conundrum
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C1 noun /kəˈnʌn.drəm/

conundrum

Meaning
A complex problem or puzzle without an easy solution
Example
The ethical conundrum puzzled the researchers.
C1 adjective /ˈtʌf.tɪd/

Tufted

Meaning
having a tuft or tufts; furnished with a tuft or clump of threads, hairs, or other material
Example
The tufted sofa looked elegant in the living room.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈluːpi/

loopy

Meaning
crazy, silly, or eccentric
Example
After working all night, he felt a little loopy.
C1 noun /ænˈθɒlədʒi/

anthology

Meaning
A collection of literary works, such as poems, short stories, or essays, compiled into one volume.
Example
She contributed a poem to the new poetry anthology.
C2 adjective /ˈɪrˌsplɪtɪŋ/

earsplitting

Meaning
extremely loud or piercing sound
Example
The earsplitting noise of the fire alarm startled everyone.
C2 noun /səˈnɛs.əns/

senescence

Meaning
The process of growing old or the condition of aging.
Example
The biologist studied senescence in plants to understand aging.
B2 verb /əˈblaɪdʒ/

oblige

Meaning
to compel or require someone to do something; to help or do a favor
Example
I would be happy to oblige you with the information you need.
C2 noun /ˈvɛləm/

vellum

Meaning
a fine parchment made originally from the skin of a calf, used for writing or printing
Example
The ancient manuscript was written on vellum.
C2 noun /ˈdʌblɪt/

doublet

Meaning
a close-fitting jacket worn by men in the Renaissance; also, a pair of similar things
Example
The actor wore a velvet doublet for the Shakespearean play.
C2 adjective /ˈskʌr.ɪ.ləs/

scurrilous

Meaning
Using or expressed in coarse, abusive, or slanderous language.
Example
The politician faced criticism for his scurrilous remarks about his opponent.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

unequivocal

Meaning
Leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous
Example
She gave an unequivocal answer to the question.
B2 noun /ˈpɜr.mə.nəns/

Permanence

Meaning
the state or quality of lasting or remaining unchanged indefinitely; enduring nature
Example
The permanence of the stone monument impressed all visitors.
C2 noun /ˈɡævəl/

gavel

Meaning
A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge or an auctioneer to signal attention or mark a decision.
Example
The judge struck the gavel to call the court to order.
C1 noun /mɔːrɡ/

morgue

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are kept, especially to be identified or claimed
Example
The police took the body to the morgue for identification.
B1 adjective /əˈɡrɛsɪv/

aggressive

Meaning
ready or likely to attack or confront; forceful
Example
The salesman used an aggressive strategy to close the deal.
B1 adjective /fɜːrm/

Firm

Meaning
solid; stable; strong; not yielding to pressure
Example
She has a firm grip on the rope.
C2 verb /ɪˈfɛktʃueɪt/

effectuate

Meaning
to put into force or cause to happen; to bring about
Example
The manager effectuated the changes to improve efficiency.
B2 verb /ˈɡrʌmbəl/

grumble

Meaning
to complain quietly or in a low voice
Example
She often grumbles about the traffic.
B2 noun /ˈmɛmoʊ/

memo

Meaning
a written message, typically in a business setting
Example
He wrote a memo to the staff about the upcoming meeting.
C2 noun /ˈɪnˌɡreɪt/

ingrate

Meaning
An ungrateful person; someone who shows no appreciation.
Example
He worked hard for his friend, but the ingrate never thanked him.
C1 noun /blɜːrb/

blurb

Meaning
a short promotional description of a book, product, or service
Example
The back cover had a blurb praising the novel.
B1 noun pɑːˈtɪs.ɪ.pənts

participants

Meaning
People who take part in something; those involved in an activity or event.
Example
Participants will enjoy breathtaking views.
B2 noun ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən

comprehension

Meaning
The ability to understand something; understanding or grasp of knowledge.
Example
Reading improves vocabulary and comprehension skills.
C1 noun /peɪˈiː/

payee

Meaning
A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.
Example
The payee must sign the check before cashing it.
B2 noun /kɜːrv/

