breath
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A2 noun /brɛθ/

breath

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

blunder

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

bole

Meaning
the trunk of a tree
Example
The bole of the tree was thick and strong.
A2 noun /ˈbʊkʃɒp/

bookshop

Meaning
a retail store where books are sold
Example
She spent an hour browsing in the small bookshop.
B2 noun /ˈbiː.təl/

Beetle

Meaning
a hard-bodied insect with wing covers
Example
The black beetle scurried across the garden path.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈbɔɪstərəs/

boisterous

Meaning
noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy
Example
The children were boisterous during the birthday party.
A1 verb /bɪˈkʌm/

become

Meaning
to grow to be; to come to be
Example
She became a doctor after years of study.
C2 noun /ˈbɪbliəfaɪl/

bibliophile

Meaning
A person who loves or collects books.
Example
She is a true bibliophile who spends weekends at old bookstores.
B2 adjective /ˈbʌmpi/

Bumpy

Meaning
having an uneven surface; rough; jolting
Example
The bumpy road made the car ride very uncomfortable.
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.
B1 noun /ˈbluː.ber.i/

Blueberry

Meaning
a small round blue fruit that grows on bushes
Example
She picked fresh blueberries for the pie.
C2 adjective /bɪˈfʌdld/

befuddled

Meaning
confused, unable to think clearly
Example
He looked befuddled after hearing the complex instructions.
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.
B2 noun /bɪtʃ/

Bitch

Meaning
a female dog; an unpleasant or spiteful woman (offensive)
Example
The bitch gave birth to five puppies.
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.
C2 noun /brɪˈtæniə/

britannia

Meaning
the personification of Britain, often shown as a woman with a helmet and shield
Example
Britannia has been a symbol of Britain since Roman times.
C1 verb /broʊtʃ/

broach

Meaning
to bring up a subject for discussion
Example
She decided to broach the topic of salary with her manager.
B2 adjective /bɪˈheɪvjərəl/

behavioral

Meaning
relating to the way a person or animal acts
Example
The psychologist studied the child's behavioral patterns.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪs.mənt/

Basement

Meaning
the lowest floor of a building, typically below ground level
Example
We store old furniture in the basement.
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 /ˈbæŋkrʌpt/

Bankrupt

Meaning
a person unable to pay debts; having no money; completely lacking in something
Example
The company went bankrupt after years of poor financial management.
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 verb baɪnd

bind

Meaning
To tie, fasten, or hold together securely.
Example
This force binds quarks together.
C2 noun /ˈboʊsən/

boatswain

Meaning
a ship's officer in charge of equipment and the crew
Example
The boatswain supervised the sailors on deck.
C2 adjective /bəˈθɛt.ɪk/

bathetic

Meaning
displaying insincere or trivial emotion; producing an unintended ridiculous effect through sudden change from serious to silly
Example
The movie's ending was unintentionally bathetic rather than tragic.
C2 verb /bɪˈsiːtʃ/

beseech

Meaning
To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; to beg.
Example
He beseeched the judge for mercy.
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 verb /bɪˈlɪtl/

belittle

Meaning
To make someone or something seem less important or less valuable.
Example
He often belittled his coworkers to feel superior.
A2 verb /bɛr/

bear

Meaning
to carry; to endure; to give birth to; to support
Example
She cannot bear the pain anymore.
C2 adjective /ˈbeɪnfəl/

baneful

Meaning
Causing harm, ruin, or destruction; deadly or poisonous.
Example
His baneful influence ruined the community.
C2 noun /ˈbrɒŋkəs/

bronchus

Meaning
either of the two main branches of the trachea that lead directly into the lungs
Example
The left bronchus carries air into the left lung.
A2 noun /bɪər/

beer

Meaning
An alcoholic drink made from yeast-fermented malt flavored with hops.
Example
He ordered a glass of cold beer at the bar.
C2 noun /boʊ/

beau

Meaning
a male admirer or boyfriend; a fashionable young man
Example
She arrived at the party with her beau.
B1 verb/noun /bɔːr/

bore

Meaning
Verb: To make someone feel uninterested or tired; Noun: A dull or tiresome person.
Example
The lecture began to bore the students.
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 /ˈbætəlˌfiːld/

battlefield

Meaning
a place where a battle is fought
Example
The battlefield was covered with the remnants of the fight.
A2 noun /brænd/

brand

Meaning
a type of product manufactured by a company under a particular name
Example
Nike is a popular brand of sportswear.
A1 noun /ˈbɜːrθ.deɪ/

