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B2 adjective /ˈfʌŋkʃənl/

functional

Meaning
designed to be practical and useful, rather than just decorative
Example
The design of the chair is simple but highly functional.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈfeɪv(ə)rəbəl/

unfavorable

Meaning
not beneficial or advantageous; showing disapproval or opposition
Example
The proposal received an unfavorable response from the committee.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈsmoʊ.kɪŋ/

smoking

Meaning
The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances; wearing a tuxedo (adjective, formal context).
Example
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
C1 verb məˈtæb.ə.laɪz

metabolize

Meaning
Process and use food for growth and to replace tissue, or process other substances in the body.
Example
The liver helps to metabolize toxins.
B2 adjective /ˈdespərət/

Desperate

Meaning
reckless; extremely urgent; critical
Example
The situation became desperate as water supplies ran out.
B2 adverb /ˈdʒɛnjʊɪnli/

genuinely

Meaning
in a truthful and sincere way
Example
She genuinely cares about the environment.
C2 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər/

Hanker

Meaning
a feeling of yearning or craving; a strong desire for something
Example
After years abroad, she developed a deep hanker for her homeland's traditional cuisine.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪk/

optic

Meaning
Relating to the eye or vision.
Example
The optic nerve carries signals from the eye to the brain.
B2 verb /ˈmɑː.vəl/

marvel

Meaning
To be filled with wonder or astonishment.
Example
People marvel at their surroundings.
B1 adjective əkˈsep.tɪd

accepted

Meaning
Generally believed or recognized to be valid or correct.
Example
The accepted terms were discussed in detail.
B1 adjective, adverb /ˈoʊvərɔːl/

overall

Meaning
in general or as a whole
Example
Overall, the project has been successful.
B1 noun /taɪl/

tile

Meaning
a flat piece of baked clay or other material used for covering roofs, floors, or walls
Example
The kitchen floor is covered with ceramic tiles.
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 /ˌɛdɪˈtɔːriəl/

editorial

Meaning
A newspaper article expressing the opinion of the editor or publisher.
Example
The newspaper published an editorial criticizing government policy.
C1 noun /ˈmænər/

manor

Meaning
A large country house with lands; the main house of an estate.
Example
The old manor stood proudly on the hill for centuries.
C1 adjective /ˈhæɡ.ərd/

Haggard

Meaning
looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering
Example
After working three nights without sleep, he looked haggard.
A1 verb /ˈfɒloʊ/

follow

Meaning
to move behind someone or something; to go after or come after
Example
The children followed their teacher into the classroom.
C2 noun /ˈkɒksweɪn/

coxswain

Meaning
the person in charge of navigating and steering a boat, especially a racing or small boat
Example
The coxswain shouted instructions to the rowing team.
B2 noun /ˈdɪdʒɪt/

digit

Meaning
a numeral from 0 to 9; also a finger or toe
Example
You must enter a four-digit code to unlock the phone.
C1 noun /ˈwɔːtəʃɛd/

watershed

Meaning
An event or period marking a turning point in a situation; also refers to a ridge dividing two drainage areas.
Example
The independence movement was a watershed in the nation's history.
C2 verb /ˈpɜː.fə.reɪt/

perforate

Meaning
to make a hole or holes through something
Example
The machine can perforate sheets of paper for easy tearing.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪk.li/

Sickly

Meaning
weak and unhealthy; prone to illness; appearing weak or pale
Example
The sickly child needed extra care and attention.
C2 adjective /ˈhaɪˌbraʊ/

highbrow

Meaning
intellectually superior or cultured; often describing art, literature, or activities appealing to intellectual tastes
Example
The museum is known for its highbrow exhibitions.
C1 adverb /əˈtroʊʃəsli/

atrociously

Meaning
in a very cruel, shocking, or extremely bad manner
Example
The service at the restaurant was atrociously slow.
B2 noun /ˌkwes.tʃəˈneər/

questionnaire

Meaning
a set of written questions used to collect information or opinions
Example
Participants filled out a detailed questionnaire about their habits.
B1 noun/verb /wuːnd/

wound

Meaning
an injury to the body or to harm someone
Example
He received a deep wound on his arm.
A1 verb /spend/

spend

Meaning
to use money to buy something; to pass time
Example
I spend too much money on books.
B2 adjective /ɪˈlæs.tɪk/

Elastic

Meaning
able to stretch and return to original shape; flexible; adaptable
Example
The elastic band can stretch and return to its original shape.
A2 verb /ˈbɒðər/

bother

Meaning
to annoy, worry, or cause trouble to someone
Example
I don't want to bother you while you're working.
B2 adjective ˈhæzədəs

hazardous

Meaning
Dangerous, risky, or potentially harmful
Example
Hazardous pollutants increase health risks.
C2 noun /ˈleɪ.ɪ.ti/

laity

Meaning
Ordinary members of a religious community who are not clergy.
Example
The church welcomed the laity to participate in the event.
C2 adjective /ˌvɪtriˈɑːlɪk/

vitriolic

Meaning
filled with bitter criticism or malice
Example
His vitriolic remarks hurt everyone in the room.
C2 adjective /prɪˈmɒnɪtəri/ or /ˌpriːməˈnɪtəri/

premonitory

Meaning
giving a warning or prediction about something, especially something unpleasant
Example
He ignored the premonitory signs of illness.
C2 adjective /baɪˈɛniəl/

biennial

Meaning
happening every two years
Example
The biennial festival attracts thousands of visitors.
C1 adjective əsˈtjuːt

astute

Meaning
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example
His astute observations helped solve the complex problem.
B2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/

intersection

Meaning
a point where two or more things intersect, especially a road or path
Example
The intersection of Main Street and 5th Avenue is always busy.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɪkəbl/

despicable

Meaning
Deserving hatred and contempt; vile or shameful.
Example
His despicable actions shocked the entire community.
A2 noun /ˈɪər.ɪŋ/

Ear-ring

Meaning
a piece of jewelry worn on the earlobe or ear
Example
Her diamond earrings caught everyone's attention.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtɜːr/

inter

Meaning
To bury a dead body in the ground.
Example
They decided to inter the soldier with full honors.
B2 noun /ˌɪmɪˈɡreɪʃən/

immigration

Meaning
the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country
Example
Immigration policies vary from country to country.
C2 adjective /ˈɪnmoʊst/

inmost

Meaning
Situated at the very heart or deepest part; most private or secret.
Example
She revealed her inmost thoughts to her closest friend.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.i.ənt/

Orient

Meaning
the East, especially countries of eastern Asia; to determine one's position or direction
Example
Many spices come from the Orient.
C2 adjective /ɡælˈvænɪk/

galvanic

Meaning
Relating to electricity produced by chemical action; sudden and dramatic.
Example
The news had a galvanic effect on the audience.
A2 noun /ʃiːp/

sheep

Meaning
a farm animal with thick wool that is raised for its wool, meat, and milk
Example
The farmer keeps a large flock of sheep.
B2 verb /ˈpjʊərɪfaɪ/

purify

Meaning
to make clean or pure; to remove impurities
Example
This filter will purify the water effectively.
B1 verb /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/

qualify

Meaning
to successfully complete a course or pass an exam; to become eligible
Example
She worked hard to qualify for the competition.
C2 noun /ˈeɪ.pi.ə.rɪst/

apiarist

Meaning
a person who keeps and tends bees for honey production
Example
The apiarist collected fresh honey from the hives.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈfɔːrmətɪv/

Informative

Meaning
giving or providing useful information; educational; instructive
Example
The documentary was very informative and educational.
B2 adjective /ɪˈmɒrəl/

immoral

Meaning
Not conforming to accepted standards of morality; unethical or wicked.
Example
He was fired for his immoral behavior.
C1 noun ˈsʌs.tɪ.nəns

Sustenance

Meaning
Food or support necessary for sustaining life
Example
Water is essential for human sustenance.
C2 verb /skwɛltʃ/

squelch

Meaning
to make a soft sucking sound, such as when walking on mud; to suppress or silence
Example
His boots squelched in the wet ground.
C2 noun /ˌfjuːzɪˈleɪd/

fusillade

Meaning
A series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.
Example
The soldiers advanced under a fusillade of bullets.
A2 noun /ˈbʌtərflaɪ/

butterfly

Meaning
an insect with large, often brightly colored wings that flies during the day
Example
A beautiful butterfly landed on the flower.
C2 noun səˈtaɪ.ə.ti

satiety

Meaning
The feeling of being satisfied or full, especially with regard to food.
Example
High-fiber foods provide longer satiety.
C2 noun /ˈtɜːrnkoʊt/

turncoat

Meaning
a person who switches allegiance, often betraying a cause or group
Example
He was branded a turncoat after joining the rival political party.
C2 noun /ˌmænjəˈmɪʃən/

manumission

Meaning
The act of a slave owner freeing their slaves.
Example
The manumission of the slaves marked a turning point in history.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪvəlrəs/

chivalrous

Meaning
Behaving in a courteous, gallant, and honorable way, especially toward women.
Example
He was chivalrous, always opening doors for others.
B1 noun /per/

Pear

Meaning
a sweet juicy fruit with a rounded shape that is wider at the bottom than the top
Example
She enjoyed a fresh pear from the orchard.
A2 adverb /ˈɒbviəsli/

obviously

Meaning
in a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly
Example
Obviously, he didn’t read the instructions.
C1 adjective /bɪˈriːvd/

Bereaved

Meaning
having lost a loved one through death
Example
The bereaved family received many condolences.
B2 noun ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən

automation

Meaning
Replacing manual work with machines or software.
Example
Automation increases efficiency and reduces errors in production.
A2 verb /der/

dare

Meaning
to have courage to do something; to challenge someone
Example
I dare you to jump into the pool.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɪst/

resist

Meaning
to oppose or fight against; to withstand
Example
He could not resist the temptation.
C2 adjective /ˈɪm.pi.əs/

Impious

Meaning
irreligious; lacking reverence for religion; blasphemous
Example
The impious act shocked the religious community.
C2 adjective /ˈbɛərˌfeɪst/

barefaced

Meaning
shameless and undisguised; openly bold or unashamed
Example
He told a barefaced lie in front of everyone.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmækjələt/

immaculate

Meaning
perfectly clean, neat, or free from flaws
Example
Her room was immaculate, with everything in its place.
C1 adjective /maɪˈɑːpɪk/

myopic

Meaning
lacking foresight or long-term perspective; also refers to nearsightedness
Example
The company’s myopic strategy led to long-term losses.
C1 noun /rɪˈsɜː.dʒəns/

resurgence

Meaning
An increase or revival after a period of little activity, popularity, or occurrence.
Example
The city saw a resurgence in tourism after the pandemic.
C2 verb /dɪˈskraɪ/

descry

Meaning
to catch sight of something, especially something distant or obscure
Example
From the hilltop, they descried a small village in the distance.
B1 noun /bɔɪl/

Boil

Meaning
a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected hair follicles
Example
The painful boil on his neck required medical treatment.
B2 noun /ˈɡreɪv.jɑːrd/

Graveyard

Meaning
an area of land set aside for burial of the dead; a cemetery
Example
The old graveyard near the church dates back to the 18th century.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪər.ləs/

Peerless

Meaning
unequaled; having no match or equal; without rival
Example
Her peerless beauty captivated everyone.
B2 adjective /ˈskɪni/

Skinny

Meaning
very thin; having little flesh or fat on the body
Example
The skinny cat looked like it hadn't eaten for days.
A2 verb /ˈdraɪvɪŋ/

driving

Meaning
the act of controlling and operating a vehicle; guiding or motivating something forward
Example
She loves driving along the coast on weekends.
B1 noun /əˈtrækʃən/

Attraction

Meaning
the action or power of evoking interest or pleasure in something; a place that draws visitors
Example
The museum is the main attraction for tourists in this city.
C1 noun ˈstræt.ə.sfɪər

stratosphere

Meaning
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
Example
The stratosphere provides a unique environment.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛpərəbəl/

reparable

Meaning
able to be repaired or fixed
Example
The damage to the car was serious but still reparable.
B2 noun /ˌhɑː.spɪˈtæl.ə.ti/

Hospitality

Meaning
the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests or strangers
Example
The hotel staff's exceptional hospitality made our vacation truly memorable and enjoyable.
B1 noun /ˈwep.ən/

Weapon

Meaning
a thing designed or used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage
Example
The police found a dangerous weapon at the crime scene.
B2 noun helθ ˈhæzərdz

health hazards

Meaning
Risks or dangers to physical health and well-being that can cause illness or injury.
Example
Plastic usage leads to significant health hazards.
C1 noun /kəmˈprɛʃn̩/

compression

Meaning
The act of pressing or squeezing something into a smaller space.
Example
File compression helps reduce storage requirements.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈduː/

outdo

Meaning
To do better than someone else; to surpass.
Example
She always tries to outdo her classmates in exams.
C2 noun /nuːt/

Newt

Meaning
a small amphibian with a long tail that lives both in water and on land
Example
The newt swam gracefully in the pond.
C2 adjective/noun /ɪnˈkɑːrnədiːn/

incarnadine

Meaning
a bright crimson or pinkish-red color
Example
The sky turned incarnadine at sunset.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌktɪv/

inductive

Meaning
characterized by the inference of general laws from particular instances; reasoning from specific cases to general principles
Example
The scientist used inductive reasoning to form a hypothesis.
C1 noun /bɑːrˈbeəriən/

Barbarian

Meaning
a person from an uncivilized group; someone who is cruel or brutal
Example
The ancient Romans considered anyone outside their empire to be barbarians.
A2 noun /ˈtrævələr/

traveller

Meaning
A person who is on a journey or frequently travels to different places.
Example
The traveller set out early in the morning to explore new lands.
C2 noun /ˌpɜːrspɪˈkjuːəti/

perspicuity

Meaning
Clarity and ease in speech or writing; the quality of being clearly expressed.
Example
The perspicuity of his lecture made it easy for students to understand complex topics.
B1 adjective /ˌstreɪt ˈfɔːr.wərd/

Straight forward

Meaning
honest and open; not complicated; easy to understand
Example
His explanation was very straightforward and easy to follow.
C1 verb /dɔːnt/

daunt

Meaning
to make someone feel intimidated, discouraged, or less confident
Example
The steep climb did not daunt the experienced hikers.
A2 noun /ˈpjuːpəl/

pupil

Meaning
a student, especially a young one; the central opening of the eye that lets in light
Example
The pupil listened carefully to the teacher during class.
C2 verb /lɔːd/

laud

Meaning
To praise someone or something highly, especially in public.
Example
The critic lauded the actor's performance as a masterpiece.
B2 noun /ˈleɪ.bər.ər/

Labourer

Meaning
a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
Example
The labourer worked hard all day at the construction site.
B2 noun /ˈɡriːnhaʊs/

greenhouse

Meaning
a glass building used for growing plants, especially in cold climates
Example
The farmers built a large greenhouse to grow tomatoes in the winter.
B2 noun /bædʒ/

badge

Meaning
A small emblem or sign worn to show membership, authority, or achievement.
Example
The police officer showed his badge to identify himself.
C2 adjective /sɪˈlæbɪk/

syllabic

Meaning
Relating to or based on syllables.
Example
The teacher explained the syllabic structure of the word.
B2 adjective /plʌmp/

plump

Meaning
having a full, rounded shape; pleasantly fat
Example
The cat was plump and well-fed.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈbæstərd/

bastard

Meaning
a child born to unmarried parents (offensive); also used informally as an insult or to describe something unpleasant
Example
He called him a bastard in anger.
B1 noun /trænzˈleɪʃən/

translation

Meaning
the process of converting text or speech from one language into another
Example
She completed the translation of the book within two months.
C2 noun ˈvɜː.mɪ.kʌl.tʃər

vermiculture

Meaning
The cultivation of earthworms, especially for use in composting organic waste.
Example
Vermiculture enriches soil with natural nutrients.
C1 noun ˌfɔːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn

fortification

Meaning
A defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack.
Example
The fortifications protected the city.
C1 verb /ˈtɑːrnɪʃ/

tarnish

Meaning
To lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to damage reputation.
Example
The silver jewelry tarnished quickly when left in the open air.
B2 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

Meaning
to institute legal proceedings against someone
Example
The lawyer decided to prosecute the case after gathering sufficient evidence.
C2 noun /maɪˈnjuːʃə/

minutia

Meaning
a small or trivial detail of something
Example
He was bored by the minutia of office paperwork.
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.
C1 noun /ˈtæpəstri/

tapestry

Meaning
A piece of thick textile fabric with pictures or designs woven into it, often hung on walls.
Example
The museum displayed an ancient tapestry from the 15th century.
C2 noun /ˈɡæli/

galley

Meaning
A low, flat ship used in ancient times, often with sails and oars; also, a kitchen on a ship or aircraft.
Example
The galley was filled with the smell of freshly cooked food.
C1 noun /ˌdev.əˈtiː/

Devotee

Meaning
a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
Example
As a devotee of classical music, she attended every concert in the city.
A2 adjective /ˈwɪndi/

windy

Meaning
characterized by strong wind; also, using too many words and saying little
Example
It was so windy that the umbrellas flipped inside out.
B1 noun /ˈpaʊdər/

powder

Meaning
a fine, dry substance made of very tiny particles
Example
She sprinkled some powder on the cake.
C2 noun /bɪˈhiː.mɒθ/

behemoth

Meaning
Something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization.
Example
The company grew into a corporate behemoth.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃiːzi/

cheesy

Meaning
tacky, overly sentimental, or cheap in quality
Example
The movie was funny but a bit too cheesy.
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 /kænˈtæŋ.kər.əs/

cantankerous

Meaning
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
Example
The cantankerous old man complained about everything.
C1 adjective /loʊθ/

loath

Meaning
reluctant or unwilling to do something
Example
She was loath to admit her mistake in front of everyone.
C2 noun /njʊˈrældʒə/

neuralgia

Meaning
intense, often intermittent pain along a nerve pathway
Example
The patient suffers from neuralgia in her face.
B2 noun ˈpeɪtriəˌtɪzəm

patriotism

Meaning
The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
Example
Victory Day reflects the patriotism of the entire nation.
C1 verb /ˈbɑːrtər/

barter

Meaning
To exchange goods or services without using money.
Example
They bartered their crops for handmade tools.
B2 noun /ˈmɪn.ɪ.stri/

Ministry

Meaning
A government department responsible for a particular area of public administration
Example
The Ministry of Education announced new policies for schools.
B1 adjective /ˈdʒɛntəl/

gentle

Meaning
Kind, mild, or tender in nature or behavior
Example
He was always gentle with children.
B1 noun /swet/

Sweat

Meaning
moisture exuded through the pores of the skin, typically as a reaction to heat, physical exertion, fever, or fear
Example
After running for an hour, he was covered in sweat.