

B2 verb /bɪˈfrɛnd/

befriend

Meaning

to act as a friend to someone; to make friends with

Example

She befriended the new student at school.

B2 adjective /ˈbaɪəst/

Biased

Meaning

showing prejudice for or against someone or something unfairly

Example

The judge was accused of being biased against the defendant.

B2 adjective /ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkl̩/

biological

Meaning

relating to the science of biology or to life and living organisms

Example

She is studying biological sciences at university.

B2 noun /bent/

Bent

Meaning

a natural inclination or talent; a strong interest or liking for something

Example

She has a natural bent for music and art.

B2 noun/adjective /ˈbʌmpər/

bumper

Meaning

A protective bar at the front or back of a vehicle; also used to describe something unusually large or successful.

Example

The farmer celebrated a bumper harvest this year.

B2 noun/verb /ˌbærɪˈkeɪd/

barricade

Meaning

a barrier erected to block or defend against movement; to block a passage with obstacles

Example

Protesters built a barricade across the street.

B2 noun ˈbaɪ.əs

bias

Meaning

Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

Example

The judge must remain free from bias.

B2 noun /bɪˈtreɪəl/

Betrayal

Meaning

the action of betraying one's country, group, or person; disloyalty

Example

His betrayal of their friendship hurt her deeply.

B2 noun /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəri/

beneficiary

Meaning

a person who receives something, especially money or property, from a will or insurance policy

Example

She is the sole beneficiary of her father’s estate.

B2 verb /buːst/

boost

Meaning

To increase, improve, or raise something.

Example

The company launched a campaign to boost sales.

B2 adjective /bəˈtænɪkəl/

botanical

Meaning

relating to plants or plant life

Example

She works at the botanical garden.

B2 noun, verb /ˈbʌŋkər/

bunker

Meaning

a reinforced underground shelter; to place or store something in a protected place

Example

They hid in a bunker during the air raid.

B2 adjective /blʌnt/

blunt

Meaning

not sharp; direct and straightforward in speech

Example

Her blunt remarks offended some people.

B2 noun /bʌlk/

Bulk

Meaning

the mass or size of something large; the greater part or majority of something

Example

The bulk of the work was completed before the deadline.

B2 verb /blɜːr/

blur

Meaning

to make something unclear or difficult to see

Example

Tears blurred her vision.

B2 verb /bleɪz/

blaze

Meaning

to burn brightly or powerfully

Example

The fire blazed for hours before it was brought under control.

B2 noun /bædʒ/

badge

Meaning

A small emblem or sign worn to show membership, authority, or achievement.

Example

The police officer showed his badge to identify himself.

B2 noun /bɪtʃ/

Bitch

Meaning

a female dog; an unpleasant or spiteful woman (offensive)

Example

The bitch gave birth to five puppies.

B2 noun ˈbreɪk.θruː

breakthrough

Meaning

A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.

Example

The breakthrough opens doors for new technology.

B2 noun /ˈbrɛkdaʊn/

breakdown

Meaning

a failure or collapse of a system or machinery

Example

The car had a breakdown on the highway.

B2 verb /ˈbænɪʃ/

banish

Meaning

to send someone away from a place as punishment; to get rid of

Example

The king banished the traitor from the kingdom.

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.

B2 adverb /ˈbəʊld.li/

Boldly

Meaning

in a confident and brave way; without fear

Example

She boldly stepped forward to face the challenge.

B2 noun /ˈbiː.təl/

Beetle

Meaning

a hard-bodied insect with wing covers

Example

The black beetle scurried across the garden path.

B2 noun ˈbɪz.nɪs ˈfaɪ.næns

business finance

Meaning

The area of finance that deals with sources of funding and the capital structure of corporations.

Example

Effective business finance enhances profitability.

B2 noun /bɪzˈnɛs sʌˈsɛs/

business success

Meaning

The achievement of desired outcomes in business operations, typically measured by profitability, growth, and sustainability.

Example

Innovation drives business success.

