breathe
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B1 verb /briːð/

breathe

Meaning
To take air into the lungs and send it out again.
Example
It was hard to breathe in the smoky room.
C1 noun /mɔːrɡ/

morgue

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are kept, especially to be identified or claimed
Example
The police took the body to the morgue for identification.
C1 verb /ɪˈspaʊz/

espouse

Meaning
To adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life.
Example
She espoused the philosophy of nonviolence throughout her career.
B2 noun /ˈɑːrtɪˌfækt/

artifact

Meaning
an object made by humans, typically of historical or cultural interest
Example
The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Egypt.
B1 noun /pərˈsɛntɪdʒ/

percentage

Meaning
a proportion or share in relation to a whole
Example
The percentage of students who passed the exam was high.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈplækəbl/

implacable

Meaning
unable to be appeased, calmed, or pacified
Example
The soldiers faced an implacable enemy who refused to surrender.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
C1 noun /ˈskævɪndʒər/

scavenger

Meaning
an animal or person that feeds on dead or discarded material
Example
Vultures are natural scavengers that clean up the environment.
B2 noun /dɪˈstɜː.bəns/

Disturbance

Meaning
the interruption of a settled and peaceful condition; anxiety or mental uneasiness
Example
The loud music created a disturbance that bothered all the neighbors.
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 adjective /ˌʌn.təˈwɔːrd/

untoward

Meaning
Unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient.
Example
The meeting ended without any untoward incidents.
A1 verb /ˈhæpən/

happen

Meaning
to occur or take place; to come about by chance
Example
What happened at the meeting yesterday?
C1 noun/verb /ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/

varnish

Meaning
A liquid that is applied to wood or other materials to form a hard, shiny surface; also to apply such a liquid.
Example
The carpenter varnished the table to give it a glossy finish.
C2 noun /nɪmf/

Nymph

Meaning
a mythological spirit of nature; a beautiful young woman in classical mythology
Example
The water nymph appeared by the moonlit lake.
C2 noun /ˌoʊpəˈlɛsəns/

opalescence

Meaning
a milky or pearly appearance of a surface like that of an opal
Example
The pearl had a gentle opalescence under the light.
C2 noun /sfɪˈrɒmɪtər/

spherometer

Meaning
An instrument used for measuring the curvature of spherical surfaces.
Example
The scientist used a spherometer to measure the lens curvature.
A2 noun /kəˈlek.ʃən/

Collection

Meaning
a group of objects gathered together; the action or process of collecting
Example
She has an impressive collection of vintage books in her library.
A2 noun /ˈkʊki/

cookie

Meaning
a small sweet baked food, usually with flour, sugar, and butter
Example
She offered me a chocolate chip cookie.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈʌv/

Thereof

Meaning
of that; from that
Example
The contract and all amendments thereof must be signed.
A2 noun /ˈtɒpɪk/

topic

Meaning
a subject of conversation, discussion, or writing
Example
The topic of the meeting was company expansion.
A1 adjective /njuː/

new

Meaning
recently made, discovered, or introduced; not existing before
Example
He bought a new car yesterday.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈɡreɪt.fəl/

Ungrateful

Meaning
not feeling or showing thanks for something done or given; not appreciating kindness
Example
She felt he was ungrateful for all the help she had given him.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈkɒnʃənəbl/

unconscionable

Meaning
shockingly unfair or unreasonable
Example
The company made unconscionable profits from the crisis.
B2 noun /prɔːn/

Prawn

Meaning
a large marine crustacean similar to shrimp but typically bigger
Example
The chef prepared delicious prawn curry with coconut milk.
C2 noun /rɪˈsɪʒən/

rescission

Meaning
the cancellation or annulment of a law, contract, or agreement
Example
The rescission of the contract left both parties disappointed.
B2 verb /ɜːrdʒ/

urge

Meaning
to strongly encourage or try to persuade someone to do something
Example
Doctors urge patients to exercise regularly.
C2 noun /ˈæpəfθɛm/

apophthegm

Meaning
A short, pithy, and instructive saying or maxim.
Example
She always had a witty apophthegm to share at meetings.
C2 verb /dɪˈskraɪ/

descry

Meaning
to catch sight of something, especially something distant or obscure
Example
From the hilltop, they descried a small village in the distance.
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 noun /poʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/

polarity

Meaning
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
Example
The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger.
C2 adjective /paɪd/

pied

Meaning
having two or more different colors, typically in blotches
Example
The pied cat had black and white patches all over its body.
C1 adjective /ˈɡʌl.ə.bəl/

gullible

Meaning
Easily deceived or tricked.
Example
She was so gullible that she believed every rumor.
C1 adverb /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkli/

