brittle
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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 noun /bəˈnæn.zə/

Bonanza

Meaning
a situation or event that creates a sudden increase in wealth, good fortune, or profits
Example
The oil discovery was a bonanza for the small country.
C1 noun /ˈbed sted/

Bed stead

Meaning
the framework of a bed; a bed frame without bedding
Example
The wooden bed stead was very sturdy.
C1 noun /brɪˈɡeɪd/

brigade

Meaning
A large group of people organized for a specific purpose, especially a military unit.
Example
The fire brigade arrived quickly to put out the flames.
C1 noun /blæk sɔːlt/

Black Salt

Meaning
a type of rock salt with a distinctive sulfuric flavor, commonly used in Indian cuisine
Example
Add a pinch of black salt to enhance the flavor of the fruit salad.
C1 noun /blɜːrb/

blurb

Meaning
a short promotional description of a book, product, or service
Example
The back cover had a blurb praising the novel.
C1 verb /bɒtʃ/

botch

Meaning
to carry out a task badly or carelessly
Example
He completely botched the repair job.
C1 noun /ˈbreɪkər/

breaker

Meaning
A person or thing that breaks something; a large sea wave that breaks into foam near the shore; a device that interrupts an electric circuit.
Example
The breaker tripped during the storm, cutting off electricity.
C1 verb /broʊtʃ/

broach

Meaning
to bring up a subject for discussion
Example
She decided to broach the topic of salary with her manager.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈblaɪtɪd/

blighted

Meaning
Spoiled, damaged, or destroyed.
Example
The blighted neighborhood was abandoned by most residents.
C1 adjective /ˈbleɪtənt/

blatant

Meaning
done openly and unashamedly; obvious and offensive
Example
The company's blatant disregard for safety regulations angered the public.
C1 noun /ˈbɪɡətri/

bigotry

Meaning
Intolerance toward those who hold different opinions or lifestyles.
Example
Her bigotry prevented her from accepting people with different beliefs.
C1 adjective /bəˈzɜːrk/

berserk

Meaning
Out of control with anger or excitement; wild or frenzied.
Example
The fans went berserk when their team won the championship.
C1 adjective /ˈbleɪmləs/

blameless

Meaning
innocent of wrongdoing; not deserving blame
Example
She remained calm and blameless throughout the investigation.
C1 noun /bɑːrˈbeəriən/

Barbarian

Meaning
a person from an uncivilized group; someone who is cruel or brutal
Example
The ancient Romans considered anyone outside their empire to be barbarians.
C1 adjective /ˈbrɪslɪŋ/

bristling

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

bombard

Meaning
to attack continuously with bombs, questions, or other forces
Example
Reporters bombarded the minister with difficult questions.
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.
C1 noun /blaɪt/

blight

Meaning
A disease or condition that causes plants to wither; something that spoils or damages.
Example
The drought was a blight on the farmer’s crops.
C1 noun /bʊk ˈbaɪn.dər/

Book binder

Meaning
a person whose job is to fasten the pages of books together and put covers on them
Example
The old book binder carefully restored the antique manuscript.
C1 verb /bɪˈwɪldər/

bewilder

Meaning
to cause someone to be confused or puzzled
Example
The complex instructions bewildered the students.
C1 verb, noun /ˈbrɪsəl/

bristle

Meaning
to react angrily or defensively; a short stiff hair or fiber
Example
The cat bristled when it saw the dog.
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.
C1 noun /bɪˈriːvmənt/

bereavement

Meaning
The state of having lost a loved one through death.
Example
She received many letters of sympathy during her time of bereavement.
C1 noun /ˈbɑːr.tər ˌsɪs.təm/

barter system

Meaning
A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.
Example
Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade.
C1 noun /ˈblɒk.ɪdʒ/

Blockage

Meaning
an obstruction that makes movement or flow difficult or impossible
Example
The drain blockage caused water to overflow in the kitchen.
C1 adjective /ˈbær.ən/

Barren

Meaning
sterile; unable to produce; desolate; unproductive
Example
The barren desert stretched for miles without any vegetation.
C1 noun /bɑːm/

balm

Meaning
A soothing ointment or something that provides comfort or relief.
Example
The balm helped relieve the pain from her sunburn.
C1 adjective /ˈbɒt.əl ɡriːn/

Bottle-green

Meaning
a dark green color similar to that of a green glass bottle
Example
She wore a beautiful bottle-green dress to the evening party.
C1 verb /ˈbæbəl/

babble

Meaning
to talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish way
Example
The baby babbles all day long.
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 adjective /ˈbʊkɪʃ/

Bookish

Meaning
studious; scholarly; devoted to reading and studying
Example
She was known for her bookish nature and love of literature.
C1 adjective /ˈbeɪs.ləs/