B2 noun, verb /bluːm/

bloom

Meaning

to produce flowers; to develop or flourish; a flower or the state of flowering

Example

The roses bloom beautifully every spring.

B2 noun /ˈbrɔːd.bænd/

broadband

Meaning

a high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies.

Example

Broadband internet has become a necessity in modern homes.

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.

B2 noun breɪn ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ

brain-training

Meaning

Mental exercises designed to improve cognitive functions, memory retention, and overall brain performance.

Example

Regular brain-training can improve memory retention.

B2 noun /biːk/

Beak

Meaning

the hard pointed part of a bird's mouth

Example

The eagle has a sharp beak for tearing meat.

B2 adjective /brɪsk/

Brisk

Meaning

quick and energetic; lively; vigorous

Example

She took a brisk walk in the morning to feel energized.

B2 verb baɪnd

bind

Meaning

To tie, fasten, or hold together securely.

Example

This force binds quarks together.

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 noun /ˈbeə.rər/

Bearer

Meaning

a person who carries or brings something; holder of a document

Example

The bearer of this message must deliver it quickly.

B2 noun /ˈbæk.boʊn/

Backbone

Meaning

the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; spine

Example

He injured his backbone in the accident.

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.

B2 adjective /ˌben.ɪˈfɪʃ.əl/

beneficial

Meaning

Resulting in good; favorable or advantageous.

Example

Eye rubbing can be beneficial in moderation.

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.

B2 noun /ˈbækɪŋ/

Backing

Meaning

help or support; financial or material support

Example

The project received backing from several major investors.

B2 noun /ˈbɛərɪŋ/

bearing

Meaning

a person's way of standing or moving; relevance or connection to something

Example

Her calm bearing impressed everyone in the room.

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.

B2 noun /brum/

Broom

Meaning

a long-handled brush of bristles or twigs, used for sweeping

Example

She used an old broom to sweep the fallen leaves from the porch.

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.

B2 adjective /bɪˈheɪvjərəl/

behavioral

Meaning

relating to the way a person or animal acts

Example

The psychologist studied the child's behavioral patterns.

B2 noun /ˈbɒmər/

Bomber

Meaning

military aircraft designed to drop bombs on targets

Example

The bomber squadron flew over the city at dawn.

B2 noun /ˈbrændɪŋ/

branding

Meaning

The process of creating and promoting a brand or company identity.

Example

Effective branding is key to building customer loyalty.

B2 noun /biːd/

Bead

Meaning

a small round object with a hole through it for threading

Example

She made a necklace with colorful beads.

B2 verb /breɪd/

braid

Meaning

to weave together strands of hair or material

Example

She braided her hair before going to school.

B2 interjection /ˈbrɑː.voʊ/

bravo

Meaning

used to express approval, admiration, or praise

Example

The audience shouted 'Bravo!' after the stunning performance.

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 /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 /biːm/

beam

Meaning

a ray or shaft of light; a long piece of wood or metal used to support weight

Example

A beam of sunlight entered through the window.

B2 noun /ˈbel.i/

Belly

Meaning

the front part of the human trunk below the ribs, containing the stomach and bowels; abdomen

Example

The baby kicked in her belly during pregnancy.

B2 noun /ˈbʌn.dəl/

Bundle

Meaning

a collection of things or quantity of material tied or wrapped up together

Example

The mailman delivered a bundle of letters to our house.

B2 noun /beɪs/

bass

Meaning

the lowest adult male singing voice; also, low-frequency sounds in music or a type of fish

Example

He played the bass guitar at the concert.

B2 adjective /ˈbeə.rə.bəl/

Bearable

Meaning

able to be endured; tolerable; not too unpleasant or painful

Example

The pain became bearable after taking the medicine.

B2 noun /bɪd/

Bid

Meaning

an offer to pay a certain amount for something; an attempt to obtain or achieve something

Example

She made a bid for the antique vase at the auction.

B2 verb /bɪˈtreɪ/

betray

Meaning

to be disloyal to; to reveal secrets

Example

He felt betrayed by his closest friend.