duenna
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C2 noun /djuːˈɛnə/

duenna

Meaning
an older woman acting as a governess or chaperone, especially in Spanish families
Example
The young lady was accompanied by a duenna during the festival.
B1 noun /ˈeə.rə.pleɪn/

Aeroplane

Meaning
a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces
Example
The aeroplane took off smoothly from the airport runway.
C1 noun /ˌtes.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Testimonial

Meaning
a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications
Example
The professor wrote a glowing testimonial for her former student.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
A1 noun /ˈɪntənet/

internet

Meaning
A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.
Example
The internet has revolutionized the way we access information.
B2 noun pɑrˈtɪʃən

partition

Meaning
The action of dividing or being divided into parts; separation.
Example
Partition caused unrest.
B2 adjective /ˈdræs.tɪk/

Drastic

Meaning
extreme; severe; having a strong or far-reaching effect
Example
The company took drastic measures to reduce costs.
C1 adjective /ˈtæntəmaʊnt/

tantamount

Meaning
Equivalent in seriousness or effect; virtually the same as.
Example
His refusal to speak was tantamount to an admission of guilt.
C2 noun /ˈfoʊ.nə.ɡræm/

phonogram

Meaning
a written symbol representing a speech sound
Example
The teacher showed how each phonogram represents a particular sound.
B2 adjective /trɪm/

Trim

Meaning
neat and orderly in appearance; slim and fit
Example
She keeps her garden very trim and tidy.
B2 noun /liːk/

Leek

Meaning
vegetable related to onion with long green leaves and white bulb, milder than onion
Example
The soup was made with potatoes and leeks.
C1 adjective ɪˈluː.sər.i

illusory

Meaning
Based on illusion; not real although seeming to be.
Example
His sense of security was entirely illusory.
C1 noun /ɪnˈtɛstɪn/

intestine

Meaning
The part of the digestive system where food is digested and absorbed, extending from the stomach to the anus.
Example
The doctor explained how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
B1 noun /ɪkˈstent/

Extent

Meaning
the area covered by something; the degree to which something has spread
Example
The extent of the damage caused by the flood was enormous.
B1 adjective /ˈdaɪɪŋ/

Dying

Meaning
approaching death; in the process of dying; fading away
Example
The dying plant needs water immediately.
B2 noun /ˈpæθweɪ/

pathway

Meaning
a route or course along which something travels or progresses
Example
The narrow pathway led to the hidden garden.
C2 noun /ˈkæʒuɪstri/

casuistry

Meaning
The use of clever but false reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions.
Example
The lawyer’s argument was dismissed as mere casuistry.
B1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.ʒɪn/

Origin

Meaning
the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived; the source
Example
Scientists are studying the origin of the universe.
C2 adverb /bɪˈtaɪmz/

betimes

Meaning
early; in good time
Example
She rose betimes to finish her work.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænziənt/

Transient

Meaning
lasting for only a short time; temporary
Example
The beauty of spring flowers is transient.
C1 noun /rɪt/

writ

Meaning
A formal written order issued by a court.
Example
The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfrədʒɪst/

suffragist

Meaning
a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women
Example
The suffragists organized rallies to demand voting rights for women.
C2 noun /ˈɡælvəˌnɪzəm/

galvanism

Meaning
Electricity produced by chemical action, especially in a battery; the therapeutic use of electricity in medicine.
Example
Galvanism played a key role in early experiments with electricity.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
C2 noun /ˈɛpəlɛt/

epaulette

Meaning
A variant spelling of epaulet, also meaning a shoulder ornament, especially on military uniforms.
Example
The officer’s epaulette shone brightly under the sunlight.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkɔːrəs/

decourous

Meaning
characterized by propriety, good taste, and proper manners
Example
She maintained a decourous silence during the ceremony.
A2 noun /ˈdrʌɡˌstɔːr/

drugstore

Meaning
A retail store that sells medicines, health-related products, and sometimes cosmetics or snacks.
Example
I stopped by the drugstore to buy some cold medicine.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrsər/

bursar

Meaning
An official in a school or college responsible for financial affairs.
Example
The bursar approved the budget for the new library.
C2 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər.ɪŋ/

hankering

Meaning
a strong desire or craving for something.
Example
She had a hankering for chocolate late at night.
C1 noun /əˈpreʃ.ən/

