diffident
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 adjective /ˈdɪfɪdənt/

diffident

Meaning
Shy or lacking confidence in one's own abilities.
Example
He was too diffident to ask a question in class.
C1 noun /ˌtɛstɪˈməʊnɪəlz/

testimonials

Meaning
Written or spoken statements of praise or recommendation from clients or customers.
Example
Positive testimonials can enhance a company's reputation.
C2 noun /kɒŋk/

Conch

Meaning
a large sea shell that can be used as a horn; the marine mollusk that lives in such a shell
Example
The fisherman blew the conch shell to signal the end of the day.
C1 adjective /əbˈtjuːs/

Obtuse

Meaning
annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand; lacking in intelligence or perception
Example
He was being deliberately obtuse about the instructions.
C2 noun /ˌmɪn.ɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/

ministration

Meaning
The act of providing care, assistance, or religious service.
Example
She recovered thanks to the kind ministrations of the nurses.
C1 adjective dʒuːˈdɪʃ.əs

judicious

Meaning
Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense; wise and careful.
Example
A judicious decision can prevent future problems.
A2 preposition/conjunction /ɪkˈsɛpt/

except

Meaning
not including; other than
Example
Everyone was invited except John.
C1 noun /ˈnɛkˌlaɪn/

neckline

Meaning
the edge of a garment around the neck, especially as cut to form a particular shape
Example
The dress has a beautiful V-shaped neckline.
C2 adjective /ɡrænˈdɪləkwənt/

grandiloquent

Meaning
Using lofty, pompous, or extravagant language to impress others.
Example
The politician’s grandiloquent speech failed to connect with ordinary people.
C1 noun ˌsʌb.sɪ.dɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

subsidization

Meaning
Financial assistance provided by government to make certain goods or services more affordable.
Example
Subsidization of agriculture helps farmers maintain crop production.
C2 noun /ˌkæl.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

calcification

Meaning
The process of calcium accumulation in soil, making it hard.
Example
Calcification reduces soil permeability and affects crop growth.
C2 noun /ˈfʌŋkʃəˌnɛri/

functionary

Meaning
a person who has official duties in an organization, especially one with little authority
Example
The minor functionary was responsible for filing reports.
A1 noun /ˈbɑːθruːm/

bathroom

Meaning
a room containing a toilet and usually a sink or shower
Example
The bathroom is on the second floor.
C1 noun ˌɛkstərˈnælɪtiz

externalities

Meaning
A side effect or consequence of an industrial or commercial activity.
Example
Pollution is a negative externality of industrialization.
B2 verb /reɪp/

rape

Meaning
to force someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent
Example
The law strictly punishes those who commit rape.
B2 noun, verb /treɪs/

trace

Meaning
a mark, object, or sign that shows the existence or development of something
Example
She traced the path of the river on the map.
C2 noun /ˈpjuː.pɪ.lɪdʒ/

pupilage

Meaning
The state of being a pupil or under instruction.
Example
During his pupilage, he studied law under a senior barrister.
A1 pronoun /hɪm/

him

Meaning
Used to refer to a male person or animal already mentioned.
Example
I saw him at the park yesterday.
A2 noun /ˈbʌdi/

buddy

Meaning
a close friend or companion, used informally
Example
He went to the movies with his best buddy.
B1 noun /kloʊðz ˈaɪərn/

Clothes iron

Meaning
An electric appliance used to remove wrinkles from clothes by applying heat and pressure
Example
I need to use the clothes iron to make my shirt look neat for the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈfriːˌθɪŋkər/

freethinker

Meaning
A person who forms opinions based on reason and independent thought rather than tradition or authority.
Example
Voltaire was considered a great freethinker of his time.
C2 noun /ˈhaʊsˌbreɪkɪŋ/

housebreaking

Meaning
the crime of breaking into a house with intent to steal
Example
The thief was arrested for housebreaking.
C2 noun /roʊˈtʌn.də/

rotunda

Meaning
a large circular building or hall, often with a dome
Example
Tourists gathered inside the grand rotunda of the capitol.
C1 noun /ˈten.jər/

Tenure

Meaning
the period of time during which someone holds an office or position
Example
During his tenure as CEO, the company expanded globally.
C1 adjective /klænˈdɛstaɪn/

clandestine

Meaning
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
Example
They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
C1 noun /veɪl/

vale

Meaning
A valley, often used in a poetic or literary sense.
Example
The village lay hidden in a quiet green vale.
B2 noun /kəmˈpliːʃən/

completion

Meaning
the action or process of finishing something
Example
The completion of the project will take another few weeks.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/

scintillating

Meaning
brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling
Example
Her scintillating conversation kept everyone entertained.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrfjuː/

curfew

Meaning
a rule requiring people to stay indoors after a certain time, usually at night
Example
The city imposed a curfew during the unrest.
C2 noun lɑːˈʒɛs

largesse

Meaning
Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.
Example
His largesse towards the charity was greatly appreciated.
B2 noun /ˈskuːtər/

scooter

Meaning
a small two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or electricity
Example
She rides a scooter to work every day.
A2 noun /ˈtʃer.i/

