challenging
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B1 adjective /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/

challenging

Meaning
difficult in a way that tests one's abilities
Example
The mountain climb was challenging but rewarding.
C2 noun /ˌvɑːljəˈbɪləti/

volubility

Meaning
The quality of talking fluently, readily, or incessantly.
Example
His volubility made him a successful radio host.
A2 verb /ˈpræktɪs/

practise

Meaning
to do something repeatedly to improve skill; to work in a profession
Example
She practises piano for two hours daily.
C2 verb /ˈkæstreɪt/

castrate

Meaning
To remove the testicles of a male animal or human.
Example
The farmer castrated the young bulls to make them easier to manage.
C1 verb /klɪntʃ/

clinch

Meaning
To secure or settle something decisively; to grasp tightly.
Example
The team clinched the championship with a last-minute goal.
C1 noun /ˈpɒp.i siːdz/

Poppy Seeds

Meaning
tiny round seeds from the poppy plant used as a spice or garnish in cooking
Example
Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of breads and used in Bengali curries.
B2 adverb /ˈpjʊərli/

purely

Meaning
only and completely; entirely
Example
The decision was purely based on economic factors.
C1 noun ˈɪn.fər.əns

inference

Meaning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; logical deduction.
Example
Scientists make inferences based on experimental data.
B2 noun /ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪtər/

investigator

Meaning
a person who carries out a formal inquiry or investigation
Example
The investigator gathered evidence from the crime scene.
B2 adjective /ˌɛm.pəˈθɛ.tɪk/

empathetic

Meaning
Showing ability to understand and share feelings of others.
Example
She was empathetic towards her friend's struggles.
B1 noun /ˈpɪkʌp/

pickup

Meaning
a small truck with an open back; the act of collecting or improving something
Example
The company scheduled a pickup for the returned goods.
B2 noun /ˈsʌb.sɪ.di/

subsidy

Meaning
Financial assistance provided by government to reduce costs of goods or services.
Example
The government provides a fuel subsidy to control prices.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/

definitive

Meaning
serving as a final or most authoritative form; conclusive and decisive
Example
The committee reached a definitive agreement on the policy.
C2 verb /ˈdæli/

dally

Meaning
To act or move slowly; to waste time; also to engage in a casual romantic relationship.
Example
He dallied in the garden instead of starting his work.
B2 adjective /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/

renewable

Meaning
Able to be renewed or replaced naturally; not depleted when used.
Example
Renewable resources minimize environmental damage.
C2 noun /əˈrɪə/

arrear

Meaning
A debt or payment that is overdue and unpaid.
Example
He was sued for an arrear of rent.
B1 noun /ˈtreɪ.dər/

Trader

Meaning
a person who buys and sells goods or financial securities for profit
Example
The trader made a good profit from selling imported goods.
C1 noun ɪˌræʃ.ənˈæl.ɪ.ti

irrationality

Meaning
The quality of being illogical or unreasonable; lack of rational thought.
Example
His decision was driven by complete irrationality.
C1 noun /oʊθ/

Oath

Meaning
a solemn promise or declaration; a sworn statement
Example
The doctor took an oath to help patients.
C1 noun /ˌdez.ɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

Designation

Meaning
the action of choosing someone for a position; a name, title, or official status
Example
His designation as team leader came with additional responsibilities and authority.
B2 adverb /ˈsmɑːt.li/

Smartly

Meaning
in a clever or intelligent way; neatly and stylishly; quickly
Example
He was smartly dressed for the business meeting.
C1 verb /ˈʌndərkʌt/

undercut

Meaning
to sell at a lower price than a competitor; to weaken or undermine something
Example
The company tried to undercut its rivals by offering lower prices.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɜːviənt/

subservient

Meaning
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
Example
She was too subservient to challenge his decision.
C2 verb /kənˈtɔːrt/

contort

Meaning
to twist or bend out of the normal shape
Example
She contorted her face in pain after the injury.
C1 noun /ˈtɛmptər/

tempter

Meaning
a person or thing that entices someone into doing something wrong
Example
The tempter whispered false promises into his ear.
C1 noun /ˈtæl.i/

Tally

Meaning
a count or record of a number or amount; a score or total
Example
Keep a tally of how many books you read this month.
B1 noun /keɪv/

Cave

Meaning
a large underground chamber in a hill or cliff; a hollow space in rock
Example
The explorers discovered ancient paintings on the cave walls.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/

exhilarating

Meaning
Making someone feel very excited, happy, or thrilled.
Example
Skydiving was the most exhilarating experience of his life.
A2 verb /ˈmenʃən/

mention

Meaning
to refer to something briefly; to speak about or name
Example
She forgot to mention the meeting time.
C2 adjective /pəˈnjʊəriəs/

penurious

Meaning
extremely poor; poverty-stricken; miserly
Example
The penurious family struggled to buy food.
B2 noun /ˈæbi/

abbey

Meaning
A large church building or monastery where monks or nuns live, work, and worship.
Example
The old abbey on the hill attracts many tourists each year.
C1 adjective ˈɛl.ə.kwənt

eloquent

Meaning
Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; clearly expressing or indicating something.
Example
Her eloquent speech inspired the entire audience.
A2 adjective /laɪt ɡriːn/

