colloquial
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C1 adjective /kəˈləʊ.kwi.əl/

colloquial

Meaning
Used in ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal language.
Example
His colloquial expressions made the speech relatable.
C1 adjective /ˈkɜːrsəri/

cursory

Meaning
Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.
Example
He gave the report only a cursory glance before the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈɛkstrəˌvɜːrt/

extrovert

Meaning
a person who is outgoing, sociable, and energized by being around other people
Example
As an extrovert, she enjoys meeting new people at social events.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlɪdʒ/

pillage

Meaning
to rob or plunder a place, especially during war
Example
The invading army pillaged the village and took all valuables.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈvæmp/

revamp

Meaning
To give a new and improved form, structure, or appearance to something.
Example
The company decided to revamp its website for a modern look.
C1 noun /ˈskævɪndʒər/

scavenger

Meaning
an animal or person that feeds on dead or discarded material
Example
Vultures are natural scavengers that clean up the environment.
C1 adjective /ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/

riveting

Meaning
extremely interesting; holding the complete attention
Example
The movie was so riveting that nobody looked away.
C1 verb /dəˈmɛstɪkeɪt/

domesticate

Meaning
to tame an animal for use by humans; to adapt something for domestic use
Example
Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago.
C1 noun /kriːd/

creed

Meaning
A system of religious or spiritual beliefs or a guiding principle.
Example
Freedom of speech is part of his personal creed.
C1 verb /wɪns/

wince

Meaning
To make an involuntary movement of the face or body as a result of pain or distress.
Example
He winced when the doctor touched his injured arm.
C1 noun /rɪˈvɜːrʒən/

reversion

Meaning
the act of returning to a previous state or condition
Example
The new policy marked a reversion to traditional methods.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈtʌtʃ/

retouch

Meaning
To improve or repair a picture, photograph, or image by making small changes.
Example
The photographer retouched the image to remove blemishes.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈsɛlɪbət/

celibate

Meaning
abstaining from marriage and sexual relations; a person who does so
Example
He chose to remain celibate for religious reasons.
C1 noun /ɪnˈtruː.ʒən/

intrusion

Meaning
Unauthorized entry into a system or place without permission
Example
The company detected an intrusion in its server.
C1 noun /kliːˈʃeɪ/

cliche

Meaning
An overused expression or idea that has lost its originality or impact.
Example
The speech was filled with old clichés that failed to inspire the audience.
C1 noun /ˈwɪzərdri/

wizardry

Meaning
The art or practice of magic; great skill or expertise in something.
Example
The programmer's wizardry amazed everyone in the room.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdaʊ/

endow

Meaning
To provide with a quality, ability, or gift; to donate funds for a purpose.
Example
The university was endowed with a generous donation.
C1 adjective /moʊv/

mauve

Meaning
a pale purple color with a grayish or bluish tinge
Example
She wore a beautiful mauve dress to the party.
C1 verb ɪmˈbjuː

Imbue

Meaning
Mixing some idea or feeling deeply into someone's mind
Example
The teacher tried to imbue students with a love for learning.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 verb /ˈwɪð.ər/

wither

Meaning
to dry up and die, typically used for plants
Example
The flowers will wither without enough water.
C1 verb /səˈfɪstɪkeɪt/

sophisticate

Meaning
to make something more complex or refined; to educate or develop in taste and manners
Example
Traveling abroad helped sophisticate his worldview.
C1 noun /ˈfɪʃˌmʌŋ.ɡər/

fishmonger

Meaning
a person or store that sells fish
Example
I bought fresh salmon from the local fishmonger.
C1 noun /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪtər/

instigator

Meaning
A person who brings about or initiates something, usually something bad.
Example
The police identified him as the instigator of the violence.
C1 phrasal verb /ɡlɒs ˈoʊ.vər/

gloss over

Meaning
to avoid discussing something unpleasant or make it seem less important
Example
The report glossed over the company's financial problems.
C1 noun /ˈrɛ.trəʊ.fɪt.ɪŋ/

retrofitting

Meaning
The addition of new technology or features to older systems.
Example
The building underwent retrofitting to meet new safety standards.
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 /ˌɪnfɪˈdɛləti/

infidelity

Meaning
the act of being unfaithful to a spouse or partner
Example
Their marriage ended due to his infidelity.
C1 noun /ɔːˈtɒmətən/

automaton

Meaning
A machine that works automatically; also refers to a person who behaves like a machine, without thinking.
Example
He worked like an automaton, without showing any emotion.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrθ.li/

