brittle
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 adjective /ˈbrɪtl/

brittle

Meaning
easily broken or cracked; hard but liable to break
Example
The glass was so brittle that it cracked easily.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/

painstaking

Meaning
Done with great care and thoroughness.
Example
The artist completed the project with painstaking detail.
C1 adjective /ˈmʌðərli/

Motherly

Meaning
having qualities characteristic of a mother; caring and protective
Example
She showed motherly care and affection towards all the children.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈlæksətɪv/

laxative

Meaning
A medicine or substance that stimulates bowel movements; tending to loosen or relieve constipation.
Example
The doctor prescribed a mild laxative for her condition.
C1 verb /ˌpoʊstˈdeɪt/

postdate

Meaning
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
Example
She postdated the check to next month.
C1 noun /ɔːˈtɒkrəsi/

autocracy

Meaning
A system of government in which one person has absolute power.
Example
The country suffered under decades of autocracy.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtɔːrɪkəl/

rhetorical

Meaning
relating to the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; often a question asked to make a point rather than get an answer
Example
He asked a rhetorical question during the debate.
C1 noun /ˈkʌntrɪmən/

countryman

Meaning
a person from one's own country or rural area
Example
He was proud to meet a fellow countryman at the international conference.
C1 verb /ˈpɒstʃʊleɪt/

postulate

Meaning
to suggest or assume that something is true as the basis for reasoning or discussion
Example
Scientists postulate that life exists on other planets.
C1 verb /daɪˈluːt/

dilute

Meaning
To make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.
Example
You should dilute the juice with water before serving it to children.
C1 noun /ˈæmfɪˌθiətər/

amphitheater

Meaning
A large open circular or oval building with rising tiers of seats, used for public events.
Example
The concert was held in an ancient amphitheater.
C1 noun /ˈwiː.vər bɜːd/

Weaver bird

Meaning
a small bird that builds elaborate woven nests from grass and twigs
Example
The weaver bird skillfully constructs its intricate nest.
C1 noun /rɪˈdʒɪdəti/

Rigidity

Meaning
inability to bend or be forced out of shape; unwillingness to change or compromise
Example
The rigidity of the old system prevented any innovation.
C1 noun /ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən/

elevation

Meaning
The act of raising something to a higher position or level.
Example
The hikers reached a high elevation after hours of climbing.
C1 verb /kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

converge

Meaning
to come together from different directions; to meet at a point
Example
The roads converge at the city center.
C1 noun /ˈɛpɪθɛt/

epithet

Meaning
A descriptive phrase or word used to characterize someone or something, often as a nickname.
Example
He earned the epithet ‘The Great’ for his remarkable achievements.
C1 noun məˈnɒp.əl.i

monopoly

Meaning
The exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service.
Example
The company has a monopoly on electric car production.
C1 /ˈɡrævəl/

gravel

Meaning
Small stones and pebbles, often mixed with sand, used for paths, roads, and construction.
Example
The driveway was covered with gravel.
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.
C1 noun ˌlɪb.ər.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

liberalization

Meaning
The removal or loosening of restrictions on something, typically an economic or political system.
Example
The liberalization of trade policies attracted foreign investments.
C1 adjective /sɔɪld/

soiled

Meaning
dirty or stained; not clean
Example
His clothes were soiled after playing in the mud.
C1 noun /rʌsk/

Rusk

Meaning
a hard, dry biscuit or twice-baked bread; a type of crisp, sweet biscuit
Example
The baby enjoyed eating the soft rusk with milk.
C1 verb /ˈkæptɪveɪt/

captivate

Meaning
to attract and hold the interest of; to charm or fascinate
Example
Her beautiful voice captivated the audience.
C1 noun /ˈɛksədəs/

exodus

Meaning
A mass departure of people from a place.
Example
There was a sudden exodus of workers after the strike began.
C1 noun /rɪˈteɪnər/

