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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 noun /ˈlɛɡɪŋ/

legging

Meaning
tight-fitting stretch pants, typically worn by women for exercise or casual wear
Example
She bought a new pair of black leggings for the gym.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ən/

pantheon

Meaning
All the gods of a religion collectively; a building dedicated to all gods.
Example
The Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
C1 adjective /ˈdɔːr.mənt/

Dormant

Meaning
inactive; sleeping; temporarily suspended; not currently active
Example
The volcano has been dormant for over a century.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊdiətrɪst/

podiatrist

Meaning
a doctor specializing in foot care
Example
I have an appointment with the podiatrist for my ankle pain.
C1 adjective /ˈfɜːrtɪv/

furtive

Meaning
Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
Example
He cast a furtive glance at the door before leaving.
C1 noun /ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/

skepticism

Meaning
A skeptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something.
Example
His skepticism about new technology often makes him resistant to change.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrstwaɪl/

erstwhile

Meaning
former or in the past
Example
They were erstwhile friends but no longer speak.
C1 verb ˈɛk.spɪ.daɪt

expedite

Meaning
Make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.
Example
The government took steps to expedite the approval process.
C1 noun /ˌdiː.viˈeɪ.ʃən/

Deviation

Meaning
the action of departing from an established course; a departure from usual standards
Example
Any deviation from the established procedure must be reported immediately.
C1 adjective /ɑːrˈkeɪɪk/

archaic

Meaning
very old or old-fashioned; belonging to an earlier time
Example
Some laws are considered archaic and no longer relevant.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnˈpɑr.də.nə.bəl/

Unpardonable

Meaning
too bad to be forgiven; inexcusable
Example
His betrayal of trust was an unpardonable offense.
C1 noun sɜːrˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm

circadian rhythm

Meaning
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle that occurs within 24 hours
Example
Exposure to natural light regulates the circadian rhythm.
C1 noun /ˈtiːdiəm/

tedium

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

banister

Meaning
a railing supported by posts at the side of a staircase or balcony
Example
She held the banister tightly while going down the stairs.
C1 adjective/adverb /ɡəˈlɔːr/

galore

Meaning
In large amounts; abundant or plentiful.
Example
There were books galore in the old library.
C1 noun /deɪˈbɑː.kəl/

debacle

Meaning
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
Example
The company's poor management led to a financial debacle.
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 noun/verb /brʊk/

brook

Meaning
As a noun: a small natural stream; As a verb: to tolerate or endure something
Example
The village was built near a clear brook.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/

disobedience

Meaning
failure or refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority
Example
The child's disobedience worried his parents.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪnəs/

sinus

Meaning
A cavity within a bone or tissue, especially those in the bones of the face connected with the nasal cavities.
Example
He suffered from a sinus infection that caused headaches.
C1 adjective /ˈhæloʊd/

hallowed

Meaning
regarded as holy or greatly respected
Example
They walked across the hallowed halls of the old university.
C1 verb /kʌl/

cull

Meaning
to select or remove from a larger group, often to reduce numbers
Example
The farmers decided to cull the sick animals from the herd.
C1 noun ˌvɜː.səˈtɪl.ɪ.ti

versatility

Meaning
Ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities; having many different skills.
Example
His versatility made him successful in multiple fields.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪst.fəl/

Wistful

Meaning
having a feeling of longing or yearning; melancholy
Example
She gave a wistful smile when remembering her childhood days.
C1 adjective /dɪˈraɪsɪv/

derisive

Meaning
Expressing contempt or ridicule.
Example
She gave a derisive laugh at his attempt to sing.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈpriːz/

reprise

Meaning
A repetition or return to an earlier theme, role, or action.
Example
The actor reprised his role in the sequel.
C1 verb /ˈbæbəl/

babble

Meaning
to talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish way
Example
The baby babbles all day long.
C1 noun /ˌʌnbɪˈliːf/

Unbelief

Meaning
lack of religious belief; skepticism or doubt
Example
His unbelief in the supernatural made him a skeptic.
C1 noun /ˈhɜːrbɪsaɪd/

herbicide

Meaning
A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants, especially weeds.
Example
Farmers used herbicide to protect their crops from invasive weeds.
C1 noun /fɪˈnɛs/

finesse

Meaning
Subtlety and skill; refinement and delicacy in performance or artistry.
Example
The artist painted with great finesse.
C1 adjective /pləˈtɒnɪk/

platonic

Meaning
relating to a close relationship that is not romantic or sexual
Example
They have a platonic friendship that has lasted for years.
C1 noun /ˈkɒb.lər/

