counterbalance
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C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

Meaning
to offset or balance the effect of something
Example
Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress.
C2 verb /ˈvɪʃieɪt/

vitiate

Meaning
to spoil, weaken, or make something less effective
Example
One careless remark can vitiate the entire argument.
B1 noun/verb /ˈmætərz/

matters

Meaning
important topics, concerns, or issues; as a verb, to be of importance or significance
Example
What she thinks really matters to me.
B2 verb /soʊ/

sow

Meaning
to plant seeds in the ground; to scatter seeds for growing
Example
The farmer will sow wheat seeds in the field tomorrow.
B1 noun /ɪkˈsep.ʃən/

Exception

Meaning
a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule
Example
Most students passed the exam, with the exception of a few who were absent.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

Meaning
to bend or hang downward; to become weak or tired
Example
The flowers began to droop in the heat.
C2 noun /ˈænti/

ante

Meaning
a stake put up by a player in poker or similar games before receiving cards; also used figuratively to mean an initial investment or contribution
Example
Each player placed an ante before the game began.
C1 adjective /əˈmiːnəbl/

amenable

Meaning
willing to cooperate or be influenced; open to suggestions
Example
She was amenable to the idea of working longer hours.
A2 abbreviation /iː ˈdʒiː/

e.g.

Meaning
For example (from Latin 'exempli gratia').
Example
You should eat more fruits, e.g., apples and bananas.
C2 verb /ˈɪŋkʌlpeɪt/

inculpate

Meaning
To blame or accuse someone of wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence seemed to inculpate the suspect in the crime.
B2 noun /ˈvæljuː ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/

value proposition

Meaning
A statement that explains the unique benefits or value that a product or service offers to customers.
Example
A clear value proposition attracts more customers.
A2 adverb /ˈker.fə.li/

Carefully

Meaning
with great attention and caution; thoughtfully and attentively
Example
Please read the instructions carefully.
C1 noun /əˈsɪdɪti/

acidity

Meaning
the quality or degree of being acidic; the amount of acid present in a substance
Example
The acidity of the soil affects how well crops grow.
C1 adjective /ˈnɑːkʃəs/

noxious

Meaning
harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
Example
The factory released noxious fumes into the air.
A2 noun /stɛp/

step

Meaning
a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a new position
Example
She took a step towards the door.
C2 noun /ˈɪəri/ or /ˈɛəri/

aery

Meaning
An eagle’s nest, or a lofty, airy dwelling.
Example
The eagle perched proudly near its aery high on the cliff.
A2 adverb /ˈwiːkli/

Weekly

Meaning
happening or done once every week; every week
Example
I visit my grandmother weekly on Sundays.
C1 adjective ˈbɜːdʒənɪŋ

burgeoning

Meaning
Beginning to grow or increase rapidly; flourishing.
Example
The burgeoning tech industry has attracted many investors.
C2 noun /ɪˈbʊliəns/

ebullience

Meaning
the quality of being cheerful, enthusiastic, and full of energy
Example
The teacher's ebullience inspired her students.
C1 noun /əˈbændənmənt/

abandonment

Meaning
the act of leaving someone or something behind completely; the state of being deserted
Example
The child suffered deep emotional pain because of abandonment.
C1 noun /əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən/

alliteration

Meaning
the occurrence of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in close succession
Example
She used alliteration in her poem to add musicality.
C1 noun /kənˈtentmənt/

contentment

Meaning
a state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has
Example
She felt a deep sense of contentment after helping others.
C1 noun /kɑːɡ/

cog

Meaning
A tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear; metaphorically, a minor but necessary part of a larger system.
Example
He felt like just a small cog in a big machine.
C2 noun /spɪˈlʌŋkər/

spelunker

Meaning
A person who explores caves as a hobby.
Example
The spelunker carried ropes and lights into the dark cave.
A2 noun /stɛps/

steps

Meaning
A measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing.
Example
Taking small steps reduces overwhelm.
C1 noun ˈhɪn.drəns

hindrance

Meaning
Something that creates difficulties or delays in progress.
Example
Lack of funds was a major hindrance to the project.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛʃən/

intercession

Meaning
the act of intervening or pleading on behalf of another person
Example
The prisoner was released due to the intercession of influential leaders.
B1 adjective /ˈsæt.ɪs.fæk.tər.i/

