imprecation
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/

imprecation

Meaning
A spoken curse or expression of strong condemnation.
Example
The angry crowd hurled imprecations at the corrupt official.
C1 noun /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊʃən/

locomotion

Meaning
movement or the ability to move from one place to another
Example
Walking is the most common form of human locomotion.
C1 noun/verb /kruːˈseɪd/

crusade

Meaning
a vigorous campaign for a social, political, or religious cause; to fight passionately for a cause
Example
She has been crusading for women's rights all her life.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

chord

Meaning
A group of musical notes played or sung together; also a straight line segment joining two points on a curve.
Example
She strummed a simple chord on the guitar.
A2 noun /blʌd/

Blood

Meaning
the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body
Example
The doctor took a blood sample for testing.
A2 noun /ˈbækɡraʊnd/

Background

Meaning
the circumstances or situation that form the setting; a person's education, experience, or social circumstances
Example
She has a strong background in mathematics and computer science.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
C1 noun /ˈtɛstəmənt/

testament

Meaning
a person's will; or strong evidence of something
Example
His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
A1 pronoun /ʃi/

she

Meaning
a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified
Example
She is going to the market to buy vegetables.
B1 noun /kloʊðz ˈaɪərn/

Clothes iron

Meaning
An electric appliance used to remove wrinkles from clothes by applying heat and pressure
Example
I need to use the clothes iron to make my shirt look neat for the meeting.
B2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛstɪd/

congested

Meaning
Blocked up with too much traffic or crowding.
Example
The road was congested during rush hour.
A2 noun /fæt/

Fat

Meaning
a natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies; lipid used in cooking
Example
Too much fat in your diet can be unhealthy.
C1 adjective, verb /ˈeɪlɪŋ/

ailing

Meaning
suffering from illness or poor health; experiencing problems or decline
Example
The ailing patient slowly began to recover after treatment.
C2 adverb /ˈtrɛbli/

trebly

Meaning
in a triple manner or to a threefold degree
Example
The sound was trebly distorted through the old speakers.
C1 noun /ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən/

defamation

Meaning
the act of damaging someone's reputation by making false statements
Example
The newspaper was sued for defamation of character.
C2 noun /jɔːr/

yore

Meaning
Time long past; bygone days.
Example
Legends of yore still inspire people today.
C2 adjective /kənˈtraɪt/

contrite

Meaning
feeling or showing remorse or guilt
Example
She was contrite after realizing her mistake.
C1 adjective/adverb /ɡəˈlɔːr/

galore

Meaning
In large amounts; abundant or plentiful.
Example
There were books galore in the old library.
B2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/

Irresistible

Meaning
too attractive and tempting to be resisted; impossible to resist
Example
The chocolate cake was absolutely irresistible.
B1 adjective /slaɪt/

Slight

Meaning
small in degree; not severe or intense; slim; thin
Example
There was a slight delay in the train schedule.
B1 adjective /drʌŋk/

drunk

Meaning
affected by alcohol to the point of losing control of one's faculties or behavior
Example
He was too drunk to walk straight.
B2 noun /kəmˈplek.ʃən/

Complexion

Meaning
the natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially on the face
Example
Her fair complexion glowed beautifully in the morning sunlight.
C2 noun /kəˈdɛnzə/

cadenza

Meaning
An elaborate solo passage in a piece of music, usually near the end.
Example
The pianist performed a brilliant cadenza before the final movement.
A2 adjective /skaɪ bluː/

Sky-blue

Meaning
a bright blue color like that of a clear sky
Example
Her sky-blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
A2 noun /ˈdɛsktɒp/

desktop

Meaning
a computer designed to be used on a desk, typically with a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Example
I keep my documents on the desktop for easy access.
C2 noun /ˈpælɪmpsɛst/

palimpsest

Meaning
a manuscript or document that has been written over but still bears traces of earlier writing; something reused or altered but still retaining traces of its earlier form
Example
The ancient manuscript was a palimpsest, showing faint traces of previous texts beneath the new writing.
C1 noun səbˈsɪs.təns

subsistence

Meaning
The action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level.
Example
Many farmers depend on subsistence agriculture.
B2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

disapprove

Meaning
to have a negative opinion about something; to consider something wrong or bad
Example
Many parents disapprove of smoking.
C1 noun /ˈhɛzɪtənsi/

hesitancy

Meaning
The tendency to pause or delay due to uncertainty or fear.
Example
His hesitancy in answering made everyone doubt his confidence.
C2 noun /stɒˈkeɪd/

stockade

Meaning
a defensive barrier made of strong posts or timbers, often around a fort or prison
Example
The prisoners were kept inside the wooden stockade.
B2 noun /ˈfɔːr.kæst/

