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All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
A2 noun ˈtʃælɪndʒ

challenge

Meaning
A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a demanding or stimulating one; a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example
Plastic pollution poses a significant challenge to global health.
B2 noun, verb, adjective /ræŋk/

rank

Meaning
A position in a hierarchy; to place in order according to importance or quality.
Example
She quickly rose to a senior rank in the company.
B2 noun /ˈep.ɪk/

Epic

Meaning
a long poem telling of heroic deeds; something heroic or grand in scale
Example
The Iliad is one of the most famous epics in world literature.
B2 noun /ˈdʒuːələr/

jeweller

Meaning
a person who makes, repairs, or sells jewelry
Example
The jeweller crafted a beautiful gold ring.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈfætɪɡəbl̩/

indefatigable

Meaning
persisting tirelessly; incapable of being fatigued
Example
Her indefatigable spirit kept the team motivated during the long project.
A2 noun /piˈænoʊ/

Piano

Meaning
a large keyboard musical instrument with black and white keys that produces sound by striking strings with hammers
Example
The little girl practiced piano for one hour every day.
C1 noun /woʊ/

woe

Meaning
great sorrow, distress, or trouble
Example
Her heart was filled with woe after hearing the sad news.
C1 noun /ˈtem.pər.ə.mənt/

Temperament

Meaning
a person's natural disposition or mood; characteristic behavior patterns
Example
She has a calm temperament that helps her handle stress well.
C2 adjective /sɪˈkweɪʃəs/

sequacious

Meaning
Lacking independence of thought; blindly following.
Example
The sequacious students never questioned their teacher's opinions.
B2 noun rɪˈtɛnʃən

retention

Meaning
The continued possession, use, or control of something
Example
The retention of information is essential for academic success.
C1 verb /səbˈdjuː/

subdue

Meaning
To bring under control, especially by force; to overcome or quiet.
Example
The army was able to subdue the rebellion quickly.
C2 verb /ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/

mortify

Meaning
to cause someone to feel great embarrassment or shame
Example
She was mortified when she tripped on stage.
C1 noun/verb /skɜːrdʒ/

scourge

Meaning
A source of great pain or punishment; to whip or inflict suffering on someone.
Example
Disease and poverty remain a scourge in many regions.
B1 adjective /ˈkwɑː.lɪ.faɪd/

Qualified

Meaning
having the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience for a particular job or activity; certified
Example
She is a qualified doctor with years of experience.
B2 noun, verb /kɜːrs/

curse

Meaning
a solemn wish that harm or misfortune should befall someone; a rude or offensive word or phrase; to utter offensive words or wish harm upon someone
Example
He cursed loudly when he realized he had lost his wallet.
B1 noun /ləˈbɔːr.ə.tɔːr.i/

Laboratory (Lab)

Meaning
a room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
Example
The scientists conducted their experiments in the well-equipped laboratory.
C1 verb /ˈfɛdərət/

federate

Meaning
to unite in a league or federation; to form an alliance
Example
Several states federated to create a stronger union.
C2 noun /ˈɪəri/ or /ˈɛəri/

aery

Meaning
An eagle’s nest, or a lofty, airy dwelling.
Example
The eagle perched proudly near its aery high on the cliff.
C2 verb /əˈvaʊ/

avow

Meaning
to openly declare or admit something, often publicly and firmly
Example
He avowed his loyalty to the cause without hesitation.
B2 adjective /prəˈpoʊzd/

proposed

Meaning
suggested or put forward for consideration or discussion
Example
The proposed changes will improve the system.
C2 verb /ˈhæroʊ/

harrow

Meaning
to cause distress or torment; also to break up and smooth soil with a farm tool
Example
The tragic news harrowed the entire family.
B2 noun ɪˈroʊʒən

erosion

Meaning
The gradual destruction or diminishing of something.
Example
Power struggles often lead to the erosion of humanity.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɡroʊst/

