inquisition
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C1 noun /ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən/

inquisition

Meaning
A prolonged and intense questioning or investigation, often harsh in nature.
Example
The journalist faced an inquisition from the panel about his sources.
C1 noun ɪnˈdʌldʒəns

indulgence

Meaning
The practice of allowing oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something.
Example
His indulgence in junk food affected his health.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈedəbəl/

Inedible

Meaning
not suitable or safe for eating; not edible
Example
The mushrooms were poisonous and completely inedible.
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 verb /ɪmˈbɛd/

imbed

Meaning
To fix firmly or deeply in a surrounding mass.
Example
The journalist imbedded himself with the troops to report firsthand.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəbl/

intelligible

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

Indigo-blue

Meaning
a deep blue color with a purplish tinge
Example
The indigo-blue sky looked magnificent at twilight.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/

imposing

Meaning
having an appearance that is grand, impressive, or commanding
Example
The castle is an imposing structure overlooking the valley.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜːməri/

infirmary

Meaning
A hospital or place where the sick or injured are cared for.
Example
The school had an infirmary for minor injuries.
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 verb /ɪnˈfleɪm/

inflame

Meaning
to arouse strong feelings or provoke anger; to cause inflammation in the body
Example
The politician's remarks served to inflame public opinion.
C1 noun /ˌɪməˈtjʊərəti/

immaturity

Meaning
the state of not being fully developed emotionally, mentally, or physically; lack of maturity
Example
His immaturity made it difficult for him to handle responsibility.
C1 adjective /aɪˈdɪlɪk/

idyllic

Meaning
Like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.
Example
They enjoyed an idyllic vacation by the sea.
C1 verb /ɪmˈplɔːr/

implore

Meaning
To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
Example
She implored him to stay with her.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈmiːdiˌɛri/

intermediary

Meaning
A person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement; a mediator.
Example
The diplomat served as an intermediary between the two conflicting nations.
C1 adverb, adjective /ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtoʊ/

incognito

Meaning
In disguise or with one's identity concealed.
Example
The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid the paparazzi.
C1 noun ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl səˈpɔːrt

indispensable support

Meaning
Essential assistance that cannot be done without; absolutely necessary help.
Example
Volunteers provide indispensable support to communities.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntəl/

incidental

Meaning
happening as a minor part or in connection with something else
Example
Incidental expenses like snacks and tips were included in the bill.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv

introspective

Meaning
Characterized by or given to introspection; examining one's own thoughts and feelings.
Example
Writers tend to be highly introspective individuals.
C1 adverb /ˌɪn.ədˈvɜːr.tənt.li/

Inadvertently

Meaning
without being aware of what you are doing; unintentionally; by mistake
Example
She inadvertently deleted the important file while cleaning her computer.
C1 noun /aɪl/

isle

Meaning
A small island or peninsula, often poetic or literary.
Example
They spent their honeymoon on a beautiful tropical isle.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɜːrt/

inert

Meaning
lacking the ability or strength to move or act; chemically inactive
Example
The patient remained inert on the bed.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈmɪʃən/

intermission

Meaning
A pause or break, especially during a performance or event.
Example
The play had a twenty-minute intermission.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnbɔːrn/

Inborn

Meaning
existing from birth; natural; inherent
Example
She has an inborn talent for music.
C1 verb /ɪnˈskraɪb/

inscribe

Meaning
to write or carve words or symbols on a surface
Example
They inscribed her name on the trophy.
C1 noun /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/

intimation

Meaning
A subtle or indirect hint or suggestion.
Example
She gave no intimation of her plans.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkɒmpɪtənt/

incompetent

Meaning
Lacking the necessary ability or skills to do something successfully.
Example
He was fired because he was incompetent at his job.
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.
C1 verb /ˈɪtəreɪt/

iterate

Meaning
To repeat a process or statement, often to improve or refine.
Example
The software team will iterate the design until it meets user needs.
C1 verb /ɪnˈterəˌɡeɪt/

interrogate

Meaning
to ask someone questions in a thorough and formal way; to question intensively
Example
The police interrogated the suspect for hours.
C1 verb /ˌɪn.tɚˈtwaɪn/

