gamble
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B2 verb /ˈɡæmbəl/

gamble

Meaning
to bet money on games of chance; to take a risky action
Example
He decided to gamble his savings on the stock market.
C2 noun /ˌfɪziˈɒnəmi/

physiognomy

Meaning
the study of facial features to judge character or personality
Example
He believed in physiognomy and tried to read people's personalities from their faces.
B1 adverb /ˈfeər.li/

Fairly

Meaning
in a just manner; moderately; reasonably
Example
The test was fairly easy, but some questions were challenging.
B2 verb /ˈwiːkən/

Weaken

Meaning
to make or become less strong or powerful
Example
The illness weakened his immune system significantly.
A1 adjective /ˈfeɪ.məs/

famous

Meaning
Known about by many people; renowned.
Example
This area is famous for its unique heritage.
A2 adverb /ˈsʌm.deɪ/

someday

Meaning
at some time in the future
Example
Someday, I want to travel the world.
C1 noun /ˈɑːdəsi/

odyssey

Meaning
a long, adventurous journey; a series of experiences
Example
Her career has been an odyssey of challenges and achievements.
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.
C1 adjective /tɔːt/

taut

Meaning
stretched or pulled tight; tense
Example
The rope was pulled taut between the two poles.
B2 noun /ˈlɛtɪs/

lettuce

Meaning
a leafy green vegetable commonly used in salads and sandwiches
Example
She added fresh lettuce to the sandwich.
C2 noun /sɪlf/

sylph

Meaning
A mythical spirit of the air; also refers to a slender, graceful woman.
Example
She moved across the stage like a sylph, light and graceful.
C1 noun /ˈiːɡətɪst/

egotist

Meaning
A person who is excessively self-centered or talks too much about themselves.
Example
The egotist dominated the conversation by talking only about his own achievements.
C2 adjective /ˈtɜːrdʒɪd/

turgid

Meaning
Swollen or distended; (of language) pompous and overcomplicated.
Example
The professor’s lecture was so turgid that many students lost interest.
C2 noun ˈɔː.tɑː.ki

autarky

Meaning
Economic independence or self-sufficiency; a policy of establishing a self-sufficient national economy.
Example
Some nations aim for autarky to reduce reliance on imports.
B2 noun /ˈfɛə(r)nɪs/

fairness

Meaning
the quality of being free from bias, favoritism, or injustice
Example
She always strives for fairness in her decisions.
C2 noun /ˈvæsəl/

vassal

Meaning
A person or country in a subordinate position to another, especially in feudal times under a lord.
Example
The king granted land to his vassal in return for loyalty and service.
B2 verb /ˈænəlaɪz/

analyze

Meaning
to examine something in detail to understand it better or draw conclusions
Example
Scientists analyze data to discover new patterns.
B2 noun ˈæn.ɪk.doʊt

anecdote

Meaning
A short interesting story used in speeches or writing.
Example
A well-placed anecdote makes a speech more relatable.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrdʒɪn/

Margin

Meaning
The edge or border of something; an amount allowed beyond what is needed
Example
Please write your notes in the margin of the page.
C2 noun /ˈʌp.wel.ɪŋ/

upwelling

Meaning
An oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface.
Example
Upwelling brings nutrients to the ocean surface.
B2 adjective /ʌnprɪˈpɛrd/

Unprepared

Meaning
not ready or able to deal with something
Example
He was unprepared for the difficult exam.
B2 verb /ɪˈkwɪp/

equip

Meaning
to provide someone or something with the necessary items or skills for a task
Example
The school equipped its students with modern technology.
C1 noun ˈmiːdiə ˈdɒmɪnəns

media dominance

Meaning
The control and powerful influence that media has over communication and information distribution in society.
Example
The internet has enhanced media dominance globally.
B2 noun prɛsˈtiːʒ

prestige

Meaning
Widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality.
Example
The university has gained international prestige for its research.
C1 adjective /vɜːrˈboʊs/