Light green

Meaning
a pale shade of green color; not dark green
Example
She wore a light green dress to the garden party.
B2 noun /proʊˈbeɪʃən/

probation

Meaning
a period of testing or supervision, especially for offenders or new employees
Example
He was placed on probation for six months.
C2 adverb /əˈsʌndər/

asunder

Meaning
into separate parts; apart
Example
The ancient empire was torn asunder by war.
C2 noun /ˈhænd ˌrɪŋɪŋ/

hand-wringing

Meaning
excessive worry or concern expressed in a visible or dramatic way.
Example
There was much hand-wringing over the political crisis.
B2 adjective /ˈfeɪvərəbəl/

favorable

Meaning
expressing approval or support; advantageous
Example
The weather conditions were favorable for the outdoor event.
B2 noun ˈlaɪf ɪkˌspek.tən.si

life expectancy

Meaning
The average period that a person may expect to live; the length of time for which something is expected to last or to continue being effective.
Example
Life expectancy depends on healthcare quality.
C2 noun /ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən/

depredation

Meaning
An act of attacking or plundering; damage caused by such acts.
Example
The villagers feared the depredation of wild animals at night.
A1 verb /θɪŋk/

think

Meaning
to have thoughts or ideas; to use your mind to consider something
Example
I think this is a good idea.
A2 verb /hɑːrm/

harm

Meaning
to cause damage, injury, or hurt to someone or something
Example
Smoking can harm your health.
B1 noun /ˈwɪtnəs/

Witness

Meaning
a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident; someone who gives evidence in a court of law
Example
The witness testified in court yesterday.
B1 adjective /ˈklæsɪk/

classic

Meaning
Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
Example
That movie is a classic example of 90s comedy.
C1 adjective /pəˈnɪnsjələr/

peninsular

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a peninsula.
Example
The peninsular region is surrounded by water on three sides.
C1 noun /ˈæbət/

abbot

Meaning
The head of a monastery for monks.
Example
The abbot welcomed the visitors to the monastery.
C2 noun /ˈʃɑːrlətən/

charlatan

Meaning
a person who pretends to have knowledge or skills that they do not really possess; a fraud
Example
The so-called healer was exposed as a charlatan.
B1 noun /ˈvæk.siːn/

Vaccine

Meaning
a substance that is put into the body to prevent a disease
Example
The COVID-19 vaccine has helped reduce severe illness.
C2 noun /ˈfɪl.ə.dʒɪ.nɪst/

philogynist

Meaning
a person who loves or admires women
Example
As a known philogynist, he advocated for women's education.
B2 adjective /veɪn/

Vain

Meaning
having excessive pride in one's appearance; futile or unsuccessful
Example
She spent hours in front of the mirror being quite vain.
C1 verb /rɪˈsʌsɪteɪt/

resuscitate

Meaning
to revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death
Example
The doctors tried to resuscitate the patient after the heart attack.
A2 noun /ˈmaɪkroʊweɪv/

Microwave

Meaning
an electric oven that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat food quickly
Example
She heated the leftover pizza in the microwave for two minutes.
B2 adjective daɪˈdʒes.tɪv

digestive

Meaning
Relating to the digestion of food.
Example
Digestive enzymes help break down food.
C1 verb /fɔːrˈtɛl/

foretell

Meaning
to predict or announce something before it happens
Example
The old man claimed he could foretell the future.
B2 verb /ˈsʌmən/

summon

Meaning
To order someone to come or to gather courage or strength.
Example
The king summoned his advisors to the court.
B2 noun /ˈtɔːrsoʊ/

torso

Meaning
The trunk of the human body, excluding the head and limbs.
Example
The artist painted the torso of the model in great detail.
B2 noun /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/

Literacy

Meaning
the ability to read and write; competence or knowledge in a specified area
Example
Adult literacy programs help people learn to read.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈmænɪdʒəbəl/

Unmanageable

Meaning
difficult or impossible to control or handle
Example
The large class became unmanageable without proper supervision.
C2 noun /fɪˈlɒl.ə.dʒɪst/

philologist

Meaning
a person who studies languages and their history
Example
The philologist analyzed ancient texts to understand language evolution.
B2 adjective /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/

Diligent

Meaning
hardworking and careful; showing persistent effort
Example
She is a diligent student who studies every day.
C2 adjective /ˈsed.j ə.l ə s/

