confederacy
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C1 noun /kənˈfɛdərəsi/

confederacy

Meaning
a group of states, people, or organizations united for a common purpose
Example
The southern states formed a confederacy during the civil war.
B1 noun roʊps

ropes

Meaning
A length of thick strong cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, sisal, nylon, or similar material.
Example
The ropes were tied securely to lift the heavy load.
B1 verb /daɪv/

dive

Meaning
to plunge headfirst into water or another substance
Example
He decided to dive into the pool on a hot day.
C2 verb /ˈɔːɡər/

augur

Meaning
To be a sign of something to come; to predict or foretell.
Example
Dark clouds augur a coming storm.
B2 noun, verb /ˈriːteɪl/

retail

Meaning
the sale of goods to the public in small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale
Example
The company specializes in the retail of clothing and accessories.
C1 verb /krɪndʒ/

cringe

Meaning
To shrink back in fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
She cringed when she remembered her mistake.
B1 noun /tʃuˈɪʃ.ən/

tuition

Meaning
the fee for instruction or teaching, typically at a school or university
Example
The tuition for the college has increased this year.
C2 noun /ˈflætʃələns/

flatulence

Meaning
the accumulation of gas in the digestive system; excessive gas in the stomach or intestines
Example
Eating beans can sometimes cause flatulence.
B1 noun /ˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

criticism

Meaning
The expression of disapproval or judgment of the merits of something
Example
The new policy has faced a lot of criticism from the public.
B2 noun rɪˈsɛʃ.ən

recession

Meaning
A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced.
Example
The country faced a severe recession due to the financial crisis.
C2 noun /sælv/

salve

Meaning
An ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.
Example
She applied a salve to the burn on her hand.
B2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.ər/

Prior

Meaning
existing or coming before in time; previous; earlier
Example
You need prior approval before making any changes to the system.
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 noun /ˈmoʊlə ˈkɑrplɪt/

Mola carplet

Meaning
a small freshwater fish of the carp family, commonly found in South Asian rivers and ponds
Example
The mola carplet is a popular small fish used in Bengali cuisine.
C1 verb /ˈstɪntɪŋ/

stinting

Meaning
to supply sparingly or with restrictions
Example
He never stinting his efforts to help the poor.
C1 noun /səˈlɛmnɪti/

solemnity

Meaning
the state or quality of being serious and dignified
Example
The ceremony was conducted with great solemnity.
C1 noun ˈsʌfrɪdʒ

suffrage

Meaning
The right to vote in political elections; the principle of political representation.
Example
Universal suffrage was a key demand.
A2 noun ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti

quality

Meaning
The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.
Example
Quality assurance is vital in medical education.
B1 noun, verb /ˈfaɪ.næns/ or /fəˈnæns/

finance

Meaning
the management of money and investments, or to provide funds for something
Example
The company secured finance from a major bank.
B1 noun /ɪkˈspres treɪn/

Express Train

Meaning
a fast train that travels between major stations with few or no intermediate stops
Example
The express train reached the destination in half the usual time.
A2 noun /ˈhɛdeɪk/

headache

Meaning
a continuous pain in the head; something that causes worry or difficulty
Example
Too much screen time can give you a terrible headache.
C1 adjective /dɪˈstrɔːt/

distraught

Meaning
extremely upset and anxious, often to the point of being unable to think clearly
Example
She was distraught after losing her pet.
B1 noun /ˈkʊkər/

cooker

Meaning
a device or appliance used for cooking food; a person or thing that cooks
Example
The rice cooker makes cooking meals much easier.
B2 adjective /ˈaʊtˌɡoʊɪŋ/

outgoing

Meaning
Friendly and sociable; inclined to mix with others.
Example
He is an outgoing person who loves meeting new people.
C1 noun /ˈtɒr.ənt/

Torrent

Meaning
a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid; a sudden, violent, and copious outpouring
Example
The heavy rain created a torrent of water rushing down the mountain.
C1 verb /ˈæɡənaɪz/

agonize

Meaning
To suffer extreme physical or mental pain; to spend time worrying.
Example
She agonized for days over whether she had made the right decision.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɪvələs/

frivolous

Meaning
Not having any serious purpose or value; silly or unimportant.
Example
She dismissed the frivolous complaint quickly.
A2 preposition /əˈɡɛnst/ or /əˈɡeɪnst/

against

Meaning
In opposition to; contrary to; touching or resting on.
Example
They voted against the proposal.
A2 verb /dɪsˈkʌvər/

discover

Meaning
to find something for the first time
Example
Scientists discovered a new planet last year.
B2 noun /ˈnjuːzˌlɛtər/

newsletter

Meaning
a printed or electronic report containing news or information about a company or organization
Example
The company sends a weekly newsletter to its employees.
B2 noun /ˈtɜr.mər.ɪk/