Forecast

Meaning
a prediction or estimate of future events, especially coming weather conditions
Example
The weather forecast predicted heavy rain for the entire weekend.
B2 noun /ɪnˈkluːʒən/

inclusion

Meaning
the action or state of including or being included within a group or structure
Example
Diversity and inclusion are key values in modern workplaces.
C1 noun /ˈækəleɪd/

accolade

Meaning
An award, honor, or expression of praise.
Example
She received an accolade for her outstanding performance.
A1 adjective /ʃʊr/

Sure

Meaning
completely confident that something is true; certain; definitely true
Example
I am sure that he will come tomorrow.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/

countenance

Meaning
a person's face or expression; support or approval
Example
Her cheerful countenance brightened the room.
C2 verb /juˈzɜrp/

usurp

Meaning
to take someone's position of power illegally or by force
Example
The general tried to usurp the king's throne.
C1 noun, adverb /ˈeɪliəs/

alias

Meaning
A false or assumed identity; also used to mean 'otherwise called'.
Example
The criminal was known by the alias 'Shadow'.
B1 noun, verb /ˈɡrædʒuət/ (noun), /ˈɡrædʒueɪt/ (verb)

graduate

Meaning
As a noun: a person who has completed a course of study; As a verb: to complete a course of study successfully.
Example
She will graduate from university next year.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlwərk/

bulwark

Meaning
A strong wall or defensive structure; something that provides protection or support.
Example
The fortress walls served as a bulwark against enemy attacks.
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 noun /ɪmˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/

impediment

Meaning
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; something that prevents progress.
Example
Lack of funds is a major impediment to the project.
B2 noun /rʌʃ/

Rush

Meaning
a sudden quick movement toward something; a period of great activity or demand; hurry
Example
There was a rush to buy tickets for the concert.
C1 adjective /ɪˈledʒ.ə.bəl/

illegible

Meaning
Not clear enough to be read; unreadable.
Example
The doctor’s handwriting was almost illegible.
C1 verb dɪˈsaɪ.fɚ

decipher

Meaning
To convert something written in code into normal language; to succeed in understanding the meaning of something.
Example
It took hours to decipher the ancient script.
C1 adjective /smʌɡ/

smug

Meaning
having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
Example
He wore a smug smile after winning the debate.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪt/

Debate

Meaning
a formal discussion of opposing viewpoints; argument with reasoned points
Example
The political debate lasted for three hours with passionate arguments.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃuːzi/

choosy

Meaning
very careful in choosing; selective
Example
She is very choosy about the clothes she wears.
C1 adjective /əbˈzɜːrvənt/

Observant

Meaning
quick to notice things; watchful; attentive
Example
The observant detective noticed every small detail at the crime scene.
C1 noun /hjuː/

hue

Meaning
A color or shade.
Example
The artist chose a soft blue hue for the background.
A2 noun /dəˈrɛkʃən/ or /daɪˈrɛkʃən/

direction

Meaning
the course or path on which someone or something is moving; instructions on what to do
Example
He asked for directions to the train station.
B1 noun /ɪkˈspres treɪn/

Express Train

Meaning
a fast train that travels between major stations with few or no intermediate stops
Example
The express train reached the destination in half the usual time.
C2 noun /ˌlæs.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

laceration

Meaning
a deep cut or tear in skin or flesh
Example
He needed stitches for a laceration on his leg.
C1 verb /ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/

denigrate

Meaning
to criticize unfairly; to belittle or disparage someone or something
Example
He was quick to denigrate the achievements of his colleagues.
B2 noun /sərˈvaɪvər/

Survivor

Meaning
a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died
Example
She is a cancer survivor who now helps other patients.
B2 noun /dəˈmeɪn/

domain

Meaning
An area of knowledge, activity, or territory over which control is exercised.
Example
Mathematics is her main domain of expertise.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈdʒeɪsənt/

subjacent

Meaning
lying immediately beneath; underlying
Example
The geological survey revealed subjacent layers of rock.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpraɪəri/

priory

Meaning
a small monastery or convent governed by a prior or prioress
Example
The old priory was converted into a museum.
C2 noun /kənˌɡlɒməˈreɪʃən/

conglomeration

Meaning
A collection or mixture of different things grouped together.
Example
The market is a conglomeration of small shops and food stalls.
C2 verb /ˈflædʒəˌleɪt/

flagellate

Meaning
to whip or flog someone, either literally or as a form of punishment or self-discipline
Example
In history, some monks would flagellate themselves as penance.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsækrɪlɪdʒ/