Satisfactory

Meaning
acceptable; meeting requirements; adequate
Example
The test results were satisfactory.
A2 adjective /kjuːt/

cute

Meaning
attractive in a pretty or endearing way
Example
That puppy is so cute!
C1 verb /prəˈlɪf.ə.reɪt/

proliferate

Meaning
To increase rapidly in numbers; to grow or spread quickly and extensively.
Example
Startups tend to proliferate in a thriving economy.
B2 noun, verb /steɪk/

stake

Meaning
A share or interest in a business or venture; to risk or support something of value.
Example
He has a major stake in the new company.
C1 adjective /kəˈmɛmərətɪv/

commemorative

Meaning
Serving as a reminder or in honor of a person or event.
Example
They issued a commemorative coin for the independence anniversary.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnsələnt/

insolent

Meaning
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
Example
The insolent student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
C2 noun /ˈnoʊmənˌkleɪtʃər/

nomenclature

Meaning
A system of names or terms used in a particular science, art, or field.
Example
The chemical nomenclature can be difficult for beginners to understand.
C1 verb /raɪð/

writhe

Meaning
To twist or squirm in pain or discomfort.
Example
He writhed in pain after twisting his ankle.
C2 noun /ˌfjuːzɪˈleɪd/

fusillade

Meaning
A series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.
Example
The soldiers advanced under a fusillade of bullets.
C2 adjective /həˈmɑː.lə.ɡəs/

homologous

Meaning
Having the same relation, relative position, or structure, especially due to evolutionary origin.
Example
The wings of bats and the arms of humans are homologous structures.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːl.tɪd fɪʃ/

Salted fish

Meaning
fish preserved with salt; dried and salted fish for storage
Example
Salted fish is a traditional way to preserve seafood.
C1 noun /ɪmˈbɑː.ɡoʊ/

embargo

Meaning
A trade ban, restriction, or prohibition imposed by a government or international organization on a country.
Example
The UN imposed an embargo on arms exports.
B1 noun /piː/

Pea

Meaning
a small round green seed eaten as a vegetable
Example
The children enjoyed eating sweet peas with dinner.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈkaɪnd/

Unkind

Meaning
cruel; not nice or caring toward others
Example
It was unkind of him to make fun of her appearance.
B1 noun /rɪsk/

Risk

Meaning
a situation involving exposure to danger; the possibility of something bad happening
Example
Taking this investment carries a high risk of losing money.
C1 verb /ˈɛkˌsaɪz/

excise

Meaning
to cut out or remove completely, often by surgery
Example
The surgeon excised the tumor successfully.
B2 noun kəˈmɪʃ.ən

commission

Meaning
An official group of people entrusted by a government with a particular function.
Example
The commission recommends constitutional reforms.
B2 verb /prəˈkleɪm/

proclaim

Meaning
to announce something publicly or officially, especially something important
Example
The president proclaimed a national day of mourning.
C2 adjective /ˈlaɪbələs/

libelous

Meaning
containing or constituting a false published statement that damages a person's reputation
Example
The article was found to be libelous and had to be retracted.
C1 adjective ˈwɛðərpruːf

weatherproof

Meaning
Able to resist or be unaffected by weather, especially rain and wind.
Example
The materials used are weatherproof, ensuring longevity.
B2 noun /ˈtraɪ.əl/

Trial

Meaning
a formal examination of evidence in a court; a test of performance or quality
Example
The murder trial lasted for three weeks in the county courthouse.
B1 adjective /ˈθæŋk.fəl/