Curve

Meaning
a line or outline that gradually deviates from being straight; a bend or turn in a road or path
Example
The driver slowed down as he approached the sharp curve in the mountain road.
C1 verb /pərˈspaɪər/

perspire

Meaning
To give out sweat through the pores of the skin as a result of heat, physical exertion, or stress.
Example
He began to perspire after running for 10 minutes.
C1 verb /ˈhjuːmənaɪz/

humanize

Meaning
To make something more humane, kind, or relatable.
Example
The teacher tried to humanize the lesson with personal stories.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrkəleɪt/

percolate

Meaning
To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to spread slowly.
Example
The rainwater percolated through the soil into the groundwater.
C2 noun /θiˈɒkrəsi/

theocrasy

Meaning
Government or rule by religious leaders or clergy.
Example
Theocrasy often merges religious authority with political power.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːltər/

falter

Meaning
to hesitate or lose strength or momentum
Example
Her voice faltered as she delivered the speech.
C2 adverb /ˈfɔːrbi/

forby

Meaning
In addition; besides (archaic Scottish/English word).
Example
He is kind and generous, and wise forby.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔː.də.bəl/

laudable

Meaning
Deserving praise and admiration.
Example
Her efforts to help the poor are truly laudable.
C1 verb /ɪnˈklaɪn/

incline

Meaning
to feel willing or favorably disposed toward something; to bend or tilt
Example
She is inclined to agree with the proposal.
B2 noun/verb /ˈpriːfɪks/

prefix

Meaning
a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else
Example
Developers often prefix variables with an underscore.
B2 noun /əˈluːmɪnəm/

aluminum

Meaning
a lightweight silvery metal used for making cans, foils, and other items
Example
The airplane body is made of strong but light aluminum.
C1 noun /ˌspɒn.təˈneɪ.ɪ.ti/

spontaneity

Meaning
The quality of being spontaneous; natural and unplanned behavior.
Example
His spontaneity makes him a great conversationalist.
B2 adjective ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntl

instrumental

Meaning
Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool; having a part in bringing about a result.
Example
Children can be instrumental in building a better society.
B1 noun faʊnˈdeɪʃən

foundation

Meaning
The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.
Example
The foundation of the building was laid with strong materials.
C2 adjective /dɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/

determinate

Meaning
having exact and definite limits or form
Example
The contract is for a determinate period of two years.
B1 verb /ˈreskjuː/

rescue

Meaning
to save someone or something from danger or harm
Example
The firefighters rescued the cat from the tree.
C1 noun /əˈsem.bli ˈseʃ.ən/

assembly session

Meaning
A formal meeting where representatives gather to discuss and make decisions on important matters.
Example
The assembly session discussed global challenges.
C1 noun /ˌeɪ.li.əˈneɪ.ʃən/

alienation

Meaning
The state of being isolated or estranged from a group or activity.
Example
The new policies created a sense of alienation among employees.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbrɔɪl/

embroil

Meaning
to involve someone deeply in a conflict, argument, or difficult situation
Example
The politician was embroiled in a major corruption scandal.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
C1 verb /piːv/

peeve

Meaning
To annoy or irritate someone.
Example
His constant interruptions really peeve me.
C1 noun ˈvæljuː beɪst ˌɛdjuːˈkeɪʃən

value-based education

Meaning
Education that emphasizes moral principles and ethical values.
Example
Value-based education shapes moral character.
C2 noun /ˈaɪdɪl/

idyll

Meaning
An extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, often idealized.
Example
Their honeymoon was an idyll on a tropical island.
B2 adjective /ˈtrɒp.ɪ.kəl/

tropical

Meaning
Relating to the tropics; characterized by hot and humid climate.
Example
The Amazon rainforest is home to many tropical species.
A1 noun /zuː/

Zoo

Meaning
an establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals for study, conservation, or display to the public
Example
We visited the zoo to see the lions and elephants.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtrəˌɡræf/

petrograph

Meaning
a description or representation of rocks, especially in detailed scientific writing
Example
The scientist studied the petrograph to understand the rock composition.
C2 adjective /vəˈreɪʃəs/

veracious

Meaning
Truthful, honest; habitually speaking the truth.
Example
She gave a veracious account of what happened that day.
C1 noun /ˌɛks.həˈleɪ.ʃən/

exhalation

Meaning
The action of breathing out.
Example
Slow exhalation calms the nervous system.
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.
C1 noun /ˈʃæsi/

chassis

Meaning
the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine
Example
The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage.
A2 adverb /ˈwiːkli/

Weekly

Meaning
happening or done once every week; every week
Example
I visit my grandmother weekly on Sundays.
B1 noun /ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃən/

motivation

Meaning
the reason or drive for acting or behaving in a particular way
Example
She lost her motivation to continue the project.
C2 noun /pəˈlɛmɪk/

polemic

Meaning
a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something
Example
The article was a fierce polemic against the government's policies.
C1 adjective; noun /ɪˈmɔːrtl/

immortal

Meaning
living forever; never dying; lasting forever in fame or memory
Example
Legends often describe heroes as immortal beings who never die.
C2 adjective /ˈfiːkənd/

fecund

Meaning
producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile
Example
The fecund soil produced a bountiful harvest this year.
C2 noun /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

