inhibit
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C1 verb /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

inhibit

Meaning
to prevent or restrain someone or something from acting freely; to hinder
Example
Fear can inhibit personal growth.
C2 adjective /ˌɪlˈneɪ.tʃəd/

ill-natured

Meaning
Having a bad or unpleasant character; unkind or malicious.
Example
He made an ill-natured remark about his colleague.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsek.tɪ.saɪd/

Insecticide

Meaning
a substance used for killing insects; a chemical pesticide that targets insects
Example
The farmer sprayed insecticide on his crops to protect them from harmful bugs.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɔːrdənət/

inordinate

Meaning
Excessive or unusually large in degree.
Example
She spent an inordinate amount of time on her phone.
C1 noun /ˈɪmɪnəns/

imminence

Meaning
the state of being about to happen
Example
The imminence of the storm forced people to take shelter.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtændʒəbl/

intangible

Meaning
Unable to be touched or grasped; not having a physical presence.
Example
Trust is an intangible quality in relationships.
C1 adjective ɪnˈkʌm.bənt

incumbent

Meaning
necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.
Example
It is incumbent upon all citizens to obey the law.
B1 adjective ɪnˈdʌs.tri.əl

industrial

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by industry.
Example
Industrial sectors boost exports.
B1 noun /ɪmˈprɛʃən/

impression

Meaning
an idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone
Example
The book gave me a good first impression.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛsər/

intercessor

Meaning
a person who intervenes or pleads on behalf of another
Example
He acted as an intercessor to resolve the conflict between the two families.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 noun /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/

intimation

Meaning
A subtle or indirect hint or suggestion.
Example
She gave no intimation of her plans.
B1 noun /ˈɪn.flu.əns/

Influence

Meaning
the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something
Example
The teacher's positive influence helped the student overcome his learning difficulties.
C1 verb /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt/

instigate

Meaning
To bring about or initiate an action, often something negative.
Example
He was accused of instigating the riot.
C2 verb /ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪteɪt/

incapacitate

Meaning
to deprive someone or something of the ability or strength to function
Example
The severe injury incapacitated the player for the rest of the season.
C2 adjective /ˌɪməˈmɔːriəl/

immemorial

Meaning
Extending back beyond memory or record; ancient.
Example
The tradition has been followed since time immemorial.
B2 adjective ˌɪn.təˈræk.tɪv

interactive

Meaning
Allowing a two-way flow of information between it and a user, responding to the user's input.
Example
Interactive learning keeps students engaged in lessons.
A2 pronoun /ɪtˈsɛlf/

itself

Meaning
Used to emphasize the thing just mentioned; by its own power or effort.
Example
The cat cleaned itself after eating.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhɛrənt/

inherent

Meaning
Existing in something as a natural, permanent, or essential quality.
Example
There are inherent risks in extreme sports.
B1 noun ˈɪmpækt

impact

Meaning
A strong effect or influence; the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
Example
The decision had great impact.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/

imprecation

Meaning
A spoken curse or expression of strong condemnation.
Example
The angry crowd hurled imprecations at the corrupt official.
B1 adjective /ɪˈliː.ɡəl/

illegal

Meaning
Not allowed by law; unlawful.
Example
It is illegal to drive without a valid license.
C2 verb ˈɪnʌndeɪt

inundate

Meaning
To flood; overwhelm someone or something with things or people to be dealt with
Example
The company was inundated with requests after the advertisement.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtɜːrpəˌleɪt/

interpolate

Meaning
To insert something, often words, into a text or conversation; to estimate values between known data points.
Example
The editor interpolated a missing paragraph into the manuscript.
A1 preposition /ɪn ˈfrʌnt əv/

in front of

Meaning
positioned before or ahead of something; facing or located at the forward side of a person or object
Example
She stood in front of the building.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrædɪkəbəl/

irradicable

Meaning
not able to be eradicated; impossible to destroy or remove completely
Example
The love of a mother for her child is irradicable.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɛɡneɪt/

impregnate

Meaning
To make pregnant; to fill or saturate with something.
Example
The scientist used a method to impregnate the material with resin.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈmɪʃən/

intermission

Meaning
A pause or break, especially during a performance or event.
Example
The play had a twenty-minute intermission.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtræn.sɪ.dʒəns/

intransigence

Meaning
Refusal to change one's views or to agree about something.
Example
The negotiations failed due to the intransigence of both parties.
B1 noun ɪmˈpruːv.mənts

improvements

Meaning
The action of making or becoming better; an instance of something becoming or being made better.
Example
Continuous improvements increase productivity.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæsɪv/

impassive

Meaning
Not showing or feeling emotion; expressionless.
Example
Despite the shocking news, she remained impassive.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɒdɪst/

immodest

Meaning
lacking humility or decency; excessively proud or improper
Example
His immodest remarks offended the audience.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnæprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

inapprehensible

Meaning
not understandable; incomprehensible
Example
The concept was so abstract that it seemed inapprehensible to most students.
A1 noun /ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

information

Meaning
Facts or knowledge provided or learned about something.
Example
The website provides useful information about travel destinations.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdaɪt/

indite

Meaning
To write or compose (literary or formal works).
Example
The poet indited a heartfelt sonnet.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈækjərət/

