buff
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 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 noun ɪnˈflɛk.ʃən

inflection

Meaning
The change in pitch or tone of voice when speaking for emphasis.
Example
His inflection kept the audience engaged.
C1 noun /ˈmænəˌrɪzəm/

Mannerism

Meaning
A habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving; an idiosyncrasy
Example
His constant throat clearing had become an annoying mannerism.
C1 noun /ˈwʊd.ən ˈsæn.dəl/

Wooden sandal

Meaning
a type of footwear made of wood, typically worn as traditional shoes
Example
She wore wooden sandals to the traditional ceremony.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

invasive

Meaning
Tending to spread harmfully, intruding aggressively, or encroaching beyond proper boundaries.
Example
The doctor explained that the procedure was minimally invasive.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzuːbərənt/

exuberant

Meaning
full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness
Example
The children were exuberant after winning the game.
C1 verb /krɪndʒ/

cringe

Meaning
To shrink back in fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
She cringed when she remembered her mistake.
C1 noun /ˈfren.zi/

Frenzy

Meaning
a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior; intense activity
Example
The announcement of the sale created a shopping frenzy at the mall.
C1 adjective /ˈsliːzi/

sleazy

Meaning
morally low, dirty, or cheap in quality
Example
He avoided the sleazy nightclub downtown.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɪŋ.ɡəl/

Jingle

Meaning
a light ringing sound such as that made by metal objects being shaken together; a short catchy song
Example
The jingle of keys could be heard as she walked down the hallway.
C1 noun /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdər/

Gunpowder

Meaning
explosive powder used in guns and fireworks
Example
Gunpowder was invented in ancient China.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/

innocuous

Meaning
Not harmful or offensive.
Example
His remark was completely innocuous and not meant to offend anyone.
C1 noun /ˈkeɪ.sɪŋ/

Casing

Meaning
a cover or shell that protects or encloses something
Example
The mechanic removed the engine casing to examine the internal parts.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈmɔːtəm/

postmortem

Meaning
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
Example
The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body.
C1 adjective /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/

cumulative

Meaning
Increasing gradually by addition; growing in quantity, force, or effect.
Example
The cumulative effect of stress can harm your health.
C1 adjective /ˈprɪs.tiːn/

pristine

Meaning
In its original condition; unspoiled, clean, and fresh.
Example
The forest remains in a pristine condition.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ət biːk/

Parrot Beak

Meaning
a climbing plant with curved red and orange flowers resembling a parrot's beak
Example
The parrot beak flower's unique curved shape makes it a fascinating addition to any garden.
C1 noun /ˈpɪn.sərz/

Pincers

Meaning
a tool made of two curved or hinged pieces of metal used for gripping and pulling things
Example
The chef used pincers to remove the hot pot from the stove.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈdiːd/

Misdeed

Meaning
A wicked or illegal act; wrongdoing
Example
He regretted his past misdeeds and tried to make amends.
C1 adjective /ˈflæʃi/

flashy

Meaning
ostentatious or showy in a way that attracts attention
Example
He drove a flashy sports car through the city streets.
C1 verb /ˈswɛltər/

swelter

Meaning
to suffer from intense heat
Example
We began to swelter in the midday sun.
C1 noun /ˈtiːdiəm/

tedium

Meaning
the state of being tedious; monotony or boredom
Example
The tedium of long meetings often drains motivation.
C1 adjective /ræmˈbʌŋk.ʃəs/

rambunctious

Meaning
boisterous, energetic, and difficult to control.
Example
The rambunctious children filled the house with noise.
C1 adjective /nɪˈɡlɛktfʊl/

neglectful

Meaning
Failing to give proper care or attention.
Example
The neglectful parent left the child alone for hours.
C1 noun /wæks ɡɔːrd/

Wax Gourd

Meaning
a large white or green gourd with waxy skin, commonly used in Asian cooking
Example
The wax gourd soup is very nutritious and helps with digestion.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌktɪv/

inductive

Meaning
characterized by the inference of general laws from particular instances; reasoning from specific cases to general principles
Example
The scientist used inductive reasoning to form a hypothesis.
C1 adjective /pəˈdæntɪk/

pedantic

Meaning
Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic or bookish.
Example
Her pedantic explanations made the lecture dull.
C1 noun /ˈdʊr.i.ən/

Durian

Meaning
a large spiky tropical fruit known for its strong smell and creamy custard-like flesh
Example
Durian is known as the king of fruits in Southeast Asia despite its pungent odor.
C1 verb ɪkˈstræp.ə.leɪt