Cobbler

Meaning
a person who repairs shoes and other leather goods
Example
The cobbler fixed my broken shoes perfectly.
C1 verb /rɪˈnɛɡ/

renege

Meaning
to go back on a promise, agreement, or commitment
Example
The company reneged on its promise to increase wages.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
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 verb /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/

improvise

Meaning
To create or perform something spontaneously without preparation.
Example
The actor had to improvise his lines when he forgot the script.
C1 noun/verb /ˈskɜːrmɪʃ/

skirmish

Meaning
a small or brief fight between groups of soldiers; to engage in such a fight
Example
The soldiers got into a skirmish near the border.
C1 verb /əˈfɪliˌeɪt/

affiliate

Meaning
to officially attach or connect (a group or organization) to a larger body
Example
The school is affiliated with the local university.
C1 noun /ˈheəˌkʌtər/

haircutter

Meaning
a person whose job is to cut and style hair; barber or hairdresser
Example
The haircutter gave me a neat and stylish haircut.
C1 adjective ɪmˈpɪr.ɪ.kəl

empirical

Meaning
Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
Example
Scientific research relies on empirical evidence.
C1 verb /veks/

vex

Meaning
to annoy or frustrate someone; to cause trouble
Example
The constant noise from construction vexes the residents.
C1 adjective /ˈsæljʊˌtɛri/

salutary

Meaning
Producing good effects; beneficial, especially after something unpleasant.
Example
The accident was a salutary reminder to drive carefully.
C1 verb ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪt

elucidate

Meaning
make (something) clear; explain.
Example
The professor elucidated the theory with simple examples.
C1 noun /ˈruː.bi/

Ruby

Meaning
a precious red gemstone; a deep red variety of corundum
Example
The ruby ring was her most treasured possession.
C1 verb /dɪˈbeɪs/

debase

Meaning
to reduce the quality, value, or dignity of something
Example
Corruption can debase the values of a society.
C1 adjective /ɪˈvæljʊətɪv/

evaluative

Meaning
Relating to or involving evaluation or assessment.
Example
The evaluative phase of the project involves assessing its success.
C1 verb/noun /ˈrɛlɪʃ/

relish

Meaning
to greatly enjoy; also a condiment or sauce
Example
She relished the opportunity to travel abroad.
C1 adjective ˈɒk.sɪ.də.tɪv

oxidative

Meaning
Related to or caused by oxidation, especially cellular damage from free radicals.
Example
Excess stress can lead to oxidative damage in cells.
C1 verb /pərˈtɜːrb/

perturb

Meaning
To disturb or unsettle greatly in mind.
Example
The sudden noise perturbed the students during the exam.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːrnəˈmɛntl/

ornamental

Meaning
Serving as decoration; decorative rather than functional.
Example
The garden was filled with ornamental plants.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɪzəbl/

divisible

Meaning
Capable of being divided by another number without leaving a remainder.
Example
Twelve is divisible by three and four.
C1 verb /kənˈsaɪn/

consign

Meaning
to deliver something to a person or place, often for selling or safekeeping
Example
He consigned the package to the shipping company.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛrəˈbaʊt/

thereabout

Meaning
Approximately or around that place, amount, or time.
Example
The repairs will cost five hundred dollars or thereabout.
C1 verb /dɪˈvɒlv/

devolve

Meaning
To pass power, responsibility, or duties to another person or group.
Example
The responsibility will devolve on the new manager.
C1 noun /kənˈsep.ʃən/

Conception

Meaning
the forming of an idea or plan; the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm; the action of conceiving
Example
The conception of this innovative project took several months of brainstorming.
C1 verb /fɔːrˈkloʊz/

foreclose

Meaning
to take possession of a property due to the owner's failure to keep up mortgage payments
Example
The bank decided to foreclose on the property after months of missed payments.
C1 noun koʊˈhisɪv ˈjunɪts

cohesive units

Meaning
Groups or organizations that work together as unified wholes, with members closely bound together.
Example
Early humans formed cohesive units for survival.
C1 adjective ˈsek.tər spəˈsɪf.ɪk

sector-specific

Meaning
Relating to or designed for a particular sector or industry.
Example
Sector-specific policies attract targeted investments.
C1 verb /ˈɛkstrɪkeɪt/

extricate

Meaning
To free someone or something from a constraint or difficulty.
Example
The firefighters extricated the passengers from the wrecked car.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜː(r)dərəs/