Inaccurate

Meaning
not correct; containing errors; wrong
Example
The weather forecast was inaccurate yesterday.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɪndʒ/

impinge

Meaning
to have an effect or impact on something; to encroach or infringe
Example
The noise from the construction site impinges on our daily activities.
B2 verb /ɪnˈkwaɪər/

inquire

Meaning
to ask; to investigate
Example
She inquired about the job opening.
C1 adjective, noun /ɪnˈdɪkətɪv/

indicative

Meaning
Serving as a sign or expression of something; in grammar, a mood used to make factual statements.
Example
His tone was indicative of his frustration.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɒksɪkənt/

intoxicant

Meaning
a substance, especially alcohol or a drug, that causes intoxication
Example
Alcohol is the most commonly used intoxicant in many cultures.
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 adjective /ɪnˈdʌldʒənt/

indulgent

Meaning
Having a tendency to be overly generous or lenient with someone.
Example
The indulgent mother allowed her child to stay up late.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈflæməbəl/

Inflammable

Meaning
easily set on fire; flammable; combustible
Example
The inflammable material caught fire quickly.
C1 noun ɪnˈflɛk.ʃən

inflection

Meaning
The change in pitch or tone of voice when speaking for emphasis.
Example
His inflection kept the audience engaged.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvɜːrt/

invert

Meaning
To turn something upside down or in the opposite position, order, or direction.
Example
He inverted the glass to let the water drain out.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɜːrviəs/

impervious

Meaning
Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by something.
Example
The jacket is impervious to rain.
B2 adjective ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪd

integrated

Meaning
Combining or coordinating separate elements so as to provide a harmonious, interrelated whole.
Example
Integrated systems optimize efficiency.
C1 adjective /ˌɪməˈtɪəriəl/

immaterial

Meaning
Not important or relevant; lacking physical substance.
Example
The judge ruled that the argument was immaterial to the case.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪtənsi/

irritancy

Meaning
the quality or state of causing irritation; legal or formal invalidation
Example
The constant noise became an irritancy to the neighbors.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɛstəsi/

intestacy

Meaning
The condition of dying without having made a valid will.
Example
His estate was divided according to the laws of intestacy.
B2 noun /ˌɪnəˈbɪləti/

inability

Meaning
the state of being unable to do something
Example
His inability to make decisions affected his career.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnsətɪv/

insensitive

Meaning
Showing or feeling no concern for others' feelings.
Example
His insensitive comment hurt her deeply.
B2 noun /ɪnˈveɪʒən/

invasion

Meaning
An instance of invading a country, region, or personal space with armed force or unwelcome presence.
Example
The army prepared for the possibility of an invasion.
B1 verb /aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/

identify

Meaning
to recognize; to establish who someone is
Example
Can you identify the suspect?
C2 noun /ˈænʒənuː/

ingenue

Meaning
an innocent, naïve young woman, especially as represented in literature or theater
Example
She played the role of the ingénue in the play with great charm.
A2 verb /ɪˈmædʒɪn/

imagine

Meaning
to form a mental image of; to believe something unreal to be true
Example
Can you imagine living in a different country?
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.lekt/

intellect

Meaning
The ability to think, reason, and understand objectively.
Example
Her intellect is admired by all her colleagues.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈstrʌktɪv/

instructive

Meaning
useful and informative; providing knowledge or instruction
Example
The lecture was highly instructive and engaging.
C1 adjective /ˈaɪərnˌklæd/

ironclad

Meaning
impossible to change, break, or dispute; very strong and firm
Example
The company had an ironclad contract with its suppliers.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈæk.tɪv/

