keystone species
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C1 noun ˈkiː.stəʊn ˈspiː.ʃiːz

keystone species

Meaning
A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
Example
Wolves are a keystone species that regulate prey populations.
B2 noun/verb /krɪˈtiːk/

critique

Meaning
A detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory; to evaluate critically.
Example
The professor asked the students to critique each other's essays.
B1 verb /ˈdɪfər/

differ

Meaning
to be unlike or distinct from something else
Example
Opinions differ on this issue.
B2 verb /mɔːrn/

mourn

Meaning
To feel or express deep sadness or grief, especially because of someone's death.
Example
They gathered to mourn the loss of their friend.
C1 noun ˈɛksəʊˌplænɪt

exoplanet

Meaning
A planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.
Example
Astronomers have discovered thousands of exoplanets in the last decade.
C2 adjective /ˈkwɒdreɪt/

quadrate

Meaning
square or nearly square; having four sides or being suited or corresponding to something
Example
The tiles had a neat quadrate shape that made the floor look orderly.
C2 adjective rɪˈtɛn.tɪv

retentive

Meaning
Having strong memory or the ability to retain information for a long time.
Example
Students with a retentive memory excel in academics.
B2 adjective /ˈænɪmeɪtɪd/

animated

Meaning
Full of life or excitement; made using animation techniques.
Example
The animated film was loved by children and adults alike.
C1 noun /noʊz rɪŋ/

Nose ring

Meaning
a piece of jewelry worn through a piercing in the nose
Example
She got a small gold nose ring for her birthday.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

something

Meaning
an unspecified or unknown thing
Example
I think something is wrong with my phone.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈθroʊ/

overthrow

Meaning
To remove a leader or government from power, often by force.
Example
The rebels planned to overthrow the corrupt regime.
C1 adjective /pəˈmɪs.ɪv/

permissive

Meaning
Allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior; very lenient or indulgent.
Example
Permissive parenting can sometimes lead to a lack of discipline in children.
C2 noun /mɪˈsɑːdʒɪnɪst/

misogynist

Meaning
A person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women.
Example
Many condemned his speech as the words of a misogynist.
A2 noun/verb /ˈtræn.spɔːrt/

transport

Meaning
The movement of people or goods from one place to another.
Example
Efficient transport systems reduce travel time.
C2 adjective /ˈsloʊθfəl/

slothful

Meaning
Lazy, idle, and unwilling to work.
Example
She was too slothful to get out of bed early.
C2 noun /ˈkwaɪəˌtuːd/

quietude

Meaning
A state of stillness and tranquility.
Example
She enjoys the quietude of the countryside.
A2 adverb /ˈbæk.wərdz/

Backwards

Meaning
in the direction that is behind; in reverse order
Example
He counted backwards from ten to one.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
A2 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈdʌk.ʃən/

introduction

Meaning
the action of introducing something or someone; an opening or beginning part
Example
The professor gave a brief introduction before starting the lecture.
C1 noun /ˈdiːvə/

diva

Meaning
a famous female singer; a woman who is admired or behaves like a star
Example
The pop diva performed her latest hit to a cheering crowd.
C2 noun/verb /læˈsuː/

lasso

Meaning
a rope with a loop used to catch animals; to catch with such a rope
Example
The cowboy lassoed the horse quickly.
C1 noun /ˈklaɪəntɛl/

clientele

Meaning
The clients or customers of a professional person or business.
Example
The salon's clientele includes many high-profile individuals.
B1 noun /ˈmeʒərmənt/

measurement

Meaning
the size, length, or amount of something, as determined by measuring
Example
The tailor took my waist measurement before stitching the suit.
C2 noun /ˌhoʊmə.dʒəˈniːəti/

homogeneity

Meaning
The quality or state of being all the same or all of the same kind.
Example
The cultural homogeneity of the village made it feel unified.
C1 noun /ˈnek.səs/

Nexus

Meaning
a connection or series of connections linking two or more things
Example
There's a clear nexus between education and economic development.
C2 noun əˌten.juˈeɪ.ʃən

attenuation

Meaning
The reduction of the force, effect, or value of something.
Example
The attenuation of sound waves affects communication.
C1 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdjuː/

endue

Meaning
To provide or endow with a quality or ability.
Example
The leader was endued with wisdom and courage.
C2 noun /ˈmɪs.kri.ənt/

Miscreant

Meaning
A person who behaves badly or illegally; a villain or criminal
Example
The miscreant was caught stealing from the store.
C1 adjective /ˌmaɪ.krəˈskɑː.pɪk/

microscopic

Meaning
Extremely small and only visible with a microscope.
Example
The sample contained microscopic particles.
B2 noun /ˈskʌlp.tər/

