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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 /bəˈrɒmɪtər/

barometer

Meaning
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
Example
The barometer indicated a storm was approaching.
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.
C1 adjective /bræʃ/

brash

Meaning
self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overconfident way
Example
His brash comments offended many people at the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈbɔːl.səm ˈæp.əl/

Balsam apple

Meaning
a bitter gourd vegetable with a bumpy green skin, also known as bitter melon
Example
Balsam apple is cooked with spices to reduce its bitter taste.
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.
C2 adverb /ˈbruːskli/ or /ˈbrʌskli/

brusquely

Meaning
in a blunt, abrupt, or rude manner
Example
She brusquely dismissed the suggestion.
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 /bɪtʃ/

Bitch

Meaning
a female dog; an unpleasant or spiteful woman (offensive)
Example
The bitch gave birth to five puppies.
B2 adjective /ˈbɪtər/

Bitter

Meaning
having a sharp, pungent taste; feeling or showing anger and disappointment
Example
The medicine had a bitter taste.
C2 noun /ˈbɛnɪsən/

benison

Meaning
A blessing or benefit.
Example
The rain was a benison for the drought-stricken farmers.
C2 noun /ˈbærəˌɡræf/

barograph

Meaning
an instrument that records changes in atmospheric pressure
Example
The scientist checked the barograph for pressure variations.
B1 noun /bend/

Bend

Meaning
a curved or angled part of something; a turning point in a road or river
Example
There is a sharp bend in the river ahead.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
C2 verb /ˈblʌstər/

bluster

Meaning
to speak loudly in an aggressive or threatening way, often without real power
Example
The manager blustered about firing people but did nothing.
A1 interjection /baɪ/

bye

Meaning
used to say goodbye; a short and informal farewell
Example
I said bye to her before leaving.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːr.nɪ.kəl/

Barnacle

Meaning
a marine crustacean that attaches itself permanently to underwater surfaces
Example
The old ship's hull was covered with barnacles.
C2 verb /ˈbæstərdaɪz/

bastardize

Meaning
to corrupt or debase something by altering it from its original form; to change in a way that reduces quality or purity
Example
Critics argue that the remake bastardized the original novel.
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 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.
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.
A2 noun /bɪɡ boʊl/

Big bowl

Meaning
a large, round, shallow container used for serving food, mixing ingredients, or washing
Example
She mixed the ingredients in a big bowl.
C2 verb /bɪˈfɪt/

befit

Meaning
to be suitable for; to be appropriate to
Example
Formal attire befits the seriousness of the occasion.
B1 noun /bɑːn/

barn

Meaning
a large building used for storing grain or housing farm animals
Example
The farmer keeps his cows in the barn.
A2 verb /bɪˈheɪv/

behave

Meaning
to act in a particular way; to conduct oneself
Example
Children should behave well in school.
C2 verb /ˈbaʊdləˌraɪz/

bowdlerize

Meaning
to remove or modify parts of a text considered offensive or inappropriate
Example
The editor bowdlerized the novel to make it suitable for children.
C1 verb /bɪˈɡɛt/

beget

Meaning
to bring about or give rise to; to father or produce
Example
Violence begets more violence.
C2 adjective /baɪˈɛniəl/

biennial

Meaning
happening every two years
Example
The biennial festival attracts thousands of visitors.
C2 verb /bɪˈteɪk/

betake

Meaning
to go or resort to a place or course of action, especially as a response; to apply oneself
Example
After dinner, she betook herself to her room to read.
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.
C2 noun /ˌbɪbliəʊˈmeɪniə/

bibliomania

Meaning
An extreme obsession with collecting or possessing books.
Example
His bibliomania led him to fill every room with books.
B2 noun /ˈboʊlər/

bowler

Meaning
a person who delivers the ball in cricket; also a type of hard felt hat with a rounded crown
Example
The bowler took three wickets in the first over.
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.
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.
B1 noun, verb /ˈbændɪdʒ/

bandage

Meaning
a strip of material used to cover or protect a wound; to cover or wrap a wound with such material
Example
The nurse carefully bandaged his injured arm.
A2 noun ˈbræntʃɪz

Branches

Meaning
A part of a tree that grows out from the trunk or from a bough.
Example
Family tree branches show the relationship between family members.
C1 adjective /ˈbær.ən/

Barren

Meaning
sterile; unable to produce; desolate; unproductive
Example
The barren desert stretched for miles without any vegetation.
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.
C2 noun /bel ˈæp.əl/

