inspiration
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B1 noun ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən

inspiration

Meaning
The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Example
His journey to success became an inspiration for many.
A2 noun /prəˈdʌkʃən/

production

Meaning
the process of manufacturing or creating something
Example
The production of this film took over a year.
B2 adjective /ʌnprəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Unproductive

Meaning
not achieving much; not producing good results
Example
The meeting was unproductive and wasted everyone's time.
C1 adjective ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ

daunting

Meaning
Something that seems intimidating or challenging.
Example
The task seemed daunting, but she completed it successfully.
C1 verb /dɪˈɡreɪd/

degrade

Meaning
To lower in dignity, quality, or value; to treat with disrespect or to deteriorate.
Example
Harsh words can degrade a person's confidence.
B2 noun ˈæp.ə.taɪt

appetite

Meaning
A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.
Example
Junk food increases appetite unnaturally.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnˈnoʊ.tɪst/

Unnoticed

Meaning
not seen or observed; ignored
Example
His hard work went unnoticed by his manager.
B1 noun ˈkraɪsɪs

crisis

Meaning
A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
Example
The financial crisis affected global markets.
C1 adjective /suːˈpɜːr.flu.əs/

superfluous

Meaning
Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.
Example
His speech contained too many superfluous details.
C1 adjective /spɑːrs/

sparse

Meaning
thinly scattered or distributed; not dense or abundant
Example
Vegetation was sparse in the desert.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪlstrəm/

maelstrom

Meaning
A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a situation of confused movement and turmoil.
Example
The ship was caught in a maelstrom of waves and wind.
C2 noun /ˈhænd ˌrɪŋɪŋ/

hand-wringing

Meaning
excessive worry or concern expressed in a visible or dramatic way.
Example
There was much hand-wringing over the political crisis.
C1 adjective /ˈtɜːrnkiː/

turnkey

Meaning
ready for immediate use; a complete product or solution
Example
The company provides turnkey solutions for small businesses.
C2 noun /ˈlɪniəmənt/

lineament

Meaning
A distinctive feature or characteristic, especially of the face.
Example
Her delicate lineaments revealed her noble birth.
B1 verb /əˈsɛs/

assess

Meaning
to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something
Example
The teacher assessed the students' progress.
B1 noun /paɪp/

pipe

Meaning
a tube used for conveying liquids or gases
Example
The plumber fixed the broken pipe.
C1 noun /jiːld ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃən/

yield optimization

Meaning
The process of maximizing the productivity or efficiency of crop production through various agricultural techniques and practices.
Example
Yield optimization techniques can significantly improve crop production.
B2 noun /ˈbʊlɪt/

Bullet

Meaning
a metal projectile fired from a gun
Example
The bullet missed its target and hit the wall.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrkwɪzɪt raɪt/

perquisiteperquisiteright

Meaning
a legal right to certain benefits or privileges associated with a job or office
Example
The judge enjoyed certain perquisite rights attached to his position.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv brɑːntʃ/

olive-branch

Meaning
A symbol of peace or reconciliation; an offer to end conflict.
Example
He extended an olive-branch to his rival after years of hostility.
C2 adjective /ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

contumacious

Meaning
stubbornly disobedient or rebellious
Example
The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules.
A2 adjective /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/

amazing

Meaning
causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing
Example
The magician performed an amazing trick.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnsɛrəˈmoʊniəs/

unceremonious

Meaning
Done without formality or courtesy; abrupt or rude.
Example
He made an unceremonious exit from the party.
C1 noun /səˈvɪləti/

civility

Meaning
Polite and courteous behavior.
Example
He treated his opponent with civility despite their differences.
C2 verb /bɪˈsiːtʃ/

beseech

Meaning
To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; to beg.
Example
He beseeched the judge for mercy.
B1 noun ˈkɒn.fər.əns

conference

Meaning
A formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically one that takes place over several days.
Example
The climate conference emphasized renewable energy.
B1 verb /əˈkɜːr/

occur

Meaning
to happen or take place; to be found or present
Example
The accident occurred at the intersection during rush hour.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɪʃənt/

Deficient

Meaning
not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient; lacking or inadequate
Example
His diet was deficient in essential vitamins.
C1 noun ˈpær.ə.daɪm

paradigm

Meaning
A typical example or pattern of something; a model or framework for understanding or approaching something.
Example
The paradigm of education is changing with digital technology.
B2 verb /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
C2 noun /ˈmʌɡwʌmp/

mugwump

Meaning
a person who remains independent from party politics or remains aloof from disputes
Example
He was called a mugwump for refusing to join either political side.
C2 noun /dɪˈdʒɛkʃən/

dejection

Meaning
a state of sadness, depression, or low spirits
Example
She sat in a state of dejection after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /ˈɛdɪfɪs/

edifice

Meaning
A large, impressive building or structure.
Example
The museum is an impressive edifice in the city center.
B2 noun /ˈtɛmpoʊ/

tempo

Meaning
The speed or pace at which a piece of music or activity is performed.
Example
The band played the song at a faster tempo than usual.
A1 verb /fərˈɡet/

forget

Meaning
to be unable to remember something; to fail to bring something to mind
Example
Don't forget to lock the door when you leave.
B2 noun /ˈmɛr.meɪd/