intertwine

Meaning
To connect or link closely; to twist together or combine closely.
Example
Their lives became intertwined through years of friendship.
C1 noun /aɪˈtɪnərɛri/

itinerary

Meaning
A planned route or schedule of a journey or trip.
Example
The travel agent gave us a detailed itinerary for our vacation.
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 /ˌɪnkɑːrˈneɪʃən/

incarnation

Meaning
the embodiment of a deity, spirit, or quality in a physical form
Example
The monk was considered the incarnation of compassion.
C1 noun /ˈɪtʃ.i.nəs/

itchiness

Meaning
The quality or condition of feeling an irritating sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch.
Example
Eye itchiness often leads to rubbing.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɒl.ər.ə.bəl/

Intolerable

Meaning
unable to be endured; extremely unpleasant or painful
Example
The noise from the construction site was intolerable.
C1 verb ɪmˈbjuː

Imbue

Meaning
Mixing some idea or feeling deeply into someone's mind
Example
The teacher tried to imbue students with a love for learning.
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 /ˌɪnkjʊˈbeɪʃən/

incubation

Meaning
the process of keeping eggs, cells, or organisms in the right conditions for development
Example
The incubation of the eggs lasted for three weeks.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsæn.ə.ti/

Insanity

Meaning
the state of being seriously mentally ill; extreme foolishness or irrationality
Example
The defense lawyer argued that his client was not guilty by reason of insanity.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒənt/

insurgent

Meaning
A person who rises in revolt against authority or government.
Example
The army arrested several insurgents after the attack.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/

Indecision

Meaning
the inability to make decisions quickly; uncertainty about what to do
Example
Her indecision about which job offer to accept caused her to miss both opportunities.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɑːrˈtɪkjʊlət/

inarticulate

Meaning
Unable to express oneself clearly or effectively in speech or writing.
Example
She became inarticulate with emotion during the speech.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/

inoffensive

Meaning
Not likely to offend or provoke; harmless.
Example
His inoffensive remarks kept the conversation friendly.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

invasive

Meaning
Tending to spread harmfully, intruding aggressively, or encroaching beyond proper boundaries.
Example
The doctor explained that the procedure was minimally invasive.
C1 adjective /ˈɪɡ.ni.əs/

igneous

Meaning
Formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Example
Granite is an igneous rock commonly used in construction.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkɜːr/

incur

Meaning
To bring upon oneself something undesirable, usually as a result of actions.
Example
He incurred a fine for parking in the wrong place.
C1 noun /ˈɪŋ.krə.mənt/

Increment

Meaning
an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; a regular increase in salary
Example
He received an annual increment of five percent in his salary this year.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfjuːʒən/

infusion

Meaning
the act of introducing something into another; a drink made by steeping leaves or herbs in liquid
Example
She prepared a calming infusion of chamomile tea.
C1 noun /ɪmˌpɜː.sənˈeɪ.ʃən/

impersonation

Meaning
The action of pretending to be another person for the purpose of entertainment or fraud.
Example
Online impersonation is a serious cybercrime.
C1 noun ˈɪm.pɪ.təs

impetus

Meaning
The force or motivation that drives something forward; momentum.
Example
The new policy provided an impetus for economic growth.
C1 noun /ˌɪnfɪˈdɛləti/

infidelity

Meaning
the act of being unfaithful to a spouse or partner
Example
Their marriage ended due to his infidelity.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfleɪtɪd/

inflated

Meaning
excessively increased in size, value, or importance; filled with air or gas
Example
The company faced criticism for its inflated prices.
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 noun /ɪmˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti/

impossibility

Meaning
the state or fact of being impossible; something that cannot be done or achieved
Example
Finishing the project in one day was an impossibility.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/

infringe

Meaning
To actively break the terms of a law, agreement, or right.
Example
Copying this software without permission will infringe copyright laws.
C1 adjective ɪnˈdel.ə.bəl

indelible

Meaning
Making marks that cannot be removed; impossible to forget or remove.
Example
Her speech left an indelible mark on the audience.
C1 adjective ɪˈneɪt