verbose

Meaning
Using or expressed in more words than are needed; wordy.
Example
His verbose explanation confused the audience instead of clarifying the issue.
C1 verb /ˈswɛltər/

swelter

Meaning
to suffer from intense heat
Example
We began to swelter in the midday sun.
B2 verb /ɪˈnækt/

enact

Meaning
to make into law; to perform or act out
Example
The government decided to enact a new policy on education.
C2 adverb /bɪˈtaɪmz/

betimes

Meaning
early; in good time
Example
She rose betimes to finish her work.
B1 noun /ˈkɪləɡræm/

kilogram

Meaning
the base unit of mass in the metric system equal to 1,000 grams
Example
The bag of rice weighs five kilograms.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
C2 verb /ˈsʌk.əl/

suckle

Meaning
to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or udder
Example
The mother cat suckled her kittens in the basket.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛsənt/

deliquescent

Meaning
tending to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
Example
Sugar is not deliquescent, but salt can be.
C1 adjective ɪmˈpɛkəbl

impeccable

Meaning
In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
Example
His impeccable taste in fashion was admired by all his peers.
C1 adjective prɪˈkeə.ri.əs

precarious

Meaning
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Example
His financial situation is precarious.
C1 adjective /ˈpɔɪ.njənt/

poignant

Meaning
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply touching
Example
The movie's ending was so poignant that many in the audience were moved to tears.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪt ˈnwɑːr/

bete noire

Meaning
A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or fears.
Example
Grammar has always been his bete noire.
A2 verb /əˈnɔɪ/

annoy

Meaning
to irritate or bother someone and make them feel a little angry or uncomfortable
Example
His constant humming started to annoy everyone in the room.
B2 verb /ˈræl.i/

rally

Meaning
to come together for a common purpose or to recover strength or spirit
Example
The team rallied after halftime and won the match.
C2 noun /ˈsɪɡnət/

cygnet

Meaning
a young swan
Example
The cygnet swam closely behind its mother.
B2 noun /əˈkɔːrdəns/

accordance

Meaning
agreement or harmony with something; compliance with rules, laws, or wishes
Example
The policy was implemented in accordance with international law.
C2 noun /ˈdʒaɪənt sneɪk hɛd/

Giant snake head

Meaning
a large predatory freshwater fish with an elongated body and snake-like head
Example
The giant snake head is a fierce predator that can survive out of water for hours.
C2 noun /ˈɛmɪsɛri/

emissary

Meaning
A person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative.
Example
The king sent an emissary to negotiate peace.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪpərˈkrɪtɪkl/

hypercritical

Meaning
Excessively or unreasonably critical.
Example
The teacher was often hypercritical of small mistakes.
A2 noun /ˈɔːdiəʊ/

audio

Meaning
sound, especially when recorded or transmitted
Example
The audio quality of the podcast was excellent.
B2 noun ˈbʌtərflaɪ ˌpɒpjəˈleɪʃən

Butterfly Population

Meaning
The total number of butterflies in a particular area or ecosystem.
Example
The butterfly population is declining due to habitat loss.
C2 adjective /hɜːrˈbeɪʃəs/

herbaceous

Meaning
Relating to or resembling herbs; plants with soft, non-woody stems.
Example
The garden was filled with herbaceous plants that thrived in the summer.
B2 verb /ʃrʌɡ/

shrug

Meaning
To raise and lower the shoulders to express uncertainty or indifference.
Example
He shrugged when asked about the missing file.
C1 noun /ˌædʒ.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

agitation

Meaning
a state of nervousness, excitement, or unrest; or action of stirring up public concern
Example
There was visible agitation among the crowd.
C1 noun /fɪˈdɛl.ɪ.ti/

fidelity

Meaning
Faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support.
Example
A dog's fidelity to its owner is unmatched.
B2 noun /ˈruːstər/

rooster

Meaning
A male domestic chicken, especially one that crows.
Example
The rooster crowed at dawn, waking up the whole village.
C1 adjective /ˈɛərˌtaɪt/

airtight

Meaning
Completely sealed so that no air can get in or out.
Example
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈwɪtɪŋ/

unwitting

Meaning
Not aware of what is happening; done without realizing.
Example
She became an unwitting participant in the scam.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

