highbrow
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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 verb ˈdiː.vi.eɪt

deviate

Meaning
To depart from an established course or normal pattern.
Example
He tends to deviate from the original plan.
C1 noun/verb /freɪ/

fray

Meaning
As a noun, a fight or heated dispute; as a verb, to unravel or wear out through friction.
Example
He tried to stay calm, but his nerves began to fray during the argument.
C2 verb /stɑːntʃ/

stanch

Meaning
to stop the flow of blood or liquid from a wound or source
Example
The nurse quickly stanched the bleeding from the cut.
C1 adjective /ˈkrɛdɪtəbl/

creditable

Meaning
Deserving praise or acknowledgment, though not necessarily outstanding.
Example
She made a creditable effort in completing the project on time.
B2 noun /ɪɡˌzædʒ.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

Exaggeration

Meaning
a statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is
Example
His story about the fish he caught was clearly an exaggeration.
C1 adjective /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/

grudging

Meaning
Reluctant or unwilling; given or allowed only with hesitation.
Example
She gave him a grudging smile after the argument.
C1 noun ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

mitigation

Meaning
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example
Mitigation of climate change requires collective effort.
B2 noun /veɪl/

Veil

Meaning
a piece of fine material worn to protect or conceal the face; something that conceals or disguises
Example
The bride wore a beautiful white veil during the ceremony.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈskeɪðd/

unscathed

Meaning
Without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
Example
She escaped from the accident unscathed.
C1 adjective /ˌtaɪpəˈɡræfɪkəl/

typographical

Meaning
relating to the style, arrangement, or appearance of printed text
Example
There was a typographical error in the book.
C1 verb /bɔːk/

balk

Meaning
to hesitate or refuse to proceed or comply
Example
She balked at signing the contract without reading it fully.
B1 adverb /ˈdeɪndʒərəsli/

Dangerously

Meaning
in a way that could cause harm or injury; riskily
Example
He was driving dangerously fast on the highway.
C2 verb /ˈɡrʌvəl/

grovel

Meaning
To act in an excessively humble or submissive way to gain favor.
Example
He groveled before his boss to avoid punishment.
A2 noun /lɔː/

Law

Meaning
a rule or system of rules recognized by a country or community as regulating the actions of its members
Example
Everyone must obey the law.
B1 noun ˈpʌb.lɪk ˈspiː.kɪŋ

public speaking

Meaning
The skill of speaking confidently in front of an audience.
Example
Public speaking skills are essential for leadership roles.
C2 noun /ˈætəvɪzəm/

atavism

Meaning
The recurrence of traits or characteristics from a remote ancestor.
Example
The scientist noted atavism in the child’s physical features.
B1 noun /rɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

Relation

Meaning
the way in which two or more people or things are connected; a family member
Example
They have a strong business relation that has lasted for years.
C1 noun /ˈen.mə.ti/

Enmity

Meaning
a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility
Example
The enmity between the two families lasted for generations.
B2 noun /ˈɪnvənˌtɔːri/

inventory

Meaning
A complete list of items, such as goods in stock or property.
Example
The shopkeeper checked the inventory before opening the store.
C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
C2 noun /ˈplɛntɪtjuːd/

plentitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant
Example
The garden offered a plentitude of flowers in spring.
C2 noun /ˈdɪfɪdəns/

diffidence

Meaning
Lack of self-confidence; shyness or modesty.
Example
Her diffidence made it hard for her to speak in public.
C1 noun /rʌk/

Ruck

Meaning
a situation where a crowd of people are pushing against each other; a disorderly crowd
Example
There was a ruck at the football match.
C2 noun /pɪˈnɒlədʒi/

penology

Meaning
The study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation.
Example
He decided to specialize in penology to help improve the prison system.
B2 adjective ˈɛvɪdənt

evident

Meaning
Clearly seen or understood; obvious.
Example
The result was evident.
B2 noun prəˈvɪʒ.ənz

provisions

Meaning
A condition or requirement in a legal document; clauses or stipulations.
Example
Provisions must align with public aspirations.
C2 noun /ˌself əˈbeɪs.mənt/

self-abasement

Meaning
The act of belittling or humiliating oneself.
Example
His constant self-abasement made others uncomfortable.
B2 noun /dʒɔː/

Jaw

Meaning
either of the two bones forming the framework of the mouth in most vertebrates
Example
She broke her jaw in the accident.
C1 noun /ˈiːdɪkt/

edict

Meaning
An official order, proclamation, or decree issued by an authority.
Example
The king issued an edict banning smoking in public places.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnɪˈmædʒənəbəl/

Unimaginable

Meaning
impossible to conceive; beyond imagination
Example
The scale of destruction was unimaginable until we saw it firsthand.
A2 noun /nɒk/

