cistern
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C1 noun /ˈsɪstərn/

cistern

Meaning
A tank or container for storing water, usually for household use.
Example
The old house still had a cistern to collect rainwater.
C1 noun /wɪk/

Wick

Meaning
a cord or strand of cotton that burns to provide light in a candle or lamp
Example
The candle wick needs to be trimmed for better burning.
C1 noun /ˈdrʌdʒəri/

drudgery

Meaning
Hard, menial, or dull work.
Example
She wanted to escape the drudgery of her daily routine.
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 adjective /ˈsɒmbər/

somber

Meaning
Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy or serious.
Example
The funeral had a somber atmosphere.
C1 noun /ˈhɒrəˌskoʊp/

horoscope

Meaning
A forecast of a person's future based on the positions of the stars and planets at their birth.
Example
She read her horoscope every morning to see what the stars predicted.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛlˌteɪl/

telltale

Meaning
Revealing something that is usually hidden; giving away a secret or clue.
Example
The telltale signs of fatigue were visible on his face.
C1 adjective /ˈməʊltən/

molten

Meaning
Made into liquid by heat; melted.
Example
The blacksmith poured molten metal into the mold.
C1 noun /ˈæmfɪˌθiətər/

amphitheater

Meaning
A large open circular or oval building with rising tiers of seats, used for public events.
Example
The concert was held in an ancient amphitheater.
C1 adjective /ˌɛm.briˈɒn.ɪk/

embryonic

Meaning
in an early or undeveloped stage; relating to an embryo
Example
The project is still in its embryonic stage.
C1 adjective /ˌtræn.senˈdɛn.təl/

transcendental

Meaning
relating to the spiritual or non-physical realm; surpassing ordinary experience
Example
Meditation can lead to transcendental experiences.
C1 verb /ˈmæd.ən/

madden

Meaning
To make someone very angry or extremely annoyed.
Example
The constant noise maddened him.
C1 verb /ˈrʌf.l̩/

ruffle

Meaning
to disturb the smoothness of something; to annoy or upset someone
Example
The wind ruffled her hair.
C1 verb /kənˈkɜːr/

concur

Meaning
To agree with someone or something.
Example
I concur with your opinion on this matter.
C1 verb /dɪˈluːd/

delude

Meaning
To mislead someone into believing something that is not true.
Example
He deluded himself into thinking he could win the race without training.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pɪst/

philanthropist

Meaning
a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes
Example
The philanthropist donated millions to build schools in rural areas.
C1 noun /rɪˈpɔːrtɪʒ/

reportage

Meaning
the act of reporting news or describing events in the media
Example
The magazine is known for its detailed reportage of political issues.
C1 noun ˌdɛməˈɡræfɪk trænˈzɪʃən

demographic transition

Meaning
A shift in population patterns from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically
Example
The demographic transition indicates a shift towards an aging society.
C1 noun /daɪˈvɜː.dʒəns/

divergence

Meaning
The process or state of diverging; a difference or deviation between two or more things.
Example
The divergence in their opinions led to a heated debate.
C1 adjective /tɛkˈtɑː.nɪk/

tectonic

Meaning
Relating to the structure of the earth's crust and the large-scale processes that take place within it.
Example
Tectonic movements cause earthquakes and mountain formation.
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 /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 noun /ˈkroʊniˌɪzəm/

cronyism

Meaning
The practice of favoring friends or associates, especially in political appointments or business deals.
Example
The company was accused of cronyism in hiring practices.
C1 adjective /ˈθrɪfti/

thrifty

Meaning
using money and resources carefully and not wastefully
Example
She is very thrifty and always saves money for the future.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːɡə/

saga

Meaning
A long story of heroic achievement, or a long, complex series of events.
Example
The company's rise and fall became a corporate saga.
C1 noun /ˈklaɪəntɛl/

clientele

Meaning
The clients or customers of a professional person or business.
Example
The salon's clientele includes many high-profile individuals.
C1 adjective /ˈen.vi.ə.bəl/