engrossed

Meaning
completely absorbed or deeply involved in something
Example
She was so engrossed in the book that she forgot the time.
C2 verb /mʌlkt/

mulct

Meaning
to punish by a fine or to defraud someone of money
Example
The corrupt official was mulcted for his misconduct.
C2 adjective /ˈliːwərd/

leeward

Meaning
On or toward the sheltered side away from the wind.
Example
They built their camp on the leeward side of the hill.
C1 verb /ˈstriːmlaɪnɪŋ/

streamlining

Meaning
The process of making an organization or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps
Example
Streamlining processes can significantly reduce operational costs.
C1 noun /sʌˈmeɪʃən/

summation

Meaning
The process of adding things together; a summary of points.
Example
The lawyer gave a powerful summation of the case.
C2 adjective /ˈfluːviəl/

fluvial

Meaning
relating to or found in a river
Example
The fluvial deposits indicated the presence of an ancient river system.
C1 adjective /ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/

Dashing

Meaning
stylish and confident; lively and energetic; attractive and charming
Example
He looked dashing in his new suit.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːrtətɔːri/

hortatory

Meaning
Intended to encourage or urge to action.
Example
The manager’s hortatory words inspired the team to work harder.
C2 adjective /ˈæk.rɪd/

Acrid

Meaning
having a strong, unpleasant, and sharp smell or taste
Example
The acrid smoke from the fire made everyone cough.
C2 noun /ˈæpədʒiː/

apogee

Meaning
the highest or most distant point; the climax or peak of something
Example
The empire reached its apogee during the 18th century.
A2 noun /ˈfɑː.mɪŋ/

farming

Meaning
the activity or business of growing crops and raising animals for food or other products
Example
Farming requires both hard work and knowledge about the land.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːtərˈnætʃərəl/

preternatural

Meaning
Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary or supernatural.
Example
She had a preternatural ability to remain calm in any crisis.
C2 noun /ˈfɔɪbəl/

foible

Meaning
A minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character.
Example
She loved him despite his little foibles.
B2 noun dɪˈveləpɪŋ ˈriːdʒənz

developing regions

Meaning
Areas or countries that are in the process of economic growth and development
Example
Pollution affects developing regions the most.
C1 noun /ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒɪst/

anthropologist

Meaning
a person who studies human societies, cultures, and their development
Example
The anthropologist spent years studying the tribal community.
B2 verb /skoʊld/

scold

Meaning
to criticize angrily; to rebuke
Example
The teacher scolded the students for being late.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/

exhilarating

Meaning
Making someone feel very excited, happy, or thrilled.
Example
Skydiving was the most exhilarating experience of his life.
B2 noun /ˈdɛməˌkræt/

democrat

Meaning
a supporter of democracy or a member of the Democratic Party in the US
Example
He is a strong democrat who believes in equal rights.
C1 adjective /ˈretʃɪd/

Wretched

Meaning
very unhappy; miserable; of poor quality
Example
The refugees lived in wretched conditions.
B2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

disapprove

Meaning
to have a negative opinion about something; to consider something wrong or bad
Example
Many parents disapprove of smoking.
C2 adjective /vɛˈstɪdʒiəl/

vestigial

Meaning
Relating to a small, undeveloped remnant of something that was once much larger or more functional.
Example
Humans have a vestigial tailbone that no longer serves its original purpose.
C1 noun ˌkɒn.ʃiˈen.ʃəs.nəs

conscientiousness

Meaning
The quality of wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly; diligence.
Example
Her conscientiousness in work led to a well-organized project.
C2 adjective /ˈblæs.fə.məs/

blasphemous

Meaning
showing disrespect or lack of reverence for God or sacred things
Example
The book was banned for its blasphemous content.
B2 adjective /vɪkˈtɔː.ri.əs/