birthday

Meaning
the anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically celebrated annually
Example
We are planning a surprise birthday party for her.
A2 noun /ˈbɪznəsˌwʊmən/

businesswoman

Meaning
a woman who works in business, especially one who owns or manages a company
Example
The businesswoman expanded her company into international markets.
C1 noun, verb /buːz/

booze

Meaning
alcoholic drink, especially strong liquor; to drink alcohol, often excessively
Example
They bought some booze for the party.
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.
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.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪt/

belate

Meaning
to delay or make late
Example
Heavy traffic belated our arrival at the party.
C1 noun /brɒŋˈkaɪtɪs/

bronchitis

Meaning
inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with acute bronchitis.
C2 noun /ˈbeɪlɔːr/

bailor

Meaning
a person who temporarily transfers possession of goods or property to another under a bailment agreement
Example
The bailor entrusted the valuable artwork to the museum for safekeeping.
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 adjective /ˌben.ɪˈfɪʃ.əl/

beneficial

Meaning
Resulting in good; favorable or advantageous.
Example
Eye rubbing can be beneficial in moderation.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˌbenɪˈdɪkʃən/

Benediction

Meaning
a blessing, especially a ceremonial one; an expression of good wishes
Example
The priest gave his benediction to the newlyweds.
B1 noun /ˌbækˈjɑːrd/

backyard

Meaning
an area of land behind a house, typically used for recreation or gardening
Example
The children played football in the backyard.
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.
C2 noun /bɜːrˈlɛsk/

burlesque

Meaning
A humorous and exaggerated imitation of a serious work; a type of theatrical entertainment involving comedy and parody.
Example
The play was a clever burlesque of traditional opera.
B2 verb /ˈbrɪdʒɪŋ/

bridging

Meaning
The action of building a bridge over something; connecting or reducing the distance between two things.
Example
The new initiative is bridging the gap between urban and rural development.
C2 verb /bɪˈfuːl/

befool

Meaning
to deceive or trick someone into believing something false; to make someone appear foolish
Example
The scammer tried to befool innocent people with fake promises.
B1 noun, verb /bʌz/

buzz

Meaning
to make a low continuous humming sound; a feeling of excitement or interest
Example
I could hear the phone buzz during the meeting.
C1 verb /bɪˈstoʊ/

bestow

Meaning
To give or present something as a gift or honor.
Example
The king bestowed honors upon the brave soldiers.
C2 adjective /bjuːˈkɒlɪk/

bucolic

Meaning
Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.
Example
They enjoyed a bucolic picnic by the river.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈblʌfər/

bluffer

Meaning
a person who pretends to be more confident, skilled, or knowledgeable than they really are; someone who deceives others by bluffing
Example
Everyone eventually realized that he was just a bluffer with no real experience.
A1 noun /boʊt/

Boat

Meaning
a small vessel for traveling over water
Example
We took a small boat to cross the river.
C1 noun /ˈbɜːrθraɪt/

birthright

Meaning
A privilege or possession that a person has from birth.
Example
Freedom is considered a birthright of every individual.
C2 noun /buːb/

boob

Meaning
a foolish or clumsy person; an informal and sometimes rude term for a woman's breast
Example
He felt like a complete boob after forgetting the meeting.
C2 verb /breɪ/

bray

Meaning
To make a loud, harsh sound like a donkey.
Example
The donkey began to bray loudly in the field.
C2 adjective /baɪˈkæmərəl/

bicameral

Meaning
Having two branches or chambers, especially in a legislature.
Example
The United States has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
B1 noun /ˈbraɪd.ɡrʊm/

Bridegroom

Meaning
a man on his wedding day or just before and after the event
Example
The nervous bridegroom waited at the altar for his bride to arrive.
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 verb /bɪˈfaʊl/

befoul

Meaning
to make dirty or polluted; to disgrace or corrupt
Example
The factory waste befouled the river.
C1 noun /ˈbɛərnəs/

bareness

Meaning
the state of being bare or uncovered; lack of decoration, warmth, or concealment
Example
The bareness of the room made it feel cold and unwelcoming.
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.
C1 verb /bɒmˈbɑːrd/

bombard

Meaning
to attack continuously with bombs, questions, or other forces
Example
Reporters bombarded the minister with difficult questions.
B1 noun ˈbaʊndəri

boundary

Meaning
A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
Example
The river marks the boundary.
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.
C2 noun /ˌbædɪˈnɑːʒ/

badinage

Meaning
Playful and humorous conversation; banter.
Example
The friends enjoyed a light badinage over coffee.
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 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.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɔːni/

brawny

Meaning
Physically strong and muscular.
Example
The brawny man lifted the heavy box with ease.
A1 interjection /baɪ/

bye

Meaning
used to say goodbye; a short and informal farewell
Example
I said bye to her before leaving.
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 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.
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.
A2 noun /bɑːθ/

