gestures
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B2 noun ˈdʒes.tʃərz

gestures

Meaning
Body movements, especially of hands, face, or body when speaking.
Example
Effective gestures add emphasis to a speech.
A1 noun /ˈwɛð.ɚ/

weather

Meaning
The state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
Example
The weather forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow.
C2 noun /əˈdʌltərənt/

adulterant

Meaning
a substance added to something else, often food or drink, to reduce its quality or strength
Example
The laboratory found an adulterant in the milk samples.
C2 adjective /ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪk/

prophylactic

Meaning
intended to prevent disease or an unwanted outcome; protective
Example
The doctor prescribed a prophylactic treatment to prevent infection.
B2 verb /ˈstrɛŋkθən/

strengthen

Meaning
To make or become stronger.
Example
Communication can strengthen bonds between people.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɛl/

dispel

Meaning
to make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear
Example
The teacher's explanation dispelled the students' confusion.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊər/

overpower

Meaning
To defeat or gain control over someone or something by using greater strength or force.
Example
The soldiers managed to overpower the enemy forces.
B1 noun, verb /ˈfəʊtəʊˌkɒpi/

photocopy

Meaning
a copy of a document made using a photocopying machine; to make such a copy
Example
Please photocopy these documents before the meeting.
C2 verb ˈɑːb.fə.skeɪt

obfuscate

Meaning
Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
Politicians often obfuscate facts to mislead people.
C1 adjective /ˈraʊzɪŋ/

rousing

Meaning
Exciting, inspiring, or stirring.
Example
The speaker delivered a rousing speech that moved the audience.
B2 verb /ɪnˈkaʊntər/

encounter

Meaning
to unexpectedly meet someone or experience something, especially something difficult or new
Example
During the hike, we encountered a wild bear.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːbiəs/

dubious

Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
B1 verb /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz/

emphasize

Meaning
to give special importance or attention to something
Example
The teacher emphasized the importance of homework.
C2 noun /ˈθrɛnədi/

threnody

Meaning
A song, poem, or speech of mourning for someone who has died; a lament.
Example
The poet composed a moving threnody for the fallen soldiers.
B2 noun /ˌaɪ.səˈleɪ.ʃən/

Isolation

Meaning
the process or fact of isolating or being isolated; separation from other people or things
Example
The patient was kept in isolation to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.
C1 noun/verb /θrɒŋ/

throng

Meaning
A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals; to fill or be present in a place in large numbers.
Example
Tourists thronged the streets during the festival.
C2 verb /ˌmɛtəˈmɔrfoʊz/

metamorphose

Meaning
To change in form, structure, or substance; to transform completely.
Example
The caterpillar metamorphosed into a butterfly.
C1 noun/verb ˈfɒr.ɪdʒ

forage

Meaning
Food for horses and cattle, especially dried hay or feed; to search for food.
Example
Animals forage for food during the winter months.
B1 noun /weɪv/

Wave

Meaning
a moving ridge on the surface of water; a gesture of greeting or farewell
Example
The surfer rode the big wave all the way to the shore.
C1 noun ɔːrˈdiːl

ordeal

Meaning
A physical or mental painful experience that must be endured
Example
Surviving the wilderness was a tough ordeal for them.
B2 adjective /daɪˈnæm.ɪk/

dynamic

Meaning
Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Example
Life flows in a dynamic stream.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌɡræf/

lithograph

Meaning
a print made by lithography, often artistic
Example
The museum displayed a rare lithograph from the 19th century.
B1 adverb /ˈdef.ɪ.nət.li/