Meaning
The treasury of a state or country.
Example
The government announced new measures to improve the exchequer.
C2 adjective /vərˈmɪkjələr/

vermicular

Meaning
having a shape or appearance like a worm; worm-like
Example
The artist used a vermicular design to decorate the border of the manuscript.
B2 noun /diːp siː/

deep sea

Meaning
The deep parts of the sea or ocean, typically beyond the continental shelf.
Example
Many deep-sea creatures produce bioluminescence for survival.
B2 verb /sæk/

sack

Meaning
to dismiss from a job; to put something in a sack
Example
The company sacked him for poor performance.
A2 adjective /kənˈsɜːnd/

concerned

Meaning
worried or anxious about something; involved or interested in something
Example
She was concerned about her mother's health.
B1 adjective /ɪɡˈzækt/

Exact

Meaning
precise; accurate; completely correct
Example
Please give me the exact time of the meeting.
C1 adjective /prəˈmɪskjuəs/

promiscuous

Meaning
Having or showing a casual and unselective approach, often used to describe indiscriminate sexual relationships.
Example
The novel depicts a character with a promiscuous lifestyle.
C2 noun /blɑːtʃ/

blotch

Meaning
a large, irregular spot or stain, often on skin or fabric
Example
His shirt had a red blotch from the spilled juice.
A2 verb /friːz/

freeze

Meaning
to become solid due to cold; to preserve by cold
Example
Water freezes at zero degrees Celsius.
C2 noun (plural) /ˌmæk.ɪˈneɪ.ʃənz/

machinations

Meaning
complicated and secret plans, often intended to cause harm
Example
The politician was brought down by his own machinations.
C2 verb /ˈdʌv.teɪl/

dovetail

Meaning
to fit or combine perfectly together
Example
Her plans dovetail perfectly with our goals.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnsəˈpɔːrtəbl̩/

insupportable

Meaning
Too extreme or difficult to be endured.
Example
The heat was insupportable during the long journey.
B2 noun ˌkɒn.fɪ.den.ʃiˈæl.ɪ.ti

confidentiality

Meaning
The state of keeping or being kept secret or private
Example
Confidentiality is crucial in data security.
B2 verb ˈɪmplɪment

implement

Meaning
To put a decision or plan into effect; to execute or apply.
Example
Implementing educational policies is essential for progress.
C2 verb, noun /ɡaʊdʒ/

gouge

Meaning
To cut or scoop out a deep hole or groove; to overcharge unfairly.
Example
He accidentally gouged a hole in the wooden table.
C1 noun /ˈmiːnnəs/

Meanness

Meaning
The quality of being unkind, spiteful, or unfair; stinginess
Example
His meanness towards the poor children shocked everyone in the neighborhood.
A1 noun /wel/

Well

Meaning
a deep hole in the ground from which water is obtained
Example
The villagers get water from the old well in the center of town.
A2 noun /fraɪd raɪs/

Fried rice

Meaning
a dish of cooked rice that has been stir-fried in a wok or frying pan
Example
We ordered chicken fried rice from the Chinese restaurant.
C1 noun /bʌm/

bum

Meaning
informal term for the buttocks; also a homeless or lazy person
Example
He sat on his bum all day doing nothing.
C1 noun /ˈvɪɡər/

vigor

Meaning
Physical strength, energy, or enthusiasm.
Example
She tackled the project with great vigor and determination.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd/

unlimited

Meaning
without any limits or restrictions
Example
The internet plan offers unlimited data for the whole month.
C2 verb /ˈrævɪʃ/

ravish

Meaning
To fill with intense delight; to captivate or enchant.
Example
The beauty of the sunset ravished the travelers.
B2 adjective /ˈteɪst.fəl/

Tasteful

Meaning
showing good judgment in matters of style and beauty
Example
She decorated her home in a very tasteful manner.
C2 verb /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪt/

ingratiate

Meaning
To gain favor or approval by deliberate effort, often in a flattering way.
Example
She tried to ingratiate herself with her boss by complimenting him often.
B2 noun /ˈmet.roʊ reɪl/

Metro Rail

Meaning
an underground urban railway system; subway system
Example
The metro rail connects all major areas of the city efficiently.
B2 verb /wɪðˈdrɔː/

withdraw

Meaning
to take money out of an account; to remove or pull back
Example
She needs to withdraw money from the bank.
B2 verb /swer/

swear

Meaning
to use offensive language; to promise solemnly; to take an oath
Example
I swear to tell the truth.
B2 noun /sɛnˈseɪʃən/

Sensation

Meaning
a physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body; a widespread reaction of interest and excitement
Example
The new singer became an overnight sensation.
B2 noun /fɪst/

