C2 noun /ˈfrækɑː/

fracas

Meaning

A noisy disturbance or quarrel.

Example

The fracas outside the bar drew the attention of the police.

C2 adjective hjʊˈrɪs.tɪk

heuristic

Meaning

Enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves; experimental learning approach.

Example

Teachers use heuristic techniques to encourage self-learning.

A2 noun /ˈpʌp.i/

Puppy

Meaning

a young dog

Example

The puppy wagged its tail when it saw its owner.

C1 noun /əˈtjuːn.mənt/

attunement

Meaning

Being in harmony or responsive to someone's emotional state.

Example

Attunement to emotions improves relationships.

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 adjective /ˈfæl.oʊ/

fallow

Meaning

Describing land that is left unplanted for a period to restore its fertility, allowing soil to recover nutrients and break pest and disease cycles.

Example

Farmers leave their fields fallow to restore soil fertility.

C2 adjective /ˈæsɪnaɪn/

asinine

Meaning

Extremely foolish or stupid.

Example

It was an asinine idea to drive into the storm without checking the weather.

C1 noun /ˌɪnkoʊˈhɪrəns/

incoherence

Meaning

The quality of being unclear, confused, or lacking logical connection.

Example

His speech was full of incoherence and difficult to follow.

C2 noun /ˈmæntl̩/

mantel

Meaning

A shelf above a fireplace, often used for decoration.

Example

She placed family photos on the mantel above the fireplace.

B2 noun /ˈmaɪ.ɡrənt/

migrant

Meaning

A person who moves from one place to another, especially to find work or better living conditions.

Example

Many migrants travel long distances to find employment.

C2 noun /skriːd/

screed

Meaning

a long, tedious piece of writing or speech; also a layer of material like cement spread on a surface

Example

He delivered a long screed against corruption.

A1 adjective/adverb /ˈoʊnli/

only

Meaning

without others; solely

Example

He is the only person who knows the secret.

B2 adjective /sɑːrˈkæstɪk/

sarcastic

Meaning

Using irony or mockery to convey contempt or humor.

Example

She made a sarcastic remark about his cooking.

B2 noun pəˈspek.tɪvz

perspectives

Meaning

A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

Example

New perspectives enhance understanding.

C1 noun /ˌkɒnfɪˈdɑːnt/

confidante

Meaning

A woman with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting her not to repeat it.

Example

The queen’s maid became her most trusted confidante.

C1 adjective /bɪˈrɛft/

bereft

Meaning

Deprived of or lacking something, especially a nonmaterial asset.

Example

After the betrayal, he felt bereft of hope and trust.

B1 adjective /pərˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/

particular

Meaning

specific or special; distinct from others

Example

He is very particular about his diet.

C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒŋɡruənt/

incongruent

Meaning

Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects.

Example

His casual outfit looked incongruent at the formal dinner.

B2 noun /ˈkɒnsənənt/

consonant

Meaning

A speech sound produced by blocking air flow, or a letter representing such a sound.

Example

The word 'cat' has two consonants and one vowel.

C2 verb /bɪˈθɪŋk/

bethink

Meaning

to cause oneself to consider or remember something

Example

He bethought himself of the promise he had made.

C2 adjective /ˌɪnkəˈməʊdiəs/

incommodious

Meaning

Uncomfortably small, cramped, or inconvenient.

Example

We had to stay in an incommodious room during the trip.

C1 adjective dʒuːˈdɪʃ.əs

judicious

Meaning

Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense; wise and careful.

Example

A judicious decision can prevent future problems.

C1 adjective /ˈbækˌhændɪd/

backhanded

Meaning

Indirect or sarcastic, often appearing as praise but actually insulting.

Example

She gave him a backhanded compliment about his work.

C2 noun /ˌproʊɪˈbɪʃənɪst/

prohibitionist

Meaning

A person who supports or advocates prohibition, especially of alcohol.