Knock

Meaning
a sudden sharp blow; the sound of striking something
Example
There was a loud knock at the door late at night.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ə.bəl/

pitiable

Meaning
deserving sympathy or compassion
Example
The stray dog looked pitiable in the rain.
B2 noun ˌfʌŋk.ʃəˈnæl.ə.ti

functionality

Meaning
The quality of being functional; the ability to work or operate as intended.
Example
The new refrigerator has improved functionality.
B2 noun /ˌrep.ɪˈtɪʃ.ən/

Repetition

Meaning
the action of repeating something that has already been said or written
Example
Constant repetition helps students memorize vocabulary effectively.
B2 adverb /ˈoʊpənli/

Openly

Meaning
in a frank and honest way; without concealment; publicly
Example
She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health.
C1 noun ˌsæn.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

sanitization

Meaning
The process of cleaning and disinfecting to eliminate germs and bacteria.
Example
Regular sanitization keeps appliances germ-free.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈkaɪnd/

Unkind

Meaning
cruel; not nice or caring toward others
Example
It was unkind of him to make fun of her appearance.
C2 noun /ɪɡˈzɛmplɑːr/

exemplar

Meaning
A model or pattern to be copied or imitated.
Example
She is an exemplar of kindness and generosity.
A2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpɪər/

disappear

Meaning
to cease to be visible; to vanish
Example
The magician made the rabbit disappear.
B2 noun /ˌmedɪˈkeɪʃən/

medication

Meaning
a drug or other form of medicine used to treat or prevent disease
Example
The doctor prescribed medication for his headache.
B2 noun /ˈdʒel.ə.si/

Jealousy

Meaning
a feeling of envy of someone or their achievements; resentment against a rival
Example
His jealousy over his colleague's promotion led to tension in the workplace.
B2 noun /ˈtɔːr.ment/

Torment

Meaning
severe physical or mental suffering; extreme pain or anguish
Example
The prisoner endured years of torment in solitary confinement.
C2 noun /θrɔːl/

thrall

Meaning
The state of being in someone's power or under strong influence; slavery or bondage.
Example
He was in thrall to the powerful leader.
C1 verb /ˈɔːstrəˌsaɪz/

ostracize

Meaning
to exclude someone from a group or society; to banish or shun
Example
After the scandal, he was ostracized by his former colleagues.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈlɛzbiən/

lesbian

Meaning
a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women
Example
She is a proud lesbian and advocates for equal rights.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səˈbɔːr.dɪ.nət/

insubordinate

Meaning
Defiant of authority; disobedient to orders.
Example
The insubordinate employee refused to follow the manager's instructions.
C1 adjective /ˈmuː.və.bl̩/

Movable

Meaning
capable of being moved; not fixed in position
Example
The furniture is movable so we can rearrange the room easily.
B1 adverb /ˈkʌmftəbli/

Comfortably

Meaning
in a comfortable manner; without difficulty or effort; with ease
Example
She was sitting comfortably in her favorite chair.
C1 noun/verb /tɔːrˈpiːdoʊ/

torpedo

Meaning
A self-propelled underwater missile; to attack or destroy something suddenly and forcefully.
Example
The submarine launched a torpedo at the enemy ship.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.səl.ər/

counselor

Meaning
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems
Example
The school counselor helped the student deal with stress.
C2 verb /pɑːrtʃ/

parch

Meaning
to make something extremely dry, especially by exposure to heat
Example
The scorching sun began to parch the fields.
B1 noun /əˈtendəns/

Attendance

Meaning
the action or state of going regularly to or being present at a place or event
Example
The teacher takes attendance at the beginning of each class.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊsiːdz/

proceeds

Meaning
money obtained from an event, activity, or sale
Example
The proceeds from the charity event were donated to the orphanage.
B1 noun /kɔːr/

core

Meaning
the central or most important part of something
Example
Honesty is at the core of their values.
B2 verb /dʌmp/

dump

Meaning
to drop or dispose of something carelessly; to end a relationship suddenly
Example
He dumped all the trash into the bin.
A2 adjective /ˈkɒmɪk/

comic

Meaning
causing or meant to cause laughter
Example
The movie had several comic scenes.
B2 noun /ˈfrɛʃnəs/

freshness

Meaning
The quality of being new, clean, and full of energy.
Example
The freshness of the morning air made everyone feel alive.
C1 adjective /ˈfruːt.ləs/

