crutch
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C1 noun /krʌtʃ/

crutch

Meaning
a support used by someone injured to walk; also something relied upon for support or help
Example
He had to use crutches after breaking his leg.
C1 verb /ˈmʌd.əl/

muddle

Meaning
to mix things up in a confused way or to make a mess of something
Example
He muddled the papers and couldn’t find the report.
C1 adverb, adjective /ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtoʊ/

incognito

Meaning
In disguise or with one's identity concealed.
Example
The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid the paparazzi.
C1 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɔːri/

derogatory

Meaning
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.
Example
The article contained derogatory comments about the politician.
C1 adverb /ˈæmpli/

amply

Meaning
more than sufficiently; generously
Example
She was amply rewarded for her hard work.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪp.ʃeɪp/

Shipshape

Meaning
neat and tidy; in good order; well-organized
Example
Everything was shipshape before the inspection.
C1 adjective /ˈreɪdiənt/

radiant

Meaning
Shining brightly; expressing great happiness.
Example
She looked radiant in her wedding dress.
C1 noun /ˈkærət/

karat

Meaning
A unit for measuring the purity of gold, with 24 karats being pure gold.
Example
The ring was made of 18-karat gold.
C1 verb /kwɛl/

quell

Meaning
To suppress or put an end to something, usually by force.
Example
The police were called to quell the violent protest.
C1 verb /ˌɪn.trəˈspekt/

introspect

Meaning
To examine one's own thoughts, feelings, or mental state.
Example
He often introspects before making important decisions.
C1 noun, verb /ˌprɒməˈneɪd/

promenade

Meaning
A leisurely walk or stroll, especially in a public place for pleasure or display.
Example
They went for a promenade along the seaside.
C1 verb /dɪˈfɔːrm/

deform

Meaning
to change the shape or form of something, especially in a way that makes it ugly or damaged; to distort
Example
The intense heat began to deform the plastic container.
C1 noun /wɪsp/

wisp

Meaning
A small thin or twisted bunch, piece, or amount of something.
Example
A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney.
C1 noun, verb /ˈtætər/

tatter

Meaning
A torn piece of cloth or clothing; to become ragged or torn.
Example
The old flag hung in tatters after the storm.
C1 noun /ˈkiːpˌseɪk/

keepsake

Meaning
An object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
Example
She gave me a small locket as a keepsake of our friendship.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈflæməˌtɔːri/

inflammatory

Meaning
causing inflammation in the body; arousing anger, hostility, or strong emotion
Example
His inflammatory speech triggered protests across the city.
C1 noun trəˈdʒek.tər.i

trajectory

Meaning
The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
Example
The satellite followed its intended trajectory.
C1 adjective /proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

prosaic

Meaning
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
Example
The teacher’s explanation was accurate but rather prosaic.
C1 noun /ˈfɛlən/

felon

Meaning
a person who has committed a serious crime
Example
The felon was sentenced to ten years in prison.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbɛd/

imbed

Meaning
To fix firmly or deeply in a surrounding mass.
Example
The journalist imbedded himself with the troops to report firsthand.
C1 verb /bɒtʃ/

botch

Meaning
to carry out a task badly or carelessly
Example
He completely botched the repair job.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪr.i.səm/

Wearisome

Meaning
causing tiredness; tedious; boring and exhausting
Example
The wearisome journey took twelve hours to complete.
C1 verb /paʊt/

pout

Meaning
to push one's lips forward as an expression of annoyance or sulkiness
Example
The child began to pout when he didn’t get the toy.
C1 noun /kwɪnˈtɛsəns/

quintessence

Meaning
The purest or most perfect example of something.
Example
She is the quintessence of elegance.
C1 verb /ɪkˈspaʊnd/

expound

Meaning
to present and explain in detail
Example
The professor expounded the theory in simple terms.
C1 noun ˈlaɪv.li.hʊd

