Ironwood
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C2 noun /ˈaɪ.ərn.wʊd/

Ironwood

Meaning
a hard, dense wood from various trees; also the tree itself that produces small flowers
Example
The ironwood tree blooms with tiny white flowers.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
B2 adjective /ˌkaɪnd ˈhɑːrtɪd/

kind-hearted

Meaning
Having a kind and generous nature; showing compassion and care for others.
Example
She is known as a kind-hearted teacher who always helps her students.
B2 noun /ˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃən/

simulation

Meaning
the imitation of a situation or process
Example
The simulation helped the students understand the complex theory.
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 noun /ˌfɜːrmənˈteɪʃən/

fermentation

Meaning
a chemical process by which substances like sugar are converted into alcohol or acids using microorganisms
Example
The fermentation of grapes produces wine.
C1 verb /ɪɡˈzæspəˌreɪt/

exasperate

Meaning
to irritate or annoy intensely
Example
His constant complaints began to exasperate his coworkers.
C1 verb /tɔːnt/

taunt

Meaning
to provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks
Example
The bully tried to taunt him with cruel words.
C1 adjective /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/

precipitous

Meaning
Extremely steep or sudden; done quickly without careful consideration.
Example
The hikers struggled to climb the precipitous slope.
B2 verb /səbˈskraɪb/

subscribe

Meaning
to pay to receive a service regularly; to agree with or support something
Example
I subscribe to several online magazines.
B1 noun ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz

opportunities

Meaning
A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something; chances for advancement or success.
Example
Opportunities for jobs decreased.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.səl.ɪŋ/

counselling

Meaning
the process of giving professional guidance and support to help someone deal with personal, social, psychological, or career-related problems
Example
She decided to seek counselling to manage stress and anxiety.
C2 noun /ˌhoʊ.mi.oʊˈsteɪ.sɪs/

homeostasis

Meaning
The tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Example
The human body maintains homeostasis through temperature regulation.
C2 adjective /ˈreɪ.moʊs/

ramose

Meaning
having many branches.
Example
The ramose tree shaded the entire garden.
C1 noun /ˈmɛrɪɡoʊld/

Marigold

Meaning
a bright orange or yellow flower of the daisy family, often used in gardens and ceremonies
Example
The vibrant marigold flowers added a splash of color to the festival decorations.
B2 noun ˈkæp.ɪ.təl.ɪ.zəm

capitalism

Meaning
An economic system where trade, industry and production are privately owned and operated for profit.
Example
Capitalism encourages innovation and competition.
A2 noun /dɪˈzɜːrt/

dessert

Meaning
the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal
Example
We had ice cream for dessert after dinner.
C1 verb /ˈɡælvənaɪz/

galvanize

Meaning
to shock or excite someone into taking action; to coat iron or steel with a protective layer of zinc
Example
The speech galvanized the crowd into action.
C1 noun /ˈrɛdʒɪmənt/

regiment

Meaning
A permanent unit of an army, typically commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies.
Example
The regiment marched proudly through the streets after returning from the mission.
B2 adjective /ˈtiːdiəs/

Tedious

Meaning
tiresome because of length or dullness; boring and monotonous
Example
The lecture was so tedious that many students fell asleep.
B2 noun /ˈsɛsəmi sidz/

Sesame Seeds

Meaning
small edible seeds from the sesame plant used in cooking and baking
Example
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the bread before baking.
B2 verb lɔːntʃt

launched

Meaning
Set (something) in motion by pushing it or letting it go.
Example
The satellite was launched successfully.
C2 noun /ˈrɛv.ər.i/

reverie

Meaning
A state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream.
Example
Lost in reverie, he didn't hear his name being called.
B1 verb /əˈmjuːz/

amuse

Meaning
to entertain or make someone laugh or smile; to occupy pleasantly
Example
The clown amused the children at the party.
C1 noun /prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

prerogative

Meaning
a special right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group
Example
It is the manager’s prerogative to make the final decision.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪnənt/

prominent

Meaning
Important, famous, or easily noticeable.
Example
He is a prominent leader in the community.
C2 noun /ˈhʌvəl/

hovel

Meaning
a small, poorly built, and dirty house
Example
The refugees lived in a makeshift hovel.
C1 adjective /ˈkwɑː.drʊ.pəl/

Quadruple

Meaning
four times as much or as many; consisting of four parts
Example
The company's profits have shown quadruple growth this year.
B2 noun /ˈɔːrɡənaɪzər/

organizer

Meaning
a person who arranges or coordinates activities, events, or groups; a tool or item used to keep things in order
Example
She worked as the main organizer of the international conference.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk/

pathogenic

Meaning
Capable of causing disease.
Example
Some bacteria are harmless, while others are highly pathogenic.
C1 adjective /ˈfaɪə.ri/

