imagery
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C1 noun /ˈɪmɪdʒəri/

imagery

Meaning
visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work
Example
The poet's use of imagery brought the scene to life.
A2 noun /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/

drawing

Meaning
a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayons rather than paint
Example
She showed me a drawing of her house.
B2 adverb /ˈkrɪtɪkli/

critically

Meaning
in a way that expresses disapproval or a very serious, important way
Example
He was critically injured in the accident.
B2 noun /ʌnˈkɒnʃəsnəs/

unconsciousness

Meaning
the state of being unaware of and unable to respond to one's surroundings
Example
After the accident, he was in a state of unconsciousness for several hours.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪz.mə.ɡræf/

seismograph

Meaning
An instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes, such as force and duration.
Example
The seismograph detected a strong tremor in the area.
A2 noun /ˈnoʊtbʊk/

notebook

Meaning
a small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes; also a portable computer
Example
She opened her notebook to jot down some ideas.
C1 noun /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən/

provocation

Meaning
An action or statement that is intended to make someone angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His rude comment was a clear provocation.
C2 noun /ˌpɜːrtərˈbeɪʃn/

perturbation

Meaning
A state of anxiety, disturbance, or disorder.
Example
The announcement caused a perturbation in the financial markets.
B2 noun daɪˈlem.ə

dilemma

Meaning
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
Example
She faced a moral dilemma at work.
B1 noun /ˈɡræn(d)ˌdɔːtər/

granddaughter

Meaning
the daughter of one’s son or daughter
Example
Her granddaughter visits her every weekend.
C1 verb /fret/

fret

Meaning
to worry or be anxious; to be troubled
Example
Don't fret about the exam results.
C2 noun kwɔːrk

quark

Meaning
A fundamental subatomic particle that combines to form protons and neutrons.
Example
Quarks form protons and neutrons.
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.
A2 noun /daʊt/

Doubt

Meaning
a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction; distrust or suspicion
Example
There was no doubt in her mind that she had made the right decision.
B2 verb /rɪˈkɜːr/

recur

Meaning
to happen again, especially repeatedly or at regular intervals
Example
The headache tends to recur every few weeks.
C1 noun /stɛntʃ/

stench

Meaning
A very strong and unpleasant smell.
Example
The stench of garbage filled the alley.
B1 noun /sərˈtɪfɪkət/

certificate

Meaning
a document serving as proof of achievement or qualification
Example
She received a certificate for completing the course.
B2 adverb /əˈlɛdʒɪdli/

allegedly

Meaning
used to say that something is claimed to be true, though not proven
Example
He was allegedly involved in the robbery.
C1 noun, verb /fɔːrd/

ford

Meaning
A shallow place in a river where one can cross; to cross a river at such a place.
Example
The travelers decided to ford the river at dawn.
C1 adjective /ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/

Hypocritical

Meaning
behaving in a way that contradicts one's stated beliefs or values
Example
It's hypocritical to preach honesty while lying yourself.
B2 noun /ˈskɒlərʃɪp/

scholarship

Meaning
an award or grant to support a student's education
Example
She received a scholarship to study abroad.
C1 noun /kwɔːrˈtɛt/

quartet

Meaning
A group of four people playing music or singing together.
Example
The string quartet performed beautifully at the concert.
A1 verb /flaɪ/

fly

Meaning
to move through the air using wings or in an aircraft
Example
Birds fly south for the winter.
C1 noun ˈhaɪ.drə.dʒən ˈpaʊ.əd bʌsɪz

hydrogen-powered buses

Meaning
Buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells that produce only water vapor as emission.
Example
Hydrogen-powered buses reduce air pollution.
C2 noun /ɪkˈskrɛsəns/

excrescence

Meaning
An abnormal outgrowth or lump, often considered unattractive.
Example
The building was considered an excrescence on the landscape.
C2 verb (archaic/rare) /rɛk/

reck

Meaning
To care about or be concerned with (something); to have regard for.
Example
He does not reck the dangers of his actions.
C1 noun /ˈoʊ.mən/

