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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.
C1 adjective /ˈblaɪtɪd/

blighted

Meaning
Spoiled, damaged, or destroyed.
Example
The blighted neighborhood was abandoned by most residents.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛstɪˈlɛnʃəl/

pestilential

Meaning
Relating to or causing pestilence; very harmful, troublesome, or dangerous.
Example
The pestilential smell of the garbage filled the street.
B1 adjective /kəmˈbaɪnd/

combined

Meaning
formed by bringing together separate parts or elements
Example
The combined effort of the team led to success.
C2 verb /əˈsɛvəˌreɪt/

asseverate

Meaning
to affirm or declare positively and earnestly
Example
He asseverated that he had never seen the man before.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkʌlər/

discolor

Meaning
to change color, especially in a way that spoils the original appearance
Example
The fabric began to discolor after being left in the sun.
B2 noun /ˈʃɪpɪŋ/

shipping

Meaning
the process of transporting goods
Example
The shipping of the products was delayed due to weather conditions.
A2 noun /ˈstændərd/

standard

Meaning
a level of quality or achievement, or a measure of comparison
Example
This car meets all the safety standards.
C1 verb /sɪˈkriːt/

secrete

Meaning
to produce and release a substance from a cell, gland, or organ
Example
The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
C2 noun /ˈtrɪbjuːn/

tribune

Meaning
a person or platform representing the people; historically, a Roman official elected to protect citizens' rights
Example
He was seen as a tribune of the common people.
C1 noun /ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/

status quo

Meaning
The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.
Example
The government decided to maintain the status quo until further review.
A2 verb /laɪ/

lie

Meaning
to be in a horizontal position; to tell an untruth
Example
The book lies on the table.
A2 adverb /ˈæktʃuəli/

actually

Meaning
used to emphasize that something is true, especially when surprising
Example
She actually completed the project ahead of schedule.
B1 noun /ˈjuːs.fəl.nəs/

Usefulness

Meaning
the quality of being useful; practical value or helpfulness
Example
The usefulness of this tool became apparent during the project.
C2 adjective /daɪˈvɜːrtɪbəl/

divertible

Meaning
capable of being turned aside or redirected
Example
Funds from the budget are not legally divertible.
B2 verb /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

diminish

Meaning
to make or become less; to reduce in size, importance, or value
Example
Over time, his influence in the company began to diminish.
B2 adjective /dʌm/

Dumb

Meaning
unable to speak; silent; lacking intelligence; stupid
Example
She remained dumb during the entire meeting.
C2 noun /kjuːˈpɪdəti/

cupidity

Meaning
Excessive desire for wealth or possessions; greed.
Example
The king's downfall was caused by his cupidity.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɛərˌwʊmən/

chairwoman

Meaning
a woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or organization; a female leader of a board or council
Example
She was elected chairwoman of the company after years of experience.
B2 verb /rɪˈstrɪkt/

restrict

Meaning
To limit the size, amount, or range of something.
Example
The government decided to restrict the use of plastic bags.
C1 noun ˌsɛn.trə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

centralization

Meaning
The concentration of control and decision-making power in a central authority.
Example
Excessive centralization can slow down decision-making.
C2 noun /əˈluːviən/

alluvion

Meaning
The gradual increase of land by the deposit of soil from water; also, a flood or overflow of water.
Example
The river’s alluvion added new fertile land to the village fields.
C2 noun /laʊt/

lout

Meaning
An uncouth or aggressive man or boy.
Example
The drunken lout caused a scene at the party.
C1 verb /ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

extinguish

Meaning
to put out a fire, light, or to end something
Example
The firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within an hour.
B1 noun

Pedestrian

B2 adjective /praɪm/

prime

Meaning
Of the best quality; most important; peak condition.
Example
She is in the prime of her career.
B2 noun /ˈɛdʒuˌkeɪtər/

educator

Meaning
a person who provides education; a teacher or instructor
Example
She is a dedicated educator who inspires her students every day.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.lekt/

intellect

Meaning
The ability to think, reason, and understand objectively.
Example
Her intellect is admired by all her colleagues.
C2 verb /pɑːrtʃ/

parch

Meaning
to make something extremely dry, especially by exposure to heat
Example
The scorching sun began to parch the fields.
C1 noun /təˈnæs.ə.ti/

tenacity

Meaning
Determination, persistence, and the quality of not giving up
Example
His tenacity in solving problems led to his success.
B2 noun ˈhɑːrvɪstɪŋ

harvesting

Meaning
The process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields or collecting natural resources.
Example
Unregulated harvesting affects the biodiversity of oceans.
B2 noun /ˈspɛʃəlti/

specialty

Meaning
a particular area of study, work, or interest; something in which a person or place excels
Example
Her specialty is pediatric medicine.
C1 noun /ɪkˈstriː.mɪst/

