feign
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C1 verb /feɪn/

feign

Meaning
to pretend or fake; to give a false appearance of
Example
She feigned illness to avoid going to work.
C1 noun ˈlɪniɪdʒ

Lineage

Meaning
Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
Example
Tracing your lineage can reveal unknown ancestors.
C2 noun /ˌlɛdʒərdəˈmeɪn/

legerdemain

Meaning
skillful use of one's hands when performing tricks; deception or trickery
Example
The magician's legerdemain left the audience amazed.
C1 adjective /ˈfæn.sɪ.fəl/

fanciful

Meaning
overimaginative, unrealistic, or whimsical
Example
The story was too fanciful to be true.
C1 noun /vəˈlɒs.ɪ.ti/

velocity

Meaning
Speed or acceleration, the rate of movement of any object or vehicle.
Example
High velocity trains reduce travel time significantly.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnɪtəns/

penitence

Meaning
The action or feeling of showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
His eyes were full of penitence after realizing his mistake.
B1 noun /ɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/

instructions

Meaning
Detailed information on how something should be done or operated.
Example
Please follow the instructions on the box.
B2 verb /kənˈfaɪn/

confine

Meaning
to restrict someone or something within certain limits; to keep someone in a closed space
Example
The prisoner was confined to his cell for 23 hours a day.
C2 noun /ˈmʌrɪn/

murrain

Meaning
An infectious disease that affects cattle and other animals, often fatal.
Example
The farmer lost many cows during the outbreak of murrain.
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.
B1 adjective /ɪmˈpruːvd/

improved

Meaning
made better or enhanced in quality or condition
Example
Her health has significantly improved since last month.
B2 noun /ˈpriː.tɛns/ or /prɪˈtɛns/

pretense

Meaning
A false appearance or claim; an act of pretending.
Example
His kindness was only a pretense to gain trust.
B2 noun kəˈmɪʃ.ən

commission

Meaning
An official group of people entrusted by a government with a particular function.
Example
The commission recommends constitutional reforms.
B1 noun /lɪd/

Lid

Meaning
a removable or hinged cover for the top of a container
Example
Please put the lid back on the jar.
C2 verb /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪt/

ingratiate

Meaning
To gain favor or approval by deliberate effort, often in a flattering way.
Example
She tried to ingratiate herself with her boss by complimenting him often.
A2 adjective /ˈpɜːrfɪkt/

Perfect

Meaning
flawless; excellent; without fault
Example
She delivered a perfect performance on stage.
C1 noun /ˌeɪ.li.əˈneɪ.ʃən/

alienation

Meaning
The state of being isolated or estranged from a group or activity.
Example
The new policies created a sense of alienation among employees.
C1 verb /dɪˈtrækt/

detract

Meaning
To reduce or take away the worth or value of something.
Example
His rude behavior will detract from his good reputation.
B2 noun /ˈheɪ.trəd/

Hatred

Meaning
intense dislike or ill will; a feeling of strong aversion
Example
His hatred for injustice motivated him to become a human rights lawyer.
B2 noun /ˈtɛkstʃər/

texture

Meaning
the way something feels when you touch it; the quality of a surface or substance
Example
The fabric has a soft and smooth texture.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪks/

metaphysics

Meaning
The branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter.
Example
She studied metaphysics to understand the principles of existence beyond physical science.
B1 verb /ˈmoʊtɪˌveɪt/

motivate

Meaning
to encourage or stimulate interest or enthusiasm for doing something
Example
The coach's speech motivated the team to win the championship.
A2 adverb /kwaɪt/

Quite

Meaning
to a considerable extent; fairly; rather; completely
Example
The movie was quite interesting.
B2 noun /ˈkʌt.lət/

Cutlet

Meaning
a small piece of meat, especially veal or lamb, for frying or grilling
Example
She served delicious chicken cutlets for dinner.
B2 noun /ˌnoʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/

notifications

Meaning
A notice or announcement, especially an official one.
Example
Turn off notifications to stay focused.
C1 noun /brʌnt/

brunt

Meaning
the worst part or main impact of something unpleasant
Example
The small town bore the brunt of the storm.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːs.tʃər/