livelihood

Meaning
A means of securing the necessities of life; a way of making a living.
Example
Fishing is the primary livelihood of coastal communities.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈwɒrəntɪd/

warranted

Meaning
Justified or authorized under the circumstances.
Example
Her anger was warranted after the unfair treatment.
C1 noun /ˈskɛptɪk/

skeptic

Meaning
A person who doubts or questions accepted beliefs or claims.
Example
The scientist was a skeptic of theories without solid evidence.
C1 noun /ɪˈnɪɡ.mə/

enigma

Meaning
A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
Example
Life remains an enigma to many.
C1 noun /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

pediatrics

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children
Example
She decided to specialize in pediatrics after medical school.
C1 noun /ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃən/

supposition

Meaning
An assumption or belief that something is true without certain proof.
Example
His plan was based on the supposition that the market would recover quickly.
C1 verb /əbˈstrʌkt/

obstruct

Meaning
to block or hinder progress; to prevent or impede movement
Example
The fallen tree obstructed the road for several hours.
C1 noun /məˈnɒɡəmi/

monogamy

Meaning
The practice of being married to or in a relationship with only one person at a time.
Example
Many cultures encourage monogamy as the ideal form of marriage.
C1 adjective /ˈɡruːsəm/

gruesome

Meaning
Causing horror or disgust.
Example
The police discovered a gruesome crime scene.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrdʒəri/

forgery

Meaning
the crime of making fake documents, money, or artworks
Example
The bank detected a forgery in the signature on the cheque.
C1 adjective /ˈblaɪtɪd/

blighted

Meaning
Spoiled, damaged, or destroyed.
Example
The blighted neighborhood was abandoned by most residents.
C1 noun /ɡʌl/

Gull

Meaning
a seabird with webbed feet, long wings, and usually white and gray feathers
Example
The gull swooped down to grab the fish from the water.
C1 verb /ˈdʒʌɡəl/

juggle

Meaning
To continuously toss and catch objects in the air; to manage many tasks at the same time.
Example
He tried to juggle work, studies, and family responsibilities.
C1 noun /ˈɡuːs.bʌmps/

goosebumps

Meaning
small raised bumps on the skin caused by cold, fear, or excitement
Example
The horror movie gave me goosebumps.
C1 noun ɪɡˌzæs.pəˈreɪ.ʃən

exasperation

Meaning
Extreme irritation or frustration.
Example
He sighed in exasperation after hearing the same excuse again.
C1 noun/verb /ˈkætəpʌlt/

catapult

Meaning
A device for launching objects at high speed; to hurl or launch something suddenly.
Example
The invention catapulted him to international fame.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɛtərd/

unfettered

Meaning
not restricted or confined; free
Example
The artist enjoyed unfettered freedom of expression.
C1 noun/adjective /kənˈfɛdərət/

confederate

Meaning
a person, group, or state joined in an alliance or union; relating to a confederacy
Example
The confederate soldiers fought bravely in the war.
C1 adjective /ˌʃoʊ.vəˈnɪs.tɪk/

chauvinistic

Meaning
Displaying or characterized by excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support, especially towards one's own gender or group.
Example
His chauvinistic attitude alienated many of his female colleagues.
C1 noun /ˈpɛsəl/

pestle

Meaning
A heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing or grinding substances in a mortar.
Example
She used a pestle to grind the spices.
C1 verb /ɡliːn/

glean

Meaning
to collect or gather slowly and bit by bit, especially information or crops left after harvest
Example
The journalist gleaned facts from several sources.
C1 noun /ˌriː.dɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/

redistribution

Meaning
The sharing of wealth or resources more equally among society.
Example
The government introduced a redistribution policy to reduce inequality.
C1 adjective /ˈhɔː.ti/