Fiery

Meaning
burning; passionate; hot-tempered; showing strong emotion
Example
She has a fiery temper that flares up quickly.
A2 noun /ˈlɜrnɪŋ/

learning

Meaning
The process of gaining knowledge or skills through study or experience.
Example
Learning a new language can be exciting.
A1 noun /wɒnt/

Want

Meaning
lack or shortage of something; poverty or need
Example
There is a want of fresh water in the drought-affected areas.
B2 noun /ˈsʌ.plɪ.mənt/

Supplement

Meaning
something that completes or adds to something else; a dietary product
Example
She takes vitamin supplements to maintain her health.
C1 noun /ˈdjuːplɛks/

duplex

Meaning
A house or apartment divided into two separate residences.
Example
They live in a duplex near the city center.
C1 verb /blɜːrt/

blurt

Meaning
to say something suddenly without thinking
Example
He blurts out the secret accidentally.
C2 noun ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

aberration

Meaning
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.
Example
The scientist dismissed the data as an aberration.
C1 adverb /iːsˈθetɪkli/

aesthetically

Meaning
in a way that is concerned with beauty or visual appeal
Example
The building is aesthetically pleasing despite its simple design.
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.
C1 noun /ˈves.tɪdʒ/

Vestige

Meaning
a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
Example
No vestige of the ancient city remains.
C2 noun /dʒenˈtɪl.ə.ti/

Gentility

Meaning
social superiority as demonstrated by polite and refined manners; the quality of being well-mannered and refined
Example
Her natural gentility and grace made her popular among high society circles.
B2 noun /ˈder.ɪŋ/

Daring

Meaning
adventurous courage; willingness to take risks
Example
The mountain climber's daring impressed everyone at the base camp.
C1 adjective /əbˈnɒkʃəs/

Obnoxious

Meaning
extremely unpleasant; offensive; annoying
Example
His obnoxious behavior at the party annoyed everyone.
A2 adverb /pəˈhæps/

Perhaps

Meaning
possibly; maybe; used to express uncertainty or make a suggestion
Example
Perhaps we should call before visiting to make sure they're home.
C2 noun /kɒn.tɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

contiguity

Meaning
the state of being in direct contact or next to each other
Example
The contiguity of the two countries facilitates trade.
C2 adjective /ræpˈtɔːriəl/

raptorial

Meaning
Relating to birds of prey or predatory behavior.
Example
The eagle is a raptorial bird with sharp talons.
C2 noun /ˈlɒdʒ.mənt/

lodgment

Meaning
The act of lodging or a place of temporary stay; also a deposit of something.
Example
The soldiers found lodgment in the abandoned house.
B1 noun /ˈtreɪnər/

trainer

Meaning
a person who teaches skills or gives training
Example
The fitness trainer helped me improve my posture.
B1 verb /lend/

lend

Meaning
to give temporarily; to allow someone to use something
Example
Can you lend me your pen?
C2 adjective /ˈrævənɪŋ/

ravening

Meaning
Extremely hungry and greedy; voracious.
Example
The ravening wolves circled the camp.
C1 noun /ədˈmɪtəns/

admittance

Meaning
the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter a place
Example
No admittance without a valid ticket.
C2 adjective /dʒʊˈrɪdɪkəl/

juridical

Meaning
Relating to judicial proceedings or the administration of law.
Example
The case raised important juridical questions.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒvɪdənt/

improvident

Meaning
Not having or showing foresight; spending wastefully or without thought for the future.
Example
His improvident habits left him with no savings.
B1 verb /ˈmɛʒər/

measure

Meaning
to determine the size, amount, or degree of something
Example
She measured the length of the table.
C1 verb /ˈrɛplɪkeɪt/

replicate

Meaning
to copy, reproduce, or duplicate something exactly
Example
The scientist tried to replicate the experiment for accuracy.
A2 noun /fɑːrm/

farm

Meaning
an area of land used for growing crops and raising animals
Example
They live on a farm with many animals.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɒndərəbl̩/

imponderable

Meaning
Something difficult or impossible to estimate, assess, or understand
Example
The outcome of the election depends on many imponderable factors.
C2 verb /ɡɔːk/

gawk

Meaning
To stare openly and rudely.
Example
Tourists gawked at the celebrity walking down the street.
C2 noun, adjective /nɒn ˈkɒmbətənt/

non-combatant

Meaning
a person not engaged in fighting during a war, such as civilians or medical staff
Example
The Red Cross workers were treated as non-combatants in the conflict.
B1 noun /ˈviːzə/

visa

Meaning
an official authorization or permission to enter, leave, or stay in a country
Example
She applied for a visa to study abroad.
B2 verb /ˈkɑːmpənseɪt/

compensate

Meaning
to give something to make up for loss or damage; to counterbalance
Example
The company will compensate employees for overtime work.
C1 adjective /ɡɔːnt/

