effeminate
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C2 adjective /ɪˈfɛmɪnət/

effeminate

Meaning
Having traits, tastes, or habits traditionally considered feminine, often used negatively for men.
Example
The critics described him as effeminate due to his gentle manner.
A1 number /ˌfɪfˈtiːn/

fifteen

Meaning
the number 15
Example
There are fifteen students in the class.
B1 noun /edʒ/

Edge

Meaning
the outside limit of an object or area; a sharp side of a blade
Example
Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edge of the knife.
C1 adjective rɪsk-ədˈʤɛstɪd

risk-adjusted

Meaning
Modified or calibrated to account for risk factors in investment returns.
Example
Risk-adjusted returns consider both potential profit and loss.
B2 verb /ˈkɑːmpənseɪt/

compensate

Meaning
to give something to make up for loss or damage; to counterbalance
Example
The company will compensate employees for overtime work.
B2 noun /kəˈmɪʃənər/

commissioner

Meaning
an official in charge of a particular department or area
Example
The police commissioner addressed the media about the incident.
B2 noun əˈʃɔː.rəns

assurance

Meaning
A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise.
Example
Assurance of quality is a priority for the council.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɪd.ju.əs/

deciduous

Meaning
Referring to trees that shed their leaves seasonally, typically in autumn.
Example
Oak and maple trees are deciduous, shedding leaves in autumn.
A1 noun, adjective, adverb /raɪt/

right

Meaning
something that is morally good, fair, or just; or a legal/entitled claim
Example
Everyone has the right to free speech.
C1 noun /moʊˈzeɪɪk/

mosaic

Meaning
A picture or pattern produced by arranging together small pieces of stone, tile, or glass.
Example
The church ceiling was decorated with a beautiful mosaic.
C1 verb/noun /ˈθrɒt.əl/

throttle

Meaning
To choke or strangle; to control the flow of fuel or power in an engine.
Example
The driver throttled the engine to slow down the car.
B1 adjective ˈkɒmplɛks

complex

Meaning
Having many interrelated parts or factors; complicated.
Example
The relationship between poverty and education is complex.
B2 noun /kəˈθɒlɪsɪzəm/

catholicism

Meaning
The faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
Catholicism has a long history and rich traditions.
C1 adjective /ˈspɛktrəl/

spectral

Meaning
Relating to a ghost or specter; ghostly. Also relating to a spectrum.
Example
The old mansion had a spectral atmosphere at night.
C2 adverb /ɪkˈstem.pɔːr/

Extempore

Meaning
without preparation; spontaneously; improvised
Example
The speaker delivered an impressive extempore speech at the conference.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

chord

Meaning
A group of musical notes played or sung together; also a straight line segment joining two points on a curve.
Example
She strummed a simple chord on the guitar.
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 dəˌmɛstɪˈkeɪʃən

domestication

Meaning
The process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or for farm produce.
Example
Domestication of animals has been crucial for human survival.
B1 noun /ˈbækʌp/

backup

Meaning
a copy of data stored separately to protect against loss
Example
Make sure to have a backup of your important files.
B1 adjective /ˈprɛʃəs/

precious

Meaning
of great value; highly esteemed or cherished
Example
This ring is very precious to my grandmother.
C2 verb /ˌnɒnˈplʌs/

nonplus

Meaning
To surprise and confuse someone so much that they are unsure how to react.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to nonplus the speaker.
B1 noun /kɪt/

kit

Meaning
a set of tools, equipment, or materials used for a particular purpose
Example
He bought a first aid kit for emergencies.
C1 noun ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rə.ti

mediocrity

Meaning
Being average or ordinary, not particularly good.
Example
He refused to settle for mediocrity and aimed for greatness.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.zənt/

cognizant

Meaning
Having knowledge or being aware of something.
Example
He was cognizant of the risks before starting the project.
C2 verb /əˈnɔɪnt/

