contraries
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C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

Meaning
things that are completely different or opposite to each other
Example
Freedom and slavery are contraries in every sense.
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 noun /dwɔːrf/

dwarf

Meaning
a person, animal, or plant much smaller than average
Example
Snow White lived with seven dwarfs.
C1 noun /dɪsˈlɛksiə/

dyslexia

Meaning
A learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and decoding words.
Example
The teacher used special methods to help the student with dyslexia.
C2 noun /ˈlɔːrdlɪŋ/

lordling

Meaning
A young or petty lord; someone of minor nobility.
Example
The arrogant lordling demanded respect despite his lack of experience.
A2 verb /tʌtʃ/

touch

Meaning
to put your hand or finger on something; to make physical contact
Example
Please don't touch the wet paint.
C2 verb /ˈvaʊtʃ.seɪf/

vouchsafe

Meaning
to grant or give something in a gracious or condescending manner
Example
He vouchsafed them a rare smile.
C2 noun /ˈænʒənuː/

ingenue

Meaning
an innocent, naïve young woman, especially as represented in literature or theater
Example
She played the role of the ingénue in the play with great charm.
C2 adjective /dʒɛnˈtiːl/

genteel

Meaning
Polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or exaggerated way
Example
She spoke in a genteel manner that impressed the guests.
C1 noun ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti

ambiguity

Meaning
The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
Example
The ambiguity of the statement caused confusion among the team.
C2 noun /ˈlɑːrsəni/

larceny

Meaning
The unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it.
Example
He was arrested for committing larceny at the store.
C1 verb, noun /ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ/

brainwash

Meaning
to manipulate someone into adopting certain beliefs by repeated pressure or propaganda; the act or process of such manipulation
Example
The group tried to brainwash new members with constant propaganda.
B1 adjective /ˈɛnd.ləs/

Endless

Meaning
having no end; infinite; limitless
Example
The ocean seemed endless from the shore.
B1 noun ˈbæl.ənst daɪ.ət

balanced diet

Meaning
A diet consisting of the proper quantities and proportions of foods needed to maintain health or growth.
Example
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health.
C1 noun /səˈprɑːnoʊ/

soprano

Meaning
the highest female or boy’s singing voice
Example
She sang beautifully in the soprano range during the concert.
C2 noun /ˈlænjæp/

lagniappe

Meaning
A small gift or bonus given by a seller to a customer.
Example
The shopkeeper offered a piece of candy as a lagniappe.
B2 noun ˈfeɪs tə ˈfeɪs ˈbætl

face-to-face battle

Meaning
A direct confrontation or fight between opposing forces.
Example
The warriors fought a face-to-face battle with the enemies.
C2 adjective /ˌmɒnəkrəˈmætɪk/

monochromatic

Meaning
Consisting of or displaying only one color.
Example
The artist created a striking monochromatic painting in shades of blue.
B2 adjective /ˈreɪʃəl/

racial

Meaning
relating to a race of people
Example
Racial equality is an important issue in many societies.
B2 noun /rɪm/

rim

Meaning
the outer edge or border of a circular object
Example
The coffee cup had a chip on its rim.
B2 noun /waɪt ænt/

White-Ant

Meaning
a small social insect that lives in colonies and feeds on wood and plant matter
Example
White ants damaged the wooden furniture in our house.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊɡən/

brogan

Meaning
A heavy, sturdy shoe, often made of leather.
Example
The farmer wore old brogans while working in the field.
A2 noun /dʒɪm/

gym

Meaning
a place equipped for physical exercise and fitness training
Example
He goes to the gym every morning to work out.
C2 verb /slʌf/ or /sluː/

slough

Meaning
To shed or cast off (like dead skin); also a swampy or muddy area.
Example
The snake sloughed off its old skin.
B2 adjective /ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃənəl/

organizational

Meaning
relating to the structure or arrangement of a company or group
Example
He works on improving the organizational structure of the company.
B1 adjective /ˈɡɪvən/

given

Meaning
Specified or stated; already decided or certain.
Example
It is a given fact that hard work leads to success.
C1 noun /ˈrɛvərəns/

reverence

Meaning
deep respect for someone or something
Example
The students showed reverence to their teacher.
C2 noun /ˈsɛpəlkər/

sepulcher

Meaning
A small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, in which a dead person is buried.
Example
The ancient king was laid to rest in a grand sepulcher.
B1 verb /pərˈfɔːrm/

perform

Meaning
to carry out an action or present entertainment; to function
Example
The orchestra will perform at the concert hall tonight.
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 ˌæf.ɔːr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən

afforestation

Meaning
The action of planting trees on an area of land in order to form a forest.
Example
Afforestation helps restore biodiversity.
C1 noun /kəˈpɪl.ər.iz/

capillaries

Meaning
Any of the fine branching blood vessels that form a network between the arterioles and venules.
Example
Broken capillaries cause dark circles.
A2 noun /loʊˈkeɪʃən/

location

Meaning
a particular place or position
Example
This cafe is in a beautiful location near the lake.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪzməl/

