fresco
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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.
B2 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd/

Mustard

Meaning
A pungent seed or condiment made from ground mustard seeds
Example
She added mustard seeds to the curry for extra flavor.
C2 verb /kənˈvʌls/

convulse

Meaning
to shake violently; to suffer sudden involuntary contractions
Example
The patient convulsed during the seizure.
B1 noun ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz

initiatives

Meaning
Actions or strategies designed to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; programs or projects.
Example
Community initiatives benefit underprivileged groups.
C1 adjective /ˈstʌm.pi/

Stumpy

Meaning
short and thick; having a short, thick appearance
Example
The stumpy little dog wagged its tail enthusiastically.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəˌsɪləbəl/

monosyllable

Meaning
A word consisting of only one syllable.
Example
Words like 'yes' and 'no' are monosyllables.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒlərɪk/

choleric

Meaning
Easily angered; irritable and hot-tempered.
Example
His choleric nature often got him into arguments.
C2 verb /ˈwɔːbəl/

warble

Meaning
To sing or whistle with a quavering voice or with trills.
Example
The bird warbled a sweet tune in the morning.
C2 adjective /ˈfiːkənd/

fecund

Meaning
producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile
Example
The fecund soil produced a bountiful harvest this year.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːr.nɪst/

Earnest

Meaning
sincere; genuine; showing deep and serious conviction
Example
He made an earnest attempt to solve the problem.
B1 noun /pɑrˈtɪs.ə.pənt/

Participant

Meaning
a person who takes part in something; someone who participates in an activity or event
Example
Every participant in the marathon received a medal.
C1 noun ˈsɛlfləsnɪs

selflessness

Meaning
The quality of being concerned more with the needs of others than with one's own.
Example
Selflessness is a key value for community building.
C1 noun /ˌʌnriˈælɪti/

unreality

Meaning
the state or quality of being unreal; lack of reality or truth
Example
The dreamlike setting gave the story a sense of unreality.
C1 noun ˌdep.əˈzɪʃ.ən

deposition

Meaning
The action of depositing something; the laying down of matter by a natural process.
Example
River deposition leads to the formation of new landmasses.
B2 adjective + noun əˈdæptɪv ˈfiːtʃərz

adaptive features

Meaning
Characteristics that help organisms adjust to their environment
Example
Plants' adaptive features help them grow in winter.
B1 noun /ˈklɪn.ɪk/

clinic

Meaning
A place where people receive medical treatment without staying overnight.
Example
She went to the clinic for a health check-up.
B2 noun hɛdʒ

hedge

Meaning
A way of protecting oneself against financial loss or other adverse circumstances.
Example
Investors use hedging strategies to protect against market volatility.
B2 adverb /səˈpəʊzɪdli/

supposedly

Meaning
used to show that something is believed or claimed to be true, though it may not be
Example
He is supposedly the best player on the team.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊ.ɡɪʃ/

Roguish

Meaning
mischievous; playfully dishonest
Example
His roguish smile suggested he was up to some mischief.
C1 verb /ˈkrʌmpəl/

crumple

Meaning
to crush something into folds or wrinkles
Example
He crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin.
B2 noun /ˈænsestri/

ancestry

Meaning
one’s family origins or lineage
Example
He is proud of his royal ancestry.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/

commonplace

Meaning
ordinary or unremarkable; something that is usual or commonly found
Example
Smartphones have become commonplace in modern life.
A2 noun /ˈpɛni/

penny

Meaning
a small coin of low value; a very small amount of money
Example
He found a penny on the sidewalk and smiled.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪvstoʊn/

gravestone

Meaning
A stone that marks a grave, usually inscribed with the name of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone had her name carved beautifully.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛlˌteɪl/

telltale

Meaning
Revealing something that is usually hidden; giving away a secret or clue.
Example
The telltale signs of fatigue were visible on his face.
C1 noun /sɪˈkluːʒən/

seclusion

Meaning
The state of being private, away from other people.
Example
She spent the weekend in complete seclusion in her cabin.
C1 noun /ˈkrɛvɪs/

crevice

Meaning
a narrow crack or opening, especially in a rock or wall
Example
The lizard hid in a crevice between the stones.
A1 noun /tʃiːz/