Definitely

Meaning
without doubt; certainly; clearly
Example
I will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow.
C1 verb /proʊˈtruːd/

protrude

Meaning
To stick out or extend beyond a surface.
Example
A nail was protruding from the wooden board.
C1 noun /ˌæf.ɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/

affirmation

Meaning
The action or process of affirming something or being affirmed; emotional support or encouragement.
Example
Daily affirmation of self-worth boosts confidence.
B1 verb /ʃaʊt/

shout

Meaning
to say something very loudly
Example
He shouted at the top of his lungs to get their attention.
C1 noun /ˈnɛm.ə.sɪs/

nemesis

Meaning
A long-standing rival or an inescapable agent of downfall.
Example
For years, he considered his colleague to be his nemesis.
C2 noun /ɪnˈdɛntʃər/

indenture

Meaning
A formal legal agreement, contract, or document, often relating to work or service.
Example
In the 18th century, many workers came under indenture to work overseas.
B1 verb /ədˈmaɪər/

admire

Meaning
To respect, appreciate, or look up to someone or something.
Example
I really admire her dedication to education.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːrəl/

choral

Meaning
Relating to, written for, or performed by a choir or chorus.
Example
The church hosted a choral performance on Sunday.
A1 noun /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

morning

Meaning
the early part of the day, typically from sunrise until noon
Example
I like to go for a run in the morning.
C1 noun /ˈdrɪz.əl/

Drizzle

Meaning
light rain falling in very fine drops; a very light rainfall
Example
The gentle drizzle continued throughout the morning, making everything misty.
B2 noun /ˈtɛnənsi/

tenancy

Meaning
The possession or occupation of land or property as a tenant.
Example
The tenancy agreement was signed for two years.
B1 noun /pruːf/

proof

Meaning
evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement
Example
The detective presented proof of the suspect's guilt.
A2 noun ˈtʃælɪndʒ

challenge

Meaning
A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a demanding or stimulating one; a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example
Plastic pollution poses a significant challenge to global health.
B2 verb /ɪkˈsɛl/

excel

Meaning
to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject
Example
She always tries to excel in her studies.
B2 adjective sɪˈvɪər

severe

Meaning
Very great; intense or extreme in degree.
Example
Without action, climate change impacts will become severe.
B2 noun /ˈpɪm.pəl/

Pimple

Meaning
a small, inflamed elevation of the skin; a spot on the skin, especially on the face
Example
She was embarrassed about the pimple on her forehead.
C1 adjective ˈɒb.stɪ.nət

obstinate

Meaning
Refusing to change one's mind or accept others' advice easily.
Example
He remained obstinate despite the logical arguments.
C2 noun (plural, informal) /skædz/

scads

Meaning
A large number or quantity of something (informal).
Example
She has scads of friends in the city.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bəl/

Unfavourable

Meaning
not helpful or advantageous; adverse
Example
The weather conditions were unfavourable for our outdoor event.
B2 interjection /ˈbrɑː.voʊ/

bravo

Meaning
used to express approval, admiration, or praise
Example
The audience shouted 'Bravo!' after the stunning performance.
B2 noun /bɪtʃ/

Bitch

Meaning
a female dog; an unpleasant or spiteful woman (offensive)
Example
The bitch gave birth to five puppies.
C1 adjective ɪˈneɪt

Innate

Meaning
Existing from birth or natural
Example
She has an innate talent for music.
B2 verb /əˈfend/

offend

Meaning
to cause displeasure or resentment; to hurt someone's feelings
Example
His rude comments offended many people at the meeting.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈpoʊz/

discompose

Meaning
To disturb the order or calmness of something or someone.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to discompose her.
C2 noun /ˌmælˈoʊdər/

malodor

Meaning
An unpleasant smell; bad odor.
Example
The garbage bin gave off a terrible malodor.
C1 adjective /ˈven.ə.məs/

Venomous

Meaning
secreting venom; full of malice or spite; extremely hostile
Example
The venomous snake struck quickly at its prey.
B2 noun /ˈrɪdəl/