retainer

Meaning
a fee paid in advance to secure someone's services, or a device that holds something in place
Example
The lawyer asked for a retainer before taking the case.
C1 adjective ˈtæktɪkəl

tactical

Meaning
Relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military or political end.
Example
Tactical thinking is crucial in business negotiations.
C1 verb /ˈlɪŋɡər/

linger

Meaning
to stay in a place longer than necessary; to persist
Example
The smell of coffee lingered in the kitchen.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːʃən/

insertion

Meaning
the action of inserting something into something else
Example
The insertion of the new data was completed successfully.
C1 verb /məˈruːn/

maroon

Meaning
to leave someone trapped and isolated, especially on an island
Example
The sailors were marooned on a deserted island.
C1 adverb /iːsˈθetɪkli/

aesthetically

Meaning
in a way that is concerned with beauty or visual appeal
Example
The building is aesthetically pleasing despite its simple design.
C1 verb /strʌt/

strut

Meaning
to walk with a stiff, proud, and confident gait, often to show off
Example
He strutted across the stage after winning the award.
C1 phrase ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən

biodiversity preservation

Meaning
The protection and conservation of the variety of life in all its forms, including different species, genetic diversity, and ecosystems.
Example
Biodiversity preservation is critical for ecological balance.
C1 noun ˌɒb.səˈlɛs.əns

obsolescence

Meaning
The process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used.
Example
The rapid advancement of technology leads to the obsolescence of old devices.
C1 noun /kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/

Compulsion

Meaning
the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way
Example
He felt a strong compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.
C1 adjective /ˈtækt.ləs/

tactless

Meaning
showing a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others
Example
His tactless remark embarrassed everyone at the meeting.
C1 noun /ˌæŋɡloʊ ˈsæksən/

anglo-saxon

Meaning
A member of the Germanic peoples who settled in England in the early Middle Ages; also relating to their language or culture.
Example
The Anglo-Saxon period greatly influenced English culture and language.
C1 adjective /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/

prolific

Meaning
Present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful; producing many works, results, or offspring.
Example
The author is prolific, having written over 30 books.
C1 noun /ˈmɒd.ə.sti/

Modesty

Meaning
the quality of being humble and not boastful about achievements
Example
Despite his success, he showed great modesty.
C1 noun /ˈiːzl̩/

easel

Meaning
a frame for supporting an artist's canvas while painting or drawing
Example
The artist placed the canvas on the easel before starting to paint.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

Meaning
wandering; traveling; migratory
Example
The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed.
C1 noun /ˌdʒuː.bɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

jubilation

Meaning
a feeling or expression of great happiness and triumph
Example
There was jubilation in the streets after the victory.
C1 noun /huːf/

Hoof

Meaning
the hard part covering the foot of horses, cattle, sheep, and other animals
Example
The horse's hoof was injured after stepping on a sharp rock.
C1 noun /ˈnɑː.sɪ.sɪ.zəm/

narcissism

Meaning
Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself; extreme selfishness.
Example
His excessive narcissism made it difficult for him to empathize with others.
C1 verb /ʌnˈnɜːrv/

unnerve

Meaning
to make someone lose confidence, courage, or composure
Example
The hostile questions began to unnerve the witness.
C1 verb /ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/

denigrate

Meaning
to criticize unfairly; to belittle or disparage someone or something
Example
He was quick to denigrate the achievements of his colleagues.
C1 noun /ˌdʒerənˈtɑːlədʒi/

gerontology

Meaning
The scientific study of old age and the process of aging.
Example
She chose to specialize in gerontology after completing medical school.
C1 noun /ˌmælnuːˈtrɪʃən/

Malnutrition

Meaning
Lack of proper nutrition; poor nourishment
Example
Malnutrition among children is a serious public health concern.
C1 verb /ˈfɪdʒɪt/

fidget

Meaning
to make small movements, especially because of nervousness or impatience
Example
The child began to fidget during the long lecture.
C1 noun /ˈded.lɑk/

