distortion
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
C1 noun /dɪˈstɔːrʃən/

distortion

Meaning
the action of twisting, changing, or misrepresenting the shape, sound, or truth of something
Example
There was a distortion in the radio signal.
C1 verb /weɪn/

wane

Meaning
To decrease gradually in power, intensity, or size.
Example
The moon wanes after the full moon night.
C1 noun /ˌvaɪ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

viability

Meaning
Ability to work successfully; feasibility.
Example
The viability of the project depends on funding.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 adjective ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.lənt

vigilant

Meaning
Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; alert and watchful.
Example
The guards remained vigilant throughout the night.
C1 noun /fɪˈnænʃɪər/

financier

Meaning
a person who manages large amounts of money or investments
Example
The financier advised the company on its investments.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
A2 noun /ɪˈlek.trɪk fæn/

Electric fan

Meaning
a device with rotating blades that creates airflow to cool or ventilate a room
Example
The electric fan keeps the room cool during hot summer days.
B1 noun pəˈten.ʃəl

potential

Meaning
Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
Example
The potential for innovation is immense.
B1 noun /ˈpænəl/

panel

Meaning
a group of people gathered to discuss, judge, or advise on a particular topic
Example
The panel of judges announced the winner of the competition.
B2 adjective /ɪˈlɪt.ər.ət/

Illiterate

Meaning
unable to read or write; lacking education
Example
The program aims to help illiterate adults learn to read and write.
C2 noun /friːz/

frieze

Meaning
a decorative horizontal band, often sculpted or painted, usually on a wall near the ceiling
Example
The frieze above the entrance depicts scenes from ancient mythology.
C1 verb əˈkruː

accrue

Meaning
To accumulate or receive (payments or benefits) over time.
Example
Interest accrues on the savings account every month.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

Meaning
a doctor who performs medical operations
Example
The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.
A2 noun /reɪt/

rate

Meaning
the cost or price of something, or the amount at which something happens
Example
The rate of inflation is increasing every year.
C1 noun /dɪˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/

depreciation

Meaning
A reduction in the value of an asset with the passage of time, due to wear and tear.
Example
The car's depreciation rate is high after five years.
C2 adjective /stəˈkɑː.təʊ/

staccato

Meaning
short and detached in sound or style, often used in music
Example
The pianist played the notes in a staccato rhythm.
B2 noun /pəˈræmɪtər/

parameter

Meaning
a limit, boundary, or measurable factor that defines or determines something
Example
We need to set clear parameters for this project.
A2 noun /belt/

Belt

Meaning
a strip of leather or cloth worn around the waist to support clothes or for decoration
Example
He tightened his belt before going for a run.
C2 adjective /ˈfʌŋɡəs/

fungous

Meaning
relating to or resembling a fungus
Example
The damp basement had a fungous smell.
C1 noun rɪˈfaɪnmənt

refinement

Meaning
The process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.
Example
His manners showed a refinement that made him stand out in any crowd.
C1 noun /ˈbæs.ti.ən/

bastion

Meaning
a stronghold or fortification; a place or institution strongly defending particular principles
Example
The castle stood as a bastion against enemy attacks.
C2 noun /drɛɡz/

dregs

Meaning
the remnants of a liquid left in a container, together with any sediment or grounds; the most worthless part of something
Example
He drank the dregs of the coffee before leaving.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspɛktənsi/

expectancy

Meaning
the state of expecting something; anticipation or likelihood
Example
There was a sense of expectancy in the room before the results were announced.
C2 adverb, adjective /ˈɡrætɪs/ or /ˈɡreɪtɪs/

gratis

Meaning
Without charge; free of cost.
Example
The drinks at the event were provided gratis.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪbəl/

libel

Meaning
a published false statement that damages a person's reputation
Example
The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false claims.
C1 adjective /ˈpraɪ.məl/

primal

Meaning
Relating to the earliest stage of development; essential or fundamental.
Example
Fear is one of the most primal emotions humans experience.
C2 verb /məˈkadəˌmaɪz/

macadamize

Meaning
to construct or cover a road with broken stone
Example
The government decided to macadamize the old rural roads.
C2 noun /ˈneɪvəri/

knavery

Meaning
dishonest or deceitful behavior; trickery
Example
The politician’s knavery was exposed by the media.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrlər/

parlor

Meaning
A sitting room in a private house, or a shop providing specified services.
Example
They welcomed the guests into the front parlor.
B2 verb /dɪˈsiːv/

deceive

Meaning
To cause someone to believe something that is not true.
Example
He tried to deceive his friends with a fake story.
B2 noun /ˈdaʊn.fɔːl/

