dichotomy
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C1 noun daɪˈkɒtəmi

dichotomy

Meaning
A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Example
The dichotomy between tradition and modernity is often debated.
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 /kəmˈprɛs/

compress

Meaning
to press or squeeze something so that it becomes smaller
Example
The file was compressed to save storage space.
C1 adjective /ˈhɛlθfəl/

healthful

Meaning
Promoting good health; beneficial to health.
Example
A healthful diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
C1 noun /ˈtʃɪz.əl/

Chisel

Meaning
a tool with a sharp flat edge used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal
Example
The carpenter used a chisel to carve the wood.
C1 adjective /ˈsek.j ə.l ər/

Secular

Meaning
not connected with religious or spiritual matters; worldly
Example
The country maintains a secular government that separates religion from politics.
C1 noun /ˈtæn.ə.ri/

tannery

Meaning
A place where animal hides are processed into leather.
Example
The tannery produced high-quality leather for export.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

excusable

Meaning
Able to be forgiven or justified.
Example
Her mistake was excusable given the circumstances.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃuəl/

sensual

Meaning
Relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical pleasure.
Example
The painting had a sensual quality that captivated viewers.
C1 adjective /ˈhɑːrdi/

hardy

Meaning
Strong, robust, and capable of enduring difficult conditions.
Example
Hardy plants can survive the harsh winter.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæst.li/

ghastly

Meaning
Causing great horror or fear; very unpleasant.
Example
The crime scene was a ghastly sight.
C1 verb /ˈweɪvər/

waver

Meaning
to become unsteady or indecisive; to hesitate or shake
Example
She began to waver in her decision to move abroad.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ət biːk/

Parrot Beak

Meaning
a climbing plant with curved red and orange flowers resembling a parrot's beak
Example
The parrot beak flower's unique curved shape makes it a fascinating addition to any garden.
C1 noun /ˈek.stə.si/

Ecstasy

Meaning
an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement
Example
She was in complete ecstasy when she heard the good news.
C1 adjective /aɪˈreɪt/

irate

Meaning
Extremely angry.
Example
The customer became irate after waiting for hours.
C1 adjective /ˈlɪvɪd/

livid

Meaning
Extremely angry; furious.
Example
She was livid when she found out about the betrayal.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈɡɑː.dɪd/

Unguarded

Meaning
not protected or defended; careless about revealing private thoughts or information
Example
In an unguarded moment, she revealed her true feelings about the project.
C1 noun /huːf/

Hoof

Meaning
the hard part covering the foot of horses, cattle, sheep, and other animals
Example
The horse's hoof was injured after stepping on a sharp rock.
C1 adjective /klænˈdɛstaɪn/

clandestine

Meaning
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
Example
They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
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 /ˈnɑv.ɪs/

Novice

Meaning
a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation; a beginner
Example
As a novice driver, she was very careful on the road.
C1 verb koʊˈɜrs

coerce

Meaning
To force someone to do something against their will using threats or intimidation.
Example
The manager tried to coerce the employees into working overtime.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɒtɪk/

erotic

Meaning
relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement
Example
The novel contained several erotic scenes.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərət/

inconsiderate

Meaning
Thoughtless; showing a lack of concern for others.
Example
It was inconsiderate of him to play loud music late at night.
C1 noun /ˈwɪndfɔːl/

windfall

Meaning
an unexpected piece of good fortune, typically a large amount of money
Example
The startup received a windfall when a major client paid for a full year in advance.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.raɪt.nəs/

Uprightness

Meaning
the quality of being honest and morally correct; integrity
Example
His uprightness in business dealings earned him great respect.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪm.jʊ.leɪ.tɪd/

simulated

Meaning
Artificially created to look real but not actually real.
Example
The pilot trained in a simulated flight environment.
C1 verb /ˈstoʊnwɔːl/

stonewall

Meaning
To delay or block progress by refusing to cooperate or answer
Example
The witness tried to stonewall during the investigation.
C1 noun /ˈænərki/

anarchy

Meaning
a state of disorder due to the absence or failure of government or authority
Example
The collapse of the regime led to anarchy in the streets.
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 /ˌɔːrθəˈpiːdɪk/

orthopedic

Meaning
Relating to the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.
Example
She visited an orthopedic surgeon for her back pain.
C1 noun /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/

intimation

Meaning
A subtle or indirect hint or suggestion.
Example
She gave no intimation of her plans.
C1 adjective /ˈlæk.tɪk/

lactic

Meaning
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
Example
Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
C1 noun /rɪˈpraɪ.zəl/