Example

The prohibitionist campaigned against the sale of liquor in the town.

C2 noun /sʌbˈɔːl.tən/

subaltern

Meaning

A person holding a subordinate position; in the military, a junior officer.

Example

The subaltern was responsible for leading a small platoon of soldiers.

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.

A2 noun /kɔɪnz/

coins

Meaning

Flat, typically round pieces of metal issued by a government as money.

Example

He collected old coins from different countries.

C2 noun /ˌbæstərdaɪˈzeɪʃən/

bastardization

Meaning

the act of corrupting, degrading, or misrepresenting something

Example

Critics called the remake a bastardization of the original film.

C1 adjective /nɪˈɡoʊ.ʃi.ə.bəl/

negotiable

Meaning

Open to discussion or modification; capable of being bargained for.

Example

The salary offered is negotiable.

C2 noun /ɪnˈsuːsiəns/

insouciance

Meaning

Casual lack of concern; indifference.

Example

She carried herself with an air of insouciance, unbothered by the challenges ahead.

B1 verb /peɪst/

paste

Meaning

to stick something onto a surface using glue or adhesive

Example

I paste the picture into my scrapbook.

C2 adjective /ˈliːwərd/

leeward

Meaning

On or toward the sheltered side away from the wind.

Example

They built their camp on the leeward side of the hill.

C2 noun /sʌnd raɪs/

Sunned rice

Meaning

Rice that has been dried in the sun; parched rice

Example

The farmers spread the sunned rice on mats to dry completely.

B1 noun /ˈæŋɡl/

angle

Meaning

The space between two intersecting lines or surfaces at the point where they meet.

Example

The teacher explained how to measure an angle in geometry.

C2 noun /ˈɒnwiː/ or /ˈɑːnwiː/

ennui

Meaning

A feeling of boredom, listlessness, or dissatisfaction arising from lack of excitement.

Example

After weeks of doing nothing, he sank into a deep sense of ennui.

C1 noun /pərˈvɜːrʒən/

perversion

Meaning

The act of distorting or corrupting the original meaning, purpose, or state of something.

Example

The regime’s censorship was seen as a perversion of free speech.

B1 noun /ɪˈfɛk.tɪv kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

effective communication

Meaning

Clear and meaningful exchange of information that achieves its intended purpose.

Example

Effective communication is key to strong relationships.

B2 noun /ˈʃɔːrt.kʌm.ɪŋ/

Shortcoming

Meaning

a fault or failure to meet a certain standard; a deficiency

Example

Despite his many talents, he has some shortcomings.

C1 verb, noun /miˈændər/

meander

Meaning

to wander aimlessly or follow a winding course

Example

We meandered through the old streets of the city.

C2 noun /kɒn.tɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

contiguity

Meaning

the state of being in direct contact or next to each other

Example

The contiguity of the two countries facilitates trade.

C1 noun ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti

sovereignty

Meaning

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; supreme power or authority.

Example

Sovereignty is essential for a nation's identity.

C2 adjective /dɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/

determinate

Meaning

having exact and definite limits or form

Example

The contract is for a determinate period of two years.

C1 noun /oʊˈveɪʃən/

ovation

Meaning

an enthusiastic show of approval, especially by clapping hands

Example

The actor received a standing ovation after his performance.

C2 noun /kɔːrˈteɪʒ/

cortege

Meaning

a solemn procession, especially for a funeral

Example

A cortege of mourners followed the hearse to the cemetery.

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.

B1 adjective dɪˈleɪd

delayed

Meaning

Late or postponed; happening later than planned or expected.

Example

The Artemis mission was delayed due to technical challenges.

B2 verb /ˈtrɛmbəl/

tremble

Meaning

To shake slightly, often because of fear, cold, or nervousness.

Example

She began to tremble with fear before speaking.

B2 noun /ˈkɪlɪŋ/

killing

Meaning

the act of causing death, especially deliberately

Example

The movie depicts the brutal killing of the villagers.

C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning

Brave, determined, and courageous

Example

The stouthearted soldier never gave up.

B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning

relating to mental illness or its treatment

Example

The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.

C1 adjective /ˈwɔːrˌlaɪk/

warlike

Meaning

Having an aggressive or militant nature; inclined to fight or engage in war.

Example

The tribe was known for its warlike traditions.

B1 noun məˈdʒɒrəti

majority

Meaning

The greater number; the larger part of something.

Example

The majority demanded their rights.

B1 noun ˈsɛʃənz

sessions

Meaning

A meeting of an official body, especially a court of law, to conduct its business; a period devoted to a particular activity.

Example

The sessions lasted for three hours.

C1 adjective /ɪˈstreɪndʒd/

estranged

Meaning

no longer close or affectionate with someone; alienated

Example

She felt estranged from her family after the long dispute.

C2 noun /ˈæntɪfɒn/

antiphon

Meaning

a short chant or verse sung responsively in Christian worship, typically sung before or after a psalm or canticle

Example

The choir sang the antiphon before beginning the main hymn.

B2 noun dʒəˈnet.ɪks

genetics

Meaning

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Example

Genetics plays a pivotal role in healthcare advancements.

C1 noun /ˈfræk.tʃər/

Fracture

Meaning

the cracking or breaking of a hard object or material; a break in a bone

Example

The doctor confirmed that he had a hairline fracture in his wrist.

A1 verb /rɪˈmembə/

remember

Meaning

to bring a past event back into one's mind; to keep in memory

Example

I remember my first day at school.

B2 noun /ˈruːdnəs/

Rudeness

Meaning

the quality of being impolite, discourteous, or offensive in behavior or speech

Example

His rudeness shocked everyone at the dinner party.

C2 noun /ˌdeɪnuːˈmɒ̃/

denouement

Meaning

The final resolution or conclusion of a story, drama, or complicated situation.

Example

The novel's denouement was both surprising and satisfying.

C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbə/

belabour

Meaning

to explain something repeatedly or with excessive detail; to criticize or attack verbally at length

Example

The teacher did not belabour the point once the students understood it.

C1 noun /ˈpoʊl.stɑːr/

Polestar

Meaning

a bright star that appears to stay in the same position in the sky and is used for navigation

Example

Sailors used the polestar to navigate across the ocean.

B1 noun /ˈsɜr.fɪs/

Surface

Meaning

the outside part or uppermost layer of something

Example

The submarine emerged to the surface of the ocean.

B2 verb /dɪˈraɪv/

derive

Meaning

To obtain something from a source.

Example

Many English words derive from Latin.

C2 noun /ˈmeɪlstrəm/

maelstrom

Meaning

A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a situation of confused movement and turmoil.

Example

The ship was caught in a maelstrom of waves and wind.

C2 adjective /ˈsmɑːrmi/

smarmy

Meaning

Excessively flattering or ingratiating, often insincerely.

Example

The salesman gave a smarmy pitch that felt fake.

C1 noun /ˈpriː.tekst/

Pretext

Meaning

a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason

Example

He used illness as a pretext to avoid the meeting.

C2 noun /ɪnˈkɒnstənsi/

inconstancy

Meaning

The quality of changing frequently or being unreliable.

Example

The inconstancy of the weather makes planning difficult.

B2 noun/verb /preɪ/

prey

Meaning

an animal hunted by another for food; to hunt and feed on

Example

Lions prey on zebras in the wild.

C1 verb /daʊs/

douse

Meaning

to pour liquid over; to extinguish a fire or light

Example

Firefighters doused the flames with water.

B2 noun, verb /treɪs/

trace

Meaning

a mark, object, or sign that shows the existence or development of something

Example

She traced the path of the river on the map.

C1 adjective /ˈed.jʊ.keɪ.tɪv/

Educative

Meaning

providing education; instructive; informative

Example

The documentary was highly educative and informative.

C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəbl/

dutiable

Meaning

subject to customs duty or tax

Example

Imported electronics are often dutiable at the border.

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 /əkˈnɒlɪdʒmənt/

acknowledgment

Meaning

the act of accepting, admitting, or recognizing something

Example

He received an acknowledgment of his application.

C1 adjective /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/

altruistic

Meaning

Showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Example

Her altruistic nature led her to volunteer for charities.

C1 adjective /ˈvɪskəs/

viscous

Meaning

Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid.

Example

Honey is a viscous liquid that flows slowly.

C1 noun /ˈmæk.ər.əl/

Mackerel

Meaning

a streamlined marine fish with a forked tail and wavy stripes

Example

Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

C2 noun /brəˈvjʊrə/

bravura

Meaning

a display of great skill and brilliance, especially in music or performance

Example

The pianist delivered a bravura performance that left the audience spellbound.

C2 noun /ˌrɛprəˈbeɪʃən/

reprobation

Meaning

Strong disapproval or condemnation; rejection by God as beyond salvation.

Example

The teacher’s face showed clear reprobation at the student’s rude remark.

B1 verb /əˈʃʊr/

assure

Meaning

to make someone feel certain or confident about something

Example

He assured her that everything would be fine.

B2 adjective /rɪˈliːvd/

relieved

Meaning

feeling happy and less worried after something stressful has been removed or resolved

Example

She felt relieved after hearing the good news.

C1 verb /ˈskævɪndʒ/

scavenge

Meaning

to search through waste or discarded material to find useful items

Example

The children scavenged for food in the garbage dump.

B2 noun /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərər/

manufacturer

Meaning

A person or company that makes goods in large quantities.

Example

The manufacturer produces cars for the global market.

B2 noun /ˈkænvəs/

canvas

Meaning

A strong, coarse cloth used for tents, sails, or painting.

Example

The artist prepared a canvas for his new painting.

C2 verb /bɪˈfʌdəl/

befuddle

Meaning

to confuse someone completely; to make someone unable to think clearly

Example

The complex instructions befuddled the students.

C2 noun /ˈjɪərlɪŋ/

yearling

Meaning

an animal that is one year old, especially a horse

Example

The farmer sold the yearling at the livestock market.

C2 adjective /ˌoʊdəˈrɪfərəs/

odoriferous

Meaning

having or giving off a smell, especially a strong or pleasant one

Example

The garden was filled with odoriferous flowers.

C2 adjective /ɪnˈæpt/

Inapt

Meaning

not suitable; inappropriate; unfit

Example

His comment was inapt for the formal meeting.

C2 noun /bɪˈhiː.mɒθ/

behemoth

Meaning

Something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization.

Example

The company grew into a corporate behemoth.

B1 noun /ˈhaɪdʒiːn/

hygiene

Meaning

Conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease.

Example

Good hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of infections.

C1 adjective ˈtæs.ɪt

tacit

Meaning

Understood or implied without being openly expressed or stated

Example

Their mutual understanding was based on tacit agreement.

C1 noun /ˌnoʊtəˈraɪəti/

notoriety

Meaning

The state of being famous or well-known for something bad.

Example

The criminal gained notoriety for his daring escapes.

B2 adjective /ˌɑːrkɪˈtɛktʃərəl/

architectural

Meaning

relating to the design and style of buildings and structures

Example

The city is known for its beautiful architectural designs.

C1 verb /ɪˈkweɪt/

equate

Meaning

To consider as equal or equivalent.

Example

Many people equate wealth with success.

C1 noun ˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz

modifications

Meaning

The action of making partial or minor changes to something.

Example

DNA modifications enable enhanced traits in crops.

B2 noun /ˈɡuːs.ber.i/

Gooseberry

Meaning

a small round green or red berry that grows on a thorny bush

Example

Gooseberries are rich in vitamin C and make excellent jams.

C1 noun /baʊt/

Bout

Meaning

a short period of intense activity of a specified kind; a wrestling or boxing match

Example

After a bout of illness, she finally recovered and returned to work.

B2 adverb /ðɛrˈæftər/

thereafter

Meaning

from that time on

Example

He moved to Canada and thereafter started a new life.

B1 adjective /ˈæn.ju.əl/

annual

Meaning

happening once every year

Example

The company holds an annual meeting for all its shareholders.

B1 noun /ˈvaɪ.ə.ləns/

Violence

Meaning

behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill; extreme force or intensity

Example

The government condemned all forms of violence against civilians.

B2 noun /ˈwɪzdəm/

Wisdom

Meaning

the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the soundness of an action or decision

Example

Age brings wisdom and experience.

C1 verb /ˌdɪsˈmaʊnt/

dismount

Meaning

to get off or down from something, especially a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle

Example

The rider dismounted from the horse after a long journey.

C2 adjective /trænzˈmɪsəbl/

transmissible

Meaning

able to be passed or spread from one person or thing to another

Example

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease.

B2 noun /dɔːn/

Dawn

Meaning

the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise; the beginning or start of something

Example

The fishermen set out to sea before dawn to catch the morning tide.

C1 noun /bʊk ˈbaɪn.dər/

Book binder

Meaning

a person whose job is to fasten the pages of books together and put covers on them

Example

The old book binder carefully restored the antique manuscript.

A2 noun /ˈkɑr.pɪt/

Carpet

Meaning

a floor covering made from thick woven fabric

Example

The Persian carpet in the living room was a family heirloom.

B2 adjective /dæmp/

damp

Meaning

slightly wet, often in an unpleasant way

Example

The room felt cold and damp after the rain.

A2 adjective /ˈfroʊzən/

frozen

Meaning

preserved by being made extremely cold; turned into ice

Example

The lake was completely frozen during winter.

B1 noun ˈfæmɪli triː

Family Tree

Meaning

A diagram showing the relationships between people in several generations of a family.

Example

Creating a family tree helps understand family history.

A2 verb /kəmˈpliːt/

complete

Meaning

to finish making or doing something; to bring something to an end

Example

She managed to complete the project on time.

B1 noun /məˈkænɪk/

mechanic

Meaning

a person who repairs and maintains machines or vehicles

Example

The mechanic fixed the engine in less than an hour.

C2 noun /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈpruːdəns/

jurisprudence

Meaning

The theory, philosophy, or science of law.

Example

She is a professor of jurisprudence at the university.

A1 noun /dɔːr/

Door

Meaning

a movable barrier used to close an entrance to a building or room

Example

Please close the door when you leave the room.

B2 noun; adjective /ˌnɒnˈprɒfɪt/

non-profit

Meaning

an organization that does not operate for profit and reinvests surplus to achieve social goals; not intended to make financial profit

Example

She works for a non-profit that provides free education to underprivileged children.

B2 adjective /ˈfeɪvərəbl/

favourable

Meaning

Expressing approval, support, or positivity; advantageous or beneficial

Example

The weather conditions were favourable for the outdoor event.

C1 verb /ɪnˈsɜːrkəl/

encircle

Meaning

to form a circle around something

Example

The protesters encircled the building in a human chain.

A2 noun /əˈdʌlt/

Adult

Meaning

a person who is fully grown or developed; mature

Example

Only adults are allowed to enter this area.

B2 noun /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/

diagnosis

Meaning

The identification of a disease, condition, or problem through examination of symptoms.

Example

The diagnosis confirmed that she had diabetes.

C2 adjective /ˈtrʌk.jʊ.lənt/

truculent

Meaning

Eager or quick to argue, fight, or show aggression.

Example

She became truculent when her ideas were challenged.

C1 verb ɪˈræd.ɪ.keɪt

eradicate

Meaning

To destroy completely; to put an end to something undesirable.

Example

Vaccination programs help eradicate infectious diseases.