mathematically

Meaning
in a way that relates to mathematics; using numbers, formulas, or logical calculation
Example
The problem can be solved mathematically rather than by guesswork.
C2 noun /ˌɛksɪˈɡjuːɪti/

exiguity

Meaning
the quality of being scanty or meager in amount
Example
The exiguity of resources made the project difficult to complete.
C1 adjective /ˈbrɪslɪŋ/

bristling

Meaning
full of energy, anger, or excitement; showing bristles standing up
Example
He entered the room bristling with confidence.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ə.pi/

canopy

Meaning
The upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of trees; overhead cover.
Example
The rainforest canopy provides shelter to many birds and insects.
A2 noun /ˈeə.ri.ə/

area

Meaning
a particular region or space; the extent of a surface
Example
This area is known for its beautiful parks.
C2 verb /sleɪk/

slake

Meaning
To satisfy thirst or desire.
Example
She drank cold water to slake her thirst.
A1 noun /mɑːrtʃ/

March

Meaning
An act of walking in a regular measured tread; a protest demonstration
Example
The soldiers performed a ceremonial march in front of the palace.
B2 noun /ˈter.ər.ɪ.zəm/

Terrorism

Meaning
the unlawful use of violence and intimidation against civilians for political aims
Example
The government increased security measures to prevent terrorism.
B2 noun səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈvɛləpmənt

Sustainable Development

Meaning
Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Example
Eco-tourism contributes to sustainable development in local communities.
C1 verb /ˈbɪkər/

bicker

Meaning
To argue or quarrel about trivial matters.
Example
The children began to bicker over the last piece of cake.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛntɪɡreɪd/

centigrade

Meaning
Relating to the Celsius temperature scale, where water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.
Example
The weather forecast predicted 30 degrees centigrade.
C2 verb /ˌdɒmɪˈnɪə/

domineer

Meaning
to assert one's will over another in an arrogant way
Example
He tends to domineer over his younger colleagues.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃʌbi/

chubby

Meaning
slightly fat in a way that looks healthy and pleasant
Example
The baby has chubby cheeks.
A1 noun /hæt/

Hat

Meaning
a covering for the head, typically with a brim and worn outdoors
Example
He always wears a hat when working in the garden.
B1 noun /ˈspɛndɪŋ/

spending

Meaning
the act of paying money for goods or services
Example
Her spending on clothes was higher than expected.
B2 adjective /dɪˌveləpˈmentl/

developmental

Meaning
relating to the process of growth or progress
Example
Early childhood is a crucial developmental stage for learning.
B2 noun /ˈɡuːs.ber.i/

Gooseberry

Meaning
a small round green or red berry that grows on a thorny bush
Example
Gooseberries are rich in vitamin C and make excellent jams.
C2 noun /doʊlt/

dolt

Meaning
A stupid or slow-witted person.
Example
Only a dolt would believe such a story.
B2 noun ˈʃeɪdɪd ˈɛəriə

shaded area

Meaning
An area that is protected from direct sunlight.
Example
We sat in a shaded area by the riverbank.
C1 verb /rɪˈmɪt/

remit

Meaning
To send money in payment or as a gift; to cancel or refrain from exacting a debt or punishment.
Example
He promised to remit the payment by the end of the week.
C1 adjective, noun /ɪnˈdɪkətɪv/

indicative

Meaning
Serving as a sign or expression of something; in grammar, a mood used to make factual statements.
Example
His tone was indicative of his frustration.
C1 adjective /ˈnɪmbəl/

nimble

Meaning
Quick and light in movement or thought.
Example
The dancer’s nimble steps impressed the audience.
C1 verb /ˈkəʊ.dɪ.faɪ/

codify

Meaning
to arrange laws, rules, or ideas into a clear and systematic code
Example
The committee worked to codify the existing laws.
C1 noun /əˈlɒt.mənt/

allotment

Meaning
The distribution or allocation of something, especially resources or portions.
Example
Each department received an allotment of resources.
C2 noun /ˈmæk.rəˌkɒz.əm/

macrocosm

Meaning
The whole universe considered as a large, complex system; a large-scale representation of something.
Example
The macrocosm of the universe reflects the microcosm of human life.
C2 noun ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

aberration

Meaning
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.
Example
The scientist dismissed the data as an aberration.
A1 pronoun /ðæt/

that

Meaning
used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard
Example
That is my book on the table.
C2 noun əˌten.juˈeɪ.ʃən

attenuation

Meaning
The reduction of the force, effect, or value of something.
Example
The attenuation of sound waves affects communication.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɜːrdʒɪk/

synergic

Meaning
Working together in a cooperative and effective manner.
Example
The two departments have a synergic relationship that boosts productivity.
C2 noun /ˈɛdi/

eddy

Meaning
A circular movement of water, air, or smoke, counter to the main current, causing a small whirlpool or turbulence.
Example
The canoe was caught in an eddy near the rocks.
A2 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪdi/