Baseless

Meaning
without foundation; groundless; unfounded
Example
The accusations against him were completely baseless.
C1 adjective /bəˈnɑːl/ or /ˈbeɪnəl/

banal

Meaning
Lacking originality; boringly obvious and commonplace.
Example
His speech was full of banal clichés.
C1 adjective /bɪˈnaɪn/

benign

Meaning
Gentle, kind, or not harmful (especially of a disease or tumor).
Example
The doctor assured her that the tumor was benign.
C1 noun /beɪl/

bail

Meaning
the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, often with a financial guarantee
Example
He was granted bail after his arrest.
C1 noun /ˈbɪtər ɡɔːrd/

Bitter Gourd

Meaning
a green, bumpy vegetable with a very bitter taste, known for its medicinal properties
Example
Bitter gourd is excellent for controlling blood sugar levels.
C1 verb /blɜːrt/

blurt

Meaning
to say something suddenly without thinking
Example
He blurts out the secret accidentally.
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 /bruːˈtæləti/

brutality

Meaning
extreme cruelty or violence; savage or inhumane treatment
Example
The brutality of the attack shocked the entire community.
C1 noun/adjective/verb /bʌf/

buff

Meaning
A fan or enthusiast; also to polish or shine something.
Example
He is a movie buff who watches films every weekend.
C1 verb/noun ˈbuːt.stræp

bootstrap

Meaning
To start and develop a business using personal resources without external funding.
Example
He bootstrapped his company with minimal resources.
C1 noun /ˈbɔɪənsi/ or /ˈbuːjənsi/

buoyancy

Meaning
The ability to float in a liquid; cheerfulness and optimism.
Example
Her natural buoyancy lifted the mood of the group.
C1 noun /ˈbɜːrθraɪt/

birthright

Meaning
A privilege or possession that a person has from birth.
Example
Freedom is considered a birthright of every individual.
C1 noun /ˈbenɪˌfæktər/

Benefactor

Meaning
a person who gives money or other help to support a person or cause; a patron
Example
The anonymous benefactor donated millions to the hospital.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
C1 verb /bæsk/

bask

Meaning
to lie in warmth and light; to enjoy something pleasurable
Example
The cat basks in the sunny window.
C1 verb /ˈbruːtəlaɪz/

brutalize

Meaning
to treat someone with extreme violence or cruelty; to make something harsh or cruel
Example
The regime was accused of brutalizing innocent civilians.
C1 verb /bloʊt/

bloat

Meaning
to swell or cause to swell, often due to fluid or gas
Example
Eating too much junk food can bloat your stomach.
C1 noun /ˈbjuːɡəl/

Bugle

Meaning
a brass musical instrument similar to a trumpet but without valves, used especially for military calls
Example
The soldier played the bugle to signal the start of the ceremony.
C1 noun /ˌbaɪˈlæt.ər.əl nɪˌɡəʊ.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃənz/

bilateral negotiations

Meaning
Negotiations or discussions between two parties, typically countries or organizations.
Example
Bilateral negotiations resolve disputes.
C1 verb /bɪˈreɪt/

berate

Meaning
to scold or criticize angrily
Example
The teacher berated the student for being late.
C1 noun /ˈbʊl.ək/

Bullock

Meaning
a young bull; a castrated bull used for farm work
Example
The farmer used a bullock to plow the field.
C1 verb /bɪˈstoʊ/

bestow

Meaning
To give or present something as a gift or honor.
Example
The king bestowed honors upon the brave soldiers.
C1 verb /bɔːk/

balk

Meaning
to hesitate or refuse to proceed or comply
Example
She balked at signing the contract without reading it fully.
C1 noun, verb /ˈbʌtrəs/

buttress

Meaning
a structure built against a wall for support; to support or strengthen
Example
The cathedral walls were buttressed to prevent collapse.
C1 verb /bɪˈmoʊn/

bemoan

Meaning
To express discontent or sorrow over something.
Example
Critics bemoaned the lack of diversity in the film.
C1 noun, verb /buːz/

booze

Meaning
alcoholic drink, especially strong liquor; to drink alcohol, often excessively
Example
They bought some booze for the party.
C1 adjective /ˈbɔɪstərəs/

boisterous

Meaning
noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy
Example
The children were boisterous during the birthday party.
C1 noun /ˈbærɪstər/

barrister

Meaning
A type of lawyer in certain legal systems who specializes in courtroom advocacy and litigation.
Example
The barrister argued the case passionately before the judge.
C1 noun /ˈbʊzəm/

bosom

Meaning
the human chest, especially a woman’s breast; also used metaphorically to refer to closeness or intimacy
Example
She kept the secret close to her bosom.
C1 noun /baʊt/