Sculptor

Meaning
an artist who creates sculptures by carving, modeling, or shaping materials
Example
The sculptor spent months creating a beautiful marble statue.
C2 noun /ˈpɒmfrɪt/

Pomfret

Meaning
A deep-bodied marine fish with silvery scales, popular in Asian cuisine
Example
The restaurant serves delicious pomfret curry with rice.
B2 noun /əbˈzɜːvər/

observer

Meaning
a person who watches or notices something
Example
The observer took notes during the meeting.
A1 adjective /juːzd/

used

Meaning
having already been used
Example
This is a used car.
C1 verb /ɛtʃ/

etch

Meaning
to cut or carve a design onto a surface
Example
The artist etched her initials into the glass.
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.
A2 noun /ˈwɪnər/

winner

Meaning
a person who wins a competition or contest
Example
She was the winner of the race.
C1 adjective /tɛmˈpɛstjuəs/

tempestuous

Meaning
Characterized by strong and turbulent emotions or stormy conditions.
Example
Their tempestuous relationship often swung between love and anger.
B2 noun /ˈdræɡ.ən.flaɪ/

Dragon-fly

Meaning
a large insect with four transparent wings that lives near water
Example
The dragonfly hovered over the pond.
C1 noun /ˈɔːr.ə.tɔːr.i/

oratory

Meaning
The art of public speaking; skilled and confident delivery of speeches to an audience.
Example
His exceptional oratory skills won him the debate competition.
C2 noun /ˈrɛk.tɪ.tjuːd/

rectitude

Meaning
Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness and integrity.
Example
His rectitude earned him respect in society.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪndɪkətɔːri/

vindicatory

Meaning
Serving to justify, clear of blame, or defend.
Example
His vindicatory remarks restored his reputation.
B2 noun/verb /swɔːrm/

swarm

Meaning
A large group of insects or people moving together.
Example
A swarm of bees surrounded the tree.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪˈmɔːrəl/

amoral

Meaning
Lacking a moral sense; unconcerned with rightness or wrongness of something.
Example
The character in the novel was portrayed as completely amoral.
A1 adjective /ˈpɒs.ə.bəl/

Possible

Meaning
able to be done or achieved; likely to happen; feasible
Example
It is possible to learn a new language at any age.
A2 adverb /werˈevər/

Wherever

Meaning
In every place that; anywhere that; no matter where
Example
Wherever you go, I will follow.
B2 verb /nɪt/

knit

Meaning
To make clothes or fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
Example
She loves to knit scarves for her friends during the winter.
A2 noun /ɡlʌv/

glove

Meaning
A covering for the hand with separate parts for the fingers and thumb.
Example
She wore gloves to protect her hands from the cold.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə roʊz/

China-rose

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, showy flowers in various colors
Example
The bright red China-rose flowers decorated the entrance of the house.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛpərəbəl/

separable

Meaning
Capable of being separated or divided.
Example
The two issues are separable and should be discussed independently.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪsən/

christen

Meaning
to give a name to someone at baptism or to name something officially
Example
They christened the ship after the queen.
B1 verb /ʌnˈlɒk/

unlock

Meaning
to open something that is locked; to make something accessible or available
Example
She used the key to unlock the door.
B1 noun /ˈiː.tɪŋ ˈhæb.ɪts/

eating habits

Meaning
A person's usual pattern and preferences in food consumption.
Example
Developing good eating habits leads to better health.
C2 verb /dɪˈkleɪm/

declaim

Meaning
to speak aloud in a formal, passionate, or theatrical way
Example
The actor declaimed his lines with great intensity.
C1 verb /ˈflaʊndər/

flounder

Meaning
To struggle or stagger clumsily; to experience difficulty or confusion.
Example
He floundered in the interview when asked difficult questions.
A2 adjective /ˈfroʊzən/

frozen

Meaning
preserved by being made extremely cold; turned into ice
Example
The lake was completely frozen during winter.
C2 noun /ˈæl.mɪ.rə/

Almirah

Meaning
a large cupboard or wardrobe used for storing clothes and other items
Example
I keep all my clothes in the wooden almirah.
A2 noun /ˈeɪn.dʒəl/

Angel

Meaning
a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God
Example
She looked like an angel in her white dress.
B2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːmənt/

disagreement

Meaning
a failure to agree or a difference in opinion
Example
Their disagreement on the issue caused a delay in the project.
A2 noun /læb/

lab

Meaning
a place equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
Example
The students conducted an experiment in the chemistry lab.
A2 noun /ˈæŋ.ɡər/