Haughty

Meaning
arrogantly superior and disdainful; showing excessive pride
Example
She gave him a haughty look and walked away.
C1 noun /ˈspɪnstər/

spinster

Meaning
An unmarried woman, often one who is older and considered unlikely to marry
Example
The novel featured a kind-hearted spinster who cared for the village children.
C1 noun/verb /ˈɪnsɛns/

incense

Meaning
a substance burned for its sweet smell (noun); to make very angry (verb)
Example
The smell of incense filled the temple, but his rude words incensed her.
C1 noun /ˌtes.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Testimonial

Meaning
a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications
Example
The professor wrote a glowing testimonial for her former student.
C1 adjective /ˌəʊ.vərˈɑː.tʃɪŋ/

overarching

Meaning
Comprehensive or all-embracing; forming an arch over something.
Example
The overarching theme of the book is human resilience.
C1 adjective ˌmiː.ti.ər.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

meteorological

Meaning
Relating to weather conditions and atmospheric phenomena.
Example
Meteorological conditions affect farming cycles.
C1 noun /ˈhɪpnətɪzəm/

hypnotism

Meaning
The practice or act of inducing hypnosis.
Example
He studied hypnotism as part of his psychology degree.
C1 noun /prəˈtruːʒən/

protrusion

Meaning
Something that sticks out or projects from a surface.
Example
The protrusion on the wall made it difficult to move the furniture.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

unthinking

Meaning
done without careful thought; automatic or thoughtless
Example
His unthinking remark hurt her feelings.
C1 noun /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/

dissonance

Meaning
Disagreement, lack of harmony, conflict between ideas or beliefs.
Example
The cultural dissonance created misunderstandings.
C1 verb /smɪr/

smear

Meaning
to spread or apply a substance messily; to damage someone's reputation with false or unfair words
Example
The child smeared paint across the wall.
C1 verb /splaɪs/

splice

Meaning
to join two pieces of rope, film, or other material by weaving or attaching them together
Example
The technician spliced the two wires to restore the connection.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːrɡjuəbl/

arguable

Meaning
open to debate or discussion; not certain and capable of being argued for or against
Example
It is arguable that technology has improved our quality of life.
C1 adjective /ˈniːd.ləs/

Needless

Meaning
unnecessary; not required; without purpose
Example
The argument was needless and could have been avoided.
C1 noun /ˈnɔːrmən/

Norman

Meaning
A member of a people of mixed Scandinavian and Frankish origin who settled in Normandy, or relating to their culture.
Example
The Normans conquered England in 1066.
C1 adjective /ˈfiːzəbl/

feasible

Meaning
possible to do easily or conveniently; practical and workable
Example
It is feasible to complete the project within two months.
C1 verb /ˈpʌməl/

pummel

Meaning
To strike repeatedly with the fists; to beat or hit forcefully.
Example
The boxer pummeled his opponent in the final round.
C1 adjective əsˈtjuːt

astute

Meaning
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example
His astute observations helped solve the complex problem.
C1 noun ˌræʃ.ən.əl.ɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

rationalization

Meaning
The practice of finding reasons for behavior or actions that are not the real reasons.
Example
His rationalization of the mistake was not convincing.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪtʃi/

Litchi

Meaning
a small oval pink-red tropical fruit with white translucent flesh and sweet taste
Example
The litchi has a rough pink shell that you peel to eat the sweet white fruit inside.
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 /ˈpæs.ɪ.faɪ/

pacify

Meaning
To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of someone.
Example
The mother tried to pacify her crying child.
C1 adjective /ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk/

apathetic

Meaning
showing or feeling little or no interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Example
He was apathetic about the outcome of the match.
C1 noun /ˈstænzə/

stanza

Meaning
a group of lines forming a unit in a poem or song
Example
The poem begins with a stanza describing nature.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪ.trɪks/

matrix

Meaning
An environment or structure in which something develops; also a mathematical array of numbers.
Example
The cultural matrix shaped his worldview.
C1 noun ˌhaɪ.pɚˈten.ʃən

