Hostage
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C1 noun /ˈhɑː.stɪdʒ/

Hostage

Meaning
a person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition; captive
Example
The police negotiated carefully to secure the release of all hostages unharmed.
C2 noun /əˌbɑː.məˈneɪ.ʃən/

abomination

Meaning
a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Example
Slavery was considered an abomination.
C1 adjective /əˈθɔːrɪtətɪv/

authoritative

Meaning
Having or showing authority; commanding and self-confident; reliable as a source of information.
Example
She spoke in an authoritative tone that silenced the room.
C2 verb /frɪsk/

frisk

Meaning
To search a person by patting their clothing to check for concealed items.
Example
The security guard frisked the man at the entrance.
C2 noun /ˈmær.oʊ ʌv ˈplæn.tɪn triː/

Marrow of plantain tree

Meaning
the soft inner part of the banana plant stem that is used as a vegetable in cooking
Example
The marrow of plantain tree is commonly used in traditional Bengali cuisine.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊmaɪd/

bromide

Meaning
A trite or unoriginal idea or remark; also a chemical compound of bromine.
Example
His speech was full of old bromides about hard work.
B2 noun ˈɡeɪm.pleɪ

gameplay

Meaning
The tactical aspects of a game, such as its plot and the way it is played.
Example
The team's gameplay was innovative.
C2 noun /hɒtʃ pɒtʃ/

Hotch potch

Meaning
A mixed dish; a hodgepodge of ingredients cooked together
Example
She made a delicious hotch potch with rice, lentils, and vegetables.
C1 noun /ˌtɛrəˈdæktɪl/

pterodactyl

Meaning
An extinct flying reptile of the Jurassic period, with a long slender head and wings formed by a membrane stretching along the body.
Example
The museum displayed a fossil of a giant pterodactyl.
C1 noun /mɔːrɡ/

morgue

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are kept, especially to be identified or claimed
Example
The police took the body to the morgue for identification.
A2 noun, verb /tʃɪp/

chip

Meaning
A small piece broken off from something; or to cut or break a small piece from something.
Example
He accidentally chipped the edge of the table.
C2 noun /ˈtʃæt.əl/

chattel

Meaning
a personal possession; historically, movable property including slaves
Example
In the past, slaves were considered the chattel of their owners.
C2 noun dʒʊˈdɪʃəsnɪs

judiciousness

Meaning
Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
Example
Her judiciousness in making decisions was appreciated.
C1 noun /ˈnɒs.trɪl/

Nostril

Meaning
either of the two openings in the nose through which air passes
Example
The doctor checked each nostril for any blockage.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.tər/

counter

Meaning
a flat surface in a shop, bank, or kitchen where transactions or work are done
Example
The cashier stood behind the counter.
B1 noun /ˈsɛtʌp/

setup

Meaning
an arrangement of things or the way in which something is organized or prepared
Example
The setup of the event took hours to complete.
C2 noun /ˈkrɪptəɡræm/

cryptogram

Meaning
a text written in code or cipher
Example
The detective solved the cryptogram hidden in the letter.
C1 adjective /səbˈmɪs.ɪv/

Submissive

Meaning
ready to obey others; yielding to authority; humble and compliant
Example
She became submissive after years of harsh treatment.
C1 noun /ˌmænɪˈfɛstoʊ/

manifesto

Meaning
a public declaration of policy and aims, especially by a political party
Example
The party released its manifesto before the election.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈplɔːzəbl/

implausible

Meaning
Not seeming reasonable or probable; unlikely to be true.
Example
The story she told was so implausible that no one believed her.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.pən ˈhæn.dɪd/

Open-handed

Meaning
Generous; liberal; giving freely;
Example
He is very open-handed with his money and always helps those in need.
B2 noun /ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒi/

anthropology

Meaning
the scientific study of humans, their societies, cultures, and development
Example
She decided to major in anthropology at university.
A2 noun /fɪər/