Turmeric

Meaning
A bright yellow spice powder made from the root of a tropical plant, used in cooking and medicine
Example
Add turmeric to the curry for color and flavor.
C1 adjective /əˈvɜːrs/

averse

Meaning
having a strong dislike of or opposition to something
Example
He was averse to taking unnecessary risks.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɪb.ɪt/

Gibbet

Meaning
a gallows for hanging criminals; an upright post with a projecting arm for hanging the bodies of criminals
Example
In medieval times, criminals were often executed on a gibbet as a public warning.
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.
B1 verb /weɪ/

weigh

Meaning
to measure the weight of something; to consider carefully
Example
Please weigh the package before shipping.
B1 adjective /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/

challenging

Meaning
difficult in a way that tests one's abilities
Example
The mountain climb was challenging but rewarding.
C1 verb /vɪə(r)/

veer

Meaning
to change direction suddenly
Example
The car veered off the road to avoid the accident.
C2 noun /ˈfɔɪbəl/

foible

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

Collision

Meaning
an instance of one moving object hitting violently against another; a conflict of opposing ideas or interests
Example
The collision between two cars caused a major traffic jam.
A2 noun /bɜːrθ/

Birth

Meaning
the emergence of a baby or young from the body of its mother; the beginning or origin of something
Example
The birth of their first child was a joyful moment.
C2 noun /ˌdɪspjuːˈteɪʃən/

disputation

Meaning
a formal debate or argument
Example
The disputation between the two scholars lasted for hours.
C1 noun /ˌdiːpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

deportation

Meaning
The act of expelling a foreigner from a country.
Example
The deportation of hundreds of workers sparked international criticism.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈdɪstæf/

distaff

Meaning
Relating to women or the maternal side of a family; also a tool for spinning thread.
Example
She came from the distaff side of a noble family.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɪʃ.əl/

Unofficial

Meaning
not officially authorized or confirmed; informal
Example
The unofficial results showed a close race.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛmpərət/

intemperate

Meaning
Lacking self-control; immoderate, especially in indulgence.
Example
The politician's intemperate remarks caused controversy.
B2 verb /ˈʃætər/

shatter

Meaning
To break suddenly into many small pieces.
Example
The glass will shatter if you drop it.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

Meaning
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate.
B1 noun, verb /ˈlaɪsəns/

license

Meaning
A legal permission to do something (noun); to grant such permission (verb).
Example
You must have a driving license to operate a car legally.
C2 verb /həˈræŋ/

harangue

Meaning
to deliver a long, passionate, and often angry speech
Example
The politician harangued the crowd for over an hour.
B2 noun /ˈdjuːəʊ/

duo

Meaning
a pair of people or things, especially in music or entertainment
Example
The musical duo performed their latest hit at the concert.
B2 noun /ɪnˈspekʃən/

inspection

Meaning
a careful examination of something, especially to check that it is correct or safe
Example
The building passed the safety inspection last week.
A2 noun ˈɡrænˌpɛrənts

Grandparents

Meaning
The parents of one's father or mother.
Example
Grandparents are an important part of the family tree.
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.
B2 noun/verb jiːldz

yields

Meaning
The amount of agricultural produce harvested per unit of land area.
Example
Crop yields have declined due to extreme weather.
B1 noun ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv

alternative

Meaning
(Of one or more things) available as another possibility or choice.
Example
Finding an alternative to plastic is essential.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔːrʃəs/

tortious

Meaning
Relating to or involving a wrongful act leading to legal liability.
Example
The company was found guilty of tortious interference with contracts.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪ.ər/

Liar

Meaning
a person who tells lies; someone who does not tell the truth
Example
Nobody trusts him because he is a liar.
C1 verb /rɪˈtɔːrt/

retort

Meaning
To reply quickly or sharply, often in a witty or angry manner.
Example
He quickly retorted that he was not to blame.
B1 noun dɛt

debt

Meaning
A sum of money that is owed or due.
Example
High levels of debt can lead to a financial crisis.
C2 noun /ˈpæk.ɪ.dɜːrm/

pachyderm

Meaning
a large mammal with thick skin, such as an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus
Example
The zoo had several pachyderms, including elephants and rhinos.
B2 adjective /ˈsɒl.ɪ.ter.i/

Solitary

Meaning
alone; without companions; single; isolated
Example
He lived a solitary life in the mountains.
B2 noun /ˈkɒn.trɪ.bjʊ.tər/

contributor

Meaning
a person who gives something to help achieve a result
Example
He was a regular contributor to the local newspaper.
B2 noun /hoʊm ˈdɪstrɪkt/

home district

Meaning
the district where a person was born or originally comes from
Example
He returned to his home district after many years abroad.
B2 adjective /ˈtɒl.ər.ə.bəl/