Extremist

Meaning
a person who holds extreme political or religious views
Example
The government is taking measures to prevent extremist activities.
C2 noun /ˈklaʊdˌbɜːrst/

cloudburst

Meaning
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
Example
The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst.
C2 adjective /ɑːrˈθʊr.i.ən/

arthurian

Meaning
Relating to the legendary King Arthur and the stories surrounding him.
Example
The novel is set in an Arthurian world of knights and castles.
B1 noun /ˈkɔːrɪdɔːr/

corridor

Meaning
a long passage in a building from which doors lead into rooms
Example
The students waited quietly in the corridor.
B1 adjective /ˌen.təˈteɪ.nɪŋ/

Entertaining

Meaning
providing amusement or enjoyment; funny and engaging
Example
The comedian's performance was very entertaining and kept the audience laughing.
B1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmənənt/

Permanent

Meaning
lasting; unchanging; enduring
Example
The tattoo is a permanent mark on his skin.
C2 noun /ˈspuːnərɪzəm/

spoonerism

Meaning
A verbal error in which the initial sounds of words are swapped to create a humorous effect.
Example
He made a spoonerism by saying 'queer old dean' instead of 'dear old queen'.
A2 adjective /diːp/

deep

Meaning
extending far down from the top or surface; profound or intense
Example
The lake is very deep in the middle.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfriːkwənt/

infrequent

Meaning
Happening rarely or not often.
Example
He made infrequent visits to his hometown after moving abroad.
C1 noun /ˌrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Ratification

Meaning
the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement
Example
The treaty required ratification by both countries' parliaments.
C2 noun /rɪˈsɪdɪˌvɪzəm/

recidivism

Meaning
The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend or relapse into criminal behavior.
Example
The government introduced new programs to reduce recidivism among former inmates.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrmjuˈteɪʃən/

permutation

Meaning
An arrangement or reordering of elements, often in mathematics or logic.
Example
The puzzle can be solved by trying all possible permutations of the tiles.
B1 noun ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

initiative

Meaning
An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.
Example
NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon is ambitious.
A2 noun /ˈfɑːr.mər/

Farmer

Meaning
a person who grows crops or raises animals for food or profit
Example
The farmer planted rice in the fertile fields this season.
C2 noun /ˈwɑːmpəm/

wampum

Meaning
beads made by Native Americans from shells, used as money or decoration
Example
The tribe traded furs for wampum.
B1 adjective /ˈel.dər.li/

Elderly

Meaning
aged; advanced in years; old
Example
The elderly man walked slowly with his cane.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɪdiəs/

invidious

Meaning
likely to arouse resentment, envy, or anger in others
Example
The manager's invidious remarks created tension among the employees.
A2 verb /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/

recommend

Meaning
to suggest or advise something as being good or suitable
Example
I recommend trying the new restaurant downtown.
C1 noun /ˈded.lɑk/

Dead-lock

Meaning
a situation in which no progress is possible; complete standstill
Example
The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise.
C1 verb /ˈsælvɪdʒ/

salvage

Meaning
To save something from loss, damage, or destruction.
Example
They managed to salvage some goods from the fire.
B2 adjective /əˈvɔɪdəbl/

avoidable

Meaning
able to be prevented or avoided
Example
Most of the damage was avoidable with proper planning.
A2 noun /ˈpʌp.i/

Puppy

Meaning
a young dog
Example
The puppy wagged its tail when it saw its owner.
B2 noun /ˈwɪzərd/

Wizard

Meaning
a man who is supposed to have magical powers; a person who is very skilled in a particular area
Example
The wizard performed amazing magic tricks.
C1 noun /ˌɔːkʃəˈnɪər/

auctioneer

Meaning
a person who conducts auctions by calling out bids and selling items to the highest bidder
Example
The auctioneer quickly raised the price as bidders competed for the painting.
B1 verb /peɪst/

paste

Meaning
to stick something onto a surface using glue or adhesive
Example
I paste the picture into my scrapbook.
C2 noun /ˌɪnəməˈrɑːtə/

inamorata

Meaning
A woman with whom someone is in love; a female lover.
Example
He wrote a poem dedicated to his inamorata.
A2 verb /əˈtæk/

attack

Meaning
to use violence against someone; to criticize strongly
Example
The enemy forces attacked at dawn.
A2 verb /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/

starting

Meaning
beginning to do or experience something
Example
She is starting a new job next week.
C1 verb /ˈɡɑː.nɪʃ/

garnish

Meaning
To decorate food with small items for added flavor or visual appeal.
Example
She garnished the dish with fresh coriander leaves.
B1 noun /naɪt/