Thankful

Meaning
pleased and relieved; expressing gratitude; appreciative
Example
I am thankful for all your help and support.
B2 noun /ɪnˈθuziæst/

enthusiast

Meaning
a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject
Example
He is a football enthusiast and watches every match.
A2 noun /ˈsɪə.ri.əl/

cereal

Meaning
a common breakfast food made from processed grains such as wheat, oats, or corn
Example
She eats a bowl of cereal every morning before work.
C2 verb /flɪt/

flit

Meaning
to move quickly and lightly from one place to another
Example
Butterflies flitted from flower to flower.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.təˈvɛn.ʃə.nɪ.zəm/

interventionism

Meaning
Government policy of active involvement in economic affairs.
Example
The central bank's interventionism helped stabilize inflation.
C1 adjective /ˈskɪtɪʃ/

skittish

Meaning
easily frightened or nervous; unpredictable
Example
The horse was too skittish to ride.
C2 noun /ˈsækrɪsti/

sacristy

Meaning
a room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept
Example
The priest entered the sacristy before the mass began.
C1 verb /ænˈtæɡənaɪz/

antagonize

Meaning
to cause someone to become hostile or angry; to provoke opposition
Example
His rude remarks only served to antagonize his colleagues.
B2 verb /əˈmend/

amend

Meaning
to make changes or corrections to improve something; to modify
Example
They amended the contract to include new terms.
C1 noun /tɔːrk/

torque

Meaning
A twisting force that causes rotation.
Example
The mechanic measured the torque of the engine.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.kən/

oaken

Meaning
made of or resembling oak wood
Example
The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall.
C1 noun ˌkɒn.əˈteɪ.ʃən

connotation

Meaning
The implied or suggested meaning of a word beyond its literal definition
Example
The word 'home' has a warm connotation of comfort and family.
B2 noun /ˈkæʒ.u.əl.ti/

Casualty

Meaning
a person killed or injured in a war or accident; a victim of circumstances
Example
The hospital treated many casualties from the car accident.
A1 conjunction /bɪˈkɔːz/

because

Meaning
for the reason that; since
Example
He stayed home because it was raining.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪˈsɛkʃuəl/

asexual

Meaning
Without sexual feelings, associations, or reproduction through sex.
Example
Many plants reproduce through asexual methods like budding or splitting.
C1 noun /ˈprɒspɛktər/

prospector

Meaning
a person who searches for mineral deposits, especially gold
Example
The prospector spent years in the mountains searching for gold.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkjʊˈbeɪʃən/

incubation

Meaning
the process of keeping eggs, cells, or organisms in the right conditions for development
Example
The incubation of the eggs lasted for three weeks.
C1 noun /ˌrɛspɪˈreɪʃən/

respiration

Meaning
The process of breathing or the exchange of gases in living organisms.
Example
Respiration is essential for all living beings.
B2 adjective /ˈɡrædʒuˌeɪtɪd/

graduated

Meaning
Arranged in steps, levels, or stages; having completed a course of study and received a degree
Example
The scientist used a graduated cylinder to measure the liquid precisely.
B2 noun /vɪˈsɪn.ə.ti/

Vicinity

Meaning
the area near or surrounding a particular place; neighborhood
Example
There are many shops in the vicinity of the school.
A2 adverb /ˈhɑːd.li/

Hardly

Meaning
scarcely; barely; almost not at all
Example
I could hardly believe what I was seeing.
C2 adjective /sɪˈkweɪʃəs/

sequacious

Meaning
Lacking independence of thought; blindly following.
Example
The sequacious students never questioned their teacher's opinions.
B1 noun /priːst/

priest

Meaning
a person who performs religious duties and ceremonies
Example
The priest blessed the congregation during the Sunday service.
C2 verb /stɑːntʃ/

stanch

Meaning
to stop the flow of blood or liquid from a wound or source
Example
The nurse quickly stanched the bleeding from the cut.
C2 verb /bɪˈɡaɪl/