Victorious

Meaning
having won a victory; successful in a struggle or contest
Example
The victorious team celebrated their championship win with great joy.
C2 verb /ɛmˈbleɪzən/

emblazon

Meaning
To decorate or display something in a noticeable or impressive way.
Example
The team's logo was emblazoned on their uniforms.
B2 noun /ˈsɛm.iˌsɜːr.kəl/

semicircle

Meaning
Half of a circle or something shaped like half of a circle.
Example
The students sat in a semicircle around the teacher.
C1 adjective /dʒəˈnɛrɪk/

generic

Meaning
characteristic of or relating to a whole group or class; not specific
Example
This medicine is available in generic form.
A2 verb /laɪ/

lie

Meaning
to be in a horizontal position; to tell an untruth
Example
The book lies on the table.
B2 adjective /əˈɡriːəbl/

Agreeable

Meaning
pleasant; enjoyable; delightful; willing to agree
Example
The weather is very agreeable today.
C2 noun /ɔːrˈθɑːɡrəfi/

orthography

Meaning
The conventional spelling system of a language.
Example
English orthography can be confusing for learners.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnsətɪv/

insensitive

Meaning
Showing or feeling no concern for others' feelings.
Example
His insensitive comment hurt her deeply.
C2 adjective /ˌsæpəˈneɪʃəs/

saponaceous

Meaning
Soapy or having the qualities of soap.
Example
The plant has saponaceous leaves that produce foam when rubbed in water.
B2 adjective /prəˈfɪʃ.ənt/

proficient

Meaning
Competent or skilled in doing or using something; having great knowledge or experience.
Example
She is highly proficient in multiple languages.
C1 noun /deɪˈtɑːnt/

detente

Meaning
the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries
Example
The two nations worked toward detente after decades of conflict.
B2 noun /ˈfer.i boʊt/

Ferry-boat

Meaning
a boat that carries passengers and vehicles across water
Example
We took the ferry-boat to cross the river.
C2 verb /ɪnˈhjuːm/

inhume

Meaning
to bury a dead body in the ground
Example
They inhumed the warrior with full honors.
A2 noun, verb /raʊ/ (argument), /roʊ/ (line of things)

row

Meaning
A line of things or people; also, a noisy quarrel; to propel a boat with oars.
Example
They had a loud row about money.
C1 noun /ˌdev.əˈtiː/

Devotee

Meaning
a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
Example
As a devotee of classical music, she attended every concert in the city.
C2 adjective /eɪˈsɛptɪk/

aseptic

Meaning
Free from contamination caused by harmful microorganisms; sterile.
Example
Surgeons must work in an aseptic environment to prevent infection.
B1 noun /ˈprɪzənər/

prisoner

Meaning
a person who is in prison
Example
The prisoner was granted parole after serving 10 years.
C1 adjective /ˈreɪ.si/

racy

Meaning
Lively, entertaining, or slightly shocking (especially in a sexual way).
Example
The novel was full of racy dialogues.
B1 noun /wiːt/

wheat

Meaning
a cereal plant whose grain is used to make flour for bread and other foods
Example
Farmers harvested the wheat in early summer.
B1 adjective /ˈwɜːrldwaɪd/

worldwide

Meaning
extending or reaching throughout the whole world
Example
The company has achieved worldwide recognition for its products.
B1 adverb; adjective /ˈkaɪndli/

kindly

Meaning
in a kind or gentle manner; showing kindness or goodwill
Example
She kindly helped the old man cross the street.
C1 noun /ˈɛn.kleɪv/

enclave

Meaning
a distinct area or group enclosed within a larger one
Example
The city has a small Italian enclave where traditions are preserved.
C1 adjective /ˈheɪ.zi/

Hazy

Meaning
covered with haze; unclear or vague; lacking clarity
Example
The mountain tops were hazy in the morning mist.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪ.kɪŋ ˈsoʊ.də/