Innate

Meaning
Existing from birth or natural
Example
She has an innate talent for music.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

inconsequential

Meaning
Not important or significant; too small to matter.
Example
The mistake was minor and inconsequential.
C1 verb /ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/

illuminate

Meaning
To light up or make something clearer.
Example
Streetlights illuminate the road at night.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/

impulsive

Meaning
acting suddenly without careful thought
Example
She made an impulsive decision to buy the car.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnəns/

impertinence

Meaning
lack of respect; rudeness
Example
The teacher was shocked by the student's impertinence.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛn.ɪ.trə.bəl/

impenetrable

Meaning
Impossible to pass through or enter; impossible to understand.
Example
The dense forest was nearly impenetrable.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsaɪt/

incite

Meaning
to provoke; to stir up
Example
His speech incited the crowd to violence.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnsəbl/

insensible

Meaning
Unconscious; unaware of or indifferent to something.
Example
He was insensible to the cold as he lay in the snow.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɜːrsəneɪt/

impersonate

Meaning
to pretend to be another person in order to entertain or deceive
Example
He was arrested for trying to impersonate a police officer.
C1 noun /ˌɪnækˈtɪvɪti/

inactivity

Meaning
the state of not being active physically or mentally; lack of action
Example
Prolonged inactivity can negatively affect both physical and mental health.
C1 noun ˌɪntədɪˈpɛndənsi

interdependency

Meaning
The dependence of two or more people or things on each other.
Example
The interdependency of the countries led to greater cooperation.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmoʊbəl/

immobile

Meaning
unable to move or be moved
Example
After the accident, he was immobile for weeks.
C1 verb /ˈɪnkjʊˌbeɪt/

incubate

Meaning
to keep eggs, cells, or organisms at the right conditions for development
Example
The hen will incubate the eggs until they hatch.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛrɪl/

imperil

Meaning
To put in danger or at risk.
Example
Reckless driving can imperil the lives of others.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈprɒbəbl/

improbable

Meaning
Not likely to be true or to happen.
Example
It seems improbable that he will arrive on time.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌktɪv/

inductive

Meaning
characterized by the inference of general laws from particular instances; reasoning from specific cases to general principles
Example
The scientist used inductive reasoning to form a hypothesis.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈdɪs.ɪ.plɪ.nər.i

interdisciplinary

Meaning
Relating to more than one branch of knowledge.
Example
The interdisciplinary approach in education enhances problem-solving skills.
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.
C1 noun ɪˌræʃ.ənˈæl.ɪ.ti

irrationality

Meaning
The quality of being illogical or unreasonable; lack of rational thought.
Example
His decision was driven by complete irrationality.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnfəməs/

infamous

Meaning
well known for some bad quality or deed
Example
The dictator was infamous for his cruelty.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/

impeach

Meaning
To charge a public official with misconduct while in office.
Example
The parliament voted to impeach the president.
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 /ɪmˈprɒmp.tjuː/

impromptu

Meaning
Done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed; spontaneous.
Example
He gave an impromptu speech at the event.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsaɪtmənt/

incitement

Meaning
the action of provoking unlawful or violent behavior
Example
He was arrested for incitement to riot.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜːrnoʊ/

inferno

Meaning
a large, intense fire that is dangerously out of control
Example
The building turned into an inferno within minutes.
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.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɪdiəs/

insidious

Meaning
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects.
Example
The insidious spread of misinformation can damage trust.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈspek.ʃən/

introspection

Meaning
The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes; self-reflection.
Example
Through introspection, she gained insight into her emotions.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrksəm/

irksome

Meaning
annoying or irritating
Example
Waiting in a long line is one of the most irksome tasks.
C1 adjective ɪˈluː.sər.i

illusory

Meaning
Based on illusion; not real although seeming to be.
Example
His sense of security was entirely illusory.
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.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/

innocuous

Meaning
Not harmful or offensive.
Example
His remark was completely innocuous and not meant to offend anyone.
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.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfɜːm/

infirm

Meaning
Weak, especially due to old age or illness.
Example
The infirm old man needed assistance to walk.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

inexcusable

Meaning
Too bad to be justified or overlooked; unforgivable.
Example
His rude behavior was inexcusable.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdefɪnət/