Downfall

Meaning
a loss of power, prosperity, or status; the cause of such a loss
Example
His arrogance and pride led to his eventual downfall in business.
B2 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Disability

Meaning
a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities
Example
Despite his physical disability, he became a successful athlete in wheelchair racing.
C1 verb /ˈɔːstrəˌsaɪz/

ostracize

Meaning
to exclude someone from a group or society; to banish or shun
Example
After the scandal, he was ostracized by his former colleagues.
C2 noun /ˌfɑːsfəˈrɛsəns/

phosphorescence

Meaning
the property of emitting light without noticeable heat
Example
The deep-sea creatures displayed a beautiful phosphorescence.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
C1 noun ˌæf.ɔːr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən

afforestation

Meaning
The action of planting trees on an area of land in order to form a forest.
Example
Afforestation helps restore biodiversity.
B2 noun /ˌhɪp.əˈpɒt.ə.məs/

Hippopotamus

Meaning
a large, mostly herbivorous mammal that lives in and around water in Africa
Example
The hippopotamus spends most of its day in the water.
B2 adjective /ˈmjuːtʃuəl/

Mutual

Meaning
shared by two or more parties; reciprocal
Example
They have a mutual respect for each other.
C1 verb /praɪ/

pry

Meaning
to look closely into something; to try to find out private information
Example
She tried to pry into her neighbor’s private life.
B1 noun /wɪtʃ/

Witch

Meaning
a woman thought to have magic powers, especially evil ones; a practitioner of witchcraft
Example
The old witch cast a spell on the prince.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrɡoʊ/

argot

Meaning
the specialized vocabulary or jargon of a particular group, especially one with a common interest or occupation
Example
The thieves communicated in an argot that outsiders could not understand.
B2 adjective /ˈʌpˌhɪl/

Uphill

Meaning
difficult; requiring great effort; sloping upward
Example
Learning a new language can be an uphill battle.
C2 verb /ˈblændɪʃ/

blandish

Meaning
to flatter or coax someone with kind words or praise in order to influence them
Example
He blandished the officials with compliments to gain their support.
B2 adjective ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv

comprehensive

Meaning
Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something; complete and thorough.
Example
A comprehensive study enhances understanding.
C1 adjective /ˈræspi/

raspy

Meaning
having a harsh, rough, or grating sound
Example
His raspy voice revealed years of smoking.
B1 adverb /ˈtɛmpərɛrɪli/

temporarily

Meaning
for a limited time; not permanently
Example
The road is closed temporarily for repairs.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
C1 verb /ˈænɪmeɪt/

animate

Meaning
to bring to life or make lively; to create animation for films or cartoons
Example
The artist will animate the characters for the movie.
C1 noun /ˈpæd.ək/

paddock

Meaning
a small enclosed field where horses or other animals are kept
Example
The horses were grazing in the paddock.
C2 noun /lɒx/ or /lɒk/

lough

Meaning
An Irish or Scottish word for a lake or sea inlet.
Example
The fishermen lived by the lough for generations.
C2 noun /lɑːrˈʒes/

largess

Meaning
Generosity in giving gifts or money.
Example
The foundation survived thanks to the largess of wealthy donors.
B2 noun/verb /stʌnt/

stunt

Meaning
a daring or unusual action performed for entertainment or publicity; to hinder growth or development
Example
The actor performed a dangerous stunt in the movie.
C1 adjective /kræs/

crass

Meaning
lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence
Example
His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
B1 noun /mæsk/

Mask

Meaning
covering for the face or head; disguise or protection
Example
She wore a mask to protect herself from dust.
B2 noun /daɪˈnæmɪks/

dynamics

Meaning
the forces or properties that stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process
Example
The dynamics of the team changed after the new manager joined.
C2 adjective /ˌlɛvəlˈhɛdɪd/

levelheaded

Meaning
calm and sensible; showing good judgment.
Example
She remained levelheaded during the crisis.
B2 noun /rɪˈsiː.vər/

Receiver

Meaning
a person or thing that receives something; the part of a telephone containing the earpiece and mouthpiece
Example
She picked up the receiver to answer the phone call.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊər.li/

Hourly

Meaning
every hour; happening or done each hour; continuously
Example
The weather report is updated hourly.
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.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrkeɪˌɪzəm/

archaism

Meaning
a word, expression, or style of language that is no longer in everyday use
Example
The poem is full of archaisms that give it an old-fashioned flavor.
C2 noun /ˈlæki/

lackey

Meaning
a person who is overly willing to serve or obey someone else
Example
He treated his assistant like a mere lackey.
C1 adjective /ˈræmpənt/

rampant

Meaning
existing or spreading unchecked, often in an undesirable way
Example
Corruption was rampant in the city administration.
B2 noun /nɪˌɡoʊ.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