Enviable

Meaning
causing envy; desirable
Example
Her success was enviable among her peers.
C1 verb /rɪˈnɛɡ/

renege

Meaning
to go back on a promise, agreement, or commitment
Example
The company reneged on its promise to increase wages.
C1 adjective /ˈtɔːrtʃuəs/

tortuous

Meaning
Full of twists and turns; excessively complex or complicated.
Example
The tortuous mountain road made driving very difficult.
C1 noun /mɪˈlɪʃə/

militia

Meaning
a group of ordinary people who are trained to act as soldiers in emergencies
Example
The village formed a militia to defend against attacks.
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 verb /ˈsenʃər/

censure

Meaning
to criticize severely; to express strong disapproval
Example
The committee censured the politician for his misconduct.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɪrɪtɪd/

dispirited

Meaning
Having lost enthusiasm, hope, or confidence; dejected.
Example
After losing the match, the team looked dispirited.
C1 adjective /ˈdek.stər.əs/

dexterous

Meaning
Showing or having skill, especially with the hands; mentally adroit and skillful.
Example
A dexterous programmer can write complex codes effortlessly.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪ.nəs/

Highness

Meaning
a title given to a person of royal rank; the quality or state of being high or elevated
Example
Your Highness, the royal carriage is ready to take you to the state banquet this evening.
C1 noun /ˈnaɪt.hʊd/

knighthood

Meaning
The rank or dignity of a knight, or the ceremony of conferring knighthood.
Example
He was honored with knighthood for his contributions to science.
C1 verb /ˈkʌn.dʒər/

conjure

Meaning
to summon something as if by magic; to imagine vividly
Example
The magician conjured a rabbit out of the hat.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrdʒəri/

perjury

Meaning
The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after taking an oath.
Example
She was convicted of perjury after giving false evidence.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɪd.i.ər.i/

Subsidiary

Meaning
less important than the main thing; secondary; of or relating to a subsidiary company
Example
The subsidiary company handles all overseas operations.
C1 noun /viˈoʊlə/ or /ˈvaɪələ/

viola

Meaning
A stringed instrument slightly larger than a violin, with a deeper and mellower tone.
Example
She chose to play the viola in the school orchestra.
C1 noun /ˈtæntrəm/

tantrum

Meaning
An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.
Example
The child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get the toy.
C1 noun /ˌhaɪ.roʊˈɡlɪf.ɪks/

hieroglyphics

Meaning
a system of writing using pictures or symbols, used especially by ancient Egyptians
Example
The tomb walls were covered with Egyptian hieroglyphics.
C1 adjective /tɪˈrænɪkəl/

tyrannical

Meaning
exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way
Example
The tyrannical ruler silenced all opposition.
C1 noun ˌdep.əˈzɪʃ.ən

deposition

Meaning
The action of depositing something; the laying down of matter by a natural process.
Example
River deposition leads to the formation of new landmasses.
C1 adjective /ˈlækˌlʌstər/

lackluster

Meaning
Lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring.
Example
The lackluster performance disappointed the audience.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌfɑːðər/

forefather

Meaning
an ancestor, especially one who was part of an earlier generation of a family or nation
Example
Our forefathers fought for independence.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/

inoffensive

Meaning
Not likely to offend or provoke; harmless.
Example
His inoffensive remarks kept the conversation friendly.
C1 adjective /riˈækʃəˌneri/

reactionary

Meaning
Opposing political or social progress or reform; extremely conservative.
Example
The group took a reactionary stance against the new policies.
C1 adjective /vɪnˈdɪk.tɪv/

Vindictive

Meaning
having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge
Example
His vindictive behavior towards his former colleagues was unprofessional.
C1 verb /ˈdaʊn.pleɪ/

downplay

Meaning
to make something seem less important than it really is
Example
The company tried to downplay the risks of the new product.
C1 noun /məˈræŋ/

meringue

Meaning
A light dessert topping made from whipped egg whites and sugar.
Example
She decorated the pie with a fluffy meringue topping.
C1 noun /ˌdʒuː.bɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

jubilation

Meaning
a feeling or expression of great happiness and triumph
Example
There was jubilation in the streets after the victory.
C1 noun /ˈvaɪəˌleɪtər/

violator

Meaning
A person who breaks or disregards a law, rule, or agreement.
Example
The police caught the traffic violator at the intersection.
C1 verb /ˈhaɪdʒæk/

hijack

Meaning
to take control of a vehicle or situation illegally or by force
Example
The criminals attempted to hijack the airplane.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

inconsequential

Meaning
Not important or significant; too small to matter.
Example
The mistake was minor and inconsequential.
C1 verb /vəˈkeɪt/

vacate

Meaning
to leave a place; to make empty by leaving
Example
The tenants must vacate the apartment by the end of the month.
C1 noun /ˌtɛrəˈdæktɪl/