Posture

Meaning
the position in which someone holds their body; a particular attitude or approach
Example
Good posture is important for preventing back pain.
B2 verb /kweɪk/

quake

Meaning
to shake or tremble, often due to fear or a natural event like an earthquake
Example
The ground began to quake during the earthquake.
C2 verb /ˈpɛrəɡrɪˌneɪt/

peregrinate

Meaning
To travel or wander from place to place.
Example
He loved to peregrinate across the countryside during summer.
C1 adjective /ˌmer.ɪˈtɔː.ri.əs/

Meritorious

Meaning
deserving reward or praise; commendable; worthy of recognition
Example
His meritorious service to the community was recognized.
B1 verb /prəˈvaɪdɪd/

provided

Meaning
gave or supplied something that was needed
Example
The hotel provided free breakfast for all guests.
C2 verb /əˈɡlɒməˌreɪt/

agglomerate

Meaning
To collect or form into a mass or group.
Example
The dust particles began to agglomerate into larger clusters.
C2 adjective /ˈvoʊtɪv/

votive

Meaning
Offered or dedicated in fulfillment of a vow.
Example
She lit a votive candle in the church as a prayer.
A1 adjective /ˈæŋ.ɡri/

Angry

Meaning
feeling or showing strong displeasure; furious; irritated
Example
She was angry because someone had broken her favorite vase.
B2 adjective /dʌm/

Dumb

Meaning
unable to speak; silent; lacking intelligence; stupid
Example
She remained dumb during the entire meeting.
B1 adjective /ˈkɒn.fɪ.dənt/

Confident

Meaning
self-assured; certain; having belief in one's abilities
Example
She felt confident about her performance in the exam.
B2 noun /ˈet.ɪ.kət/

Etiquette

Meaning
the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession
Example
Proper etiquette requires standing when a lady enters the room.
C1 verb /pɑːrs/

parse

Meaning
to analyze a sentence or text grammatically or logically
Example
The software can parse large amounts of text data efficiently.
B2 adjective /ˌprɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl/

presidential

Meaning
relating to a president or presidency
Example
The presidential election is scheduled for next month.
B2 noun /reɪk/

Rake

Meaning
a garden tool with a long handle and prongs for gathering leaves; to gather with a rake
Example
He used a rake to gather the fallen autumn leaves.
C1 adjective ˈser.ɪ.brəl

cerebral

Meaning
Of the cerebrum of the brain.
Example
Cerebral functions regulate thoughts.
C2 noun /lænˈtɑː.nə/

Lantana

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with clusters of small colorful flowers
Example
The lantana flowers attract butterflies to the garden.
C1 verb /rɪˈkɔɪl/

recoil

Meaning
To suddenly spring back in fear, horror, or from force such as a gun's kickback.
Example
She recoiled at the sight of the snake.
C2 noun /ˈsɪniæst/

cineast

Meaning
A film enthusiast or filmmaker; a person deeply interested in cinema.
Example
As a true cineast, she spends most weekends watching classic films.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/

innocuous

Meaning
Not harmful or offensive.
Example
His remark was completely innocuous and not meant to offend anyone.
B2 adjective daɪˈdʒes.tɪv

digestive

Meaning
Relating to the digestion of food.
Example
Digestive enzymes help break down food.
B2 noun /ˈræŋkɪŋ/

ranking

Meaning
a position in a list or hierarchy, especially in terms of performance or importance
Example
His ranking in the competition improved after each round.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstiːmd/

Esteemed

Meaning
respected and admired; held in high regard
Example
He is an esteemed professor at the university.
A1 verb /tel/

tell

Meaning
to say something to someone; to give information or instructions
Example
Can you tell me the time?
C1 adjective /ˈper.ɪ.ləs/

perilous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; hazardous and threatening.
Example
The explorers took a perilous journey.
B1 noun /tʃiːk/