Untidy

Meaning
not neat or orderly; messy and disorganized
Example
Her untidy room was filled with clothes scattered everywhere.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsoʊld/

unsold

Meaning
not sold; remaining without a buyer
Example
The unsold goods were returned to the warehouse.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbloʊn/

overblown

Meaning
excessively exaggerated or inflated
Example
The controversy was overblown by the media.
C1 noun ˈsæŋktɪti

sanctity

Meaning
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly; ultimate importance.
Example
The sanctity of life should never be compromised.
C1 preposition /ˈbɑːrɪŋ/

barring

Meaning
except for; if not for
Example
Barring a miracle, the team will not win the championship.
C2 noun /ɪnˈhɪərəns/

inherence

Meaning
The state of being an essential or permanent part of something.
Example
The inherence of risk is part of every business venture.
C2 noun /ˈvɪtəlz/

victuals

Meaning
Food or provisions, especially for human consumption.
Example
The travelers packed enough victuals for their long journey.
C2 noun /ˈklɔɪstər/

cloister

Meaning
a covered walk in a convent, monastery, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other.
Example
The monks walked silently through the cloister.
C2 verb ˈɪnʌndeɪt

inundate

Meaning
To flood; overwhelm someone or something with things or people to be dealt with
Example
The company was inundated with requests after the advertisement.
C1 noun, verb /spreɪn/

sprain

Meaning
an injury to a joint in which the ligaments are stretched or torn
Example
She sprained her ankle while running in the park.
C1 noun /ˈɡrɪd.əl/

Griddle

Meaning
a flat heating surface for cooking food, typically made of metal
Example
She cooked pancakes on the hot griddle.
A2 adjective /ˈjuːs.ləs/

Useless

Meaning
having no beneficial purpose; not useful
Example
This broken computer is completely useless.
A2 adjective /fænˈtæstɪk/

Fantastic

Meaning
extremely good; wonderful; excellent
Example
The movie was absolutely fantastic!
B1 noun ˈmɪlɪteri

military

Meaning
The armed forces of a country.
Example
The military was called for assistance.
B2 verb /əˈsaɪn/

assign

Meaning
to give someone a task, duty, or responsibility
Example
The manager will assign tasks to the new employees.
A1 noun /ɪər/

Ear

Meaning
the organ of hearing; the ability to hear or listen
Example
She whispered something in his ear during the meeting.
C2 adjective /ˌfærɪˈseɪɪkəl/

pharisaical

Meaning
Excessively concerned with formal rules or outward show of morality, often in a hypocritical way.
Example
His pharisaical behavior made people doubt his sincerity.
A2 verb /ˈsetəl/

settle

Meaning
to resolve; to establish residence; to calm down
Example
They decided to settle in a quiet village.
C2 verb /ɛkˈskɔːrieɪt/

excoriate

Meaning
To strongly criticize someone; to denounce severely.
Example
The critic excoriated the film for its poor script.
C1 noun, verb /səˈpiːnə/

subpoena

Meaning
a legal document ordering someone to attend court; to summon someone with such a document
Example
The witness received a subpoena to appear in court next week.
B1 verb /prəˈnaʊns/

pronounce

Meaning
to say words correctly; to declare officially
Example
She can pronounce French words perfectly.
B2 verb /ɪnˈhæns/

enhance

Meaning
to improve the quality, value, or extent of something
Example
The new features will enhance the user experience.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnət/

senate

Meaning
a legislative or governing body, typically the upper chamber in a bicameral legislature
Example
The senate voted in favor of the new healthcare bill.
A2 adjective /noʊn/

known

Meaning
recognized or familiar; something that is identified or acknowledged
Example
He is a well-known actor in the country.
B2 adjective /ˌæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/

absent-minded

Meaning
often forgetting things or not paying attention
Example
He is so absent-minded that he often forgets his keys.
B2 verb /bɑːrk/

bark

Meaning
to make a sharp sound like a dog; to speak angrily
Example
The dog barks at strangers.
A2 adjective /fɪt/

Fit

Meaning
suitable; appropriate; healthy; in good physical condition; ready
Example
He is fit and healthy.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdjuː/

endue

Meaning
To provide or endow with a quality or ability.
Example
The leader was endued with wisdom and courage.
C1 verb /ˈpæmpər/

pamper

Meaning
to treat with excessive care and attention; to spoil
Example
Parents often pamper their first child.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːtəˈkrætɪk/

autocratic

Meaning
Relating to a ruler who has absolute power and does not consult others.
Example
The manager’s autocratic style discouraged employees from sharing their ideas.
B1 noun /ˈseɪ.lər/