sacrilege

Meaning
Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
Example
Stealing from the temple was considered an act of sacrilege.
C1 adjective /ˈæv.ɪd/

avid

Meaning
having an eager desire or enthusiasm for something
Example
She is an avid reader of mystery novels.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪələˈtɪʃən/

dialectician

Meaning
A person skilled in dialectic or logical argument.
Example
Socrates is often considered the greatest dialectician in history.
C2 adjective /ʌnəˈpiːzd/

unappeased

Meaning
Not satisfied or calmed; still feeling discontent or anger
Example
Despite the apology, she remained unappeased.
A1 noun /bɔːl/

ball

Meaning
a round object used in games or sports
Example
The children played with a ball in the park.
C2 adverb /əˈmʌk/

amok

Meaning
Behaving uncontrollably and disruptively.
Example
The angry mob ran amok after the verdict was announced.
B1 noun /ˈmiːtər/

meter

Meaning
A unit of length in the metric system equal to 100 centimeters; also, a device that measures quantity such as electricity or gas.
Example
The technician came to check the electricity meter.
B2 noun /fleʃ/

Flesh

Meaning
the soft substance consisting of muscle and fat that is found between the skin and bones
Example
The doctor examined the wound to check if it had penetrated the flesh.
B2 noun /ˈsteɪdiəm/

stadium

Meaning
a large structure with seating for sports, concerts, or other events
Example
Thousands of fans filled the stadium to watch the final match.
C1 adjective sɪˈlɛstʃəl

celestial

Meaning
Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy.
Example
The celestial bodies in the sky were clearly visible last night.
A2 adjective /taɪt/

tight

Meaning
firmly held in place, not loose or slack
Example
The knot was too tight to untie.
C1 noun /ˌædəˈreɪʃən/

adoration

Meaning
deep love and respect; worship
Example
The fans showed their adoration for the singer.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt/

inconsistent

Meaning
Not staying the same throughout; lacking harmony or regularity.
Example
His answers were inconsistent and confusing.
C2 noun /ˌniːoʊˈpeɪɡənɪzəm/

neopaganism

Meaning
Modern religious movements influenced by or claiming to be derived from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe.
Example
Neopaganism has gained popularity as people seek spiritual alternatives to mainstream religions.
A2 noun /ˈpjuːpəl/

pupil

Meaning
a student, especially a young one; the central opening of the eye that lets in light
Example
The pupil listened carefully to the teacher during class.
B1 adjective /əˈmjuː.zɪŋ/

Amusing

Meaning
causing laughter or providing entertainment; funny; enjoyable
Example
The children found the clown's performance very amusing.
C2 noun /ˈbiːtənd raɪs/

Beatened rice

Meaning
flattened rice; rice that has been parboiled, dried, and beaten into flat flakes
Example
Beaten rice is commonly eaten with milk and sugar for breakfast.
A2 adjective /ˌjʊərəˈpiːən/

european

Meaning
Relating to Europe or its people.
Example
She studied European history at university.
B2 noun, adjective /hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛəriən/

humanitarian

Meaning
A person who seeks to promote human welfare, or something relating to human welfare and compassion.
Example
The organization provides humanitarian aid to disaster victims.
C1 noun /prəˈdʒɛktaɪl/

projectile

Meaning
An object fired, thrown, or propelled, especially from a weapon.
Example
The soldier dodged the incoming projectile.
C1 noun dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

dexterity

Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands; mental skill or adroitness.
Example
His dexterity in playing the piano amazed the audience.
B2 adverb /bɪˈfɔːr.hænd/

Beforehand

Meaning
in advance; ahead of time; earlier
Example
We prepared everything beforehand.
B2 noun ˈbɪz.nɪs ˈfaɪ.næns

business finance

Meaning
The area of finance that deals with sources of funding and the capital structure of corporations.
Example
Effective business finance enhances profitability.
C2 verb /ˈkʌzən/

cozen

Meaning
to deceive, cheat, or trick someone
Example
He cozened the old man out of his money.
B1 noun /ɪnˈstrʌktər/

instructor

Meaning
A person who teaches a subject or skill.
Example
The driving instructor was very patient with new learners.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒfɪtəbl/

profitable

Meaning
yielding profit or financial gain
Example
The company has become highly profitable after the new strategy was implemented.
B1 noun /ˈhaɪ.weɪ/

highway

Meaning
A main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.
Example
The highway was blocked due to an accident.
C1 noun /liˈeɪzɒn/

liaison

Meaning
communication or cooperation between people or groups for a smooth working relationship
Example
She works as a liaison between the company and its clients.
B1 adjective /ədˈvænst/

advanced

Meaning
highly developed or complex
Example
He is studying an advanced level of mathematics.
C2 adjective fɔːˈtjuː.ɪ.təs

fortuitous

Meaning
Happening by accident or chance rather than design; lucky or fortunate.
Example
Their meeting was purely fortuitous.
C1 adjective /ˈviːnəs/

venous

Meaning
relating to the veins that carry blood to the heart
Example
The doctor examined the patient’s venous circulation.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/

