initiative
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B1 noun ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

initiative

Meaning
An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.
Example
NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon is ambitious.
C1 noun /aɪl/

isle

Meaning
A small island or peninsula, often poetic or literary.
Example
They spent their honeymoon on a beautiful tropical isle.
B1 abbreviation /ˌaɪˈiː/

ie

Meaning
That is to say; used to clarify or explain something more precisely.
Example
Many amphibians, i.e., frogs and salamanders, can live both in water and on land.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈfætɪɡəbl̩/

indefatigable

Meaning
persisting tirelessly; incapable of being fatigued
Example
Her indefatigable spirit kept the team motivated during the long project.
C2 conjunction /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ æz/

inasmuch-as

Meaning
Because; since.
Example
He cannot attend, inasmuch as he is unwell.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnænɪmət/

inanimate

Meaning
not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans; lifeless
Example
The museum was full of inanimate objects from ancient times.
B2 verb /ɪnˈheɪl/

inhale

Meaning
to breathe in; to draw air into the lungs
Example
Take a deep breath and inhale slowly.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntərˈlɒkjətəri/

interlocutory

Meaning
Given during the course of a legal action, not final but temporary or provisional.
Example
The judge issued an interlocutory order to maintain the status quo until the hearing.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpæsɪbəl/

impassible

Meaning
Incapable of suffering or feeling pain (used mainly in theological or philosophical contexts).
Example
Some philosophers argue that God is impassible and cannot experience human emotions.
B2 verb /ɪnˈfɛkt/

infect

Meaning
To contaminate with a disease-causing organism.
Example
The virus can infect healthy people quickly.
A2 verb /ˌɪntrəˈduːs/

introduce

Meaning
to present someone; to bring in for the first time
Example
Let me introduce you to my friend.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnsəˈprɛsəbl/

insuppressible

Meaning
That cannot be suppressed or restrained.
Example
She had an insuppressible urge to laugh during the ceremony.
C2 noun /ɪnˈɛrənsi/

inerrancy

Meaning
the belief or quality of being free from error; absolute correctness
Example
Some religious groups strongly affirm the inerrancy of their sacred texts.
A2 noun/verb /ˈɪntrəst/ or /ˈɪntəˌrɛst/

interest

Meaning
A feeling of curiosity or concern about something; or money paid for the use of borrowed money.
Example
He showed great interest in learning new languages.
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.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/

invective

Meaning
Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.
Example
The politician’s speech was filled with invective against his opponents.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛndiˌɛri/

incendiary

Meaning
designed to cause fires or stir up conflict
Example
The politician’s incendiary remarks angered the crowd.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈprɒbəbl/

improbable

Meaning
Not likely to be true or to happen.
Example
It seems improbable that he will arrive on time.
C2 noun /ɪˈnɪkwɪti/

iniquity

Meaning
Immoral or grossly unfair behavior.
Example
The dictator's regime was marked by corruption and iniquity.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈperɪʃəbəl/

Imperishable

Meaning
not subject to decay; lasting forever; eternal
Example
The imperishable beauty of classical art continues to inspire generations.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnseɪt/

insensate

Meaning
lacking physical sensation or empathy; without feeling or sensitivity
Example
The dictator's insensate cruelty shocked the world.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪf.ər.əns/

Indifference

Meaning
lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; the state of not caring about something
Example
His indifference to his studies resulted in poor grades throughout the semester.
C2 verb /ɜːrk/

irk

Meaning
to annoy or irritate someone
Example
It irks me when people are late without calling.
C1 verb /ɪmˈploʊd/

implode

Meaning
To collapse or burst inward violently.
Example
The old building imploded during the demolition.
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.
B1 verb /ˈɪndʒər/

injure

Meaning
to cause physical harm or damage to someone or something
Example
He injured his leg while playing football.
C2 adverb /ˈɪntʃmiːl/

inchmeal

Meaning
Gradually, little by little.
Example
The old castle fell inchmeal into ruin.
C1 adjective /ˌaɪdiəˈlɪstɪk/

Idealistic

Meaning
pursuing high principles or ideals; unrealistically optimistic
Example
She has an idealistic view of changing the world.
B2 verb /ˈɪmɪɡreɪt/

immigrate

Meaning
to come to live permanently in a foreign country
Example
He immigrated to Canada five years ago.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɜːrmənəbl/

interminable

Meaning
Seemingly endless; having no apparent end.
Example
The meeting felt interminable and exhausting.
C1 noun /ɪˈmɜː.ʃən/

immersion

Meaning
Complete engagement in an environment or experience.
Example
Immersion in VR games makes users feel like they are inside the virtual world.
C1 adjective ˈɪn.lənd