Knight

Meaning
a man given a rank of honor by a British king or queen; a medieval warrior on horseback
Example
The brave knight rescued the princess from the dragon's castle.
B2 noun /ɪnˈtɒlərəns/

intolerance

Meaning
unwillingness to accept or endure beliefs, behaviors, or conditions different from one's own
Example
The leader was criticized for his intolerance toward other religions.
B1 noun /ˈsɛt ʌp/

set-up

Meaning
The arrangement or organization of something; a planned structure or scheme
Example
The company presented a new set-up for the office layout.
A2 adjective /ˈɛkstrə/

extra

Meaning
More than what is usual, expected, or necessary
Example
She brought some extra food for the picnic.
B1 adjective /ˈvɪʒuəl/

visual

Meaning
Relating to seeing or sight.
Example
The movie was praised for its stunning visual effects.
C2 noun /ˈlɪŋ.ɡwə/

lingua

Meaning
A language, especially one used for communication among people.
Example
English has become a global lingua for business and science.
B2 adjective ˈstrʌktʃərəl

structural

Meaning
Relating to or forming part of a structure.
Example
The structural integrity of the bridge was tested after the storm.
A2 noun /fæt/

Fat

Meaning
a natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies; lipid used in cooking
Example
Too much fat in your diet can be unhealthy.
C2 noun /sɪˈnɛrəsɪs/

syneresis

Meaning
The contraction of two adjacent vowels into a single syllable or the separation of liquid from a gel.
Example
The yogurt showed syneresis when liquid separated on top.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
C1 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning
to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others
Example
The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.
B2 adjective /ɪkˈstɪr.i.ər/

Exterior

Meaning
relating to the outside part or surface of something; outer
Example
The exterior of the building was painted in bright colors.
B2 adjective /dɪˈziːzd/

Diseased

Meaning
affected by disease; suffering from illness; sick
Example
The diseased tree had to be removed from the garden.
B2 noun /pəˈtɪʃən/

petition

Meaning
a formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority about a cause
Example
They signed a petition to improve road safety in the area.
C2 noun /ˈpæntəˌskoʊp/

pantoscope

Meaning
An optical instrument that provides a wide or panoramic view.
Example
The scientist used a pantoscope to observe the entire horizon.
C1 noun /kɒzˈmɒlədʒi/

cosmology

Meaning
the science of the origin and development of the universe
Example
She studied cosmology to understand the origins of the universe.
B2 verb /ɪkˈspaɪər/

expire

Meaning
to come to an end, especially a period of validity or life
Example
My passport will expire next month.
C2 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsnt/

obsolescent

Meaning
Becoming outdated or on the way to becoming obsolete.
Example
The obsolescent technology could not compete with modern devices.
B1 noun truː ˌɛdjuˈkeɪʃən

true education

Meaning
Genuine learning that develops both mind and character.
Example
True education builds a noble and beautiful life.
C2 noun /maɪˈæzmə/

miasma

Meaning
An unpleasant or unhealthy smell or atmosphere.
Example
A miasma of decay hung over the abandoned house.
C1 noun /ˈsteɪl.meɪt/

stalemate

Meaning
A situation in which no progress can be made or no party can win.
Example
Negotiations ended in a stalemate.
C1 verb /niːd/

knead

Meaning
to work dough or clay into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching
Example
She kneads the dough until it becomes smooth.
C2 noun/verb /ˈpɪləri/

pillory

Meaning
a device for publicly punishing someone / to expose to public ridicule
Example
The corrupt official was placed in the pillory for the town to jeer at.
C1 adjective, verb /ɪɡˈzɛmpt/

exempt

Meaning
Free from an obligation or liability imposed on others.
Example
Students with high grades are exempt from the final exam.
A2 adjective /ˈsuːpər/

super

Meaning
excellent; very good
Example
She did a super job on the project.
B2 noun /ˈɑːrtɪzən/

artisan

Meaning
a skilled craftsperson who makes things by hand
Example
The artisan crafted a beautiful wooden chair.
C1 adjective /ˈræmʃækəl/

ramshackle

Meaning
poorly built or maintained; in a state of disrepair
Example
They lived in a ramshackle old house on the edge of town.
B2 noun /ˈleɪ.bər.ər/

Labourer

Meaning
a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
Example
The labourer worked hard all day at the construction site.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɒlədʒɪst/

ornithologist

Meaning
a scientist who studies birds
Example
The ornithologist spent years studying migratory birds.
C1 adjective /ˌsʌbˈkɒn.ʃəs/

subconscious

Meaning
Of or concerning the part of the mind which one is not fully aware of but which influences actions and feelings.
Example
Fears often come from the subconscious mind.
A2 noun /ˈʃaʊər/

shower

Meaning
a brief fall of rain or snow or a device for taking a bath or washing oneself
Example
After the workout, I took a quick shower to refresh myself.
C1 noun /ræmˈbuːtən/

