intonation
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C1 noun ˌɪn.toʊˈneɪ.ʃən

intonation

Meaning
The rise and fall of tone in speech and pronunciation.
Example
Proper intonation enhances the clarity of a speech.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/

incompetence

Meaning
Lack of ability, skill, or effectiveness in doing something.
Example
The project failed due to the manager’s incompetence.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈɪrɪteɪtɪd/

irritated

Meaning
feeling annoyed or impatient; having inflamed or sore physical condition
Example
She felt irritated by the constant noise outside her window.
B1 adjective ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dənt

independent

Meaning
Not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence; free from outside control; not subject to another's authority.
Example
An independent institution ensures transparency in governance.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛn.ɪ.trə.bəl/

impenetrable

Meaning
Impossible to pass through or enter; impossible to understand.
Example
The dense forest was nearly impenetrable.
C2 noun /ˌɪkθiˈɒlədʒɪst/

ichthyologist

Meaning
A scientist who studies fish.
Example
The ichthyologist discovered a new species of fish in the river.
C1 adjective /aɪˈdɪlɪk/

idyllic

Meaning
Like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.
Example
They enjoyed an idyllic vacation by the sea.
C2 adjective /ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒənt/

indigent

Meaning
lacking the necessities of life due to poverty; very poor
Example
The hospital offers free care to indigent patients.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdjuːsəbl/

irreducible

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

intrepid

Meaning
fearless and adventurous, often used humorously
Example
The intrepid traveler explored the jungle alone.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈmiːdiəbl̩/

irremediable

Meaning
Impossible to cure, repair, or remedy.
Example
The damage to the ancient manuscript was irremediable.
B1 adverb /ɪˈnɪʃəli/

initially

Meaning
At the beginning; at first.
Example
Initially, he refused the offer but later accepted it.
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 noun /ɪˌreɡjəˈlærɪti/

irregularity

Meaning
lack of regularity or consistency; a deviation from what is normal, expected, or orderly
Example
The audit revealed several financial irregularities in the company’s records.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒnstənt/

inconstant

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

indentation

Meaning
A space left at the beginning of a line of text; a notch or deep recess on a surface.
Example
The teacher asked the students to use proper indentation in their essays.
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 noun /ˈɪnkwest/

inquest

Meaning
A legal or official inquiry, especially into the cause of a death.
Example
The inquest revealed the cause of the accident.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈplækəbl/

implacable

Meaning
unable to be appeased, calmed, or pacified
Example
The soldiers faced an implacable enemy who refused to surrender.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈfekʃəs/

infectious

Meaning
capable of causing infection or disease; spreading easily from one person to another; able to spread feelings or attitudes such as enthusiasm
Example
Her infectious laughter made everyone in the room smile.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdefɪnət/

Indefinite

Meaning
not clearly defined; uncertain; vague; unlimited in time
Example
The meeting has been postponed for an indefinite period.
B1 verb ɪnˈvɛst

invest

Meaning
To put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage.
Example
Investing in intellectual property can generate passive income.
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.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpjʊərəti/

impurity

Meaning
the state of being unclean or contaminated; a substance that makes something impure
Example
The scientist removed every impurity from the water sample.
B2 noun /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/

instinct

Meaning
A natural way of behaving or reacting that does not require learning.
Example
Birds build nests by instinct.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɔːˈspɪʃəs/

Inauspicious

Meaning
unlucky; showing signs that future success is unlikely; unfavorable
Example
The dark clouds seemed inauspicious for the wedding.
A2 noun /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/

invitation

Meaning
a written or spoken request to attend an event or to participate in something
Example
She sent me an invitation to her wedding.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪbərəl/

illiberal

Meaning
Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
Example
The government was criticized for its illiberal policies.
B2 adjective /ˌɪn.trəˈdʌk.tər.i/

introductory

Meaning
Serving as an introduction; preliminary or preparatory.
Example
The professor gave an introductory lecture on economics.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnækˈsɛsəbl/

inaccessible

Meaning
unable to be reached, entered, or understood
Example
The remote village is almost inaccessible during the rainy season.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnərmoʊst/

Innermost

Meaning
most private and secret; deepest; most personal
Example
She shared her innermost feelings with her closest friend.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/

ingratiating

Meaning
Charming or flattering in a way intended to gain favor.
Example
His ingratiating smile made everyone trust him quickly.
C1 noun /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/

intimation

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

immovable

Meaning
Not able to be moved; fixed in position.
Example
Immovable barriers prevent change.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈvɜːr.ʒən/

introversion

Meaning
The tendency to be inward-looking and shy, preferring solitary activities.
Example
Her introversion made it difficult for her to enjoy large parties.
B1 adjective /ɪnˈfɔːrməl/

