escalation
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C1 noun ˌes.kəˈleɪ.ʃən

escalation

Meaning
A rapid increase; a rise.
Example
The escalation of production costs impacts profitability.
B1 noun truː ˌɛdjuˈkeɪʃən

true education

Meaning
Genuine learning that develops both mind and character.
Example
True education builds a noble and beautiful life.
B2 adjective /ˌæn.tiˈsoʊ.ʃəl/

Antisocial

Meaning
avoiding social interaction; hostile to social order
Example
His antisocial behavior made it difficult for him to make friends.
B1 noun /ˈtaʊər/

tower

Meaning
a tall, narrow structure, often a part of a building
Example
The tower stood tall above the city.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfər/

lexicographer

Meaning
A person who compiles, writes, or edits dictionaries.
Example
The lexicographer spent years compiling the dictionary.
C1 verb /skwɪnt/

squint

Meaning
to look with partly closed eyes
Example
She squinted at the bright sunlight.
C1 verb /əˈtɛst/

attest

Meaning
To provide or serve as clear evidence of; to confirm or certify the truth of something.
Example
The witness attested to the accuracy of the report.
B1 adjective /ˈmɑːrvələs/

marvelous

Meaning
Causing great wonder or delight; extraordinary.
Example
She gave a marvelous performance on stage.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/

disingenuous

Meaning
not candid or sincere; giving a false appearance of honesty or openness
Example
She gave a disingenuous excuse for missing the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈɪmpətənt/

impotent

Meaning
Lacking power, ability, or strength to take effective action.
Example
The citizens felt impotent against the corrupt system.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪpərˈbɔːriən/

hyperborean

Meaning
Relating to the extreme north; very cold or frigid.
Example
The explorers prepared for the hyperborean climate of the Arctic.
C2 adjective /ˈsætərˌnaɪn/

saturnine

Meaning
slow and gloomy in mood
Example
His saturnine expression made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
B1 noun, verb /praɪz/

prize

Meaning
something given as a reward for achievement; to value highly
Example
He won the first prize in the competition.
A1 noun /ænt/

aunt

Meaning
the sister of your father or mother, or the wife of your uncle
Example
My aunt always gives me gifts on my birthday.
C1 adjective /ˈhɛdˌstrɔŋ/

headstrong

Meaning
Determined to do what one wants, even if it is not sensible.
Example
The headstrong child refused to listen to anyone.
C1 noun /ɪkˈstræv.ə.ɡəns/

Extravagance

Meaning
lack of restraint in spending money; excessive expense
Example
The wedding celebration was criticized for its unnecessary extravagance.
C2 verb /ˈrævəl/

ravel

Meaning
to tangle or complicate; to untangle or unravel depending on context
Example
She began to ravel the loose threads of the sweater.
B1 noun ˈliː.də.ʃɪp

leadership

Meaning
The action of leading a group of people or an organization.
Example
Leadership is crucial for institutional success.
B2 noun /dɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

deduction

Meaning
The process of reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.
Example
His deduction from the evidence was accurate.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈkɒn.ʃəs/

semiconscious

Meaning
Only partly conscious; not fully aware of surroundings.
Example
He was semiconscious after the accident and could barely respond.
B2 noun ˌel.ɪ.dʒəˈbɪl.ə.ti

eligibility

Meaning
The state of having the right to do or obtain something through satisfaction of the appropriate conditions.
Example
Eligibility criteria maintain fairness.
C1 noun /həˌluː.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Hallucination

Meaning
an experience involving the apparent perception of something not present; a false or distorted perception
Example
The patient experienced visual hallucinations as a side effect of the medication.
C1 noun /ˈfoʊliɪdʒ/

foliage

Meaning
The leaves of a plant, collectively.
Example
The autumn foliage looked stunning in the park.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔɪl.səm/

toilsome

Meaning
Involving hard or exhausting work; laborious.
Example
The workers had a toilsome day in the hot sun.
C1 noun ɪˌməʊ.ʃəˈnæl.ɪ.ti

emotionality

Meaning
The quality of being driven by emotions rather than reason; emotional responsiveness.
Example
His emotionality often influenced his decisions.
B1 adjective /ˈdiːsənt/

decent

Meaning
conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality
Example
He found a decent job after months of searching.
B2 noun /kəˈmɒ.dɪ.tiz/

commodities

Meaning
Raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold.
Example
The prices of commodities like oil and gold fluctuate frequently.
A2 adverb /ˈnoʊwɛr/