Cheese

Meaning
a food made from the pressed curds of milk; used for photography to make people smile
Example
She added grated cheese to the pasta for extra flavor.
B2 noun /ˈplæn.tɪn/

Plantain

Meaning
a large green banana-like fruit that is usually cooked before eating
Example
Plantain can be fried, boiled, or baked and is a staple food in many tropical countries.
A2 noun /skwɛə(r)/

square

Meaning
a shape with four equal straight sides and four right angles
Example
The table has a square shape.
C1 verb /ɪkˈskriːt/

excrete

Meaning
to eliminate waste matter from the body
Example
Humans excrete carbon dioxide through breathing.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈɪnvəlɪd/ (adjective), /ɪnˈvælɪd/ (noun)

invalid

Meaning
Not valid; having no force or effect. Also refers to a person too weak or ill to care for themselves.
Example
The court declared the contract invalid.
A2 adjective, adverb /ˈfæstər/

faster

Meaning
moving or able to move quickly; more quickly than usual
Example
This car is faster than the old one.
C2 verb /ˈhɛnˌpɛk/

henpeck

Meaning
To continually criticize, nag, or dominate (especially a husband).
Example
He felt henpecked by his overly controlling wife.
C1 noun ˈremnənts

remnants

Meaning
A small remaining quantity of something; a surviving trace.
Example
The remnants of the wall are still visible.
B2 adjective /ɪˈrɪˌspɑn.sə.bəl/

Irresponsible

Meaning
lacking a sense of responsibility; careless
Example
It was irresponsible of him to leave without telling anyone.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈfætɪɡəbl̩/

indefatigable

Meaning
persisting tirelessly; incapable of being fatigued
Example
Her indefatigable spirit kept the team motivated during the long project.
B2 adjective /səˈbɜːrbən/

suburban

Meaning
relating to or characteristic of a suburb or the people living there
Example
They bought a house in a quiet suburban area.
B1 noun ɡʊdz

goods

Meaning
Merchandise or possessions; things that are bought and sold.
Example
The company produces high-quality goods for export.
C1 noun /ˈfjuː.dʒə.tɪv/

Fugitive

Meaning
a person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest
Example
The police launched a manhunt to capture the fugitive who escaped from prison.
B2 adjective /ˈɔɪl.i/

Oily

Meaning
covered with oil; containing oil; greasy
Example
Her oily skin needs special care.
C2 noun /ˈdoʊtɪdʒ/

dotage

Meaning
The period of old age, especially when one is weak or senile.
Example
He spent his dotage reminiscing about his youth.
B2 noun /ˈbev.ər.ɪdʒ/

Beverage

Meaning
a drink, especially one other than water
Example
Would you like a hot or cold beverage with your meal?
B2 verb /ɪmˈprɪzən/

imprison

Meaning
to put someone in prison; to confine or restrict someone's freedom
Example
The judge imprisoned the criminal for five years.
C1 adjective /ˈtʌf.tɪd/

Tufted

Meaning
having a tuft or tufts; furnished with a tuft or clump of threads, hairs, or other material
Example
The tufted sofa looked elegant in the living room.
B2 noun /ɪnˈsɪstəns/

insistence

Meaning
the act of demanding something firmly or repeatedly
Example
At his insistence, we stayed longer.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈplɔːzəbl/

implausible

Meaning
Not seeming reasonable or probable; unlikely to be true.
Example
The story she told was so implausible that no one believed her.
C1 verb /ˈɒfsɛt/

offset

Meaning
To counterbalance or compensate for something.
Example
The company's losses were offset by gains in other departments.
C2 noun /ˌtɜːdʒɪvərˈseɪʃən/

tergiversation

Meaning
Evasion of straightforward action or speech; changing sides or being inconsistent.
Example
The politician’s tergiversation frustrated his supporters.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt

intermittent

Meaning
Happening irregularly, not continuously.
Example
The rain was intermittent throughout the day.
C1 noun /əˈsæsɪn/