Indecisive

Meaning
unable to make decisions quickly; hesitant; wavering
Example
She was indecisive about which university to attend.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːrn.fəl/

mournful

Meaning
feeling, expressing, or causing sadness or grief
Example
The mournful song reminded her of lost loved ones.
C1 adjective /trænsˈluːsənt/

translucent

Meaning
allowing light to pass through, but not clearly enough to see detailed images
Example
She placed the flower in a translucent vase.
C1 noun /ɪˈrɛlɪvənsi/

irrelevancy

Meaning
the state of being unrelated or unimportant to the matter at hand
Example
The judge dismissed the argument because of its irrelevancy to the case.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

digressive

Meaning
Tending to depart from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
The speaker's digressive style made the lecture difficult to follow.
C2 noun /lɪnt/

lint

Meaning
small soft fibers that come off cloth, often found in dryers or on clothes
Example
There was lint all over his black shirt after the wash.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrdɪnəns/

ordinance

Meaning
An authoritative rule, law, or decree issued by a city, town, or authority.
Example
The city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public parks.
C2 noun /ˈaɪsinəs/

iciness

Meaning
The state of being cold in manner or temperature.
Example
There was a distinct iciness in his voice.
C2 verb /prəˈpaʊnd/

propound

Meaning
To put forward an idea, theory, or point for consideration.
Example
The professor propounded a new theory on climate change.
C1 verb /ˈoʊvərˌhɔːl/

overhaul

Meaning
to examine thoroughly and repair or improve something that is worn or ineffective
Example
The company decided to overhaul its outdated computer system.
A2 noun /ˈsɛlər/

seller

Meaning
a person who sells something
Example
The seller offered a discount on bulk purchases.
C2 adverb /ˈaɪsɪli/

icily

Meaning
In a very cold, unfriendly, or hostile manner.
Example
She replied icily to his question.
C2 adjective /eɪˈsɛptɪk/

aseptic

Meaning
Free from contamination caused by harmful microorganisms; sterile.
Example
Surgeons must work in an aseptic environment to prevent infection.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈtrʌst/

Mistrust

Meaning
Lack of trust; suspicion or doubt about someone or something
Example
There was deep mistrust between the two political parties.
B2 adjective /ˈvaɪ.brənt/

Vibrant

Meaning
full of energy and life; bright and striking
Example
The vibrant colors of the sunset painted the sky beautifully.
B2 noun /nɒt/

Knot

Meaning
a fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or something similar; a hard mass in wood
Example
The sailor tied a secure knot to anchor the boat safely.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːntʃi/

paunchy

Meaning
Having a large or protruding belly.
Example
The paunchy man struggled to button his shirt.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛndɪŋ/

impending

Meaning
about to happen soon, usually something unpleasant or threatening
Example
The villagers were worried about the impending flood.
B2 noun /dɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

deduction

Meaning
The process of reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.
Example
His deduction from the evidence was accurate.
B2 noun /ˈrɪk.ʃɔː/

Rickshaw

Meaning
a light two-wheeled passenger vehicle drawn by one or more people
Example
We took a rickshaw to reach the busy marketplace.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərˈæd/

superadd

Meaning
to add something to what has already been added
Example
The author chose to superadd a new chapter to the revised edition.
A1 noun /naɪn/

nine

Meaning
the number that is one more than eight
Example
She has nine books in her collection.
B1 verb /kənˈvɪns/

convince

Meaning
to make someone believe or feel certain about something
Example
She convinced him to attend the meeting.
B2 adjective /ˈtaɪərləs/

tireless

Meaning
Showing great effort or energy without becoming tired.
Example
She worked tirelessly to complete the project on time.
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 /flæt fɪʃ/

Flat fish

Meaning
a type of fish with a flattened body that lives on the sea floor
Example
Flat fish like sole and flounder are excellent for grilling.
C1 adjective /sɪˈnɒnɪməs/

synonymous

Meaning
having the same or nearly the same meaning; closely associated with something
Example
For many people, her name is synonymous with generosity.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪtəm/ or /ˈdætəm/

datum

Meaning
a single piece of information; a fact used as a basis for reasoning or calculation
Example
Each datum in the survey was carefully analyzed.