Mermaid

Meaning
A mythical sea creature with the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish
Example
The little girl loved stories about mermaids living under the sea.
A2 noun /ˈʃaʊər/

shower

Meaning
a brief fall of rain or snow or a device for taking a bath or washing oneself
Example
After the workout, I took a quick shower to refresh myself.
B1 noun /dəˈrɛktər/ or /daɪˈrɛktər/

director

Meaning
a person who manages or oversees a company, department, or film
Example
The director gave final approval for the new movie script.
A2 verb /hɑːrm/

harm

Meaning
to cause damage, injury, or hurt to someone or something
Example
Smoking can harm your health.
B1 adverb /ˈrel.ə.tɪv.li/

Relatively

Meaning
in comparison to something else; quite; fairly
Example
The weather is relatively warm today.
B1 noun /ɪˈmoʊ.ʃən/

Emotion

Meaning
a strong feeling deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships
Example
Her face showed every emotion she was feeling inside.
C2 noun /ˈfrɛs.koʊ/

fresco

Meaning
A painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster so that the colors penetrate the surface
Example
The church walls were decorated with beautiful frescoes.
B1 noun /praɪˈɔːr.ə.ti/

Priority

Meaning
something that is more important than other things and needs attention first
Example
Health should be our top priority.
B2 noun θrets

threats

Meaning
A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action.
Example
Threats to food security are rising globally.
C2 noun /ˈlæɡ.ərd/

Laggard

Meaning
a person who makes slow progress and falls behind others; someone who is slow to act
Example
The laggard student finally submitted his assignment after the deadline.
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 noun /ˈdʒækˌfruːt/

Jackfruit

Meaning
a large tropical fruit with a spiky exterior and sweet flesh inside
Example
The jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world.
B1 noun /ˈbed ˌkʌv.ər/

Bed cover

Meaning
a protective covering for a bed, typically a bedspread or comforter
Example
She pulled the bed cover up to her chin to stay warm.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.kʌl.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

discoloration

Meaning
The process of changing or losing color; fading.
Example
Sun exposure causes discoloration of fabrics.
A1 noun /wiːk/

week

Meaning
a period of seven days
Example
I will finish the project by the end of the week.
C1 noun /ˈtɪt.bɪt/

Titbit

Meaning
a small piece of tasty food; a small interesting piece of information
Example
She served delicious titbits at the party.
C1 adjective prɪˈkeə.ri.əs

precarious

Meaning
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Example
His financial situation is precarious.
C1 adjective dɒɡˈmæt.ɪk

dogmatic

Meaning
Being inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true; characterized by arrogant assertion of unproven principles.
Example
His dogmatic approach to politics made discussions difficult.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪks/

metaphysics

Meaning
The branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter.
Example
She studied metaphysics to understand the principles of existence beyond physical science.
B2 verb kənˈdem

condemn

Meaning
To express complete disapproval of; to censure.
Example
The leaders condemned the actions as inhumane.
C2 noun /səbˈdʌk.ʃən/

subduction

Meaning
The lateral and downward movement of the edge of a plate of the earth's crust into the mantle beneath another plate.
Example
The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of intense subduction.
C1 verb /ˈæɡənaɪz/

agonize

Meaning
To suffer extreme physical or mental pain; to spend time worrying.
Example
She agonized for days over whether she had made the right decision.
C1 noun /ɡlɔːs/

Gloss

Meaning
a shiny or lustrous surface finish; a superficially attractive appearance; lip gloss
Example
She applied a clear gloss to her lips to give them a shiny, healthy appearance.
C1 verb /əbˈstrʌkt/

obstruct

Meaning
to block or hinder progress; to prevent or impede movement
Example
The fallen tree obstructed the road for several hours.
A2 noun /liːf/