Cherry

Meaning
a small round red or black fruit with a hard seed inside
Example
She picked fresh cherries from the tree in her garden.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.breɪk/

Out-break

Meaning
a sudden occurrence or eruption of something, especially disease or violence
Example
The outbreak of flu affected many students in the school.
C1 noun /hɪˈpɑː.krə.si/

Hypocrisy

Meaning
the practice of claiming to have moral standards that one does not actually possess; insincerity
Example
His hypocrisy was exposed when he criticized others for the same mistakes he had made.
C2 adjective /ˈstɒlɪd/

stolid

Meaning
Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
Example
Despite the chaos around him, he remained stolid and composed.
C1 noun /ˈflæt.ər.i/

Flattery

Meaning
excessive and insincere praise, given especially to further one's own interests
Example
His constant flattery made everyone suspicious of his true motives.
B1 noun /ˈprɒp.ə.ti/

Property

Meaning
a building or land; something owned; a characteristic or quality
Example
They bought a beautiful property in the countryside.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːreɪ/

foray

Meaning
A sudden short attack or attempt, especially into new activity or territory.
Example
The company made its first foray into the international market.
C2 noun /ˈbɛvi/

bevy

Meaning
A large group of people or things of a particular kind.
Example
A bevy of swans floated on the lake.
C2 noun /ˈeb.taɪd/

Ebb-tide

Meaning
the movement of the tide out to sea; a time when the sea level is falling
Example
During ebb-tide, we could walk further out on the beach.
C1 noun /fɑːrs/

farce

Meaning
a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay, or a ridiculous situation
Example
The meeting turned into a complete farce with everyone arguing.
C1 noun /əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃən/

assassination

Meaning
The act of killing someone important, often for political or ideological reasons.
Example
The assassination of the president shocked the nation.
B1 verb /seɪl/

sail

Meaning
to travel on water in a boat or ship using sails or by wind power
Example
They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean last summer.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.hən/

Peahen

Meaning
female peacock
Example
The peahen is less colorful than the male peacock.
B2 verb /həˈræs/

harass

Meaning
to persistently annoy or torment someone
Example
The employees complained that their boss harassed them.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈflæməbəl/

Inflammable

Meaning
easily set on fire; flammable; combustible
Example
The inflammable material caught fire quickly.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪtriəs/

vitreous

Meaning
having a glass-like appearance or quality
Example
The mineral has a vitreous shine.
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 adjective /ˈrep.jə.tə.bəl/

Reputable

Meaning
having a good reputation; respected and trusted
Example
She works for a reputable law firm in the city.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
A1 noun/adjective /əˈmerɪkən/

american

Meaning
relating to the United States or its people
Example
She is an American citizen.
C2 verb /ˈbaɪfərˌkeɪt/

bifurcate

Meaning
to divide into two branches or parts
Example
The road bifurcates into two separate paths at the hill.
B1 adjective /ˈsæt.ɪs.fæk.tər.i/

Satisfactory

Meaning
acceptable; meeting requirements; adequate
Example
The test results were satisfactory.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈplɔːzəbl/

implausible

Meaning
Not seeming reasonable or probable; unlikely to be true.
Example
The story she told was so implausible that no one believed her.
C2 verb /əkˈsiːd/

accede

Meaning
to agree to a request, proposal, or demand; to assume an office or position
Example
The government finally acceded to the demands of the protesters.
C2 verb /ˈnuːkliˌeɪt/

nucleate

Meaning
to form into a nucleus or bring together into a central part
Example
The droplets began to nucleate around tiny particles in the air.
C1 noun ˌmɪs.kənˈsɛp.ʃən

misconception

Meaning
A wrong idea or false understanding about something.
Example
There is a common misconception that success happens overnight.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊtˈlændɪʃ/

outlandish

Meaning
Looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar; strange.
Example
He wore an outlandish costume to the festival.
A2 noun /ˈpeɪn.tər/

Painter

Meaning
a person who paints pictures or decorates buildings
Example
The painter created a beautiful landscape on canvas.
A2 noun /tuːl/

tool

Meaning
a device or implement used to carry out a particular function
Example
He used a hammer as a tool to fix the chair.
C1 verb rɪˈlɪŋ.kwɪʃ

relinquish

Meaning
To give up any authority, responsibility, or property.
Example
He decided to relinquish his position as CEO.
B2 noun /kəˈkeɪn/

cocaine

Meaning
a powerful and addictive illegal drug made from coca leaves
Example
He was arrested for possessing cocaine.
C2 noun /ˈɡrændɪləkwəns/

grandiloquence

Meaning
Pompous or extravagant language, style, or manner, often intended to impress
Example
The politician’s speech was full of empty grandiloquence.
A1 verb /teɪk/

take

Meaning
to get possession of; to carry or bring with oneself
Example
Please take this book to the library.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænziənt/