Assassin

Meaning
a person who murders an important person for political or religious reasons
Example
The president was protected from potential assassins by security guards.
C2 verb /əˈɡrɛs/

aggress

Meaning
to initiate an attack or show hostile behavior
Example
The army chose not to aggress without provocation.
A2 noun /ˈpʊd.ɪŋ/

Pudding

Meaning
a sweet dessert typically made by boiling or steaming
Example
My grandmother makes delicious chocolate pudding for dessert.
B2 adjective, noun /ɪzˈreɪli/

israeli

Meaning
relating to Israel or its people; a person from Israel
Example
She works for an Israeli company.
C1 noun ˈɪn.fər.əns

inference

Meaning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; logical deduction.
Example
Scientists make inferences based on experimental data.
C1 adjective /ˈtɒp.məʊst/

Topmost

Meaning
highest in position or rank
Example
The flag was placed on the topmost branch of the tree.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɒl.ər.ə.bəl/

Intolerable

Meaning
unable to be endured; extremely unpleasant or painful
Example
The noise from the construction site was intolerable.
B2 noun /iːz/

Ease

Meaning
absence of difficulty or effort; comfort and relaxation
Example
After years of practice, she played the piano with great ease.
A2 verb /taɪ/

Tie

Meaning
to fasten with string or rope; to have equal scores in a competition
Example
Please tie your shoelaces before running.
B2 noun /əˈstrɒnəmər/

astronomer

Meaning
a scientist who studies the stars, planets, and the universe
Example
The astronomer observed the new comet through his telescope.
B2 noun /ˈfʌndˌreɪzɪŋ/

fundraising

Meaning
the process of collecting money for a cause or project
Example
The organization is organizing a fundraising event.
B2 noun; verb /ˈkætəlɒɡ/

catalogue

Meaning
a complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or systematic order; to make a systematic list of items
Example
The library decided to catalogue all new books digitally.
C1 noun /ˈpen.əns/

Penance

Meaning
punishment that you accept for doing something wrong; an act of showing that you are sorry for sin
Example
The monk performed penance for his past mistakes.
B2 noun /ˈtiːmmeɪt/

teammate

Meaning
a member of the same team
Example
He congratulated his teammate after scoring the goal.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv/

exhaustive

Meaning
Fully comprehensive and including all possibilities.
Example
The report provides an exhaustive analysis of the issue.
C2 noun /ˈrɛkjʊzənt/

recusant

Meaning
a person who refuses to submit to authority or comply with rules
Example
The recusant opposed the new law.
B2 noun /ˈmɒdəreɪtər/

moderator

Meaning
A person who leads or oversees discussions, debates, or forums to maintain order.
Example
The moderator asked each panelist to share their views.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/

disavow

Meaning
to deny responsibility for or connection with something
Example
He disavowed any involvement in the scandal.
C2 adjective /ˈtræktəbəl/

tractable

Meaning
easy to control or influence
Example
The child was surprisingly tractable during the long journey.
C1 noun /ˈkɒn.vɔɪ/

convoy

Meaning
a group of vehicles or ships traveling together, often for protection
Example
The military convoy moved through the desert at dawn.
C1 noun /ˈdel.ɪ.kə.si/

Delicacy

Meaning
fineness of texture or structure; a choice or expensive food; sensitivity in handling
Example
The chef prepared a local delicacy that was famous throughout the region.
C2 noun /breɪ/

brae

Meaning
A hillside or slope, especially in Scotland.
Example
They climbed up the grassy brae to see the sunset.
C1 noun /ˈzɪn.i.ə/

Zinnia

Meaning
A colorful garden flower with daisy-like blooms, popular for its vibrant colors and long-lasting nature
Example
The garden was filled with bright zinnias in various colors.
C1 noun /ˈɑːrməri/

armory

Meaning
A place where weapons are stored; a supply of resources or skills.
Example
The soldiers kept their weapons in the armory.
C1 noun, verb /əˈsɛnt/

assent

Meaning
To agree to something, especially after careful consideration; an expression of approval.
Example
She nodded her head in silent assent.
C1 noun /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃən/

juxtaposition

Meaning
The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Example
The juxtaposition of light and dark colors created a dramatic effect.
B2 noun /dɪsˈtrɛs/

distress

Meaning
extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
Example
He felt a deep sense of distress when he heard the bad news.
B1 noun /priːst/

priest

Meaning
a person who performs religious duties and ceremonies
Example
The priest blessed the congregation during the Sunday service.
B2 adjective /ˈpæsɪv/

passive

Meaning
not actively responding or participating; in grammar, denoting the voice in which the subject undergoes the action
Example
Instead of taking charge, he remained passive during the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒnɪk/

sonic

Meaning
Relating to or involving sound waves or speed of sound.
Example
The jet created a loud boom when it broke the sonic barrier.
C2 verb /ˈblʌstər/

bluster

Meaning
to speak loudly in an aggressive or threatening way, often without real power
Example
The manager blustered about firing people but did nothing.
C2 adjective /ˈflæb.i/

Flabby

Meaning
soft and loose; lacking firmness or muscle tone; weak
Example
His flabby arms showed he needed to exercise more.
C1 adjective ˈzɛləs

zealous

Meaning
Having or showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective; fervent.
Example
The zealous volunteers worked tirelessly for the cause.
C1 noun /ˈkævərn/

cavern

Meaning
a large cave or chamber in a cave
Example
The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain.
C1 noun /ˈvɪɡər/

vigor

Meaning
Physical strength, energy, or enthusiasm.
Example
She tackled the project with great vigor and determination.
B1 noun /weɪdʒ/

Wage

Meaning
money paid to someone for work, especially for work done by the hour or day
Example
The company increased the minimum wage for all workers.
B2 adjective ˌtek.nəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

technological

Meaning
Relating to or involving technology, especially scientific technology.
Example
Technological advancements enable futuristic projects.
B2 verb /ɪnˈheɪl/

inhale

Meaning
to breathe in; to draw air into the lungs
Example
Take a deep breath and inhale slowly.
B1 adjective /def/

Deaf

Meaning
unable to hear; having a hearing impairment
Example
The deaf child learned to communicate using sign language.
C2 noun /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃn/

circumlocution

Meaning
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
Example
The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution.
C2 verb /kəˈmɪz.ə.reɪt/

commiserate

Meaning
To express sympathy or compassion for someone's misfortune.
Example
She called her friend to commiserate after his loss.
C2 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsnt/

obsolescent

Meaning
Becoming outdated or on the way to becoming obsolete.
Example
The obsolescent technology could not compete with modern devices.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

Meaning
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
Example
The new regulations could stymie small businesses.
C2 noun /ˌmɒnəˈmeɪniə/

monomania

Meaning
Excessive concentration or obsession with a single subject or idea.
Example
His monomania for collecting stamps worried his family.
A1 noun /tɜːrn/

Turn

Meaning
an act of moving something in a circular direction; a change of direction; an opportunity to do something
Example
It's your turn to speak at the meeting.
A2 noun /ˈkæs.əl/

Castle

Meaning
a large fortified building or set of buildings; a fortress
Example
The medieval castle stood majestically on top of the hill.
A2 noun ˈɑːrɡjumənt

argument

Meaning
A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
Example
His argument was based on majority.
C2 noun /ˈɛskwaɪər/

esquire

Meaning
A title of respect often used after a man's name, especially for lawyers in the United States.
Example
John Smith, Esquire, will be representing the client in court.
B1 verb /əˈkɜːr/

occur

Meaning
to happen or take place; to be found or present
Example
The accident occurred at the intersection during rush hour.
C1 verb /dɪsˈɡrʌntl/

disgruntle

Meaning
to make someone dissatisfied or discontented
Example
The unfair treatment disgruntled the workers.
C1 adjective /mjuːˈnɪsɪpəl/

municipal

Meaning
relating to a city or town or its local government
Example
The municipal authority is responsible for maintaining the park.
C2 noun /spɪˈlʌŋkər/

spelunker

Meaning
A person who explores caves as a hobby.
Example
The spelunker carried ropes and lights into the dark cave.
C1 verb /slaʊtʃ/

slouch

Meaning
To stand, sit, or move in a lazy or awkward way.
Example
He slouched in the chair, looking tired.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspɒt/

despot

Meaning
a ruler with absolute power, often ruling in a cruel or oppressive way
Example
The despot ruled the nation with fear and violence.
A2 verb /əˈfɔːrd/

afford

Meaning
to have enough money to buy; to be able to spare
Example
I can't afford a new car right now.
C1 adjective ˈeɪlɪəneɪtɪd

alienated

Meaning
Feeling isolated or estranged; disconnected from others or society.
Example
Alienated students are more prone to delinquency.
B2 noun ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti

sensitivity

Meaning
The quality or condition of being sensitive; responsiveness to stimuli.
Example
Bose proved plant sensitivity through experiments.
B2 noun /ˈwɜːrk laɪf ˈbæl.əns/

work-life balance

Meaning
The equilibrium between personal and professional life, ensuring neither dominates at the expense of the other.
Example
Achieving work-life balance reduces stress and improves productivity.
A2 noun /ˈdʒækɪt/

Jacket

Meaning
a piece of clothing worn on the upper body, typically having sleeves and fastening down the front
Example
He wore a leather jacket to protect himself from the cold wind.
C1 verb /ɡʌʃ/

gush

Meaning
to flow out suddenly and forcefully, or to express something enthusiastically
Example
Tears began to gush from her eyes.
C2 noun /ˈfiːæt/

fiat

Meaning
an official order or decree; authoritative command
Example
The new policy was enacted by royal fiat.
C1 adjective /ˈraʊzɪŋ/

rousing

Meaning
Exciting, inspiring, or stirring.
Example
The speaker delivered a rousing speech that moved the audience.
A2 noun/verb /ˈaɪən/ or /ˈaɪərn/

iron

Meaning
a strong, hard metal used in construction; also to press clothes with heat
Example
He used an iron to smooth his shirt.
C2 noun /ˈkænə/

Canna

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
Example
The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈnesəserəli/

Unnecessarily

Meaning
to a greater extent than is needed; without necessity
Example
Don't worry unnecessarily about the exam.
C2 adjective /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪ.tɪd/

maculated

Meaning
Spotted or stained; marked with blemishes.
Example
The maculated surface of the old mirror gave it a unique charm.
B2 noun /ˈsnoʊ.fɔːl/

Snowfall

Meaning
the process of snow falling from the sky; the amount of snow that falls
Example
The heavy snowfall blocked all the roads yesterday.
A2 noun, verb /fɔːrm/

form

Meaning
the shape or structure of something; to bring something into existence
Example
Students filled out the registration form.
C1 adjective /ˈspeɪʃəl/

spatial

Meaning
relating to space or the position, area, and size of things
Example
The scientist studied the spatial arrangement of stars.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛstɪlənt/

pestilent

Meaning
Causing or tending to cause death or destruction; harmful or pernicious.
Example
The pestilent atmosphere of the swamp made people sick.
C1 verb /ˈhʌsəl/

hustle

Meaning
to move quickly and energetically; to push or work hard to achieve something
Example
She had to hustle to finish the project on time.