counteract
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C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/

counteract

Meaning
to act against something in order to reduce its effect
Example
The medicine helps counteract the side effects of the treatment.
C2 verb /ˈfɜːrbɪʃ/

furbish

Meaning
to polish, renovate, or give a fresh look to something
Example
The workers furbished the old sword until it gleamed like new.
C1 noun /pəˈtɜːrnəti/

paternity

Meaning
The state of being someone's father.
Example
He demanded a paternity test to confirm his relationship with the child.
B2 verb /ɪɡˈzɔːst/

exhaust

Meaning
to tire out completely; to use up resources
Example
The long journey exhausted the children.
C2 noun /ɛnˈsɪklɪkəl/

encyclical

Meaning
a formal letter sent by the Pope to Catholic churches, usually addressing important issues
Example
The Pope issued an encyclical on climate change and moral responsibility.
B2 noun /ˈædvəkəsi/

advocacy

Meaning
public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy
Example
Her advocacy for children's rights earned her international recognition.
C2 adjective /ˌsʌb.əˈkwɒt.ɪk/

subaquatic

Meaning
Existing, living, or located under water.
Example
Divers explored the subaquatic cave system filled with rare fish.
B2 noun /ˈspɛk.tə.kəl/

spectacle

Meaning
An impressive display or performance for viewers.
Example
The fireworks created a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky.
A2 verb /diːl/

deal

Meaning
to distribute or give out something; to handle or manage
Example
He had to deal with many problems at work.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.kəl/

Oracle

Meaning
a person regarded as a source of wise counsel; in ancient times, a priest or priestess acting as a medium
Example
The ancient Greeks consulted the oracle at Delphi.
B2 adjective /dɪˈsɛndənt/

descendent

Meaning
Moving downward; going down or descending.
Example
The river followed a descendent course toward the valley.
C2 adjective /ˈæfəbəl/

affable

Meaning
friendly, easy to talk to, and pleasant in manner
Example
He is such an affable host that everyone feels comfortable at his parties.
C1 noun /ˈɛər.luːm/

heirloom

Meaning
a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations
Example
The ring is a family heirloom passed down from her grandmother.
B2 verb /sɪp/

sip

Meaning
to drink in small quantities; to taste carefully
Example
She sipped her tea slowly while reading the newspaper.
B2 noun /paʊtʃ/

pouch

Meaning
a small bag or pocket, often used to carry small items
Example
She kept her coins in a small leather pouch.
C1 verb/noun /skɒtʃ/

scotch

Meaning
to put an end to something; also a type of whisky
Example
The report scotched the rumors of a merger.
B2 noun /ˈkwɔː.tərz/

Quarters

Meaning
living accommodation; lodgings; military housing
Example
The soldiers returned to their quarters after the training exercise.
C1 adjective /səˈsɛp.tə.bəl/

susceptible

Meaning
Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Example
Children are more susceptible to infections.
C1 adjective ɔːˈspɪʃ.əs

auspicious

Meaning
Favorable or bringing good luck and success
Example
The wedding was held on an auspicious day.
B1 noun /ɡuːs/

Goose

Meaning
large waterbird with a long neck and webbed feet
Example
The goose swam gracefully across the pond.
B2 noun /ˈpeɪtrən/

patron

Meaning
a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause
Example
The library is supported by generous patrons.
A2 noun /ˈkɒnsət/

concert

Meaning
A musical performance given by one or more singers or musicians.
Example
We went to a concert last night and enjoyed the live music.
B2 noun /ˌref.jʊˈdʒiː/

Refugee

Meaning
a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster
Example
The refugee camp provided temporary shelter for thousands of displaced families.
A2 adjective /fer/

Fair

Meaning
just and reasonable; treating people equally; light in color; attractive
Example
The judge made a fair decision in the case.
C2 adjective /ˈɛdɪfaɪɪŋ/

edifying

Meaning
Providing moral or intellectual instruction or enlightenment.
Example
The documentary was both entertaining and edifying.
B2 adjective /mɪr/

mere

Meaning
Used to emphasize how small or insignificant something is.
Example
It was a mere suggestion, not a command.
B2 noun /ˈæd.və.kət/

Advocate

Meaning
a lawyer who represents clients in court; a person who supports or argues for a cause or policy
Example
The advocate presented strong evidence to defend his client in court.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpæsɪbəl/

impassible

Meaning
Incapable of suffering or feeling pain (used mainly in theological or philosophical contexts).
Example
Some philosophers argue that God is impassible and cannot experience human emotions.
A2 adjective /hjuːdʒ/

huge

Meaning
extremely large in size or amount
Example
The stadium was filled with a huge crowd.
C1 verb /əˈnʌl/

annul

Meaning
to declare something legally invalid or cancel it
Example
The court decided to annul the marriage due to fraud.
C1 noun /blæk plʌm/