Oppression

Meaning
cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority; the state of being subject to harsh treatment
Example
The people fought against political oppression.
C2 noun /ˈfriːˌmeɪsən/

freemason

Meaning
A member of an international fraternity known as Freemasonry, focused on moral and spiritual values.
Example
His grandfather was a respected freemason in the community.
C1 noun /ˈbrɛvɪti/

brevity

Meaning
Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.
Example
The brevity of the speech kept the audience engaged.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈlɛtəd/

unlettered

Meaning
lacking education or the ability to read and write; illiterate
Example
The unlettered villagers relied on oral traditions to preserve their history.
C2 noun /ˈfrɛs.koʊ/

fresco

Meaning
A painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster so that the colors penetrate the surface
Example
The church walls were decorated with beautiful frescoes.
C1 verb /əˈbɔːrt/

abort

Meaning
to stop a process or action before it is completed; to end a pregnancy deliberately
Example
The pilot decided to abort the mission due to bad weather.
B1 noun/verb /ˈdɒkjʊmənt/

document

Meaning
Noun: A written, printed, or electronic record that provides information or evidence. Verb: To record information in written or electronic form.
Example
She carefully documented all the expenses of the trip.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːrsəlɪn/

porcelain

Meaning
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
Example
The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China.
B1 verb /ɪmˈpɔːrt/

import

Meaning
to bring goods or services into a country from abroad; to transfer data
Example
The country imports oil from abroad.
C1 noun /ˈtæntrəm/

tantrum

Meaning
An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.
Example
The child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get the toy.
C1 noun /ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈniː/

Examinee

Meaning
a person who is being tested in an examination
Example
Each examinee was given two hours to complete the test.
A2 adverb /ˈstrɒŋɡli/

strongly

Meaning
in a strong manner or to a great extent
Example
She strongly believes in the power of positive thinking.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəbl/

exceptionable

Meaning
Open to objection; causing disapproval.
Example
His rude remarks were considered exceptionable by everyone present.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

predetermine

Meaning
to establish or decide something in advance
Example
The outcome of the match seemed predetermined.
A2 noun /ˈdɪs.təns/

Distance

Meaning
the length of space between two points; remoteness in place, time, or relationship
Example
The distance between the two cities is approximately three hundred kilometers.
B2 noun /ˈtriː.oʊ/

trio

Meaning
A group of three people or things, especially in music or performance.
Example
The jazz trio played beautifully at the concert.
A1 verb, noun /mɪs/

miss

Meaning
to fail to hit, reach, or meet; to feel the absence of someone or something
Example
I really miss my family when I travel abroad.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
C2 verb /ˈblækˌbɔːl/

blackball

Meaning
to exclude someone socially or vote against their membership in a group or club
Example
He was blackballed from the club after the controversy.
B2 verb /ɪnˈroʊl/

enroll

Meaning
to officially join or register in a school, course, or organization
Example
He decided to enroll in a computer programming course.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.nər/

liner

Meaning
A large ship used for transporting people or goods regularly, or a material used as a lining inside something.
Example
The luxury liner docked at the port yesterday.
C2 adjective /ˈpeɪli/

paly

Meaning
striped with different colors, usually used in heraldry
Example
The knight’s shield was decorated with paly stripes of red and gold.
C1 noun /ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.zəm/

euphemism

Meaning
A mild or indirect term substituted for one considered too harsh or direct; polite expression for something unpleasant.
Example
The phrase "passed away" is a euphemism for "died".
A2 adjective /ˈhɔːrəbəl/

Horrible

Meaning
causing or likely to cause horror; shocking; terrible; extremely unpleasant
Example
The accident was a horrible sight to witness.
B2 noun /sɪmˈplɪsɪti/

Simplicity

Meaning
the quality of being simple; lack of complexity or intricacy
Example
The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity.
B1 noun /ˈkɜː.ri/

Curry

Meaning
a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in an Indian-style sauce with hot spices
Example
I love spicy chicken curry with rice.
C1 noun /dɪˈlɪriəm/

delirium

Meaning
An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
Example
The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication.
B1 noun /ˈsʌb.ɜːb/

Suburb

Meaning
a residential area outside the central part of a city; an outlying district of a city
Example
They moved to a quiet suburb to raise their children away from city noise.
B1 noun /bɪˈhɑːf/

behalf

Meaning
as a representative of someone; in the interest of someone
Example
She accepted the award on behalf of her team.
C1 noun /woʊz/

woes

Meaning
great sorrow or distress; troubles
Example
The company faced financial woes after the market crash.
B2 noun /fluːt/