anoint

Meaning
To smear or rub with oil, often as part of a religious ceremony or as a sign of consecration.
Example
The priest anointed the king with holy oil.
C1 noun ˈflɔː.rə ænd ˈfɔː.nə

flora and fauna

Meaning
The plants and animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.
Example
The Galápagos Islands have unique flora and fauna.
C2 noun /rɪˈpoʊst/

riposte

Meaning
a quick and clever reply to criticism or an insult
Example
Her sharp riposte left everyone in silence.
C1 verb /ˈruː.mɪ.neɪt/

ruminate

Meaning
to think deeply about something; to chew cud (for animals)
Example
She sat alone to ruminate on her decision.
B2 adverb /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

Considerably

Meaning
to a notably large degree; significantly; substantially
Example
The price has increased considerably over the past year.
C1 adjective /oʊˈvɜːrt/

overt

Meaning
Done or shown openly; not hidden or secret.
Example
There was an overt display of hostility between the rivals.
C2 noun /ɡɜːrθ/

girth

Meaning
the measurement around the middle of something, especially a person's waist or a tree trunk
Example
The tree's girth measured nearly five feet.
B2 noun /ˈskɒl.ər/

Scholar

Meaning
a person who has studied a subject for a long time and knows a lot about it; an academic
Example
The renowned scholar published several books on ancient history.
C1 noun /pəˈræl.ə.sɪs/

Paralysis

Meaning
the loss of the ability to move part or all of the body; complete inability to act or function
Example
The accident left him with paralysis in his legs.
A2 adjective/adverb /laʊd/

loud

Meaning
Producing or capable of producing much noise.
Example
The music was too loud to concentrate.
C2 verb /bɪˈɡaɪl/

beguile

Meaning
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
Example
She beguiled the audience with her storytelling.
B1 preposition /θruːˈaʊt/

throughout

Meaning
in every part of a place or during the whole time of an event
Example
She worked throughout the night.
C2 adjective /əˌnækrəˈnɪstɪk/

anachronistic

Meaning
belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; old-fashioned or outdated
Example
His views on gender roles are considered anachronistic.
B1 noun ˈtɑː.ɡɪt

target

Meaning
An object, person, or place selected as the aim of an attack or focus of attention.
Example
Achieving energy targets is critical for global progress.
C2 adjective /ˈdekərəs/

decorous

Meaning
showing proper and polite behavior; marked by good taste
Example
The audience gave a decorous applause after the performance.
A1 adverb /əˈweɪ/

Away

Meaning
to or at a distance; not present; absent
Example
He walked away from the noisy crowd.
B2 verb /ˈwiːkən/

Weaken

Meaning
to make or become less strong or powerful
Example
The illness weakened his immune system significantly.
A1 adjective /fjuː/

few

Meaning
A small number of; not many.
Example
Only a few students attended the class.
C1 verb /kənˈsɛptʃuəlaɪz/

conceptualize

Meaning
to form an idea or concept of something in your mind
Example
The artist conceptualized a new design for the exhibition.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪnəs/

sinus

Meaning
A cavity within a bone or tissue, especially those in the bones of the face connected with the nasal cavities.
Example
He suffered from a sinus infection that caused headaches.
A2 verb /bɪld/

build

Meaning
to make something by putting materials together; to construct
Example
They will build a new school in our neighborhood.
A2 adjective /duː/

Due

Meaning
owed as a debt; expected at a certain time; scheduled
Example
The assignment is due tomorrow.
A2 noun /ˈɡrəʊsəri ʃɒp/

grocery shop

Meaning
a retail store where food and everyday household items are sold
Example
She stopped by the grocery shop to buy vegetables and milk.
B1 adjective /skɪld/