Informal

Meaning
relaxed and friendly; not official or ceremonial; casual
Example
The meeting was informal and relaxed.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdʒɛst/

ingest

Meaning
To take food, drink, or another substance into the body, usually by swallowing.
Example
The patient must ingest the medicine with water.
C2 noun /ɪmp/

imp

Meaning
a small mischievous devil or sprite; a playful troublemaker
Example
The child was acting like a little imp, hiding his toys everywhere.
B2 adjective aɪˈkɒnɪk

iconic

Meaning
Very famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time.
Example
The line "It was the best of times..." is iconic.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪˈsɛnʃəl/

inessential

Meaning
not necessary or important; not essential
Example
The report removes all inessential details to stay focused.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪsəʊˈθɜːrməl/

isothermal

Meaning
Having or maintaining equal or constant temperature.
Example
The experiment was conducted under isothermal conditions.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvæljʊəbl/

invaluable

Meaning
Extremely useful or indispensable.
Example
Her advice proved invaluable to my success.
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.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛsteɪt/

intestate

Meaning
Having died without leaving a valid will.
Example
She died intestate, so her assets were distributed by law.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛndiˌɛri/

incendiary

Meaning
designed to cause fires or stir up conflict
Example
The politician’s incendiary remarks angered the crowd.
B2 adjective /ɪˈrɛləvənt/

Irrelevant

Meaning
not connected with or relevant to something; having no bearing on the matter
Example
Your past mistakes are irrelevant to this discussion.
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?
B1 noun /ˈɪnkʌm/

income

Meaning
money received for work or through investments
Example
His monthly income is enough to support his family.
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.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkɒnstənsi/

inconstancy

Meaning
The quality of changing frequently or being unreliable.
Example
The inconstancy of the weather makes planning difficult.
C2 verb /ɪnˈɡrɑːft/

ingraft

Meaning
To implant or fix deeply, often used in the sense of grafting an idea or quality.
Example
The teacher tried to ingraft good manners in the students.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtər/

inquisitor

Meaning
A person who asks many questions, often in an official or harsh manner.
Example
The inquisitor demanded detailed answers from the witness.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɛvəkəbl/

irrevocable

Meaning
Not able to be revoked, changed, or undone.
Example
She made an irrevocable decision to leave the company.
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.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈstel.ər

interstellar

Meaning
Occurring or situated between stars.
Example
Scientists study interstellar travel possibilities.
B1 noun /ˈɪnstəns/

instance

Meaning
An example or single occurrence of something.
Example
This is just one instance of his generosity.
A2 verb /ɪmˈpruːv/

improve

Meaning
to make or become better; to enhance quality or condition
Example
Practice helps improve your skills.
B2 verb /ɪnˈhæbɪt/

inhabit

Meaning
to live in; to occupy as a dwelling
Example
Many animals inhabit the forest.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntərˈniːsaɪn/

internecine

Meaning
Relating to conflict within a group, often causing mutual destruction.
Example
The internecine conflict weakened the organization from within.
B2 verb /ɪnˈflɪkt/

inflict

Meaning
to cause something unpleasant or painful to be suffered by someone or something
Example
The storm inflicted considerable damage to the city.
B2 noun /ˌɪmpərˈfɛkʃən/

imperfection

Meaning
a flaw, defect, or weakness; the state of being imperfect
Example
She accepted her imperfection as part of being human.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈklaɪnd/

inclined

Meaning
having a tendency or disposition toward something
Example
He is inclined to help those in need.
B2 noun ɪnˌdʌstrɪəlaɪˈzeɪʃən

industrialization

Meaning
The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.
Example
Industrialization changed the global economy dramatically.
B2 adjective/noun /ɪˈrɑːki/

iraqi

Meaning
relating to Iraq or its people
Example
The Iraqi culture is rich and diverse.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/

inhibited

Meaning
Unable to act in a relaxed and natural way, especially due to self-consciousness or restraint.
Example
He was too inhibited to express his true feelings.
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.
B2 noun /ˌɪm.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Imitation

Meaning
the action of using someone or something as a model; a copy of something original
Example
His imitation of the famous actor was so good that everyone burst into laughter.
B2 noun /ˈɪɡ.nər.əns/

Ignorance

Meaning
lack of knowledge or information; the state of being uninformed about something
Example
His ignorance about basic computer skills made it difficult for him to find a job.
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.
B1 adjective /ɪnˈvɑːlvd/

involved

Meaning
complicated or engaged in something
Example
She was deeply involved in community service.
C1 adjective /ˈɪmpjəd(ə)nt/

impudent

Meaning
not showing due respect for another person; rude
Example
The impudent child talked back to the teacher.
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 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 /ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt/

implicate

Meaning
To show someone’s involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence implicated several officials in the scandal.
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 /ˈɪn.trə.vɜːrt/

introvert

Meaning
A person who tends to be shy and prefers spending time alone rather than in groups.
Example
As an introvert, he preferred reading over attending parties.
B2 adjective /ˈɪmɪnənt/

imminent

Meaning
About to happen; likely to occur very soon.
Example
Dark clouds signaled that a storm was imminent.
B1 adverb /ɪnˈkrɛdɪbli/