gaunt

Meaning
extremely thin, bony, and haggard in appearance, often due to hunger or illness
Example
After weeks of illness, he looked pale and gaunt.
C1 verb /dʒəʊlt/

jolt

Meaning
to push or shake someone or something abruptly and roughly
Example
The sudden stop jolted all the passengers forward.
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 noun /ˈkænjən/

canyon

Meaning
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
Example
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
C2 noun /ˈɔːfəl/

offal

Meaning
the internal organs and entrails of an animal used as food; waste parts
Example
The butcher prepared sausages using pork offal.
C2 noun /ˌhjuː.mɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

humification

Meaning
The process of organic matter decomposition to form humus in soil.
Example
Humification enhances soil structure and fertility.
C1 noun /ˈstɛnsəl/

stencil

Meaning
A thin sheet of material with a design cut out, used to produce the design on the surface below by applying paint or ink through the cut-out holes.
Example
The artist used a stencil to paint identical stars on the wall.
C2 verb /ˈblækˌbɔːl/

blackball

Meaning
to exclude someone socially or vote against their membership in a group or club
Example
He was blackballed from the club after the controversy.
C1 noun /ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

cynicism

Meaning
An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism.
Example
His cynicism made it hard for him to trust anyone.
B1 adjective /ˈel.dər.li/

Elderly

Meaning
aged; advanced in years; old
Example
The elderly man walked slowly with his cane.
B2 verb prəˈlɔŋd

prolonged

Meaning
Extended in duration; made to last longer than usual.
Example
Modern medicine has prolonged life expectancy.
C1 noun/verb /ˈdiːkɔɪ/

decoy

Meaning
something or someone used to lure or mislead
Example
The hunters used a wooden duck as a decoy.
C2 noun /kəˈpærɪsən/

caparison

Meaning
an ornamental covering for a horse; rich and elaborate clothing or decoration
Example
The king’s horse was adorned with a golden caparison.
C2 noun /ˈdeb.juː.tɑːnt/

debutante

Meaning
A young woman making her first formal appearance in society.
Example
The debutante wore a white gown at the ball.
A1 adjective /bæd/

bad

Meaning
not good; unpleasant, harmful, or of poor quality
Example
The milk smells bad, so don’t drink it.
C2 noun ˈɛn.ɡræm

Engram

Meaning
Physical signs or patterns in the brain for memory storage and retrieval
Example
Scientists study engrams to understand how memories are stored.
C1 verb /kʌl/

cull

Meaning
to select or remove from a larger group, often to reduce numbers
Example
The farmers decided to cull the sick animals from the herd.
C2 noun /ˈʃaɪstər/

shyster

Meaning
a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous or dishonest methods
Example
The businessman was exposed as a shyster who cheated clients.
B2 noun /ˈbev.ər.ɪdʒ/

Beverage

Meaning
a drink, especially one other than water
Example
Would you like a hot or cold beverage with your meal?
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfəld/

stifled

Meaning
to suppress, hold back, or prevent something from happening
Example
He stifled a laugh during the serious meeting.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɑːlədʒi/

ornithology

Meaning
the scientific study of birds
Example
She pursued ornithology to understand the migration patterns of birds.
C2 noun /ˈbiː.təl nʌt/

Betel-nut

Meaning
seed of the areca palm tree, often chewed as a stimulant
Example
Betel-nut is commonly chewed in many South Asian countries.
C2 noun /ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən/

declamation

Meaning
a formal speech delivered with rhetorical or dramatic effect
Example
Her declamation captivated the audience at the competition.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrpənˌtiːn/

serpentine

Meaning
Having the shape, movement, or qualities of a serpent; winding or twisting.
Example
The road took a serpentine path through the mountains.
B2 noun /ˌsɛkʃuˈæləti/

sexuality

Meaning
a person's capacity for sexual feelings and orientation
Example
She spoke openly about her sexuality and identity.
C2 noun /bɪˈtroʊðəl/

betrothal

Meaning
The formal engagement to be married.
Example
Their betrothal was announced to the whole village.
B1 verb, noun /klɪp/

clip

Meaning
to cut or trim something; a short extract from a film, broadcast, or recording
Example
She clipped the coupon from the newspaper.
B2 adjective /ˈɡræf.ɪk/

Graphic

Meaning
relating to visual design; vivid; clearly described;
Example
The graphic design was colorful and eye-catching.
C1 adjective /klæd/

clad

Meaning
dressed or covered in a particular way
Example
The knight was clad in shining armor.
B2 noun, verb /əˈsɔːlt/

assault

Meaning
a physical attack or to attack someone violently
Example
He was charged with assault after the fight.
C2 noun, adjective /ˈɡɒsəmər/

gossamer

Meaning
Something light, thin, and delicate, like a fine fabric or cobweb.
Example
The bride's veil was made of delicate gossamer fabric.
A2 adverb /ˈbæk.wərdz/