Fruitless

Meaning
unsuccessful; futile; pointless;
Example
After hours of searching, their efforts proved fruitless.
B1 noun ˈmeʒ.ərz

measures

Meaning
A plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose.
Example
Mitigation measures focus on reducing emissions.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæplɪn/

chaplain

Meaning
A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.
Example
The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle.
B2 verb ɪnˈfɔːrsɪŋ

enforcing

Meaning
To compel observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.
Example
Enforcing strict laws is necessary to prevent violations.
C2 adjective /ˈmɔːkɪʃ/

mawkish

Meaning
excessively sentimental, often to the point of being sickly
Example
The movie was criticized for its mawkish sentimentality.
A2 verb /pæs/

pass

Meaning
to move past or beyond something
Example
He passed the test with flying colors.
C2 verb /ˈek.stər.peɪt/

extirpate

Meaning
to completely remove or destroy something unwanted
Example
The government launched a program to extirpate corruption from public offices.
C1 adjective /ˈræmpənt/

rampant

Meaning
existing or spreading unchecked, often in an undesirable way
Example
Corruption was rampant in the city administration.
C2 noun /ˌeɪd də ˈkæmp/

aide-de-camp

Meaning
A military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.
Example
The general was accompanied by his aide-de-camp during the ceremony.
B2 verb /ˈdæzəl/

dazzle

Meaning
to impress deeply or blind with brilliance or skill
Example
The magician's tricks dazzled the audience.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnəmən/

Cinnamon

Meaning
aromatic spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species
Example
Cinnamon is often used in baking and desserts.
A2 adjective /rɪˈspɒn.sə.bəl/

Responsible

Meaning
accountable; having duties; reliable and trustworthy
Example
Parents are responsible for their children's education and well-being.
B1 noun /ˈdʒuː.əl/

Jewel

Meaning
a precious stone, typically a single crystal or piece of a hard lustrous or translucent mineral; a valuable ornament
Example
The crown was adorned with precious jewels from around the world.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlɪdʒ/

pillage

Meaning
to rob or plunder a place, especially during war
Example
The invading army pillaged the village and took all valuables.
A1 verb /kʌt/

cut

Meaning
to divide or separate with a sharp tool
Example
I cut the paper with scissors.
B1 verb /əˈlɑːrm/

alarm

Meaning
to warn of danger; to frighten or disturb
Example
The loud noise alarmed the residents.
C2 adjective /ˈtæsɪtɜrn/

taciturn

Meaning
reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
Example
He was a taciturn man who rarely spoke in meetings.
B2 noun /fraɪt/

Fright

Meaning
a sudden intense feeling of fear; a shock or surprise that causes fear
Example
The loud thunder gave her such a fright that she dropped her coffee cup.
B1 noun /ˈrʌnər/

runner

Meaning
a person who runs, especially in races or for exercise
Example
The runner crossed the finish line with a big smile.
C2 verb /dɪˈfreɪ/

defray

Meaning
to provide money to pay the costs of something
Example
The grant will help defray the cost of education.
C2 noun /bɒmˈbeɪ dʌk/

Bombay duck

Meaning
a type of lizardfish found in coastal waters, commonly eaten dried and salted in South Asia
Example
Bombay duck is a popular delicacy when dried and fried.
C1 verb diːˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz

desensitize

Meaning
To make someone less sensitive or reactive to something through repeated exposure.
Example
Constant exposure to violence can desensitize people.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈriːzənəbəl/

unreasonable

Meaning
not guided by reason or fairness; excessive or extreme beyond what is acceptable
Example
The manager made an unreasonable demand that no one could realistically meet.
B2 adjective /ˈstuː.di.əs/

Studious

Meaning
characterized by diligent study; devoted to learning
Example
She is a studious student who spends hours in the library.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdʌkt/

induct

Meaning
to formally admit someone into a position, organization, or office
Example
She was inducted into the university's honor society.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈrʌn/

overrun

Meaning
to spread over or occupy completely; to exceed a limit or time
Example
The garden was overrun with weeds.
C1 noun /ˌprɒpəˈɡeɪʃən/

propagation

Meaning
The action of spreading and promoting an idea, theory, etc.
Example
The propagation of ideas through social media is rapid.
C2 adjective /ˈbrætɪʃ/

brattish

Meaning
acting like a spoiled child; behaving in an annoying, self-centered way
Example
The brattish boy threw a tantrum when he didn’t get his toy.
C1 noun /ˈæmfɪˌθiətər/

amphitheater

Meaning
A large open circular or oval building with rising tiers of seats, used for public events.
Example
The concert was held in an ancient amphitheater.
C1 noun /ˌrɛstɪˈtjuːʃən/

restitution

Meaning
The act of restoring something to its rightful owner or compensating for loss
Example
The court ordered restitution to the victims of the fraud.
B2 verb /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/

contemplate

Meaning
to think deeply and carefully about something; to consider thoughtfully
Example
She sat quietly to contemplate her future plans.
C1 adjective /dɪˈplɔːrəbl/

deplorable

Meaning
deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad in quality
Example
The refugees were living in deplorable conditions.
B1 adjective /kənˈvɪnst/

convinced

Meaning
completely certain or sure about something
Example
She was convinced that he was telling the truth.
B2 noun /ˈpref.ər.əns/

Preference

Meaning
a greater liking for one alternative over another or others
Example
She has a preference for classical music over pop music.
C1 noun /moʊˈtiːf/

motif

Meaning
A recurring theme, subject, or idea in a work of art or literature.
Example
The motif of love is central to the novel.
A2 noun /liːf/

Leaf

Meaning
a flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem
Example
The autumn leaves are falling from the tree.
C1 verb /ˈlæmɪˌneɪt/

laminate

Meaning
to cover or enclose something with a protective layer, usually plastic
Example
She laminated her important documents to protect them from damage.
B2 adjective /ˈʃæb.i/

Shabby

Meaning
worn out; in poor condition; showing signs of wear; unfair or mean
Example
His shabby clothes showed that he had been traveling for days.
C2 noun /ˈæbɪs/

abbess

Meaning
the woman in charge of a convent of nuns
Example
The abbess welcomed the visitors to the convent.
A2 noun /dɪˈlɪv.ə.ri/

Delivery

Meaning
the action of delivering letters, parcels, or goods; the process of giving birth
Example
The delivery of the package was delayed due to bad weather conditions.
B1 noun /ˈdʒʌŋ.ɡəl/

Jungle

Meaning
a dense forest in a tropical climate; a place of bewildering complexity or ruthless struggle
Example
The explorer got lost in the dense Amazon jungle for three days.
B2 noun /ˈstiː.mər/

Steamer

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

crouch

Meaning
to bend your knees and lower your body close to the ground
Example
The cat crouched before leaping at its prey.
C1 adjective /ˌhɒməˈdʒiːniəs/

homogeneous

Meaning
Of the same kind; alike.
Example
The team was not homogeneous in their skills.
C2 noun ˈɒpjʊləns

opulence

Meaning
Great wealth or luxuriousness.
Example
The opulence of the mansion was evident in its ornate furnishings.
C1 verb /ˈmedɪkeɪt/

medicate

Meaning
to treat with medicine; to give drugs to someone for medical purposes
Example
The doctor will medicate the patient to reduce inflammation.
A2 noun ˈsaɪən.tɪst

scientist

Meaning
A person who is studying or has expert knowledge of one or more of the natural or physical sciences.
Example
The scientist proposed data-driven reforms.
C1 adverb /ˈhʌŋ.ɡrə.li/

Hungrily

Meaning
in a way that shows hunger; greedily; eagerly
Example
The dog ate hungrily after not eating for hours.
C1 noun /pləˈsiːboʊ/

placebo

Meaning
a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs
Example
The patient was given a placebo to compare the effect of the real drug.
C2 adjective /kwəʊˈtɪdiən/

quotidian

Meaning
Ordinary or everyday, especially when mundane.
Example
He focused on the quotidian details of family life.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈbɑːbjuleɪt/

discombobulate

Meaning
to confuse or disconcert; to upset the normal order
Example
The sudden question seemed to discombobulate him.
B2 noun /eɪk/

Ache

Meaning
a continuous or prolonged dull pain in a part of one's body
Example
He had a terrible headache after working late.
C2 noun /ˌmæskəˈreɪd/

masquerade

Meaning
a party or gathering where people wear masks and costumes; a false outward show
Example
The charity event was held as a grand masquerade.
C1 verb /ˈæbdɪkeɪt/

abdicate

Meaning
To give up a position of power or responsibility, especially a throne.
Example
The king decided to abdicate the throne.
C2 noun /niˈɒlədʒi/

neology

Meaning
The use of new words or the study of their origin.
Example
The professor specialized in neology, studying the creation of modern slang.
C2 noun /ˈlɪŋ.ɡoʊ/

lingo

Meaning
Specialized or informal language used by a particular group that is often difficult for outsiders to understand.
Example
The manual was written in technical lingo that confused the new employees.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
A2 noun /mjuːˈzɪʃən/

musician

Meaning
a person who plays a musical instrument or is musically talented
Example
He is a talented musician.
C1 noun

Kin

B1 noun /tɜːmz/

terms

Meaning
plural of term; conditions or rules in a contract or agreement
Example
The terms of the agreement are clearly outlined in the contract.
C2 verb /ˈdɪðər/

dither

Meaning
to be indecisive or unable to make a decision
Example
He dithered for hours before choosing a restaurant.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒmɪkəl/

comical

Meaning
Funny in a strange or silly way; amusing.
Example
His comical expressions made everyone laugh.
C1 noun /ˌhɑːmənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

harmonization

Meaning
The process of making things compatible or consistent with one another.
Example
The harmonization of different policies ensures consistent results.