incredibly

Meaning
to a great degree; extremely or unbelievably
Example
The view from the top of the mountain was incredibly beautiful.
C2 adjective ˌɪm.pəˈtɜː.bə.bəl

imperturbable

Meaning
Unable to be upset or excited; not easily disturbed.
Example
His imperturbable nature made him a great leader.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbl/

irretrievable

Meaning
impossible to recover or regain
Example
The documents were lost in an irretrievable way after the fire.
B2 noun /ˈɪnvənˌtɔːri/

inventory

Meaning
A complete list of items, such as goods in stock or property.
Example
The shopkeeper checked the inventory before opening the store.
C1 noun ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃən

insulation

Meaning
Material used to prevent heat, sound, or electricity from being transmitted from one area to another.
Example
Insulation of food storage areas can prevent pests from entering.
B1 verb /ˌɪntərˈækt/

interact

Meaning
to communicate or work together with someone or something
Example
Students interact with teachers during class discussions.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntərˈtwaɪnd/

intertwined

Meaning
closely connected or twisted together
Example
Their lives became deeply intertwined after the accident.
B2 adjective ˈaɪsəˌleɪtɪd

isolated

Meaning
Alone or separated from others; having little or no contact with other people.
Example
Technological advancements often leave people isolated.
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 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtənt/

inadvertent

Meaning
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
Example
Her inadvertent mistake caused a delay in the project.
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 noun /ɪnˈsɒm.ni.ə/

Insomnia

Meaning
habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep; the condition of being unable to sleep
Example
Her chronic insomnia made it difficult for her to concentrate during work hours.
C2 noun /ˈɪndələns/

indolence

Meaning
Avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness.
Example
His indolence kept him from finishing the project on time.
B2 noun /ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊərɪti/

insecurity

Meaning
lack of confidence or assurance; a state of uncertainty or vulnerability
Example
Her insecurity made her doubt her abilities despite her experience.
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 adjective /ˌɪn.səbˈstæn.ʃəl/

insubstantial

Meaning
Lacking strength, substance, or solidity.
Example
The evidence provided was insubstantial and unconvincing.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfriːkwənt/

infrequent

Meaning
Happening rarely or not often.
Example
He made infrequent visits to his hometown after moving abroad.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/

invective

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

intent

Meaning
the purpose or reason behind an action; a strong determination to do something
Example
Her intent was to improve the quality of education in the community.
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.
A2 noun /ɪŋk/

Ink

Meaning
a colored fluid used for writing, drawing, or printing; a dark liquid ejected by cuttlefish
Example
The old fountain pen leaked ink all over his white shirt during the meeting.
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.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈmɑːtər/

imprimatur

Meaning
An official license or approval, especially to publish a book.
Example
The book was released with the official imprimatur of the church.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnəˈproʊpriət/

inappropriate

Meaning
not suitable or proper in the circumstances
Example
It was inappropriate to talk loudly in the library.
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.
C2 noun /ˈɪsməs/ or /ˈɪsθməs/

isthmus

Meaning
A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas, often with water on either side.
Example
The Panama Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Panama.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnuːmərəbəl/

Innumerable

Meaning
too many to be counted; countless; infinite in number
Example
There are innumerable stars in the night sky that we cannot see with our naked eyes.
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.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.krəˈmen.təl

incremental

Meaning
Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; proceeding in small stages.
Example
Incremental changes ensure sustainability.
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.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkænˈteɪʃən/

incantation

Meaning
a series of words used as a magic spell or charm
Example
The wizard chanted an incantation to summon the spirits.
B2 noun ɪnˈdʒʌstɪs

injustice

Meaning
Lack of fairness or justice; the practice of being unjust or unfair.
Example
The story portrays the injustices faced by the common people.
C2 noun /ˈaɪdɪl/

idyll

Meaning
An extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, often idealized.
Example
Their honeymoon was an idyll on a tropical island.
C2 noun /ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtəns/

inadvertence

Meaning
Failure to pay attention; carelessness.
Example
The error happened through sheer inadvertence.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrksəm/

irksome

Meaning
annoying or irritating
Example
Waiting in a long line is one of the most irksome tasks.
A2 verb /ˌɪntrəˈduːs/

introduce

Meaning
to present someone; to bring in for the first time
Example
Let me introduce you to my friend.
C1 adverb /ɪnˈdɛfɪnətli/

indefinitely

Meaning
for an unlimited or unspecified period of time
Example
The project has been postponed indefinitely.
A1 adjective /ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/ or /ˈɪntəˌrɛstɪŋ/

interesting

Meaning
Arousing curiosity or attention; holding one’s interest.
Example
The documentary about space was very interesting.
C2 noun /ˈɪntərˌloʊpər/

interloper

Meaning
A person who becomes involved in a situation or place where they are not wanted.
Example
He felt like an interloper at the private family gathering.
B1 verb /aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/

identify

Meaning
to recognize; to establish who someone is
Example
Can you identify the suspect?