Murderous

Meaning
having the intent to kill; extremely violent; bloodthirsty
Example
The murderous look in his eyes frightened everyone.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/

Indecisive

Meaning
unable to make decisions quickly; hesitant; wavering
Example
She was indecisive about which university to attend.
C1 noun /ɡræft/

Graft

Meaning
a shoot or twig inserted into a slit on the trunk of a living tree to form a new growth; corruption in politics or business
Example
The gardener used a graft to combine different varieties of apple trees.
C1 noun /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i ˈbreɪk.θruː/

revolutionary breakthrough

Meaning
A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development that changes everything.
Example
Robotic surgery is a revolutionary breakthrough in healthcare.
C1 noun /ˈlʌstər/

luster

Meaning
a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially from a polished surface
Example
The diamond had a brilliant luster.
C1 noun /ˌdiː.kɒmpəˈzɪʃən/

decomposition

Meaning
the process of decaying or breaking down into simpler parts
Example
The decomposition of leaves enriches the soil.
C1 noun /vɛnˈdɛtə/

vendetta

Meaning
a prolonged bitter quarrel or campaign of revenge
Example
The two families were caught in a bitter vendetta for generations.
C1 verb /ˈkɪndəl/

kindle

Meaning
to light a fire; to arouse or inspire
Example
She kindled the campfire with dry wood.
C1 noun /ˈneɪ.vəl/

Navel

Meaning
the small hollow in the center of the stomach where the umbilical cord was attached
Example
The baby's navel cord fell off after a week.
C1 verb /trænˈspaɪər/

transpire

Meaning
to occur, happen, or become known
Example
It transpired that he had lied about his age.
C1 noun /ˈmɪʃ.ən.ɛr.i/

Missionary

Meaning
A person sent on a religious mission to promote their faith in a foreign country
Example
The missionary spent years teaching and helping people in remote villages.
C1 verb /flɑp/

flop

Meaning
to fall or move heavily and clumsily; to fail completely
Example
The new movie flopped at the box office.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
C1 verb ɪkˈstræp.ə.leɪt

Extrapolate

Meaning
Making future estimates based on existing information
Example
Scientists extrapolate climate changes based on past data.
C1 noun dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

dexterity

Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands; mental skill or adroitness.
Example
His dexterity in playing the piano amazed the audience.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.di/

Parody

Meaning
an imitation of a particular style for comic effect; a humorous exaggerated copy
Example
The comedy show featured a parody of famous politicians.
C1 verb /ˈplʌm.ɪt/

plummet

Meaning
to fall straight down at high speed
Example
Stock prices plummeted after the sudden market crash.
C1 noun /ˈtjuːmʌlt/

tumult

Meaning
A loud, confused noise, especially caused by a crowd; commotion or disorder.
Example
The protest created a tumult in the city square.
C1 adjective /ˈspɑːrtn/

spartan

Meaning
showing simplicity and lack of luxury; austere
Example
He lived in a spartan room with just a bed and a chair.
C1 adjective ˌhaɪ.pəˈθet.ɪ.kəl

hypothetical

Meaning
Based on or serving as a hypothesis; supposed but not necessarily real or true.
Example
The discussion was based on hypothetical scenarios.
C1 noun /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/

inadequacy

Meaning
lack of sufficient ability, quality, or strength; a feeling of not being good enough
Example
She struggled with feelings of inadequacy at work despite her strong qualifications.
C1 noun /ˈdæmpər/

damper

Meaning
something that reduces or lessens the force, effect, or excitement
Example
The cancellation of the trip put a damper on their enthusiasm.
C1 noun /braɪn/

brine

Meaning
Water saturated with salt, often used for preserving food.
Example
The olives were stored in brine to keep them fresh.
C1 noun ˈhʌz.bən.dri

husbandry

Meaning
The care, cultivation, and breeding of crops and animals; farming and agriculture.
Example
Proper husbandry techniques improve livestock health.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/

