cower
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 verb /ˈkaʊər/

cower

Meaning
to crouch down in fear
Example
The child cowered behind the sofa during the thunderstorm.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːrtɛnt/

portent

Meaning
A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.
Example
The sudden drop in stock prices was seen as a portent of economic trouble.
C1 adjective /ˈtʌtʃi/

Touchy

Meaning
easily upset or offended; overly sensitive
Example
He's very touchy about his height.
C1 adjective ʌnˈtʃɑːtɪd

uncharted

Meaning
Not mapped or surveyed; unknown or unexplored.
Example
The mission aimed to explore uncharted areas of the planet.
C1 adjective ˌɜː.ɡəˈnɒm.ɪk

ergonomic

Meaning
Designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment; user-friendly and reducing strain.
Example
The chair has an ergonomic design for better posture.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪ.kɪŋ ˈpaʊ.dər/

Baking Powder

Meaning
a dry chemical leavening agent used to increase volume and lighten texture in baked goods
Example
The recipe calls for two teaspoons of baking powder.
C2 noun, verb /ˈpɑːrli/

parley

Meaning
a discussion between opposing sides, especially to negotiate terms
Example
The generals met to parley over the terms of surrender.
B2 noun /ˈmæstərpiːs/

Masterpiece

Meaning
A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship
Example
The Mona Lisa is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of all time.
B2 adjective /əˈsɜːr.tɪv/

Assertive

Meaning
confident and forceful; having a strong personality
Example
She is very assertive when speaking in meetings.
C2 noun /tɛkˈnɒɡrəfi/

technography

Meaning
the descriptive study or writing about the practical arts, technologies, or technical methods of a society
Example
The anthropologist specialized in technography to understand indigenous tool-making traditions.
A1 verb /let/

let

Meaning
to allow someone to do something; to give permission
Example
Please let me help you with that task.
C2 verb /ruː/

rue

Meaning
To feel regret or sorrow about something.
Example
She will rue the day she trusted him.
C1 adjective /ˈræb.ɪd/

rabid

Meaning
Having extreme or fanatical support for something; relating to or suffering from rabies.
Example
He was a rabid fan of the football team.
C2 verb /kædʒ/

cadge

Meaning
To beg or obtain something, especially food or money, without paying for it.
Example
He tried to cadge a free meal from the restaurant.
B2 noun /rɪˈfjuː.zəl/

Refusal

Meaning
the act of saying no to something or not accepting something
Example
His refusal to cooperate made the project more difficult.
B1 noun /ˈneɪʃən/

nation

Meaning
a large group of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language
Example
The nation celebrated its independence day with pride.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɒlədʒɪst/

ornithologist

Meaning
a scientist who studies birds
Example
The ornithologist spent years studying migratory birds.
C2 noun /ˈæf.ə.rɪ.zəm/

aphorism

Meaning
a short, witty saying that expresses a general truth or principle
Example
He began his speech with an aphorism about life and success.
C2 adjective /ˈpʌkɪʃ/

puckish

Meaning
playfully mischievous
Example
The child gave a puckish grin before hiding the toy.
B2 noun /broʊtʃ/

brooch

Meaning
a decorative jewelry pin that is attached to clothing
Example
She wore a beautiful silver brooch on her jacket.
C1 verb /kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

converge

Meaning
to come together from different directions; to meet at a point
Example
The roads converge at the city center.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsteɪbəl/

instable

Meaning
not stable; liable to change, collapse, or fail; lacking firmness or reliability
Example
The instable political situation worried foreign investors.
C2 noun /ˌhaɪdroʊdaɪˈnæmɪks/

hydrodynamics

Meaning
The branch of science concerned with the motion of fluids, especially liquids, and the forces acting on solid bodies immersed in fluids.
Example
Hydrodynamics is essential in designing efficient ship hulls.
C2 verb /dɪsˈroʊb/

disrobe

Meaning
to remove one's clothes
Example
The monk disrobed before entering the river.
B2 noun /ˈɜːθ.wɜːm/

Earth-worm

Meaning
a segmented worm that lives in soil and helps decompose organic matter
Example
The gardener was happy to find many earthworms in the soil.
B2 adjective /traɪˈʌmfənt/

Triumphant

Meaning
having won a battle or contest; rejoicing as a result of success
Example
The team was triumphant after winning the championship.
C2 verb /prəˈroʊɡ/

prorogue

Meaning
to discontinue a session of a parliament or assembly without dissolving it
Example
The president decided to prorogue parliament until the crisis was resolved.
A2 adjective /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/

amazing

Meaning
causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing
Example
The magician performed an amazing trick.
C1 noun, verb /dɪsˈɑːnər/

dishonor

Meaning
a state of shame or loss of respect; to bring shame upon someone or something
Example
The soldier felt he had brought dishonor to his family.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːstəlri/

hostelry

Meaning
An inn or lodging place, especially one for travelers.
Example
They stayed at a small hostelry near the mountains.
C1 noun /əbˈdʒɛktər/

objector

Meaning
a person who expresses opposition or disapproval to something
Example
The objector raised his concerns during the town meeting.
C2 noun /ˈmɛzməˌrɪzəm/

mesmerism

Meaning
A state of fascination or hypnotism.
Example
The magician held the audience in a state of mesmerism.
A2 noun /ʃiːp/

sheep

Meaning
a farm animal with thick wool that is raised for its wool, meat, and milk
Example
The farmer keeps a large flock of sheep.
C1 noun /ˈrɪdəns/

riddance

Meaning
The action of getting rid of something unwanted or unpleasant.
Example
His departure was considered a welcome riddance by the team.
C1 verb /bɔːk/

balk

Meaning
to hesitate or refuse to proceed or comply
Example
She balked at signing the contract without reading it fully.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪtərəl/

littoral

Meaning
Related to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake.
Example
The littoral zone is home to many unique marine species.
C1 adjective /ˈkæni/

canny

Meaning
Having good judgment, especially in business or practical matters; shrewd.
Example
She made a canny investment in real estate.
C2 adjective /prɪˈsɛnʃənt/

presentient

Meaning
Having a feeling or sense of something about to happen; predictive.
Example
She was presentient of the coming disaster.
C1 adjective /bræʃ/

brash

Meaning
self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overconfident way
Example
His brash comments offended many people at the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈmænˌtræp/

man-trap

Meaning
A trap designed to catch or injure humans; informally, a woman considered dangerously attractive.
Example
The old castle had a man-trap at the entrance.
A2 verb /riːtʃ/

reach

Meaning
to arrive at a destination; to extend one's arm to touch something
Example
We will reach the station in ten minutes.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɛntaɪl/

gentile

Meaning
A person who is not Jewish
Example
The synagogue welcomed both Jews and Gentiles.
B2 adjective /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/

complementary

Meaning
combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other
Example
The two partners have complementary skills.
C1 adjective /ɪˈniː.bri.eɪ.tɪd/

inebriated

Meaning
under the influence of alcohol; drunk
Example
He stumbled into the room completely inebriated.
A2 noun ɪˈvɛnts

events

Meaning
A thing that happens, especially one of importance.
Example
Several events were held across the country.
B2 noun /ədˈvɛntʃərər/

adventurer

Meaning
a person who seeks exciting, risky, or unusual experiences; someone who explores new or unknown places
Example
The adventurer traveled deep into the jungle in search of ancient ruins.
C1 verb /wɛt/

whet

Meaning
To sharpen the blade of a tool or to stimulate interest or appetite.
Example
The smell of food whetted my appetite.
B2 noun /ˈruːstər/

rooster

Meaning
A male domestic chicken, especially one that crows.
Example
The rooster crowed at dawn, waking up the whole village.
B2 adjective kɒnˈtek.stju.əl

contextual

Meaning
Depending on or relating to the circumstances or setting; context-dependent.
Example
Contextual meaning changes depending on usage.
C2 noun /ɪˈfɛmɪnəsi/

effeminacy

Meaning
The quality of showing traits traditionally associated with women, such as delicacy or softness.
Example
In ancient times, effeminacy was often criticized as a sign of weakness.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊsiːdz/

proceeds

Meaning
money obtained from an event, activity, or sale
Example
The proceeds from the charity event were donated to the orphanage.
B2 verb /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

distinguish

Meaning
to recognize or show the differences between two or more things; to set apart as different
Example
It can be difficult to distinguish between truth and rumor.
C1 verb /ˈhʌsəl/

hustle

Meaning
to move quickly and energetically; to push or work hard to achieve something
Example
She had to hustle to finish the project on time.
C2 noun /ˌpraɪmoʊˈdʒɛnɪtʃər/

primogeniture

Meaning
The right of the firstborn child to inherit the family estate or title.
Example
Under primogeniture, the eldest son inherited the entire estate.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/

constellation

Meaning
a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern in the night sky
Example
Orion is one of the most famous constellations.
B2 noun /ˈleɪbərər/

laborer

Meaning
a person who does physical work, especially work that requires strength rather than skill
Example
The laborer worked long hours at the construction site.
B1 noun /tæŋk/

Tank

Meaning
a heavily armored fighting vehicle moving on a continuous track
Example
The tank rolled through the battlefield with powerful armor.
B2 noun /ˈtɪmbər/

timber

Meaning
wood prepared for use in building and carpentry
Example
The house was built entirely from local timber.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnsəbl/

insensible

Meaning
Unconscious; unaware of or indifferent to something.
Example
He was insensible to the cold as he lay in the snow.
C1 noun /ˈmɑːrtər/

Martyr

Meaning
A person who is killed because of their religious or political beliefs
Example
He became a martyr for the cause of freedom and democracy.
B2 noun /ˈreɪsɪzəm/

racism

Meaning
the belief that some races are superior to others, leading to unfair treatment or prejudice
Example
The organization works to eliminate racism in all forms.
C2 adjective /ʌnəˈpiːzd/

unappeased

Meaning
Not satisfied or calmed; still feeling discontent or anger
Example
Despite the apology, she remained unappeased.
B2 noun ˈruθləs ˌkɑmpəˈtɪʃən

ruthless competition

Meaning
Fierce and merciless rivalry or contest, without pity or compassion.
Example
Ruthless competition for power leads to societal issues.
C2 noun /ˌmjuːlˈtɪər/

muleteer

Meaning
a person who drives or takes care of mules
Example
The muleteer guided the animals safely across the mountain path.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnsəˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd/

unsophisticated

Meaning
Lacking worldly experience, refinement, or complexity.
Example
The villagers led an unsophisticated but happy life.
B2 noun /frɒk/

Frock

Meaning
a dress, especially a simple or casual one for women or children
Example
The little girl wore a pink frock to her birthday party.
C1 noun /ˈɑːnkɔːr/

encore

Meaning
An additional performance demanded by an audience at the end of a show.
Example
The band returned to the stage for an encore.
C2 noun /ˈmɛtəfɔːrm/

metaphorm

Meaning
A coined or rare term sometimes used to describe a hybrid form of metaphor and form in literature or art.
Example
The poet introduced a metaphorm to blend imagery with structure.
C2 adjective /ˈhiːðənɪʃ/

heathenish

Meaning
Lacking culture or religion; barbaric or uncivilized.
Example
They considered the ancient tribe’s rituals heathenish.
B1 adjective /ʃeɪpt/

shaped

Meaning
having a particular form or appearance
Example
The sculpture was shaped like a human figure.
B1 noun /ˈlʌk.ʃər.i/

Luxury

Meaning
the state of great comfort and extravagant living; an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain
Example
They enjoyed the luxury of a five-star hotel.
C2 noun /stɛp/

steppe

Meaning
A large flat area of unforested grassland, especially in southeastern Europe or Siberia.
Example
The nomads traveled across the vast steppe with their herds.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/

pipeline

Meaning
a long tube through which liquids or gases are transported
Example
The company is building a new pipeline to transport natural gas.
C1 adjective ˈkrɪp.tɪk

cryptic

Meaning
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; difficult to understand.
Example
The message was cryptic and hard to decipher.
C2 noun /noʊl/

Knoll

Meaning
a small rounded hill or mound
Example
The old oak tree stood majestically on top of the grassy knoll.
C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning
Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.
Example
The film ended with a climactic battle scene.
C2 adjective /nɑːrld/

gnarled

Meaning
Twisted, rough, and knotted, especially with age.
Example
The old man had gnarled hands from years of hard work.
C2 adjective /ˈleɪ.baɪl/ or /ˈlæb.aɪl/

labile

Meaning
easily altered or unstable; prone to change
Example
Her mood was so labile that it changed several times in an hour.
B2 verb /rɪˈkruːt/

recruit

Meaning
to enlist or hire people for a job, service, or membership
Example
The company is trying to recruit more software engineers.
B2 noun /briz/

Breeze

Meaning
a gentle wind; something that is achieved with ease
Example
The cool ocean breeze made the hot summer day more pleasant.
C2 noun /ˈtrɪmnəs/

trimness

Meaning
the quality of being neat, orderly, or slender and well-proportioned
Example
Her room’s trimness reflected a habit of putting everything back in its place.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ/

overweening

Meaning
excessively arrogant or prideful
Example
His overweening pride cost him many friends.
C1 verb /dɪˈsweɪd/

dissuade

Meaning
To persuade someone not to do something.
Example
She tried to dissuade him from quitting his job.
C1 noun /dʒest/

Jest

Meaning
a thing said or done for amusement; a joke
Example
His comment was made in jest, not to offend anyone.
C2 noun /ræŋˈɡuːn ˈkriːpər/

Rangoon creeper

Meaning
A climbing vine with fragrant flowers that change color from white to pink to red
Example
The Rangoon creeper covered the entire fence with its sweet-smelling flowers.
C2 adjective /ˈprɒvɪdənt/

provident

Meaning
making or indicative of timely preparation for the future
Example
She was provident in saving money for her children’s education.
C2 verb /ʌnˈfɛtər/

unfetter

Meaning
to release from restraint or restriction; to free
Example
The new law will unfetter small businesses from excessive regulations.
A2 noun səkˈsɛs

success

Meaning
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose; the attainment of popularity or profit
Example
Success requires focus and determination.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsəʊʃəl/

unsocial

Meaning
not enjoying the company of others; avoiding social interaction; contrary to social norms
Example
He prefers unsocial hours so he can work alone without interruptions.
C1 adjective /əˈlʊr.ɪŋ/

Alluring

Meaning
attractive and tempting; fascinating
Example
The alluring fragrance of roses filled the garden.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/

lightning

Meaning
a flash of light in the sky caused by electricity during a storm
Example
The lightning struck a tree near our house.
B2 adjective ˌpaɪəˈnɪə.rɪŋ

pioneering

Meaning
Involving new ideas or methods; innovative and original.
Example
Pioneering efforts often lead to success.
C2 adjective /ˈspɔːrtɪv/

sportive

Meaning
Playful, lively, or full of fun.
Example
The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic.
B1 noun /peɪs/

pace

Meaning
the speed at which something happens or is done
Example
She walked at a slow pace.
A1 verb /driːm/

dream

Meaning
to have thoughts and images in your mind while sleeping; to hope for
Example
I often dream about flying in the sky.
C2 adjective /ˈæsɪnaɪn/

asinine

Meaning
Extremely foolish or stupid.
Example
It was an asinine idea to drive into the storm without checking the weather.
A1 adjective (superlative) /ˈɡreɪ.tɪst/

greatest

Meaning
The highest degree of greatness; the most outstanding or important.
Example
He is considered one of the greatest leaders of all time.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛvər/

dissever

Meaning
To separate or cut apart.
Example
The treaty sought to dissever the two hostile regions.
A2 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈdʌk.ʃən/

introduction

Meaning
the action of introducing something or someone; an opening or beginning part
Example
The professor gave a brief introduction before starting the lecture.
C1 verb /bɪˈwɪldər/

bewilder

Meaning
to cause someone to be confused or puzzled
Example
The complex instructions bewildered the students.
A2 noun /steɪdʒ/

stage

Meaning
a raised platform or area for performances or presentations
Example
The actor stepped onto the stage to deliver his speech.
B1 noun /wɪdθ/

Width

Meaning
the measurement or extent of something from side to side; breadth
Example
The width of the river is about 50 meters.
C2 noun /ˌɡlæd.iˈoʊ.ləs/

Gladiolus

Meaning
A tall flowering plant with sword-shaped leaves and colorful spike-like flower clusters, popular in gardens and floral arrangements
Example
The gladiolus stood tall and elegant in the flower bed.
C1 noun /əˈbreɪʒən/

abrasion

Meaning
a scrape or wearing away of the skin or surface due to friction
Example
He suffered a minor abrasion on his knee after falling.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪst/

Unchaste

Meaning
not celibate; having engaged in sexual relations; lacking moral purity
Example
The conservative society considered her behavior unchaste and improper.
A2 noun, verb /ˈɪʃuː/

issue

Meaning
A problem, topic, or the act of supplying or distributing something.
Example
The magazine will issue a new edition next week.
C1 noun /ˈliːweɪ/

leeway

Meaning
Freedom to act within certain limits; extra space or time.
Example
The manager gave the team some leeway to finish the project.
C1 noun /blɒˈkeɪd/

Blockade

Meaning
an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Example
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the port.
C1 verb /dɛlv/

delve

Meaning
To investigate deeply; to dig into a subject or area.
Example
The researcher delved into ancient manuscripts to find clues.
B2 noun

Loop

C2 verb /ʃiːð/

sheathe

Meaning
to put a sword or knife back into its cover
Example
He quickly sheathed his sword after the duel.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/

understated

Meaning
Presented in a subtle and restrained way.
Example
She wore an elegant but understated dress.
B2 adjective /ˈnjuː.mər.əs/

Numerous

Meaning
existing in large numbers; many; abundant
Example
There are numerous benefits to exercising regularly.
B2 noun /haɪv/

Hive

Meaning
a structure in which bees live and produce honey; a place full of busy activity
Example
The garden was buzzing with activity as bees flew back and forth from their hive.
C2 adjective /bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/

bewitching

Meaning
charming, enchanting, or captivating in a magical or irresistible way
Example
She wore a bewitching smile that captivated everyone in the room.
B2 verb /ɒpt/

opt

Meaning
to choose or decide to do something instead of something else
Example
Many students opt to study abroad for better opportunities.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪts/

debates

Meaning
Formal discussions where different viewpoints are presented and argued.
Example
Debates on governance lasted throughout the session.
B1 noun ruːlz ənd ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃənz

rules and regulations

Meaning
Official orders and laws that control how something is done.
Example
Rules and regulations alone cannot change attitudes.
C2 adjective /ˈflɒrɪd/

florid

Meaning
Having a red or flushed complexion; or excessively ornate and intricate.
Example
The speaker’s florid style made the lecture hard to follow.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈendɪŋ/

Unending

Meaning
continuing forever; without end
Example
The unending rain made the day feel gloomy.