Ill-bred
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C2 adjective /ˈɪl bred/

Ill-bred

Meaning
lacking good manners; rude; showing poor upbringing
Example
His ill-bred behavior shocked everyone at the dinner party.
A1 adverb /ɛls/

else

Meaning
In addition; besides.
Example
Is there anything else you need?
C1 noun /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪst/

opportunist

Meaning
A person who takes advantage of situations for personal gain, often disregarding principles.
Example
He is seen as an opportunist who always puts his interests first.
C2 noun /mjuːˈlætoʊ/

mulatto

Meaning
an outdated and now offensive term historically used to describe a person of mixed white and Black ancestry
Example
The word 'mulatto' is now considered outdated and offensive.
C1 noun ˌhaɪ.droʊˈpɒn.ɪks

hydroponics

Meaning
Growing plants using nutrient-rich water instead of soil.
Example
Hydroponics allows crops to grow without soil.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/

engrained

Meaning
Firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
Example
Cultural practices are often deeply engrained in the fabric of society.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈsaɪkɪk/

psychic

Meaning
relating to the mind or supernatural powers; a person claiming to have extrasensory abilities
Example
The psychic claimed she could predict the future.
C1 adjective /ˌfʊl ˈbɒd.id/

full-bodied

Meaning
Having a strong, rich, and robust quality, especially of wine, coffee, or voice.
Example
He prefers a full-bodied red wine with his dinner.
B2 noun /ˈpoʊ.di.əm/

Podium

Meaning
a small platform on which a person may stand to be seen by an audience
Example
The winner stood on the podium to receive the gold medal.
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.
C1 noun ɪˌræd.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

eradication

Meaning
The complete destruction or elimination of something unwanted.
Example
Carbon eradication is a key goal of the project.
A2 preposition /pɜːr/

per

Meaning
for each, according to
Example
The tickets are priced at $20 per person.
A2 noun /drʌm/

Drum

Meaning
a percussion instrument typically made of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched over one or both ends
Example
The drummer kept perfect time on his drum kit.
C1 noun ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rə.ti

mediocrity

Meaning
Being average or ordinary, not particularly good.
Example
He refused to settle for mediocrity and aimed for greatness.
A1 adverb /ɔːlˈredi/

Already

Meaning
before now; by this time; previously
Example
I have already finished my homework for today.
C1 verb /əˈsɪm.ɪ.leɪt/

assimilate

Meaning
To take in and understand fully; to absorb and integrate into one's knowledge or culture.
Example
Immigrants often struggle to assimilate into a new culture.
C2 adjective /ˌævəˈrɪʃəs/

avaricious

Meaning
having or showing extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Example
The avaricious landlord increased the rent unfairly.
C2 noun /ˈoʊvərlɔːrd/

overlord

Meaning
A ruler, master, or person of great power and authority over others.
Example
The peasants were forced to pay taxes to their overlord.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛʃən/

intercession

Meaning
the act of intervening or pleading on behalf of another person
Example
The prisoner was released due to the intercession of influential leaders.
B2 noun/verb /stʌmp/

stump

Meaning
the base of a tree left after the trunk is cut down; to puzzle or confuse
Example
The question completely stumped the students.
C1 noun /səbˈdʒɛkʃən/

subjection

Meaning
the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination
Example
The people suffered under the subjection of a cruel ruler.
A2 noun /nek/

Neck

Meaning
the part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders
Example
She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck.
B2 noun /kʌb/

Cub

Meaning
a young bear, lion, tiger, or other large carnivorous mammal
Example
The bear cub stayed close to its mother for protection.
C1 verb /ˈtiːtər/

teeter

Meaning
to move or balance unsteadily; to wobble
Example
The glass began to teeter on the edge of the table.
B2 noun /ɪkˈskɜː.ʃən/

Excursion

Meaning
a short journey or trip, especially one engaged in as a leisure activity
Example
The school organized an excursion to the science museum for all students.
A2 noun /ˈsɒftweə/

software

Meaning
the programs and other operating information used by a computer
Example
He installed the software to enhance the performance of his computer.
C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəbl/

dutiable

Meaning
subject to customs duty or tax
Example
Imported electronics are often dutiable at the border.
C2 noun /fɪˈlæt.əl.ɪst/

philatelist

Meaning
a person who collects or studies postage stamps
Example
The philatelist spent years building a rare stamp collection.
C2 noun /dɪˈstɛnʃən/

distention

Meaning
The state of being swollen due to internal pressure.
Example
The patient complained of abdominal pain and distention.
A2 noun /ˈtɒpɪk/

topic

Meaning
a subject of conversation, discussion, or writing
Example
The topic of the meeting was company expansion.
A2 noun /ɡoʊst/