Dead-lock

Meaning
a situation in which no progress is possible; complete standstill
Example
The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise.
C1 noun /ˌmʌltɪˈplɪsɪti/

multiplicity

Meaning
A large number or variety of something.
Example
The project faced a multiplicity of challenges.
C1 adjective ˈluː.sɪd

lucid

Meaning
Clear and easily understandable thoughts or explanations.
Example
His explanation was so lucid that everyone understood it.
C1 adjective + noun kəˈmendəbəl ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz

commendable initiatives

Meaning
Praiseworthy efforts or actions that deserve admiration and approval.
Example
The commendable initiatives aim to raise awareness.
C1 noun /ˈjuːlədʒi/

eulogy

Meaning
A speech or piece of writing that praises someone, especially after their death.
Example
Her brother delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the funeral.
C1 adverb /əˈraɪ/

awry

Meaning
away from the expected or proper direction; wrong or amiss
Example
The plan went awry when the weather suddenly changed.
C1 noun ˈeʃ.ə.lɒn

echelon

Meaning
A level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society.
Example
He climbed to the upper echelon of the corporate world.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪnəs/

sinus

Meaning
A cavity within a bone or tissue, especially those in the bones of the face connected with the nasal cavities.
Example
He suffered from a sinus infection that caused headaches.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtɒksɪkeɪt/

intoxicate

Meaning
to make someone lose control of their faculties or behavior due to alcohol or drugs
Example
The strong drink quickly intoxicated him.
C1 noun /raɪt/

rite

Meaning
a religious or ceremonial act
Example
The wedding rite was performed with great solemnity.
C1 adjective /ˈspɑːrtn/

spartan

Meaning
showing simplicity and lack of luxury; austere
Example
He lived in a spartan room with just a bed and a chair.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfɜːrloʊ/

furlough

Meaning
temporary leave of absence from work, especially that granted to an employee or soldier
Example
Many workers were placed on furlough during the crisis.
C1 verb /ˈɡɑː.nər/

garner

Meaning
To gather or collect, especially information, support, or approval.
Example
The politician garnered support from young voters.
C1 noun /ˌlaɪ.sənˈsiː/

Licensee

Meaning
a person or organization that holds a license to do something
Example
The licensee is responsible for following all regulations.
C1 noun /ˈspɪnstər/

spinster

Meaning
An unmarried woman, often one who is older and considered unlikely to marry
Example
The novel featured a kind-hearted spinster who cared for the village children.
C1 adjective /ˈfɛrəl/

feral

Meaning
existing in a wild or untamed state; not domesticated
Example
The feral cat roamed the streets at night.
C1 noun /ˈhɜːrbɪsaɪd/

herbicide

Meaning
A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants, especially weeds.
Example
Farmers used herbicide to protect their crops from invasive weeds.
C1 noun /ˈfen.jʊ.griːk/

Fenugreek

Meaning
an herb whose seeds and leaves are used as a spice in cooking
Example
Fenugreek seeds have a slightly bitter taste and are commonly used in Indian cuisine.
C1 adjective ɪˈluː.sər.i

illusory

Meaning
Based on illusion; not real although seeming to be.
Example
His sense of security was entirely illusory.
C1 adjective /ˈdwɪndlɪŋ/

dwindling

Meaning
Gradually reducing in number, size, or strength.
Example
The villagers relied on dwindling water supplies.
C1 noun /ˌrɛpəˈreɪʃən/

reparation

Meaning
the making of amends for a wrong done by paying money or helping those who were wronged
Example
The government offered reparations to the victims of the conflict.
C1 verb /ˈpeɪtrənaɪz/

patronize

Meaning
to treat someone in a condescending way; to be a regular customer of a business
Example
Don't patronize me with your fake sympathy.
C1 verb /ˈbɛkən/

beckon

Meaning
to signal or call someone to come closer, often with a gesture; to attract or invite
Example
She beckoned him to come closer with a wave of her hand.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfjʊərieɪt/

