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C1 noun /dɪˈkriː/

Decree

Meaning
an official order issued by a legal authority; a judicial decision or edict
Example
The king issued a decree that all citizens must pay additional taxes.
C1 noun ˈnuːkliəs

nucleus

Meaning
The central core of an atom containing protons and neutrons.
Example
The nucleus consists of protons.
C1 verb /deɪz/

daze

Meaning
to stun or confuse someone temporarily with a shock or surprise
Example
The bright lights dazed the runners as they entered the stadium.
C1 noun /taɪˈreɪd/

tirade

Meaning
a long, angry, or critical speech
Example
The manager launched into a tirade about poor performance.
C1 noun /kənˈtentmənt/

contentment

Meaning
a state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has
Example
She felt a deep sense of contentment after helping others.
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 /ˌriː.əˈdʒʌst.mənt/

readjustment

Meaning
The act of changing or correcting something again to make it suitable or balanced.
Example
After moving to a new city, he went through a period of readjustment.
C1 noun /ˈrɛɡjəleɪtər/

regulator

Meaning
a person or device that controls or maintains the operation of a system
Example
The government appointed a new regulator for the financial sector.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪtriɑːrk/

patriarch

Meaning
a male head of a family or tribe; an older respected man who leads a group
Example
As the family patriarch, he mediated disputes and kept long traditions alive.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈsiːt/

reseat

Meaning
to seat someone again or to fit something back into its place
Example
The usher had to reseat the guests after the interruption.
C1 adjective /ˈpriːmə/

prima

Meaning
first or most important; excellent
Example
She was treated as the prima ballerina of the troupe.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɜːmiəbl/

impermeable

Meaning
Not allowing fluid or gas to pass through.
Example
The container is made of impermeable plastic.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊər/

overpower

Meaning
To defeat or gain control over someone or something by using greater strength or force.
Example
The soldiers managed to overpower the enemy forces.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/

insinuate

Meaning
To suggest or hint something indirectly and often unpleasantly.
Example
He insinuated that she had lied about her qualifications.
C1 noun /naɪˈiːvteɪ/

naivete

Meaning
The quality of being naive; lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
Example
His naivete made him an easy target for manipulation.
C1 verb /ˈrʌsl/

rustle

Meaning
To make a soft, light sound like leaves or paper moving.
Example
The leaves rustled gently in the evening breeze.
C1 verb /ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt/

implicate

Meaning
To show someone’s involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence implicated several officials in the scandal.
C1 adjective /ˈskrɔːni/

scrawny

Meaning
very thin and bony, often looking unhealthy
Example
The scrawny boy could barely lift the heavy bag.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.tə.dʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən.əl

intergenerational

Meaning
Existing or occurring between different generations of a family.
Example
Intergenerational wisdom ensures cultural continuity.
C1 noun ˈoʊʃən əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

ocean acidification

Meaning
The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Example
Ocean acidification is caused by atmospheric CO2 absorption.
C1 adjective /ɪˌlɪzəˈbiːθən/

elizabethan

Meaning
Relating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England (1558–1603), especially the style of that period.
Example
Shakespeare wrote many of his plays during the Elizabethan era.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈrɛpjətəbl̩/

disreputable

Meaning
having a bad reputation; not considered respectable or trustworthy
Example
The journalist avoided staying in the disreputable part of town.
C1 adjective; noun /ɪˈmɔːrtl/

immortal

Meaning
living forever; never dying; lasting forever in fame or memory
Example
Legends often describe heroes as immortal beings who never die.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrnəl/

kernel

Meaning
the central, most important part of something; the edible part of a nut or seed
Example
The kernel of the argument was about fairness.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜː.sɪ.fəl/

Merciful

Meaning
showing compassion or forgiveness; kind and forgiving
Example
The merciful judge gave him a lighter sentence.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪlfəl/

willful

Meaning
Deliberate, intentional, or stubbornly determined to do as one wants.
Example
Her willful disregard for the rules got her into trouble.
C1 verb /rɪˈlɛnt/

relent

Meaning
to become less severe, harsh, or strict
Example
After hours of begging, she finally relented.
C1 noun /ˈvɜː.tɪ.kəl ˈfɑː.mɪŋ/

vertical farming

Meaning
The practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often incorporating controlled-environment agriculture.
Example
Vertical farming ensures maximum space utilization in urban areas.
C1 noun /daɪˈvɜː.ʃən/

Diversion

Meaning
the action of turning something aside from its course; an activity that diverts the mind
Example
The road closure forced a diversion through the countryside for all travelers.
C1 noun /brɪm/