hypertension

Meaning
Abnormally high blood pressure.
Example
High sodium intake leads to hypertension.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈwɪtɪŋ/

unwitting

Meaning
Not aware of what is happening; done without realizing.
Example
She became an unwitting participant in the scam.
C1 /ˈdʒɛtɪsən/

jettison

Meaning
to throw or drop something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle to lighten the load; to abandon something no longer wanted
Example
The crew had to jettison cargo to save the sinking ship.
C1 noun /ˈproʊbeɪt/

probate

Meaning
the official proving of a will in a court of law
Example
The family had to go through probate after his death.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/

intimidate

Meaning
To frighten or overawe someone, especially to make them do what one wants.
Example
The bully tried to intimidate the smaller kids.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæs.tɪ.ti/

Chastity

Meaning
the practice of refraining from extramarital or premarital sexual relations; sexual purity
Example
Many religious traditions value chastity as a virtue of moral purity.
C1 noun /ˈstreɪnər/

Strainer

Meaning
a device having holes punched in it or made of crossed wires for separating solid matter from a liquid
Example
Use a strainer to drain the pasta water.
C1 adjective /prɪˈkoʊʃəs/

precocious

Meaning
Showing advanced development or maturity at an unusually early age.
Example
The precocious child was reading novels at the age of five.
C1 noun/verb /pɔːr/

pore

Meaning
As a noun: a tiny opening in the skin or surface. As a verb: to study something carefully.
Example
She pored over the documents for hours before making a decision.
C1 verb /əˈtjuːn/

attune

Meaning
to make someone or something aware of or responsive to something; to adjust or harmonize
Example
She quickly attuned herself to the needs of her new team.
C1 noun /lʌst/

Lust

Meaning
very strong sexual desire; a passionate desire for something
Example
His lust for power corrupted him completely.
C1 noun ˌiː.kəʊˈfrend.li ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

eco-friendly urbanization

Meaning
The development of cities in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
Example
Eco-friendly urbanization reduces environmental degradation.
C1 noun /ˈfaɪər.wɔːl/

firewall

Meaning
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Example
A firewall protects networks from cyber-attacks.
C1 adjective /ˈvɪrjʊlənt/

virulent

Meaning
Extremely severe or harmful in its effects.
Example
The virulent disease spread rapidly across the region.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌlən/

sullen

Meaning
bad-tempered and gloomy; silently resentful
Example
She gave him a sullen look and walked away.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæsɪv/

impassive

Meaning
Not showing or feeling emotion; expressionless.
Example
Despite the shocking news, she remained impassive.
C1 adjective ˈeɪlɪəneɪtɪd

alienated

Meaning
Feeling isolated or estranged; disconnected from others or society.
Example
Alienated students are more prone to delinquency.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
C1 noun /tʃɪt/

Chit

Meaning
a short note, typically a brief informal letter; a voucher for a sum owed
Example
She left a chit on the table asking him to call her back.
C1 noun /ˈdek.ə.dəns/

decadence

Meaning
Moral or cultural decline characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury.
Example
The novel describes the decadence of the wealthy elite.
C1 noun /ˈriːkɔːrs/

recourse

Meaning
a source of help or protection in a difficult situation
Example
The students had no recourse but to appeal to the principal.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːbiəs/

dubious

Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
C1 verb /bɪˈsɛt/

beset

Meaning
to trouble, harass, or attack on all sides
Example
The village was beset by constant floods.
C1 noun /pərˈvɜr.sə.ti/