Flute

Meaning
a musical wind instrument with holes along its length that is played by blowing across a hole at one end
Example
He played a sweet melody on his flute.
B2 noun /vəˈlɪd.ɪ.ti/

Validity

Meaning
the quality of being legally or officially acceptable; the quality of being logically or factually sound
Example
The validity of the contract expires next month.
B1 noun /sɛl/

cell

Meaning
a small basic unit of life; or a small enclosed space like a prison room
Example
The prisoner was locked in a small cell.
B1 noun /ˈkɑn.træst/

Contrast

Meaning
the state of being strikingly different from something else; comparison showing differences
Example
The contrast between city life and rural life is quite remarkable.
B1 verb /dɪp/

dip

Meaning
to put something quickly into a liquid and take it out again
Example
She dipped her bread into the soup.
C2 noun /ˌɛksɪˈɡjuːɪti/

exiguity

Meaning
the quality of being scanty or meager in amount
Example
The exiguity of resources made the project difficult to complete.
C1 noun, verb /ˈɔːtɒpsi/

autopsy

Meaning
a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease
Example
The autopsy revealed that the victim had died from poisoning.
A2 noun /ˈbeɪsˌbɔːl/

baseball

Meaning
a sport in which two teams try to score runs by hitting a ball and running around bases
Example
He loves watching baseball games on TV.
A1 noun /ruːm/

room

Meaning
A space within a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling
Example
She decorated her room with bright colors.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

inexcusable

Meaning
Too bad to be justified or overlooked; unforgivable.
Example
His rude behavior was inexcusable.
A1 adjective /ˈtwɛnti/

twenty

Meaning
the number equivalent to 20
Example
He is twenty years old.
C1 verb /ˈɡlædən/

gladden

Meaning
to make someone happy or bring joy
Example
The news of her recovery gladdened everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈviːnəl/

venal

Meaning
willing to do dishonest things in return for money; corrupt
Example
The politician was accused of being venal and corrupt.
B1 noun /əˈkaʊntənt/

accountant

Meaning
a person whose job is to keep or check financial accounts
Example
The accountant prepared the financial reports for the company.
B2 noun /wæks ˈkændəl/

Wax-candle

Meaning
a cylinder of wax with a wick through it that burns to give light
Example
We lit a wax candle during the power outage.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtˌsɛt/

outset

Meaning
the beginning or start of something
Example
From the outset, the project seemed ambitious but achievable.
C2 adjective /ˈɛstɪməbl/

estimable

Meaning
Worthy of great respect.
Example
Her estimable achievements inspired the whole community.
B1 noun /kəmˈpəʊzə(r)/

composer

Meaning
a person who writes music, especially classical music
Example
The composer is working on a new symphony.
C1 noun /deɪˈbɑː.kəl/

debacle

Meaning
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
Example
The company's poor management led to a financial debacle.
C2 noun /sɪnˈtɪl.ə/

scintilla

Meaning
A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.
Example
There wasn’t a scintilla of doubt in her mind.
A2 adjective /miːn/

Mean

Meaning
unkind; cruel; nasty
Example
Don't be so mean to your little sister.
A2 adjective/noun /ˈaɪrɪʃ/

irish

Meaning
relating to Ireland, its people, or its language
Example
The Irish countryside is very beautiful.
B2 verb /saɪ/

sigh

Meaning
to let out a long, deep breath as an expression of tiredness, relief, or sadness
Example
She sighed with relief when she heard the good news.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪpəθi/

antipathy

Meaning
a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
There was a mutual antipathy between the two rival companies.
C1 verb /dɛlv/

delve

Meaning
To investigate deeply; to dig into a subject or area.
Example
The researcher delved into ancient manuscripts to find clues.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

Meaning
of little value or importance; trivial
Example
He complained about the picayune details of the contract.
C2 noun /θiˈɒsəfi/

theosophy

Meaning
A religious or philosophical belief system that seeks direct knowledge of the mysteries of life and the divine.
Example
Theosophy attracted people interested in mysticism and spiritual growth.
A2 adverb /ˈriː.sənt.li/