Negotiation

Meaning
discussion aimed at reaching an agreement; bargaining
Example
The negotiation between the two companies lasted for weeks.
B2 verb /daɪˈdʒest/

digest

Meaning
to break down food in the body; to think about and understand
Example
It takes time to digest a heavy meal.
A2 noun /ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/

understanding

Meaning
the ability to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something
Example
Her understanding of the issue was impressive.
C2 noun ˈɒpjʊləns

opulence

Meaning
Great wealth or luxuriousness.
Example
The opulence of the mansion was evident in its ornate furnishings.
C2 adjective /ˈplændʒənt/

plangent

Meaning
having a loud, mournful sound; resonant
Example
The plangent toll of the church bell echoed through the village.
C2 adverb /ˈbruːskli/ or /ˈbrʌskli/

brusquely

Meaning
in a blunt, abrupt, or rude manner
Example
She brusquely dismissed the suggestion.
C2 verb /ɪnˈvaɪərən/

environ

Meaning
to surround or enclose; to encircle
Example
Mountains environ the small valley.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪz.i.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

physiological

Meaning
Relating to bodily functions and activities.
Example
Exercise improves physiological functions of the body.
B2 noun /ˈledʒ.ənd/

Legend

Meaning
a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated; an extremely famous or notorious person
Example
The legend of King Arthur has inspired many books.
C2 noun /ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtəns/

exorbitance

Meaning
The quality of being excessive, unreasonable, or going beyond proper limits.
Example
The exorbitance of the hotel's prices shocked the tourists.
C2 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɔːri/

prohibitory

Meaning
Serving or tending to prohibit or forbid.
Example
The prohibitory laws were strictly enforced in the region.
C2 verb /diːˈmoʊbəlaɪz/

demobilize

Meaning
To release from military service or to disband troops.
Example
The government decided to demobilize the army after the war.
C1 noun /ɪˈlɛk.trəʊ.laɪts/

electrolytes

Meaning
Minerals in body fluids that carry an electric charge and are essential for many bodily functions.
Example
Electrolytes help maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwi/

obsequy

Meaning
A funeral rite, usually used in plural form obsequies.
Example
The village gathered for the obsequy of their beloved teacher.
B2 noun ˈmɒn.ə.ki

monarchy

Meaning
A form of government with a monarch at the head, where supreme power is held by a single person such as a king or queen.
Example
The monarchy was abolished during the revolution.
B1 adjective /dʌl/

Dull

Meaning
lacking interest or excitement; not bright; lacking intelligence; tedious
Example
The lecture was very dull and boring.
C1 noun, verb /bʌldʒ/

bulge

Meaning
A swelling or protruding part; to swell outward or protrude.
Example
The bag began to bulge with too many books inside.
A2 noun /ˈrɛsɪpi/

recipe

Meaning
a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish, including a list of the ingredients required
Example
I found a great recipe for chocolate cake.
B2 verb /ʃrɪŋk/

shrink

Meaning
to become smaller in size; to draw back in fear
Example
The sweater shrank after washing in hot water.
C2 verb /ˈɛkskʌlpeɪt/

exculpate

Meaning
to show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing
Example
The lawyer worked hard to exculpate his client.
B2 verb /fɔɪl/

foil

Meaning
To prevent something (especially a plan) from succeeding.
Example
The police foiled the robbery attempt.
A2 noun ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti

quality

Meaning
The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.
Example
Quality assurance is vital in medical education.
C1 noun ˈrez.ɪ.djuː

residue

Meaning
A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been removed.
Example
Soap residue affects appliance efficiency.
A1 verb /kɔːl/

call

Meaning
to say something loudly; to telephone someone; to name
Example
Please call me when you arrive home.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
C2 noun /ˈlænjæp/

lagniappe

Meaning
A small gift or bonus given by a seller to a customer.
Example
The shopkeeper offered a piece of candy as a lagniappe.
B2 noun/verb /ˈsɜːveɪ/

survey

Meaning
noun: an examination or inspection; verb: to examine or measure (an area or subject)
Example
They conducted a survey to understand customer preferences.
C1 verb /ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

extinguish

Meaning
to put out a fire, light, or to end something
Example
The firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within an hour.
B2 adverb /ˈbɪt.ə.li/