Sedulous

Meaning
showing dedication and diligence; persistent and careful in work
Example
She was sedulous in her research, spending hours in the library every day.
C1 noun /əˈflɪkʃən/

affliction

Meaning
a state of pain, suffering, or distress
Example
Poverty is a common affliction in many parts of the world.
B2 verb /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/

misuse

Meaning
To use something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose.
Example
Misusing social media profiles can harm relationships.
A2 adjective /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/

exciting

Meaning
Causing great enthusiasm and eagerness.
Example
The journey has been an exciting experience.
C1 noun /rɪˌdʒuːvəˈneɪʃən/

rejuvenation

Meaning
The process of restoring something to a former better state, especially referring to renewing soil fertility or revitalizing agricultural land through various restoration practices.
Example
Rejuvenation of soil is necessary for sustainable agriculture.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

purgatory

Meaning
A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven; a temporary condition of torment or suffering.
Example
After the accident, the long recovery felt like a kind of purgatory.
C1 adjective /ˈnɪmbəl/

nimble

Meaning
Quick and light in movement or thought.
Example
The dancer’s nimble steps impressed the audience.
B2 adjective /prəˈpoʊzd/

proposed

Meaning
suggested or put forward for consideration or discussion
Example
The proposed changes will improve the system.
B2 adjective /dɪˈvoʊtɪd/

devoted

Meaning
Very loving, loyal, or dedicated.
Example
She is a devoted mother who always puts her children first.
A2 noun /ˈsoʊldʒərz/

soldiers

Meaning
members of an army who serve their country in war or peace
Example
The soldiers marched proudly down the street.
B1 noun /əˈkeɪ.ʒən/

Occasion

Meaning
a particular time or instance of an event; a special celebration
Example
Their wedding was a joyous occasion.
C1 noun /pəˈraɪə/

pariah

Meaning
An outcast; someone who is rejected by society or a social group.
Example
After the scandal, he became a social pariah.
B2 noun /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərər/

manufacturer

Meaning
A person or company that makes goods in large quantities.
Example
The manufacturer produces cars for the global market.
C1 verb /səbˈvɜːrt/

subvert

Meaning
to undermine or overthrow an established system, authority, or institution
Example
The rebels tried to subvert the government.
B2 verb /ˈstreɪtən/

straighten

Meaning
to make something straight or tidy; to correct or organize
Example
She straightened her hair before the meeting.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfʌŋkt/

defunct

Meaning
No longer existing, operating, or functioning.
Example
The company became defunct after the financial crisis.
B2 verb /swaɪp/

swipe

Meaning
to move your finger across a touch screen or to hit with a sweeping motion
Example
He swiped left on the photo.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈmɪʃən/

intermission

Meaning
A pause or break, especially during a performance or event.
Example
The play had a twenty-minute intermission.
C1 noun /ˈflɔː.rə/

flora

Meaning
The plant life found in a particular region or habitat.
Example
The Amazon rainforest is home to a vast flora diversity.
C1 verb /daɪˈleɪt/

dilate

Meaning
To make wider, larger, or more open.
Example
The doctor used drops to dilate the patient's pupils.
C2 verb /ɪˈstreɪndʒ/

estrange

Meaning
to cause someone to no longer be close or affectionate; to alienate
Example
His constant criticism began to estrange him from his friends.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɪmjʊˌleɪt/

dissimulate

Meaning
To disguise or conceal one's true feelings or intentions.
Example
He tried to dissimulate his fear with a smile.
B2 noun /səˈlɪsɪtər/

solicitor

Meaning
A type of lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents, often representing clients in lower courts.
Example
She consulted a solicitor before signing the contract.
C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
C1 adverb /ˈrɪdʒɪdli/

Rigidly

Meaning
in a strict, inflexible manner; without compromise
Example
The rules are rigidly enforced in this institution.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈækjərət/

Inaccurate

Meaning
not correct; containing errors; wrong
Example
The weather forecast was inaccurate yesterday.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmbəl/

Symbol

Meaning
a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process
Example
The dove is a symbol of peace.
B2 adjective /aɪˈdentɪkəl/

Identical

Meaning
exactly the same; not different in any way
Example
The twins look completely identical to each other.
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 /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

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

allay

Meaning
to reduce the intensity of fear, worry, or pain; to calm
Example
The teacher tried to allay the students’ fears before the exam.
C2 noun /ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒi/

entomology

Meaning
The scientific study of insects.
Example
She studied entomology to understand the behavior of bees.
B1 noun ɪˈməʊʃənz

emotions

Meaning
Strong feelings deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.
Example
Emotions ran high during the protests.
B2 noun /ˈpær.ə.dɒks/

paradox

Meaning
A seemingly contradictory statement or situation that may be true; an apparent inconsistency.
Example
The paradox of freedom is that it requires rules.
B1 noun /ˈkriːtʃər/

creature

Meaning
A living being, especially an animal.
Example
The forest is full of strange creatures.
C1 noun /ˈmɪd.əl.mæn/