Extrapolate

Meaning
Making future estimates based on existing information
Example
Scientists extrapolate climate changes based on past data.
C1 adjective /ˈkjʊərəbl/

curable

Meaning
Able to be cured or healed.
Example
The doctor assured her that the disease was curable.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊtˈspoʊkən/

Outspoken

Meaning
frank; speaking directly
Example
She is known for being outspoken about social issues.
C1 noun /baɪl/

Bile

Meaning
a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
Example
The liver produces bile to help digest fats.
C1 adjective /ˈtɒrɪd/

torrid

Meaning
Very hot and dry; full of strong emotions or passion.
Example
The desert heat was torrid during the day.
C1 noun /ˌstætʃuˈɛt/

statuette

Meaning
A small statue, usually decorative or artistic.
Example
The artist won a gold statuette for his work.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛrɪl/

imperil

Meaning
To put in danger or at risk.
Example
Reckless driving can imperil the lives of others.
C1 adjective /ɡlʌm/

Glum

Meaning
sad; dejected; downcast; gloomy
Example
He looked glum after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun prəˈfaʊnd ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

profound initiative

Meaning
A deep, meaningful, and significant action or program designed to create change.
Example
A profound initiative can create sustainable changes.
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 verb /əˈpɛnd/

append

Meaning
to add something as an attachment or supplement, usually at the end of a document or list
Example
She decided to append a note to the end of the report.
C1 adjective /ˈbɔɪstərəs/

boisterous

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

gloat

Meaning
To take pleasure in someone else's misfortune or to show smug satisfaction.
Example
He couldn't help but gloat over his rival's failure.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt/

incarcerate

Meaning
to imprison or confine someone
Example
The authorities incarcerated the criminal after the trial.
C1 noun /ˈstrɑːtəm/

stratum

Meaning
a layer or level of material, or a social class in society
Example
The upper stratum of society enjoyed privileges not available to others.
C1 adjective /ˌkævəˈlɪər/

cavalier

Meaning
showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or offhand
Example
He had a cavalier attitude toward safety regulations.
C1 adjective /ˈkɑːr.di.æk/

cardiac

Meaning
Relating to the heart.
Example
The patient was admitted with a cardiac condition.
C1 verb /rɪˈkɔɪl/

recoil

Meaning
To suddenly spring back in fear, horror, or from force such as a gun's kickback.
Example
She recoiled at the sight of the snake.
C1 noun /vəˈræs.ə.ti/

veracity

Meaning
Conformity to facts; accuracy and truthfulness.
Example
The journalist checked the veracity of the report.
C1 verb /ˈæbdɪkeɪt/

abdicate

Meaning
To give up a position of power or responsibility, especially a throne.
Example
The king decided to abdicate the throne.
C1 noun /ˈkuːdɒs/

kudos

Meaning
Praise and honor received for an achievement.
Example
She received kudos for her excellent performance.
C1 noun /ˈnɛkˌlaɪn/

neckline

Meaning
the edge of a garment around the neck, especially as cut to form a particular shape
Example
The dress has a beautiful V-shaped neckline.
C1 adjective /juːˈfɔːrɪk/

euphoric

Meaning
Characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness.
Example
The fans were euphoric after their team's victory.
C1 noun/verb /ˈtʌtʃ.ʌp/

touch-up

Meaning
Small corrections or improvements made to something.
Example
The artist gave a quick touch-up to the painting.
C1 adjective /ˈkæni/

canny

Meaning
Having good judgment, especially in business or practical matters; shrewd.
Example
She made a canny investment in real estate.
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 verb /ɔːɡˈmɛnt/

augment

Meaning
To increase or strengthen something.
Example
The company plans to augment its workforce.
C1 adjective /ˈlæk.tɪk/

lactic

Meaning
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
Example
Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
C1 noun /ɪˈrɛlɪvənsi/

irrelevancy

Meaning
the state of being unrelated or unimportant to the matter at hand
Example
The judge dismissed the argument because of its irrelevancy to the case.
C1 verb /rɪˈdʒuː.vɪ.neɪt/

rejuvenate

Meaning
To make or feel young, healthy, or energetic again.
Example
A vacation can rejuvenate the mind and body.
C1 noun /ˈliːniənsi/

leniency

Meaning
The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected.
Example
The judge showed leniency in his ruling.
C1 noun /ˌmɒd.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

modulation

Meaning
The process of varying or controlling something.
Example
Proper modulation of voice enhances communication skills.
C1 adjective ˈfæʃ.ɪst

fascist

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of fascism; extremely authoritarian.
Example
Fascist governance undermines freedom.
C1 verb /ɪnˈlɪst/

enlist

Meaning
to join or sign up, especially for military service; to secure someone's support or help
Example
He decided to enlist in the army after graduation.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlənt/

propellant

Meaning
A substance that drives or pushes something forward, especially fuel in rockets or engines.
Example
The rocket uses a liquid propellant to launch into space.
C1 noun /tiː ˈstreɪnər/

