grind
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B2 verb /ɡraɪnd/

grind

Meaning
to crush into small particles; to work hard
Example
She grinds coffee beans every morning.
B1 adverb /ˈrʌfli/

Roughly

Meaning
approximately; in a harsh or violent way
Example
The project will take roughly three months to complete.
C1 adjective /dɪˈpreɪvd/

depraved

Meaning
morally corrupt or wicked
Example
The film depicts the life of a depraved criminal.
A1 adjective /ʃɔːrt/

Short

Meaning
having a small length, height, or duration; not long
Example
The meeting was very short, lasting only ten minutes.
A1 adjective/adverb /leɪt/

late

Meaning
arriving, happening, or done after the expected time
Example
He arrived late to the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈɑːm.lət/

Armlet

Meaning
a band worn around the upper arm as an ornament
Example
The traditional dancer wore golden armlets that gleamed in the spotlight.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈtʌtʃ/

retouch

Meaning
To improve or repair a picture, photograph, or image by making small changes.
Example
The photographer retouched the image to remove blemishes.
B2 adjective ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl

gradual

Meaning
Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.
Example
Gradual changes are more sustainable.
C2 noun /əˈsɜːrbəti/

acerbity

Meaning
bitterness or sharpness of tone, manner, or taste
Example
The acerbity of his remarks left everyone silent.
B1 verb/noun /bɔːr/

bore

Meaning
Verb: To make someone feel uninterested or tired; Noun: A dull or tiresome person.
Example
The lecture began to bore the students.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪdʒ.ɪd/

Rigid

Meaning
hard and stiff; not able to bend; strict and unwilling to change
Example
The company has a rigid dress code that all employees must follow.
A1 noun /triː/

tree

Meaning
a large plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves
Example
The tree in our backyard is over a hundred years old.
A2 noun /ˈhæb.ɪt/

habit

Meaning
A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
Example
Eye rubbing is a harmful habit.
C1 verb /ˈɡlɪsən/

glisten

Meaning
To shine with a sparkling light, often when wet or polished.
Example
The grass glistened with morning dew.
C1 noun /ˌtɛknɪˈkæləti/

technicality

Meaning
A small detail of law, rule, or procedure; a minor point that affects an outcome.
Example
The case was dismissed on a technicality.
C2 adverb /əˈmʌk/

amok

Meaning
Behaving uncontrollably and disruptively.
Example
The angry mob ran amok after the verdict was announced.
A1 noun/verb /ˈraɪ.tɪŋ/

writing

Meaning
The activity of putting words on paper or composing text; the written form of communication.
Example
She spends hours every day on her creative writing.
C2 adjective /vaɪˈtjuːpərəbl̩/

vituperable

Meaning
Deserving of blame, censure, or harsh criticism.
Example
His reckless actions made him vituperable in the eyes of his colleagues.
A2 adjective /ˈnætʃərəl/

natural

Meaning
existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind
Example
She prefers to use natural ingredients in her cooking.
B1 noun /ˈkwaɪər/

choir

Meaning
An organized group of singers, typically performing in church services or concerts.
Example
The choir sang beautifully during the ceremony.
B2 adjective /dɪˈpɛndəbl/

dependable

Meaning
able to be trusted or relied on; consistently reliable
Example
She is a dependable colleague who always meets deadlines.
C1 verb /hɔːl/

haul

Meaning
to pull or drag something heavy with effort
Example
The workers hauled the boxes into the truck.
B2 noun /ˈpeɪtrən/

patron

Meaning
a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause
Example
The library is supported by generous patrons.
B2 adjective /ˈspiː.di/

Speedy

Meaning
moving or happening quickly; fast
Example
The speedy delivery service arrived within an hour.
C1 noun ɪkˌstræp.əˈleɪ.ʃən

extrapolation

Meaning
The action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue.
Example
His extrapolation of market trends helped in financial planning.
B1 noun /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/

preparation

Meaning
The act of getting ready or making arrangements for something.
Example
The team made careful preparation for the presentation.
C1 verb /snɪər/

sneer

Meaning
to smile or speak in a mocking or contemptuous way
Example
She sneered at his attempt to sing.
B2 noun /ˈden.sə.ti/

Density

Meaning
the degree of compactness of a substance; the quantity of something per unit area
Example
The density of population in the city center is extremely high.
B2 adjective /ˈvɪv.ɪd/