Reprisal

Meaning
an act of retaliation; revenge taken for an injury or wrong
Example
The attack was carried out as a reprisal for the earlier bombing.
C1 verb /ˈʃækəl/

shackle

Meaning
to chain or restrain; to restrict someone’s actions or freedom
Example
Outdated regulations shackle small businesses and slow innovation.
C1 verb /əkˈsɛntʃueɪt/

accentuate

Meaning
to emphasize or make something more noticeable
Example
The lighting accentuated the beauty of the painting.
C1 noun /təˈbuː/

taboo

Meaning
a social or cultural prohibition against certain practices or discussions
Example
Talking about money is considered a taboo in some cultures.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/

infringe

Meaning
To actively break the terms of a law, agreement, or right.
Example
Copying this software without permission will infringe copyright laws.
C1 noun /ɪˈlɪpsɪs/

ellipsis

Meaning
The omission of words in a sentence, represented by three dots (...).
Example
The writer used an ellipsis to show that part of the quote was omitted.
C1 verb /ˈpruːfˌriːd/

proofread

Meaning
to read written material and mark any errors
Example
She proofread the report before submission.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ/

Exceeding

Meaning
going beyond; surpassing; extremely
Example
The project was completed with exceeding excellence.
C1 verb /ˈʃrɪvəl/

shrivel

Meaning
To become dry, wrinkled, and smaller due to lack of moisture.
Example
The flowers shriveled under the hot sun.
C1 verb /koʊks/

coax

Meaning
to persuade someone gently or gradually to do something
Example
She managed to coax the cat out of the tree with some food.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈɪnvəlɪd/ (adjective), /ɪnˈvælɪd/ (noun)

invalid

Meaning
Not valid; having no force or effect. Also refers to a person too weak or ill to care for themselves.
Example
The court declared the contract invalid.
C1 noun /əˈfen.dər/

Offender

Meaning
a person who commits an illegal act; someone who breaks the law
Example
The young offender was sentenced to community service.
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 verb /ˈfæbrɪkeɪt/

fabricate

Meaning
to invent or concoct something, often with the intent to deceive; or to construct or manufacture
Example
The witness fabricated his testimony to protect himself.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfjʊərieɪt/

infuriate

Meaning
To make someone extremely angry.
Example
His careless remarks infuriated the entire team.
C1 adjective /swɑːv/

suave

Meaning
charming, confident, and elegant, often in a smooth or polished way
Example
He was a suave gentleman who impressed everyone at the party.
C1 noun /ˈplæz.mə/

Plasma

Meaning
the liquid part of blood; ionized gas; blood serum without clotting proteins
Example
Blood plasma contains various proteins and nutrients.
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 /ˈwɪmzi/

whimsy

Meaning
playful or fanciful behavior or humor
Example
Her stories were full of whimsy and imagination.
C1 noun /dɪˈmiːnər/

demeanor

Meaning
a person's outward behavior or appearance
Example
Her calm demeanor impressed everyone at the meeting.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːltər/

falter

Meaning
to hesitate or lose strength or momentum
Example
Her voice faltered as she delivered the speech.
C1 verb /hɔːl/

haul

Meaning
to pull or drag something heavy with effort
Example
The workers hauled the boxes into the truck.
C1 noun /ˈkeɪ.sɪŋ/

Casing

Meaning
a cover or shell that protects or encloses something
Example
The mechanic removed the engine casing to examine the internal parts.
C1 adjective /ˌtræn.senˈdɛn.təl/

transcendental

Meaning
relating to the spiritual or non-physical realm; surpassing ordinary experience
Example
Meditation can lead to transcendental experiences.
C1 noun /swiːt.laɪm/

Sweetlime

Meaning
a citrus fruit that is sweeter and less acidic than regular lime
Example
The sweetlime juice was refreshing on a hot day.
C1 noun/verb /ˈslʌmbər/

slumber

Meaning
A state of sleep; to sleep lightly or rest.
Example
The child slumbered peacefully through the night.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ˈraɪtʃəs/

self-righteous

Meaning
Having or showing an attitude of moral superiority; believing one’s own beliefs are the only right ones.
Example
His self-righteous comments made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˈstɛnsəl/

stencil

Meaning
A thin sheet of material with a design cut out, used to produce the design on the surface below by applying paint or ink through the cut-out holes.
Example
The artist used a stencil to paint identical stars on the wall.
C1 adjective /ˈɛərˌtaɪt/

airtight

Meaning
Completely sealed so that no air can get in or out.
Example
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
C1 noun /kɔːrs flaʊər/