Omen

Meaning
an event regarded as a sign of future good or bad luck
Example
Many people consider a black cat crossing your path a bad omen.
C1 noun /ˌpænəˈsiːə/

panacea

Meaning
A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
Example
Education is often seen as a panacea for social problems.
C1 noun ˌmɛtə ˈmɔːfəsɪs

metamorphosis

Meaning
A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
Example
The company's metamorphosis from a small startup to a global leader was remarkable.
B2 noun ˈsækrɪfaɪs

sacrifice

Meaning
An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else.
Example
The country was freed due to the sacrifice of the warriors.
C1 noun /ˌoʊvərprəˈdʌkʃən/

overproduction

Meaning
The act of producing more of something than is needed or can be consumed.
Example
The economic crisis was caused by the overproduction of goods.
C2 noun /sɛkˈstɛt/

sextet

Meaning
a group of six people playing music or a piece written for six performers
Example
The jazz sextet filled the small club with a warm, layered sound.
C1 noun /səbˈvɜːrʒən/

subversion

Meaning
the act of trying to destroy or undermine an established system or authority
Example
The government accused the rebels of planning subversion.
C2 verb /diːˈlɪmɪt/

delimit

Meaning
to fix the boundaries or limits of something
Example
The treaty was signed to delimit the borders of the two countries.
C2 noun /ˈɪŋkjʊbəs/

incubus

Meaning
An oppressive or nightmarish burden; in folklore, an evil spirit that lies upon sleeping people.
Example
Debt became an incubus that weighed heavily on the family.
B2 verb /ˈsɒfən/

soften

Meaning
to make or become less hard, severe, or strong.
Example
Heat will soften the butter quickly.
A1 verb /laɪk/

like

Meaning
to enjoy or find something pleasant; to have a preference for
Example
I like reading books in my free time.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈbreɪkəbəl/

Unbreakable

Meaning
not able to be broken or damaged; very strong and durable
Example
Their friendship formed an unbreakable bond.
B2 adjective /ˈɑːrbɪˌtrɛri/

arbitrary

Meaning
based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason or system
Example
The teacher's arbitrary grading upset many students.
B1 adjective /kənˈtɪn.ju.əs/

continuous

Meaning
forming an unbroken whole; without interruption
Example
The factory operates on a continuous 24-hour schedule.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈprɒf.ɪ.tə.bl̩/

Unprofitable

Meaning
not yielding profit or gain; not producing financial benefit
Example
The unprofitable business was forced to close down after three years.
C2 noun /ˈʃɛvrən/

chevron

Meaning
A V-shaped pattern, often used in military insignia or design.
Example
The sergeant’s uniform displayed three chevrons on the sleeve.
B1 verb /ʃɪft/

shift

Meaning
To move or change from one place, position, or situation to another.
Example
She had to shift her focus to the new project.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
A1 verb /let/

let

Meaning
to allow someone to do something; to give permission
Example
Please let me help you with that task.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪpend/

Stipend

Meaning
a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance
Example
The research student receives a monthly stipend for living expenses.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtʃælɪndʒd/

Unchallenged

Meaning
not disputed or questioned; accepted without opposition; having no rival
Example
He remained the unchallenged champion for five years.
C2 noun /sælv/

salve

Meaning
An ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.
Example
She applied a salve to the burn on her hand.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔːrʃəs/

tortious

Meaning
Relating to or involving a wrongful act leading to legal liability.
Example
The company was found guilty of tortious interference with contracts.
C2 noun /kɒzˈmɒɡ.ə.ni/

cosmogony

Meaning
the study or theory of the origin of the universe
Example
The book provides an overview of different cosmogonies throughout history.
C1 noun /ˈmɒŋ.ɡuːs/

Mongoose

Meaning
a small carnivorous mammal known for its ability to kill venomous snakes
Example
The mongoose quickly attacked the cobra to protect its young.
C2 noun /ˈlɪniəmənt/

lineament

Meaning
A distinctive feature or characteristic, especially of the face.
Example
Her delicate lineaments revealed her noble birth.
C1 noun /siˈɛrə klʌb/

Sierra Club

Meaning
An American environmental organization founded in 1892 by John Muir, focused on promoting conservation of the natural environment by influencing public policy decisions.
Example
John Muir founded the Sierra Club in 1892 to protect wild areas.
B1 noun/verb /ˈprɛʃər/

pressure

Meaning
the force applied to something or the feeling of stress or tension
Example
The pressure of the situation made him nervous.
B2 adverb /ˈdʌbli/

doubly

Meaning
in a twofold manner; to twice the degree
Example
She felt doubly fortunate after winning the prize and getting a promotion.
C1 verb /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪz/

marginalize

Meaning
To treat a person or group as unimportant or insignificant.
Example
The policy marginalized minority communities.
B2 noun /prəˈtɛktər/

protector

Meaning
a person or thing that protects someone or something
Example
The dog was seen as the family's protector.
C1 adjective /ˌnjʊə.rəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

neurological

Meaning
Relating to the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system.
Example
Meditation has positive neurological effects on mental health.
C2 verb /prɪˈværɪkeɪt/

prevaricate

Meaning
to avoid telling the truth by not giving a direct answer
Example
The politician began to prevaricate when asked about the scandal.
B1 noun /ˈmoʊ.ʃən/