Transient

Meaning
lasting for only a short time; temporary
Example
The beauty of spring flowers is transient.
C2 noun /ˈslæt.ən/

slattern

Meaning
a woman who is untidy or slovenly in appearance or habits
Example
The house looked as if a slattern lived there.
B2 noun ˈæsɛt

asset

Meaning
A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.
Example
Real estate is one of the most valuable assets.
B2 noun ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn

dedication

Meaning
The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose; devotion.
Example
His dedication laid the foundation of Indian science.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

inconsequential

Meaning
Not important or significant; too small to matter.
Example
The mistake was minor and inconsequential.
C2 noun /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/

Dais

Meaning
a raised platform, typically at one end of a room or hall, for speakers or honored guests
Example
The principal stood on the dais to address the entire school assembly.
C2 verb /baɪd/

bide

Meaning
to wait patiently for the right time or opportunity
Example
He decided to bide his time before making a move.
B1 noun /ˈdʒaɪ.ənt/

Giant

Meaning
an imaginary or mythical being of human form but superhuman size; something of great size or force
Example
The technology giant announced record profits for the third consecutive quarter.
B2 verb /roʊm/

roam

Meaning
to walk or travel without a specific destination; to wander
Example
Wild animals roam freely in the forest.
B2 noun /əˈdɪkʃən/

addiction

Meaning
A strong and harmful need to regularly have or do something, such as drugs, alcohol, or habits.
Example
His addiction to video games affected his studies.
B1 noun /ˈvoʊtɪŋ/

voting

Meaning
the act of making a choice in an election or decision by casting a vote
Example
Voting is an important part of a democratic society.
C1 adjective /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/

Trifling

Meaning
of little importance; trivial; insignificant
Example
Don't worry about such trifling matters.
A1 adjective /lɑːrdʒ/

Large

Meaning
of considerable size, extent, or intensity; big
Example
The large building dominated the city skyline.
C1 noun /rɛnˈdɪʃən/

rendition

Meaning
a performance or interpretation of a piece of art, music, or text
Example
The singer gave a moving rendition of the classic song.
B2 noun /ˈæktɪvɪst/

activist

Meaning
A person who works to bring about social or political change.
Example
The activist organized a protest against pollution.
A1 noun /her/

Hair

Meaning
any of the fine thread-like strands growing from the skin of humans and animals
Example
She decided to cut her long hair short for a fresh new look this summer.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdʒen.dər/

engender

Meaning
To cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition.
Example
The speech engendered hope among the people.
B1 noun /ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

examination

Meaning
a formal test of knowledge or ability
Example
She is preparing for her final examination.
C2 noun /bɜːrˈlɛsk/

burlesque

Meaning
A humorous and exaggerated imitation of a serious work; a type of theatrical entertainment involving comedy and parody.
Example
The play was a clever burlesque of traditional opera.
B2 verb /əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/

originate

Meaning
to come into existence; to begin; to create or produce
Example
The tradition originated in ancient times.
B2 verb fəˈsɪl.ɪ.teɪt

facilitate

Meaning
Make an action or process easier or more achievable; to help bring about.
Example
Good infrastructure facilitates economic growth.
A2 adjective /ɪˈlɛktrɪk/

electric

Meaning
Relating to or operated by electricity.
Example
The room was lit by an electric lamp.
C2 adjective /ˈbʊərɪʃ/

boorish

Meaning
Rude, insensitive, and lacking manners or refinement.
Example
His boorish behavior ruined the dinner party.
C2 adjective /njuːˈmætɪk/

pneumatic

Meaning
operated by air or gas under pressure
Example
The factory uses pneumatic tools for assembly.
C2 noun /pruːd/

prude

Meaning
A person who is easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; someone overly modest.
Example
He was called a prude for blushing at the movie scenes.
C2 noun /ˈmæləprɒˌpɪzəm/

malapropism

Meaning
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with amusing effect
Example
He is famous for his malapropism when speaking in public.
B1 noun /praɪˈɔːr.ə.ti/