Rambutan

Meaning
a tropical fruit with red spiky skin and white translucent sweet flesh similar to litchi
Example
The rambutan looks scary with its hairy skin but tastes very sweet inside.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsɜːrnəbl/

indiscernible

Meaning
Impossible or difficult to see, notice, or distinguish.
Example
The difference between the two shades was almost indiscernible.
C1 noun /hoʊks/

Hoax

Meaning
a humorous or malicious deception; something intended to trick or deceive people
Example
The news about aliens landing turned out to be an elaborate hoax created by pranksters.
C2 verb /dɪˈdʒɛkt/

deject

Meaning
to make someone feel sad, depressed, or dispirited
Example
The news of his failure seemed to deject him deeply.
C1 verb /feɪn/

feign

Meaning
to pretend or fake; to give a false appearance of
Example
She feigned illness to avoid going to work.
B2 noun /beɪ liːf/

Bay leaf

Meaning
dried aromatic leaf of the bay laurel tree used as a culinary herb
Example
Add a bay leaf to the soup for extra flavor.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪsəti/

nicety

Meaning
a fine or subtle detail, or a refined, delicate aspect of something
Example
The lawyer explained the legal niceties of the case.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɒvərɪʃ/

impoverish

Meaning
To make someone poor or reduce the quality or richness of something.
Example
The long war impoverished the entire nation.
C2 adjective /ˈlɔːdəˌtɔːri/

laudatory

Meaning
Expressing praise or admiration.
Example
She wrote a laudatory review of the new book.
C2 noun /ˈriːdʒənt/

regent

Meaning
a person who rules in place of a monarch when the monarch is absent or too young
Example
The prince acted as regent until the king came of age.
C1 adjective /ˈskɔːrnfəl/

Scornful

Meaning
showing contempt or disdain; expressing scorn
Example
She gave him a scornful look when he made the rude comment.
C1 noun /ˈmæntl̩/

mantle

Meaning
A cloak or covering; also the layer of the earth between the crust and the core.
Example
The leader assumed the mantle of responsibility.
B2 noun ˌsaɪ.bə.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti

cybersecurity

Meaning
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks
Example
Cybersecurity ensures safe digital operations.
B2 noun /əˈroʊmə/

aroma

Meaning
A pleasant, distinctive smell.
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
C1 verb /ˌdiː.kəmˈprɛs/

decompress

Meaning
To relax and recover from stress or pressure.
Example
Taking deep breaths helps to decompress after a stressful day.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpʌl.sɪv/

Repulsive

Meaning
extremely unpleasant; causing strong dislike or disgust
Example
The smell of rotten eggs was absolutely repulsive.
C1 verb /ˈpɛdəl/

peddle

Meaning
To sell goods, often by going from place to place; sometimes used negatively to mean promoting an idea or product in a pushy way.
Example
Street vendors peddle handmade jewelry to tourists.
B2 adjective /ˈæfluənt/

affluent

Meaning
having a great deal of money; wealthy
Example
She grew up in an affluent neighborhood.
C1 verb /dəˈmɛstɪkeɪt/

domesticate

Meaning
to tame an animal for use by humans; to adapt something for domestic use
Example
Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago.
B2 noun /ˈmɪn.ɪ.stri/

Ministry

Meaning
A government department responsible for a particular area of public administration
Example
The Ministry of Education announced new policies for schools.
C1 noun /ˌprɑːfɪˈtɪr/

profiteer

Meaning
a person who makes excessive profits, especially unfairly or illegally
Example
The government punished war profiteers.
C2 adjective /ˈɡɔːdi/

gaudy

Meaning
excessively showy or flashy, often in a tasteless way
Example
She wore a gaudy necklace that clashed with her elegant dress.
B1 verb /dɪˈfɛnd/

defend

Meaning
To protect someone or something from harm or attack.
Example
The lawyer worked hard to defend her client.
B1 adjective /ˈæktʃuəl/

actual

Meaning
real and existing, not just imagined or supposed
Example
The actual cost was higher than expected.
B2 noun /ɡʊdz treɪn/

Goods train

Meaning
a train designed to transport cargo and freight rather than passengers
Example
The long goods train carried containers from the port to the inland depot.
C2 adjective /dɪˈspjuːtəbl/

Disputable

Meaning
open to debate or argument; questionable
Example
The facts in the case are disputable and need further investigation.
B2 noun, adjective /ˈkɒrəl/

coral

Meaning
a hard, rock-like marine organism formed by tiny sea animals; a pinkish-orange color resembling coral
Example
The coral in the reef provides shelter for many sea creatures.
C2 adjective /sɪmˈfoʊniəs/

symphonious

Meaning
Harmonious; producing a pleasant sound or agreement of sound.
Example
The choir's voices were symphonious and filled the hall with beauty.
A1 noun /ˈmʌðər/

mother

Meaning
a female parent
Example
Her mother is a kind and caring person.