Ghost

Meaning
an apparition of a dead person believed to be able to become visible to the living; a spirit
Example
The old mansion was rumored to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner.
C2 adjective ˌlæb.əˈrɪn.θaɪn

labyrinthine

Meaning
Like a labyrinth; complicated and confusing; having many interconnected paths or passages.
Example
The old city streets were labyrinthine.
C2 adjective /bjuːˈkɒlɪk/

bucolic

Meaning
Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.
Example
They enjoyed a bucolic picnic by the river.
C2 noun/verb /dɪsˈfeɪvər/

disfavor

Meaning
disapproval or dislike; to regard with disapproval
Example
The new policy fell into disfavor with the public.
A2 adjective /ˈɑːnɪst/

honest

Meaning
free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere
Example
She is known as an honest and trustworthy person.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə bɑːks/

China box

Meaning
a small evergreen shrub with tiny white fragrant flowers
Example
The China box plant produced clusters of small white flowers.
B2 noun /ˈflɒrɪst/

florist

Meaning
A person who sells and arranges flowers.
Example
We bought a bouquet from the local florist.
B2 noun /toʊl/

toll

Meaning
A charge payable for using a road or bridge; also the extent of damage or suffering caused by something.
Example
The flood took a heavy toll on the village.
B1 noun ˈpɒl.ə.si

policy

Meaning
A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual; a contract of insurance.
Example
Effective policies drive national development.
C1 noun /ɪˈleɪʃən/

elation

Meaning
A feeling of great happiness and excitement.
Example
His elation was evident after winning the championship.
B2 adjective /ʌnprɪˈpɛrd/

Unprepared

Meaning
not ready or able to deal with something
Example
He was unprepared for the difficult exam.
A2 noun /ɡɪˈtɑːr/

Guitar

Meaning
a stringed musical instrument played by strumming or plucking the strings with fingers or a pick
Example
She learned to play guitar when she was twelve years old.
B1 noun sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti

security

Meaning
The state of being free from danger, threat, or loss.
Example
Food security is essential for human survival.
B2 noun /ɪnˈfɪnɪti/

infinity

Meaning
A concept describing something without any limit or end.
Example
The universe seems to stretch into infinity.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈreɪndʒ/

disarrange

Meaning
to disturb the order or arrangement of something
Example
The wind disarranged her hair.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɛntaɪl/

gentile

Meaning
A person who is not Jewish
Example
The synagogue welcomed both Jews and Gentiles.
A1 adjective /ˈɔːr.ɪndʒ/

Orange

Meaning
having a color between red and yellow like that of a ripe orange fruit
Example
The orange sunset painted the sky magnificently.
C2 verb /ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt/

adumbrate

Meaning
to foreshadow or suggest something in an unclear or indirect way
Example
The report adumbrates future economic challenges.
C2 noun /ˈpɪərɪdʒ/

peerage

Meaning
the title or rank of a peer; the nobility as a group
Example
He was elevated to the peerage by the king.
C1 adjective /aɪˈreɪt/

irate

Meaning
Extremely angry.
Example
The customer became irate after waiting for hours.
B2 noun /wæks/

Wax

Meaning
a solid substance that melts when heated, used for making candles and polishing
Example
She used candle wax to seal the old letter.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈlaʊ/

disallow

Meaning
to refuse to allow or accept something
Example
The referee disallowed the goal for offside.
B2 adjective /ˈstæt.ɪk/

static

Meaning
Lacking in movement, action, or change; stationary.
Example
Static ideas hinder progress.
B2 noun /ˈdaʊn.fɔːl/

Downfall

Meaning
a loss of power, prosperity, or status; the cause of such a loss
Example
His arrogance and pride led to his eventual downfall in business.
C2 noun /ˈbɔːl.səm ˈæp.əl/

Balsam apple

Meaning
a bitter gourd vegetable with a bumpy green skin, also known as bitter melon
Example
Balsam apple is cooked with spices to reduce its bitter taste.
C2 verb /ˈæbrəɡeɪt/

abrogate

Meaning
To formally repeal, cancel, or abolish a law, agreement, or custom.
Example
The government decided to abrogate the outdated treaty.
C1 noun /pɛnˈtæθlɒn/

pentathlon

Meaning
An athletic contest featuring five different events.
Example
She trained hard to compete in the modern pentathlon.
B2 noun ˈpeɪtriəˌtɪzəm

patriotism

Meaning
The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
Example
Victory Day reflects the patriotism of the entire nation.
C1 adjective /ˈlæk.tɪk/

lactic

Meaning
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
Example
Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbloʊn/

overblown

Meaning
excessively exaggerated or inflated
Example
The controversy was overblown by the media.
C2 noun /ˈkælvəri/

calvary

Meaning
A place or experience of intense suffering, originally the site of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Example
For many refugees, the journey across the desert was a calvary.
C2 adjective /ˈpaɪbɔːld/

piebald

Meaning
having irregular patches of two colors, especially black and white
Example
The farmer owns a piebald horse with black and white spots.
C1 noun /ˈkɔːl.drən/

Cauldron

Meaning
a large metal pot with a lid and handle, used for cooking over a fire
Example
The witch stirred her potion in a large cauldron.
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.
A2 verb /rɪˈmeɪn/

remain

Meaning
to stay in the same place; to continue to exist
Example
Only a few guests remain at the party.
C2 verb /ɡɜːrd/

gird

Meaning
to encircle with a belt or band; to prepare for action
Example
The knight girded his sword before battle.
A2 noun /ˈsɪstəm/

system

Meaning
a set of connected parts forming a complex whole; an organized method
Example
The education system needs major reforms.
C1 noun /ˈfoʊliɪdʒ/

foliage

Meaning
The leaves of a plant, collectively.
Example
The autumn foliage looked stunning in the park.
B2 noun /ɪkˈses/

Excess

Meaning
an amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable
Example
The excess food from the party was donated to the local shelter.
C2 noun ˈvaɪ.və ˈvəʊs

viva voce

Meaning
An oral examination, typically for an academic qualification.
Example
Viva Voce tests communication skills.
C1 verb /dɪˈkraɪ/

decry

Meaning
to publicly criticize or express strong disapproval of something
Example
Many activists decry the destruction of the rainforest.
C1 noun ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt

micronutrient

Meaning
Essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts, including vitamins and minerals.
Example
Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for growth.
C1 noun /ˈɑːrmfʊl/

armful

Meaning
As much as can be carried in one or both arms.
Example
She carried an armful of books into the library.
B2 adverb /səˈfɪʃəntli/

sufficiently

Meaning
to an adequate degree or extent
Example
She studied sufficiently to pass the exam.
B2 verb /ˈtɪkəl/

Tickle

Meaning
to touch someone lightly to make them laugh; to amuse or please
Example
The feather tickles when it touches your skin.
C2 verb /ˈdʌv.teɪl/

dovetail

Meaning
to fit or combine perfectly together
Example
Her plans dovetail perfectly with our goals.
C2 verb /ˈpʌlvəraɪz/

pulverize

Meaning
To crush or grind something into a fine powder; to completely defeat or destroy.
Example
The machine can pulverize stones into dust.
B2 adjective /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkəl/

mathematical

Meaning
relating to mathematics or the use of mathematics
Example
The mathematical equation was difficult to solve.
B1 noun /swiːt pəˈteɪtoʊ/

Sweet potato

Meaning
A root vegetable with sweet flesh, typically orange or purple in color
Example
Roasted sweet potato makes a healthy and delicious side dish.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪv.stɒk/

livestock

Meaning
farm animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs that are kept for use or profit
Example
The farmer raised livestock to supply meat and milk for the market.
C1 noun /ˈsɛmbləns/

Semblance

Meaning
the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Example
There was only a semblance of order in the chaotic office.
C1 noun /ˈɪntərˌluːd/

interlude

Meaning
A short period of time that comes between two events; an interval.
Example
There was a brief musical interlude between the two acts of the play.
C1 verb /ˈfɛdərət/

federate

Meaning
to unite in a league or federation; to form an alliance
Example
Several states federated to create a stronger union.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrsənt/

conversant

Meaning
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
Example
She is conversant with the latest developments in technology.
B1 verb /θrɪl/

Thrill

Meaning
to cause someone to feel very excited and pleased
Example
The roller coaster ride thrills adventure seekers.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈstɛnsəbl/

extensible

Meaning
able to be extended; capable of expansion.
Example
The software is designed to be extensible with new features.
B1 noun /ˈɛpɪsoʊd/

episode

Meaning
An event or part of a story, or one installment in a series.
Example
The last episode of the drama was watched by millions.
B2 noun ˈtreɪd.ɒf

trade-off

Meaning
A situation where accepting one advantage means giving up another benefit.
Example
There is always a trade-off between price and quality.
B2 adjective kəˈləʊ.ni.əl

colonial

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonialism, especially involving the control of one country by another.
Example
Colonial rule suppressed local governance.
B1 verb /oʊ/

owe

Meaning
to be under obligation to pay or repay; to be indebted
Example
I owe my success to my parents' support.
C1 verb /diːˈkoʊd/

decode

Meaning
to convert a coded message into a readable form; to interpret meaning
Example
The software can decode the hidden message within seconds.
A2 noun /ˈpʌp.i/

Puppy

Meaning
a young dog
Example
The puppy wagged its tail when it saw its owner.
C1 noun /ˈɪnlɛt/

inlet

Meaning
A small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river; an opening or passage for entry.
Example
The boat entered a narrow inlet along the coast.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪ.ər/

Liar

Meaning
a person who tells lies; someone who does not tell the truth
Example
Nobody trusts him because he is a liar.
B2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊ.ɪŋ/

sewing

Meaning
The activity or skill of joining fabric using a needle and thread
Example
She enjoys sewing her own clothes on weekends.
A1 verb /kliːn/

clean

Meaning
To make something free from dirt, marks, or mess.
Example
She cleaned the kitchen before the guests arrived.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlf ɪnˈdʌldʒəns/

self-indulgence

Meaning
The act of allowing oneself to enjoy pleasures or desires excessively.
Example
His weekend of self-indulgence included eating sweets and watching movies nonstop.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnˈekspɜːrt/

inexpert

Meaning
not skilled or experienced; lacking expertise
Example
The inexpert handling of the machine caused several mistakes.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbəl/

Unavoidable

Meaning
cannot be avoided; certain to happen; inevitable
Example
The meeting is unavoidable, so we must attend.
B1 noun /ˌɡrædʒ.uˈeɪ.ʃən/

graduation

Meaning
the act of receiving a degree or diploma after completing a course of study
Example
Her parents attended her graduation ceremony with pride.
C1 noun/verb /ˈbɔɪ/ or /ˈbuːi/

buoy

Meaning
A floating marker on water; to keep something afloat or encourage someone.
Example
The news buoyed their spirits after the loss.
B2 adverb /ˈwɪl.ɪŋ.li/

Willingly

Meaning
in a willing manner; voluntarily; with free will
Example
She willingly helped her neighbors during the emergency.
A1 verb /ˈvɪzɪt/

visit

Meaning
to go and see someone or somewhere; to pay a call
Example
We plan to visit the museum this weekend.
A2 noun ˈen.ə.dʒi

energy

Meaning
Power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines.
Example
Clean energy sources help reduce pollution.
C2 verb /aʊtˈraɪd/

outride

Meaning
to ride faster, farther, or better than someone else
Example
The young rider managed to outride his competitors in the race.
C2 noun /ˈfʌstɪən/

fustian

Meaning
pompous or pretentious speech or writing; originally a type of thick cloth
Example
The politician's speech was filled with fustian and empty promises.
B2 noun /ˈæd.və.kət/

Advocate

Meaning
a lawyer who represents clients in court; a person who supports or argues for a cause or policy
Example
The advocate presented strong evidence to defend his client in court.
C1 adverb /ˈnæroʊli/

Narrowly

Meaning
by a small margin; barely; in a limited way
Example
She narrowly escaped the accident.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/

unchanging

Meaning
remaining the same over time; not changing
Example
Her love for her family was unchanging throughout the years.
C1 noun /ˌæfəˈdeɪvɪt/

affidavit

Meaning
a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court
Example
The witness submitted an affidavit to the court.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

injunction

Meaning
A judicial order restraining a person from an action or compelling a certain act.
Example
The court issued an injunction to stop the company from polluting the river.
B2 noun ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən

consultation

Meaning
The action of consulting or discussing; a meeting with an expert or professional to seek advice.
Example
Consultation was essential.
C2 adjective /ˈtrɛntʃənt/

trenchant

Meaning
expressed strongly, effectively, and clearly; sharp or cutting in style or expression
Example
Her trenchant criticism of the policy left no room for misunderstanding.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌn.i/

Sunny

Meaning
bright with sunlight; cheerful and optimistic
Example
It's a beautiful sunny day perfect for a picnic.
B1 verb /ɪɡˈzɪst/

exist

Meaning
to have being or reality; to be present
Example
Dinosaurs existed millions of years ago.
C2 noun /ˈhɒɡz.hɛd/

hogshead

Meaning
A large cask or barrel, traditionally used for storing liquids like wine or beer.
Example
The cellar was filled with hogsheads of ale.
C1 noun /ˈdɔːrˌkiːpər/

doorkeeper

Meaning
A person whose job is to guard or manage the entrance of a building or room.
Example
The doorkeeper checked everyone’s passes before they entered the hall.
B1 noun /ˈhɔːlweɪ/

hallway

Meaning
a corridor in a building that connects rooms
Example
The kids left their shoes in the hallway.
B1 adjective /strɪkt/

Strict

Meaning
demanding exact conformity to rules; severe; rigorous
Example
The teacher is very strict about homework deadlines.
B1 verb /dɪˈpɑːrt/

depart

Meaning
to leave, especially to start a journey
Example
The train will depart at 9 a.m.
C1 verb /ˈdrɪbəl/

dribble

Meaning
to let liquid flow slowly in drops or to move a ball skillfully with repeated small kicks or bounces
Example
The baby dribbled milk on his shirt.