Inland

Meaning
Situated in the interior of a country; away from the coast.
Example
Inland transport boosts local trade.
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.
B2 noun /ɪnˈdʌstriəl ˌrɛvəˈluːʃən/

Industrial Revolution

Meaning
The rapid development of industry that occurred in Britain in the late 18th and 19th centuries, brought about by the introduction of machinery and characterized by the use of steam power and the growth of factories.
Example
The Industrial Revolution marked a shift in production processes.
C2 adverb /ˌɪnsəʊˈmʌtʃ/

insomuch

Meaning
to such an extent
Example
He was insomuch tired that he could hardly stand.
B2 verb /ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/

incorporate

Meaning
to include something as part of a whole; to form a corporation
Example
The new design incorporates advanced technology.
B2 noun /ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/

instability

Meaning
lack of stability or balance; tendency to change, fail, or collapse easily
Example
Political instability has slowed economic growth in the region.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.səˌbɔːr.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

insubordination

Meaning
Defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders.
Example
The soldier was punished for insubordination during the mission.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/

innocuous

Meaning
Not harmful or offensive.
Example
His remark was completely innocuous and not meant to offend anyone.
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.
B2 verb /ɪnˈtriːɡ/

intrigue

Meaning
to arouse curiosity or interest; to make someone fascinated
Example
The mystery novel will intrigue any reader.
C1 verb /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

inhibit

Meaning
to prevent or restrain someone or something from acting freely; to hinder
Example
Fear can inhibit personal growth.
B1 verb /ˌɪntərˈækt/

interact

Meaning
to communicate or work together with someone or something
Example
Students interact with teachers during class discussions.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdɛsənt/

iridescent

Meaning
showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles
Example
She wore an iridescent dress that sparkled in the light.
A2 adjective /ɪl/

Ill

Meaning
sick; unwell; in poor health
Example
He felt ill and decided to stay home from work.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.təˈvɛn.ʃə.nɪ.zəm/

interventionism

Meaning
Government policy of active involvement in economic affairs.
Example
The central bank's interventionism helped stabilize inflation.
B2 adjective /ɪˈreɡjələr/

irregular

Meaning
not even or consistent in shape, pattern, time, or behavior; not following normal rules
Example
His attendance at work has been irregular this month.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtækt/

intact

Meaning
Remaining whole, complete, and undamaged.
Example
Despite the storm, the old house remained intact.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/

intensive

Meaning
Involving a lot of effort, energy, or concentration in a short period of time.
Example
She attended an intensive English course before moving abroad.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʒʊəriəs/

injurious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause harm or damage.
Example
Smoking is injurious to health.
C1 noun ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl̩ ˈkɒmpɪtənsi

indispensable competency

Meaning
Essential skill or ability that cannot be done without; a crucial capability that is absolutely necessary.
Example
Digital literacy is an indispensable competency in the 21st century.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnkəmˈpliːt/

incomplete

Meaning
Not finished, lacking some parts or not whole.
Example
Her report was incomplete and needed further details.
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.
C1 noun /ˌɪmɔːrˈtæləti/

immortality

Meaning
the state of living forever; eternal life or lasting fame beyond death
Example
Many ancient cultures believed that heroes could achieve immortality through great deeds.
C2 noun /ˈɪnroʊd/

inroad

Meaning
An advance or significant progress, often at the expense of something else.
Example
The company made significant inroads into the mobile market.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.kɒn/

ikon

Meaning
A religious image or symbol, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Example
The church displayed a beautifully painted ikon of the Virgin Mary.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl/

indispensable

Meaning
Absolutely necessary, essential
Example
Water is indispensable for human survival.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt/

inconsistent

Meaning
Not staying the same throughout; lacking harmony or regularity.
Example
His answers were inconsistent and confusing.
C1 noun/verb /ˈɪmprɪnt/

imprint

Meaning
A mark or impression made by pressure; to establish or fix firmly in someone's mind.
Example
The event left an indelible imprint on the city's history.
C2 noun /ˌɪmpjuˈteɪʃən/

imputation

Meaning
an accusation or attribution of blame
Example
The politician denied the imputation of corruption.
B2 adjective /ˈɪnˌsaɪtfəl/

insightful

Meaning
Showing deep understanding or perceptiveness.
Example
The professor gave an insightful lecture on global economics.
B2 adverb /ɪmˈpɔːtəntli/