Baking Soda

Meaning
sodium bicarbonate used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent
Example
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to make the cake fluffy.
A1 noun /jɪə/

year

Meaning
a period of 365 or 366 days, divided into 12 months
Example
This year, we are planning a trip to the mountains.
A2 adjective /ˈmuːvɪŋ/

moving

Meaning
causing strong feelings, especially of sympathy or sadness
Example
Her speech was so moving that everyone cried.
B1 noun /dʒiːp/

jeep

Meaning
a sturdy motor vehicle designed for rough terrain; a small military or civilian off-road vehicle
Example
The jeep climbed the rocky hill without difficulty.
C1 noun /ɪˈvændʒəlɪst/

evangelist

Meaning
A person who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith, especially by public preaching.
Example
The evangelist traveled across the country spreading his message.
C2 noun /ˈkænə/

Canna

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
Example
The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond.
B1 noun /ˈhel.mət/

Helmet

Meaning
a hard or padded protective hat worn by motorcyclists, construction workers, or soldiers
Example
The cyclist always wore a bright yellow helmet for safety and visibility while riding.
B1 verb /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/

emphasize

Meaning
to give special importance or attention to something
Example
The teacher emphasized the importance of homework.
C2 noun /sɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd/

Similitude

Meaning
the quality or state of being similar; resemblance
Example
The similitude between the two paintings suggested they were by the same artist.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪn.dʒi/

Mingy

Meaning
mean or stingy; unwilling to spend money
Example
He is too mingy to spend money on anything but necessities.
C2 verb /ˈkɒr.ʌ.skeɪt/

coruscate

Meaning
to sparkle or flash brightly
Example
The fireworks coruscated across the night sky.
B2 noun /ɡaʊn/

Gown

Meaning
a long dress, typically worn on formal occasions; a loose robe worn for comfort or in professional settings
Example
She looked elegant in her evening gown at the graduation ceremony.
B2 verb /buːm/

boom

Meaning
to make a loud deep sound; to grow or increase rapidly
Example
The thunder boomed across the sky.
C2 noun /ˈhʌstɪŋz/

hustings

Meaning
the political campaigning and speeches before an election
Example
The candidate gained popularity during the hustings.
C1 noun /ˈɛskəpeɪd/

escapade

Meaning
an adventurous, exciting, or reckless act
Example
Their summer escapade included camping and mountain climbing.
C1 noun /ʃəˈmiːz/

Chemise

Meaning
a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or dress hanging straight from the shoulders
Example
The vintage chemise was made of delicate lace and silk.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒndər/

squander

Meaning
to waste money, time, or opportunities in a careless way
Example
He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
C2 verb /prɪˈpɒndəreɪt/

preponderate

Meaning
To be greater in influence, weight, or number.
Example
In the debate, logical arguments preponderated over emotional appeals.
B1 noun /ˈmeɪkʌp/

makeup

Meaning
cosmetics used to enhance or alter appearance
Example
She applied makeup before the party.
C2 noun /traɪˈʌmvɪrət/

triumvirate

Meaning
A political regime ruled or dominated by three powerful individuals.
Example
The Roman Republic was once governed by a triumvirate.
B2 verb /kəˈlæps/

collapse

Meaning
to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down completely
Example
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
A1 pronoun /aʊərz/

ours

Meaning
belonging to or associated with us
Example
This victory is ours.
A1 adjective /pɪŋk/

Pink

Meaning
pale red color; slightly red
Example
She wore a beautiful pink dress to the party.
C2 adjective /ˈpliːnəri/

plenary

Meaning
complete in every way; fully attended or absolute
Example
The committee held a plenary session to discuss all matters of importance.
C1 adjective /ˈplæsɪd/

placid

Meaning
calm and peaceful, not easily disturbed
Example
She had a placid expression despite the chaos around her.
B2 noun /ˈkiːɒsk/

kiosk

Meaning
A small, open-fronted hut or cubicle from which newspapers, refreshments, tickets, etc., are sold.
Example
She bought a bottle of water from the kiosk near the station.
C1 adjective /ˈskænti/