Tolerable

Meaning
able to be endured; acceptable though not ideal
Example
The heat was barely tolerable in the afternoon.
A2 adjective /ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/

expensive

Meaning
costing a lot of money
Example
That car is too expensive for me to buy.
B2 noun /ˈlæn.tərn/

Lantern

Meaning
a portable lamp with a protective covering, often used outdoors
Example
We carried a lantern during our camping trip.
C1 noun koʊˈhisɪv ˈjunɪts

cohesive units

Meaning
Groups or organizations that work together as unified wholes, with members closely bound together.
Example
Early humans formed cohesive units for survival.
C1 noun /noʊˈteɪʃən/

notation

Meaning
A system of symbols or signs used to represent information, especially in mathematics or music.
Example
The teacher explained the notation used in the algebra equations.
B1 noun /ˈlɔː.jər/

Lawyer

Meaning
a person who practices or studies law; an attorney or a counselor
Example
She hired a lawyer to handle her case.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊə/

insecure

Meaning
not confident or assured; uncertain and anxious
Example
She felt insecure about her performance in the exam.
B1 noun, adjective /ˈkrɪmɪnəl/

criminal

Meaning
A person who has committed a crime; relating to crime
Example
The police arrested a dangerous criminal last night.
C2 adjective /ˈʃɑːpwɔːrn/

shopworn

Meaning
worn or faded from being displayed in a shop; no longer fresh or original
Example
The shopworn shoes were sold at a discount.
B2 noun /feɪt/

Fate

Meaning
the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power
Example
Many people believe that fate determines the course of their lives.
A2 noun /ˈsteɪʃən/

station

Meaning
a place where a particular service is provided, especially for transportation
Example
We arrived at the station just in time for the train.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/

optimal

Meaning
Best or most favorable; the most effective under particular conditions.
Example
The optimal temperature for plant growth is around 25°C.
B2 adjective ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡrəl

integral

Meaning
Necessary to make a complete whole; essential or fundamental.
Example
Exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
B2 noun /reɪk/

Rake

Meaning
a garden tool with a long handle and prongs for gathering leaves; to gather with a rake
Example
He used a rake to gather the fallen autumn leaves.
C2 noun /ˌfoʊ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən/

fomentation

Meaning
The action of instigating or stirring up; also the application of warm substances to the body to ease pain.
Example
His speech led to the fomentation of violence in the region.
C1 verb /ɪnˈɡreɪv/

engrave

Meaning
to cut or carve a design, letter, or pattern into a hard surface
Example
The craftsman engraved her name on the silver ring.
C1 noun /ɡəˈrɪlə/

guerrilla

Meaning
a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger forces
Example
The guerrilla fighters used ambushes to attack enemy positions.
A2 noun /ˈkæb.ɪdʒ/

Cabbage

Meaning
a cultivated plant eaten as a vegetable, having thick green or purple leaves surrounding a spherical heart
Example
She chopped the fresh cabbage to make coleslaw for dinner.
B2 verb /ˈnɒmɪneɪt/

nominate

Meaning
to propose someone for a position or award
Example
The committee decided to nominate her for the award.
B2 noun /ˈbæk.boʊn/

Backbone

Meaning
the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; spine
Example
He injured his backbone in the accident.
B2 noun /kleɪ/

clay

Meaning
a natural material made of fine earth that becomes hard when baked, used for making pottery
Example
The artist molded the wet clay into a beautiful vase.
A1 noun /ˈfʊtˌbɔːl/

football

Meaning
A team sport played with a ball that is kicked or carried to score points.
Example
They watched a football match on TV.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪski/

risky

Meaning
Involving the possibility of danger, harm, or loss
Example
Investing in that startup is risky but could bring high rewards.
B2 noun /ˈɪnˌsaɪt/

insight

Meaning
The ability to understand the true nature of something; deep understanding.
Example
Her insight into human behavior made her a successful psychologist.
B2 noun /ˈtʃer.i ˌblɒs.əm/

Cherry Blossom

Meaning
the pink or white flowers of a cherry tree that bloom in spring
Example
The cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in April.
C2 verb /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/

equivocate

Meaning
To speak ambiguously or avoid giving a clear answer.
Example
The politician equivocated when asked about the scandal.
B1 adjective /kənˈvɪnst/

convinced

Meaning
completely certain or sure about something
Example
She was convinced that he was telling the truth.
A2 verb /beɪk/

bake

Meaning
to cook food using dry heat, usually in an oven
Example
She baked a cake for her friend's birthday.
C1 noun /ˌriː.əˈdʒʌst.mənt/

readjustment

Meaning
The act of changing or correcting something again to make it suitable or balanced.
Example
After moving to a new city, he went through a period of readjustment.
A1 noun /ˈdɔː.tər/