Riddle

Meaning
a question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning; a puzzle
Example
The ancient riddle stumped all the scholars for years.
B2 noun ˈbreɪk.θruː

breakthrough

Meaning
A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
Example
The breakthrough opens doors for new technology.
B2 adjective /ˈfɪr.fəl/

fearful

Meaning
feeling afraid or showing fear
Example
She was fearful of walking alone at night.
C1 noun ˌfræɡ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən

fragmentation

Meaning
The process or state of breaking or being broken into fragments.
Example
Habitat fragmentation threatens many species.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntəˈrɒɡətəri/

interrogatory

Meaning
expressed in the form of a question; relating to questioning
Example
The lawyer’s interrogatory tone made the witness uncomfortable.
A1 adverb /wʌns/

Once

Meaning
one time only; at some time in the past; formerly
Example
I have been to Paris once in my life.
A2 verb /dɪˈstrɔɪ/

destroy

Meaning
to damage something so badly that it cannot be used
Example
The fire destroyed the entire building.
C1 noun /bɒɡ/

bog

Meaning
an area of wet, spongy ground; a swamp or marsh
Example
The hikers got stuck in a bog.
B2 verb /draʊn/

drown

Meaning
to die or cause to die by being submerged in and inhaling water
Example
He nearly drowned while swimming in the river.
A1 verb /lɪv/

live

Meaning
to have life; to reside in a particular place; to exist
Example
They live in a beautiful house by the lake.
B1 adjective ˈsteɪbl

stable

Meaning
Not likely to change or fail; firmly established.
Example
Strong nuclear force keeps the nucleus stable.
C1 noun /trɔːf/

trough

Meaning
A long, narrow container from which animals eat or drink; also, a low point between waves or in business cycles.
Example
The cows drank water from the wooden trough.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmpɪd/

limpid

Meaning
Clear and transparent, easily understood.
Example
The limpid water of the lake reflected the sky perfectly.
C2 verb /əˈniːl/

anneal

Meaning
To heat and cool metal or glass to make it stronger or less brittle.
Example
The blacksmith annealed the steel to improve its durability.
C1 adjective /ˈdʒeɪ.dɪd/

jaded

Meaning
Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.
Example
After years of traveling, she felt jaded by the constant movement.
C1 noun /ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv ˈliː.də.ʃɪp/

proactive leadership

Meaning
Leadership that takes initiative and anticipates problems before they occur, rather than reacting to events.
Example
Proactive leadership ensures timely decisions.
C1 noun /ˌræm.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

ramification

Meaning
a consequence of an action or event, often complex or unwelcome.
Example
The new law has serious social ramifications.
B1 adjective /ˌlɛftˈhændɪd/

left-handed

Meaning
Using or done with the left hand; also can mean clumsy or awkward.
Example
She is left-handed and writes beautifully with her left hand.
C1 verb /ˈdʒʌk.stə.poʊz/

juxtapose

Meaning
To place two different things close together to show how they are different or similar.
Example
The artist juxtaposed traditional and modern elements in his painting.
B2 noun /pərˈfek.ʃən/

Perfection

Meaning
the state of being complete and without flaws; the highest degree of excellence
Example
The artist spent years trying to achieve perfection in his paintings.
B2 noun /ˈsɪblɪŋ/

sibling

Meaning
A brother or sister.
Example
She has three siblings, two brothers and one sister.
B1 noun

Pattern

A2 verb /roʊl/

roll

Meaning
to move by turning over and over on an axis
Example
She rolled the ball down the hill.
A2 preposition /riː/

re

Meaning
concerning or about (used in formal letters or emails)
Example
The letter was sent re your recent application.
B1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmənənt/