Vivid

Meaning
producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; bright and intense
Example
She has vivid memories of her childhood in the countryside.
C1 adjective /sliːk/

sleek

Meaning
smooth, shiny, and stylish
Example
She drove a sleek black sports car.
C1 verb /mɔːrf/

morph

Meaning
to change smoothly from one form, shape, or character into another
Example
The caterpillar will morph into a butterfly.
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.
C2 verb /ˈhæloʊ/

hallow

Meaning
to honor as holy; to make sacred or greatly respected
Example
The ancient temple was hallowed by centuries of worship.
C2 verb /ˌriː.kəˈpɪtʃ.ə.leɪt/

recapitulate

Meaning
To summarize and state again the main points of something.
Example
The teacher asked the student to recapitulate the lesson.
B2 noun /lɔːɡ/

Log

Meaning
a piece of a dead or felled tree trunk or branch, especially one stripped of bark
Example
They sat on a log by the campfire.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɑːdi/

shoddy

Meaning
badly made or done; of poor quality
Example
The contractor did a shoddy job on the repairs.
A1 adverb /ʌp/

up

Meaning
towards a higher position or level
Example
He climbed up the ladder quickly.
B2 adjective /ˈpeɪ.ə.bəl/

Payable

Meaning
required to be paid; owed as a debt
Example
The amount is payable within thirty days of the invoice date.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzaɪərəbl/

desirable

Meaning
worth having or wanting; attractive
Example
The location of the house was highly desirable, with great views.
C1 noun /pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

parenthesis

Meaning
A pair of curved marks ( ) used to enclose words or numbers; also an interruption or digression in speech or writing.
Example
The explanation was given in a parenthesis within the text.
C1 adjective /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/

altruistic

Meaning
Showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
Her altruistic nature led her to volunteer for charities.
B1 adverb /ˈlɪtərəli/

literally

Meaning
in a literal manner or sense; exactly
Example
He was literally running for three hours without stopping.
C1 noun /ˈɜːr.θən pɒt/

Earthen pot

Meaning
a container made of baked clay or earth, used for cooking or storing
Example
The earthen pot keeps water naturally cool in summer.
C1 adjective/adverb /əˈmɪs/

amiss

Meaning
Not quite right; inappropriate or out of place.
Example
Something seems amiss with the car's engine.
C2 noun /ˈriːdʒənt/

regent

Meaning
a person who rules in place of a monarch when the monarch is absent or too young
Example
The prince acted as regent until the king came of age.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈhoʊli/

Unholy

Meaning
wicked; sinful; profane
Example
The unholy alliance between the two companies caused public outrage.
B2 noun /ˈsɛm.iˌsɜːr.kəl/

semicircle

Meaning
Half of a circle or something shaped like half of a circle.
Example
The students sat in a semicircle around the teacher.
B1 verb /dɪsˈtrɪbjuːt/

distribute

Meaning
to give out or spread something among several people or places
Example
The teacher will distribute the test papers.
C1 phrase ˌhjuː.məˈnɪt.ər.i.kəˈtæs.trə.fi

humanitarian catastrophe

Meaning
A widespread disaster affecting human life, health, and well-being on a large scale.
Example
The war created a humanitarian catastrophe.
C2 adjective /rɪˈzɪstləs/

resistless

Meaning
Impossible to resist; having an overpowering effect.
Example
She felt a resistless urge to laugh at the joke.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.ə.nəs/

Lioness

Meaning
an adult female lion
Example
The fierce lioness protected her cubs from danger.
C1 noun /ˈdɑːrwɪnɪzəm/

darwinism

Meaning
the theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing natural selection
Example
Darwinism revolutionized the way scientists understood the origin of species.
B1 noun ˈfæmɪli triː

Family Tree

Meaning
A diagram showing the relationships between people in several generations of a family.
Example
Creating a family tree helps understand family history.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈhɜːrt/

unhurt

Meaning
Not injured or harmed.
Example
She walked away from the accident unhurt.
C1 noun /ˈæk.jʊ.mən/

acumen

Meaning
The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions; keenness and depth of perception.
Example
His business acumen helped the company grow rapidly.
C1 noun /draɪ fɪʃ/