Bath

Meaning
the act of washing one's body; a container for bathing
Example
I take a hot bath every evening.
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 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 adverb /ˈbəʊld.li/

Boldly

Meaning
in a confident and brave way; without fear
Example
She boldly stepped forward to face the challenge.
C2 noun /bɪˈtroʊðəl/

betrothal

Meaning
The formal engagement to be married.
Example
Their betrothal was announced to the whole village.
C2 verb /ˈbɒtənaɪz/

botanize

Meaning
to study plants in their natural environment
Example
They went to the forest to botanize during their vacation.
C2 verb /breɪz/

braze

Meaning
To join two pieces of metal by heating and melting a filler metal into the joint.
Example
The mechanic brazed the broken pipe to fix the leak.
C1 adjective /bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/

belligerent

Meaning
Hostile and aggressive, ready to fight or argue.
Example
His belligerent attitude often leads to conflicts.
C1 verb /blɛər/

blare

Meaning
to make a loud, harsh sound
Example
The car horns blared all night.
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 verb /bɜːrst/

burst

Meaning
to break open suddenly; to be full of something
Example
The balloon bursts with a loud pop.
A1 noun /ˈbʌt.ər/

Butter

Meaning
a pale yellow edible fatty substance made by churning cream
Example
He spread butter on his toast for breakfast.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌksəm/

buxom

Meaning
Plump, with a full figure and often large-breasted, especially used to describe women.
Example
The actress was described as a cheerful and buxom woman.
C2 verb /bɪˈɡaɪl/

beguile

Meaning
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
Example
She beguiled the audience with her storytelling.
A2 noun /ˈbɪz.nəs/

Business

Meaning
work relating to the production, buying, and selling of goods or services
Example
He started his own business after graduating from university.
B2 verb /ˈbætər/

batter

Meaning
To strike repeatedly with force.
Example
The waves battered the shoreline all night.
B2 noun /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ tɛkˌniːks/

breathing techniques

Meaning
Methods of controlling breathing to achieve relaxation and improve health.
Example
Breathing techniques help in reducing stress and anxiety.
C2 verb /ˈbaɪfərˌkeɪt/

bifurcate

Meaning
to divide into two branches or parts
Example
The road bifurcates into two separate paths at the hill.
C1 noun /bɪz/

Biz

Meaning
business (informal); commercial enterprise or activity
Example
He's been in the restaurant biz for twenty years.
C2 adjective /ˈbɒni/

Bonny

Meaning
cheerful; pretty; attractive
Example
The bonny child played happily in the garden.
B1 noun /broʊˈʃʊr/

brochure

Meaning
a small booklet or pamphlet containing information or advertising
Example
The travel agent gave us a brochure about the holiday package.
B2 noun /broʊtʃ/

brooch

Meaning
a decorative jewelry pin that is attached to clothing
Example
She wore a beautiful silver brooch on her jacket.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
C2 adjective /ˈblæs.fə.məs/

blasphemous

Meaning
showing disrespect or lack of reverence for God or sacred things
Example
The book was banned for its blasphemous content.
B1 noun /ˈblen.dər/

Blender

Meaning
an electric kitchen appliance used to mix, purée, or emulsify food and liquids
Example
She used the blender to make a delicious smoothie.
B2 noun /brɑː/

bra

Meaning
a woman's undergarment worn to support and cover the breasts
Example
She bought a comfortable bra for everyday wear.
A2 verb /bɪld/

build

Meaning
to make something by putting materials together; to construct
Example
They will build a new school in our neighborhood.
A2 noun; gerund /ˈbɒksɪŋ/

boxing

Meaning
the sport of fighting with fists using padded gloves; the act of putting something into a box
Example
He has been training hard for a professional boxing match.
B2 noun /ˈbɒdiɡɑːrd/

bodyguard

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

Brim

Meaning
the projecting edge of a hat; the edge or lip of something
Example
The wide brim of his hat protected him from the scorching sun.
C2 noun /brɔːn/

brawn

Meaning
physical strength in contrast to intelligence
Example
He used his brawn to lift the heavy box.
C2 verb /ˈblækˌbɔːl/

blackball

Meaning
to exclude someone socially or vote against their membership in a group or club
Example
He was blackballed from the club after the controversy.
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 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 adjective /blænd/

bland

Meaning
lacking strong features, flavor, or character; dull or uninteresting
Example
The soup was too bland for my taste.