Dismal

Meaning
gloomy; depressing; causing sadness or despair
Example
The weather was dismal with heavy rain and dark clouds.
A2 noun /ˈriːdɪŋ/

reading

Meaning
the action or skill of reading
Example
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.
C2 noun /pəˈlɛmɪks/

polemics

Meaning
the art or practice of engaging in controversial debate or dispute
Example
The conference was full of polemics on economic reforms.
B2 noun, verb /ˈædvɜːrt/

advert

Meaning
(noun) a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event; (verb) to refer to something in speaking or writing
Example
The company placed an advert in the newspaper for the new position.
C1 adverb /ˈhɒtli/

hotly

Meaning
in an intense, angry, or passionate way
Example
She hotly denied the accusations.
A2 noun /ˈdraɪ.vər/

Driver

Meaning
a person who operates a motor vehicle
Example
The taxi driver knew all the shortcuts through the busy city.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtɛnʃəs/

sententious

Meaning
Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner.
Example
His sententious remarks annoyed the audience.
C1 noun /ˈsʌnˌdaʊn/

sundown

Meaning
the time in the evening when the sun goes below the horizon
Example
We planned to reach the village before sundown.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪstri/

sophistry

Meaning
the use of clever but false arguments, often to deceive
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophistry.
B1 verb /spred/

spread

Meaning
to extend over a larger area; to distribute; to apply
Example
The news spread quickly through the town.
B2 adjective /kənˈtɛntɪd/

contented

Meaning
Feeling or expressing happiness and satisfaction.
Example
She was contented with her simple life.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪnəˌmoʊ/

dynamo

Meaning
A machine that generates electricity; a person with great energy and enthusiasm.
Example
She is the real dynamo behind the success of the company.
C1 adjective /ˈmæn.əd/

mannered

Meaning
Having or showing a particular manner, especially an artificial or affected one.
Example
The actor’s performance was too mannered to feel natural.
B1 verb /ɪmˈplɔɪ/

employ

Meaning
to hire someone to do a job; to use something effectively
Example
The company plans to employ more engineers next year.
A2 noun /wiːl/

wheel

Meaning
a circular object that revolves on an axle and is used to move or carry things
Example
The wheel of the car broke down on the way.
B2 noun /ˈleð.ər/

Leather

Meaning
animal skin that has been treated to preserve it and make it suitable for use
Example
He bought a leather jacket from the store.
C2 adjective /ˈbɪliəs/

bilious

Meaning
Relating to bile or an ill-tempered, irritable disposition.
Example
He became bilious after hearing the unfair criticism.
B2 verb /əˈvɜːrt/

avert

Meaning
to prevent something bad from happening or to turn away one's eyes or thoughts
Example
Quick action helped avert a disaster.
B2 noun /ˈwʊd.pek.ər/

Woodpecker

Meaning
a bird that pecks at tree bark to find insects and create nesting holes
Example
The woodpecker hammered against the oak tree.
B1 adjective /ˈtrɪki/

Tricky

Meaning
requiring skill or careful handling; difficult to deal with
Example
This math problem is quite tricky to solve.
A2 verb /prɪˈvent/

prevent

Meaning
to stop something from happening; to keep from occurring
Example
Vaccination helps prevent many diseases.
B2 adverb /ˈdʌbli/

doubly

Meaning
in a twofold manner; to twice the degree
Example
She felt doubly fortunate after winning the prize and getting a promotion.
C2 noun /pluːˈtɒkrəsi/

plutocracy

Meaning
a system of government where the wealthy hold power
Example
The country was ruled as a plutocracy.
B2 noun pəˈspek.tɪvz

perspectives

Meaning
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example
New perspectives enhance understanding.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsələr/

councillor

Meaning
an elected member of a local council who helps make decisions and represent the community
Example
The councillor spoke to residents about improving local roads.
B1 noun /ˈspɪn.ɪtʃ/

Spinach

Meaning
a vegetable with large dark green leaves that are eaten cooked or uncooked
Example
Fresh spinach is very nutritious.
A2 noun ˈɡʌvəmənt

government

Meaning
The governing body of a nation, state, or community; the system by which a state or community is governed.
Example
The government rejected the demands.
A2 noun /dʒuːs/