Dry fish

Meaning
fish that has been preserved by drying in the sun or by other dehydration methods
Example
Dry fish is a popular preserved food in many coastal regions.
B2 adjective /trɔːˈmætɪk/

traumatic

Meaning
Deeply distressing or disturbing, often related to emotional or physical injury.
Example
The accident was a traumatic experience for the entire family.
C2 adjective /ˈstraɪ.eɪ.tɪd/

striated

Meaning
marked with thin lines, grooves, or stripes
Example
The muscle fibers appeared striated under the microscope.
C1 adjective /klæd/

clad

Meaning
dressed or covered in a particular way
Example
The knight was clad in shining armor.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pɪst/

philanthropist

Meaning
a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes
Example
The philanthropist donated millions to build schools in rural areas.
B1 noun /ˈɒbstəkəlz/

obstacles

Meaning
Things that block one's way or prevent or hinder progress.
Example
Obstacles in life can often lead to valuable lessons.
B2 verb /ˈkeɪtər/

cater

Meaning
To provide food, drinks, or services, usually for an event or group.
Example
The company catered the wedding reception.
B1 verb /rɪˈviːl/

reveal

Meaning
to make known or show something that was hidden
Example
The investigation revealed the truth.
B2 noun /dɪˈsɛnt/

descent

Meaning
the action of moving downward, falling, or dropping; ancestry or origin
Example
The climbers began their descent from the mountain peak.
C2 noun /ˌhɛtərəʤəˈniːɪti/

heterogeneity

Meaning
the quality or state of being diverse in character or content
Example
The cultural heterogeneity of the city makes it vibrant and unique.
A2 verb /ɪnˈkri:s/

increase

Meaning
to become or make something larger in amount, number, or degree
Example
The company plans to increase its production this year.
C1 noun /ˈfræk.tʃər/

Fracture

Meaning
the cracking or breaking of a hard object or material; a break in a bone
Example
The doctor confirmed that he had a hairline fracture in his wrist.
C2 verb /sleɪk/

slake

Meaning
To satisfy thirst or desire.
Example
She drank cold water to slake her thirst.
C1 verb /diːm/

deem

Meaning
to regard or consider in a specified way
Example
The project was deemed a success by the board.
C1 verb /sərˈmaɪz/

surmise

Meaning
to suppose something is true without having evidence
Example
She surmised that he was not coming to the meeting.
A2 noun ɪˈvɛnts

events

Meaning
A thing that happens, especially one of importance.
Example
Several events were held across the country.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.dəl/

Ladle

Meaning
a large deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup or other liquids
Example
Use the ladle to serve the hot soup into bowls.
C1 adjective /ˈtæksɪŋ/

taxing

Meaning
Requiring a lot of effort; physically or mentally demanding.
Example
Preparing for the exam was a taxing experience.
C1 verb /ˈwɒb.l̩/

wobble

Meaning
to move unsteadily from side to side; to shake or tremble slightly
Example
The table began to wobble when he leaned on it.
B1 noun ˈpɒdkɑːsts

podcasts

Meaning
A digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.
Example
Podcasts are great for improving listening.
B1 adjective /əˈʃeɪmd/

Ashamed

Meaning
feeling embarrassed or guilty because of one's actions
Example
He was ashamed of his poor performance.
C1 noun /bʌm/

bum

Meaning
informal term for the buttocks; also a homeless or lazy person
Example
He sat on his bum all day doing nothing.
C1 noun /ɡeɪdʒ/

Gauge

Meaning
an instrument for measuring the magnitude, amount, or contents of something
Example
The pressure gauge showed the tank was full.
A2 noun, verb /ˈriːzən/

reason

Meaning
A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event; to think or argue logically.
Example
There is no reason to be upset.
C2 adjective /ˈhed.i/

Heady

Meaning
having a strong or exhilarating effect; intoxicating; exciting
Example
The heady perfume of jasmine filled the garden.
A2 adjective /pliːzd/

pleased

Meaning
feeling happy or satisfied with something
Example
She was pleased with her exam results.
A2 noun /ˈsɪk.nəs/

Sickness

Meaning
the state of being ill; a disease or illness
Example
She took time off work due to sickness.
C2 adjective ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs

surreptitious

Meaning
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; done stealthily.
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at his notes.
C1 adjective /ˈnær.oʊ ˈmaɪn.dɪd/

Narrow-minded

Meaning
unwilling to consider new ideas; prejudiced; intolerant; having a limited perspective
Example
His narrow-minded attitude prevented him from accepting new ideas.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːvənt/

servant

Meaning
a person who performs duties for others, especially in a household
Example
The servant opened the door for the guests.
B1 adjective /kəˈmɪtɪd/

committed

Meaning
Dedicated and loyal to a cause, activity, or relationship.
Example
She is a committed teacher who cares deeply for her students.
A1 noun /praɪs/

price

Meaning
the amount of money expected, required, or given for something
Example
The price of the car has increased recently.
C1 adjective /ˈpælpəbl̩/

palpable

Meaning
easily perceived or felt; so intense as to seem almost tangible
Example
There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room.
C2 verb /dʒaʊst/