Skilled

Meaning
having or showing the knowledge, ability, or training to perform certain activities or work well
Example
He is a skilled carpenter who can build beautiful furniture.
C2 noun /waɪl/

wile

Meaning
A trick or clever scheme meant to deceive or outwit someone.
Example
He used every wile to win her trust.
B2 verb /stæk/

stack

Meaning
to arrange things in a neat pile or one on top of another
Example
He stacked the books neatly on the shelf.
C2 noun /ˌvælədɪkˈtɔːriən/

valedictorian

Meaning
The student with the highest academic achievements in a graduating class, often chosen to give the farewell speech.
Example
She was honored as the valedictorian of her class.
C1 noun /iːl/

Eel

Meaning
a long, snake-like fish that lives in both fresh and salt water
Example
The electric eel can generate powerful electric shocks.
B2 adjective /ˈfʌsi/

fussy

Meaning
hard to please; very concerned with details
Example
The child is very fussy about what she eats.
B2 noun /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/

instinct

Meaning
A natural way of behaving or reacting that does not require learning.
Example
Birds build nests by instinct.
B2 noun /treɪt/

Trait

Meaning
a distinguishing quality or characteristic of a person; an inherited feature
Example
Patience is an important trait for anyone working with children.
B2 verb /krʌʃ/

crush

Meaning
to press or squeeze something so hard that it is damaged or destroyed
Example
He accidentally crushed the paper cup in his hand.
C2 noun /tɛkˈnɒɡrəfi/

technography

Meaning
the descriptive study or writing about the practical arts, technologies, or technical methods of a society
Example
The anthropologist specialized in technography to understand indigenous tool-making traditions.
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.
A1 noun /aɪˈdiː.ə/

Idea

Meaning
a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action; a concept or mental impression
Example
She had a brilliant idea for solving the company's efficiency problem.
B2 adjective /ɪkˈskluːsɪv/

exclusive

Meaning
restricted to a particular person, group, or area; not shared with others
Example
The hotel offers exclusive access to a private beach.
C1 verb /taʊt/

tout

Meaning
to promote, praise, or advertise aggressively
Example
The company touted its new product as a game-changer.
A2 noun ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt

environment

Meaning
The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
Example
Protecting the environment is crucial for future generations.
B2 noun /dɪsˈtrɛs/

distress

Meaning
extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
Example
He felt a deep sense of distress when he heard the bad news.
A2 adjective /praʊd/

Proud

Meaning
feeling deep pleasure from one's achievements; having high self-respect
Example
She was proud of her daughter's academic achievements.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈmɑːtər/

imprimatur

Meaning
An official license or approval, especially to publish a book.
Example
The book was released with the official imprimatur of the church.
C2 adjective /vɪˈtjuːpərətɪv/

vituperative

Meaning
Characterized by abusive or harsh language.
Example
The teacher’s vituperative remarks left the students in tears.
C2 noun /ˈsfɛrɔɪd/

spheroid

Meaning
A three-dimensional shape that is almost spherical but slightly flattened or elongated.
Example
The Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid.
C2 noun /ˈsɑːrdʒənt ət ɑːrmz/

sergeant-at-arms

Meaning
An officer responsible for maintaining order during meetings or legislative sessions.
Example
The sergeant-at-arms escorted the disruptive member out of the hall.
C1 adjective /ˈɑp.ər.ə.tɪv/

Operative

Meaning
Functioning; in effect; working; active;
Example
The new safety protocols became operative immediately after the accident.
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.
C2 noun /ˈwɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

witticism

Meaning
a clever or funny remark
Example
Her witticism made everyone laugh during the meeting.
B2 verb /əˈkʌmplɪʃ/

accomplish

Meaning
to achieve or complete successfully
Example
She managed to accomplish all her goals for the year.
C2 noun /bəˈnæləti/

banality

Meaning
The condition of being unoriginal, boring, or obvious; trite remark or quality.
Example
The speech was criticized for its banality and lack of originality.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkɒf.i ˈmeɪ.kər/

