curse
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B2 noun, verb /kɜːrs/

curse

Meaning
a solemn wish that harm or misfortune should befall someone; a rude or offensive word or phrase; to utter offensive words or wish harm upon someone
Example
He cursed loudly when he realized he had lost his wallet.
C1 noun /sɪˈkriː.ʃən/

Secretion

Meaning
a process by which substances are produced and discharged from a cell or gland
Example
Insulin secretion is crucial for blood sugar regulation.
C1 noun ˌɪn.toʊˈneɪ.ʃən

intonation

Meaning
The rise and fall of tone in speech and pronunciation.
Example
Proper intonation enhances the clarity of a speech.
C1 noun /ˈwɪŋˌspæn/

wingspan

Meaning
the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing
Example
The eagle has an impressive wingspan of over two meters.
C2 noun /ˈbɪvuˌæk/

bivouac

Meaning
a temporary camp without tents or cover, usually used by soldiers or mountaineers
Example
The climbers set up a bivouac on the mountainside.
B2 adjective /ˈrek.ləs/

Reckless

Meaning
acting without thinking about consequences; careless; dangerous;
Example
His reckless driving caused a serious accident.
A2 adjective /ˈpɜːrsənl/

personal

Meaning
relating to a particular person rather than anyone else
Example
She shared some personal details about her family.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌnɪŋ/

stunning

Meaning
extremely impressive or attractive
Example
The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely stunning.
B2 noun/verb /ˈtʃɑːrtər/

charter

Meaning
a written document granting rights or privileges; to hire a vehicle or vessel for temporary use
Example
The company decided to charter a bus for the trip.
B1 adjective /ˈdefɪnət/

Definite

Meaning
clearly stated or decided; not vague or uncertain; specific
Example
We need a definite answer by tomorrow.
C2 adjective /ˌæm.bɪˈdɛk.strəs/

ambidextrous

Meaning
Able to use both hands equally well, or versatile in abilities.
Example
Being ambidextrous can be beneficial in sports.
B2 adjective ˈhæzədəs

hazardous

Meaning
Dangerous, risky, or potentially harmful
Example
Hazardous pollutants increase health risks.
C2 adverb /əˈbæk/

Aback

Meaning
by surprise; unexpectedly
Example
I was taken aback by his sudden announcement.
B2 noun /plænˈteɪʃən/

plantation

Meaning
a large area of land where crops are grown, often for commercial purposes
Example
The sugarcane plantation stretched for miles across the valley.
B2 adjective /ˈprɑːspərəs/

Prosperous

Meaning
successful in material terms; flourishing financially
Example
The company became very prosperous after launching their new product.
B2 verb /snæp/

snap

Meaning
to break suddenly; to speak angrily; to take a photograph quickly
Example
The rope snapped under the weight.
B1 noun /prəˈduː.sər/

Producer

Meaning
a person who supervises the making of a film, play, or broadcast program; someone who creates or manufactures goods
Example
The film producer invested millions in the new movie project.
B1 noun /trænzˈleɪtər/

translator

Meaning
a person or tool that converts words or text from one language into another
Example
The translator helped the tourists understand the guide.
C1 verb /ˈhaɪbərˌneɪt/

hibernate

Meaning
To spend the winter in a dormant state, as some animals do.
Example
Bears hibernate in caves during the winter.
C2 verb /ʌnˈkaʊtʃ/

uncouch

Meaning
to remove from a couch or to release from being laid down (rare/archaic usage)
Example
The surgeon attempted to uncouch the cataract.
C2 noun /ˈaʊtˌrɪɡər/

outrigger

Meaning
a projecting structure on a boat, used for stability, or a boat fitted with such support
Example
The fisherman paddled his outrigger canoe across the lagoon.
B2 verb /məˈnɪpjʊleɪt/

manipulate

Meaning
to handle or control skillfully; to influence someone in a clever way
Example
She can manipulate the software to create stunning graphics.
A2 noun /pɒt/