Meaning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example
The waiter gave us a surly look when we asked for more water.
B2 noun /slɛdʒ/

sledge

Meaning
a vehicle for traveling over snow, often pulled by animals
Example
The children rode a sledge down the snowy hill.
C1 verb /ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/

petrify

Meaning
to make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think; to turn into stone
Example
The loud noise petrified the little child.
C2 verb /fɔrˈswɛr/

forswear

Meaning
to renounce or reject; to give up completely
Example
He forswore his old habits and started a new life.
B2 noun /tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒɪ.kəl ədˈvɑːns.mənt/

technological advancement

Meaning
Progress or improvement in technology that leads to better solutions or capabilities.
Example
Technological advancement is revolutionizing healthcare.
C1 noun /ˈkwɔːrəm/

quorum

Meaning
The minimum number of members needed to conduct official business in a meeting.
Example
The board meeting was postponed because there was no quorum.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪpəθi/

antipathy

Meaning
a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
There was a mutual antipathy between the two rival companies.
A1 pronoun /ɪt/

it

Meaning
used to refer to a thing, animal, or idea previously mentioned or easily identified
Example
It is raining outside.
C1 verb /ˈstriːmlaɪnɪŋ/

streamlining

Meaning
The process of making an organization or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps
Example
Streamlining processes can significantly reduce operational costs.
C1 adjective /prəˈfjuːs/

profuse

Meaning
existing or given in large amounts; abundant
Example
He offered profuse thanks for their timely help.
C2 noun /ˈkjuːbeb ˈpepər/

Cubeb Pepper

Meaning
aromatic spice with a slightly bitter taste and cooling aftertaste
Example
Cubeb pepper is used in traditional Indonesian cuisine.
C1 noun /ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒɪst/

anthropologist

Meaning
a person who studies human societies, cultures, and their development
Example
The anthropologist spent years studying the tribal community.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnsənəns/

consonance

Meaning
Agreement or harmony among parts; a pleasing combination of sounds in music or words.
Example
The consonance between their ideas made the project successful.
C1 noun ˌsɛlf.rɪˈstreɪnt

self-restraint

Meaning
The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically an impulse or desire.
Example
Practicing self-restraint helps in avoiding impulsive decisions.
C2 noun /ɪkˈsɔːr.ə/

Ixora

Meaning
a tropical flowering shrub with clusters of small bright red, orange, or yellow flowers
Example
The bright red ixora bushes lined the pathway to the tropical garden.
C1 noun ˌflʌk.tʃuˈeɪ.ʃən

fluctuation

Meaning
An irregular rising and falling in number or amount; a variation.
Example
The stock market experiences frequent fluctuation.
B2 adjective /kənˈtɛmpərɛri/

contemporary

Meaning
belonging to the same time period; modern
Example
She enjoys contemporary art exhibitions.
C1 noun /sɔːd fɪʃ/

Sword fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with an elongated bill resembling a sword
Example
The swordfish can swim at speeds up to 60 mph.
B2 noun/verb /ˈtʃɑːrtər/

charter

Meaning
a written document granting rights or privileges; to hire a vehicle or vessel for temporary use
Example
The company decided to charter a bus for the trip.
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.
B2 verb /sɑːb/

sob

Meaning
to cry noisily while taking short breaths
Example
She began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the news.
B2 noun ˌɪm.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

implication

Meaning
A conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated; a likely consequence.
Example
The implication of climate change is severe.
C2 noun /juːˈkeɪs/

ukase

Meaning
An authoritative decree or order, especially one issued by a sovereign or government.
Example
The czar issued a ukase restricting the freedom of the press.
C1 adjective ɪˈluː.sər.i

illusory

Meaning
Based on illusion; not real although seeming to be.
Example
His sense of security was entirely illusory.
C2 adjective /əˈmɔːrfəs/

amorphous

Meaning
Lacking a clear shape or form; without a defined structure.
Example
The plan remained amorphous and lacked concrete details.
B1 noun /ˈækses/