Brim

Meaning
the projecting edge of a hat; the edge or lip of something
Example
The wide brim of his hat protected him from the scorching sun.
C1 noun /sɛkt/

sect

Meaning
a subgroup of a larger religious or political group, often with differing beliefs
Example
The group split into different sects due to doctrinal differences.
C1 adjective /ˌɛpɪˈsɒdɪk/

episodic

Meaning
Happening occasionally or in separate parts; related to episodes.
Example
Her interest in art was episodic, coming and going over the years.
C1 verb /spɔːn/

spawn

Meaning
to produce or generate, often in large numbers
Example
The video game has spawned many sequels.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɜːrdʒənt/

resurgent

Meaning
Becoming strong, active, or popular again.
Example
The resurgent economy gave hope to many businesses.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.nɪ.tɪv/

punitive

Meaning
Inflicting or intended as punishment.
Example
The company faced punitive measures for violating the law.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʒʊəriəs/

injurious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause harm or damage.
Example
Smoking is injurious to health.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛlˌteɪl/

telltale

Meaning
Revealing something that is usually hidden; giving away a secret or clue.
Example
The telltale signs of fatigue were visible on his face.
C1 noun /ˈblʌdˌbæθ/

bloodbath

Meaning
an event in which a lot of people are killed or injured, especially in a violent conflict
Example
The war turned into a bloody bloodbath.
C1 noun /ˈæbdəmən/

abdomen

Meaning
The part of the body below the chest and above the hips that contains the stomach and other organs.
Example
He complained of pain in his abdomen.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/

pathological

Meaning
Relating to disease; extreme or obsessive in a way that is abnormal.
Example
He has a pathological fear of failure.
C1 verb /ɛmˈbɛzəl/

embezzle

Meaning
to steal or misuse money or property entrusted to one's care
Example
The accountant was arrested for embezzling company funds.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtˌɡroʊθ/

outgrowth

Meaning
something that grows out of something else; a natural development or result
Example
The new policy was an outgrowth of years of debate.
C1 adjective /əˈluːf/

aloof

Meaning
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
Example
He remained aloof during the entire discussion.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
C1 noun /stɑːr ˈæn.ɪs/

Star Anise

Meaning
star-shaped spice pod with a licorice-like flavor used in cooking
Example
She added star anise to the soup for aromatic flavor.
C1 noun ɔːˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

austerity

Meaning
Simple and disciplined lifestyle, avoiding luxury.
Example
The government implemented austerity measures to reduce expenses.
C1 verb /spɜːrn/

spurn

Meaning
To reject something or someone with disdain or contempt.
Example
She spurned his offer of help.
C1 noun /dɪˌsem.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

dissemination

Meaning
The action or fact of spreading something, especially information, widely.
Example
The dissemination of false information is a major issue.
C1 noun

Peck

C1 adjective/noun /ˈkɜːrsɪv/

cursive

Meaning
Written with characters joined together in a flowing manner.
Example
The teacher asked students to write the essay in cursive handwriting.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪniæk/

maniac

Meaning
a person who behaves in a wildly foolish, dangerous, or violent way
Example
The driver was speeding like a maniac.
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 noun /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

indictment

Meaning
a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime
Example
The indictment accused the company of multiple violations.
C1 noun /ˈjeloʊ oʊliˈændər/

Yellow oleander

Meaning
a tropical flowering shrub with bright yellow flowers; also known as lucky nut
Example
The yellow oleander blooms throughout the year in warm climates.
C1 noun /lɪˈbiːdoʊ/

libido

Meaning
Sexual desire or drive.
Example
Stress can sometimes lower a person's libido.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔː.fəl/

Lawful

Meaning
legal; legitimate; valid; just
Example
The judge confirmed that their actions were lawful and proper.
C1 noun /əbˈstrʌkʃən/

obstruction

Meaning
Something that blocks or gets in the way; the action of obstructing.
Example
There was an obstruction on the railway track.
C1 noun /əˈsem.bli ˈseʃ.ən/

assembly session

Meaning
A formal meeting where representatives gather to discuss and make decisions on important matters.
Example
The assembly session discussed global challenges.
C1 adjective /pɜːrt/

pert

Meaning
attractively lively or cheeky in manner or style
Example
She gave a pert reply that made everyone laugh.
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 noun /ˈsʌm.ɪt əv ðə ˈfjuː.tʃər/

Summit of the Future

Meaning
A high-level conference focused on addressing future challenges and opportunities.
Example
The Summit of the Future addressed global challenges.
C1 verb /ˈmɪŋɡl/

mingle

Meaning
to mix or combine; to move among people and engage socially
Example
Guests mingled at the party, chatting and laughing together.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.kəst/