Pot

Meaning
a deep round container used for cooking food
Example
She put the vegetables in a large pot to make soup.
C1 noun /ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/

demolition

Meaning
the act or process of destroying a building or structure
Example
The demolition of the old factory took several weeks.
B1 adjective /faɪˈnænʃəl/

financial

Meaning
relating to money, banking, or finance
Example
He made a sound financial decision by investing wisely.
C2 noun /blæk ˈkɑːr.də.məm/

Black Cardamom

Meaning
a large aromatic spice pod with a smoky flavor, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking
Example
Add black cardamom to the curry for a rich, smoky flavor.
B1 noun /məˈskiː.toʊ/

Mosquito

Meaning
a small flying insect that bites people and animals to feed on their blood
Example
The mosquito bit me on the arm last night.
A1 noun /pəˈliːs/

police

Meaning
a body of officers representing the civil authority of government
Example
The police arrived quickly to investigate the scene.
B1 adjective /ˈɜːrdʒənt/

Urgent

Meaning
requiring immediate action or attention; pressing
Example
The patient needs urgent medical attention.
C1 verb, noun /lɜːrtʃ/

lurch

Meaning
to make an abrupt, unsteady, or uncontrolled movement; a sudden movement or stagger
Example
The bus lurched forward as the driver hit the brakes.
B2 noun /ˈɜːnɪŋz/

earnings

Meaning
money obtained in return for labor or services
Example
Her monthly earnings are enough to support her family.
B1 noun ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz

Generations

Meaning
All of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.
Example
The family tree spans several generations.
C1 verb /priːˈɛmpt/

preempt

Meaning
To take action in order to prevent something from happening; to take the place of something.
Example
The government acted quickly to preempt a financial crisis.
C1 adjective /pəˈnʌltɪmət/

penultimate

Meaning
second to the last in a sequence or series
Example
She finished the penultimate chapter before going to sleep.
B2 adverb /ˈred.ɪ.li/

Readily

Meaning
willingly; easily; without hesitation
Example
She readily agreed to help with the project.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ɪ.bəl/

Cannibal

Meaning
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
Example
The explorer's journal described rumors of cannibals living on the remote island.
B2 adjective ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl

gradual

Meaning
Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.
Example
Gradual changes are more sustainable.
B2 adjective ədˈmɪn.ɪ.strə.tɪv

administrative

Meaning
Relating to the running of a business, organization, etc.; concerned with or relating to management or administration.
Example
Administrative reforms improve efficiency.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈberəbəl/

Unbearable

Meaning
too painful, annoying, or unpleasant to tolerate; impossible to endure
Example
The heat in the desert was unbearable.
C1 noun /pərˈvɜːrʒən/

perversion

Meaning
The act of distorting or corrupting the original meaning, purpose, or state of something.
Example
The regime’s censorship was seen as a perversion of free speech.
C1 adjective /kənˈvɜːrdʒənt/

convergent

Meaning
tending to move toward a common point or result
Example
The two rivers have a convergent path before entering the lake.
C2 noun /ˌsuːdəˈnɪmɪti/

pseudonymity

Meaning
the practice or state of using a pseudonym
Example
The author maintained pseudonymity throughout her career.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːrtətɪv/

hortative

Meaning
Giving strong encouragement or urging.
Example
The teacher gave a hortative speech to motivate the students before the exam.
C1 noun ˈæltruɪzəm

altruism

Meaning
The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
His altruism motivated others to volunteer.
B2 noun /kʌlt/

cult

Meaning
a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object
Example
The cult followed their leader with great devotion.
C1 noun /ˈblɒk.ɪdʒ/

Blockage

Meaning
an obstruction that makes movement or flow difficult or impossible
Example
The drain blockage caused water to overflow in the kitchen.
C2 noun /ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvər/

quicksilver

Meaning
Mercury; a liquid metal, or something that is quick and unpredictable.
Example
His mood was as changeable as quicksilver.
C1 noun /ˈheɪl.stɔːrm/

Hailstorm

Meaning
a violent storm with hail falling from the sky
Example
The hailstorm damaged many cars in the parking lot.
C1 noun /ˈdæɡ.ər/