Access

Meaning
the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, or pass to and from a place
Example
Students have access to the library 24 hours a day.
C2 noun /ˌpɜː.spɪˈkæs.ɪ.ti/

perspicacity

Meaning
Sharp insight, keen understanding and discernment.
Example
Her perspicacity in business decisions led to success.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkoʊ.ɪt/ or /ɪnˈkoʊ.eɪt/

inchoate

Meaning
Just begun and not fully formed; rudimentary.
Example
His inchoate ideas needed more research to be developed.
C2 noun /ˈklɪpər/

clipper

Meaning
a tool used for cutting, or a fast sailing ship of the 19th century
Example
The barber used clippers to trim his hair.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnənt/

pennant

Meaning
A tapering flag used for signaling or as an emblem of victory or achievement.
Example
The team raised the championship pennant proudly.
C1 adjective /ˈmjuːtɪd/

muted

Meaning
softened in sound, color, or effect; subdued
Example
The room was painted in muted shades of blue and grey.
C2 noun /blɑːtʃ/

blotch

Meaning
a large, irregular spot or stain, often on skin or fabric
Example
His shirt had a red blotch from the spilled juice.
C2 adjective /ˈfraʊzi/

frowzy

Meaning
Unkempt, messy, or having a musty, unpleasant smell.
Example
He entered the room with a frowzy appearance after sleeping on the couch.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsələr/

counsellor

Meaning
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems; an advisor
Example
She spoke to a counsellor to get advice about her career.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

purgatory

Meaning
A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven; a temporary condition of torment or suffering.
Example
After the accident, the long recovery felt like a kind of purgatory.
B2 noun /ˈɔr.fən.ɪʒ/

Orphanage

Meaning
an institution for the care and education of children who have lost their parents
Example
The charity built a new orphanage for homeless children.
B1 noun /ˈkɜː.ri/

Curry

Meaning
a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in an Indian-style sauce with hot spices
Example
I love spicy chicken curry with rice.
B2 noun /ˈfɔːr.hed/

Forehead

Meaning
the part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline
Example
He wiped the sweat from his forehead.
C1 noun /ˈveɪpəraɪzər/

vaporizer

Meaning
a device that turns a liquid into vapor, often for inhalation
Example
She used a vaporizer to ease her cough.
C2 adjective /ˈfræk.ʃəs/

Fractious

Meaning
irritable and quarrelsome; difficult to control; bad-tempered
Example
The fractious child refused to follow any of the teacher's instructions.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəkl/

monocle

Meaning
A single round lens for one eye, used to correct or enhance vision.
Example
The old gentleman wore a monocle at formal events.
C1 noun ˌpraɪ.vɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

privatization

Meaning
The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control.
Example
The privatization of state-owned companies increased efficiency.
C2 adjective /dɪˈlɛktəbl̩/

delectable

Meaning
delicious or highly enjoyable
Example
The restaurant served a delectable meal.
A2 noun /ɡluː/

Glue

Meaning
a sticky substance used for sticking objects or materials together; an adhesive
Example
The children used white glue to attach the colorful paper pieces to their art project.
B2 adjective ˌæn.əlˈɪt.ɪ.kəl

analytical

Meaning
Using or skilled in using analysis (i.e., separating a whole—intellectual or substantial—into its elemental parts or basic principles).
Example
She has an analytical approach to problem-solving.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnˈpeɪd/