Bout

Meaning
a short period of intense activity of a specified kind; a wrestling or boxing match
Example
After a bout of illness, she finally recovered and returned to work.
C1 preposition /ˈbɑːrɪŋ/

barring

Meaning
except for; if not for
Example
Barring a miracle, the team will not win the championship.
C1 adjective /bəˈroʊk/

baroque

Meaning
relating to a highly ornate and extravagant style of art, architecture, or music from the 17th and early 18th centuries; excessively elaborate or complex
Example
The church was decorated in a baroque style with intricate details.
C1 verb bɪˈkwiːð

bequeath

Meaning
Leave something to someone in a will; pass down or hand down to the next generation.
Example
The scientist bequeathed his research papers to the university.
C1 adjective /ˈbuːzi/

boozy

Meaning
containing or involving a lot of alcohol; slightly drunk from alcohol
Example
The party became boozy as the night went on.
C1 adjective /ˈbaɪtɪŋ/

Biting

Meaning
extremely cold; sharply critical or harsh
Example
The biting cold made everyone shiver.
C1 adjective /bɪˈriːvd/

Bereaved

Meaning
having lost a loved one through death
Example
The bereaved family received many condolences.
C1 noun /bəˈbuːn/

Baboon

Meaning
a large African and Arabian primate with a dog-like snout and colorful buttocks
Example
The baboon troop gathered around the watering hole in the savanna.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈbæntərɪŋ/

bantering

Meaning
characterized by good-humored teasing or joking
Example
They had a bantering conversation at the café.
C1 verb /bɪˈhoʊld/

behold

Meaning
to see or observe something, especially something remarkable or impressive
Example
She stood quietly to behold the sunrise over the hills.
C1 noun /ˈbuːt.stræp.ɪŋ/

bootstrapping

Meaning
Starting a business with personal resources or small investments without external funding or venture capital.
Example
Many entrepreneurs rely on bootstrapping to launch their businesses.
C1 noun /blɒˈkeɪd/

Blockade

Meaning
an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Example
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the port.
C1 noun /ˈblʌdˌbæθ/

bloodbath

Meaning
an event in which a lot of people are killed or injured, especially in a violent conflict
Example
The war turned into a bloody bloodbath.
C1 verb /bruːd/

brood

Meaning
to think deeply about something that makes one unhappy; also, a group of young birds hatched at the same time
Example
He sat alone, brooding over his failures.
C1 adjective /ˈbɔɪənt/ or /ˈbuːjənt/

buoyant

Meaning
Able to float easily; cheerful and optimistic.
Example
She remained buoyant despite the difficulties.
C1 noun/verb /ˈbæntər/

banter

Meaning
playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks
Example
The colleagues enjoyed some light banter during the meeting.
C1 adjective ˌbjʊə.rəˈkræt.ɪk

bureaucratic

Meaning
Involving or characterized by complex rules and procedures that can delay the achievement of goals.
Example
Bureaucratic red tape often delays project approvals.
C1 noun /ˈbɑn.dɪdʒ/

Bondage

Meaning
the state of being a slave; the state of being under the control of a force or influence
Example
The people fought to escape from the bondage of oppression.
C1 adjective /ˈbækˌhændɪd/

backhanded

Meaning
Indirect or sarcastic, often appearing as praise but actually insulting.
Example
She gave him a backhanded compliment about his work.
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.
C1 noun /bəˈnɛv.ə.ləns/

benevolence

Meaning
The quality of being well meaning and kindly; the disposition to do good.
Example
His benevolence towards the poor earned him respect.
C1 verb /blæntʃ/

blanch

Meaning
to turn pale from shock, fear, or to briefly boil food to remove skin or prepare it
Example
She blanched at the sight of blood.
C1 verb; noun /beltʃ/

belch

Meaning
to expel air noisily from the stomach through the mouth; to emit or pour out suddenly and forcefully
Example
After drinking the soda, he belched loudly.
C1 noun /bəˈrɑːʒ/

barrage

Meaning
a concentrated outpouring of questions, criticisms, or blows; a rapid, continuous attack
Example
The politician faced a barrage of tough questions from reporters.
C1 noun /bəˈrɒmɪtər/

barometer

Meaning
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
Example
The barometer indicated a storm was approaching.
C1 noun /ˈblɛm.ɪʃ/

blemish

Meaning
A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.
Example
The mirror had a small blemish on the surface.
C1 verb /bɪˈsiːdʒ/

besiege

Meaning
to surround a place with armed forces to capture it; to overwhelm with requests or attention
Example
The city was besieged by enemy troops.
C1 noun /beɪl/

bale

Meaning
A large bundle of goods tightly wrapped and bound.
Example
The workers loaded the bale of cotton onto the truck.
C1 noun /bɒɡ/

bog

Meaning
an area of wet, spongy ground; a swamp or marsh
Example
The hikers got stuck in a bog.
C1 adjective /bɪˈrɛft/

bereft

Meaning
Deprived of or lacking something, especially a nonmaterial asset.
Example
After the betrayal, he felt bereft of hope and trust.
C1 adjective /ˌbaɪˈlæt.ər.əl/

bilateral

Meaning
An agreement or relationship between two parties that is mutual, two-sided, or reciprocal.
Example
The two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement.
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.
C1 noun /blæk plʌm/