infuriate

Meaning
To make someone extremely angry.
Example
His careless remarks infuriated the entire team.
C1 noun /dɪˈprɛsənt/

depressant

Meaning
A drug that reduces functional or nervous activity in the body.
Example
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.
C1 noun /rɪˈpɑːzɪtɔːri/

repository

Meaning
a place where things are stored or kept for safekeeping
Example
The library serves as a repository of knowledge.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈses.ənt/

incessant

Meaning
Continuing without pause or interruption; constant.
Example
The incessant noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈtʌtʃ/

retouch

Meaning
To improve or repair a picture, photograph, or image by making small changes.
Example
The photographer retouched the image to remove blemishes.
C1 verb /plɒd/

plod

Meaning
to work slowly and steadily, often with effort or difficulty
Example
He plodded through his homework despite feeling tired.
C1 noun /ˈnoʊmæd/

nomad

Meaning
A person who has no permanent home and moves from place to place.
Example
The desert was once home to nomads who lived by herding animals.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒs.tʃə.məs/

Posthumous

Meaning
occurring or continuing after death; published after the author's death
Example
The author received a posthumous award for his last novel.
C1 noun /ˈsəʊdiəm/

sodium

Meaning
a soft, silver-white chemical element that is highly reactive and found in salt.
Example
Sodium is an essential element for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
C1 noun /ˈdʒʊərər/

juror

Meaning
a member of a jury who is chosen to hear evidence in a legal case and help make a decision
Example
The juror listened carefully to the witness’s testimony.
C1 noun /ˈfɛərˌɡraʊndz/

fairgrounds

Meaning
A designated area where fairs, exhibitions, and amusement events are held
Example
The town set up rides and stalls at the fairgrounds for the annual festival.
C1 adjective /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/

nuanced

Meaning
Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression; having fine gradations of meaning, tone, or feeling.
Example
His analysis of the novel was highly nuanced.
C1 adjective /tɔːt/

taut

Meaning
stretched or pulled tight; tense
Example
The rope was pulled taut between the two poles.
C1 noun /prəʊˌkræs.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

procrastination

Meaning
The act of delaying or postponing tasks or activities.
Example
Procrastination is the enemy of success.
C1 adjective /əˈbaɪdɪŋ/

abiding

Meaning
lasting for a long time; enduring
Example
She had an abiding love for her hometown.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrkəs/

carcass

Meaning
the dead body of an animal, especially after being slaughtered
Example
Vultures fed on the carcass left in the field.
C1 noun /ˈɪnkwest/

inquest

Meaning
A legal or official inquiry, especially into the cause of a death.
Example
The inquest revealed the cause of the accident.
C1 noun /ˈreɪ.biːz/

rabies

Meaning
A viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals, usually transmitted through animal bites.
Example
The dog was vaccinated against rabies.
C1 noun /ˈfɛləni/

felony

Meaning
a serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
Example
He was convicted of a felony and sentenced to ten years in prison.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/

unforthcoming

Meaning
Not willing to talk or provide information; uncooperative.
Example
The witness was unforthcoming about what he had seen.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntəl/

incidental

Meaning
happening as a minor part or in connection with something else
Example
Incidental expenses like snacks and tips were included in the bill.
C1 adjective ˈdɪs.pər.ət

disparate

Meaning
containing elements very different from one another.
Example
Their opinions were disparate, leading to debates.
C1 verb /ˈsɪn.θə.saɪz/

synthesize

Meaning
To combine a number of things into a coherent whole.
Example
Scientists synthesize new compounds for medical research.
C1 noun /ˈstɔːrhaʊs/

storehouse

Meaning
A place where goods, supplies, or valuables are stored; a repository
Example
The warehouse acted as a storehouse for all the imported goods.
C1 noun /rɪˈvʌlʃən/

revulsion

Meaning
a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion
Example
She felt revulsion at the sight of the cruel act.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhɛrənt/

inherent

Meaning
Existing in something as a natural, permanent, or essential quality.
Example
There are inherent risks in extreme sports.
C1 noun /ˈheɪvən/

haven

Meaning
a safe place or shelter
Example
The library became a haven for students during exams.
C1 noun /ɡriːn ˈkəʊ.kə.nʌt/