Black plum

Meaning
a dark purple or black colored edible fruit with sweet and sour taste
Example
I picked some fresh black plums from the tree in our backyard.
B2 noun /ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/

instability

Meaning
lack of stability or balance; tendency to change, fail, or collapse easily
Example
Political instability has slowed economic growth in the region.
B2 noun /ˈbækɪŋ/

Backing

Meaning
help or support; financial or material support
Example
The project received backing from several major investors.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.əs/

Piteous

Meaning
deserving pity; arousing compassion
Example
The piteous cries of the injured animal moved everyone to tears.
C2 noun /ˈpæsɪt/

Passet

Meaning
Fresh cheese curds; cottage cheese made from curdled milk
Example
The cook prepared fresh passet by curdling warm milk with lemon juice.
C2 verb /ˈwɪni/

whinny

Meaning
to make the high-pitched sound a horse makes
Example
The horse whinnied when it saw its rider.
B2 adjective /ˈfræʤaɪl/

fragile

Meaning
Easily broken or damaged; delicate.
Example
Be careful with that vase, it's very fragile.
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 ˈtreɪd.ɒf

trade-off

Meaning
A situation where accepting one advantage means giving up another benefit.
Example
There is always a trade-off between price and quality.
C2 noun /kɒˈkeɪd/

cockade

Meaning
a rosette or knot of ribbon, usually worn on a hat as a badge of office or party
Example
The soldier wore a red cockade on his cap.
B2 noun /træŋˈkwɪl.ɪ.ti/

tranquillity

Meaning
the state of being calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance
Example
She enjoyed the tranquillity of the countryside after years in the city.
A2 noun /roʊz/

Rose

Meaning
a fragrant flower with thorny stems, typically red, pink, white, or yellow
Example
She gave me a beautiful red rose for Valentine's Day.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈfɒn/

chiffon

Meaning
A lightweight, sheer fabric often used in dresses or scarves.
Example
She wore a beautiful chiffon dress at the party.
B2 noun /əˈnælədʒi/

analogy

Meaning
A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
Example
The teacher used the analogy of a tree to explain the structure of an essay.
B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

Meaning
arranged for the present; temporary; subject to later confirmation
Example
The provisional agreement will be reviewed next month.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈlʊk/

overlook

Meaning
to fail to notice or consider something; to have a view from above
Example
It's easy to overlook small details when you're in a hurry.
C2 noun /ˈpɒsi/

posse

Meaning
A group of people, often friends or a group organized to support or enforce the law.
Example
He arrived at the party with his posse of friends.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒŋɡruənt/

congruent

Meaning
in agreement or harmony; having the same shape and size in geometry
Example
Their values are congruent with the goals of the organization.
B2 noun /ˈaɪ.saɪt/

Eyesight

Meaning
the ability to see; vision
Example
Regular eye checkups are important for maintaining good eyesight.
C1 noun /ˈrɛdʒɪmənt/

regiment

Meaning
A permanent unit of an army, typically commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies.
Example
The regiment marched proudly through the streets after returning from the mission.
A2 verb /sɔːrt/

sort

Meaning
to arrange or categorize something
Example
Please sort the files by date.
C2 noun /sɛnˈtjʊəriən/

centurion

Meaning
A commander of a unit of one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
Example
The centurion led his men into battle with courage.
C2 noun /ˌɛfəˈvɛsəns/

effervescence

Meaning
The release of gas bubbles; vivacity or high-spiritedness.
Example
Her effervescence made her the life of the party.
B1 noun/verb /ˈfaɪtɪŋ/

fighting

Meaning
the act of engaging in a physical or verbal conflict
Example
The soldiers were fighting bravely on the battlefield.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

polymath

Meaning
a person with knowledge of many different subjects
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.
C1 noun /væt/

vat

Meaning
A large container used for holding liquids such as dye or wine.
Example
The workers filled the vat with freshly pressed grape juice.
B1 verb /kəmˈpiːt/

compete

Meaning
to try to win or be more successful than others in a contest or activity
Example
Several companies compete for dominance in the market.
C1 noun /tɔːrk/

torque

Meaning
A twisting force that causes rotation.
Example
The mechanic measured the torque of the engine.
B2 adjective /ˈdaʊt.fəl/

Doubtful

Meaning
uncertain; questionable; feeling uncertain about something
Example
I am doubtful about the success of this project.
C1 noun /ˈhed.weɪ/

Headway

Meaning
forward movement or progress, especially when this is slow or difficult
Example
Despite the challenges, the research team made significant headway in developing the new vaccine.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒndər/

squander

Meaning
to waste money, time, or opportunities in a careless way
Example
He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
B2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/