importantly

Meaning
in a way that is of great significance or value
Example
Importantly, the report highlights the need for immediate action.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnsələnt/

insolent

Meaning
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
Example
The insolent student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
B2 noun /ˈɪnˌsaɪt/

insight

Meaning
The ability to understand the true nature of something; deep understanding.
Example
Her insight into human behavior made her a successful psychologist.
C1 verb ɪˈnɔː.ɡjə.reɪ.tɪd

inaugurated

Meaning
Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) formally.
Example
The organization was inaugurated officially.
C2 noun /ɪmˌpɜːrtərbəˈbɪləti/

imperturbability

Meaning
The quality of being calm and not easily disturbed or upset.
Example
Her imperturbability during the crisis impressed everyone.
B2 verb /ɪnˈtɜːrprət/

interpret

Meaning
to explain the meaning of something; to translate orally
Example
She had to interpret the speech for the foreign guests.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfleɪt/

inflate

Meaning
to fill with air or gas so it expands; to increase excessively or artificially
Example
The mechanic inflated the tire to the correct pressure.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənsi/

inconsistency

Meaning
The quality of being contradictory, irregular, or not staying the same.
Example
There is an inconsistency between his words and actions.
C1 noun /ɪnˌtɪmɪˈdeɪʃən/

intimidation

Meaning
The action of frightening or threatening someone to make them do something.
Example
The workers reported cases of intimidation by the management.
C1 verb /ɪnˈklaɪn/

incline

Meaning
to feel willing or favorably disposed toward something; to bend or tilt
Example
She is inclined to agree with the proposal.
C1 adjective ɪnˈsaɪ.sɪv

incisive

Meaning
Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important.
Example
His incisive comments revealed the core issues.
B2 noun ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti

inequality

Meaning
Difference in size, degree, circumstances, etc.; lack of equality.
Example
The theme of inequality is prominent throughout the story.
B1 adverb /ɪnˈkrɛdɪbli/

incredibly

Meaning
to a great degree; extremely or unbelievably
Example
The view from the top of the mountain was incredibly beautiful.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmækjələt/

immaculate

Meaning
perfectly clean, neat, or free from flaws
Example
Her room was immaculate, with everything in its place.
C2 adjective /ˈɪkθiɪk/

ichthyic

Meaning
Relating to or resembling fish.
Example
The artist's painting had an ichthyic quality.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkɒnstənsi/

inconstancy

Meaning
The quality of changing frequently or being unreliable.
Example
The inconstancy of the weather makes planning difficult.
B1 noun /ɪnˈʃʊərəns/

insurance

Meaning
An arrangement by which a company provides compensation for loss, damage, or illness in return for a premium.
Example
He bought health insurance to cover medical expenses.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɛvərənt/

irreverent

Meaning
showing a lack of respect for people or things that are usually respected
Example
The comedian’s irreverent jokes offended some of the audience.
B2 verb /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/

indulge

Meaning
to allow oneself to enjoy something enjoyable, often excessively
Example
He indulged in a piece of chocolate cake after dinner.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səˈbɔːr.dɪ.nət/

insubordinate

Meaning
Defiant of authority; disobedient to orders.
Example
The insubordinate employee refused to follow the manager's instructions.
C2 verb ɪmˈbaɪb

imbibe

Meaning
Absorb or assimilate ideas or knowledge. To drink or take in.
Example
He tried to imbibe the wisdom from his mentor.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪɡənt/

irrigant

Meaning
A liquid used for irrigation, especially in medical or agricultural contexts.
Example
The doctor used a sterile irrigant during the procedure.
C2 noun /aɪˈkɒnəklæst/

iconoclast

Meaning
A person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, traditions, or institutions.
Example
He was known as an iconoclast who challenged old traditions.
C2 adjective /ˈɪndələnt/

indolent

Meaning
Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.
Example
The indolent cat slept in the sun all afternoon.
B1 noun aɪˈdɛntɪti

identity

Meaning
The fact of being who or what a person or thing is; the characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is.
Example
The day reinforces our national identity.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈfɔːrmətɪv/