Anger

Meaning
a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility
Example
His anger was evident when he slammed the door.
C2 noun /ˈvɛrɪti/

verity

Meaning
a true principle or belief; the state of being true
Example
The verity of his statement was confirmed by evidence.
C1 verb /wiːld/

wield

Meaning
To hold and use a weapon, tool, or power effectively.
Example
The warrior wielded his sword with great skill.
B2 verb /bræɡ/

brag

Meaning
to talk proudly about oneself or one's achievements in an annoying way
Example
He always brags about his expensive car.
B2 verb /ɪˈvæljueɪt/

evaluate

Meaning
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
Example
The teacher will evaluate the students’ projects tomorrow.
C2 verb /ʌnˈfɛtər/

unfetter

Meaning
to release from restraint or restriction; to free
Example
The new law will unfetter small businesses from excessive regulations.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊt əv ðə ˈweɪ/

out-of-the-way

Meaning
remote or unusual; not in a convenient or usual location
Example
They stayed in an out-of-the-way village.
C1 noun, verb /ˈliːvər/ or /ˈlɛvər/

lever

Meaning
a rigid bar used to move or lift heavy objects; to move something using leverage.
Example
He used a lever to lift the heavy stone.
C1 noun /pəˈsweɪsɪvnes/

persuasiveness

Meaning
The quality of being good at persuading someone to do or believe something.
Example
Her persuasiveness convinced the team to follow her suggestions.
B2 noun /ˈɡʌvərnər/

governor

Meaning
An official appointed or elected to govern a state, territory, or organization.
Example
The governor addressed the citizens about the upcoming election.
C2 adjective /əbˈsiːkwɪəs/

obsequious

Meaning
Excessively obedient or attentive in a servile way.
Example
The waiter gave an obsequious bow to every customer.
A2 adjective /ˈrɪtən/

written

Meaning
expressed in writing rather than spoken; composed or recorded in written form
Example
The agreement must be in written form to be valid.
B2 noun /ˈdʒɜːr.nəl/

Journal

Meaning
a newspaper or magazine that deals with a particular subject; a daily record of events
Example
She kept a personal journal to record her thoughts and experiences.
C1 noun/verb /ˈrɛprɪˌmænd/

reprimand

Meaning
A formal expression of disapproval; to scold or criticize someone officially.
Example
The teacher reprimanded the student for being late.
B1 verb /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/

calculate

Meaning
to determine by mathematical computation; to estimate
Example
I need to calculate the total cost.
C2 noun /sɒp/

sop

Meaning
a concession or appeasement to pacify someone; also a piece of bread dipped in liquid
Example
The manager offered a bonus as a sop to the unhappy employees.
B1 adjective /ˈtwɛntiəθ/

twentieth

Meaning
coming after the nineteenth in order; being one of twenty equal parts.
Example
She was born on the twentieth of April.
C1 noun /ɑːrˈmɑːdə/

armada

Meaning
A large fleet of warships.
Example
The Spanish Armada sailed against England in 1588.
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.
B2 noun /nɒt/

Knot

Meaning
a fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or something similar; a hard mass in wood
Example
The sailor tied a secure knot to anchor the boat safely.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈpiːtʃəbl/

unimpeachable

Meaning
Not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; completely trustworthy.
Example
She is known for her unimpeachable honesty.
C1 verb /zæɡ/

zag

Meaning
to make a sharp change in direction, especially in a zigzag pattern
Example
The rabbit zagged quickly to escape the fox.
C1 noun /ˈræp.tʃər/

rapture

Meaning
A feeling of intense joy, delight, or ecstasy.
Example
She listened to the music in rapture.
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 ˌsæn.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

sanitization

Meaning
The process of cleaning and disinfecting to eliminate germs and bacteria.
Example
Regular sanitization keeps appliances germ-free.
C1 noun /vɪnˈjɛt/

vignette

Meaning
A short, descriptive piece of writing or a brief scene.
Example
The author included a poignant vignette in the introduction of the book.
C1 adjective ˈɪn.tər.ɪm

interim

Meaning
In or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary.
Example
Interim governments manage transitional phases.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsuːsiənt/

insouciant

Meaning
Showing a casual lack of concern; carefree.
Example
He gave an insouciant shrug and walked away.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrbəl/

marble

Meaning
a hard, smooth stone used in building and sculpture, often white with colored lines
Example
The floor of the palace was made of white marble.
B1 noun /ˈleɪ.bəl/