Course flour

Meaning
coarsely ground flour with larger particles, typically used for baking bread
Example
She used course flour to make homemade bread with a rustic texture.
C1 adjective, noun /əbˈzɔːrbənt/

absorbent

Meaning
able to soak up liquid, moisture, or energy easily; a material or substance that absorbs
Example
This towel is highly absorbent and dries quickly.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnˈɪntɪmeɪtɪŋ/

unintimating

Meaning
Not giving a hint or suggestion; not indicating.
Example
His unintimating tone gave no clue of his true feelings.
C1 noun /ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən/

illumination

Meaning
the act of lighting something or making something clear
Example
The street was filled with bright illumination from the lamps.
C1 adjective /təˈren.ʃəl/

Torrential

Meaning
falling rapidly in copious streams; extremely heavy rainfall
Example
The torrential rain flooded the streets within hours.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒzməˈpɒlɪtən/

cosmopolitan

Meaning
familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures
Example
He has a cosmopolitan outlook due to his extensive travels.
C1 noun /ˌpɑːrʃiˈæləti/

partiality

Meaning
an unfair preference or bias toward one side or person
Example
The judge was criticized for showing partiality in the case.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛndɪŋ/

impending

Meaning
about to happen soon, usually something unpleasant or threatening
Example
The villagers were worried about the impending flood.
C1 noun njuːˈtræl.ə.ti

neutrality

Meaning
The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartiality.
Example
Neutrality fosters trust in decision-making.
C1 verb /ˈhjuːmənaɪz/

humanize

Meaning
To make something more humane, kind, or relatable.
Example
The teacher tried to humanize the lesson with personal stories.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzæspəˌreɪtɪd/

exasperated

Meaning
greatly annoyed or irritated
Example
She gave him an exasperated look after his repeated mistakes.
C1 verb /ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

equalize

Meaning
To make equal or level in status, value, or amount.
Example
The team equalized the score in the last minute.
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 noun /ˈsɪtrɪk ˈæsɪd/

Citric Acid

Meaning
a natural acid found in citrus fruits, used as a food preservative and flavoring agent
Example
Add a pinch of citric acid to preserve the color of the fruit jam.
C1 adjective /ˈkwɑː.drʊ.pəl/

Quadruple

Meaning
four times as much or as many; consisting of four parts
Example
The company's profits have shown quadruple growth this year.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/

debilitating

Meaning
Making someone or something weak and infirm.
Example
The disease had a debilitating effect on his health.
C1 noun, verb /klɒt/

clot

Meaning
a thick mass of coagulated liquid, especially blood; to form such a mass.
Example
The doctor removed a blood clot from the patient.
C1 noun /ˈtriːzən/

Treason

Meaning
the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government
Example
He was accused of treason against the state.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛləˌreɪt/

decelerate

Meaning
to reduce speed; to slow down
Example
The car began to decelerate as it approached the traffic light.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.stoʊn/

Lime stone

Meaning
a hard sedimentary rock, composed mainly of calcium carbonate or dolomite, used as building material and in the making of cement
Example
The ancient building was made of limestone blocks.
C1 noun /njʊˈrɑːlədʒi/

neurology

Meaning
The branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system.
Example
She specializes in neurology and treats patients with brain diseases.
C1 verb/noun /ˈkrɒn.ɪ.kəl/

chronicle

Meaning
To record events in the order in which they happened; a written record of historical events.
Example
She decided to chronicle her journey through a blog.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪd.laɪn dɪˈskʌʃənz/

sideline discussions

Meaning
Informal or secondary conversations that occur outside the main agenda of a formal meeting.
Example
Sideline discussions often lead to agreements.
C1 noun ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən ˈstrætədʒiz

mitigation strategies

Meaning
Plans and actions designed to reduce the severity or impact of problems or risks.
Example
Governments must adopt mitigation strategies for climate change.
C1 noun /ɒpˈtɒmɪtrɪst/

optometrist

Meaning
A healthcare professional who examines eyes and prescribes corrective lenses.
Example
The optometrist prescribed new glasses for her.
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 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 verb /kwentʃ/

quench

Meaning
to satisfy thirst by drinking; to extinguish fire
Example
He drank water to quench his thirst after the long run.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrkəleɪtər/

percolator

Meaning
A device used for brewing coffee by continually cycling boiling water through coffee grounds.
Example
She made a fresh pot of coffee using the percolator.
C1 noun /ˈrem.nənt/