beguile

Meaning
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
Example
She beguiled the audience with her storytelling.
B2 noun /ɪnˈspɛktər/

inspector

Meaning
An official employed to ensure regulations are obeyed or standards are met.
Example
The inspector carefully checked the restaurant's kitchen for hygiene standards.
A2 noun /ˈpækɪdʒ/

package

Meaning
a container or wrapping in which something is packed
Example
He received a package in the mail.
C1 noun /plʊəˈrælɪti/

plurality

Meaning
the state of being multiple; the greater part or majority
Example
In the election, she won by a plurality of votes.
A2 noun /ˈprəʊɡræm/

program

Meaning
a planned series of events or activities
Example
The program starts at 9 AM sharp.
C2 adjective /aɪˈdɒlətrəs/

idolatrous

Meaning
Excessively admiring or worshipping someone or something as an idol.
Example
The king was criticized for his idolatrous devotion to wealth.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪnɪŋ/

dining

Meaning
the act of eating a meal, especially in a formal setting
Example
We enjoyed fine dining at the new restaurant.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒnpəˈreɪl/

nonpareil

Meaning
Having no equal; unrivaled or matchless.
Example
Her beauty was considered nonpareil in the region.
A2 noun /brɪk/

brick

Meaning
A rectangular block of clay or similar material used in building walls and other structures.
Example
The workers laid brick after brick to build the wall.
A2 noun /ˈmæstər/

Master

Meaning
A skilled practitioner of a particular art or activity; a teacher or expert
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a master of both painting and sculpture.
C1 noun, verb, adjective /ˈæɡ.rɪ.ɡət/ (noun/adjective), /ˈæɡ.rɪ.ɡeɪt/ (verb)

aggregate

Meaning
A whole formed by combining several elements; to combine into a total.
Example
The data was aggregated to provide a clearer picture of the market.
B1 noun /ˈɪnstəns/

instance

Meaning
An example or single occurrence of something.
Example
This is just one instance of his generosity.
A2 adjective /ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/

working

Meaning
engaged in physical or mental effort to achieve a goal or task
Example
She is working on her project right now.
B1 noun /hjuːˈmænɪti/

humanity

Meaning
the quality of being human; kindness or compassion towards others; all human beings collectively
Example
Kindness is one of the greatest expressions of humanity.
B2 verb /kənˈveɪ/

convey

Meaning
To communicate or make known; to transport or carry from one place to another.
Example
The teacher conveys the lesson clearly to students.
C2 adjective /ˌɑːrbəˈrɛsənt/

arborescent

Meaning
having the appearance or characteristics of a tree; tree-like
Example
The coral had an arborescent form that resembled a miniature forest.
B2 adjective /aɪˈrɒnɪk/

ironic

Meaning
happening in the opposite way to what is expected, often amusing or sarcastic
Example
It is ironic that the fire station burned down.
C1 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl/

Unilateral

Meaning
one-sided; involving only one party
Example
The country made a unilateral decision to withdraw from the treaty.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrθədɑːks/

orthodox

Meaning
conforming to traditional beliefs or practices
Example
He comes from a very orthodox family.
C2 adjective /ˈdɒdərɪŋ/

doddering

Meaning
Weak, shaky, or unsteady, especially due to old age.
Example
The doddering professor struggled to climb the stairs.
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 /blɛər/

blare

Meaning
to make a loud, harsh sound
Example
The car horns blared all night.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/

invective

Meaning
Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.
Example
The politician’s speech was filled with invective against his opponents.
C2 noun /ɪˈrɛvərəns/

irreverence

Meaning
a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
Example
His jokes about religion showed irreverence to the sacred traditions.
C1 adjective /ˈæntɪkweɪtɪd/

antiquated

Meaning
Old-fashioned or outdated.
Example
The office still uses an antiquated filing system.
A2 noun /ˈpɜːpəs/