Coffee maker

Meaning
an electric appliance used to brew coffee automatically
Example
I use my coffee maker every morning to brew fresh coffee.
A2 noun /ˈtrævələr/

traveler

Meaning
a person who is traveling or who often travels
Example
The traveler rested at a small inn after a long journey.
C2 noun /prɪˈsɛʃən/

precession

Meaning
The slow movement of the axis of a spinning body around another axis, often referring to Earth's rotation.
Example
Astronomers study the precession of the equinoxes.
A1 conjunction /bɪˈkɔːz/

because

Meaning
for the reason that; since
Example
He stayed home because it was raining.
A2 noun /ˈkænsər/

cancer

Meaning
A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue.
Example
Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer.
C2 noun /mʌsk/

Musk

Meaning
a strong-smelling substance secreted by certain animals, used in perfumes and traditional medicine
Example
The perfume contained natural musk that gave it an exotic fragrance.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

impertinent

Meaning
rude and showing a lack of respect
Example
It was impertinent of him to question the manager's decision.
B2 noun /rɪˈbel.jən/

Rebellion

Meaning
an act of armed resistance to an established government or leader
Example
The rebellion against the king lasted for three years.
C2 noun /ɪnˈsɪpiəns/

incipience

Meaning
the beginning or initial stage of something
Example
The project was still in its incipience when funding was approved.
B1 verb /fel/

fell

Meaning
to cut down a tree; to cause to fall; to strike down
Example
The lumberjacks felled several trees in the forest today.
C1 noun/verb /vɔːlt/

vault

Meaning
A secure room for storing valuables; also to leap or spring over something.
Example
The bank kept its gold bars in a secure vault.
C2 verb /dɪˈfreɪ/

defray

Meaning
to provide money to pay the costs of something
Example
The grant will help defray the cost of education.
B2 noun /ˈdɛsɪməl/

decimal

Meaning
A number system based on 10; a number expressed in the base-10 system.
Example
The number 0.75 is a decimal.
C2 noun /ˈbɒmbæst/

bombast

Meaning
speech or writing that is overly pompous and inflated
Example
His campaign speech was full of bombast but lacked real substance.
C2 verb /ˈɑːbvieɪt/

obviate

Meaning
To remove a need or difficulty; to prevent or avoid something.
Example
This new system obviates the need for manual data entry.
C2 noun /ˌmɑːhəˈrɑːdʒə/

maharaja

Meaning
A great king, especially a ruler of one of the principal states in India.
Example
The maharaja lived in a grand palace surrounded by gardens.
C1 noun /waɪld bɔːr/

Wild-Boar

Meaning
a wild pig that lives in forests and has long curved teeth
Example
The wild boar ran through the forest quickly.
C1 adverb /ɪnˈvɜːrs.li/

Inversely

Meaning
in a way that is opposite or contrary; in reverse order or manner
Example
The price of goods is inversely related to their availability in the market.
C1 noun /trænsˈfɜːrər/

transferrer

Meaning
A person who transfers something, such as property, rights, or responsibilities, to another.
Example
The transferrer is responsible for ensuring the property is legally passed on.
B2 adjective /ˈtɔː.kə.tɪv/

Talkative

Meaning
fond of talking; speaking freely and at length
Example
My talkative neighbor loves to chat about everything.
A2 noun /θɔːt/

thought

Meaning
an idea or opinion produced by thinking or considering something
Example
She had a sudden thought about the future.
C1 adjective /fəˈnætɪkəl/

fanatical

Meaning
showing extreme enthusiasm or obsession
Example
She has a fanatical interest in collecting vintage stamps.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfrænʧaɪz/

franchise

Meaning
A legal right to sell or distribute goods or services in a specific area; to grant such a right.
Example
He opened a new fast-food franchise in the city.
C2 verb /ˌmɪs.əˈtrɪb.juːt/

misattribute

Meaning
to incorrectly credit something, such as a work or remark, to the wrong person or source
Example
The quote was misattributed to Shakespeare.
C2 noun /ˌpraɪvəˈtɪə/