Leaf

Meaning
a flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem
Example
The autumn leaves are falling from the tree.
C2 noun /roʊˈtʌn.də.ti/

rotundity

Meaning
the quality of being round or plump
Example
The rotundity of the balloon made it float gracefully.
B2 noun prəˈdʒɛk.ʃən

projection

Meaning
The strength and range of voice when speaking.
Example
Proper projection ensures that every listener hears clearly.
C2 verb /rɪˈspaɪər/

respire

Meaning
To breathe in and out; to inhale and exhale.
Example
Plants also respire to release energy.
A2 noun /ˈkɒmədi/

comedy

Meaning
A type of entertainment that is intended to make people laugh.
Example
We watched a hilarious comedy at the theater.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɪkeɪt/

imprecate

Meaning
To utter a curse or invoke evil upon someone.
Example
The old woman imprecated her enemies with dark words.
C1 adjective /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/

affirmative

Meaning
expressing agreement, approval, or a positive response
Example
She gave an affirmative answer to the proposal.
C1 verb ˈɛk.spɪ.daɪt

expedite

Meaning
Make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.
Example
The government took steps to expedite the approval process.
C1 noun /fɪˈnænʃɪər/

financier

Meaning
a person who manages large amounts of money or investments
Example
The financier advised the company on its investments.
B1 adverb /ˈɡreɪtli/

greatly

Meaning
to a large extent or degree; very much
Example
She was greatly admired by her students.
B2 noun /nɪˌɡoʊ.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

Negotiation

Meaning
discussion aimed at reaching an agreement; bargaining
Example
The negotiation between the two companies lasted for weeks.
C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts

phytonutrients

Meaning
Bioactive compounds found in plants that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Example
Green tea contains powerful phytonutrients.
C2 verb /kəˈlʌmnieɪt/

calumniate

Meaning
To make false and damaging statements about someone; to slander.
Example
He was furious when he realized they had calumniated his reputation.
B2 noun /ˈden.sə.ti/

Density

Meaning
the degree of compactness of a substance; the quantity of something per unit area
Example
The density of population in the city center is extremely high.
A1 noun /ˈpɜːrsən/

person

Meaning
an individual human being
Example
She is a kind person who always helps others.
C1 noun ˈæ.sɛt ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən

asset allocation

Meaning
An investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning a portfolio's assets according to an individual's goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Example
Proper asset allocation is key to financial growth.
C2 adjective /ˈkælkjʊləbl/

calculable

Meaning
Capable of being calculated, estimated, or measured.
Example
The risk involved in the project is calculable.
C2 noun /ˈhoʊʒəri/

hosiery

Meaning
Stockings, socks, and other knitted clothing for the legs and feet.
Example
She bought new hosiery for the winter season.
B1 noun ˈpeɪʃəns

patience

Meaning
The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious
Example
Patience is essential when chasing big goals.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

psychology

Meaning
the scientific study of the mind and behavior
Example
Psychology helps us understand how people think and act.
C2 verb /kənˈsɪlieɪt/

conciliate

Meaning
to stop someone from being angry; to win over by friendly acts
Example
He tried to conciliate the angry customer with an apology.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl/

unpredictable

Meaning
not able to be predicted; changing suddenly and unexpectedly
Example
The weather in this region is highly unpredictable.
C2 noun /bɛk/

beck

Meaning
a gesture of beckoning; a small stream or brook (chiefly Northern English)
Example
The servant came at his master's beck and call.
C2 adjective /ˈbɔːdi/

bawdy

Meaning
humorously indecent or obscene, often in a sexual way
Example
The comedian’s bawdy jokes made the audience laugh and blush.
C1 noun /ˈhæŋ.ər/

Hanger

Meaning
a shaped piece of wood, plastic, or metal with a hook at the top, used to hang up clothes
Example
She hung her dress on a wooden hanger to prevent it from getting wrinkled.
C2 noun /ˈfɜːrlɔːŋ/

furlong

Meaning
a unit of distance equal to 220 yards or about 201 meters
Example
The horse ran a furlong before slowing down.
B2 noun /ˈteɪkˌɔːf/

takeoff

Meaning
The moment an aircraft leaves the ground and begins to fly; also a sudden rise or start in activity or success.
Example
The plane's takeoff was delayed due to bad weather.
C1 verb /ˈpɛdəl/

peddle

Meaning
To sell goods, often by going from place to place; sometimes used negatively to mean promoting an idea or product in a pushy way.
Example
Street vendors peddle handmade jewelry to tourists.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːri/

hoary

Meaning
gray or white with age; very old and respected
Example
The hoary oak tree stood as a witness to centuries of history.
C1 noun /ˈɒntreɪ/ (UK), /ˈɑːntreɪ/ (US)

entree

Meaning
The main course of a meal (US); the right to enter or access (formal).
Example
The restaurant’s signature steak was served as the main entree.
C2 noun /ˈkær.ə.weɪ siːdz/