Bell apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with a crisp texture and sweet taste, scientifically known as Syzygium malaccense
Example
The bell apple tree produces beautiful red fruits that are popular in tropical regions.
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.
A2 noun /ˈbɪljən/

billion

Meaning
the number 1,000,000,000 (one thousand million)
Example
The company is worth more than a billion dollars.
C2 verb /bɪˈnʌm/

benumb

Meaning
to make physically numb or without sensation; to make mentally dull or insensitive
Example
The freezing wind seemed to benumb his fingers within minutes.
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 interjection /ˈbrɑː.voʊ/

bravo

Meaning
used to express approval, admiration, or praise
Example
The audience shouted 'Bravo!' after the stunning performance.
C2 adjective /ˈbeɪlfəl/

baleful

Meaning
Threatening harm; menacing or expressing hatred.
Example
She gave him a baleful look after the insult.
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.
A2 noun /boʊn/

Bone

Meaning
any of the hard parts inside a human or animal that make up its frame
Example
The doctor said the bone was completely healed after the fracture.
C1 noun /ˈbroʊkərɪdʒ/

brokerage

Meaning
A firm that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, often charging a fee.
Example
The real estate brokerage helped them find a new home.
C2 adjective /ˈbuːtləs/

bootless

Meaning
Useless or futile; of no benefit.
Example
His bootless attempt to fix the machine only wasted time.
B1 verb /ˈberi/

bury

Meaning
to put in the ground; to hide; to cover completely
Example
The dog buries its bone in the yard.
C1 verb /bɒmˈbɑːrd/

bombard

Meaning
to attack continuously with bombs, questions, or other forces
Example
Reporters bombarded the minister with difficult questions.
C2 noun /ˈbɛvi/

bevy

Meaning
A large group of people or things of a particular kind.
Example
A bevy of swans floated on the lake.
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.
B1 noun, verb /ˈbʊli/

bully

Meaning
A person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those weaker; to intimidate or mistreat someone weaker.
Example
The teacher stopped the older boy from trying to bully his classmates.
B2 verb /buːm/

boom

Meaning
to make a loud deep sound; to grow or increase rapidly
Example
The thunder boomed across the sky.
A2 verb /blɒk/

block

Meaning
to obstruct; to prevent passage or progress
Example
The fallen tree blocks the road.
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.
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.
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 noun /ˈblʌd.ʃed/

Bloodshed

Meaning
the killing or wounding of people, typically in large numbers during a conflict
Example
The peace treaty was signed to prevent further bloodshed.
C1 verb /bɒtʃ/

botch

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

brazen

Meaning
Bold and without shame; shameless.
Example
She made a brazen attempt to lie in front of everyone.
B1 noun /ˈbæŋkər/

banker

Meaning
a person who works in or manages a bank
Example
The banker approved the loan after reviewing the documents.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪsbɔːrd/

baseboard

Meaning
A narrow board running along the bottom of an interior wall, covering the joint between wall and floor.
Example
The carpenter painted the baseboard white.
C2 verb, noun /blæb/

blab

Meaning
to talk too much or reveal secrets carelessly; excessive or foolish talk
Example
He accidentally blabbed the surprise to everyone.
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.
A2 noun /biːf/

Beef

Meaning
meat from a cow or bull
Example
The restaurant serves the best beef steak in town.
C2 verb /bɪlk/

bilk

Meaning
To cheat or defraud someone of money or rights.
Example
The scammer tried to bilk elderly people out of their savings.
B1 noun /blæk ˈber.i/

Black berry

Meaning
a small dark purple or black fruit that grows on bushes
Example
We picked fresh blackberries from the garden for our pie.
B2 noun /ˈbrɛkdaʊn/

breakdown

Meaning
a failure or collapse of a system or machinery
Example
The car had a breakdown on the highway.
B1 noun /bloʊ/

Blow

Meaning
a powerful stroke with a hand, weapon, or hard object
Example
The boxer delivered a devastating blow to his opponent.
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.
C2 noun /ˈbeɪleɪ/

Bele

Meaning
a type of freshwater fish found in South Asian rivers, known for its distinctive appearance
Example
The bele fish is commonly caught in the rivers of Bangladesh.
C2 noun /ˈbriːzˌweɪ/

breezeway

Meaning
A roofed outdoor passage, often connecting two buildings.
Example
The breezeway connected the house to the garage.
B1 adverb /ˈber.li/

Barely

Meaning
scarcely; only just; almost not
Example
I barely passed the exam.
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.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbər/

belabor

Meaning
to argue or elaborate on a subject in excessive detail; to attack verbally or physically
Example
The professor belabored the point until the students grew restless.
C2 adjective /ˈbɪliəs/

bilious

Meaning
Relating to bile or an ill-tempered, irritable disposition.
Example
He became bilious after hearing the unfair criticism.
C2 noun /ˈbed.ləm/

Bedlam

Meaning
a scene of noisy confusion; chaos and disorder
Example
The classroom was complete bedlam after the fire alarm.
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.
B1 noun /bʌlb/

bulb

Meaning
a rounded glass part of an electric lamp that produces light when lit; also an underground storage organ in some plants
Example
The light bulb burned out, so she replaced it with a new one.
B2 noun /brest/