Motion

Meaning
the action of moving or being moved; a formal proposal
Example
The car was in constant motion during the journey.
B1 adjective /ɪˈmiːdiət/

immediate

Meaning
happening or done without delay
Example
The doctor gave her immediate attention.
B2 adjective /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/

Blazing

Meaning
burning fiercely; extremely hot; very bright
Example
The blazing sun made the day extremely hot.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɪg.ərd/

Jiggered

Meaning
surprised or astonished; confused or puzzled
Example
I'll be jiggered if I know what happened here.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpɒs.tʃər/

Imposture

Meaning
the practice of deceiving others by pretending to be someone else; fraudulent deception
Example
The elaborate imposture lasted for months before investigators uncovered the truth.
B1 noun /freɪz/

phrase

Meaning
a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit
Example
He gave a memorable phrase at the conference.
A1 adjective /bɪɡ/

big

Meaning
large in size, extent, or importance
Example
They moved into a big house with plenty of space.
B1 noun /twiːt/

Tweet

Meaning
a short high-pitched sound made by a small bird; a post on Twitter
Example
I heard the sweet tweet of a sparrow this morning.
B2 noun /ˈkɑː.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/

carbon footprint

Meaning
The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.
Example
Reducing carbon footprint is essential for combating climate change.
A1 noun ˈmuːviz

movies

Meaning
A story or event recorded by a camera as a set of moving images and shown in a theater or on television.
Example
Watching movies helps in language learning.
B1 noun /ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪst/

journalist

Meaning
a person who writes news articles or reports for newspapers, magazines, or media
Example
The journalist covered the political event.
C2 adjective /kɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

corporeal

Meaning
relating to the physical body; material or tangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as having no corporeal form.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪəbəl/

unemployable

Meaning
Not able to be employed; lacking the skills or qualities necessary for employment
Example
Due to his criminal record, he was considered unemployable in most companies.
C1 verb /rɪˈdiːm/

redeem

Meaning
to compensate for faults or mistakes; to exchange something for value
Example
He managed to redeem his reputation after the scandal.
C2 noun /ˈʌŋɡwənt/

unguent

Meaning
A soothing or healing ointment applied to the skin.
Example
The doctor applied an unguent to heal the burn.
C1 noun /ˈæl.kə.laɪ/

alkali

Meaning
a soluble base substance, typically with a pH greater than 7, that neutralizes acids
Example
Soap contains alkali which helps remove grease.
A2 noun /ˈpɜːr.pəl/

Purple

Meaning
a color intermediate between red and blue; violet color
Example
The purple flowers bloomed beautifully in the garden.
B2 adjective ˈnjuːtrəl

neutral

Meaning
Having no electric charge; neither positive nor negative.
Example
Neutrons are electrically neutral.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpɛnd/

impend

Meaning
to be about to happen; to loom threateningly
Example
Dark clouds suggested that a storm was impeding.
C2 noun /pɪˈlɑːf/

Pillaw

Meaning
a dish of rice cooked in seasoned broth, often with meat and vegetables
Example
We enjoyed a delicious chicken pillaw for dinner.
C1 noun /bɑːm/

balm

Meaning
A soothing ointment or something that provides comfort or relief.
Example
The balm helped relieve the pain from her sunburn.
C2 adjective /kəˈprɪʃəs/

capricious

Meaning
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Example
The stock market can be capricious, shifting dramatically without warning.
C2 noun /ˈleʧ.ər/

Lecher

Meaning
a man who behaves in a sexually inappropriate way towards women
Example
The company fired him for being a lecher.
C2 adjective /ˌæk.rɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

acrimonious

Meaning
Bitter and angry, often involving harsh words.
Example
The debate turned acrimonious after the controversial remark.
B2 noun /kənˈsɛʃən/

concession

Meaning
something that is granted, especially in response to demands; a compromise
Example
The company made several concessions during the negotiations.
C1 adjective /ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk/

apathetic

Meaning
showing or feeling little or no interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Example
He was apathetic about the outcome of the match.
B2 verb /əˈkʌstəm/

accustom

Meaning
to make someone familiar with something through regular experience or use
Example
It took him a while to accustom himself to the new environment.
C2 noun /ˈflæɡ ˌɒfɪsər/

flag-officer

Meaning
a senior naval officer entitled to fly a flag to mark the command
Example
The flag-officer reviewed the fleet before the ceremony.
B1 adjective /ˌdɪs.əˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Disappointed

Meaning
sad because something has not happened or is not as good as expected
Example
She was disappointed with her exam results.
C2 verb /dɪˈpreɪv/

deprave

Meaning
to corrupt morally; to make someone immoral or wicked
Example
The novel was criticized for attempting to deprave the minds of young readers.
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.
B2 noun/verb /pɜːrk/

perk

Meaning
A benefit or advantage associated with a job; or to become more lively or cheerful.
Example
One of the perks of working here is free lunch every Friday.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