Caraway seeds

Meaning
aromatic seeds of the caraway plant used as a spice in cooking and baking
Example
The bread was flavored with caraway seeds.
C1 noun /ˈsɪtəˌdɛl/

citadel

Meaning
A fortress protecting or dominating a city.
Example
The ancient citadel stood guard over the town for centuries.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmjʊnɪst/

communist

Meaning
a person who supports or believes in the principles of communism
Example
The communist ideology aims for a classless society.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈspɛktɪv/

Irrespective

Meaning
without taking something into account; regardless of
Example
All students will be treated equally, irrespective of their background.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛr.aɪl/

sterile

Meaning
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; incapable of producing offspring.
Example
The surgeon worked in a sterile environment to avoid infection.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnˈɪntrəstɪŋ/

uninteresting

Meaning
not holding attention or curiosity; boring
Example
The lecture was uninteresting and difficult to stay focused on.
C1 noun /ˌpærəfəˈneɪliə/

paraphernalia

Meaning
Miscellaneous articles, especially equipment needed for a particular activity.
Example
The fisherman carried all his fishing paraphernalia in a large box.
B2 adjective məˈriːn

marine

Meaning
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the sea; living or growing in the sea.
Example
Marine ecosystems are highly sensitive to human activity.
C2 verb /trəˈdjuːs/

traduce

Meaning
To speak badly of someone or tell lies to damage their reputation.
Example
He was furious when he found out that his rivals had traduced him.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpjuːt/

impute

Meaning
to attribute a fault or responsibility to someone
Example
They imputed the company's success to good leadership.
C2 adjective /ɒˈstɛnsɪv/

ostensive

Meaning
clearly demonstrative or pointing out; explicitly shown
Example
The teacher gave an ostensive example to clarify the concept.
B1 noun ˈklaɪ.mət tʃeɪndʒ

climate change

Meaning
A change in global or regional climate patterns, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
Example
Climate change is causing more natural disasters.
C1 noun /əˈlʌmnəs/

alumnus

Meaning
a former student or graduate of a school, college, or university
Example
He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
B1 adjective /spəˈsɪfɪk/

specific

Meaning
Clearly defined or identified; particular; exact.
Example
Make a specific plan to beat procrastination.
A2 noun /paɪ/

Pie

Meaning
a baked dish of fruit, meat, or vegetables, typically with a top and base of pastry
Example
My grandmother makes the best apple pie in town.
B2 adjective /əˈvɔɪdəbl/

avoidable

Meaning
able to be prevented or avoided
Example
Most of the damage was avoidable with proper planning.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlf ɪnˈdʌldʒəns/

self-indulgence

Meaning
The act of allowing oneself to enjoy pleasures or desires excessively.
Example
His weekend of self-indulgence included eating sweets and watching movies nonstop.
C1 verb /ˈlɪbəreɪt/

liberate

Meaning
to set free from imprisonment, oppression, or restraint
Example
The army liberated the city from enemy control.
C2 noun /ˈveɪɡəri/

vagary

Meaning
An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or someone's behavior.
Example
The vagaries of the weather made planning difficult.
B2 noun ˈɡrætɪtjuːd

gratitude

Meaning
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation.
Example
Gratitude towards the martyrs is a moral duty.
C1 noun /ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/

figurehead

Meaning
a nominal leader with no real power; a symbolic head
Example
The king was merely a figurehead with no real authority.
A1 noun /piːs/

piece

Meaning
a portion or part of something
Example
He gave me a piece of cake.
A1 adjective/adverb /ˈoʊnli/

only

Meaning
without others; solely
Example
He is the only person who knows the secret.
C2 verb /ˈfæmɪʃ/

famish

Meaning
to suffer or cause to suffer from extreme hunger
Example
The stranded hikers began to famish after several days without food.
B2 noun /ˈɪntərvəl/

interval

Meaning
a period of time between two events or points; a pause or break in activity
Example
There was a short interval between the two performances.
B1 noun /əˈpɒlədʒi/

apology

Meaning
a statement expressing regret for something wrong or hurtful
Example
He offered an apology for being late to the meeting.
A2 noun /kənˈtrəʊl/

control

Meaning
The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
Example
Proper control measures are necessary.
C2 verb /ˈsɪmpər/

simper

Meaning
to smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affected way
Example
She simpered at his compliment, clearly embarrassed.
B2 noun /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

Liberty

Meaning
the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views
Example
The Statue of Liberty represents freedom and democracy.
A2 verb /pɒp/

pop

Meaning
to make a short, sharp sound, or to burst or break with such a sound
Example
The balloon popped when I accidentally pricked it with a pin.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈfæt.ɪk/

Emphatic

Meaning
forceful; strong; showing emphasis; expressed with force and conviction
Example
She gave an emphatic 'no' to the proposal.
C1 noun /mæɡˈnɪfɪsəns/

magnificence

Meaning
splendor, grandeur, or impressive beauty
Example
The magnificence of the palace left everyone speechless.