Inactive

Meaning
not active; not working; dormant; idle
Example
The volcano has been inactive for over a century.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈprɒmp.tjuː/

impromptu

Meaning
Done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed; spontaneous.
Example
He gave an impromptu speech at the event.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnfəˈlɪsɪtəs/

infelicitous

Meaning
not suitable or well chosen; awkward or unfortunate
Example
His infelicitous remark ruined the atmosphere of the meeting.
B1 verb /ɪnˈstɔːl/

install

Meaning
To place or fix equipment or software so it is ready for use.
Example
He installed the new software on his computer.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɜːrsənl/

impersonal

Meaning
not influenced by, showing, or involving personal feelings; lacking human warmth or emotion
Example
The letter was written in a very impersonal style.
B2 verb /ɪnˈspekt/

inspect

Meaning
to examine something carefully to check for problems or faults
Example
The engineer will inspect the building for structural damage.
C1 noun /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsi/

insufficiency

Meaning
The state of not being enough or not being adequate.
Example
The project failed due to the insufficiency of funds.
C2 adverb /ˌɪnsəʊˈmʌtʃ/

insomuch

Meaning
to such an extent
Example
He was insomuch tired that he could hardly stand.
C1 noun ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbl ˈdæmɪdʒ

irreversible damage

Meaning
Harm or injury that cannot be undone or repaired.
Example
Climate change causes irreversible damage to ecosystems.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkəmˌpætəˈbɪlɪti/

incompatibility

Meaning
the state of being unable to exist or work together harmoniously; lack of compatibility
Example
The project failed because of incompatibility between the two software systems.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒnstənt/

inconstant

Meaning
frequently changing; not consistent or dependable
Example
His inconstant moods made it difficult to work with him.
C2 noun /ɪkˈsɔːr.ə/

Ixora

Meaning
a tropical flowering shrub with clusters of small bright red, orange, or yellow flowers
Example
The bright red ixora bushes lined the pathway to the tropical garden.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɛtərət/

inveterate

Meaning
having a long-established habit, activity, or interest that is unlikely to change
Example
He is an inveterate reader who spends hours in the library every day.
B2 verb ˈɪmplɪment

implement

Meaning
To put a decision or plan into effect; to execute or apply.
Example
Implementing educational policies is essential for progress.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdɪɡnənt/

indignant

Meaning
Feeling or showing anger at something considered unfair or unjust.
Example
She was indignant when accused of cheating.
C2 noun /ˈɪndɪkənt/

indicant

Meaning
Something that indicates or points to a fact or condition.
Example
High fever is often an indicant of infection.
B2 noun ˌɪn.fləˈmeɪ.ʃən

inflammation

Meaning
A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful.
Example
Chronic inflammation can lead to severe diseases.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpjuːnɪti/

impunity

Meaning
freedom from punishment or harmful consequences for an action
Example
The dictator ruled with impunity, ignoring international laws.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tʃu.əl/

ineffectual

Meaning
Not producing any or the desired effect; lacking the ability or qualities to achieve a purpose.
Example
The manager’s ineffectual leadership caused the team to lose motivation.
C1 noun /ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃən/

incarceration

Meaning
the state of being imprisoned or confined
Example
The criminal faced years of incarceration for his crimes.
C2 adverb /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ/

inasmuch

Meaning
To the extent that; considering that.
Example
Inasmuch as you are their teacher, you should guide them carefully.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈpoʊz/

interpose

Meaning
To place or insert between one thing and another; to intervene in a situation.
Example
He quickly interposed himself between the fighters to stop the quarrel.
C2 noun /ɪˌluːmɪˈnɑːti/

illuminati

Meaning
a group of people claiming to have special enlightenment or secret knowledge, often linked to conspiracies
Example
Many conspiracy theories involve the Illuminati as a secret world-controlling group.
C1 noun /ɪˈreləvəns/

irrelevance

Meaning
the quality of not being connected to or important for a particular matter; lack of significance
Example
His long explanation only highlighted the irrelevance of the details to the main issue.
C2 adjective /ˌɪn.trəˈsɛl.jʊ.lər/

intracellular

Meaning
Located or occurring within a cell.
Example
The drug works by targeting intracellular bacteria.
B2 adjective /ɪˈmɒrəl/

immoral

Meaning
Not conforming to accepted standards of morality; unethical or wicked.
Example
He was fired for his immoral behavior.
A2 noun /ˈɪn.sekt/

Insect

Meaning
a small invertebrate animal with six legs and usually one or two pairs of wings
Example
The butterfly is a beautiful insect that flies from flower to flower.
B2 verb /ɪtʃ/

itch

Meaning
to feel an urge to scratch; to have a restless desire
Example
My skin itches from the mosquito bites.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈɡreʃ.ən/

introgression

Meaning
The transfer of genetic information from one species to another through repeated backcrossing.
Example
Introgression plays a significant role in plant breeding.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈviːniənt/