Locust

Meaning
a large insect that flies in groups and eats crops
Example
The locusts destroyed the entire wheat field.
C1 noun /ˌtɛrəˈdæktɪl/

pterodactyl

Meaning
An extinct flying reptile of the Jurassic period, with a long slender head and wings formed by a membrane stretching along the body.
Example
The museum displayed a fossil of a giant pterodactyl.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdefɪnət/

Indefinite

Meaning
not clearly defined; uncertain; vague; unlimited in time
Example
The meeting has been postponed for an indefinite period.
C1 adjective ˈɪn.tər.ɪm

interim

Meaning
In or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary.
Example
Interim governments manage transitional phases.
C1 noun /ˈwɔːkɪŋ fɪʃ/

Walking-fish

Meaning
a fish that can move on land using its fins and breathe air for extended periods
Example
The walking-fish can travel across dry land to find new water sources.
C1 adjective /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

secluded

Meaning
Placed apart from other people or things; private and quiet.
Example
They spent their vacation in a secluded beach house.
C1 noun /ˌkɒmpɪˈleɪʃən/

compilation

Meaning
a collection of things, especially pieces of writing or music, gathered together
Example
The book is a compilation of his best essays.
C1 adjective /oʊˈbiːs/

obese

Meaning
Extremely overweight; having an excessive amount of body fat.
Example
The doctor advised the obese patient to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɛntɪv/

inventive

Meaning
Having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally.
Example
The inventor was known for his inventive solutions to everyday problems.
C1 verb /əbˈsteɪn/

abstain

Meaning
To restrain oneself from indulging in or partaking of something.
Example
People often abstain from digital devices to enhance focus.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdiːsənt/

indecent

Meaning
not conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morality; improper or offensive
Example
He was warned for making an indecent remark during the meeting.
C1 noun /kənˈveɪəns/

conveyance

Meaning
The action or process of transporting or carrying someone or something from one place to another.
Example
The conveyance of goods was delayed due to bad weather.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈθroʊ/

overthrow

Meaning
To remove a leader or government from power, often by force.
Example
The rebels planned to overthrow the corrupt regime.
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 adjective /ˈwɪl.fəl/

Wilful

Meaning
deliberately stubborn; done on purpose; intentional
Example
His wilful disobedience led to punishment.
C1 verb /hjuːˈmɪlieɪt/

humiliate

Meaning
to make someone feel ashamed or foolish by injuring their dignity
Example
He was humiliated by his public failure.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɜːviənt/

subservient

Meaning
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
Example
She was too subservient to challenge his decision.
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 ˌʌndərˈprɪvəlɪdʒd ɡruːps

underprivileged groups

Meaning
Groups of people who lack basic necessities or advantages that are available to other members of society.
Example
Underprivileged groups benefit from social initiatives.
C1 noun /ˈmævərɪk/

maverick

Meaning
An unorthodox or independent-minded person.
Example
The maverick scientist challenged established theories.
C1 verb /prɪˈkluːd/

preclude

Meaning
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
Example
Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkɒmp(ə)rəbl/

incomparable

Meaning
Without an equal in quality or excellence; matchless.
Example
The view from the mountain was incomparable.
C1 verb /əˈtoʊn/

atone

Meaning
to make amends for a wrong or injury; to make reparation
Example
He tried to atone for his mistakes by helping others.
C1 noun /ˌfɜːrmənˈteɪʃən/

fermentation

Meaning
a chemical process by which substances like sugar are converted into alcohol or acids using microorganisms
Example
The fermentation of grapes produces wine.
C1 adjective /rɪˈzɪdjuəl/

residual

Meaning
Remaining after the greater part has gone.
Example
The patient experienced residual pain after the surgery.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/

engrained

Meaning
Firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
Example
Cultural practices are often deeply engrained in the fabric of society.
C1 noun /fiˈæs.koʊ/

fiasco

Meaning
a complete failure, especially a ludicrous or humiliating one
Example
The event turned into a complete fiasco due to poor planning.
C1 adjective /ˈspaɪn.ləs/