joust

Meaning
to engage in a medieval contest on horseback with lances; to compete or argue
Example
The knights prepared to joust in front of the cheering crowd.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/

understated

Meaning
Presented in a subtle and restrained way.
Example
She wore an elegant but understated dress.
C2 noun /kænˈtɑː.tə/

cantata

Meaning
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːdʒ/

centrifuge

Meaning
A machine that spins substances at high speed to separate different components.
Example
The lab technician used a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the plasma.
B2 verb /dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪt/

discriminate

Meaning
To treat someone unfairly based on race, gender, or other differences; or to recognize a distinction.
Example
The law prohibits employers from discriminating against women.
B2 verb /ˈnɒmɪneɪt/

nominate

Meaning
to propose someone for a position or award
Example
The committee decided to nominate her for the award.
A2 noun /əˈɡriː.mənts/

agreements

Meaning
Formal arrangements or understandings between two or more parties.
Example
Agreements strengthen partnerships.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒndər/

squander

Meaning
to waste money, time, or opportunities in a careless way
Example
He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtskɜːrts/

outskirts

Meaning
The outer parts of a town or city, away from the center.
Example
They moved to the outskirts of the city for a quieter life.
B1 noun /ˈpɑr.dən/

Pardon

Meaning
forgiveness; the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense
Example
I beg your pardon for interrupting the meeting.
B1 noun ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

initiative

Meaning
An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.
Example
NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon is ambitious.
A2 verb /rɪˈtɜːrn/

return

Meaning
to come or go back to a place; to give back
Example
I will return home tomorrow.
C2 noun /luːˈbrɪsɪti/

lubricity

Meaning
the quality of being slippery or smooth; sometimes also refers to lewdness
Example
The lubricity of the surface made it difficult to walk on.
B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət əˌdæp.teɪ.ʃən/

climate adaptation

Meaning
The process of adjusting to current or expected climate change and its effects.
Example
Climate adaptation ensures resilience to change.
C2 noun lɑːˈʒɛs

largesse

Meaning
Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.
Example
His largesse towards the charity was greatly appreciated.
B2 noun /ɪnˈfek.ʃən/

Infection

Meaning
the process of infecting or the state of being infected; a disease caused by germs
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection in her throat.
C2 noun /ˈʌn.dɚˌstɔː.ri/

understory

Meaning
The layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest.
Example
The understory of a rainforest is home to small mammals and insects.
C1 adjective əʊˈpeɪk

opaque

Meaning
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand.
Example
The glass was too opaque to see through.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈsiːt/

reseat

Meaning
to seat someone again or to fit something back into its place
Example
The usher had to reseat the guests after the interruption.
B2 adjective /ˈmæskjəlɪn/

masculine

Meaning
having qualities traditionally associated with men
Example
He has a deep, masculine voice.
A2 noun /ˈsɒkər/

soccer

Meaning
a sport in which two teams of eleven players each try to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing goal
Example
He loves to play soccer with his friends.
A2 adverb /kəmˈpliːtli/

completely

Meaning
totally; in every way possible
Example
The room was completely silent.
C1 verb /brɔɪl/

broil

Meaning
To cook food by direct heat, usually under a grill or over a fire.
Example
She broiled the chicken until it was golden brown.
B1 noun /ˈsʌn.flaʊər/

Sun flower

Meaning
a large yellow flower that turns to face the sun
Example
The sunflower field looked amazing in the bright sunlight.
B2 adjective /ˈvɛərid/

Varied

Meaning
showing differences; diverse; containing different types
Example
The museum has a varied collection of ancient artifacts.
C1 verb /doʊt/

dote

Meaning
to show excessive love or fondness for someone or something
Example
She tends to dote on her grandchildren.
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.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈplækəbl/

implacable

Meaning
unable to be appeased, calmed, or pacified
Example
The soldiers faced an implacable enemy who refused to surrender.
C2 adjective /ˈhiːðənɪʃ/

heathenish

Meaning
Lacking culture or religion; barbaric or uncivilized.
Example
They considered the ancient tribe’s rituals heathenish.
B2 noun /θɔːn/

Thorn

Meaning
a sharp pointed part of a plant; something that causes pain or annoyance
Example
Be careful of the thorns on the rose bush.
B2 adjective /ˈædɪkwət/

adequate

Meaning
sufficient or acceptable in quality or quantity
Example
The food was adequate for the small group.
C1 noun, verb /pliːt/

pleat

Meaning
a fold in fabric made by doubling the material back upon itself
Example
She added a pleat to the skirt for extra volume.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/

understate

Meaning
To describe something as being less important or serious than it really is.
Example
He tends to understate his achievements.