Cheek

Meaning
either side of the face below the eye; impudent or disrespectful behavior
Example
The baby's rosy cheeks showed she was healthy and happy.
A1 adjective /fɜːrst/

first

Meaning
coming before all others in time, order, or importance
Example
She was the first to arrive at the meeting.
B1 noun /ˈkiː.wi/

Kiwi

Meaning
a small brown fruit with green flesh and black seeds; a flightless bird from New Zealand
Example
I love eating fresh kiwi for breakfast.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.stɪk/

caustic

Meaning
able to burn or corrode by chemical action; severely sarcastic
Example
Her caustic remarks hurt his feelings.
B2 noun /ˈpes.ə.mɪst/

Pessimist

Meaning
a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believes that the worst will happen; someone who lacks hope or confidence in the future
Example
Being a pessimist, he always expected the worst outcome.
B1 adjective /ˈfɔːrmər/

former

Meaning
Having been previously in a particular role or position.
Example
He is a former president of the association.
A2 noun /teɪst/

Taste

Meaning
the sensation produced when food touches the tongue; personal preference or liking
Example
This cake has a sweet taste that I really enjoy.
B1 noun /kruː/

crew

Meaning
A group of people working together, especially on a ship, aircraft, or project.
Example
The ship's crew worked tirelessly during the storm.
C1 verb/noun /ˈswæɡ.ər/

swagger

Meaning
To walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant way.
Example
He swaggered into the room as if he owned the place.
B2 adjective /ˈɡlæm.ər.əs/

Glamorous

Meaning
having glamour; attractive in an exciting way; fashionable;
Example
The actress looked glamorous in her designer gown at the awards ceremony.
C2 verb /ˈfʌdəl/

fuddle

Meaning
To confuse or stupefy, especially with alcohol or overwhelming information.
Example
The complicated instructions fuddled the new employees.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/

understate

Meaning
To describe something as being less important or serious than it really is.
Example
He tends to understate his achievements.
B2 noun /ˌek.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/

Expectation

Meaning
a strong belief that something will happen or be the case; anticipation
Example
The new teacher exceeded everyone's expectations with her innovative teaching methods.
C1 verb /ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪt/

deprecate

Meaning
to express disapproval of something
Example
The teacher deprecated the use of slang in academic essays.
B2 noun /ˈkjuː.bɪ.kəl/

cubicle

Meaning
A small partitioned-off area of a room, typically in an office.
Example
She works in a cubicle with three other colleagues.
B2 verb /ɪˈrʌpt/

erupt

Meaning
to burst forth suddenly and violently
Example
The volcano erupted after centuries of dormancy.
C1 verb /ɡrʌnt/

grunt

Meaning
to make a low, rough sound, often when exerting effort or expressing annoyance
Example
He grunted as he lifted the heavy box.
C1 noun ɪɡˌzæs.pəˈreɪ.ʃən

exasperation

Meaning
Extreme irritation or frustration.
Example
He sighed in exasperation after hearing the same excuse again.
C2 noun /əˈdɛpt.nəs/

adeptness

Meaning
Skill and dexterity in a task.
Example
His adeptness in negotiations helped close the deal successfully.
C1 verb /ˈpʌlseɪt/

pulsate

Meaning
to expand and contract rhythmically; to throb or beat
Example
The neon lights pulsated with a steady rhythm.
C2 noun /ˈmɪlk pɒt/

Milk-pot

Meaning
a container specifically used for storing or serving milk
Example
She poured fresh milk from the milk-pot into her glass.
B1 noun /ˈmɪs.tər.i/

Mystery

Meaning
something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain
Example
The disappearance of the plane remains a mystery.
B2 noun ˈɪn.deks

index

Meaning
An alphabetical list of names, subjects, etc. with references to the places where they occur, typically found at the end of a book; a sign or measure of something.
Example
An index organizes critical data.
C1 verb /plɒd/

plod

Meaning
to work slowly and steadily, often with effort or difficulty
Example
He plodded through his homework despite feeling tired.
B1 noun /əˈsɪstəns/