Permanent

Meaning
lasting; unchanging; enduring
Example
The tattoo is a permanent mark on his skin.
C2 verb /ˈprɒsəˌlaɪtaɪz/

proselytize

Meaning
To try to persuade someone to convert to a different belief or religion.
Example
They tried to proselytize the villagers with their new ideas.
B2 noun /kwəʊˈteɪʃən/

quotation

Meaning
a group of words taken from a text or speech and repeated exactly; an estimated price given for goods or services
Example
The article opened with a famous quotation from Shakespeare.
B2 adjective /dɪˈtætʃt/

detached

Meaning
separate or disconnected; showing a lack of emotional involvement
Example
He lived in a detached house away from the city.
B2 noun /flɛkˈsɪbɪləti/

flexibility

Meaning
The quality of bending easily without breaking; willingness to change or compromise.
Example
The flexibility of the working hours made it easier to balance work and personal life.
B1 verb /loʊˈkeɪt/

locate

Meaning
to find the exact position or place of something
Example
They managed to locate the missing keys under the couch.
C2 noun /lɒx/

loch

Meaning
a lake or sea inlet, especially in Scotland
Example
Tourists visit Loch Ness to search for the legendary monster.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkɜːrʒən/

incursion

Meaning
A sudden attack or invasion into a place or territory.
Example
The army repelled the enemy incursion at the border.
C2 noun /ˈsɑːrdʒənt ət ɑːrmz/

sergeant-at-arms

Meaning
An officer responsible for maintaining order during meetings or legislative sessions.
Example
The sergeant-at-arms escorted the disruptive member out of the hall.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/

counterpoint

Meaning
an argument, idea, or theme contrasting with another; also a musical term for independent melody
Example
Her calm attitude was a counterpoint to his anger.
C1 verb /ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

equalize

Meaning
To make equal or level in status, value, or amount.
Example
The team equalized the score in the last minute.
C1 adjective /ˌfɑːrˈfetʃt/

farfetched

Meaning
unlikely to happen or be true; improbable
Example
His explanation for being late sounded farfetched.
B2 adjective /ˈɛθnɪk/

ethnic

Meaning
relating to a population subgroup with a common national or cultural tradition
Example
The festival celebrated the city's diverse ethnic communities.
C2 noun /ˈtɜːrməɡənt/

termagant

Meaning
A harsh-tempered or overbearing woman.
Example
The character was portrayed as a loud and domineering termagant.
C1 noun /ˈæl.ɪ.moʊ.ni/

alimony

Meaning
financial support that a person is ordered by a court to give to their spouse after separation or divorce
Example
He was ordered by the court to pay monthly alimony to his ex-wife.
B2 noun /flɔː/

flaw

Meaning
a defect or imperfection in something
Example
The diamond had a small flaw that was barely visible.
C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

Meaning
Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.
Example
The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.
C2 noun /ɪˈrʌp.ʃən/

Irruption

Meaning
a sudden violent entry; an invasion or raid; a sudden outburst or eruption
Example
The army's irruption into enemy territory caught the opposing forces completely off guard.
C2 noun /ˈsɪɡnət/

cygnet

Meaning
a young swan
Example
The cygnet swam closely behind its mother.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊti/

doughty

Meaning
brave, valiant, courageous
Example
The doughty soldier never backed down from a challenge.
B2 noun /ˈdoʊnər/

donor

Meaning
A person who gives something, especially to a charity or cause.
Example
The donor contributed generously to the hospital’s new wing.
A2 verb /fɪl/

fill

Meaning
to make or become full; to put something into a container until it is full
Example
Please fill the glass with water.
C2 adjective /ænˈdrɒdʒɪnəs/

androgynous

Meaning
Having both male and female characteristics; not clearly masculine or feminine.
Example
The fashion show featured models with an androgynous look.
B2 adjective /wiː/

wee

Meaning
very small in size; tiny
Example
She gave me a wee smile before leaving.
C1 verb /ˈdæmpən/

dampen

Meaning
to make something slightly wet; to make something less strong, active, or intense
Example
The rain dampened the excitement of the outdoor concert.
C2 noun /ˌmɒnəˈmeɪniə/

monomania

Meaning
Excessive concentration or obsession with a single subject or idea.
Example
His monomania for collecting stamps worried his family.
C1 noun dɪˈpliː.ʃən

depletion

Meaning
The gradual reduction or exhaustion of a resource or substance.
Example
Overuse of groundwater leads to depletion of water resources.
C1 noun /ˈmjuːtɪni/

mutiny

Meaning
an open rebellion against authority, especially by soldiers or sailors
Example
The sailors staged a mutiny against their captain.
C2 noun /raɪm/

rime

Meaning
frost formed on cold surfaces by freezing water vapor
Example
The trees were covered with a white rime after the cold night.
A2 adjective /əˈtræk.tɪv/