Middleman

Meaning
A person who acts as an intermediary between two parties in a business transaction
Example
They decided to cut out the middleman and sell directly to customers.
C2 noun /ˌpɛntəˈhiːdrən/

pentahedron

Meaning
A solid geometric figure with five faces.
Example
In geometry class, the teacher explained the structure of a pentahedron.
C1 adjective ɔːˈspɪʃ.əs

auspicious

Meaning
Favorable or bringing good luck and success
Example
The wedding was held on an auspicious day.
A2 adjective/adverb /ˈɒnˌlaɪn/

online

Meaning
connected to or available through the internet
Example
I prefer shopping online rather than going to stores.
B1 noun /baɪˈɒlədʒi/

biology

Meaning
The scientific study of living organisms.
Example
Biology explains how plants and animals function.
C2 noun /nəˈkrɒpəlɪs/

necropolis

Meaning
a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs
Example
The archaeologists discovered artifacts in the necropolis of the ancient city.
B2 adjective /ˈlɔːŋtaɪm/

longtime

Meaning
having existed or continued for a long time
Example
They are longtime friends who met in college.
B2 adjective /ʌnprəˈfɛʃ.ən.əl/

Unprofessional

Meaning
not conforming to the standards expected in a particular profession
Example
His unprofessional behavior led to his dismissal from the company.
B2 noun nɪˈsesɪti

necessity

Meaning
The fact of being required or indispensable; an indispensable thing.
Example
Waste management is a necessity for environmental sustainability.
C1 noun /ˈkrɛvɪs/

crevice

Meaning
a narrow crack or opening, especially in a rock or wall
Example
The lizard hid in a crevice between the stones.
C2 adjective /ˈdəʊl.səm/

dolesome

Meaning
Filled with grief or sadness; mournful.
Example
The dolesome ballad brought tears to their eyes.
C2 noun /ˌkɒl.əˈneɪd/

colonnade

Meaning
A row of evenly spaced columns supporting a roof, often in classical architecture.
Example
The visitors admired the grand colonnade at the entrance of the temple.
C2 noun /mæn əv wɔːr/

Man of war

Meaning
a warship; a naval vessel equipped with weapons for warfare
Example
The man of war sailed across the ocean to defend the coast.
C1 adjective ˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs

synchronous

Meaning
Existing or occurring at the same time.
Example
Synchronous learning involves live online classes.
C2 noun /fɪˈlɒl.ə.dʒi/

philology

Meaning
the study of language in written historical sources; linguistics
Example
She devoted her career to philology, researching ancient manuscripts.
B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪt/

underestimate

Meaning
To judge something as less important or smaller than it really is.
Example
Never underestimate the power of teamwork.
C1 verb /əˈbriːvieɪt/

abbreviate

Meaning
To shorten a word, phrase, or text by leaving out letters or parts.
Example
We often abbreviate 'Doctor' to 'Dr'.
C2 noun /ˈwɛlkɪn/

welkin

Meaning
The sky, the heavens, or the upper air.
Example
The eagle soared high into the welkin.
C2 adjective /ˌbækəˈneɪliən/

bacchanalian

Meaning
Characterized by or involving drunken revelry.
Example
The students threw a bacchanalian party after the exams.
A2 noun /ˈbiː.ɪŋ/

Being

Meaning
existence; a living creature; the state of existing
Example
Every human being deserves respect and dignity.
C2 noun /ˈʃɛvrən/

chevron

Meaning
A V-shaped pattern, often used in military insignia or design.
Example
The sergeant’s uniform displayed three chevrons on the sleeve.
C2 verb /ʃʌk/

shuck

Meaning
To remove the outer covering, such as the husk of corn or shell of shellfish.
Example
She learned how to shuck oysters quickly.
C2 noun /ˈtɪŋktʃər/

tincture

Meaning
a slight trace of something; a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol
Example
There was a tincture of sadness in her smile.
A2 noun; gerund /ˈbɒksɪŋ/

boxing

Meaning
the sport of fighting with fists using padded gloves; the act of putting something into a box
Example
He has been training hard for a professional boxing match.
B2 verb /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

discharge

Meaning
to release or dismiss from duty; to emit or give off
Example
The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɒtɪk/

erotic

Meaning
relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement
Example
The novel contained several erotic scenes.
B2 noun /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/

solitude

Meaning
The state or situation of being alone.
Example
Solitude can provide the opportunity for deep reflection.