Tea-strainer

Meaning
a small perforated device used to strain tea leaves from brewed tea
Example
I always use a tea-strainer when pouring tea into cups.
C1 verb /ɪˈdʒɛkt/

eject

Meaning
to force someone or something out, usually from a place or position
Example
The referee had to eject the player for unsportsmanlike behavior.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɛp(ə)rəbəl/

inseparable

Meaning
Unable to be separated or always together.
Example
The two friends have been inseparable since childhood.
C1 verb /dɪˈmoʊt/

demote

Meaning
to reduce to a lower rank or position
Example
The manager decided to demote the employee for poor performance.
C1 adjective /bɪˈmjuːzd/

bemused

Meaning
confused, puzzled, or lost in thought
Example
She looked bemused when he asked the strange question.
C1 noun ˈsɒl.vən.si

solvency

Meaning
The possession of assets in excess of liabilities; ability to pay debts.
Example
The company's solvency improved after restructuring.
C1 adjective /ˈnɪmbəl/

nimble

Meaning
Quick and light in movement or thought.
Example
The dancer’s nimble steps impressed the audience.
C1 noun /ˌɔːkʃəˈnɪər/

auctioneer

Meaning
a person who conducts auctions by calling out bids and selling items to the highest bidder
Example
The auctioneer quickly raised the price as bidders competed for the painting.
C1 phrase ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk rɛz.əˈluː.ʃən

diplomatic resolution

Meaning
A peaceful solution to conflicts through negotiation and diplomatic channels.
Example
A diplomatic resolution is necessary for peace.
C1 adjective /dɪˈklærətɪv/

declarative

Meaning
relating to a statement that declares something; in grammar, a sentence that makes a statement
Example
A declarative sentence simply states a fact or opinion.
C1 noun ˈaʊt.sɔːr.sɪŋ

outsourcing

Meaning
The practice of having certain job functions done outside a company instead of having an in-house department or employee handle them.
Example
Many companies use outsourcing to reduce labor costs.
C1 verb ˌæs.ɚˈteɪn

ascertain

Meaning
To find out or discover something with certainty; to verify.
Example
The police tried to ascertain the cause of the accident.
C1 adjective /ˌəʊ.vərˈɑː.tʃɪŋ/

overarching

Meaning
Comprehensive or all-embracing; forming an arch over something.
Example
The overarching theme of the book is human resilience.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɜːrdʒ/

diverge

Meaning
to separate and go in different directions; to differ
Example
The two paths diverge at the fork in the road.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/

inhibited

Meaning
Unable to act in a relaxed and natural way, especially due to self-consciousness or restraint.
Example
He was too inhibited to express his true feelings.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɑːrʃəl/

Impartial

Meaning
treating all sides fairly; unbiased; neutral
Example
A good judge must remain impartial throughout the trial.
C1 noun /ˈmænɪkɪn/

mannequin

Meaning
a life-sized model of a human figure used by shops to display clothes
Example
The mannequin in the shop window was dressed in a red gown.
C1 adjective /ˈstæɡ.nənt/

Stagnant

Meaning
not moving or flowing; showing no activity or development
Example
The stagnant water in the pond was covered with algae.
C1 noun /ˌɡaɪnəˈkɒlədʒi/

gynecology

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with women's reproductive health
Example
She decided to specialize in gynecology after medical school.
C1 verb /ˈtæmpər/

tamper

Meaning
To interfere with something in a harmful, unauthorized, or improper way.
Example
The evidence was tampered with before the trial.
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 adjective /ɪnˈtrɛpɪd/

intrepid

Meaning
fearless and adventurous, often used humorously
Example
The intrepid traveler explored the jungle alone.
C1 noun /ˈɪtʃ.i.nəs/

itchiness

Meaning
The quality or condition of feeling an irritating sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch.
Example
Eye itchiness often leads to rubbing.
C1 adjective /ˌnjʊə.rəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

neurological

Meaning
Relating to the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system.
Example
Meditation has positive neurological effects on mental health.
C1 noun /ˈroʊz ˈwɔː.tər/