Bitterly

Meaning
in an angry, hurt, or resentful way; extremely; severely
Example
She complained bitterly about the unfair treatment.
C1 noun /bɑːm/

balm

Meaning
A soothing ointment or something that provides comfort or relief.
Example
The balm helped relieve the pain from her sunburn.
C1 noun /trænsˈɡrɛʃən/

transgression

Meaning
an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; a violation or sin
Example
The court forgave his first transgression but warned him not to repeat it.
C2 noun /ˌlæs.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

laceration

Meaning
a deep cut or tear in skin or flesh
Example
He needed stitches for a laceration on his leg.
C2 adjective /ˈtaɪmwɔːrn/

timeworn

Meaning
Worn or impaired by age; old and used many times.
Example
The timeworn house carried a sense of history and nostalgia.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

invasive

Meaning
Tending to spread harmfully, intruding aggressively, or encroaching beyond proper boundaries.
Example
The doctor explained that the procedure was minimally invasive.
C2 noun /ˈɡɜːrn.zi/

Guernsey

Meaning
a knitted sweater; a type of woolen pullover
Example
He wore a warm guernsey during the cold winter evening.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛnərəbəl/

Venerable

Meaning
deserving respect due to age, wisdom, or character; revered
Example
The venerable professor has taught at the university for fifty years.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌbɛər/

forebear

Meaning
An ancestor, especially one who lived a long time ago.
Example
He often speaks of his forebears with great respect.
A2 noun /veɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

Vacation

Meaning
a period of time when someone does not go to work or school but is free to do what they want, such as travel or relax
Example
I'm planning a vacation to the beach next summer.
B1 verb /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/

emphasize

Meaning
to give special importance or attention to something
Example
The teacher emphasized the importance of homework.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
C1 noun /roʊt/

rote

Meaning
mechanical or habitual repetition, often without understanding
Example
He learned the poem by rote without understanding its meaning.
B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tər/

Potter

Meaning
a person who makes pottery
Example
The potter shaped clay on the spinning wheel.
B1 noun sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti

security

Meaning
The state of being free from danger, threat, or loss.
Example
Food security is essential for human survival.
C2 verb /dɪˈræsɪˌneɪt/

deracinate

Meaning
To uproot something completely; to displace people from their native environment or culture.
Example
The conflict deracinated many families from their homeland.
C1 noun /ˈsækrɪlɪdʒ/

sacrilege

Meaning
Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
Example
Stealing from the temple was considered an act of sacrilege.
A2 noun ˈneɪ.tʃər

nature

Meaning
The basic or inherent features of something, especially when seen as characteristic of it.
Example
The calm nature of the environment helps healing.
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.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɛmbəl/

resemble

Meaning
to look like or be similar to something or someone
Example
She resembles her mother in both appearance and mannerisms.
C2 adjective /sɪˈdɪʃəs/

seditious

Meaning
Encouraging rebellion against authority.
Example
The activist spread seditious pamphlets among the crowd.
C1 noun /ˌmæn.ɪ.fɛsˈteɪ.ʃən/

manifestation

Meaning
A visible form or expression of an idea, concept, or feeling; the action of displaying or showing.
Example
His generosity was a manifestation of his kind nature.
C1 adjective /ˈθrɪfti/

thrifty

Meaning
using money and resources carefully and not wastefully
Example
She is very thrifty and always saves money for the future.
A2 adjective /laɪt ɡriːn/

Light green

Meaning
a pale shade of green color; not dark green
Example
She wore a light green dress to the garden party.
C2 noun /ˈlɪbərˌtiːn/

libertine

Meaning
A person who behaves without moral principles, especially in sexual matters.
Example
The novel depicted the reckless life of a libertine in 18th century France.
A2 adverb /bɪˈsaɪdz/

Besides

Meaning
in addition to; moreover; furthermore
Example
Besides being smart, he is also kind.
A1 noun /ˈbɜːrθ.deɪ/

birthday

Meaning
the anniversary of the day on which a person was born, typically celebrated annually
Example
We are planning a surprise birthday party for her.
C1 adjective /mɪˈrækjələs/

Miraculous

Meaning
supernatural; amazing; extraordinary
Example
Her miraculous recovery amazed all the doctors.
C1 noun /əˈpærəl/

apparel

Meaning
Clothing, especially formal or special clothes.
Example
The store specializes in wedding apparel.
C1 verb /ˈreɪdieɪt/

radiate

Meaning
to emit energy or light; to spread out from a center
Example
The fireplace radiates warmth throughout the room.