Irresistible

Meaning
too attractive and tempting to be resisted; impossible to resist
Example
The chocolate cake was absolutely irresistible.
C1 noun /pɔl/

Pall

Meaning
a cloth spread over a coffin; a dark covering that creates a gloomy atmosphere
Example
A pall of smoke hung over the burning building.
C2 verb /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪt/

scintillate

Meaning
to sparkle or shine brightly; to emit flashes of light
Example
The diamond ring scintillated under the bright lights.
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.
B1 noun rɪˈflɛkʃən

reflection

Meaning
Serious thought or consideration about something.
Example
The reflection of the past filled his heart with sadness.
B2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊ.ɪŋ/

sewing

Meaning
The activity or skill of joining fabric using a needle and thread
Example
She enjoys sewing her own clothes on weekends.
B2 noun /ˈliːtər/

litre

Meaning
a metric unit of volume equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters; commonly used to measure liquids
Example
She bought a litre of milk from the shop.
B2 adjective /ˈskɪni/

Skinny

Meaning
very thin; having little flesh or fat on the body
Example
The skinny cat looked like it hadn't eaten for days.
B2 noun ˈbleɪzə

blazer

Meaning
A coloured jacket worn by members of a club, team, or school as part of a uniform.
Example
He looked sharp in his navy blue blazer at the event.
B2 noun /ˈsɛktər/

sector

Meaning
a distinct part or area of an economy, society, or industry
Example
The technology sector is growing rapidly.
B2 adjective /θiˈætrɪkl/

theatrical

Meaning
Relating to the theater or exaggerated and dramatic in behavior or style.
Example
Her theatrical performance won the audience's applause.
B2 noun /ˌæljuˈmɪniəm/

aluminium

Meaning
a lightweight, silvery-white metal used widely in manufacturing and packaging
Example
Aluminium is commonly used to make cans and aircraft parts.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌdən/

Sudden

Meaning
happening or done quickly and unexpectedly; abrupt
Example
There was a sudden change in the weather.
B2 noun /ˈfʊtɪdʒ/

footage

Meaning
a recorded film or video, especially one that is used for news or documentaries
Example
The footage of the protest was shown on television all day.
C1 verb /əbˈdʌkt/

abduct

Meaning
to take someone away illegally by force or deception
Example
The criminal tried to abduct the child in broad daylight.
C1 adjective fæsˈtɪd.i.əs

fastidious

Meaning
Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
Example
She is fastidious about maintaining cleanliness.
B1 verb /ʃuːt/

shoot

Meaning
to fire a bullet or arrow from a weapon; to take a photograph or film
Example
He learned how to shoot a bow and arrow.
C1 noun kəˈmɛns.mənt

commencement

Meaning
The beginning of something; a ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are conferred on graduating students.
Example
The commencement ceremony marked the start of a new journey.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌbɛərz/

forebears

Meaning
Ancestors or people in previous generations from whom one is descended.
Example
We must honor the traditions of our forebears.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

diminutive

Meaning
extremely or unusually small
Example
Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader.
B2 adjective dɪsˈrʌp.tɪv

disruptive

Meaning
Causing or tending to cause disruption.
Example
Deforestation has a disruptive effect on wildlife.
C1 verb /ˈblækən/

blacken

Meaning
to make something black or darker; to stain, soil, or tarnish
Example
Smoke from the fire began to blacken the walls.
C2 noun /ˈɡændər/

Gander

Meaning
male goose
Example
The gander protected his family from the approaching dog.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛkʃʊəl/

sexual

Meaning
relating to the instincts, physiological processes, and activities connected with physical attraction or intimate physical contact between individuals
Example
The sexual health of individuals is an important topic in modern medicine.
B2 adjective /kræmpt/

cramped

Meaning
uncomfortably small or restricted
Example
The room was so cramped that we could barely move.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪk ə ˌbræk/

bric-a-brac

Meaning
Small decorative objects or ornaments, often of little value.
Example
The shelves were filled with old bric-a-brac from her travels.
B2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/

intersection

Meaning
a point where two or more things intersect, especially a road or path
Example
The intersection of Main Street and 5th Avenue is always busy.
C1 adjective /ˌmiːtiˈɔːrɪk/

meteoric

Meaning
Relating to meteors; very rapid and often temporary.
Example
The singer’s meteoric rise to fame surprised everyone.
B2 verb /fʊlˈfɪl/

fulfil

Meaning
to complete or achieve something that was expected or promised; to satisfy a requirement or desire
Example
She worked hard to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor.
B2 noun /ˈwaɪnəri/

winery

Meaning
a place where wine is made
Example
They visited a famous winery in France.
A2 adjective /ʃɑːrp/