Informative

Meaning
giving or providing useful information; educational; instructive
Example
The documentary was very informative and educational.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈskriːt/

indiscreet

Meaning
Not careful in what one says or does, likely to reveal secrets or offend.
Example
It was indiscreet of him to mention the plan in public.
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.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpʌlʃən/

impulsion

Meaning
a strong urge or drive to act; the act of impelling
Example
His impulsion to travel made him leave his job suddenly.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɛksərəbl/

inexorable

Meaning
Impossible to stop or prevent; relentless.
Example
The inexorable rise of technology is changing every aspect of life.
C1 verb /ɪnˈskraɪb/

inscribe

Meaning
to write or carve words or symbols on a surface
Example
They inscribed her name on the trophy.
B2 verb /ˈɪnəveɪt/

innovate

Meaning
To introduce new methods, ideas, or products.
Example
The company must innovate to stay ahead of its competitors.
B1 verb /ɪnˈkriːst/

increased

Meaning
became greater in size, amount, or degree
Example
The company's revenue increased last year.
B2 verb /ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/

isolate

Meaning
To separate something or someone from others.
Example
Doctors tried to isolate the patient to prevent the spread of infection.
C2 noun /ɪmˈbroʊlioʊ/

imbroglio

Meaning
An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.
Example
The political imbroglio lasted for months without resolution.
B2 verb aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪd

identified

Meaning
To recognize or establish who or what someone or something is.
Example
The root causes of the issue need to be identified.
B2 noun /ˈaɪrəni/

irony

Meaning
a situation that is strange or amusing because it is the opposite of what is expected; the use of words to convey the opposite meaning
Example
The irony of the situation was that the winner forgot his own prize.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpjuːnɪti/

impunity

Meaning
freedom from punishment or harmful consequences for an action
Example
The dictator ruled with impunity, ignoring international laws.
C1 noun ɪmˈpɛə(r)mənt

impairment

Meaning
The state of being damaged or weakened; a disability or handicap.
Example
Hearing impairment can be caused by long-term exposure to loud noise.
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 noun /ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt/

impediments

Meaning
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; things that prevent progress or achievement.
Example
Economic impediments often hinder social development.
C2 adjective /ˈɪmənənt/

immanent

Meaning
existing or operating within; inherent
Example
He believed that moral values are immanent in human nature.
C2 adverb /ˈaɪsɪli/

icily

Meaning
In a very cold, unfriendly, or hostile manner.
Example
She replied icily to his question.
C1 noun ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl səˈpɔːrt

indispensable support

Meaning
Essential assistance that cannot be done without; absolutely necessary help.
Example
Volunteers provide indispensable support to communities.
C2 noun /ɪnˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd/

ingratitude

Meaning
Lack of gratitude; failure to show thanks or appreciation.
Example
His ingratitude hurt her feelings after all she had done for him.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈdʒɛnjuəs/

ingenuous

Meaning
Innocent, naive, and unsuspecting; showing childlike simplicity and sincerity.
Example
Her ingenuous smile revealed her genuine kindness.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərət/

inconsiderate

Meaning
Thoughtless; showing a lack of concern for others.
Example
It was inconsiderate of him to play loud music late at night.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnfəˈlɪsɪtəs/

infelicitous

Meaning
not suitable or well chosen; awkward or unfortunate
Example
His infelicitous remark ruined the atmosphere of the meeting.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈfɪə.ri.ər/

inferior

Meaning
Of lower quality, rank, or status.
Example
This material is inferior to the one we used before.
C2 adjective /ˌɪməˈmɔːriəl/

immemorial

Meaning
Extending back beyond memory or record; ancient.
Example
The tradition has been followed since time immemorial.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbɛd/

imbed

Meaning
To fix firmly or deeply in a surrounding mass.
Example
The journalist imbedded himself with the troops to report firsthand.
B2 noun /ɪnˈspɛktər/

inspector

Meaning
An official employed to ensure regulations are obeyed or standards are met.
Example
The inspector carefully checked the restaurant's kitchen for hygiene standards.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɪnsəbl/

invincible

Meaning
too powerful to be defeated or overcome
Example
The team seemed invincible after winning ten matches in a row.
C1 noun ˌɪnˈsaɪtfʊlnɪs

insightfulness

Meaning
The capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing.
Example
His insightfulness helped solve the complex problem.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈsiːd/

intercede

Meaning
to act or plead on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble; to intervene between parties to help resolve a dispute
Example
She interceded with the teacher to give her brother another chance.
B2 noun ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər

infrastructure

Meaning
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example
Digital infrastructure is vital for future advancements.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdjuːsəbl/

irreducible

Meaning
impossible to reduce or simplify further
Example
The fraction 3/7 is irreducible.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəbl/

intelligible

Meaning
Able to be understood; clear enough to be comprehended.
Example
Her speech was barely intelligible over the noise.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɪkeɪt/

imprecate

Meaning
To utter a curse or invoke evil upon someone.
Example
The old woman imprecated her enemies with dark words.