Meaning
wandering; traveling; migratory
Example
The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed.
C1 noun /ˈkɒz.moʊs/

Cosmos

Meaning
a colorful annual flower with daisy-like blooms and feathery foliage
Example
The cosmos flowers swayed gently in the summer breeze across the meadow.
C1 verb /pɑːrs/

parse

Meaning
to analyze a sentence or text grammatically or logically
Example
The software can parse large amounts of text data efficiently.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈluː.nə.tɪk/

lunatic

Meaning
A person who is insane or acting in a foolish or reckless way; also used as an adjective meaning insane.
Example
The driver was driving like a lunatic on the highway.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɛktɪd/

unaffected

Meaning
Not influenced or touched by something; genuine and natural.
Example
He remained unaffected by the criticism and kept working hard.
C2 noun /ˌɛksaɪˈteɪʃən/

excitation

Meaning
a state of great excitement or the process of stimulating activity
Example
The news created great excitation among the fans.
B2 noun /ˈkwɪə.ri/

Query

Meaning
a question or inquiry; a request for information
Example
I have a query about the new policy changes in the company.
B2 noun /krɪˈeɪtə/

creator

Meaning
a person who brings something into existence
Example
He is the creator of many successful startups.
A2 noun /koʊt/

Coat

Meaning
an outer garment worn over other clothes for warmth or protection
Example
He put on his winter coat before going outside.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɪŋ.ɡəl/

Jingle

Meaning
a light ringing sound such as that made by metal objects being shaken together; a short catchy song
Example
The jingle of keys could be heard as she walked down the hallway.
B1 noun /ˈwaɪər/

wire

Meaning
a thin, flexible thread of metal used to conduct electricity or connect things
Example
The electrician fixed the wire to restore the power.
B1 verb /dɪp/

dip

Meaning
to put something quickly into a liquid and take it out again
Example
She dipped her bread into the soup.
C1 verb /ˈkəʊ.dɪ.faɪ/

codify

Meaning
to arrange laws, rules, or ideas into a clear and systematic code
Example
The committee worked to codify the existing laws.
A1 modal verb/noun /maɪt/

might

Meaning
used to express possibility; power or strength
Example
She might come to the party if she finishes work early.
B2 verb /əbˈzɔːrb/

absorb

Meaning
to take in or soak up a liquid, energy, or information
Example
The sponge absorbed all the water.
C1 noun /ˈskælpəl/

scalpel

Meaning
A small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery and dissection.
Example
The surgeon carefully used a scalpel to make the first incision.
C1 noun /ˌævɒ̃ˈɡɑːrd/

avantgarde

Meaning
people or works that are innovative, experimental, and ahead of their time
Example
The avantgarde of the 20th century reshaped modern art.
C2 adjective /fəˈsiːʃəs/

facetious

Meaning
Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor
Example
He was being facetious when he said he wanted to live on the moon.
C2 verb ɪɡˈzɔːrt

exhort

Meaning
To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
Example
The teacher exhorted students to work hard for exams.
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.
C2 noun /ɪkˌspɒstjʊˈleɪʃən/

expostulation

Meaning
the act of expressing protest or disagreement
Example
His expostulation against the unfair rules was ignored.
C2 adjective /ˈklɔɪ.ɪŋ/

cloying

Meaning
too sweet, rich, or sentimental, making it unpleasant
Example
The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it.
C1 verb /diːˈfjuːz/

defuse

Meaning
To make a situation less dangerous, tense, or explosive; to remove a fuse from a bomb.
Example
The negotiator helped defuse the tense situation.
B1 noun /ruːt/

Root

Meaning
the part of a plant that grows underground; the basic cause, source, or origin of something
Example
We need to find the root of this problem to solve it permanently.
B2 adjective /ˌɑːrkɪˈtɛktʃərəl/

architectural

Meaning
relating to the design and style of buildings and structures
Example
The city is known for its beautiful architectural designs.
C1 verb /ˈɡɑː.nər/

garner

Meaning
To gather or collect, especially information, support, or approval.
Example
The politician garnered support from young voters.
B2 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/

phishing

Meaning
The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information.
Example
Phishing emails often trick people into revealing passwords.
C1 noun /plɔɪ/

ploy

Meaning
a clever plan or action designed to gain an advantage
Example
She used a clever ploy to win the debate.
C1 noun /əˈpɒsəl/

apostle

Meaning
A vigorous and pioneering advocate or supporter of a particular cause, often used for the early Christian disciples.
Example
He became an apostle of environmental protection.
C2 noun /wiːl/

weal

Meaning
A raised mark on the skin left after a blow; or general well-being and prosperity.
Example
The charity worked for the common weal of the community.