pterodactyl

Meaning
An extinct flying reptile of the Jurassic period, with a long slender head and wings formed by a membrane stretching along the body.
Example
The museum displayed a fossil of a giant pterodactyl.
C1 noun /rɪˈvʌlʃən/

revulsion

Meaning
a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion
Example
She felt revulsion at the sight of the cruel act.
C1 noun/verb /ˈfʌrəʊ/

furrow

Meaning
A long narrow trench made in the ground by a plow; to make wrinkles or grooves.
Example
The farmer plowed furrows in the field.
C1 noun ˈfɔː.saɪt

foresight

Meaning
The ability to predict or the action of predicting what will happen or be needed in the future.
Example
His foresight helped the company avoid financial losses.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkwaɪətɪŋ/

disquieting

Meaning
Causing worry, unease, or anxiety.
Example
The news report was deeply disquieting to the public.
C1 noun /ɔːr/

Oar

Meaning
a long pole with a flat blade used to row a boat
Example
He dipped the oar into the water and pulled the boat forward.
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 /lɒft/

loft

Meaning
An upper room or space, often under the roof of a building.
Example
She converted the old loft into a modern studio.
C1 noun /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

pediatrics

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children
Example
She decided to specialize in pediatrics after medical school.
C1 noun /speɪt/

spate

Meaning
a large number of things occurring in quick succession
Example
There has been a spate of robberies in the city.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.mɪ.saɪd/

Homicide

Meaning
the deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder
Example
The detective was assigned to investigate the homicide that occurred downtown last night.
C1 noun /ˈædɪdʒ/

adage

Meaning
a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice
Example
The old adage says that honesty is the best policy.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈneɪtl/

antenatal

Meaning
Relating to the medical care and treatment given to a pregnant woman before the birth of her child.
Example
She attended regular antenatal checkups throughout her pregnancy.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntəˈrɑːɡətɪv/

interrogative

Meaning
Relating to or conveying a question; in grammar, used to form questions.
Example
She raised an interrogative eyebrow when she heard the news.
C1 verb /kənˈviːn/

convene

Meaning
to come together or assemble, especially for a meeting or formal gathering
Example
The board will convene tomorrow to discuss the new policy.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈkɒn.sə.mət/

consummate

Meaning
To complete or perfect something with great skill
Example
He is a consummate artist with years of experience.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdlər/

peddler

Meaning
a person who sells goods, often traveling from place to place
Example
The peddler walked through the village selling fresh fruits.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊ.ɡɪʃ/

Roguish

Meaning
mischievous; playfully dishonest
Example
His roguish smile suggested he was up to some mischief.
C1 adjective /prəˈfɛtɪk/

prophetic

Meaning
accurately predicting or describing what will happen in the future
Example
His prophetic words came true after many years.
C1 noun /ˈfreɪlti/

frailty

Meaning
The condition of being weak, delicate, or easily broken.
Example
Old age often comes with physical frailty.
C1 /ʃrɛd/

shred

Meaning
to tear or cut something into small pieces
Example
She shredded the old documents before throwing them away.
C1 adjective /ˈrʌs.tɪk/

Rustic

Meaning
simple and unsophisticated; relating to rural areas
Example
The rustic cottage had wooden beams and a thatched roof.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈtep.ɪd/

Tepid

Meaning
only slightly warm; lukewarm; showing little enthusiasm
Example
The tea was tepid and unappetizing.
C1 adjective /kənˈdʒiːniəl/

congenial

Meaning
pleasant and friendly because of having similar interests or qualities
Example
They found the café a congenial place to meet and talk.
C1 adjective dɪ ˈskrɛʃ.ən.er.i

discretionary

Meaning
Available for use at the discretion of the user; not required or mandatory.
Example
He set aside some discretionary income for travel.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪkiː/

psyche

Meaning
the human soul, mind, or spirit
Example
The novel explores the depths of the human psyche.
C1 noun /ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/

magistrate

Meaning
A civil officer who administers the law, often with limited judicial authority.
Example
The magistrate presided over the minor criminal case.
C1 noun /ˈæd.vənt/

advent

Meaning
The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
Example
The advent of the internet changed the way people communicate.
C1 noun prəˈtɛk.ʃə.nɪ.zəm

protectionism

Meaning
The theory or practice of shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition by taxing imports.
Example
The government's protectionism helped local businesses grow.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmuː.və.bəl/

immovable

Meaning
Not able to be moved; fixed in position.
Example
Immovable barriers prevent change.
C1 noun /ˈspɪnstər/

spinster

Meaning
An unmarried woman, often one who is older and considered unlikely to marry
Example
The novel featured a kind-hearted spinster who cared for the village children.
C1 verb /ˈɒfsɛt/

offset

Meaning
To counterbalance or compensate for something.
Example
The company's losses were offset by gains in other departments.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæs.tɪ.ti/