Remnant

Meaning
a small remaining quantity of something; a piece of cloth left over after the main piece has been used
Example
Only a remnant of the ancient wall remains.
C1 noun /baɪl/

Bile

Meaning
a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
Example
The liver produces bile to help digest fats.
C1 noun prɪˈzɝː.və.tɪv

preservative

Meaning
A chemical substance that prevents decay, fermentation, or other natural processes that cause food deterioration.
Example
Artificial preservatives are harmful to health.
C1 noun /ˈhɔːl.mɑːrk/

hallmark

Meaning
a typical characteristic or feature of someone or something
Example
Honesty is the hallmark of a good leader.
C1 verb ɪˈluːd

elude

Meaning
Evade or escape from, typically in a skillful or cunning way; avoid being caught.
Example
The thief managed to elude the police.
C1 noun /ˈnoʊ.və/

Nova

Meaning
a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness
Example
Astronomers discovered a new nova in the constellation.
C1 adjective /ˈbɔɪstərəs/

boisterous

Meaning
noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy
Example
The children were boisterous during the birthday party.
C1 adjective ˈfjuː.taɪl

futile

Meaning
Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
Example
His attempts to change the situation were futile.
C1 noun /ˈstɔːrhaʊs/

storehouse

Meaning
A place where goods, supplies, or valuables are stored; a repository
Example
The warehouse acted as a storehouse for all the imported goods.
C1 verb /ˈsʌkɪŋ/

sucking

Meaning
Drawing in a liquid, air, or other substance through the mouth or a tube by creating a vacuum; also used figuratively for something unpleasant or ineffective
Example
The baby is sucking on a pacifier.
C1 adjective /ˈæntɪkweɪtɪd/

antiquated

Meaning
Old-fashioned or outdated.
Example
The office still uses an antiquated filing system.
C1 noun /ˈzoʊdiæk/

Zodiac

Meaning
a belt of the heavens within which lie the paths of the sun, moon, and planets; the twelve astrological signs
Example
What is your zodiac sign?
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsaɪtli/

unsightly

Meaning
Unpleasant to look at; ugly.
Example
The garbage pile created an unsightly view in the park.
C1 adjective /ˌɒmnɪˈprezənt/

omnipresent

Meaning
(of God) present everywhere at the same time.
Example
Social media has become an omnipresent force in modern society.
C1 noun /plaɪt/

Plight

Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
C1 adjective /bɪˈmjuːzd/

bemused

Meaning
confused, puzzled, or lost in thought
Example
She looked bemused when he asked the strange question.
C1 noun /lʌst/

Lust

Meaning
very strong sexual desire; a passionate desire for something
Example
His lust for power corrupted him completely.
C1 adjective /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/

cumulative

Meaning
Increasing gradually by addition; growing in quantity, force, or effect.
Example
The cumulative effect of stress can harm your health.
C1 /skwɒt/

squat

Meaning
to crouch or sit with knees bent and body close to the ground
Example
He squatted down to tie his shoes.
C1 noun /ˌpɒməˈdɔːrəʊ/

pomodoro

Meaning
A time management technique that uses a timer to break down work into intervals.
Example
The Pomodoro technique improves productivity.
C1 noun /ˈreɪdiəns/

radiance

Meaning
the quality of shining with bright light; a glowing or beaming quality
Example
Her face was filled with radiance after hearing the good news.
C1 noun dɪˈskrep.ən.siz

discrepancies

Meaning
Differences between things that should be the same
Example
Discrepancies in regulations delay progress.
C1 adjective /moʊˈmentəs/

Momentous

Meaning
of great importance or significance; having far-reaching consequences
Example
The signing of the peace treaty was a momentous occasion for both countries.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
C1 verb /ɪnˈɡroʊs/

engross

Meaning
to absorb all the attention or interest of someone
Example
She was so engrossed in the book that she forgot the time.
C1 noun/verb /ˈrɛprɪˌmænd/

reprimand

Meaning
A formal expression of disapproval; to scold or criticize someone officially.
Example
The teacher reprimanded the student for being late.
C1 adjective /ˌhɔːrtɪˈkʌltʃərəl/

horticultural

Meaning
Relating to the art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
Example
She studied horticultural science at the university.
C1 noun /ˈsɪləbəl/

syllable

Meaning
A unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants, forming the whole or part of a word.
Example
The word 'computer' has three syllables.
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.
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.