Rose-water

Meaning
a flavored water made by steeping rose petals in water, used in cooking and cosmetics
Example
She added a few drops of rose-water to the dessert.
C1 noun /əˈluːʒən/

allusion

Meaning
An indirect reference to something without mentioning it explicitly.
Example
Her story contained an allusion to a famous myth.
C1 verb /ˈslɪðər/

slither

Meaning
to move smoothly over a surface with a twisting, sliding motion, like a snake
Example
The snake slithered through the grass.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪkəri/

trickery

Meaning
The use of dishonest methods to deceive or cheat someone.
Example
The politician was accused of winning the election through trickery.
C1 noun /kjʊˈreɪtər/

curator

Meaning
a person who is responsible for the care and management of a museum, gallery, or collection
Example
The curator organized a new exhibition of ancient artifacts.
C1 noun /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən wɔːr/

liberation war

Meaning
a war fought to gain freedom from foreign rule, occupation, or oppression; an armed struggle for national independence
Example
The liberation war reshaped the nation’s history and identity.
C1 adjective /ˈspʌndʒi/

Spongy

Meaning
soft and full of holes like a sponge; porous
Example
The cake had a light and spongy texture.
C1 adjective /sɔɪld/

soiled

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

proceeds

Meaning
money obtained from an event, activity, or sale
Example
The proceeds from the charity event were donated to the orphanage.
C1 adjective /səˈriːn/

serene

Meaning
Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
Example
The lake had a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
C1 noun /ˌɪndɪˈdʒɛstʃən/

indigestion

Meaning
Discomfort or pain in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food.
Example
He avoided spicy food because it often gave him indigestion.
C1 noun /ˈplʌn.dər.ər/

Plunderer

Meaning
a person who steals goods, especially during war or civil disorder
Example
The plunderers ransacked the village after the battle.
C1 noun /mæɡˈnɪfɪsəns/

magnificence

Meaning
splendor, grandeur, or impressive beauty
Example
The magnificence of the palace left everyone speechless.
C1 adjective /ˈtækt.fəl/

Tactful

Meaning
showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or difficult situations
Example
He gave a tactful response to avoid hurting her feelings.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊ.ər/

dour

Meaning
relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance
Example
His dour expression made the meeting uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlf əˌfɜːˈmeɪʃən/

self-affirmation

Meaning
The practice of affirming one's own worthiness and value as an individual.
Example
Daily self-affirmation can boost your confidence.
C1 noun ˌmɛməraɪˈzeɪʃən

memorization

Meaning
The process of learning or committing something to memory
Example
Memorization of important information is crucial for exams.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪlkən/

Silken

Meaning
made of silk; smooth and soft like silk
Example
She wore a beautiful silken dress to the party.
C1 noun ˌeə.rəʊ.daɪˈnæm.ɪks

aerodynamics

Meaning
The study of the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it.
Example
The aerodynamics of an aircraft determines its speed and efficiency.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪr.i.səm/

Wearisome

Meaning
causing tiredness; tedious; boring and exhausting
Example
The wearisome journey took twelve hours to complete.
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.
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 noun /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/

disposition

Meaning
A person's usual attitude or temperament; arrangement or tendency.
Example
She has a cheerful disposition despite the difficulties.
C1 verb /ˈɡræpəl/

grapple

Meaning
to struggle or wrestle with something, often a problem or opponent
Example
The company is grappling with financial difficulties.
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/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 verb /dɪˈpoʊz/

depose

Meaning
to remove someone from office or power, especially suddenly and forcefully
Example
The rebels managed to depose the dictator after years of unrest.
C1 adjective /ˈækʃənəbl̩/

actionable

Meaning
Able to be acted on or giving sufficient reason for legal action.
Example
The lawyer confirmed that the evidence was actionable in court.
C1 verb /əˈtoʊn/

atone

Meaning
to make amends for a wrong or injury; to make reparation
Example
He tried to atone for his mistakes by helping others.
C1 noun /ˈpreɪsiː/

precis

Meaning
A concise summary of a text or speech.
Example
The student submitted a précis of the long article.
C1 adjective /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl/

palatable

Meaning
pleasant or acceptable to the taste, mind, or feelings
Example
The meal was simple but quite palatable.
C1 noun ˈælərdʒən

allergen

Meaning
A substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Example
Pollen is a common allergen that affects many people.
C1 noun /weɪst tʃeɪn/

Waist chain

Meaning
a decorative chain worn around the waist as jewelry or ornamentation
Example
The traditional waist chain complemented her ethnic outfit perfectly.
C1 noun /fəˈrɒs.ə.ti/

ferocity

Meaning
The state or quality of being ferocious; extreme fierceness or violence.
Example
The storm's ferocity was devastating.