Dagger

Meaning
a short knife with a pointed blade used as a weapon
Example
The ancient warrior carried a silver dagger.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɔːn.dɪs/

jaundice

Meaning
A medical condition in which the skin and eyes become yellow due to liver problems.
Example
The doctor diagnosed the baby with jaundice.
C2 verb /əˈbɑː.mə.neɪt/

abominate

Meaning
to feel hatred or loathing for something
Example
She abominates cruelty to animals.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈhɑːrtənd/

Disheartened

Meaning
discouraged; feeling dejected; losing hope or confidence
Example
She felt disheartened after failing the exam twice.
B2 noun /kʌb/

Cub

Meaning
a young bear, lion, tiger, or other large carnivorous mammal
Example
The bear cub stayed close to its mother for protection.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊmə/

coma

Meaning
A deep state of prolonged unconsciousness caused by illness or injury.
Example
The patient remained in a coma for several weeks.
C2 adjective /krəˈmætɪk/

chromatic

Meaning
Relating to colors or, in music, notes outside the standard scale.
Example
The artist used a chromatic palette to create vibrant contrasts.
A1 pronoun /ðɪs/

this

Meaning
used to refer to a person or thing that is close or near in space, time, or thought
Example
This is my favorite book.
C1 noun /ˈbɜːrθraɪt/

birthright

Meaning
A privilege or possession that a person has from birth.
Example
Freedom is considered a birthright of every individual.
C1 adjective dɪ ˈskrɛʃ.ən.er.i

discretionary

Meaning
Available for use at the discretion of the user; not required or mandatory.
Example
He set aside some discretionary income for travel.
C2 noun /ˈrɛdʒɪsaɪd/

regicide

Meaning
the act of killing a king
Example
The conspirators were executed for committing regicide.
C2 verb /ɛksˈhjuːm/

exhume

Meaning
to dig out something buried, especially a body from the ground
Example
The archaeologists decided to exhume the ancient remains.
C1 noun /stɑːr fruːts/

Star Fruits

Meaning
yellow tropical fruits that form a star shape when sliced crosswise; tangy and crisp taste
Example
When you slice star fruits, they look like beautiful yellow stars on your plate.
C2 noun /ˌdɛrɪˈlɪkʃən/

dereliction

Meaning
the state of being abandoned; neglect of duty
Example
The officer was charged with dereliction of duty.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈtroʊld/

uncontrolled

Meaning
not restrained or managed; lacking control
Example
The wildfire spread in an uncontrolled manner, causing widespread damage.
B1 noun /feɪk/

Fake

Meaning
a thing that is not genuine; a forgery or sham
Example
The painting was discovered to be a fake worth very little money.
C2 noun ˌfjuːmɪˈɡeɪʃən

fumigation

Meaning
The practice of disinfecting or purifying an area using gas or smoke.
Example
Fumigation is an effective method to control pest infestations.
C2 noun /ˈlæn.sɪt/

lancet

Meaning
a small, sharp, two-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions
Example
The doctor used a lancet to prick the patient’s finger for a blood test.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈsaɪzd/

undersized

Meaning
Smaller than the usual or expected size.
Example
The undersized puppy struggled to keep up with its siblings.
B1 noun rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti

responsibility

Meaning
The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.
Example
Taking responsibility for one's actions is a sign of maturity.
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 /hɔːɡ plʌm/

Hog plum

Meaning
tropical fruit with yellow skin and sour taste
Example
Hog plums are often used to make pickles and chutneys.
B1 noun /əˌkɒm.əˈdeɪ.ʃənz/

accommodations

Meaning
Lodging; room and board; places to stay.
Example
The students had proper accommodations.
C2 noun /ˈkɪldʒɔɪ/

killjoy

Meaning
a person who spoils the fun or enjoyment of others
Example
Don’t be a killjoy at the party.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.ɪ.neɪt/

machinate

Meaning
to engage in plots or schemes, usually for harmful or evil purposes
Example
The rebels tried to machinate against the king.
A2 noun /ˈʌv.ən/