Spineless

Meaning
lacking courage or determination; weak-willed
Example
He was too spineless to stand up for his beliefs.
C1 noun ˈrɛp.ə.twɑːr

repertoire

Meaning
A stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or a performer knows or is prepared to perform.
Example
The actor's repertoire includes both comedy and drama.
C1 noun /ˈɔːr.ə.tɔːr.i/

oratory

Meaning
The art of public speaking; skilled and confident delivery of speeches to an audience.
Example
His exceptional oratory skills won him the debate competition.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈbæntərɪŋ/

bantering

Meaning
characterized by good-humored teasing or joking
Example
They had a bantering conversation at the café.
C1 noun prɪˈdɪk.ə.mənt

predicament

Meaning
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example
Losing both jobs put him in a financial predicament.
C1 noun /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/

indignation

Meaning
Strong displeasure or anger caused by something unjust, offensive, or insulting.
Example
Public indignation grew after the unfair verdict.
C1 noun /ˌɑːr.kəˈpɛl.əˌɡoʊ/

archipelago

Meaning
A group of islands clustered together in a body of water.
Example
Indonesia is an archipelago with thousands of islands.
C1 noun /kræɡ/

crag

Meaning
a steep or rugged cliff or rock face
Example
The hikers climbed the jagged crag to reach the summit.
C1 noun /əˈkɜr.əns/

Occurrence

Meaning
an instance or event of something happening; the fact of occurring
Example
The occurrence of earthquakes is common in this region.
C1 verb /əˈflɪkt/

afflict

Meaning
to cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something
Example
Many people are afflicted by seasonal allergies.
C1 verb /mɪns/

mince

Meaning
to cut into very small pieces; to walk with short quick steps
Example
She minced the garlic for the recipe.
C1 noun /ˌkɒk.əˈtuː/

Cockatoo

Meaning
a large parrot with a prominent crest that can be raised or lowered
Example
The white cockatoo raised its beautiful crest.
C1 adjective /ˈnjʊrəl/

neural

Meaning
Relating to nerves or the nervous system.
Example
Scientists study neural connections in the brain.
C1 verb /pləˈkeɪt/

placate

Meaning
to make someone less angry or hostile; to calm or soothe
Example
He tried to placate the angry customer with a refund.
C1 verb /ˈslɪðər/

slither

Meaning
to move smoothly over a surface with a twisting, sliding motion, like a snake
Example
The snake slithered through the grass.
C1 noun /ɡɔːrd/

Gourd

Meaning
a climbing plant with large fruits that have hard shells when dried
Example
The bottle gourd curry was delicious and nutritious.
C1 noun /ˈdiːviəns/

deviance

Meaning
Behavior that differs from accepted social or moral standards.
Example
The book studies deviance in urban youth culture.
C1 noun /ˈmɔː.tər ænd ˈpes.əl/

Mortar and Pestle

Meaning
a bowl and grinding tool used to crush and grind spices, herbs, and other substances
Example
She ground the spices using a mortar and pestle.
C1 verb /ˈlɪbəreɪt/

liberate

Meaning
to set free from imprisonment, oppression, or restraint
Example
The army liberated the city from enemy control.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈmɒnəkrəʊm/

monochrome

Meaning
A photograph, painting, or screen image in black and white or varying tones of one color.
Example
The old film was shot entirely in monochrome.
C1 verb /ˈɛnərˌdʒaɪz/

energize

Meaning
To give energy or vitality to something or someone.
Example
The motivational speech helped energize the team.
C1 adjective /ˌmiː.diˈoʊ.kər/

mediocre

Meaning
Of only average quality; not very good.
Example
The movie was entertaining but overall mediocre.
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 /ˈpoʊlstər/

pollster

Meaning
a person or organization that conducts surveys to gauge public opinion
Example
The pollster predicted a close election outcome.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səˈbɔːr.dɪ.nət/

insubordinate

Meaning
Defiant of authority; disobedient to orders.
Example
The insubordinate employee refused to follow the manager's instructions.
C1 noun /ˈbʊzəm/

bosom

Meaning
the human chest, especially a woman’s breast; also used metaphorically to refer to closeness or intimacy
Example
She kept the secret close to her bosom.
C1 noun/adjective /klɛft/

cleft

Meaning
a split or crack; a space or opening made by cleavage
Example
The goat disappeared into a cleft in the rocks.
C1 adjective /pəˈleɪ.ʃəl/

palatial

Meaning
resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid
Example
They stayed in a palatial hotel during their vacation.
C1 verb /skwɪnt/

squint

Meaning
to look with partly closed eyes
Example
She squinted at the bright sunlight.
C1 adjective /ˈkʌlpəbl̩/

culpable

Meaning
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
Example
The judge found him culpable for the accident.
C1 verb /ʌpˈruːt/

uproot

Meaning
To pull something out of the ground; to remove or displace completely.
Example
They uprooted the old tree from the garden.
C1 noun ˌflʌk.tʃuˈeɪ.ʃən

fluctuation

Meaning
An irregular rising and falling in number or amount; a variation.
Example
The stock market experiences frequent fluctuation.