Breast

Meaning
the front surface of a person's or animal's body between the neck and the stomach
Example
The baby fell asleep on her mother's breast.
B2 noun /ˈbɒmɪŋ/

bombing

Meaning
an attack using bombs or explosives
Example
The city was devastated by the bombing.
C2 verb /bɪˈdaɪzən/

bedizen

Meaning
to dress up or decorate in a showy or tasteless way
Example
She was bedizened with cheap jewelry.
C1 adjective /bɪˈriːvd/

Bereaved

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

blighted

Meaning
Spoiled, damaged, or destroyed.
Example
The blighted neighborhood was abandoned by most residents.
C1 noun /ˈboʊ.ə/

Boa

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The boa constrictor wrapped around its prey.
C1 noun /bəˈtæljən/

battalion

Meaning
A large body of soldiers ready for battle, typically consisting of several companies.
Example
The battalion was deployed to the front line.
C2 noun brəˈvɑː.dəʊ

bravado

Meaning
Show of courage or confidence that is not real.
Example
His bravado masked his nervousness before the performance.
A2 noun /bɪl/

Bill

Meaning
the beak of a bird, especially when it is broad and flat
Example
The duck used its bill to filter food from the water.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪk ə ˌbræk/

bric-a-brac

Meaning
Small decorative objects or ornaments, often of little value.
Example
The shelves were filled with old bric-a-brac from her travels.
C2 noun /ˌbædɪˈnɑːʒ/

badinage

Meaning
Playful and humorous conversation; banter.
Example
The friends enjoyed a light badinage over coffee.
A2 preposition /bɪˈsaɪd/

beside

Meaning
next to or at the side of someone or something
Example
She sat beside her best friend during the ceremony.
A2 verb /bæt/

bat

Meaning
to hit with a bat; to flutter eyelids
Example
She bats her eyelashes flirtatiously.
C2 noun /ˈblændɪʃmənt/

blandishment

Meaning
flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently
Example
She used every blandishment to win his support.
B1 noun /ˈbɔr.dər/

Border

Meaning
a line separating two political or geographical areas, especially countries
Example
They crossed the border between France and Spain by train.
B1 verb /bɜːrst/

burst

Meaning
to break open suddenly; to be full of something
Example
The balloon bursts with a loud pop.
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.
B1 noun /ˈbæɹɪəz/

barriers

Meaning
Something that prevents progress or access; obstacles or hindrances.
Example
Language barriers can make communication difficult.
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.
C2 noun /baɪˈmɛstər/

bimester

Meaning
A period of two months.
Example
The academic program is divided into six bimesters.
A2 verb /bɛr/

bear

Meaning
to carry; to endure; to give birth to; to support
Example
She cannot bear the pain anymore.
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.
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.
C1 noun /bɒɡ/

bog

Meaning
an area of wet, spongy ground; a swamp or marsh
Example
The hikers got stuck in a bog.
A2 noun /ˈbækɡraʊnd/

Background

Meaning
the circumstances or situation that form the setting; a person's education, experience, or social circumstances
Example
She has a strong background in mathematics and computer science.
B1 adjective /ˈbælənst/

balanced

Meaning
keeping or showing a sensible and fair view or position; evenly arranged
Example
A balanced diet is essential for good health.
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.
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 verb /bɪˈdɛk/

bedeck

Meaning
to decorate or adorn something in a showy way
Example
The hall was bedecked with flowers for the wedding.
B1 noun /ˈbed ˌkʌv.ər/

Bed cover

Meaning
a protective covering for a bed, typically a bedspread or comforter
Example
She pulled the bed cover up to her chin to stay warm.
C2 adjective /ˈbaɪ.fərˌkeɪ.tɪd/

bifurcated

Meaning
Divided into two branches or parts.
Example
The river became bifurcated as it flowed around the island.
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 /bɪˈwɪldər/

bewilder

Meaning
to cause someone to be confused or puzzled
Example
The complex instructions bewildered the students.
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 adverb /bɪˈfɔːr.hænd/

Beforehand

Meaning
in advance; ahead of time; earlier
Example
We prepared everything beforehand.
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.
C2 noun /beɪz/

baize

Meaning
A type of coarse woolen cloth, often green, used for covering tables such as billiard tables.
Example
The old card table was covered with worn baize.
C2 verb /bɪˈθɪŋk/

bethink

Meaning
to cause oneself to consider or remember something
Example
He bethought himself of the promise he had made.
C1 adjective /bɪˈfɪt.ɪŋ/

Befitting

Meaning
appropriate; suitable; proper for a particular situation or person
Example
He wore formal attire befitting the important occasion.
C2 noun /ˈbɪbliəfaɪl/

bibliophile

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