Sailor

Meaning
a person who works on a ship or boat; a member of a navy
Example
The experienced sailor navigated the ship through the storm.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
C2 noun /sfɛˈrɪsɪti/

sphericity

Meaning
The quality or state of being spherical; roundness.
Example
The sphericity of the ball made it roll smoothly on the ground.
C1 noun /rɪˈkluːs/

recluse

Meaning
A person who lives alone and avoids other people; someone who lives a solitary life.
Example
The old man lived as a recluse in the mountains.
C1 noun səˌsɛp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti

susceptibility

Meaning
The quality of being likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing; vulnerability.
Example
High susceptibility to infections requires extra care.
A2 noun/verb /sɛns/

sense

Meaning
A faculty by which the body perceives external stimuli; or to perceive something without being told.
Example
She had a strong sense of responsibility.
B2 adjective /ˈkʌltʃəd/

cultured

Meaning
characterized by refined taste, manners, and education
Example
She is a cultured woman who loves art and literature.
C1 adverb /ˈkrɒswaɪz/

Crosswise

Meaning
in the form of a cross; diagonally across
Example
Place the logs crosswise to build a stable fire.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɪʒən/

parisian

Meaning
relating to Paris or its people
Example
She wore a Parisian style dress at the party.
C1 noun /ɪmˈbæl.əns/

Imbalance

Meaning
lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things; unequal distribution
Example
The doctor said the patient's dizziness was caused by an inner ear imbalance.
A1 noun /ˈjɛstərdeɪ/

yesterday

Meaning
the day before today
Example
Yesterday, we went to the park.
B2 noun/verb /eɪp/

ape

Meaning
a large primate similar to a monkey but without a tail; as a verb, to imitate or mimic
Example
Children often ape the behavior of adults.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

Meaning
showing kindness that is perceived as condescending or superior
Example
His patronizing tone offended the audience.
C2 noun /ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən/

predilection

Meaning
A strong liking or preference for something.
Example
She has a predilection for classical music.
B2 verb /swiːp/

sweep

Meaning
to clean by brushing; to move quickly and smoothly
Example
She sweeps the floor every morning.
C2 adjective /ˈnaɪt.li/

Knightly

Meaning
having the characteristics of a knight; chivalrous; noble and brave
Example
He showed knightly courage in defending the innocent.
C1 adverb /ˈfɜː.vənt.li/

Fervently

Meaning
with passionate intensity; ardently; with great emotion or enthusiasm
Example
She fervently hoped that her dreams would come true.
B2 verb /əˈbaɪd/

abide

Meaning
to accept or act in accordance with; to endure; to dwell
Example
I will abide by the rules of the company.
B2 noun ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm

ecosystem

Meaning
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Example
A balanced ecosystem is crucial for environmental sustainability.
B2 adjective /səˈraʊndɪŋ/

surrounding

Meaning
located all around a particular place or thing; nearby
Example
The surrounding hills were covered in mist.
C2 noun /ˈsɑːrdʒənt ət ɑːrmz/

sergeant-at-arms

Meaning
An officer responsible for maintaining order during meetings or legislative sessions.
Example
The sergeant-at-arms escorted the disruptive member out of the hall.
B2 noun /ˈlen.tɪl/

Lentil

Meaning
a high-protein pulse which is dried and then soaked and cooked prior to eating
Example
She cooked red lentils for dinner tonight.
C2 noun /ˈvɪntnər/

vintner

Meaning
A person who makes or sells wine.
Example
The vintner explained the process of making red wine.
A2 adjective /ˈriː.sənt/

Recent

Meaning
happening not long ago; new; current;
Example
The recent changes in weather patterns concern scientists.
C1 noun /faɪˈnælɪti/

finality

Meaning
the quality of being final or irreversible; a sense of conclusiveness
Example
The judge's decision gave the case a sense of finality.
C1 noun /ɪˈnæməl/

enamel

Meaning
a hard, glossy substance used as a protective or decorative coating; the hard outer layer of teeth
Example
The dentist explained that enamel protects the teeth from decay.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɒdɪst/

immodest

Meaning
lacking humility or decency; excessively proud or improper
Example
His immodest remarks offended the audience.
C1 noun /meɪl treɪn/

Mail train

Meaning
a train that carries mail and postal packages
Example
The mail train departs every evening to deliver letters across the country.
C2 adjective /rɪˈflɛktɪbəl/

reflectible

Meaning
capable of being reflected, as light or an image
Example
The surface of the lake is highly reflectible in the morning sun.