Chastity

Meaning
the practice of refraining from extramarital or premarital sexual relations; sexual purity
Example
Many religious traditions value chastity as a virtue of moral purity.
C1 noun ænˈtɪk.wə.ti

antiquity

Meaning
The ancient past, especially the period of classical and other human civilizations before the Middle Ages.
Example
The ruins are a reminder of the city's antiquity.
C1 noun /beɪn/

bane

Meaning
A cause of great distress, harm, or annoyance.
Example
Traffic jams are the bane of city life.
C1 adjective /ˌfɑːrˈfɛtʃt/

far-fetched

Meaning
unlikely to happen or be true; improbable
Example
His explanation for being late was a bit far-fetched.
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 adjective /ˌhoʊlˈhɑːrtɪd/

wholehearted

Meaning
showing complete sincerity and commitment; fully enthusiastic
Example
She gave her wholehearted support to the project.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrθədɑːks/

orthodox

Meaning
conforming to traditional beliefs or practices
Example
He comes from a very orthodox family.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntərˈtwaɪnd/

intertwined

Meaning
closely connected or twisted together
Example
Their lives became deeply intertwined after the accident.
C1 noun /mɒb/

Mob

Meaning
a large crowd of people; a group that acts in a violent way
Example
An angry mob gathered outside the building.
C1 adjective /ˈstɪltɪd/

stilted

Meaning
Speech or writing that is stiff, unnatural, or overly formal.
Example
His speech sounded stilted and rehearsed.
C1 noun ˈæŋkərɪdʒ

anchorage

Meaning
A secure holding place; a place where ships can anchor safely.
Example
The boat was anchored near the shore for safety.
C1 noun /əˈsæsɪn/

Assassin

Meaning
a person who murders an important person for political or religious reasons
Example
The president was protected from potential assassins by security guards.
C1 adjective /ˈplæsɪd/

placid

Meaning
calm and peaceful, not easily disturbed
Example
She had a placid expression despite the chaos around her.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnsələnt/

insolent

Meaning
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
Example
The insolent student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
C1 adjective /diːˈsɛntrəlaɪzd/

decentralized

Meaning
Controlled by several local offices or authorities rather than one single one.
Example
The decentralized system allowed for more control at local levels.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɒs.tər/

Impostor

Meaning
a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others; a fraud
Example
The impostor convinced everyone he was a doctor until his fake credentials were discovered.
C1 verb /kənˈstrɪkt/

constrict

Meaning
to make narrower or tighter; to shrink or compress
Example
The snake constricted its prey before swallowing.
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 adjective /ˈdaʊ.ər/

dour

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

plagiarism

Meaning
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own
Example
The student was expelled for committing plagiarism in his essay.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbɛrɪŋ/

overbearing

Meaning
unpleasantly or arrogantly domineering
Example
His overbearing attitude made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
C1 verb /ˈdræm.ə.taɪz/

dramatize

Meaning
to present a story in a dramatic way, or to exaggerate something
Example
The novel was dramatized into a popular TV series.
C1 adverb /ˈðɛərfɔːr/

therefor

Meaning
For that or for it.
Example
He received payment and gave a receipt therefor.
C1 noun /ˈaɪsətəʊp/

isotope

Meaning
Atoms of the same element with equal number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Example
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in dating fossils.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

Meaning
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
Example
The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate.
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 adjective /ˈmel.əʊ/

Mellow

Meaning
soft and pleasant; relaxed and gentle
Example
The mellow evening light created a peaceful atmosphere.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈɪntrəstɪd/

disinterested

Meaning
not influenced by personal interest; impartial or neutral
Example
The judge remained disinterested in the case.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkleɪmd/

Unclaimed

Meaning
not claimed by anyone; not demanded or requested; abandoned or ownerless
Example
The unclaimed luggage was stored in the airport's lost property department.
C1 noun /stents/

stents

Meaning
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
Example
Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques.