furbish
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 verb /ˈfɜːrbɪʃ/

furbish

Meaning
to polish, renovate, or give a fresh look to something
Example
The workers furbished the old sword until it gleamed like new.
C1 noun /sɪˈnɪləti/

senility

Meaning
The state of being old and showing the weaknesses of age, especially mental decline.
Example
His forgetfulness was attributed to senility.
B2 adjective /raɪp/

Ripe

Meaning
fully developed and ready to eat; mature; ready for action or use
Example
The bananas are ripe and ready to eat.
C1 noun /ˈmæl.ɪt/

Mallet

Meaning
a hammer with a large head, typically made of wood
Example
The carpenter used a rubber mallet to avoid damaging the wood.
B1 noun /ˈkændɪdeɪt/

candidate

Meaning
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
Example
The candidate gave a strong speech during the debate.
A1 noun /ˈθaʊzənd/

thousand

Meaning
the number equal to 10 hundred or 1,000
Example
There were a thousand people at the concert.
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.
C2 verb /ˈhɛnˌpɛk/

henpeck

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

implode

Meaning
To collapse or burst inward violently.
Example
The old building imploded during the demolition.
B2 verb /ɪˈmɜːrdʒ/

emerge

Meaning
to come into view or become apparent; to arise or appear from something
Example
New opportunities will emerge as the industry grows.
A2 noun /dɪˈsɪʒənz/

decisions

Meaning
A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration; the action or process of deciding something.
Example
Making the right decisions in time was key to the project's success.
B1 noun, verb /ˈmɜːrdər/

murder

Meaning
the unlawful killing of a person; to kill someone unlawfully and intentionally
Example
The detective investigated the murder that shocked the town.
B1 verb /rɪˈtɜrnɪŋ/

returning

Meaning
Coming or going back to a place or person.
Example
The group is returning to the port on December 25th.
C1 verb /zæɡ/

zag

Meaning
to make a sharp change in direction, especially in a zigzag pattern
Example
The rabbit zagged quickly to escape the fox.
C1 noun /ɔːr/

Oar

Meaning
a long pole with a flat blade used to row a boat
Example
He dipped the oar into the water and pulled the boat forward.
C1 noun /ˈdrɛsˌmeɪkər/

dressmaker

Meaning
A person who makes or alters women's clothing professionally.
Example
The dressmaker crafted a beautiful gown for the bride.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəfɪˈzɪʃən/

metaphysician

Meaning
A person who studies or is an expert in metaphysics.
Example
The metaphysician debated the essence of reality with his peers.
C2 verb /ˈpælpɪˌteɪt/

palpitate

Meaning
to beat rapidly and strongly, often because of fear, excitement, or illness
Example
Her heart began to palpitate with fear.
C1 noun /ɪkˈskriːʃən/

excretion

Meaning
the process of eliminating waste matter from the body
Example
Excretion is vital for maintaining a healthy body.
C1 adjective /ˈvæljuːləs/

valueless

Meaning
having no worth, importance, or usefulness
Example
The old broken phone was considered valueless.
B1 adjective /ˈdiːsənt/

decent

Meaning
conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality
Example
He found a decent job after months of searching.
C1 noun /ˈrɑːstər/

roster

Meaning
A list or plan showing people’s duties or times when they are scheduled.
Example
The manager updated the staff roster for next week.
C2 noun kwɔːrk

quark

Meaning
A fundamental subatomic particle that combines to form protons and neutrons.
Example
Quarks form protons and neutrons.
C2 verb /bɪˈhuːv/

behoove

Meaning
to be necessary, proper, or appropriate for someone to do
Example
It would behoove you to study before the exam.
B2 noun /ɪˈrʌp.ʃən/

Eruption

Meaning
a sudden violent occurrence or outburst; volcanic explosion
Example
The volcanic eruption forced thousands of people to evacuate the area.
C1 noun /luːm/

Loom

Meaning
a machine for weaving cloth; to appear threatening or menacing
Example
The weaver worked at the loom to create beautiful fabrics.
A2 noun /ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/

knowledge

Meaning
Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.
Example
Knowledge of the universe is expanding through research.
C1 noun /ɪnˈtɛstɪn/

intestine

Meaning
The part of the digestive system where food is digested and absorbed, extending from the stomach to the anus.
Example
The doctor explained how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
C1 noun /ˈrem.nənt/

Remnant

Meaning
a small remaining quantity of something; a piece of cloth left over after the main piece has been used
Example
Only a remnant of the ancient wall remains.
C1 verb, noun /træmp/

tramp

Meaning
to walk heavily or noisily; a person who travels from place to place on foot, often homeless
Example
They tramped through the forest in heavy boots.
A2 adjective /ˈtaɪ.ni/

Tiny

Meaning
extremely small in size or amount
Example
The baby bird was tiny and helpless.
B2 noun /ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/

habitat

Meaning
The natural environment where an organism lives and meets its needs.
Example
The polar bear's natural habitat is the Arctic region.
B1 verb /seɪl/

sail

Meaning
to travel on water in a boat or ship using sails or by wind power
Example
They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean last summer.
C1 adjective /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

secluded

Meaning
Placed apart from other people or things; private and quiet.
Example
They spent their vacation in a secluded beach house.
B2 noun /præŋk/

prank

Meaning
A trick that is intended to be funny but not harmful.
Example
They played a harmless prank on their friend during the party.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪməˈrɪdiən/

antemeridian

Meaning
Relating to the time before noon; occurring in the morning.
Example
She scheduled all her important meetings during the antemeridian hours.
B2 verb /əˈplɔːd/

applaud

Meaning
to show approval by clapping or expressing admiration
Example
The audience applauded the performance.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbər/

belabor

Meaning
to argue or elaborate on a subject in excessive detail; to attack verbally or physically
Example
The professor belabored the point until the students grew restless.
B2 verb /koʊp/

cope

Meaning
to deal effectively with something difficult
Example
She had to cope with a lot of pressure at work.
C2 noun /ˈlɔɪtərər/

loiterer

Meaning
A person who lingers aimlessly in a place without purpose.
Example
The police questioned the loiterer outside the store.
B1 adjective /ˈtwɛntiəθ/

twentieth

Meaning
coming after the nineteenth in order; being one of twenty equal parts.
Example
She was born on the twentieth of April.
C2 adjective /ˌpluːˈpɜːrfɪkt/

pluperfect

Meaning
a verb tense expressing an action completed before another past action
Example
By the time she arrived, he had finished his homework, showing the pluperfect tense.
C1 noun /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən wɔːr/

liberation war

Meaning
a war fought to gain freedom from foreign rule, occupation, or oppression; an armed struggle for national independence
Example
The liberation war reshaped the nation’s history and identity.
C1 noun /ˈsɛmbləns/

Semblance

Meaning
the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Example
There was only a semblance of order in the chaotic office.
B2 noun /ˈsleɪvəri/

slavery

Meaning
the system or state of being owned and forced to work for someone else
Example
Slavery was abolished in most countries in the 19th century.
B2 noun /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

capability

Meaning
The ability or capacity to do something.
Example
The telescope's capability is unparalleled.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvoʊk/

invoke

Meaning
to call upon a higher power, authority, or principle for help, support, or justification
Example
The lawyer invoked the constitution to defend his client.
C2 verb /ɪnˈveɪɡəl/

inveigle

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by deception or flattery.
Example
She inveigled him into signing the contract.
C1 noun /ˌɪnflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti/

inflexibility

Meaning
the quality of being rigid or unwilling to change; lack of adaptability
Example
The inflexibility of the rules caused unnecessary delays.
A2 noun /pæθ/

path

Meaning
a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading
Example
She walked along the narrow path through the forest.
C2 adjective /prəˈpɪʃəs/

propitious

Meaning
giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable
Example
The sunny weather was a propitious start to the picnic.
B2 noun /heɪst/

Haste

Meaning
swiftness of motion; urgent need of quick action; excessive speed or urgency
Example
In his haste to catch the train, he forgot to take his wallet from the table.
C2 noun /dɪˈspɔɪlər/

despoiler

Meaning
A person who robs, plunders, or violently takes things from others.
Example
The despoilers left the city in ruins.
A2 adjective /diːp/

deep

Meaning
extending far down from the top or surface; profound or intense
Example
The lake is very deep in the middle.
B1 noun /ˈtʃær.ɪ.ti/

Charity

Meaning
the voluntary giving of help to those in need; kindness and tolerance in judging others
Example
The wealthy businessman donated millions to charity for education.
C2 verb /kædʒ/

cadge

Meaning
To beg or obtain something, especially food or money, without paying for it.
Example
He tried to cadge a free meal from the restaurant.
B2 verb dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt

deteriorate

Meaning
To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or performance; to decline.
Example
Unplanned growth can deteriorate living conditions.
C2 noun /ˈhjuːməs/

humus

Meaning
The dark, organic material in soil formed from decayed plants and animals.
Example
The gardener enriched the soil with humus to improve plant growth.
C2 noun /ˈnoʊzˌɡeɪ/

nosegay

Meaning
a small bunch of flowers, typically given as a gift or carried for decoration
Example
She carried a nosegay of fresh roses to the ceremony.
C2 noun /kɒˈkeɪd/

cockade

Meaning
a rosette or knot of ribbon, usually worn on a hat as a badge of office or party
Example
The soldier wore a red cockade on his cap.
C1 adjective /ɑːrˈkeɪɪk/

archaic

Meaning
very old or old-fashioned; belonging to an earlier time
Example
Some laws are considered archaic and no longer relevant.
C2 noun /ˈbiː.təl nʌt/

Betel-nut

Meaning
seed of the areca palm tree, often chewed as a stimulant
Example
Betel-nut is commonly chewed in many South Asian countries.
B2 noun /ˈhɑːr.mə.ni/

harmony

Meaning
A pleasing combination of different elements or a state of peaceful coexistence.
Example
A society thrives when there is harmony among its people.
C1 adjective/noun /ˈnɜːr.tʃɚ.ɪŋ/

nurturing

Meaning
The process of caring for and encouraging growth or development.
Example
A nurturing environment helps children thrive.
B2 adjective /ˈrest.ləs/

Restless

Meaning
unable to rest or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting
Example
The child was restless during the long car journey.
C2 adjective /əˈfɔːrsed/

Aforesaid

Meaning
mentioned before; previously stated
Example
The aforesaid conditions must be met before approval.
C2 noun /ˈɛdi/

eddy

Meaning
A circular movement of water, air, or smoke, counter to the main current, causing a small whirlpool or turbulence.
Example
The canoe was caught in an eddy near the rocks.
C1 verb /ˌrekəˈlekt/

recollect

Meaning
to remember something; to recall from memory
Example
I can't recollect where I put my keys.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrstwaɪl/

erstwhile

Meaning
former or in the past
Example
They were erstwhile friends but no longer speak.
B2 noun /ˈfɛmənɪst/

feminist

Meaning
a person who supports equal rights and opportunities for women and men
Example
She proudly calls herself a feminist and fights for gender equality.
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.
B2 noun /spɑːrk/

Spark

Meaning
a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire; a flash of light; something that triggers or initiates
Example
A spark from the campfire ignited the dry leaves.
C2 noun /ˈjuːfəni/

euphony

Meaning
The quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through harmonious combination of words.
Example
The orator's speech was full of euphony and rhythm.
A2 adjective /ˈpɑːt taɪm/

part-time

Meaning
working for only part of the usual working day or week
Example
She works part-time as a waitress.
C1 adjective /dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪtɪŋ/

discriminating

Meaning
Having refined taste or good judgment; able to recognize subtle differences.
Example
She is known for her discriminating taste in art.
C2 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər.ɪŋ/

hankering

Meaning
a strong desire or craving for something.
Example
She had a hankering for chocolate late at night.
A1 adjective /lɔːŋ/

Long

Meaning
having great length; extended in distance or time
Example
The long road stretched for miles ahead.
C2 verb /bɪˈsmɪər/

besmear

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance; to soil
Example
His clothes were besmeared with mud.
B2 noun prəˈsiːdɪŋz

proceedings

Meaning
An event or a series of activities involving a formal or set procedure.
Example
The proceedings discussed language issues.
B2 noun /æmˈfɪbiən/

amphibian

Meaning
A cold-blooded vertebrate animal that can live both on land and in water.
Example
A frog is a common amphibian that lives both in water and on land.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɒvərɪʃ/

impoverish

Meaning
To make someone poor or reduce the quality or richness of something.
Example
The long war impoverished the entire nation.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrkəleɪt/

percolate

Meaning
To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to spread slowly.
Example
The rainwater percolated through the soil into the groundwater.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspʌlʃən/

expulsion

Meaning
The act of forcing someone to leave a place, especially a school or country.
Example
His constant misbehavior led to his expulsion from school.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.ʃən.əl/

Optional

Meaning
not compulsory; left to choice
Example
Wearing a tie is optional for this event.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrdɪnəl/

ordinal

Meaning
Relating to the order or position of something in a sequence (first, second, third, etc.).
Example
The ordinal number 'third' indicates position in a sequence.
B2 noun ˈmʌltiˌtɑːskɪŋ

multitasking

Meaning
The performance of more than one task at the same time
Example
Multitasking reduces efficiency.
C1 noun /ˈvæɡ.ə.bɒnd/

Vagabond

Meaning
a person who has no home or job and travels from place to place
Example
The old vagabond wandered through the streets looking for food.
B2 adverb /ˈprez.ənt.li/

Presently

Meaning
at the present time; soon; in a little while
Example
The doctor will see you presently.
C2 noun /kaɪˈmɪərə/

chimera

Meaning
A mythical creature with parts from different animals; also used to mean a fanciful illusion or unattainable dream.
Example
The idea of a perfect society is often a chimera.
B2 adjective /ˈpɛti/

petty

Meaning
Of little importance or trivial; also describes a person overly concerned with small or unimportant matters.
Example
She often gets upset over the most petty things.
A2 adjective /ˈsaɪ.lənt/

Silent

Meaning
making no sound; quiet; not speaking
Example
The library was completely silent during study hours.
B2 adjective səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl

sustainable

Meaning
Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; conserving an ecological balance.
Example
Sustainable practices mitigate environmental impact.
B2 noun /brest/

Breast

Meaning
the front surface of a person's or animal's body between the neck and the stomach
Example
The baby fell asleep on her mother's breast.
B1 noun /ˈmɪr.ɪ.kəl/

Miracle

Meaning
An extraordinary and welcome event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws
Example
The patient's recovery was called a miracle by the doctors.
C2 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪæk/

paranoiac

Meaning
A person who suffers from paranoia or exhibits extreme, irrational distrust and suspicion.
Example
The paranoiac refused to leave his house, fearing everyone was against him.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsənɪdʒ/

personage

Meaning
an important or famous person
Example
He is considered a great personage in the world of literature.
B2 adjective /ˈdʒʌm.boʊ/

Jumbo

Meaning
exceptionally large; enormous; gigantic
Example
The jumbo jet was delayed at the airport.
C2 verb ˈɪn.kʌl.keɪt

inculcate

Meaning
Instill an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction; to teach and impress by frequent repetitions.
Example
Parents should inculcate good values in their children.
C2 noun /ˈlɪbərˌtiːn/

libertine

Meaning
A person who behaves without moral principles, especially in sexual matters.
Example
The novel depicted the reckless life of a libertine in 18th century France.
C1 adjective /ˈkoʊvərt/

covert

Meaning
hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged
Example
The spy conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines.
C1 adjective /ˈʌpərˌmoʊst/

uppermost

Meaning
situated at the highest place or most important
Example
Her family's safety was uppermost in her mind during the crisis.
C1 noun /ˈkɒlərə/

cholera

Meaning
An infectious disease of the small intestine causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Example
The village suffered an outbreak of cholera after the flood.
C1 noun ɪnˌɛv.ɪ.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

inevitability

Meaning
The quality of being certain to happen and impossible to avoid or prevent.
Example
The inevitability of change is a part of life.
B2 noun rɪˈkruːt.mənt

recruitment

Meaning
The action of finding new people to join an organization or support a cause.
Example
Recruitment strengthens the workforce.
A1 noun /ˈvɛdʒ.tə.bəl/

vegetable

Meaning
a plant or part of a plant used as food
Example
I eat vegetables every day for health.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnər/

misdemeanor

Meaning
A minor wrongdoing or criminal offense that is less serious than a felony.
Example
He was fined for a misdemeanor involving public disturbance.
B2 adjective /ˈθɜːrməl/

thermal

Meaning
Related to heat or temperature.
Example
She wore a thermal jacket to stay warm in winter.
C2 adjective /əˈkjuː.zəˌtɔːr.i/

accusatory

Meaning
Suggesting blame or indicating someone has done wrong.
Example
He gave her an accusatory glance.
B2 noun /slɒt/

slot

Meaning
a narrow opening into which something fits or is placed
Example
Insert the card into the slot to open the door.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛrəˈbaʊt/

thereabout

Meaning
Approximately or around that place, amount, or time.
Example
The repairs will cost five hundred dollars or thereabout.
B2 noun ˈfeɪs tə ˈfeɪs ˈbætl

face-to-face battle

Meaning
A direct confrontation or fight between opposing forces.
Example
The warriors fought a face-to-face battle with the enemies.
B1 noun /ˈprɪnsɪpl/

principle

Meaning
A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.
Example
Honesty is a key principle of leadership.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈpɑːrləs/

parlous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; precarious.
Example
The company is in a parlous financial state.
C1 preposition /ˈbɑːrɪŋ/

barring

Meaning
except for; if not for
Example
Barring a miracle, the team will not win the championship.
C2 noun /vɜːrv/

verve

Meaning
Great enthusiasm, spirit, or energy in expression or performance.
Example
The actor performed his role with remarkable verve.
B2 verb /ˈstreɪtən/

straighten

Meaning
to make something straight or tidy; to correct or organize
Example
She straightened her hair before the meeting.
B1 verb /ˈwɒndər/

Wander

Meaning
to walk aimlessly without a fixed destination
Example
She likes to wander through the old city streets.
B2 adjective /veɪɡ/

Vague

Meaning
unclear or uncertain in meaning; not clearly expressed
Example
His explanation was too vague for me to understand.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛkt/

dissect

Meaning
to cut apart an animal, plant, or other organism to study its internal parts; to analyze something in detail
Example
In biology class, students had to dissect a frog to learn about its anatomy.
B2 noun /ˈwaɪld.laɪf ˌkɒnsərˈveɪʃən/

wildlife conservation

Meaning
The practice of protecting wild animal species and their habitats in order to maintain healthy wildlife species or populations and to restore, protect or enhance natural ecosystems.
Example
Wildlife conservation aims to protect endangered species.