Juice

Meaning
the liquid obtained from or present in fruit or vegetables; the liquid that comes from meat when it is cooked
Example
The fresh apple juice was delicious and packed with vitamins.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃuəs/

sensuous

Meaning
Relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect; pleasing to the senses.
Example
The garden was filled with sensuous colors and fragrances.
C1 noun /brɔːl/

brawl

Meaning
a noisy fight in a public place
Example
A brawl broke out outside the bar late at night.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəmˌsaɪˈkoʊsɪs/

metempsychosis

Meaning
The supposed transmigration of the soul, especially its reincarnation after death.
Example
Ancient philosophers often debated the idea of metempsychosis.
C1 noun ˌflʌk.tʃuˈeɪ.ʃən

fluctuation

Meaning
An irregular rising and falling in number or amount; a variation.
Example
The stock market experiences frequent fluctuation.
C1 noun /nɪˈɡeɪʃən/

negation

Meaning
The act of denying something; the contradiction or absence of something.
Example
The theory is built on the negation of traditional beliefs.
B2 adverb /əˈdɪʃənəli/

additionally

Meaning
in addition to what has been said or done
Example
Additionally, we offer discounts for early bookings.
C2 adjective /ˌpɜːrtɪˈneɪʃəs/

pertinacious

Meaning
holding firmly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action; stubbornly persistent
Example
The pertinacious lawyer refused to give up the case.
C2 verb /ˈbeɪɪŋ/

baying

Meaning
making a loud, prolonged barking or howling sound, especially of dogs
Example
The baying of the hounds echoed through the forest.
C2 verb /ˈsnʌfəl/

snuffle

Meaning
to breathe noisily through the nose, often because of crying or a cold
Example
The child began to snuffle after crying for a long time.
C1 noun /bɑːm/

balm

Meaning
A soothing ointment or something that provides comfort or relief.
Example
The balm helped relieve the pain from her sunburn.
C2 noun /ˈbɛlˌwɛðər/

bellwether

Meaning
A person or thing that leads or indicates a trend.
Example
The company is seen as a bellwether of the technology industry.
C1 noun /təˈnæs.ə.ti/

tenacity

Meaning
Determination, persistence, and the quality of not giving up
Example
His tenacity in solving problems led to his success.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərəl/

corporal

Meaning
relating to the body; a low-ranking officer in the military
Example
He suffered a corporal punishment for his mistake.
C1 noun /djuːˈɛt/

duet

Meaning
a musical performance by two singers or instrumentalists
Example
They sang a beautiful duet together on stage.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪθɒs/

pathos

Meaning
a quality in speech, writing, or events that evokes pity or deep emotion
Example
The documentary balanced pathos with hope, making the audience both weep and think.
B1 noun /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/

preparation

Meaning
The act of getting ready or making arrangements for something.
Example
The team made careful preparation for the presentation.
C2 adjective ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs

surreptitious

Meaning
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; done stealthily.
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at his notes.
B1 adjective /ˈel.ɪ.ɡənt/

Elegant

Meaning
graceful and stylish; refined; sophisticated
Example
She wore an elegant dress to the party.
C1 noun /juːˈtoʊpiə/

utopia

Meaning
An imagined perfect society or place where everything is ideal.
Example
Many philosophers dreamed of creating a utopia for humanity.
C1 adjective /ˈdaɪ.si/

dicey

Meaning
Risky or unpredictable; potentially dangerous.
Example
Investing in that company looks pretty dicey right now.
C1 verb /ˈdʒɜːrmɪneɪt/

germinate

Meaning
To begin to grow or develop, especially referring to a seed.
Example
The seeds germinate quickly in moist soil.
C1 noun /səˈlɛmnɪti/

solemnity

Meaning
the state or quality of being serious and dignified
Example
The ceremony was conducted with great solemnity.
B2 adverb /ˈmæn.ju.ə.li/

Manually

Meaning
by hand; using physical effort rather than machines
Example
The data was entered manually into the system.
C1 noun /ˈfjuː.tʃə.rɪst/

futurist

Meaning
A person who studies or predicts the future, especially trends in science, technology, or society.
Example
The futurist predicted major changes in transportation within the next decade.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrvənuː/

parvenu

Meaning
A person who has recently gained wealth or influence but is not yet accepted socially.
Example
He was seen as a parvenu who lacked refinement despite his riches.
B2 noun /ˈsen.tɪ.piːd/

Centipede

Meaning
a long thin creature with many legs that lives in dark places
Example
I found a centipede crawling under the rock.
C1 noun ˈiː.pɒk

epoch

Meaning
A period of time in history or a person's life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics.
Example
The invention of the internet marked a new epoch in human history.
A1 adjective /lɔːŋ/