Fear

Meaning
an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous
Example
She overcame her fear of heights by taking rock climbing lessons.
B2 noun /ˈɡuːs.ber.i/

Gooseberry

Meaning
a small round green or red berry that grows on a thorny bush
Example
Gooseberries are rich in vitamin C and make excellent jams.
B2 noun /ˈroʊstɪd miːt/

Roasted meat

Meaning
meat cooked by dry heat in an oven or over fire
Example
The roasted meat was perfectly seasoned and tender.
C1 adjective /ˈnæk.ərd/

Knackered

Meaning
extremely tired; exhausted
Example
I'm absolutely knackered after working all day.
B1 noun /ˈviːzə/

visa

Meaning
an official authorization or permission to enter, leave, or stay in a country
Example
She applied for a visa to study abroad.
C1 noun /ˈhɛksəˌɡɒn/

hexagon

Meaning
A six-sided polygon.
Example
A honeycomb cell is shaped like a hexagon.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.ɪˈbraɪ.ə.ti/

inebriety

Meaning
the state of being drunk or intoxicated
Example
His frequent inebriety led to the loss of his job.
C2 noun /ˈlɪbərəlɪst/

liberalist

Meaning
a person who supports liberal ideas and principles
Example
He is a well-known liberalist advocating human rights.
A2 verb /dəˈrɛkt/ or /daɪˈrɛkt/

direct

Meaning
to manage or control the course of something; to give instructions
Example
She directed the team to complete the project on time.
A1 noun /miːt/

Meat

Meaning
animal flesh used as food
Example
We bought fresh meat from the butcher shop.
C1 adjective /ˈskrʌfi/

Scruffy

Meaning
untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby and worn
Example
The scruffy old dog wandered through the streets looking for food.
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 adjective /ˌəʊvərˈstɪmjʊˌleɪtɪd/

overstimulated

Meaning
Excessively excited or aroused, overwhelmed by too much stimulus.
Example
Overstimulated minds can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
B2 verb /smæʃ/

smash

Meaning
to break something into pieces violently
Example
She smashed the glass in frustration.
A1 adjective /ˈjeloʊ/

Yellow

Meaning
having the color of the sun or gold; cowardly
Example
The yellow flowers bloomed in spring.
C2 verb /ɪˈreɪdieɪt/

irradiate

Meaning
to shine light on something; to expose to radiation; to illuminate or brighten
Example
The scientist used a lamp to irradiate the sample.
C2 noun (plural) /əˈspɜːr.ʒənz/

aspersions

Meaning
Critical or slanderous remarks; multiple attacks on reputation.
Example
The politician rejected the aspersions cast against him.
B2 adjective /ˈæm.pəl/

Ample

Meaning
large in size, extent, or capacity; plentiful; more than enough
Example
We have ample time to finish the project before the deadline.
B2 adjective /ɪˈmædʒ.ɪ.nər.i/

Imaginary

Meaning
existing only in imagination; not real; fictional
Example
The child had an imaginary friend who she talked to every day.
C1 adjective /ˈvendʒ.fəl/

Vengeful

Meaning
seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived injury; vindictive
Example
She felt vengeful after her friend betrayed her trust.
A1 pronoun /ðɪs/

this

Meaning
used to refer to a person or thing that is close or near in space, time, or thought
Example
This is my favorite book.
A2 noun /roʊz/

Rose

Meaning
a fragrant flower with thorny stems, typically red, pink, white, or yellow
Example
She gave me a beautiful red rose for Valentine's Day.
A2 adjective /ˈjuːs.ləs/

Useless

Meaning
having no beneficial purpose; not useful
Example
This broken computer is completely useless.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈtræməld/

untrammeled

Meaning
Not restricted or hampered; free and unrestricted.
Example
She enjoyed untrammeled freedom in her new life abroad.
C2 noun /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃən/

ostentation

Meaning
excessive display of wealth or knowledge intended to attract admiration or envy
Example
The billionaire’s party was full of ostentation and luxury.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪski/

risky

Meaning
Involving the possibility of danger, harm, or loss
Example
Investing in that startup is risky but could bring high rewards.
B2 noun /dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

determination

Meaning
Firmness of purpose; the quality of being determined; resolve.
Example
His determination to succeed was unwavering.
B2 verb /rɪˈzɜːv/

reserve

Meaning
to keep something for future use; to book in advance
Example
I want to reserve a table for dinner.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /ˈtɛndər/

tender

Meaning
to offer formally; soft and delicate in texture or character; a formal offer or proposal
Example
The company tendered its resignation to the board.
B2 adjective /ˈfeɪθ.fəl/

Faithful

Meaning
loyal and committed; reliable; true to one's beliefs
Example
She remained faithful to her principles throughout her career.
B2 noun /ˌtɜːrməˈnɑːlədʒi/

terminology

Meaning
the set of technical or special words used in a particular subject
Example
Medical terminology can be difficult for new students to understand.
B2 noun ˈtrɪbjuːt

tribute

Meaning
An act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.
Example
They paid tribute to the brave freedom fighters.
C1 noun /ˈbɑːr.tər ˌsɪs.təm/

barter system

Meaning
A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.
Example
Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade.
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.
C1 adjective /məˈkɑː.brə/

Macabre

Meaning
disturbing because concerned with death; gruesome and horrifying
Example
The horror movie had a macabre atmosphere.
C1 adjective /ˈstʌm.pi/

Stumpy

Meaning
short and thick; having a short, thick appearance
Example
The stumpy little dog wagged its tail enthusiastically.
B2 adjective /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/

interpersonal

Meaning
Relating to relationships or communication between people.
Example
He has excellent interpersonal skills and gets along well with others.
B2 noun /ˌkɑm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/

Compensation

Meaning
something given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, loss, injury, or suffering; payment or reward
Example
The company provided financial compensation to the workers injured in the accident.
B1 adverb /ˌʌpsaɪd ˈdaʊn/

Upside-down

Meaning
with the upper part at the bottom; in or into a reversed position
Example
The picture was hanging upside-down on the wall.
C1 adverb /əˈlɒft/

aloft

Meaning
Up in or into the air; overhead.
Example
The kite was flying aloft in the clear sky.
C1 adjective /ˈprɛdəˌtɔri/

predatory

Meaning
Relating to animals that prey on others; exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.
Example
The predatory bird swooped down on its prey.
A2 verb /saɪn/

sign

Meaning
to write your name on something to show agreement or approval; to make a gesture with meaning
Example
Please sign the contract at the bottom of the page.
B2 verb /skriːtʃ/

screech

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched and unpleasant sound
Example
The car screeched to a halt.
C2 noun /ˌɪlɪbəˈræləti/

illiberality

Meaning
The quality of being illiberal; lack of tolerance or generosity.
Example
The illiberality of the new laws alarmed the citizens.
B2 noun /ˈpleɪˌɔːf/

playoff

Meaning
a series of games played to determine a champion among top teams
Example
The team qualified for the playoffs after a strong season.
C2 adjective /ˈɛksplɪkəbəl/

explicable

Meaning
able to be explained or understood
Example
His sudden anger was explicable given the stressful situation.
B1 noun ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz

Generations

Meaning
All of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.
Example
The family tree spans several generations.
B1 noun /ˈkæt.ər.pɪl.ər/

Caterpillar

Meaning
the larva of a butterfly or moth that feeds on plants
Example
The caterpillar ate all the leaves on the plant.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpræktɪkəbl/

impracticable

Meaning
Not capable of being carried out or put into practice.
Example
The plan seemed impracticable due to limited resources.
C2 adjective /ˈsmɑːrmi/

smarmy

Meaning
Excessively flattering or ingratiating, often insincerely.
Example
The salesman gave a smarmy pitch that felt fake.
B1 noun /ˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

criticism

Meaning
The expression of disapproval or judgment of the merits of something
Example
The new policy has faced a lot of criticism from the public.
B2 verb /prɪˈzɜːv/

preserve

Meaning
to keep something in its original state; to protect from harm or decay
Example
We must preserve our natural environment.
C1 verb /ˈlɪŋɡər/

linger

Meaning
to stay in a place longer than necessary; to persist
Example
The smell of coffee lingered in the kitchen.
C1 adjective /ˈrænsɪd/

rancid

Meaning
having a bad taste or smell due to being old or spoiled (especially fats or oils)
Example
The butter had gone rancid after being left out too long.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/

optimal

Meaning
Best or most favorable; the most effective under particular conditions.
Example
The optimal temperature for plant growth is around 25°C.
C2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊdʒɜrn/

sojourn

Meaning
A temporary stay at a place; to stay temporarily
Example
She enjoyed a brief sojourn in Paris during the summer.
B2 noun /ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən/

meditation

Meaning
The practice of focusing the mind to achieve calmness, clarity, or spiritual growth.
Example
She practices meditation every morning to start her day peacefully.
B1 noun /bɑːm/

Bomb

Meaning
an explosive device designed to cause damage or destruction
Example
The bomb disposal unit carefully defused the explosive device.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C1 adjective /ˈtæn.tə.laɪ.zɪŋ/

Tantalizing

Meaning
tempting and attractive but out of reach
Example
The tantalizing aroma of fresh bread filled the bakery.
C1 noun /ˈædʒʌŋkt/

adjunct

Meaning
a thing added to something else as a supplementary part
Example
The professor worked as an adjunct at the university.
A2 adverb /ˈpɒs.ə.bli/

Possibly

Meaning
perhaps; maybe; it may be the case that
Example
It will possibly rain tomorrow.
C2 noun /krɪpˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/

cryptography

Meaning
The practice of securing information through encryption or coding techniques
Example
Modern cryptography ensures secure online transactions.
A2 noun /rɪˈlɪdʒ.ən/

religion

Meaning
a system of faith and worship involving belief in a higher power
Example
Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right.
A2 noun /ˈseɪf.ti/

Safety

Meaning
condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury
Example
The company prioritizes workplace safety above all else.
B2 adjective /rɪˈfreʃ.ɪŋ/

Refreshing

Meaning
making one feel energized and renewed; pleasantly new or different
Example
The cool breeze was refreshing after the hot day.
C1 adjective ˈtæs.ɪt

tacit

Meaning
Understood or implied without being openly expressed or stated
Example
Their mutual understanding was based on tacit agreement.
C1 verb /prɪˈzaɪd/

preside

Meaning
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
Example
She will preside over the meeting tomorrow.
C1 verb /ˈskævɪndʒ/

scavenge

Meaning
to search through waste or discarded material to find useful items
Example
The children scavenged for food in the garbage dump.
C1 noun /ˈhɛzɪtəns/

hesitance

Meaning
The quality or state of being reluctant or uncertain.
Example
Her hesitance to speak up delayed the decision.
B1 verb /kleɪm/

claim

Meaning
to assert ownership; to state as fact
Example
He claims to be the rightful owner.
B2 noun /ˌkɒnsərˈveɪʃən ˈmuːvmənt/

Conservation Movement

Meaning
A political, environmental, and social movement that seeks to protect natural resources including plant and animal species as well as their habitat for the future.
Example
The conservation movement began in the 19th century to protect wildlife.
C2 noun /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

defoliant

Meaning
a chemical that causes leaves to drop from plants, often used in warfare or agriculture
Example
The army sprayed defoliant to clear the forest cover.
C1 noun ˈsæŋktɪti

sanctity

Meaning
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly; ultimate importance.
Example
The sanctity of life should never be compromised.
C2 noun /wɜːrl/

whorl

Meaning
A pattern of spirals or concentric circles, often found in fingerprints, shells, or flowers.
Example
The fingerprint displayed a clear whorl pattern.
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 /ˈpaɪ.θən/

Python

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The python wrapped around its prey tightly.
C2 verb /ˌsɜːrkəmˈnævɪɡeɪt/

circumnavigate

Meaning
to travel all the way around something, especially the earth
Example
Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the globe.
B2 noun ɪˈlɪtərəsi

illiteracy

Meaning
The inability to read and write; lack of education or knowledge in a particular area.
Example
Illiteracy often leads to poverty and unemployment.
A1 noun/verb /ˈkʊkɪŋ/

cooking

Meaning
the process of preparing food by heating it
Example
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.
A2 noun ˌedʒ.ʊˈkeɪ.ʃən

education

Meaning
The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.
Example
Quality education is key to progress.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪtriɑːrk/

patriarch

Meaning
a male head of a family or tribe; an older respected man who leads a group
Example
As the family patriarch, he mediated disputes and kept long traditions alive.
C1 verb /vəˈkeɪt/

vacate

Meaning
to leave a place; to make empty by leaving
Example
The tenants must vacate the apartment by the end of the month.
C1 adjective /lʌʃ/

lush

Meaning
rich, abundant, and luxurious, especially referring to vegetation
Example
The valley was filled with lush green fields.
C1 adjective /ˈkɑːr.di.æk/

cardiac

Meaning
Relating to the heart.
Example
The patient was admitted with a cardiac condition.
B2 adjective /ˈtrædʒɪk/

Tragic

Meaning
very sad; involving death or extreme suffering
Example
The plane crash was a tragic accident.
C2 noun /ˌiː.mɛnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

emendation

Meaning
a correction or improvement made to a text
Example
The article required several emendations before it was ready for print.
A2 verb /blɒk/

block

Meaning
to obstruct; to prevent passage or progress
Example
The fallen tree blocks the road.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛlˌteɪl/

telltale

Meaning
Revealing something that is usually hidden; giving away a secret or clue.
Example
The telltale signs of fatigue were visible on his face.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈdʒɛkʃən/

interjection

Meaning
a word or phrase used to express sudden emotion or reaction, often standing alone
Example
Words like 'wow' and 'ouch' are common interjections in English.
B2 noun /səˈplaɪə(r)/

supplier

Meaning
a person or company that provides goods or services
Example
The supplier delivered the products on time.
B2 noun prəˈsiːdɪŋz

proceedings

Meaning
An event or a series of activities involving a formal or set procedure.
Example
The proceedings discussed language issues.
A2 noun /səˈpraɪz/

surprise

Meaning
a sudden and unexpected event or situation
Example
His arrival was a pleasant surprise.
B2 noun /ˌæbəˈlɪʃən/

abolition

Meaning
the act of formally ending or eliminating a system, practice, or institution
Example
The abolition of slavery was a major milestone in human rights history.
A1 verb /ˈwɔːtər/

water

Meaning
to give water to plants or animals; to irrigate
Example
She waters the plants every morning.
B1 adjective, verb /əˈproʊpriət/ (adj), /əˈproʊprieɪt/ (verb)

appropriate

Meaning
suitable or proper in the circumstances (adj); to take something for one’s own use, often without permission (verb)
Example
Wearing formal clothes was appropriate for the ceremony.
B2 noun ˈlæbrətɔːriz

laboratories

Meaning
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching, or for the manufacture of drugs or chemicals.
Example
Advanced laboratories enabled groundbreaking discoveries.
B2 verb /ɪˈmɪt/

emit

Meaning
to send out something such as light, heat, sound, or gas
Example
The factory emits smoke into the atmosphere.
B2 noun /ˈdʌmi/

dummy

Meaning
a model or replica of a human used for practice, display, or testing; also a term for a foolish person
Example
The tailor used a dummy to display the dress.