Recently

Meaning
in the recent past; not long ago
Example
I recently moved to a new apartment.
A2 noun /ˈkʌpəl/

couple

Meaning
two people or things considered together; a pair
Example
They make a lovely couple and have been married for five years.
A2 noun ˈhɪrəʊ

hero

Meaning
A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
Example
Sydney Carton becomes the ultimate hero through his sacrifice.
C1 verb /vɪə(r)/

veer

Meaning
to change direction suddenly
Example
The car veered off the road to avoid the accident.
A2 adjective, noun /ˈeɪʒən/

asian

Meaning
relating to Asia or its people
Example
She loves Asian culture.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈkɒn.dʌkt/

Misconduct

Meaning
Unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by a professional person
Example
The officer was dismissed for professional misconduct.
B1 noun /ˈbæŋkɪŋ/

banking

Meaning
the business or services provided by a bank
Example
Online banking has made financial transactions easier.
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.
B1 noun /ɡuːs/

Goose

Meaning
large waterbird with a long neck and webbed feet
Example
The goose swam gracefully across the pond.
A1 noun /ˈsekənd/

second

Meaning
a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute; also the position after first
Example
He finished the race in second place.
C1 adjective dɒɡˈmæt.ɪk

dogmatic

Meaning
Being inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true; characterized by arrogant assertion of unproven principles.
Example
His dogmatic approach to politics made discussions difficult.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
A1 noun /hɔːrs/

Horse

Meaning
a large domesticated mammal used for riding and pulling loads
Example
The horse galloped across the field with great speed.
C2 noun /pʌntʃ ˈfoʊrən/

Panch Phoron

Meaning
a Bengali spice blend containing five whole spices: cumin, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, and mustard seeds
Example
The aroma filled the kitchen when she heated panch phoron in oil.
C2 adjective /ˈwiːk niːd/

weak-kneed

Meaning
Lacking determination or courage; easily frightened or yielding.
Example
The leader was criticized for being weak-kneed in the face of opposition.
B2 noun /ˈplænər/

planner

Meaning
a person who makes plans or a book used for organizing schedules and tasks
Example
She uses a daily planner to organize her meetings.
B2 adjective /poʊˈɛt.ɪk/

poetic

Meaning
having qualities of poetry; expressive, beautiful, or imaginative
Example
Her speech had a poetic rhythm that captivated the audience.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

illicit

Meaning
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
Example
The police shut down the illicit drug operation.
B2 adjective /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/

gigantic

Meaning
Extremely large or huge in size, power, or extent.
Example
The company made a gigantic investment in technology.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnæprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

inapprehensible

Meaning
not understandable; incomprehensible
Example
The concept was so abstract that it seemed inapprehensible to most students.
B2 adjective /ˈweɪ.kɪŋ/

Waking

Meaning
awake and conscious; relating to the time when one is awake
Example
She spent her waking hours studying for the exam.
C1 adjective /ˈænsɪləri/

ancillary

Meaning
providing necessary support to the main system or organization
Example
The company provides ancillary services to the healthcare industry.
B2 noun /ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən/

exhaustion

Meaning
A state of extreme physical or mental fatigue.
Example
Chronic exhaustion can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
A1 adjective/adverb /ɪˈnʌf/

enough

Meaning
as much or as many as required
Example
We have enough food for everyone.
C1 noun/verb /smʌdʒ/

smudge

Meaning
a dirty mark or smear; to make something dirty or unclear by rubbing or touching
Example
She accidentally smudged her lipstick on the napkin.
B2 noun /ˈbrʌðərhʊd/

brotherhood

Meaning
The relationship between brothers; an association of people with common interests
Example
The soldiers shared a strong sense of brotherhood.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪtʃ.u.əl/

Ritual

Meaning
relating to religious or ceremonial practices
Example
The wedding ceremony included many traditional ritual elements.
B2 noun /əbˈdʒek.ʃən/

Objection

Meaning
an expression of disagreement or disapproval; a reason for disagreeing
Example
The lawyer raised an objection during the trial.
C1 adjective /priˈɛmptɪv/

preemptive

Meaning
Serving or intended to prevent something by taking action first.
Example
The government took preemptive measures to control inflation.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərəl/

corporal

Meaning
relating to the body; a low-ranking officer in the military
Example
He suffered a corporal punishment for his mistake.
A1 noun /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/

shopping

Meaning
the activity of going to shops to buy things
Example
She spent the afternoon shopping for clothes.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈtemptɪŋ/

Tempting

Meaning
appealing to or attracting someone, even if wrong or inadvisable; alluring
Example
The chocolate cake looked very tempting in the bakery window.