Label

Meaning
a small piece of paper or material attached to something to identify or describe it
Example
Please read the label carefully before taking any medication.
C1 adjective /ˈplʌk.i/

plucky

Meaning
having or showing courage and determination
Example
The plucky child rescued the kitten from the tree.
C1 verb /skwiːl/

squeal

Meaning
to make a high-pitched cry; to inform on someone
Example
The children squealed with delight when they saw the surprise.
C2 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.kwi/

colloquy

Meaning
A formal conversation or dialogue, often on serious or academic topics.
Example
The professors engaged in a deep colloquy about the future of education.
A2 noun /ˈnoʊtbʊk/

notebook

Meaning
a small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes; also a portable computer
Example
She opened her notebook to jot down some ideas.
C1 verb /ˈskʌr.i/

scurry

Meaning
To move quickly with short, hurried steps.
Example
The mice scurried across the kitchen floor when the lights turned on.
B2 adverb /ˈleɪ.zɪ.li/

Lazily

Meaning
in a way that shows unwillingness to work or use energy; sluggishly
Example
He lazily stretched his arms and yawned in the morning.
C2 verb /rɛtʃ/

retch

Meaning
to make the sound and movement of vomiting without bringing anything up
Example
The smell of spoiled food made him retch violently.
B2 adjective /ˈɔɪl.i/

Oily

Meaning
covered with oil; containing oil; greasy
Example
Her oily skin needs special care.
A2 noun /bɜːrθ/

Birth

Meaning
the emergence of a baby or young from the body of its mother; the beginning or origin of something
Example
The birth of their first child was a joyful moment.
B1 noun /pəˈpaɪə/

Papaya

Meaning
a large orange tropical fruit with sweet orange flesh and black seeds
Example
Papaya is rich in vitamins and very good for health.
C2 verb /əˈbʌt/

abut

Meaning
to be next to or share a border with
Example
The park abuts the river on the north side.
B2 noun /ˈbætʃələr/

Bachelor

Meaning
an unmarried man; a person who holds a first degree from a university
Example
He remained a bachelor all his life and earned a bachelor's degree in engineering.
B1 noun /ˈreɪlˌroʊd/

railroad

Meaning
a track or system of tracks made of steel rails along which trains run
Example
The railroad connects the city to several nearby towns.
A2 verb /beɪs/

base

Meaning
to use something as a foundation; to establish or locate something
Example
They based their decision on facts.
C1 verb /kəˈleɪt/

collate

Meaning
to collect, arrange, and combine in order
Example
The secretary collated the reports before the meeting.
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.
C1 noun /ɪˈleɪʃən/

elation

Meaning
A feeling of great happiness and excitement.
Example
His elation was evident after winning the championship.
C1 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning
to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others
Example
The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.
B2 adjective haɪˈdʒiː.nɪk

hygienic

Meaning
Conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially by being clean.
Example
Maintaining hygienic conditions in hospitals is crucial.
C1 noun /ˈpæntəmaɪm/

pantomime

Meaning
A type of theatrical performance using gestures and movements without spoken words; in Britain, a musical comedy play for families performed at Christmas.
Example
The children enjoyed the Christmas pantomime at the local theater.
B2 noun ˈfreɪm.wɜːk

framework

Meaning
An essential supporting structure of a building, vehicle, or object; a basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
Example
A strong framework is vital for governance.
A2 phrasal verb /lʊk ˈɑːftər/

look after

Meaning
to take care of someone or something; to be responsible for someone’s well-being
Example
She looks after her younger brother while their parents are at work.
A2 noun /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

thinking

Meaning
the process of considering or reasoning about something
Example
Her thinking was clear and precise.
C1 verb /ˈræn.sæk/

ransack

Meaning
to search a place roughly and steal or damage things
Example
Burglars ransacked the house while the family was away.
A2 noun/verb /ˈfɪʃɪŋ/

fishing

Meaning
the activity of catching fish
Example
Fishing is a popular activity in coastal villages.
B2 verb /wɪp/

whip

Meaning
to strike or beat with a flexible instrument such as a rope or cord
Example
The trainer whipped the horse to make it run faster.
A2 noun /ˈtrævələr/

traveller

Meaning
A person who is on a journey or frequently travels to different places.
Example
The traveller set out early in the morning to explore new lands.
C2 noun /ɡəˈruːlɪti/

garrulity

Meaning
Excessive talkativeness, especially about trivial matters.
Example
His garrulity made it hard to focus during the meeting.
C1 verb /fɔːrˈtɛl/

foretell

Meaning
to predict or announce something before it happens
Example
The old man claimed he could foretell the future.
C2 adjective /ˈbiːstiəl/

bestial

Meaning
Relating to beasts; showing savagery, brutality, or lacking human sensibility.
Example
The prisoners were treated in a bestial manner.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsəluːt/

dissolute

Meaning
lacking moral restraint; indulging excessively in sensual pleasures
Example
He led a dissolute life filled with parties and gambling.