purpose

Meaning
the reason for which something is done or created
Example
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the new project.
B2 noun /ˈtæksˌpeɪər/

taxpayer

Meaning
a person who pays tax to the government
Example
The taxpayers' money is used to fund public services.
B2 noun, verb /blæst/

blast

Meaning
a strong gust of wind, an explosion, or a loud sound; to destroy or shatter by explosion
Example
The explosion sent a powerful blast through the building.
B1 noun /əˈtæʧmənt/

attachment

Meaning
a strong feeling of affection or connection
Example
The attachment he felt to his hometown was undeniable.
C2 noun /ˈlɪtəni/

litany

Meaning
a long, repetitive, or tedious account or list; originally a form of prayer
Example
The politician gave a litany of promises during the campaign.
C1 verb /nəˈsɛsɪteɪt/

necessitate

Meaning
To make something necessary or unavoidable.
Example
The heavy rains necessitated the cancellation of the event.
B2 adverb /ˈsel.fɪʃ.li/

Selfishly

Meaning
in a selfish manner; caring only about oneself
Example
He selfishly took all the cookies.
C1 noun ˌfiː.zəˈbɪl.ə.ti

feasibility

Meaning
The state or degree of being easily or conveniently done; possibility.
Example
The company conducted a feasibility study before launching the project.
B2 adjective /ˈnɑː.lɪ.dʒə.bəl/

Knowledgeable

Meaning
having extensive knowledge; well-informed; educated
Example
She is very knowledgeable about ancient history.
B2 adjective /pəˈθet.ɪk/

Pathetic

Meaning
arousing pity; extremely poor or inadequate
Example
His pathetic attempt to apologize made things worse.
B2 noun /sliːv/

Sleeve

Meaning
the part of a garment that covers the arm
Example
She rolled up her sleeves before starting to cook.
B1 noun /ˈpɑːrləmənt/

parliament

Meaning
the highest legislative body in a country
Example
The bill was passed in parliament after a long debate.
A2 pronoun /wɒtˈɛvər/

whatever

Meaning
used to refer to anything or everything that is of the type mentioned
Example
You can choose whatever you like.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən/

consternation

Meaning
A feeling of anxiety, dismay, or confusion, often caused by something unexpected.
Example
The sudden announcement caused widespread consternation among the employees.
C1 noun /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks/

anticlimax

Meaning
A disappointing end after a big build-up of excitement or expectation.
Example
The movie's ending was an anticlimax after such a thrilling story.
B2 verb /saɪ/

sigh

Meaning
to let out a long, deep breath as an expression of tiredness, relief, or sadness
Example
She sighed with relief when she heard the good news.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪdəweɪ/

hideaway

Meaning
A place used as a retreat or a place to hide.
Example
The cabin in the woods was their secret hideaway.
B1 verb, noun, adjective /ˈmeltɪŋ/

melting

Meaning
the process of changing from solid to liquid due to heat; becoming softer or less rigid; emotionally moving or tender
Example
The ice is melting quickly under the hot sun.
B2 verb /kəmˈpɛl/

compel

Meaning
To force or drive someone to do something.
Example
The law compels citizens to pay taxes.
A2 noun ˈbræntʃɪz

Branches

Meaning
A part of a tree that grows out from the trunk or from a bough.
Example
Family tree branches show the relationship between family members.
C2 noun /ˈrɛk.tɪ.tjuːd/

rectitude

Meaning
Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness and integrity.
Example
His rectitude earned him respect in society.
C1 adjective /ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/

sacrificial

Meaning
Relating to or involving sacrifice.
Example
The lamb was used as a sacrificial offering in the ritual.
B2 noun /ˈdræɡ.ən.flaɪ/

Dragon-fly

Meaning
a large insect with four transparent wings that lives near water
Example
The dragonfly hovered over the pond.
B2 noun /ˈrʊki/

rookie

Meaning
a person who is new to an activity or organization; a beginner
Example
The rookie policeman made a few mistakes on his first day.