Long

Meaning
having great length; extended in distance or time
Example
The long road stretched for miles ahead.
C1 noun ˌmɪs.kənˈsɛp.ʃən

misconception

Meaning
A wrong idea or false understanding about something.
Example
There is a common misconception that success happens overnight.
A1 noun /ˈsætərdeɪ/

saturday

Meaning
The day of the week between Friday and Sunday; traditionally the sixth day of the week
Example
We are going to the beach on Saturday.
A2 verb /ˈkʌv.ərd/

covered

Meaning
Protected by being placed over or wrapped; hidden from view.
Example
The forest is covered in greenery.
C1 noun /ˈtɜːrbjələns/

turbulence

Meaning
Violent or unsteady movement of air, water, or some other fluid; disorder or conflict.
Example
The plane experienced severe turbulence during the flight.
C2 verb /raɪv/

rive

Meaning
to tear apart violently
Example
The earthquake rived the ground in several places.
B2 noun pərˈsɛpʃən

perception

Meaning
The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses
Example
Our perception of the situation was shaped by our prior experiences.
B2 adverb /ˈsiː.mɪŋ.li/

seemingly

Meaning
appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
Example
He was seemingly calm despite the chaos around him.
C2 verb /frɪz/

frizz

Meaning
to form into small, tight curls or cause hair to become fuzzy and tangled
Example
The humid weather caused her hair to frizz.
C1 noun ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪzd ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz

marginalized individuals

Meaning
People who are treated as insignificant or peripheral to society, often excluded from mainstream social, economic, or political activities.
Example
Marginalized individuals often face severe challenges.
C2 noun /ˌbædɪˈnɑːʒ/

badinage

Meaning
Playful and humorous conversation; banter.
Example
The friends enjoyed a light badinage over coffee.
C1 verb /wɪðˈhoʊld/

withhold

Meaning
to refuse to give or keep back something
Example
The company decided to withhold his bonus.
C1 verb /ˈmæd.ən/

madden

Meaning
To make someone very angry or extremely annoyed.
Example
The constant noise maddened him.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndaɪn/

condign

Meaning
deserved, appropriate, and fitting (especially punishment)
Example
The criminal received condign punishment for his crimes.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrkəleɪtər/

percolator

Meaning
A device used for brewing coffee by continually cycling boiling water through coffee grounds.
Example
She made a fresh pot of coffee using the percolator.
A2 adjective /ˈeksələnt/

Excellent

Meaning
extremely good; outstanding; superior
Example
She received excellent grades in all her subjects.
B2 noun /ˈpɒp.i/

Poppy

Meaning
a bright red flower with black seeds, often used as a symbol of remembrance
Example
The red poppy bloomed beautifully in the garden.
B1 noun /ˈplæt.fɔːm/

platform

Meaning
A raised level surface on which people or things can stand.
Example
The platform was used to discuss collaboration.
C1 noun /bəˈbuːn/

Baboon

Meaning
a large African and Arabian primate with a dog-like snout and colorful buttocks
Example
The baboon troop gathered around the watering hole in the savanna.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

unbecoming

Meaning
Not proper or appropriate for a person; unsuitable.
Example
His rude behavior was unbecoming of a leader.
B1 noun /ˈkæləri/

calorie

Meaning
A unit of energy, often used to measure the energy content of food and drink.
Example
She checks the calorie count before eating any packaged food.
C1 noun /ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃən/

incarceration

Meaning
the state of being imprisoned or confined
Example
The criminal faced years of incarceration for his crimes.
C1 noun /ˈfrek.əl/

Freckle

Meaning
a small brownish spot on the skin, often becoming more pronounced through exposure to the sun
Example
Her face was covered with cute freckles that appeared every summer.
B2 noun ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd

pesticide

Meaning
A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
Example
The pesticide sprayed in the field killed the harmful insects.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈfɪt/

Unfit

Meaning
not in good physical condition; unsuitable or inappropriate
Example
He was declared unfit for military service due to his poor health.
B2 noun /ˈkænjən/

canyon

Meaning
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
Example
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
C1 verb /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

inhibit

Meaning
to prevent or restrain someone or something from acting freely; to hinder
Example
Fear can inhibit personal growth.
B2 noun /ɡlɪmps/

Glimpse

Meaning
a momentary or partial view; a brief look or sight of something
Example
Through the window, I caught a glimpse of the beautiful garden behind the house.
C1 adjective /ˈreɪ.kɪʃ/

Rakish

Meaning
having a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance
Example
He wore his hat at a rakish angle that gave him a charming appearance.
B2 noun /ˈdaʊn.fɔːl/

Downfall

Meaning
a loss of power, prosperity, or status; the cause of such a loss
Example
His arrogance and pride led to his eventual downfall in business.
C1 adjective ˈkwɒn.tɪ.faɪ.ə.bəl

quantifiable

Meaning
Able to be expressed or measured as a quantity; capable of being counted or calculated.
Example
The impact of the project is quantifiable.
C1 noun /ˈnoʊ.və/

Nova

Meaning
a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness
Example
Astronomers discovered a new nova in the constellation.