Oven

Meaning
an enclosed compartment used for heating, baking, or drying food
Example
She baked cookies in the oven for thirty minutes.
B2 noun /soʊp keɪs/

Soap case

Meaning
a container used to store soap
Example
She bought a beautiful soap case for the bathroom.
B2 noun ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːr.kɪŋ

benchmarking

Meaning
Comparing with a specific industry or competitor to set the best standards.
Example
Companies use benchmarking to assess their performance.
C1 adjective /ˈtɪpsi/

tipsy

Meaning
slightly drunk
Example
She felt tipsy after just one glass of wine.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊmiːn/

bromine

Meaning
a dark red, dense, toxic liquid element used in making dyes, flame retardants, and medications
Example
Bromine is commonly used in water treatment chemicals.
C1 noun, adjective /dɪˈrɪvətɪv/

derivative

Meaning
Something that is based on another source; in math, a measure of how a function changes.
Example
The film was criticized for being too derivative of earlier works.
B1 verb /pɑːrˈtɪsɪpeɪt/

participate

Meaning
to take part in or become involved in an activity
Example
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
B1 noun rɪˈdʌk.ʃən

reduction

Meaning
The action or fact of making a specified thing smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Example
Greenhouse gas reduction is a primary global goal.
C2 noun /rʌmp/

Rump

Meaning
the hindquarters or buttocks; the lower back area
Example
The horse injured its rump during the fall.
B1 adjective /ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/

enthusiastic

Meaning
Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Example
The explorers were enthusiastic about the journey.
C1 noun dʒuːˈdɪʃ.ər.i

judiciary

Meaning
The judicial authorities of a country; the system of courts that interprets and applies the law.
Example
The judiciary ensures the rule of law.
C1 noun /ˈʃær.ən fruːt/

Sharon fruit

Meaning
a sweet orange persimmon fruit that can be eaten when firm
Example
The Sharon fruit is sweet and can be eaten like an apple.
B2 adjective /ˈwɜːrði/

Worthy

Meaning
deserving respect or attention; having merit
Example
Her charitable work made her worthy of the humanitarian award.
B2 noun, verb /ˈpɛdəl/

pedal

Meaning
A foot-operated lever for powering or controlling a mechanism, especially on a bicycle.
Example
He pressed down hard on the bicycle pedal.
B2 verb /ˈɔː.tə.meɪt/

automate

Meaning
To make a process or system operate automatically by means of machines or computers.
Example
Many companies automate their processes to save time.
B1 noun /ˈkɒntɪnənt/

continent

Meaning
one of the large landmasses on Earth such as Asia, Africa, or Europe
Example
Asia is the largest continent in the world.
C2 noun /ˈvɔːdəvɪl/

vaudeville

Meaning
A type of entertainment popular in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of comedy, song, dance, and variety acts.
Example
The vaudeville show included comedians, magicians, and dancers.
B1 verb /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/

qualify

Meaning
to successfully complete a course or pass an exam; to become eligible
Example
She worked hard to qualify for the competition.
B1 noun /ˈbɪldər/

builder

Meaning
a person or company that constructs buildings or other structures
Example
The builder checked the site before starting the construction.
C2 noun /ˌpɛdəˈɡɒdʒɪks/

pedagogics

Meaning
the science or art of teaching
Example
He studied pedagogics to become a better teacher.
C1 verb/noun /ˈθrɒt.əl/

throttle

Meaning
To choke or strangle; to control the flow of fuel or power in an engine.
Example
The driver throttled the engine to slow down the car.
C1 noun /tɪnt/

tint

Meaning
a slight shade or variation of a color
Example
The walls were painted white with a slight blue tint.
B1 verb /oʊ/

owe

Meaning
to be under obligation to pay or repay; to be indebted
Example
I owe my success to my parents' support.
B2 noun əˈmendmənt

amendment

Meaning
A minor change in a document.
Example
The amendment was not supported.
A2 noun /ˈmæɡəziːn/

magazine

Meaning
A periodical publication containing articles, photographs, and advertisements.
Example
She bought a fashion magazine at the store.
B2 adjective /ˈmæn.ju.əl/