Nowhere

Meaning
not anywhere; in no place
Example
I searched everywhere but the keys were nowhere to be found.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊər/

overpower

Meaning
To defeat or gain control over someone or something by using greater strength or force.
Example
The soldiers managed to overpower the enemy forces.
B2 adjective /ˌmɛtrəˈpɑːlɪtən/

metropolitan

Meaning
Relating to a large city, its surrounding areas, or its lifestyle.
Example
She moved to a metropolitan area for better job opportunities.
C2 verb /ˈɛkspieɪt/

expiate

Meaning
to make amends for guilt or wrongdoing
Example
He tried to expiate his crime by helping the poor.
A1 noun /ˈweɪtər/

waiter

Meaning
a person whose job is to serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant or café
Example
The waiter brought the menu and took our order politely.
B1 verb /spaɪ/

spy

Meaning
to secretly collect information about a person, group, or country
Example
He was caught spying on his neighbor through the window.
B2 noun /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəri/

beneficiary

Meaning
a person who receives something, especially money or property, from a will or insurance policy
Example
She is the sole beneficiary of her father’s estate.
A2 noun /ˈmædʒɪk/

magic

Meaning
the use of mysterious or supernatural powers to influence events
Example
The magician amazed the crowd with his magic.
C2 noun /miːd/

mead

Meaning
An alcoholic drink made from fermented honey and water.
Example
The Vikings were known to drink large amounts of mead during feasts.
C1 verb /ˈkʌn.dʒər/

conjure

Meaning
to summon something as if by magic; to imagine vividly
Example
The magician conjured a rabbit out of the hat.
C2 noun /ɪˌpɪstəˈmɒlədʒɪst/

epistemologist

Meaning
A scholar or expert who studies the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge.
Example
The epistemologist debated how humans can truly know anything with certainty.
C1 noun /dɪˈmiːnər/

demeanor

Meaning
a person's outward behavior or appearance
Example
Her calm demeanor impressed everyone at the meeting.
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.
B2 verb /draʊn/

drown

Meaning
to die or cause to die by being submerged in and inhaling water
Example
He nearly drowned while swimming in the river.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊdiəs/

odious

Meaning
extremely unpleasant or repulsive
Example
The dictator was remembered for his odious crimes.
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.
B2 noun ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

irrigation

Meaning
The artificial application of water to land or soil.
Example
Irrigation systems improve crop yields in dry regions.
B2 verb /ɪˈnækt/

enact

Meaning
to make into law; to perform or act out
Example
The government decided to enact a new policy on education.
C1 adjective /ˈækʃənəbl̩/

actionable

Meaning
Able to be acted on or giving sufficient reason for legal action.
Example
The lawyer confirmed that the evidence was actionable in court.
C1 adjective /ˈprɒdɪɡəl/

prodigal

Meaning
spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant
Example
The prodigal son returned home after wasting his inheritance.
C1 noun /brəˈzɪər/

Brassiere

Meaning
a woman's undergarment designed to support the breasts
Example
She bought a comfortable brassiere for daily wear.
A1 noun /eər/

Air

Meaning
the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth; a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen
Example
Fresh air is essential for good health.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɛvəˈrɛnʃəl/

irreverential

Meaning
Showing a lack of respect for things that are generally taken seriously.
Example
His irreverential humor often shocked traditional audiences.
C2 noun /ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒi/

entomology

Meaning
The scientific study of insects.
Example
She studied entomology to understand the behavior of bees.
B2 noun ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəlz

intellectuals

Meaning
People possessing a highly developed intellect; scholars or academics.
Example
Intellectuals protested against the dominance.
B2 noun /ˈbætʃələr/

Bachelor

Meaning
an unmarried man; a person who holds a first degree from a university
Example
He remained a bachelor all his life and earned a bachelor's degree in engineering.
C2 noun /ˈbeɪlɔːr/

bailor

Meaning
a person who temporarily transfers possession of goods or property to another under a bailment agreement
Example
The bailor entrusted the valuable artwork to the museum for safekeeping.
C1 noun /əˈbreɪʒən/

abrasion

Meaning
a scrape or wearing away of the skin or surface due to friction
Example
He suffered a minor abrasion on his knee after falling.
A2 verb /laɪ/

lie

Meaning
to be in a horizontal position; to tell an untruth
Example
The book lies on the table.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs/

contiguous

Meaning
sharing a common border; touching
Example
The two continguous houses shared a wall.
B2 noun /ˈrest.ləs.nəs/