Assistance

Meaning
the action of helping someone with a job or task; support
Example
She offered her assistance with the project.
C2 adjective /ˈkɔːpjʊlənt/

corpulent

Meaning
fat or obese; having a large bulky body
Example
The corpulent man struggled to fit into the small chair.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪ.haʊnd/

Greyhound

Meaning
a tall, thin dog with long legs that can run very fast
Example
The greyhound won the race at the dog track.
B2 noun /ˌtɜːrməˈnɑːlədʒi/

terminology

Meaning
the set of technical or special words used in a particular subject
Example
Medical terminology can be difficult for new students to understand.
B2 noun /ˈpæd.i/

Paddy

Meaning
rice in its natural state before processing; a field where rice is grown
Example
The farmers worked hard in the paddy fields during harvest season.
B2 adjective, noun /ədˈvaɪzəri/

advisory

Meaning
(adjective) having the power to give advice but not to make sure that it is followed; (noun) an official announcement containing information or a warning
Example
The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the board of directors.
A2 noun /lɔː/

Law

Meaning
a rule or system of rules recognized by a country or community as regulating the actions of its members
Example
Everyone must obey the law.
C1 adjective /ˈzɛsti/

zesty

Meaning
Having a strong, pleasant, and somewhat spicy flavor; full of energy and enthusiasm.
Example
The dish had a zesty flavor that everyone loved.
C1 noun /ˌænəsˈθetɪk/

anesthetic

Meaning
A substance that causes loss of sensation or consciousness, especially used during surgery.
Example
The doctor administered a local anesthetic before stitching the wound.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪtərɛri/

literary

Meaning
concerning the writing, study, or content of literature
Example
She is a well-known figure in the literary world.
B2 noun /ˈbætəlˌfiːld/

battlefield

Meaning
a place where a battle is fought
Example
The battlefield was covered with the remnants of the fight.
C1 noun /ˈleɪˌpɜːrsən/

layperson

Meaning
A person who is not a member of the clergy or does not have specialized knowledge in a subject.
Example
The judge explained the law so that the layperson could understand.
B2 noun /dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪtər/

denominator

Meaning
the number below the line in a fraction; a common factor in a situation
Example
In the fraction 3/4, the number 4 is the denominator.
C2 verb /ˈdɔːd(ə)l/

dawdle

Meaning
to waste time by being slow or idle
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework.
B1 verb /ɪkˈspɪəriənsɪŋ/

experiencing

Meaning
Encountering or undergoing an event or occurrence.
Example
The travelers are experiencing the thrill of adventure.
A2 verb /eɪm/

aim

Meaning
to direct a weapon, object, or effort at a target; to intend or plan
Example
He aimed the ball at the goal.
B2 verb /roʊm/

roam

Meaning
to walk or travel without a specific destination; to wander
Example
Wild animals roam freely in the forest.
C2 noun /dɪˈtraɪtəs/

detritus

Meaning
Waste or debris of any kind; fragments left from destruction or decay.
Example
The riverbank was covered with detritus after the flood.
C1 noun /ˈblʌd.ʃed/

Bloodshed

Meaning
the killing or wounding of people, typically in large numbers during a conflict
Example
The peace treaty was signed to prevent further bloodshed.
C2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈstraɪd/

overstride

Meaning
To stride over something; to step across with long steps.
Example
He managed to overstride the narrow stream with ease.
C1 adjective /ˌɔː.riˈen.təl/