Inconvenient

Meaning
causing trouble, difficulties, or discomfort; awkward; troublesome
Example
The broken elevator made it inconvenient to reach the top floor.
B2 noun /aɪˌdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

identification

Meaning
the process of recognizing or proving who or what someone or something is
Example
You need proper identification to enter the building.
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 adjective ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk

intrinsic

Meaning
Belonging naturally; essential. Existing as a natural or basic part of something.
Example
Creativity is an intrinsic quality of a great artist.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərəbl/

inconsiderable

Meaning
Too small or unimportant to be worth considering.
Example
The donation was not inconsiderable, though smaller than expected.
C2 noun /ˈɪd.i.ə.si/

Idiocy

Meaning
extremely stupid behavior or actions; foolishness
Example
The decision to ignore safety protocols was pure idiocy that endangered everyone.
B2 noun /ˌɪntəˈrʌpʃən/

interruption

Meaning
the act of stopping or breaking the continuity of something; a pause caused by an external action
Example
The meeting was delayed due to an unexpected interruption.
A2 adverb /ɪˈmiːdiətli/

immediately

Meaning
at once; without delay
Example
She responded immediately to the emergency call.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.səˌbɑːr/

isobar

Meaning
A line on a weather map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure.
Example
The meteorologist explained how isobars indicate wind speed and direction.
B2 verb /ˈɪr.ɪ.teɪt/

irritate

Meaning
To make someone annoyed or angry; to cause discomfort or inflammation.
Example
Rubbing your eyes can irritate them.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt/

inconsistent

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

iota

Meaning
An extremely small amount.
Example
He did not show an iota of fear.
B1 noun /ˈɪnkʌm/

income

Meaning
money received for work or through investments
Example
His monthly income is enough to support his family.
B1 noun ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns

intelligence

Meaning
The ability to learn, understand, and think in a logical way about things
Example
Intelligence is key in AI development.
B2 adverb /aɪˈrɒnɪkli/

ironically

Meaning
in a way that is contrary to what is expected or intended
Example
Ironically, the fire station burned down.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkrʌˈsteɪʃən/

incrustation

Meaning
a crust or hard coating formed on the surface of something
Example
The old pipes were blocked due to heavy incrustation of minerals.
B1 noun /ɪnˈtɛnʃən/

intention

Meaning
A plan, aim, or purpose behind an action.
Example
Her intention was to finish the project before the deadline.
B2 adjective /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/

Intimate

Meaning
close in friendship; private and personal; detailed knowledge
Example
They have an intimate friendship that has lasted for decades.
C1 verb /ɪnˈstɪl/

instill

Meaning
to gradually but firmly establish an idea, attitude, or habit in someone's mind
Example
Parents try to instill good values in their children.
C1 noun /ˈɪŋklɪŋ/

inkling

Meaning
A slight idea, hint, or suspicion about something.
Example
She had an inkling that he was planning a surprise.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

Illogical

Meaning
not reasonable or sensible; lacking logic
Example
It would be illogical to go swimming in such cold weather.
C2 adverb /ˈɪntʃmiːl/

inchmeal

Meaning
Gradually, little by little.
Example
The old castle fell inchmeal into ruin.
B1 verb /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/

interrupt

Meaning
to stop someone from speaking or doing something by suddenly saying or doing something
Example
She tried not to interrupt while he was speaking.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/

ingrained

Meaning
Firmly fixed or established; deeply rooted and difficult to change.
Example
His ingrained habits were hard to break.
B2 adjective /ˈɪmɪnənt/

imminent

Meaning
About to happen; likely to occur very soon.
Example
Dark clouds signaled that a storm was imminent.
C2 verb /ɪnˈveɪ/

inveigh

Meaning
To speak or write about something with great hostility and criticism.
Example
He inveighed against the corruption in government.
B1 noun /ɪˌmædʒ.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Imagination

Meaning
the faculty or action of forming new ideas or images not present to the senses; creative thinking
Example
Children's imagination allows them to turn a cardboard box into a spaceship or castle.
B2 noun /ˌɪn.dɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

Indication

Meaning
a sign or piece of information that indicates something; a suggestion or hint
Example
The dark clouds were a clear indication that a storm was approaching the area.
B2 noun /ˈɪdɪət/

idiot

Meaning
a person who acts in a way that is considered very stupid or foolish
Example
He acted like an idiot at the party last night.
C1 noun /ˌɪmpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

importation

Meaning
The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad
Example
The importation of luxury goods is strictly regulated.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrstɪs/

interstice

Meaning
a small space that lies between things
Example
Light filtered through the narrow interstices of the wall.
B1 noun /ˌɪntərˈækʃən/

interaction

Meaning
The process of people or things acting upon or influencing each other.
Example
The teacher encouraged more interaction between students.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpjʊər/

Impure

Meaning
contaminated; not clean; mixed with foreign substances
Example
The impure water caused health problems in the village.