Attractive

Meaning
pleasing or appealing to the senses; having a quality that draws interest
Example
The garden looks very attractive in spring.
B1 noun /ˈkɔːlɪˌflaʊər/

Cauliflower

Meaning
white vegetable with a compact head of undeveloped flower buds
Example
Roasted cauliflower makes a delicious and healthy side dish.
C1 noun /ˈɡæm.ət/

gamut

Meaning
The complete range or scope of something.
Example
Her emotions ran the gamut from joy to sorrow in just a few minutes.
B2 adjective trænsˈfɔːr.mə.tɪv

transformative

Meaning
Something that has a profound impact and creates something new.
Example
The new education system is highly transformative.
C1 noun /bɪz/

Biz

Meaning
business (informal); commercial enterprise or activity
Example
He's been in the restaurant biz for twenty years.
B2 noun /kənˈvɜː.ʃən/

Conversion

Meaning
The process of changing or causing something to change from one form to another.
Example
High website conversion rates indicate effective marketing.
C2 adjective/noun /ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk/

hieroglyphic

Meaning
Relating to or written in hieroglyphs; symbols or writing that is difficult to understand.
Example
The archaeologists studied the hieroglyphic inscriptions carefully.
B2 noun /strɪp/

Strip

Meaning
a long narrow piece of cloth, paper, plastic, or other material
Example
She tore a strip of paper from the notebook.
B1 verb /fəʊld/

fold

Meaning
to bend something, especially paper or cloth, so that one part covers another
Example
She folded the letter neatly before placing it in the envelope.
C1 noun /ˈdʒʌɡ.lər/

Juggler

Meaning
a person who skillfully throws and catches objects as entertainment
Example
The juggler entertained the crowd with his amazing ball tricks.
B1 phrase bɛst ˈɛf.ərt

best effort

Meaning
The maximum amount of effort or energy that someone can give.
Example
He gave his best effort to complete the task on time.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnˈekspɜːrt/

inexpert

Meaning
not skilled or experienced; lacking expertise
Example
The inexpert handling of the machine caused several mistakes.
C1 adjective /ˌtræn.zətˈlæn.tɪk/

transatlantic

Meaning
crossing or spanning the Atlantic Ocean
Example
They took a transatlantic flight from New York to London.
B2 noun /ˈɡlɑːs.weər/

Glass-ware

Meaning
objects made of glass, especially drinking glasses and decorative objects
Example
The wedding registry included fine glassware.
B2 noun /kwɪˈziːn/

cuisine

Meaning
A style or method of cooking, especially characteristic of a particular country or region.
Example
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfaɪənt/

Defiant

Meaning
boldly resistant or challenging; disobedient
Example
The defiant student refused to follow the rules.
C1 adjective /rɪˈmiːdiəl/

Remedial

Meaning
intended as a remedy; corrective; providing a cure;
Example
The students need remedial classes to improve their math skills.
C2 noun /ˈkæbəˌlɪzəm/

cabalism

Meaning
The doctrines, practices, or secretive dealings of a cabal.
Example
The historian wrote extensively about cabalism in the royal court.
C2 adjective /beɪˈkoʊniən/

baconian

Meaning
Relating to the philosopher Francis Bacon or his method of scientific reasoning.
Example
The researcher followed a Baconian approach to observation and experimentation.
C2 verb /ɪmˈbruː/

imbrue

Meaning
To stain, especially with blood.
Example
His hands were imbrued with blood after the battle.