Restlessness

Meaning
the inability to rest or relax as a result of anxiety or boredom
Example
His restlessness during the long meeting was obvious to everyone.
B1 noun/verb /wuːnd/

wound

Meaning
an injury to the body or to harm someone
Example
He received a deep wound on his arm.
C1 verb /rɪŋ/

wring

Meaning
to squeeze and twist something to force liquid out; to extract with effort
Example
She had to wring the towel after washing it.
B2 noun /ˈtræn.zɪt/

transit

Meaning
Transportation or travel system, the process of travel or transportation from one place to another.
Example
The city is investing in a new transit system.
B2 adjective ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i

revolutionary

Meaning
Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
Example
Revolutionary ideas are reshaping the industry.
C1 noun /ˈfreɪlti/

frailty

Meaning
The condition of being weak, delicate, or easily broken.
Example
Old age often comes with physical frailty.
C1 verb /ˈdɪsləkeɪt/

dislocate

Meaning
To disturb the normal position of something, especially a joint in the body.
Example
He dislocated his shoulder while playing football.
A2 noun ˈtʃælɪndʒ

challenge

Meaning
A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a demanding or stimulating one; a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example
Plastic pollution poses a significant challenge to global health.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɒlvənt/

insolvent

Meaning
unable to pay debts owed
Example
The insolvent firm could not meet its financial obligations.
C2 noun /ˈænɪ siːd/

Ani seed

Meaning
Small aromatic seeds used as a spice and for medicinal purposes, with a sweet licorice-like flavor
Example
Anise seeds are often used in traditional desserts and teas.
C2 adjective /pɪˈskætɔːrɪəl/

piscatorial

Meaning
relating to fishing or fishermen
Example
He has a deep knowledge of piscatorial techniques and fish species.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnsəvəˌtwɑː/

conservatoire

Meaning
A school specializing in the study of music or drama.
Example
She trained as a pianist at the Paris Conservatoire.
C1 noun, verb /tɪndʒ/

tinge

Meaning
a slight added color, flavor, or feeling; to add a slight amount of color or quality
Example
Her voice was tinged with sadness.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

briticism

Meaning
a word, phrase, or characteristic feature of British English
Example
The word 'lorry' is a well-known Briticism.
C1 verb /ˈsnɪkər/

snicker

Meaning
to laugh quietly in a disrespectful or mocking way
Example
The students snickered when the teacher made a mistake.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl/

Untouchable

Meaning
not able to be touched or affected; beyond criticism or attack
Example
The CEO seemed untouchable despite the scandal.
B1 adjective /ˈrʊr.əl/

Rural

Meaning
relating to the countryside; characteristic of farming or country life
Example
She grew up in a rural area far from the city.
A1 interjection /haɪ/

hi

Meaning
a friendly greeting used when meeting someone
Example
Hi, it's nice to meet you!
B2 noun /ˈmes.ɪn.dʒər/

Messenger

Meaning
a person who carries messages or communications between parties
Example
The messenger delivered important battle plans to the commander.
C1 adjective /ˌɛnɪɡˈmætɪk/

enigmatic

Meaning
mysterious and difficult to interpret or understand
Example
He gave me an enigmatic smile.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒndər/

squander

Meaning
to waste money, time, or opportunities in a careless way
Example
He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
C2 verb /ɪkˈspɒstjʊleɪt/

expostulate

Meaning
to express strong disapproval or disagreement
Example
She expostulated with her friend about the risky decision.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈteɪk/

overtake

Meaning
to catch up with and pass someone or something; to surpass
Example
The runner managed to overtake his competitor in the final lap.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈlʊk/

overlook

Meaning
to fail to notice or consider something; to have a view from above
Example
It's easy to overlook small details when you're in a hurry.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/

unforthcoming

Meaning
Not willing to talk or provide information; uncooperative.
Example
The witness was unforthcoming about what he had seen.
B1 noun /ɪkˈsep.ʃən/

Exception

Meaning
a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule
Example
Most students passed the exam, with the exception of a few who were absent.
C2 noun /ləˈdʒɪʃən/

logician

Meaning
A person skilled in logic and reasoning.
Example
Aristotle is considered one of the greatest logicians in history.
B2 noun /dæm/

Dam

Meaning
a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level; a female parent of an animal
Example
The massive dam provides electricity and controls flooding in the region.
C2 verb /ˈhæroʊ/

harrow

Meaning
to cause distress or torment; also to break up and smooth soil with a farm tool
Example
The tragic news harrowed the entire family.
A2 noun /ɛmˈplɔɪ.iː/

employee

Meaning
A person who works for an organization or company in return for payment.
Example
The company values each employee's contribution to its success.
A2 noun/verb /ˈɛɡzɪt/

exit

Meaning
A way out of a place; the act of leaving.
Example
He quickly found the nearest exit during the fire drill.
C2 adjective /voʊˈsɪfərəs/

vociferous

Meaning
expressing feelings or opinions in a loud and forceful way
Example
The vociferous crowd demanded justice.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
B2 noun /ˌɑb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