Perversity

Meaning
deliberate determination to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; the quality of being contrary or obstinate
Example
His perversity in refusing help frustrated everyone.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪ.meɪt/

primate

Meaning
A member of the group of animals including humans, apes, and monkeys.
Example
Humans are classified as primates.
C1 verb /ˈdʒɪtər/

jitter

Meaning
to shake or tremble slightly, often from fear, nervousness, or excitement
Example
He began to jitter nervously before giving his speech.
C1 noun ˌɪm.pʌlˈsɪv.ɪ.ti

impulsivity

Meaning
The tendency to act quickly and without thought or care; lack of self-control.
Example
His impulsivity led him to make reckless choices.
C1 adjective /ˌtræn.zətˈlæn.tɪk/

transatlantic

Meaning
crossing or spanning the Atlantic Ocean
Example
They took a transatlantic flight from New York to London.
C1 noun /ˈmænəˌrɪzəm/

Mannerism

Meaning
A habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving; an idiosyncrasy
Example
His constant throat clearing had become an annoying mannerism.
C1 noun /ˈmʌf.lər/

Muffler

Meaning
a long strip of cloth worn around the neck for warmth
Example
She wrapped a warm muffler around her neck before going outside.
C1 noun /ˈtiːdiəm/

tedium

Meaning
the state of being tedious; monotony or boredom
Example
The tedium of long meetings often drains motivation.
C1 noun kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈsɜːrvɪs aɪˈdiːəlz

community service ideals

Meaning
Principles and standards of serving the community for social good.
Example
Community service ideals must be taught in schools.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstreɪndʒd/

estranged

Meaning
no longer close or affectionate with someone; alienated
Example
She felt estranged from her family after the long dispute.
C1 noun /ˈstrɑːtəm/

stratum

Meaning
a layer or level of material, or a social class in society
Example
The upper stratum of society enjoyed privileges not available to others.
C1 noun /ˈtɒpˌsɔɪl/

topsoil

Meaning
the top layer of soil, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients
Example
Farmers rely on healthy topsoil for good crop yields.
C1 adjective /flæmˈbɔɪənt/

flamboyant

Meaning
showy, strikingly bold or colorful; confident and lively
Example
His flamboyant style drew everyone's attention at the party.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 adjective /ˈflʌstərd/

flustered

Meaning
in a state of confusion or agitation
Example
She appeared flustered after being asked so many questions.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsiːtfəl/

deceitful

Meaning
Deliberately misleading or dishonest.
Example
She gave a deceitful answer to hide the truth.
C1 adverb /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋli/

searchingly

Meaning
In a way that seems to look for hidden meanings or truth.
Example
She looked at him searchingly, hoping for an honest answer.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈriːtʃ/

overreach

Meaning
to go beyond what is proper, acceptable, or achievable; to overextend
Example
The politician overreached by making promises he couldn't keep.
C1 noun /hʌl/

hull

Meaning
The outer covering of a seed or fruit; also the main body of a ship.
Example
The sailors inspected the ship’s hull for any damage.
C1 noun /ˌæmplɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

amplification

Meaning
the act or process of making something stronger, louder, or more intense; an expansion or elaboration of details
Example
The microphone provides amplification of the speaker’s voice.
C1 adjective /ˈraʊzɪŋ/

rousing

Meaning
Exciting, inspiring, or stirring.
Example
The speaker delivered a rousing speech that moved the audience.
C1 noun /ˈkɒn.vɔɪ/

convoy

Meaning
a group of vehicles or ships traveling together, often for protection
Example
The military convoy moved through the desert at dawn.
C1 verb/adjective /ˈɡræspɪŋ/

grasping

Meaning
Holding firmly; or (as an adjective) excessively greedy.
Example
The child was grasping her mother’s hand tightly.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.mə.nɪm/

homonym

Meaning
A word that is spelled and pronounced like another word but has a different meaning.
Example
The word 'bat' is a homonym because it can mean an animal or a sports tool.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːrfɪt/

forfeit

Meaning
to lose or give up something, usually as a penalty for wrongdoing
Example
He had to forfeit the match after breaking the rules.
C1 noun /ˈθɪk.ɪt/

Thicket

Meaning
a dense group of bushes or trees; a thick growth of shrubs
Example
The rabbit disappeared into the thicket.