Indefinite

Meaning
not clearly defined; uncertain; vague; unlimited in time
Example
The meeting has been postponed for an indefinite period.
C1 verb /ˌɪntərˈsɛpt/

intercept

Meaning
to stop, catch, or seize something on its way from one place to another
Example
The police intercepted the stolen car before it crossed the border.
C1 adjective ɪmˈpɛkəbl

impeccable

Meaning
In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
Example
His impeccable taste in fashion was admired by all his peers.
C1 adjective; noun /ɪˈmɔːrtl/

immortal

Meaning
living forever; never dying; lasting forever in fame or memory
Example
Legends often describe heroes as immortal beings who never die.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/

insurmountable

Meaning
Too great to be overcome.
Example
The explorers faced insurmountable odds in the desert.
C1 noun /ɪˈmiːdiəsi/

immediacy

Meaning
The quality of bringing one into direct and instant involvement with something, giving rise to a sense of urgency or excitement.
Example
The immediacy of digital communication has reshaped business operations.
C1 adverb /ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntəli/

incidentally

Meaning
by the way; used to introduce a remark not directly related to the main subject
Example
Incidentally, did you know that she studied in Paris?
C1 adjective /ɪnˈseɪʃəbl̩/

insatiable

Meaning
impossible to satisfy; always wanting more
Example
Her insatiable curiosity drove her to read every book in the library.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt/

indistinct

Meaning
Not clear or sharply defined; vague or blurred.
Example
The sound of voices was indistinct in the distance.
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 verb /ɪˈmɔːrtəlaɪz/

immortalize

Meaning
to preserve the memory of someone or something forever
Example
The statue was built to immortalize the hero’s sacrifice.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmeʒərəbəl/

Immeasurable

Meaning
too large or extensive to measure; boundless
Example
The immeasurable love of a mother knows no bounds.
C1 verb /aɪˈdiː.ə.laɪz/

idealize

Meaning
To regard or represent something as perfect or better than it really is.
Example
Children often idealize their parents.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdʌstriəsnəs/

industriousness

Meaning
The quality of being hardworking and diligent.
Example
His industriousness earned him a promotion at work.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈspjuːtəbəl/

Indisputable

Meaning
impossible to deny or argue against; undeniable; certain
Example
The evidence against him was indisputable.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbl̩/

indefensible

Meaning
not able to be protected or justified
Example
The minister’s remarks were considered indefensible by the public.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛər/

impair

Meaning
to weaken or damage something, especially a function or ability
Example
Smoking can impair your lung capacity.
C1 verb /ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt/

implicate

Meaning
To show someone’s involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence implicated several officials in the scandal.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɒlvənt/

insolvent

Meaning
unable to pay debts owed
Example
The insolvent firm could not meet its financial obligations.
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 verb /ɪmˈpɛl/

impel

Meaning
to drive, force, or urge someone to do something
Example
Her curiosity impelled her to open the mysterious box.
C1 verb /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənəlaɪz/

institutionalize

Meaning
to establish something as a formal institution, custom, or practice
Example
The government seeks to institutionalize environmental protection.
C1 noun /ˈɪnsɪdəns/

incidence

Meaning
the occurrence, rate, or frequency of something
Example
The incidence of road accidents has decreased this year.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/

Ineligible

Meaning
not qualified or entitled to participate or be chosen; unsuitable
Example
Students with poor grades are ineligible for the scholarship program.
C1 noun /ɪˈnɜː.ʃə/

Inertia

Meaning
a tendency to do nothing or remain unchanged; lack of activity or movement
Example
The team's inertia prevented them from adapting to the rapidly changing market conditions.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

incomprehensible

Meaning
Impossible or very difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was so fast it became incomprehensible.
C1 adjective ˌɪm.pəˈsɛp.tɪ.bəl

imperceptible

Meaning
So subtle or gradual that it is difficult to notice or perceive
Example
The changes in his behavior were imperceptible at first.