Priority

Meaning
something that is more important than other things and needs attention first
Example
Health should be our top priority.
C2 noun /əˈpɒfəsɪs/

apophasis

Meaning
A rhetorical device where the speaker brings up a subject by denying it or pretending to pass over it.
Example
The politician used apophasis by saying, 'I won’t even mention my opponent’s scandals.'
B2 verb /ɪnˈtɜːrprət/

interpret

Meaning
to explain the meaning of something; to translate orally
Example
She had to interpret the speech for the foreign guests.
B1 noun /rɪˈpɔːrtər/

reporter

Meaning
a person who reports news or information
Example
The reporter interviewed several people at the scene.
B1 noun /ˌsiːiːˈoʊ/

ceo

Meaning
The highest-ranking person in a company, responsible for overall management.
Example
The CEO announced a new strategy for the company.
C1 verb /trænˈskraɪb/

transcribe

Meaning
to make a written copy of spoken words or notes
Example
The secretary transcribed the meeting minutes.
C2 noun /ˈlev.ɪ.ti/

Levity

Meaning
humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect
Example
The levity in the courtroom was inappropriate.
C1 verb /snɪp/

snip

Meaning
to cut something quickly with scissors or a sharp tool
Example
She snipped the loose thread from her dress.
B1 noun /əkˈsɛptəns/

acceptance

Meaning
the act of agreeing to receive or undertake something offered
Example
Her acceptance of the award was met with applause.
C2 noun /ˌhjuː.mɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

humification

Meaning
The process of organic matter decomposition to form humus in soil.
Example
Humification enhances soil structure and fertility.
C2 adjective ɪˈnɛfəbl

ineffable

Meaning
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
Example
The beauty of the landscape was ineffable.
A2 noun /ʃɪp/

Ship

Meaning
a large watercraft that travels the world's oceans and seas
Example
The cargo ship departed from the port at dawn.
B2 noun /ˌep.ɪˈdem.ɪk/

Epidemic

Meaning
a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community
Example
The flu epidemic affected thousands of people across the country.
C1 noun /ˈkɒb.lər/

Cobbler

Meaning
a person who repairs shoes and other leather goods
Example
The cobbler fixed my broken shoes perfectly.
A2 noun /ˈrɛkɔːd/

record

Meaning
a written or spoken account of something
Example
I kept a record of all the meetings.
C2 noun /ˌkɒməˈsɛəriət/

commissariat

Meaning
A department responsible for supplying food and equipment, especially in the military.
Example
The army commissariat ensured that the soldiers had enough supplies.
A2 noun /boʊl/

Bowl

Meaning
a round, deep dish or basin used for food or liquid
Example
She served the soup in a large ceramic bowl.
C1 adjective ˌnɒnˈvɜːr.bəl

nonverbal

Meaning
Communication using body language, facial expressions, or gestures instead of words
Example
Nonverbal cues play a crucial role in effective communication.
C2 adjective /fjuːˈnɪəriəl/

funereal

Meaning
having the mournful, somber character of a funeral
Example
The room was filled with a funereal silence after the announcement.
C1 adverb /ˈɡeɪ.li/

Gaily

Meaning
in a cheerful and lively manner
Example
The children danced gaily at the festival.
C1 noun ˌtraɪ.bjuˈnæl əv ˈdʒʌs.tɪs

tribunal of justice

Meaning
A court of justice or judicial body that settles disputes or tries offenses.
Example
The Tribunal of Justice started the hearings promptly.
C1 adjective /riˈækʃəˌneri/

reactionary

Meaning
Opposing political or social progress or reform; extremely conservative.
Example
The group took a reactionary stance against the new policies.
C2 adjective /əˈfɪʃəs/

officious

Meaning
Excessively eager to offer unwanted help or advice; meddlesome.
Example
The officious guard kept interrupting the visitors with unnecessary instructions.
A2 noun /buːt/

Boot

Meaning
sturdy footwear covering the foot and ankle or lower leg
Example
He laced up his hiking boots before the mountain trek.
C1 verb /ˈkwɪvər/

quiver

Meaning
To tremble or shake with slight but rapid motion.
Example
Her lips began to quiver as she tried not to cry.
A1 noun /dɔːɡ/

Dog

Meaning
a domesticated carnivorous mammal that is typically kept as a pet or for work
Example
The loyal dog waited patiently for its owner to return home.
B2 adjective /sɪˈlek.tɪv/

Selective

Meaning
relating to or involving careful selection; choosy about what to accept
Example
The university has a selective admission process for new students.
B2 verb /ˈvɒmɪt/

vomit

Meaning
to bring up food from the stomach through the mouth; to be sick
Example
The patient began to vomit after taking the medication.
B2 verb /reɪl/

rail

Meaning
to complain or protest strongly about something
Example
He railed against the unfair decision.
B2 noun /baɪˈɒɡrəfi/

Biography

Meaning
an account of someone's life written by someone else; the story of a person's life
Example
I'm reading a fascinating biography of Albert Einstein.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪnəˌmoʊ/

dynamo

Meaning
A machine that generates electricity; a person with great energy and enthusiasm.
Example
She is the real dynamo behind the success of the company.