Manual

Meaning
done by hand; operated by hand; not automatic
Example
This is a manual process that requires careful attention.
B2 verb /ˈræm.bəl/

ramble

Meaning
to talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way; to walk for pleasure without a fixed route.
Example
He rambled on about his childhood for hours.
C1 verb /ˈsɪn.θə.saɪz/

synthesize

Meaning
To combine a number of things into a coherent whole.
Example
Scientists synthesize new compounds for medical research.
C1 noun /ˈlɪŋɡwɪst/

linguist

Meaning
A person skilled in foreign languages or in the scientific study of language.
Example
She is a linguist who speaks six languages fluently.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /ˈɔːltərnət/ (adj, noun), /ˈɔːltərˌneɪt/ (verb)

alternate

Meaning
to occur in turn repeatedly; to take turns; also, a substitute or replacement
Example
The students alternate between online and offline classes.
A2 verb /klaɪm/

climb

Meaning
to go up using hands and feet; to ascend
Example
We decided to climb the mountain.
C1 noun /ˈkwɔːrəm/

quorum

Meaning
The minimum number of members needed to conduct official business in a meeting.
Example
The board meeting was postponed because there was no quorum.
C2 adjective /ˈfʌŋɡəs/

fungous

Meaning
relating to or resembling a fungus
Example
The damp basement had a fungous smell.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪplɪŋ/

stripling

Meaning
a young man who is not yet fully grown
Example
The stripling dreamed of becoming a brave knight.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrsɪmoʊni/

parsimony

Meaning
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
Example
His parsimony was evident in the way he avoided any unnecessary expenses.
B1 noun /ˈhaɪ.weɪ/

highway

Meaning
A main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.
Example
The highway was blocked due to an accident.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊˈtaʊ/

kowtow

Meaning
To act in an excessively subservient or obedient manner.
Example
He refused to kowtow to the unreasonable demands.
C2 noun /ˈhaɪdrə/

hydra

Meaning
a many-headed serpent in Greek mythology; a problem that seems to grow worse when attempts are made to solve it
Example
Corruption is like a hydra, hard to defeat completely.
A1 noun /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/

shopping

Meaning
the activity of going to shops to buy things
Example
She spent the afternoon shopping for clothes.
C2 noun /meɪs/

mace

Meaning
a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority or a weapon similar to a club
Example
The guard carried a mace as a symbol of authority.
B2 adjective /rɪˈflektɪv/

Reflective

Meaning
thoughtful; contemplative; able to reflect light or images
Example
After the meeting, he was in a reflective mood.
A2 noun /tɛkst/

text

Meaning
a written or printed work or passage, especially a book or document
Example
The teacher asked us to read the text on page 50.
A2 verb /ɪmˈpruːv/

improve

Meaning
to make or become better; to enhance quality or condition
Example
Practice helps improve your skills.
C2 adjective ˌnjʊə.rəʊ.prəˈtek.tɪv

neuroprotective

Meaning
Having the ability to protect nerve cells from damage, degeneration, or impaired function.
Example
Omega-3 fatty acids have neuroprotective benefits.
C2 noun, verb /ˌpæm.fləˈtɪər/

pamphleteer

Meaning
a person who writes or distributes pamphlets, often to promote a political or social cause
Example
In the 18th century, many pamphleteers influenced public opinion.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːtərˈnætʃərəl/

preternatural

Meaning
Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary or supernatural.
Example
She had a preternatural ability to remain calm in any crisis.
A2 noun /ˈtiːneɪdʒər/

teenager

Meaning
a person aged between 13 and 19 years.
Example
Teenagers often enjoy hanging out with friends.
B2 noun/verb /bʌk/

buck

Meaning
A male deer; also to resist or oppose strongly.
Example
The horse began to buck wildly as the rider tried to hold on.