privateer

Meaning
A privately owned armed ship authorized by a government to attack enemy ships during war.
Example
The privateer captured several enemy vessels during the conflict.
C2 adjective /ləˈsɪviəs/

lascivious

Meaning
showing an overt and often offensive sexual desire
Example
The lascivious remarks made everyone uncomfortable.
C2 noun, verb /ˌpæm.fləˈtɪər/

pamphleteer

Meaning
a person who writes or distributes pamphlets, often to promote a political or social cause
Example
In the 18th century, many pamphleteers influenced public opinion.
C1 noun ˈɛksəʊˌplænɪt

exoplanet

Meaning
A planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.
Example
Astronomers have discovered thousands of exoplanets in the last decade.
C1 adjective ɪɡˈzɛmpləri

exemplary

Meaning
Serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
Example
She was praised for her exemplary work ethic and dedication.
B2 noun /ˈbæk.boʊn/

Backbone

Meaning
the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis; spine
Example
He injured his backbone in the accident.
C2 noun /ˈmænˌiː.tər/

man-eater

Meaning
An animal that kills and eats humans; informally, a woman who is very assertive in relationships.
Example
The tiger became a notorious man-eater in the village.
B2 noun /ˈbɛriəl/

burial

Meaning
the act of placing a dead body into the ground.
Example
The burial ceremony took place in the afternoon.
C1 noun /ˈæk.jʊ.mən/

acumen

Meaning
The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions; keenness and depth of perception.
Example
His business acumen helped the company grow rapidly.
C2 adjective /dʒɪˈdʒuːn/

jejune

Meaning
Naive, simplistic, and superficial; also dull or uninteresting.
Example
The professor dismissed the essay as jejune and lacking depth.
B2 verb /ɪmˈpaʊər/

empower

Meaning
To give someone the power or authority to do something; to make someone stronger or more confident.
Example
Education can empower people to improve their lives.
B1 adjective /ænˈtiːk/

Antique

Meaning
old and valuable; belonging to ancient times
Example
She collected antique furniture from the Victorian era.
B2 adjective /ˈbruː.təl/

brutal

Meaning
extremely cruel or harsh; violent and without feeling
Example
The dictator’s rule was marked by brutal violence.
B2 noun /kæf/

Calf

Meaning
a young cow or bull; young of various large mammals
Example
The calf stayed close to its mother.
B2 noun /ˈɑːr.mər/

Armour

Meaning
protective covering worn by soldiers; metal plating for military vehicles
Example
The knight wore heavy armour to protect himself in battle.
C1 noun /aɪˈdiː.ə.lɪ.zəm/

Idealism

Meaning
the pursuit of high principles and noble goals; unrealistic pursuit of perfection
Example
His youthful idealism motivated him to join various social justice movements.
C1 adjective /ˈspaɪn.ləs/

Spineless

Meaning
lacking courage or determination; weak-willed
Example
He was too spineless to stand up for his beliefs.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdaɪt/

indict

Meaning
to formally accuse someone of committing a serious crime
Example
The grand jury decided to indict the politician for corruption.
C2 noun /məˈræs/

morass

Meaning
A complicated or confused situation; a swampy or boggy ground.
Example
The project got stuck in a bureaucratic morass.
C1 noun /ˈniːdəlwɜːrk/

needlework

Meaning
The craft of sewing, embroidery, or knitting done with a needle.
Example
Her grandmother taught her the art of needlework.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

conflagration

Meaning
A large, destructive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property.
Example
The forest was devastated by a massive conflagration that lasted for days.
C1 noun /brɔːl/

brawl

Meaning
a noisy fight in a public place
Example
A brawl broke out outside the bar late at night.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɪŋɡoʊˌɪzəm/

jingoism

Meaning
extreme patriotism expressed in aggressive foreign policy
Example
The politician's speech was filled with jingoism.