Daughter

Meaning
a female offspring; a young woman in relation to her parents
Example
Their daughter graduated from medical school with top honors.
C1 adjective /ˈɡʌl.ə.bəl/

gullible

Meaning
Easily deceived or tricked.
Example
She was so gullible that she believed every rumor.
B2 verb, noun /stæb/

stab

Meaning
to pierce or wound with a pointed weapon or object
Example
He was stabbed in the back during the altercation.
C2 noun /ˈmʌŋɡrəl/

mongrel

Meaning
A dog of mixed breed; sometimes used to describe something mixed or of inferior quality.
Example
The stray dog was a friendly mongrel.
C2 noun /ˈpɛstɪləns/

pestilence

Meaning
A deadly or virulent epidemic disease that spreads rapidly.
Example
The medieval city was devastated by a pestilence.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtɛnəbl/

untenable

Meaning
not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
Example
The politician resigned when his position became untenable.
B2 adverb /rɪˈpɔːtɪdli/

reportedly

Meaning
according to what is said or believed, although not confirmed
Example
The company has reportedly agreed to the new terms.
A2 noun /ˈaɪtəm/

item

Meaning
A single thing, object, or unit, often part of a list or collection.
Example
Each item on the list must be checked carefully.
B2 adjective /ˈpæʃənət/

passionate

Meaning
showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief
Example
He is passionate about environmental conservation.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ə.bəl/

pitiable

Meaning
deserving sympathy or compassion
Example
The stray dog looked pitiable in the rain.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈsiːzənd/

seasoned

Meaning
Experienced in a particular activity; also, flavored with spices.
Example
She is a seasoned teacher with over 20 years of experience.
C2 noun /kɒzˈmɒɡ.rə.fi/

cosmography

Meaning
the science or art of mapping the universe or cosmos
Example
Medieval scholars practiced cosmography to chart the stars and planets.
A1 verb /niːd/

need

Meaning
to require something; to be in want of
Example
I need help with my homework.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɪptɪkl/

elliptical

Meaning
Having the shape of an ellipse; also, a style of speech that is concise and sometimes obscure.
Example
The planet follows an elliptical orbit around the sun.
C1 noun/verb ˈpɪv.ət

pivot

Meaning
A significant change in business strategy or direction.
Example
The company decided to pivot its business strategy.
A1 noun /ˈhɒs.pɪ.təl/

hospital

Meaning
an institution where sick or injured people are given medical treatment
Example
He was taken to the hospital after the accident.
C2 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɔːri/

prohibitory

Meaning
Serving or tending to prohibit or forbid.
Example
The prohibitory laws were strictly enforced in the region.
B2 noun /ˈsaɪkloʊn/

cyclone

Meaning
a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure; a violent tropical storm
Example
The cyclone caused severe flooding along the coast.
C2 noun /bænˈdænə/

bandanna

Meaning
A large, often brightly colored handkerchief, typically worn on the head or around the neck.
Example
He tied a red bandanna around his neck.
B2 verb /ɪkˈstrækt/

extract

Meaning
to remove or take out something, often with effort
Example
The dentist had to extract the damaged tooth.
C2 noun /ˈfɪlɪɡri/

filigree

Meaning
delicate ornamental work of fine wire, usually of gold or silver
Example
The necklace was decorated with intricate gold filigree.
C1 verb/noun /ˈkwɪbəl/

quibble

Meaning
To argue or raise objections about a trivial matter; a petty objection.
Example
They quibbled over who should pay the bill.
C2 adjective /ˌstætʃuˈɛsk/

statuesque

Meaning
Having the grace, beauty, or dignity of a statue; tall and attractively proportioned.
Example
She had a statuesque figure that turned heads wherever she went.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtɔːrɪkəl/

rhetorical

Meaning
relating to the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; often a question asked to make a point rather than get an answer
Example
He asked a rhetorical question during the debate.
C2 noun /ˈkɒd.ɪ.sɪl/

codicil

Meaning
a legal document that makes changes or additions to an existing will
Example
He added a codicil to his will to include his granddaughter.
A2 noun /ˈkændi/

candy

Meaning
a sweet food made with sugar or chocolate, often in small pieces
Example
The children were excited to get candy on Halloween.
B2 noun /ˈplæn.tɪn/

Plantain

Meaning
a large green banana-like fruit that is usually cooked before eating
Example
Plantain can be fried, boiled, or baked and is a staple food in many tropical countries.
B2 adjective /ˈpɒlɪʃt/

polished

Meaning
refined, sophisticated, and elegant in appearance or behavior
Example
She gave a polished performance at the recital.