Green Coconut

Meaning
a young coconut with green outer shell containing refreshing coconut water
Example
We drank fresh water from a green coconut on the beach.
C1 noun /ˈtreɪ.ki.ə/

Trachea

Meaning
the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs; windpipe
Example
The trachea is protected by cartilage rings that keep it open.
C1 verb /fɔːˈbɛər/

forbear

Meaning
To refrain from doing something; to show patience or self-control.
Example
She forbore from commenting on his mistake.
C1 verb /ˈɪnsjuleɪt/

insulate

Meaning
To protect something by covering it, especially to prevent heat, sound, or electricity from escaping or entering.
Example
The house was insulated to reduce heating costs.
C1 adjective /əˈbreɪsɪv/

abrasive

Meaning
harsh, rough, or capable of wearing down by rubbing
Example
His abrasive tone made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 adjective /ˈnæs.ənt/

nascent

Meaning
Emerging, developing, or in the early stages of formation
Example
The nascent technology is revolutionizing industries.
C1 noun /ɔːˈtɒmətən/

automaton

Meaning
A machine that works automatically; also refers to a person who behaves like a machine, without thinking.
Example
He worked like an automaton, without showing any emotion.
C1 verb /ˈræŋɡl̩/

wrangle

Meaning
to argue or dispute noisily or angrily
Example
The two neighbors wrangled over the property line for hours.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪm.zɪ.kəl/

Whimsical

Meaning
playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way
Example
The artist created whimsical sculptures that delighted children.
C1 adjective /ˈtʌf.tɪd/

Tufted

Meaning
having a tuft or tufts; furnished with a tuft or clump of threads, hairs, or other material
Example
The tufted sofa looked elegant in the living room.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊz/

predispose

Meaning
To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or be affected by something.
Example
His genetics may predispose him to diabetes.
C1 noun /mɔːs/

Moss

Meaning
a small flowerless plant that grows in clumps in moist places
Example
Green moss covered the old stone wall.
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.
C1 noun /ˈfjuː.də.lɪ.zəm/

feudalism

Meaning
the social system in medieval Europe in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and land in return
Example
Feudalism shaped the political structure of medieval Europe.
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.
C1 noun /ˈwɔːkɪŋ fɪʃ/

Walking-fish

Meaning
a fish that can move on land using its fins and breathe air for extended periods
Example
The walking-fish can travel across dry land to find new water sources.
C1 noun /ræmˈbuːtən/

Rambutan

Meaning
a tropical fruit with red spiky skin and white translucent sweet flesh similar to litchi
Example
The rambutan looks scary with its hairy skin but tastes very sweet inside.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɪdʒɪd/

Frigid

Meaning
extremely cold; freezing; icy
Example
The frigid weather made it difficult to go outside.
C1 noun /ˌɪmɔːrˈtæləti/

immortality

Meaning
the state of living forever; eternal life or lasting fame beyond death
Example
Many ancient cultures believed that heroes could achieve immortality through great deeds.
C1 noun /ˈpærəˌlɛlɪzəm/

parallelism

Meaning
The state of being parallel or similar; in literature, the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in construction.
Example
The writer used parallelism to give rhythm to his prose.
C1 noun ˈæŋkərɪdʒ

anchorage

Meaning
A secure holding place; a place where ships can anchor safely.
Example
The boat was anchored near the shore for safety.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvoʊltɪŋ/

revolting

Meaning
extremely unpleasant or disgusting
Example
The smell of the garbage was revolting.
C1 adjective /rɪˈdʌn.dənt/

redundant

Meaning
Not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous.
Example
The report contained redundant information.