Fist

Meaning
a person's hand when the fingers are bent in toward the palm and held there tightly
Example
He raised his fist in victory after winning the championship match.
B1 noun /ˈpɔːrʃən/

portion

Meaning
A part or share of something.
Example
She ate only a small portion of the meal.
C1 noun /fæd/

fad

Meaning
a temporary fashion or trend; a short-lived craze
Example
The new diet became a popular fad among teenagers.
A2 noun /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/

training

Meaning
the process of teaching or learning a particular skill or type of behavior
Example
She completed her training as a nurse last year.
C1 adjective /ˈdɛkədənt/

decadent

Meaning
Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; excessively self-indulgent.
Example
The party was filled with decadent luxury and excess.
B2 adverb /ˈbɪt.ə.li/

Bitterly

Meaning
in an angry, hurt, or resentful way; extremely; severely
Example
She complained bitterly about the unfair treatment.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/

unassuming

Meaning
Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.
Example
Despite his success, he remained unassuming and humble.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrsər/

courser

Meaning
a swift horse or a hunting horse
Example
The knight rode a fast courser into battle.
B1 preposition, adverb, adjective /ˌʌndərˈniːθ/

underneath

Meaning
Located directly below or beneath something
Example
The keys were hidden underneath the pile of papers.
C1 verb /piːk/

pique

Meaning
to stimulate interest or curiosity; to arouse resentment or anger
Example
Her remarks piqued his curiosity about the secret project.
A2 adjective /ˈnɔɪ.zi/

Noisy

Meaning
making a lot of loud or unpleasant sound; clamorous
Example
The noisy construction work outside made it difficult to concentrate.
C2 noun /ˈplɛntɪtjuːd/

plentitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant
Example
The garden offered a plentitude of flowers in spring.
C1 noun /ˈhɔːr.nət/

Hornet

Meaning
a large wasp that can sting and is often aggressive
Example
The hornet built its nest under the roof.
C2 noun /ˈdrɪvəl/

drivel

Meaning
silly or nonsensical talk
Example
The politician’s speech was full of meaningless drivel.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛləˌreɪt/

decelerate

Meaning
to reduce speed; to slow down
Example
The car began to decelerate as it approached the traffic light.
C2 noun /lænˈtɑː.nə/

Lantana

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with clusters of small colorful flowers
Example
The lantana flowers attract butterflies to the garden.
C2 adjective /ˈɡaɪlləs/

guileless

Meaning
Innocent and without deceit
Example
Her guileless smile won everyone’s heart.
C1 verb /pɜːrdʒ/

purge

Meaning
To remove unwanted feelings, people, or things; to cleanse or purify.
Example
The new leader promised to purge corruption from the government.
C2 noun /ˈsælvər/

salver

Meaning
A tray, typically made of silver, used for serving food or drinks.
Example
The butler brought in the tea on a silver salver.
C1 adjective /əˈprɛs.ɪv/

Oppressive

Meaning
Harsh and authoritarian; overwhelming; causing distress; tyrannical;
Example
The oppressive heat made it difficult to work outside during the summer.
C2 adjective /ˈfɪnɪki/

finicky

Meaning
difficult to please; very particular about details
Example
He is so finicky about his food that he only eats organic vegetables.
C2 adjective ɪnˈfiː.zə.bəl

infeasible

Meaning
Not possible to do easily or conveniently; impracticable.
Example
Restoring the forest may become infeasible if destruction continues.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnənɪm/

Synonym

Meaning
a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language
Example
Happy and joyful are synonyms.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpækt/

Compact

Meaning
closely and neatly packed together; small and efficiently designed
Example
She bought a compact car that fits easily in small parking spaces.
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 noun /kəˈθɑːrsɪs/

catharsis

Meaning
The process of releasing strong emotions, providing relief.
Example
Writing in her diary was a form of catharsis for her.
A2 noun əˈɡriː.mənt

agreement

Meaning
A negotiated arrangement between parties as to a course of action.
Example
The agreement was accepted by all countries.
A1 noun /end/

End

Meaning
the final part of something; termination or conclusion
Example
The end of the movie was unexpected and left everyone surprised.
B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈnætʃ.ər.əl/

Supernatural

Meaning
relating to things that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws; beyond the normal or physical world
Example
The old house was said to have supernatural powers.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.aɪ.ɒn ɪksˌtʃeɪndʒ/

cation-exchange

Meaning
A chemical process in soil that helps retain nutrients.
Example
The cation-exchange capacity of soil affects plant growth.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.saɪ.dər/

Out-sider

Meaning
a person who does not belong to a particular group; someone not accepted by a group
Example
As an outsider, he found it difficult to understand their traditions.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪəl/

phial

Meaning
a small glass container for liquids, especially medicines
Example
The doctor gave her a phial of medicine.
C2 noun /ˈlæn.sɪt/

lancet

Meaning
a small, sharp, two-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions
Example
The doctor used a lancet to prick the patient’s finger for a blood test.