Earthly

Meaning
relating to the earth or human life; worldly; material rather than spiritual
Example
He focused on earthly pleasures rather than spiritual growth.
C1 verb /ˈməʊbɪlaɪz/

mobilize

Meaning
to organize or prepare people or resources for action
Example
The leader worked hard to mobilize the community for the protest.
C1 noun /pəˈræl.ə.sɪs/

Paralysis

Meaning
the loss of the ability to move part or all of the body; complete inability to act or function
Example
The accident left him with paralysis in his legs.
C1 noun /kənˈfɔːrmɪst/

conformist

Meaning
A person who uncritically conforms to established practices or standards.
Example
She was labeled a conformist for always following the crowd.
C1 noun ˌɒb.səˈlɛs.əns

obsolescence

Meaning
The process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used.
Example
The rapid advancement of technology leads to the obsolescence of old devices.
C1 adjective /ɡroʊˈtɛsk/

grotesque

Meaning
comically or repulsively ugly or distorted
Example
The sculpture was so grotesque that it frightened the children.
C1 adjective /əˈluːf/

aloof

Meaning
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
Example
He remained aloof during the entire discussion.
C1 adjective /smʌɡ/

smug

Meaning
having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
Example
He wore a smug smile after winning the debate.
C1 verb /dɪsˈtrʌst/

distrust

Meaning
to have no confidence or trust in someone or something
Example
Many people distrust politicians.
C1 noun /ˈrʌp.tʃər/

Rupture

Meaning
breaking or bursting apart; breakdown of relations
Example
The rupture in the pipeline caused a massive oil spill.
C1 noun ˌmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

marginalization

Meaning
The treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.
Example
Economic policies should address the marginalization of the poor.
C1 adjective /kəˈrəʊsɪv/

corrosive

Meaning
tending to cause corrosion; harmful or destructive to materials or people
Example
The chemical is highly corrosive and should be handled with care.
C1 adjective ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk

intrinsic

Meaning
Belonging naturally; essential. Existing as a natural or basic part of something.
Example
Creativity is an intrinsic quality of a great artist.
C1 noun /sɪlk klɔːθ/

Silk cloth

Meaning
fabric made from natural fibers produced by silkworms
Example
The bride wore a beautiful dress made of silk cloth.
C1 noun /ˈtɛnər/

tenor

Meaning
the general meaning, drift, or character of something; a male singing voice between baritone and alto
Example
The overall tenor of his speech was hopeful and reassuring.
C1 noun /skraɪb/

scribe

Meaning
a person who writes documents, especially in ancient times; a professional copyist
Example
In ancient Egypt, scribes recorded important events.
C1 noun /ˈvænɡɑːrd/

vanguard

Meaning
the forefront of an action, movement, or military force
Example
The company is at the vanguard of technological innovation.
C1 verb /kriːk/

creak

Meaning
to make a high-pitched, squeaking noise when moved
Example
The old door creaked as she opened it.
C1 adjective, noun /əbˈzɔːrbənt/

absorbent

Meaning
able to soak up liquid, moisture, or energy easily; a material or substance that absorbs
Example
This towel is highly absorbent and dries quickly.
C1 verb /koʊˈhæbɪt/

cohabit

Meaning
To live together, often as partners without being married.
Example
They decided to cohabit before getting married.
C1 verb /kənˈkɒkt/

concoct

Meaning
to make something, especially food or a story, by mixing or inventing
Example
He concocted a story to explain his absence.
C1 noun /ˌtes.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Testimonial

Meaning
a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications
Example
The professor wrote a glowing testimonial for her former student.
C1 noun ˈnɛktər

Nectar

Meaning
A sweet liquid produced by flowers that serves as food for butterflies.
Example
Butterflies drink nectar from flowers.
C1 adjective /ˈfɪs.kəl/

fiscal

Meaning
Relating to government revenue, especially taxes, or public money management.
Example
The government introduced new fiscal policies to control inflation.
C1 verb /ˈslækən/

slacken

Meaning
to make or become less tight, less active, or slower
Example
The driver slackened his speed as he approached the village.
C1 verb /dɪˈsweɪd/

dissuade

Meaning
To persuade someone not to do something.
Example
She tried to dissuade him from quitting his job.
C1 adjective /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/

altruistic

Meaning
Showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
Her altruistic nature led her to volunteer for charities.
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 verb /ˈæn.ɛks/

annex

Meaning
To take control of a territory and add it to one's own.
Example
The empire annexed the neighboring kingdom after the war.
C1 noun /bəˈnɛv.ə.ləns/