Black plum

Meaning
a dark purple or black colored edible fruit with sweet and sour taste
Example
I picked some fresh black plums from the tree in our backyard.
C1 noun /braɪn/

brine

Meaning
Water saturated with salt, often used for preserving food.
Example
The olives were stored in brine to keep them fresh.
C1 adjective bəˈnev.əl.ənt

benevolent

Meaning
Kind, generous, showing goodwill and kindness.
Example
His benevolent nature made him beloved.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪ.lɔː/

by-law

Meaning
A rule made by a company, organization, or local authority to control the actions of its members.
Example
The city council passed a new by-law regulating street vendors.
C1 noun /bʌm/

bum

Meaning
informal term for the buttocks; also a homeless or lazy person
Example
He sat on his bum all day doing nothing.
C1 verb /ˈbɪkər/

bicker

Meaning
To argue or quarrel about trivial matters.
Example
The children began to bicker over the last piece of cake.
C1 adjective /ˌboʊnəˈfaɪdi/

Bonafide

Meaning
genuine; authentic; legitimate
Example
She is a bonafide expert in her field.
C1 noun/verb /ˈbɔɪ/ or /ˈbuːi/

buoy

Meaning
A floating marker on water; to keep something afloat or encourage someone.
Example
The news buoyed their spirits after the loss.
C1 noun /buːn/

boon

Meaning
A thing that is helpful or beneficial.
Example
The internet is a boon to modern education.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪoʊˌsfɪr/

Biosphere

Meaning
the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms
Example
Climate change is affecting the entire biosphere.
C1 noun /bɒmˈbɑːrdmənt/

bombardment

Meaning
a continuous attack with bombs or other projectiles
Example
The city endured a heavy bombardment during the war.
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.
C1 noun /ˌbɪbliˈɒɡrəfi/

bibliography

Meaning
a list of books, articles, or other sources used or referred to in scholarly work
Example
The report includes a detailed bibliography at the end.
C1 noun /brʌnt/

brunt

Meaning
the worst part or main impact of something unpleasant
Example
The small town bore the brunt of the storm.
C1 verb /bʌdʒ/

budge

Meaning
To move slightly; to change one’s opinion or position.
Example
Despite the pressure, he refused to budge from his decision.
C1 adjective /ˈbed.rɪd.ən/

Bedridden

Meaning
confined to bed; unable to leave one's bed due to illness or infirmity
Example
The elderly man has been bedridden for several months.
C1 noun, verb /bʌldʒ/

bulge

Meaning
A swelling or protruding part; to swell outward or protrude.
Example
The bag began to bulge with too many books inside.
C1 noun /ˈblæs.fə.mi/

blasphemy

Meaning
the act of speaking disrespectfully about God or sacred things
Example
In some countries, blasphemy is a punishable offense.
C1 verb /ˈbəʊl.stər/

bolster

Meaning
To support or strengthen; to prop up.
Example
The new policy aims to bolster economic growth.
C1 adjective /ˈbaʊn.tɪ.fəl/

bountiful

Meaning
Large in quantity; abundant; generous in giving.
Example
The farmer was grateful for the bountiful harvest.
C1 adjective /ˈbloʊtɪd/

bloated

Meaning
swollen or puffed up, often unpleasantly
Example
After the big meal, he felt bloated and uncomfortable.
C1 verb /ˈbæfəl/

baffle

Meaning
to confuse; to be too difficult to understand
Example
The math problem baffles me completely.
C1 verb /ˈblækən/

blacken

Meaning
to make something black or darker; to stain, soil, or tarnish
Example
Smoke from the fire began to blacken the walls.
C1 verb /ˈbɑːrtər/

barter

Meaning
To exchange goods or services without using money.
Example
They bartered their crops for handmade tools.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈbʊrʒ.wɑː/

bourgeois

Meaning
Relating to the middle class, often with materialistic values or conventional attitudes.
Example
The novel criticizes the bourgeois lifestyle of the city dwellers.
C1 adjective /ˈblʌdləs/

bloodless

Meaning
without bloodshed; lacking violence or vitality
Example
The revolution was surprisingly bloodless.
C1 noun /bɑːrb/

barb

Meaning
a sharp projection such as on a fishhook; a cutting remark
Example
The fishhook has a small barb to keep the fish from escaping.