Ineligible

Meaning
not qualified or entitled to participate or be chosen; unsuitable
Example
Students with poor grades are ineligible for the scholarship program.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈses.ənt/

incessant

Meaning
Continuing without pause or interruption; constant.
Example
The incessant noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate.
C1 adjective /dɪˈklærətɪv/

declarative

Meaning
relating to a statement that declares something; in grammar, a sentence that makes a statement
Example
A declarative sentence simply states a fact or opinion.
C1 verb, noun /spraʊt/

sprout

Meaning
to begin to grow; to produce new leaves or shoots
Example
The seeds began to sprout after a few days of rain.
C1 noun /ˈrɒstrəm/

rostrum

Meaning
A raised platform for speakers, performers, or leaders.
Example
The politician delivered a speech from the rostrum.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/

makeshift

Meaning
used as a temporary substitute; improvised
Example
They used boxes as a makeshift table.
C1 adjective ɪn ˈfleɪ.ʃə.ner.i

inflationary

Meaning
Characterized by or tending to cause monetary inflation; relating to rising prices.
Example
The government took measures to control inflationary pressures.
C1 noun /ˈtraɪ.pɒd/

tripod

Meaning
A three-legged stand used to support a camera, telescope, or other object.
Example
The photographer set up his camera on a tripod.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæsɪv/

impassive

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

Returnable

Meaning
able to be returned or given back
Example
The bottle is returnable for a deposit refund.
C1 adjective /pərˈsweɪdəbl̩/

persuadable

Meaning
capable of being convinced or influenced to do something
Example
She was easily persuadable when it came to trying new foods.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɪʃən/

remission

Meaning
A temporary or permanent decrease or disappearance of disease symptoms; forgiveness of sins or debts.
Example
The patient’s cancer is in remission after the treatment.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈprɛsəbl̩/

irrepressible

Meaning
Impossible to control or restrain.
Example
She had an irrepressible urge to laugh during the speech.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɜːrdʒənt/

resurgent

Meaning
Becoming strong, active, or popular again.
Example
The resurgent economy gave hope to many businesses.
C1 noun /ˌkɔːriˈɒɡrəfi/

choreography

Meaning
The art of designing and arranging dances and movements.
Example
The choreography of the ballet was breathtaking.
C1 verb /ˈhaɪtən/

heighten

Meaning
to make or become greater in intensity or degree
Example
The announcement served to heighten the excitement in the room.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/

cartography

Meaning
The science or practice of drawing maps.
Example
She studied cartography at university to learn how to design maps.
C1 adjective /ˌfʊl ˈbɒd.id/

full-bodied

Meaning
Having a strong, rich, and robust quality, especially of wine, coffee, or voice.
Example
He prefers a full-bodied red wine with his dinner.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmjuː.tə.bəl/

immutable

Meaning
Unchangeable, permanent, or fixed
Example
The laws of physics are considered immutable.
C1 noun /brɒŋˈkaɪtɪs/

bronchitis

Meaning
inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with acute bronchitis.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndənt/

pendant

Meaning
a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck
Example
She wore a silver pendant around her neck.
C1 verb /bɔːk/

balk

Meaning
to hesitate or refuse to proceed or comply
Example
She balked at signing the contract without reading it fully.
C1 adjective /ˌjuːtɪlɪˈtɛəriən/

utilitarian

Meaning
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive; relating to the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.
Example
The building had a simple utilitarian design.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsaɪtmənt/

incitement

Meaning
the action of provoking unlawful or violent behavior
Example
He was arrested for incitement to riot.
C1 adjective /əˈkɪn/

akin

Meaning
Of similar character or related by blood.
Example
His reaction was akin to shock.
C1 verb /dɪˈraɪd/

deride

Meaning
to mock or ridicule someone or something
Example
The critics derided the new movie for its poor script.
C1 noun ˌkʌl.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən

culmination

Meaning
The highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time.
Example
The project reached its culmination after years of effort.
C1 preposition /əˈtɒp/

atop

Meaning
on the top of something
Example
A flag was placed atop the tower.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːrsəlɪn/

porcelain

Meaning
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
Example
The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China.
C1 verb /ˈheɪsən/

hasten

Meaning
To move or act quickly; to cause something to happen sooner.
Example
He hastened to finish his work before the deadline.
C1 verb /rɪˈsɜːrdʒ/

resurge

Meaning
To rise, increase, or become active again after a decline.
Example
Interest in traditional crafts has begun to resurge.
C1 noun /ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃənər/

executioner

Meaning
A person who carries out a death sentence by execution.
Example
The executioner prepared the gallows for the condemned prisoner.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/

incompetence

Meaning
Lack of ability, skill, or effectiveness in doing something.
Example
The project failed due to the manager’s incompetence.
C1 adjective /ˌɛvərˈlæstɪŋ/

everlasting

Meaning
Lasting forever or for an indefinitely long time.
Example
The poet wrote about his everlasting love for nature.
C1 adjective /ˈflæʃi/

flashy

Meaning
ostentatious or showy in a way that attracts attention
Example
He drove a flashy sports car through the city streets.