Sharp

Meaning
having a cutting edge or point; sudden and intense; quick to understand
Example
The knife has a very sharp blade.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɛn.ɪ.tənt/

impenitent

Meaning
Not feeling regret or shame about one's actions.
Example
The criminal remained impenitent after the trial.
C2 adjective /ˈwiːk niːd/

weak-kneed

Meaning
Lacking determination or courage; easily frightened or yielding.
Example
The leader was criticized for being weak-kneed in the face of opposition.
B2 adverb /ˈθʌrəli/

Thoroughly

Meaning
completely; entirely; in a thorough manner
Example
She thoroughly cleaned the entire house before the guests arrived.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊpəˈlɛsənt/

opalescent

Meaning
showing or reflecting a milky, iridescent light like an opal
Example
The opalescent sky glowed with shades of pink and blue.
A2 adjective /ˈtaɪərɪŋ/

tiring

Meaning
causing someone to feel exhausted or in need of rest
Example
The long journey was extremely tiring.
B1 noun /bɪˈheɪ.vjər/

Behaviour

Meaning
the way a person or animal acts or conducts themselves
Example
His behaviour at the meeting was very professional.
C2 noun /nɑːrˈsɪsəs/

narcissus

Meaning
A type of flowering plant with yellow or white blooms, often associated with self-love from Greek mythology.
Example
A narcissus bloomed in the garden during spring.
B2 noun /ˈreɪ.zər/

Razor

Meaning
a sharp-edged instrument used for shaving hair from the skin
Example
He shaved his beard with a sharp razor.
A1 verb /θæŋk/

Thank

Meaning
to express gratitude or appreciation to someone
Example
She thanked her teacher for the extra help.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
C1 noun ˈkætəlɪst

catalyst

Meaning
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example
His speech acted as a catalyst for change in the community.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ/

outstretch

Meaning
To extend or stretch something outward.
Example
He outstretched his hand to help her up.
A2 noun /ˈmembər/

member

Meaning
a person or thing that belongs to a group or organization
Example
She is a member of the local sports club.
C2 verb /tæmp/

tamp

Meaning
to press down tightly by packing
Example
He tamped the soil around the plant to secure it.
A2 noun /fɑːrm/

farm

Meaning
an area of land used for growing crops and raising animals
Example
They live on a farm with many animals.
B2 adjective /ˈpəʊstwɔːr/

postwar

Meaning
occurring or existing after a war
Example
The postwar period saw significant economic growth.
C1 adjective /wɒn/

wan

Meaning
looking pale or sickly; lacking color or vitality
Example
After the long illness, his face looked wan and tired.
C2 verb /ˈbændi/

bandy

Meaning
To pass (words, ideas, or gossip) back and forth in a casual or argumentative way.
Example
They bandied jokes across the table.
C2 noun /mɪlk raɪs/

Milk rice

Meaning
A sweet dessert made from rice cooked with milk and sugar
Example
My grandmother makes delicious milk rice for special occasions.
C2 noun /ˈkɒkskoʊm/

Cockscomb

Meaning
a tropical plant with bright, velvety flowers that resemble a rooster's comb
Example
The bright red cockscomb flowers added vibrant color to the garden bed.
B1 noun /kənˌfɜːˈmeɪʃən/

confirmation

Meaning
the action of confirming something or the state of being confirmed
Example
She received a confirmation email for her appointment.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfæləbl̩/

infallible

Meaning
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
Example
Her judgment seemed infallible in matters of finance.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊɡəl/

mogul

Meaning
A powerful or influential person, especially in business or media.
Example
He became a tech mogul by founding a billion-dollar company.
B2 adjective /əˈnɒn.ɪ.məs/

Anonymous

Meaning
having an unknown name or identity; nameless
Example
The author published the book under an anonymous pseudonym.
C1 noun mælˈnʌr.ɪʃ.mənt

malnourishment

Meaning
Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat.
Example
Children in poverty-stricken areas suffer from malnourishment.
B2 noun /ˌɑːrkiˈɑːlədʒi/

archaeology

Meaning
the study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts, monuments, and other physical remains
Example
She studied archaeology to learn about ancient civilizations.
C1 adjective ʌnˈpær.ə.leld

Unparalleled

Meaning
Having no equal; unmatched, peerless, and supreme in quality or achievement.
Example
The unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal amazes visitors.
C1 noun /ˈten.jər/

Tenure

Meaning
the period of time during which someone holds an office or position
Example
During his tenure as CEO, the company expanded globally.
C1 noun /ɛkˈspeɪtriət/

expatriate

Meaning
a person who lives outside their native country
Example
Many expatriates gather in the city’s international community.