benevolence

Meaning
The quality of being well meaning and kindly; the disposition to do good.
Example
His benevolence towards the poor earned him respect.
C1 noun /ˈdrɛsˌmeɪkər/

dressmaker

Meaning
A person who makes or alters women's clothing professionally.
Example
The dressmaker crafted a beautiful gown for the bride.
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 verb /məˈruːn/

maroon

Meaning
to leave someone trapped and isolated, especially on an island
Example
The sailors were marooned on a deserted island.
C1 adjective ɪˌlektrəʊmæɡˈnetɪk

electromagnetic

Meaning
Relating to both electricity and magnetism or their interaction.
Example
Electromagnetic forces repel protons.
C1 noun ˌoʊ.vɚˈɡreɪ.zɪŋ

overgrazing

Meaning
The practice of allowing livestock to graze to the point of damaging vegetation.
Example
Overgrazing leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
C1 noun /woʊ/

woe

Meaning
great sorrow, distress, or trouble
Example
Her heart was filled with woe after hearing the sad news.
C1 verb /ˈlaɪ.kən/

liken

Meaning
to compare one thing to another, often in a figurative way
Example
He likened her voice to sweet music.
C1 noun əˈtrɒs.ɪ.tiz

atrocities

Meaning
Extremely wicked or cruel acts, typically involving physical violence or injury.
Example
The atrocities shocked the international community.
C1 noun /ˈlɛɡɪŋ/

legging

Meaning
tight-fitting stretch pants, typically worn by women for exercise or casual wear
Example
She bought a new pair of black leggings for the gym.
C1 noun /tɪnt/

tint

Meaning
a slight shade or variation of a color
Example
The walls were painted white with a slight blue tint.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpres.ɪv/

Repressive

Meaning
restraining freedom or preventing self-expression; oppressive
Example
The repressive government banned all forms of protest.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːltər/

falter

Meaning
to hesitate or lose strength or momentum
Example
Her voice faltered as she delivered the speech.
C1 noun /ˈɛmbləm/

emblem

Meaning
A symbolic object, design, or figure representing an idea, group, or identity.
Example
The dove is an emblem of peace.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

inexcusable

Meaning
Too bad to be justified or overlooked; unforgivable.
Example
His rude behavior was inexcusable.
C1 adjective /ræmˈbʌŋk.ʃəs/

rambunctious

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

Dusk

Meaning
the period of the day when daylight is fading; twilight
Example
They walked along the beach during dusk, watching the sunset.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæstrɪk/

gastric

Meaning
Relating to the stomach.
Example
She was prescribed medicine for her gastric problems.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/

insurmountable

Meaning
Too great to be overcome.
Example
The explorers faced insurmountable odds in the desert.
C1 adjective /ˌhaɪdroʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/

hydroelectric

Meaning
Relating to or denoting the generation of electricity using flowing water.
Example
The country invested heavily in hydroelectric power plants.
C1 adjective /təˈrɛstriəl/

terrestrial

Meaning
Relating to the Earth or land as opposed to the sea or air; living or growing on land.
Example
Humans are terrestrial beings who live on land.
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 noun /hɪm/

hymn

Meaning
A religious song or poem of praise to God or a deity.
Example
The congregation sang a hymn during the morning service.
C1 noun /ˈaɪ.wɪt.nəs/

Eyewitness

Meaning
a person who has seen something happen and can give evidence about it
Example
The police interviewed several eyewitnesses to the accident.
C1 adjective /stjuːˈpɛndəs/

stupendous

Meaning
extremely impressive; amazing in size, degree, or excellence
Example
The magician’s performance was simply stupendous.
C1 noun ˌfɔːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn

fortification

Meaning
A defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack.
Example
The fortifications protected the city.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈweɪ/

outweigh

Meaning
To be more important, valuable, or significant than something else.
Example
The benefits of the new policy outweigh the risks.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæsiəs/

gaseous

Meaning
Relating to or having the form of gas.
Example
Carbon dioxide is a gaseous substance.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfəsaɪ/

prophesy

Meaning
to state or predict that something will happen in the future, especially as if divinely inspired
Example
The monk prophesied that peace would return to the land.
C1 verb /wɛt/

whet

Meaning
To sharpen the blade of a tool or to stimulate interest or appetite.
Example
The smell of food whetted my appetite.
C1 verb /prɒd/

prod

Meaning
to poke or push someone or something with a finger, foot, or pointed object
Example
She prodded him in the arm to get his attention.
C1 adjective ɡəˈlæktɪk

galactic

Meaning
Of or relating to a galaxy or galaxies.
Example
The galactic phenomena observed by the telescope were mesmerizing.
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 /rɪˈsɜːrdʒ/

resurge

Meaning
To rise, increase, or become active again after a decline.
Example
Interest in traditional crafts has begun to resurge.
C1 noun /ˈbed sted/