Oriental

Meaning
relating to the countries of East Asia; eastern
Example
The museum has a beautiful collection of oriental art.
C1 noun /ˈdɪsənˌtɛri/

dysentery

Meaning
An infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.
Example
Many soldiers suffered from dysentery during the war.
C2 noun /buːb/

boob

Meaning
a foolish or clumsy person; an informal and sometimes rude term for a woman's breast
Example
He felt like a complete boob after forgetting the meeting.
C1 noun ˌsɪs.təˈmæt.ɪk ˈstræt.ə.dʒi

systematic strategy

Meaning
A methodical and organized plan or approach to achieve specific objectives.
Example
A systematic strategy was employed to achieve objectives.
C1 verb /ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

equalize

Meaning
To make equal or level in status, value, or amount.
Example
The team equalized the score in the last minute.
B2 verb /plʌndʒ/

plunge

Meaning
to jump or dive quickly; to fall sharply
Example
She plunged into the swimming pool.
C1 noun /ˈsɛtərə/

cetera

Meaning
Latin for 'the rest' or 'others'; commonly used in the phrase 'et cetera' meaning 'and so on'.
Example
We need to buy pens, paper, notebooks, et cetera.
C2 adjective /ˈæk.rɪd/

Acrid

Meaning
having a strong, unpleasant, and sharp smell or taste
Example
The acrid smoke from the fire made everyone cough.
B2 adverb /rɪˈɡɑrdləs/

regardless

Meaning
without paying attention to the current situation or condition
Example
She will go to the party regardless of the weather.
C2 noun /ˌsæv.wɑːr ˈfeər/

savoir-faire

Meaning
The ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations; polished social skills.
Example
She handled the delicate situation with remarkable savoir-faire.
B1 verb /dɪˈliːt/

delete

Meaning
to remove or erase something, especially written or recorded information
Example
He accidentally deleted all the files from his computer.
C2 noun (plural) /maɪˈnjuːʃiiː/

minutiae

Meaning
the small, precise, or trivial details of something
Example
The lawyer focused on the minutiae of the contract.
A2 adverb /ˈkwaɪ.ət.li/

Quietly

Meaning
without making much noise; silently; in a calm manner
Example
She spoke quietly so she wouldn't wake the baby.
C2 adjective /woʊnt/ or /wɔːnt/

wont

Meaning
accustomed or used to doing something
Example
She rose early, as she was wont to do.
A2 noun /ˈlɔːndri/

laundry

Meaning
clothes or linens that need to be washed or have been washed
Example
She folded the clean laundry neatly.
C1 verb /ˈæɡənaɪz/

agonize

Meaning
To suffer extreme physical or mental pain; to spend time worrying.
Example
She agonized for days over whether she had made the right decision.
C1 adjective /ˈheɪt.fəl/

Hateful

Meaning
causing or deserving hatred; extremely unpleasant or offensive
Example
His hateful comments hurt everyone's feelings.
C1 noun /ˌɪnɪkˈspɪəriəns/

inexperience

Meaning
Lack of knowledge or skill in a particular activity or field.
Example
His inexperience in handling negotiations was evident.
C2 noun /ˈvɪtrioʊl/

vitriol

Meaning
harsh and bitter criticism
Example
The politician faced vitriol from the public.
C1 verb /rɪˈpʌls/

repulse

Meaning
to drive back an attack or attacker by force; to cause intense dislike or disgust
Example
The army managed to repulse the enemy attack.
C1 noun /ˈrɛpərˌtɔːri/

repertory

Meaning
A collection of works that a company, performer, or institution regularly performs; also a storehouse of information or skills.
Example
The theater has a repertory of classic plays.
C1 noun /ˈɪm.pæs/

impasse

Meaning
A situation where no progress is possible.
Example
The negotiations reached an impasse, delaying the agreement.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈɜːrθli/

unearthly

Meaning
Strange or unnatural in a way that seems not of this world
Example
The forest was filled with an unearthly glow.
C1 noun /ˈboʊ.ə/

Boa

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The boa constrictor wrapped around its prey.
B1 noun /brif/

Brief

Meaning
a concise statement of the facts; a set of instructions given to a person about a job or task
Example
The lawyer received a detailed brief about the upcoming court case.
C2 verb /ˈdɛsɪkreɪt/

desecrate

Meaning
to treat a sacred place or object with disrespect or violation
Example
The vandals desecrated the ancient temple walls with graffiti.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔːf.ti/

Lofty

Meaning
of great height; noble in character; elevated in style
Example
He has lofty ideals about making the world a better place.