Unpaid

Meaning
not paid for; without payment or salary
Example
She worked as an unpaid intern for six months.
C2 noun /ˈkɔː.seər/

corsair

Meaning
a pirate, especially one operating along the Mediterranean coasts
Example
The corsair plundered ships along the coast.
A2 noun /ˈsæd.nəs/

Sadness

Meaning
feeling of sorrow, unhappiness, or grief
Example
Her sadness was evident after hearing the bad news.
A2 noun /ˈkɒnsət/

concert

Meaning
A musical performance given by one or more singers or musicians.
Example
We went to a concert last night and enjoyed the live music.
A2 noun /ˈfer.i.teɪl/

Fairy-tale

Meaning
a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands
Example
Children love listening to fairy-tales before bedtime.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

predetermine

Meaning
to establish or decide something in advance
Example
The outcome of the match seemed predetermined.
B1 adjective /ˈhoʊmləs/

homeless

Meaning
Without a home, and therefore typically living on the streets.
Example
The organization helps homeless people find shelter.
B1 noun /ˈædʒɪktɪv/

adjective

Meaning
a word that describes or modifies a noun by giving more information about its quality, quantity, or state
Example
The adjective in the sentence adds more detail to the noun.
C2 noun /fəˈlɪsɪti/

felicity

Meaning
intense happiness; the ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts
Example
She was known for her felicity in conversation and cheerful nature.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɑːr.ɡən/

jargon

Meaning
Specialized or technical language used by a particular group or profession.
Example
The lawyer’s explanation was full of legal jargon.
B2 noun /saɪˈkaɪətri/

psychiatry

Meaning
the branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of mental illness
Example
She decided to study psychiatry to help people with mental health issues.
C1 noun /ɪˌreɡjəˈlærɪti/

irregularity

Meaning
lack of regularity or consistency; a deviation from what is normal, expected, or orderly
Example
The audit revealed several financial irregularities in the company’s records.
C2 noun /ˈpætrɪˌmoʊni/

patrimony

Meaning
Property or inheritance passed down from one's father or ancestors.
Example
The castle was part of his patrimony from his noble ancestors.
C1 verb, noun /mʊər/

moor

Meaning
As a verb: to tie a ship so that it stays in place. As a noun: open, uncultivated land.
Example
The sailors moored the ship at the dock.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɜːrdən/

disburden

Meaning
to relieve someone of a burden or load
Example
She disburdened herself of worries by sharing them with her friend.
B2 noun /ˈstiː.mər/

Steamer

Meaning
a ship or boat powered by steam engines
Example
The old steamer crossed the river slowly.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnəns/

impertinence

Meaning
lack of respect; rudeness
Example
The teacher was shocked by the student's impertinence.
C1 verb /ˈpæri/

parry

Meaning
to ward off or deflect an attack, especially in fencing or conversation
Example
He managed to parry the opponent’s sword with quick reflexes.
C2 noun /ɪˈbʊliəns/

ebullience

Meaning
the quality of being cheerful, enthusiastic, and full of energy
Example
The teacher's ebullience inspired her students.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

conflagaration

Meaning
This is a common misspelling of 'conflagration', which means a large, destructive fire.
Example
The term 'conflagaration' is often incorrectly used instead of 'conflagration'.
B2 noun /ˌnəʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

notification

Meaning
an official or formal notice or message informing someone of something; an alert delivered by a system or device
Example
You will receive a notification when your application is approved.
C2 noun /ˌviːələnsɛloʊ/

violoncello

Meaning
The full name of the cello, a large string instrument played with a bow and held between the knees.
Example
He practiced the violoncello for hours each day.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊltɪs/

poultice

Meaning
a soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation
Example
The nurse applied a warm poultice to his injured leg.
C1 verb, noun /ɡɔːrdʒ/

gorge

Meaning
to eat greedily; a narrow valley between mountains or hills
Example
They gorged themselves on pizza after the hike.