Bed stead

Meaning
the framework of a bed; a bed frame without bedding
Example
The wooden bed stead was very sturdy.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪf.ər.əns/

Indifference

Meaning
lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; the state of not caring about something
Example
His indifference to his studies resulted in poor grades throughout the semester.
C1 verb /præns/

prance

Meaning
To move with high, springy steps, often to show off or attract attention.
Example
The horse pranced around the field gracefully.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒsi/

Mossy

Meaning
covered with moss; having moss growing on it
Example
The old tree trunk was mossy and covered with green vegetation.
C1 noun /ˈrɛnɪˌɡeɪd/

renegade

Meaning
a person who deserts or betrays an organization, country, or principles
Example
He was labeled a renegade after leaving the party and criticizing its policies.
C1 noun /ˈvɜːrtɪˌɡoʊ/

vertigo

Meaning
A sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by problems in the inner ear or brain.
Example
She felt a sudden vertigo when she looked down from the tall building.
C1 adjective /trænsˈluːsənt/

translucent

Meaning
allowing light to pass through, but not clearly enough to see detailed images
Example
She placed the flower in a translucent vase.
C1 verb /ˈæmpjʊteɪt/

amputate

Meaning
to cut off a limb from the body by surgery
Example
The doctors had to amputate his leg after the accident.
C1 noun ˌprɒf.ɪ.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

profitability

Meaning
The degree to which a business or activity yields profit or financial gain.
Example
Increasing sales and reducing costs boosted profitability.
C1 verb /səbˈstænʃieɪt/

substantiate

Meaning
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.
Example
The lawyer worked to substantiate the claims with solid evidence.
C1 noun /ˈsʌm.ɪt əv ðə ˈfjuː.tʃər/

Summit of the Future

Meaning
A high-level conference focused on addressing future challenges and opportunities.
Example
The Summit of the Future addressed global challenges.
C1 adverb /ˈɪnwərdli/

inwardly

Meaning
In the mind or spirit; not outwardly visible.
Example
She smiled outwardly but inwardly she was worried.
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 /ˈdʒepərdaɪz/

jeopardize

Meaning
to put something at risk of being damaged or destroyed
Example
His reckless behavior could jeopardize his career.
C1 adverb /ˈmerɪli/

Merrily

Meaning
in a cheerful and joyful manner
Example
The children played merrily in the garden.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛl/

impel

Meaning
to drive, force, or urge someone to do something
Example
Her curiosity impelled her to open the mysterious box.
C1 verb /rɪˈvɪər/

revere

Meaning
To deeply respect or admire someone or something.
Example
The students revered their teacher for his wisdom.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪzeɪʃən/

personalization

Meaning
The action of making something personal or individual; customization.
Example
Personalization in marketing improves customer engagement.
C1 adjective /dɪˈraɪsɪv/

derisive

Meaning
Expressing contempt or ridicule.
Example
She gave a derisive laugh at his attempt to sing.
C1 noun /ˈɪnflʌks/

influx

Meaning
A large arrival or flow of people or things.
Example
The city experienced an influx of tourists during the festival.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstreɪndʒd/

estranged

Meaning
no longer close or affectionate with someone; alienated
Example
She felt estranged from her family after the long dispute.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪn.dʒi/

Dingy

Meaning
dark and dirty; gloomy; dull in color
Example
The old building had dingy walls that needed painting.
C1 adjective/adverb /ˌɒfˈhænd/

offhand

Meaning
Without previous thought or preparation; casual and sometimes dismissive.
Example
She gave an offhand reply to his serious question.
C1 verb ɪɡˈzɛm.plɪ.faɪ

exemplify

Meaning
To be a typical example of or to illustrate something clearly, to show as an example or demonstrate.
Example
His dedication exemplifies true leadership.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrsəm/

foursome

Meaning
a group of four people or things, especially in games or social activities
Example
The foursome enjoyed a game of golf together.
C1 noun ˌvɛn.əˈreɪ.ʃən

veneration

Meaning
Great respect; reverence; the action of regarding with great respect or reverence.
Example
Many cultures show veneration for their ancestors.
C1 verb /dɪˈflɛkt/

deflect

Meaning
to cause something to change direction; to avoid answering directly
Example
The shield deflected the incoming arrow.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.dɚ/

candor

Meaning
The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.
Example
She spoke with candor about the challenges she faced.
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.