Backwards

Meaning
in the direction that is behind; in reverse order
Example
He counted backwards from ten to one.
B2 noun /ˌmɪsˈfɔːrtʃən/

misfortune

Meaning
Bad luck or an unfortunate event.
Example
He suffered the misfortune of losing his job during the recession.
C1 verb /ɡloʊt/

gloat

Meaning
To take pleasure in someone else's misfortune or to show smug satisfaction.
Example
He couldn't help but gloat over his rival's failure.
C2 noun /ˌær.əˈbesk/

arabesque

Meaning
a complex, ornate design featuring intertwined flowing lines, often used in architecture or ballet poses
Example
The ceiling was decorated with delicate arabesque patterns.
B2 noun /dɪsˈtrɛs/

distress

Meaning
extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
Example
He felt a deep sense of distress when he heard the bad news.
C1 verb /ˌsuːpərˈsiːd/

supersede

Meaning
To replace or take the place of something because it is more modern or effective.
Example
This new law will supersede the old regulations.
B1 noun /bʌn/

Bun

Meaning
a small round bread roll, often sweet
Example
I bought fresh buns from the bakery this morning.
C1 noun /ˈvenɪsən/

Venison

Meaning
meat from a deer used as food
Example
The restaurant serves delicious venison steaks.
B2 noun /pledʒ/

Pledge

Meaning
a solemn promise or undertaking; something given as security for a loan; a commitment or guarantee
Example
He made a pledge to donate money to charity.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪbərəl/

illiberal

Meaning
Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
Example
The government was criticized for its illiberal policies.
B1 noun /twiːt/

Tweet

Meaning
a short high-pitched sound made by a small bird; a post on Twitter
Example
I heard the sweet tweet of a sparrow this morning.
B1 adjective /ˈfriːkwənt/

Frequent

Meaning
happening often; occurring regularly; repeated
Example
He makes frequent visits to his grandmother.
A2 noun /ˈdrɔːər/

drawer

Meaning
a box-shaped storage compartment that slides in and out of furniture
Example
She kept her jewelry in the top drawer of the dresser.
A2 noun /rɪˈfrɪdʒ.ər.eɪ.tər/

Refrigerator

Meaning
an appliance for keeping food and drinks cold
Example
Please put the milk in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
B1 noun /ˈkemɪst/

chemist

Meaning
a scientist who studies chemistry; a person trained to prepare and dispense medicines
Example
The chemist analyzed the sample to determine its composition.
C2 noun /dɪˈklɪvɪti/

declivity

Meaning
a downward slope of ground
Example
They carefully climbed down the declivity of the hill.
B1 noun /lɔk/

Lock

Meaning
a mechanism for keeping a door, lid, etc., fastened, typically operated only by a key of a particular form
Example
Make sure you lock the door before leaving.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə bɑːks/

China box

Meaning
a small evergreen shrub with tiny white fragrant flowers
Example
The China box plant produced clusters of small white flowers.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈluː.nə.tɪk/

lunatic

Meaning
A person who is insane or acting in a foolish or reckless way; also used as an adjective meaning insane.
Example
The driver was driving like a lunatic on the highway.
C2 adjective /dʒɪˈdʒuːn/

jejune

Meaning
Naive, simplistic, and superficial; also dull or uninteresting.
Example
The professor dismissed the essay as jejune and lacking depth.
C2 verb /ˈærəˌɡeɪt/

arrogate

Meaning
To claim or take something without justification.
Example
The dictator arrogated all powers to himself.
B2 adverb /ˈklɒkwaɪz/

Clockwise

Meaning
in the direction that clock hands move; in a circular direction from left to right
Example
Turn the valve clockwise to tighten it.
C2 verb /əˈfaɪəns/

affiance

Meaning
to promise or pledge marriage; to formally engage
Example
They decided to affiance after years of friendship.
A2 adjective /ˈsɜːr.tən/

Certain

Meaning
confident and sure; without doubt; definitely true
Example
I am certain that we will succeed.
A1 noun /ˈaʊər/

hour

Meaning
A period of time equal to 60 minutes.
Example
The meeting lasted for two hours.
B1 adjective ˈkrɪtɪkəl

critical

Meaning
Extremely important; at a point of crisis or urgency.
Example
Addressing critical issues in education is imperative.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːvɪŋ/

serving

Meaning
a portion of food for one person; the act of giving food or drink to someone
Example
He ate a large serving of rice and curry.
C1 verb /ˌpoʊstˈdeɪt/

postdate

Meaning
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
Example
She postdated the check to next month.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪst/

Unchaste

Meaning
not celibate; having engaged in sexual relations; lacking moral purity
Example
The conservative society considered her behavior unchaste and improper.