Obligation

Meaning
a duty or commitment; something that must be done legally or morally
Example
Parents have an obligation to care for their children.
B2 adjective; past participle /ˈɒnəd/

honoured

Meaning
treated with respect or distinction; feeling proud and privileged
Example
She felt deeply honoured to receive the award.
B2 adjective /ˈhændi/

handy

Meaning
convenient to use or easily accessible; skillful with the hands
Example
This pocket knife is very handy when you go camping.
C2 adjective /ˈɪl bred/

Ill-bred

Meaning
lacking good manners; rude; showing poor upbringing
Example
His ill-bred behavior shocked everyone at the dinner party.
B2 noun ˈæɡ.rɪ.kʌl.tʃɚ

agriculture

Meaning
The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.
Example
Sustainable agriculture can help protect the environment.
C1 noun /ˈen.mə.ti/

Enmity

Meaning
a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility
Example
The enmity between the two families lasted for generations.
C1 verb /mɪns/

mince

Meaning
to cut into very small pieces; to walk with short quick steps
Example
She minced the garlic for the recipe.
C1 noun /kəˈlaɪdəˌskoʊp/

kaleidoscope

Meaning
A toy or instrument with mirrors and colored pieces that create changing patterns when rotated; also used metaphorically for a constantly changing sequence of patterns or elements.
Example
The city lights turned into a kaleidoscope of colors as the festival began.
B2 noun /əˈroʊmə/

aroma

Meaning
A pleasant, distinctive smell.
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
A1 noun /piːs/

piece

Meaning
a portion or part of something
Example
He gave me a piece of cake.
C2 noun /ˈræpsədi/

rhapsody

Meaning
an expression of great enthusiasm or an epic musical composition
Example
The singer’s performance was a rhapsody of emotions.
A2 noun /ˌkæŋ.ɡəˈruː/

Kangaroo

Meaning
a large marsupial from Australia that moves by hopping on its strong hind legs
Example
The kangaroo jumped high with its joey in its pouch.
B2 noun /əˈtɜːrni/

attorney

Meaning
a person who practices law; a lawyer
Example
She hired an attorney to represent her in court.
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.
C2 noun /pæˈstiːʃ/

pastiche

Meaning
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
Example
The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrsɪmoʊni/

parsimony

Meaning
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
Example
His parsimony was evident in the way he avoided any unnecessary expenses.
A1 noun /mʌnθ/

month

Meaning
a period of about four weeks or one-twelfth of a year
Example
She visits her grandparents once a month.
B2 verb ˈel.ɪ.veɪt

elevate

Meaning
To lift to a higher position; to raise to a more important or impressive level.
Example
Good leadership can elevate team performance.
A2 verb /ɪkˈsaɪt/

excite

Meaning
to cause strong feelings of enthusiasm or eagerness
Example
The idea of traveling abroad excites her.
C1 adjective /prəˈmɪskjuəs/

promiscuous

Meaning
Having or showing a casual and unselective approach, often used to describe indiscriminate sexual relationships.
Example
The novel depicts a character with a promiscuous lifestyle.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈlɛtʃ.ər.əs/

lecherous

Meaning
having or showing excessive or offensive sexual desire
Example
The character was portrayed as a lecherous old man.
C2 adjective /bɪˈnɪɡnənt/

benignant

Meaning
Kindly and benevolent in nature.
Example
The teacher’s benignant attitude made the students feel comfortable.
C1 adjective /ˈkoʊvərt/

covert

Meaning
hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged
Example
The spy conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines.
A2 noun /ʌmˈbrɛlə/

umbrella

Meaning
A device used for protection against rain or sun, typically consisting of a collapsible canopy mounted on a central rod.
Example
She opened her umbrella as it started to rain.
C1 adjective ˈɒk.sɪ.də.tɪv

oxidative

Meaning
Related to or caused by oxidation, especially cellular damage from free radicals.
Example
Excess stress can lead to oxidative damage in cells.
C1 adjective /ˈretʃɪd/

Wretched

Meaning
very unhappy; miserable; of poor quality
Example
The refugees lived in wretched conditions.
C2 verb /ˈdʒaɪreɪt/

gyrate

Meaning
to move or spin quickly in circles
Example
The dancer gyrated wildly to the rhythm of the drums.
C2 noun /moʊˈtɪləti/

motility

Meaning
The ability of an organism or cell to move independently.
Example
The motility of sperm is crucial for successful fertilization.
C2 verb /fɪˈlɒs.ə.faɪz/

philosophize

Meaning
to think or talk about the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
Example
He likes to philosophize about life and its meaning.
C2 noun /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

Meaning
The treasury of a state or country.
Example
The government announced new measures to improve the exchequer.