Scanty

Meaning
small in size or amount; insufficient; barely adequate
Example
The refugee camp had scanty food supplies.
B2 adjective /ˌθɛr.əˈpjuː.tɪk/

therapeutic

Meaning
Having a healing or beneficial effect on the body or mind.
Example
Meditation is highly therapeutic for mental well-being.
C2 noun /ˈpɪnjən/

pinion

Meaning
a small gear or the outer part of a bird's wing; to restrain or immobilize
Example
The bird's pinion was injured, preventing it from flying.
C1 noun /məˈrɑːl/

Morale

Meaning
the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group
Example
The team's morale improved after the victory.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkrɛpɪt/

decrepit

Meaning
worn out or weakened by age or neglect
Example
The decrepit old house was on the verge of collapse.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkænˈteɪʃən/

incantation

Meaning
a series of words used as a magic spell or charm
Example
The wizard chanted an incantation to summon the spirits.
C1 verb /əˈseɪl/

assail

Meaning
to attack violently, either physically or with words
Example
The politician was assailed with difficult questions.
B1 noun /ˈkɑn.træst/

Contrast

Meaning
the state of being strikingly different from something else; comparison showing differences
Example
The contrast between city life and rural life is quite remarkable.
B2 noun /vaɪn/

vine

Meaning
a climbing or trailing plant with long stems; a plant that produces grapes
Example
The vine climbed up the wall and covered it with green leaves.
C2 noun /ˈrʊkəri/

rookery

Meaning
a place where rooks or other birds breed and nest in colonies
Example
We saw a rookery full of noisy birds near the forest.
B2 adjective /ˈrʌn daʊn/

run-down

Meaning
in a poor condition; worn out or neglected
Example
They live in a run-down house at the edge of town.
C1 noun /dɜːrθ/

dearth

Meaning
A scarcity or lack of something.
Example
There was a dearth of food during the famine.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

Meaning
to bend or hang downward; to become weak or tired
Example
The flowers began to droop in the heat.
A2 noun /ˈkælɪndər/

calendar

Meaning
a system for organizing days, months, and years; a chart showing days of the year
Example
She marked her birthday on the calendar.
B1 noun /ˈprɒp.ə.ti/

Property

Meaning
a building or land; something owned; a characteristic or quality
Example
They bought a beautiful property in the countryside.
C2 noun /ˈpɪnəs/

pinnace

Meaning
a small boat, often carried by a larger ship
Example
The sailors used a pinnace to reach the shore.
B2 noun /ˈnæreɪtər/

narrator

Meaning
A person who tells the story in a book, play, or film.
Example
The narrator guided the audience through the complex plot.
C2 noun /klaɪm/

clime

Meaning
A region defined by its climate.
Example
He traveled to warmer climes during the winter.
C2 verb /ˌɡeɪnˈseɪ/

gainsay

Meaning
To deny, contradict, or speak against.
Example
No one could gainsay the evidence presented in court.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

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

bursar

Meaning
An official in a school or college responsible for financial affairs.
Example
The bursar approved the budget for the new library.
B2 noun əˈsʌmp.ʃənz

assumptions

Meaning
Things that are accepted as true or certain to happen, without proof.
Example
His assumptions about the project were completely wrong.
B1 verb /bæn/

ban

Meaning
to officially forbid something; to prohibit
Example
The government banned smoking in public places.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈslɒp.i/

Sloppy

Meaning
careless; messy; done without care or attention to detail
Example
His sloppy handwriting was difficult to read.
A1 verb /send/

send

Meaning
to cause something to go or be taken to a particular destination; to transmit
Example
I will send you an email with the details.
C1 verb /ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/

mesmerize

Meaning
To capture complete attention; to hypnotize or fascinate.
Example
The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience.