critical thinking
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B2 noun ˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ

critical thinking

Meaning
The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
Example
Critical thinking helps in making informed decisions.
B1 noun /skriːn/

Screen

Meaning
a flat surface on which pictures or words are shown; a movable partition used to divide a room
Example
The movie was displayed on a large screen in the theater.
A2 noun, verb /lɪŋk/

link

Meaning
a connection between two things; to connect or associate
Example
The article includes a link to the official website.
B2 noun /ˈbækˌsaɪd/

backside

Meaning
the rear part or surface of something; informal term for the buttocks
Example
The kids slid down the hill on their backside.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsəlˌtɔːri/

desultory

Meaning
lacking a clear plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Example
His desultory conversation bored the audience.
C2 noun /ˈplɛnɪtjuːd/

plenitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant; a great quantity
Example
The garden was a plenitude of flowers in spring.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ/

overweening

Meaning
excessively arrogant or prideful
Example
His overweening pride cost him many friends.
C1 adjective /ˈen.vi.ə.bəl/

Enviable

Meaning
causing envy; desirable
Example
Her success was enviable among her peers.
C2 noun /mæn əv wɔːr/

Man of war

Meaning
a warship; a naval vessel equipped with weapons for warfare
Example
The man of war sailed across the ocean to defend the coast.
A2 noun /drʌm/

Drum

Meaning
a percussion instrument typically made of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched over one or both ends
Example
The drummer kept perfect time on his drum kit.
C2 noun, adjective /ɪˈklɪptɪk/

ecliptic

Meaning
The apparent path of the sun across the sky; relating to eclipses or this path.
Example
The ecliptic is the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun.
C2 noun /ˈpær.əkˌsɪz.əm/

paroxysm

Meaning
A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or activity.
Example
She was seized by a paroxysm of laughter.
B1 verb /sɪŋk/

sink

Meaning
to go down below the surface; to descend
Example
The ship sinks in the deep ocean.
B2 noun /ɪnˈveɪʒən/

invasion

Meaning
An instance of invading a country, region, or personal space with armed force or unwelcome presence.
Example
The army prepared for the possibility of an invasion.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊəl/

disavowal

Meaning
the denial of any responsibility, connection, or support
Example
The politician issued a firm disavowal of the controversial remarks.
B2 noun /fɪˈlɒs.ə.fi/

philosophy

Meaning
the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
Example
Her philosophy emphasizes kindness and empathy.
C1 noun /ˈken.əl/

Kennel

Meaning
a small shelter for a dog; an establishment for the breeding or boarding of dogs
Example
The dog slept comfortably in his wooden kennel in the backyard.
C1 verb /vaɪ/

vie

Meaning
To compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something.
Example
Several companies are vying for the contract.
B2 verb /ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/

utilize

Meaning
to make practical or effective use of something
Example
The company aims to utilize solar energy for production.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːrtli/

portly

Meaning
Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.
Example
The portly man entered the room with confidence.
C2 noun /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

Meaning
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
Example
Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.
B1 noun /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.ʧər/

Literature

Meaning
written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit; books and writings published on a particular subject
Example
She studied English literature at university.
B2 noun /bætʃ/

batch

Meaning
a quantity of items produced or processed at one time
Example
She baked a fresh batch of cookies this morning.
B1 verb /əbˈzɜːrv/

observe

Meaning
to watch carefully; to notice or perceive something
Example
Scientists observe the behavior of animals in the wild.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈstɪntɪŋ/

unstinting

Meaning
given generously without holding back
Example
She received unstinting support from her family.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛmpərd/

tempered

Meaning
having a specified temper or disposition; strengthened or moderated.
Example
She gave a tempered response to the criticism.
C1 adjective /ˈɪmpjəd(ə)nt/

impudent

Meaning
not showing due respect for another person; rude
Example
The impudent child talked back to the teacher.
C1 noun /ˈræʃən/

ration

Meaning
a fixed amount of something, especially food, officially allowed to each person
Example
During the war, each family received a weekly ration of rice.
C2 adjective /ˈθʌroʊˌɡoʊɪŋ/

thoroughgoing

Meaning
carried out to the full extent; absolute and complete
Example
She is a thoroughgoing professional in every sense.
C1 noun /ˈvaɪəˌleɪtər/

violator

Meaning
A person who breaks or disregards a law, rule, or agreement.
Example
The police caught the traffic violator at the intersection.
B2 noun /ˈem.ər.əld/

Emerald

Meaning
a bright green precious stone used in jewelry
Example
The emerald necklace sparkled in the sunlight.
C1 adjective /əˈɡrɛəriən/

agrarian

Meaning
Related to farming, agriculture, or rural land.
Example
The country’s economy is still largely agrarian.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈneɪt/

ornate

Meaning
elaborately or highly decorated
Example
The palace hall was filled with ornate furniture and paintings.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəsli/

Continuously

Meaning
without interruption; in an unbroken sequence
Example
The machine operates continuously for 24 hours.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪfɒn/

antiphon

Meaning
a short chant or verse sung responsively in Christian worship, typically sung before or after a psalm or canticle
Example
The choir sang the antiphon before beginning the main hymn.
C2 adverb /ʌnˈɜːrɪŋli/

unerringly

Meaning
Without making any mistakes; always accurate
Example
The archer aimed unerringly at the target.
A2 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪdi/

Untidy

Meaning
not neat or orderly; messy and disorganized
Example
Her untidy room was filled with clothes scattered everywhere.
B2 noun /ˈmæstəri/

Mastery

Meaning
Great skill or expertise in a subject or activity
Example
His mastery of the violin impressed audiences around the world.
A2 verb /oʊˈbeɪ/

obey

Meaning
to follow orders or instructions; to comply with rules
Example
Children should obey their parents and teachers.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪtɪd/

syncopated

Meaning
Characterized by displaced beats or rhythms, especially in music.
Example
The jazz piece had a syncopated rhythm that energized the crowd.
C2 adjective /ˈæpəzɪt/

apposite

Meaning
highly appropriate or relevant to what is being discussed
Example
Her remark was particularly apposite to the situation.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊʃəbəl/

Sociable

Meaning
friendly and enjoys being with other people; outgoing
Example
She is very sociable and makes friends easily.
C2 adjective /ˈwɪloʊi/

willowy

Meaning
Gracefully tall, slender, and flexible, like a willow tree.
Example
She moved with a willowy elegance across the stage.
C2 adjective /ˈreɪ.moʊs/

ramose

Meaning
having many branches.
Example
The ramose tree shaded the entire garden.
B2 verb /ˈɡrʌmbəl/

grumble

Meaning
to complain quietly or in a low voice
Example
She often grumbles about the traffic.
B1 noun /ˈhel.mət/

Helmet

Meaning
a hard or padded protective hat worn by motorcyclists, construction workers, or soldiers
Example
The cyclist always wore a bright yellow helmet for safety and visibility while riding.
C1 noun /ˌiː.kwɪˈlɪb.ri.əm/

equilibrium

Meaning
A state of physical balance or stability in physical, mental, or economic conditions.
Example
The market reached an equilibrium between supply and demand.
C1 noun /ˈstɪɡmə/

stigma

Meaning
a mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality
Example
There is still a stigma around mental health issues in many societies.
C2 /laɪð/

lithe

Meaning
thin, supple, and graceful in movement
Example
The lithe dancer captivated the audience with her graceful spins.
C1 noun /aɪ/

aye

Meaning
an affirmative vote or expression of agreement
Example
The committee voted aye on the proposal.
B1 noun, verb /bʌz/

buzz

Meaning
to make a low continuous humming sound; a feeling of excitement or interest
Example
I could hear the phone buzz during the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːstəlri/

hostelry

Meaning
An inn or lodging place, especially one for travelers.
Example
They stayed at a small hostelry near the mountains.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
B2 noun, verb /stiːm/

steam

Meaning
the vapor into which water is converted when heated; to emit or treat with steam
Example
The kettle was steaming on the stove.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃuː.zi/

Choosey/Choosy

Meaning
very careful in choosing; selective; particular about what one likes or accepts
Example
He's very choosy about the restaurants where he eats.
A2 adverb /ˈstrɒŋɡli/

strongly

Meaning
in a strong manner or to a great extent
Example
She strongly believes in the power of positive thinking.
B2 noun /ˈspɒnsər/

sponsor

Meaning
a person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity in exchange for publicity or support
Example
The company became the main sponsor of the event.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəkˈnɒlɪdʒd/

unacknowledged

Meaning
Not recognized, admitted, or accepted; ignored or unnoticed
Example
Her contributions to the project went unacknowledged.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪ.tər/

Grater

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a rough surface for grating food into small pieces
Example
Use the grater to grate cheese for the pizza.
C1 verb /ˈviːtoʊ/

veto

Meaning
to reject or forbid a decision, proposal, or law
Example
The president decided to veto the new bill.
C2 noun /ˈɡɪbən/

gibbon

Meaning
a small to medium-sized tailless ape with long arms, native to the forests of Southeast Asia
Example
The gibbon swung gracefully through the trees using its long arms.
B2 noun /ræɡ/

Rag

Meaning
a piece of old cloth used for cleaning; worn-out clothing
Example
She used an old rag to clean the dusty table.
B2 adjective /ˌɪn.trəˈdʌk.tər.i/

introductory

Meaning
Serving as an introduction; preliminary or preparatory.
Example
The professor gave an introductory lecture on economics.
C1 verb /ˈkəʊ.dɪ.faɪ/

codify

Meaning
to arrange laws, rules, or ideas into a clear and systematic code
Example
The committee worked to codify the existing laws.
C2 verb /kənˈdʒiːl/

congeal

Meaning
to become thick or solid, especially from cooling
Example
The soup began to congeal after being left on the table.
C1 noun /haɪˈeɪtəs/

hiatus

Meaning
A pause or break in continuity of a process or activity.
Example
The show returned after a long hiatus.
B1 adverb /ˈrel.ə.tɪv.li/

Relatively

Meaning
in comparison to something else; quite; fairly
Example
The weather is relatively warm today.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒndɪˈskrɪpt/

nondescript

Meaning
Lacking distinctive or interesting features; dull and unremarkable.
Example
He lives in a nondescript apartment building on the edge of town.
C1 noun /ˈælɪɡəri/

allegory

Meaning
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, often moral or political
Example
The novel is an allegory of the struggle between good and evil.
B2 noun /heɪ/

hay

Meaning
grass that has been cut, dried, and stored for use as animal feed
Example
The cows were eating hay in the barn.
C2 verb /fɔːrˈboʊd/

forebode

Meaning
To predict or have a strong inner feeling of a future misfortune or evil.
Example
Dark clouds forebode a coming storm.
C1 verb /ˈɪtəreɪt/

iterate

Meaning
To repeat a process or statement, often to improve or refine.
Example
The software team will iterate the design until it meets user needs.
B2 adverb /ˈflu:əntli/

Fluently

Meaning
in a smooth, effortless, and articulate manner; with ease and skill
Example
She speaks French fluently.
C1 noun /ˈpiːɒn/

peon

Meaning
a low-ranking worker, often performing menial tasks
Example
The office peon delivered the files to each department.
C1 adjective /ˌɔː.riˈen.təl/

Oriental

Meaning
relating to the countries of East Asia; eastern
Example
The museum has a beautiful collection of oriental art.
B2 adjective /ˈluː.nər/

Lunar

Meaning
relating to the moon; of or concerning the moon
Example
The lunar eclipse was visible last night.
B1 noun /per/

Pear

Meaning
a sweet juicy fruit with a rounded shape that is wider at the bottom than the top
Example
She enjoyed a fresh pear from the orchard.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪstri/

chemistry

Meaning
the branch of science that studies substances and their interactions; also the emotional connection between people
Example
They have great chemistry and work well together.
B1 noun /muːd/

Mood

Meaning
a temporary state of mind or feeling; atmosphere
Example
She was in a good mood after receiving the news.
C2 noun /dɪˈspɔɪlər/

despoiler

Meaning
A person who robs, plunders, or violently takes things from others.
Example
The despoilers left the city in ruins.
A2 adjective /ˈiː.stərn/

Eastern

Meaning
relating to or situated in the east; from or characteristic of the eastern part of the world
Example
She studied Eastern philosophy at the university.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlwərk/

bulwark

Meaning
A strong wall or defensive structure; something that provides protection or support.
Example
The fortress walls served as a bulwark against enemy attacks.
C1 verb /ˈmʌmbəl/

mumble

Meaning
To speak quietly and not clearly so that words are difficult to understand.
Example
He mumbled an apology before leaving.
A2 noun/adjective /ˈdʒɜːrmən/

german

Meaning
relating to Germany, its people, or its language
Example
She is learning German to study abroad.
B2 noun /ˈɡæl.ək.siːz/

galaxies

Meaning
Large collections of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.
Example
Distant galaxies hold clues about the early universe.
C1 noun ˌprəʊ.baɪˈɒt.ɪk

probiotic

Meaning
Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
Example
Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics that aid digestion.
C2 verb /kəˈdʒoʊl/

cajole

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
Example
She managed to cajole her friend into joining the trip.
A1 adjective /lɑːrdʒ/

Large

Meaning
of considerable size, extent, or intensity; big
Example
The large building dominated the city skyline.
A2 noun /ˈfæʃ.ən/

fashion

Meaning
a popular or accepted style of clothing, behavior, or way of doing something
Example
She always keeps up with the latest fashion.
B2 noun /ˌkrɛd.ɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

credibility

Meaning
The quality of being trusted and believed in; trustworthiness.
Example
His credibility as a leader remains unquestioned.
B1 adjective dəˈmes.tɪk

domestic

Meaning
Existing or occurring inside a particular country; not foreign or international.
Example
Domestic investments stabilize the economy.
A2 noun ˈsaɪəns

science

Meaning
The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Example
Science continues to explore the unknown.
A2 adjective, noun /ɡreɪ/

gray

Meaning
A color between black and white; also describes dull or gloomy situations.
Example
The sky turned gray before the storm.
B1 noun /ədˌmɪn.ɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/

Administration

Meaning
the process of managing or organizing something; a government or organization
Example
The university administration announced new policies.
B1 noun /ˈɑː.lɪv/

Olive

Meaning
a small oval fruit with a hard pit, typically green or black, used for eating or making oil
Example
Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest cooking oils available.
C1 adjective /ˈspjʊəriəs/

spurious

Meaning
Not genuine, authentic, or true; false or fake.
Example
The report was based on spurious claims.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

Meaning
wandering; traveling; migratory
Example
The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed.
C2 noun /ˈɒrɪz(ə)n/

orison

Meaning
a prayer, especially a devout or formal one
Example
He whispered a quiet orison before going to sleep.
A2 noun ˈmem.bərz

members

Meaning
A person, animal, or plant belonging to a particular group; an individual belonging to a group such as a society or team.
Example
Members collaborate to finalize recruitment decisions.
C2 noun /hɒtʃ pɒtʃ/

Hotch potch

Meaning
A mixed dish; a hodgepodge of ingredients cooked together
Example
She made a delicious hotch potch with rice, lentils, and vegetables.
A2 noun /ˈen.ə.mi/

Enemy

Meaning
a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
Example
In the story, the hero had to face his greatest enemy.
C2 noun /ˈfriːˌbuːtər/

freebooter

Meaning
A pirate or plunderer who roams freely in search of wealth.
Example
The freebooter raided the merchant ships along the coast.
C1 noun /ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/

magistrate

Meaning
A civil officer who administers the law, often with limited judicial authority.
Example
The magistrate presided over the minor criminal case.
C1 adjective /ˈpælpəbl̩/

palpable

Meaning
easily perceived or felt; so intense as to seem almost tangible
Example
There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room.
B2 verb ˈtrɪɡərz

triggers

Meaning
To cause or initiate something to happen
Example
Air pollution triggers chronic diseases.
A2 verb /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/

starting

Meaning
beginning to do or experience something
Example
She is starting a new job next week.
C1 noun /ˈkætərækt/

cataract

Meaning
A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's lens; also a large waterfall.
Example
The old man suffered from cataracts in both eyes.
A1 noun /lænd/

Land

Meaning
the part of the earth's surface that is not covered by water; an area of ground, soil, or earth
Example
The farmer worked hard to cultivate his land and grow healthy crops.
B2 noun /ˈkɒm.ɪt/

Comet

Meaning
a celestial object consisting of ice and dust that develops a tail when approaching the sun
Example
Halley's Comet appears in the sky every 76 years.
A1 verb /drɪŋk/

drink

Meaning
to take liquid into the mouth and swallow it
Example
I drink water every morning.
A1 adverb /ɔːlˈredi/

Already

Meaning
before now; by this time; previously
Example
I have already finished my homework for today.
B1 noun /ˈdeə.ri/

Dairy

Meaning
a building or farm where milk is produced; products made from milk; a shop selling milk and milk products
Example
The local dairy provides fresh milk and cheese to the entire neighborhood.
A1 adverb /ˈɔːl.weɪz/

Always

Meaning
at all times; on all occasions; forever
Example
She always arrives early to work.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪf.taɪm/

lifetime

Meaning
The duration of a person's life or the existence of something.
Example
She achieved more in her lifetime than most people dream of.
C2 adjective /ˈviː.ni.əl/

Venial

Meaning
forgivable; not seriously wrong; minor
Example
His late arrival was considered a venial offense.
B2 adjective /ˈniː.di/

Needy

Meaning
requiring help or support; poor; lacking basic necessities
Example
The charity helps needy families during the winter.
C2 adjective /ˈtaɪmwɔːrn/

timeworn

Meaning
Worn or impaired by age; old and used many times.
Example
The timeworn house carried a sense of history and nostalgia.
B2 verb /poʊz/

pose

Meaning
To assume a particular position, especially for a photograph or display; to present a problem or question.
Example
She posed for a picture in front of the monument.
C2 verb /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪt/

exhilarate

Meaning
To make someone feel very happy, animated, or excited.
Example
The mountain view exhilarated the travelers.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

Meaning
of little value or importance; trivial
Example
He complained about the picayune details of the contract.
B2 verb /kənˈfes/

confess

Meaning
to admit guilt or wrongdoing; to acknowledge
Example
He confessed his mistake to his teacher.