Lean
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B2 adjective /liːn/

Lean

Meaning
thin; having little fat; weak
Example
He has a lean and muscular body.
B1 noun /ˈlɪm.ɪt/

Limit

Meaning
a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass; the greatest amount allowed
Example
There is a speed limit on this road.
B2 adverb /ˈlaɪk.waɪz/

Likewise

Meaning
in the same way; also; similarly
Example
She studied hard for the exam, and her brother did likewise.
B1 noun

Loneliness

C2 noun/adjective /ˈlæpɪˌdɛri/

lapidary

Meaning
As noun: a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves precious stones; As adjective: relating to such work.
Example
The museum displayed lapidary tools used in ancient times.
C1 noun /ˈlɪmboʊ/

limbo

Meaning
A state of uncertainty or neglect; an intermediate or transitional state.
Example
The project was left in limbo after the funding was withdrawn.
B2 noun ˈlaɪf ɪkˌspek.tən.si

life expectancy

Meaning
The average period that a person may expect to live; the length of time for which something is expected to last or to continue being effective.
Example
Life expectancy depends on healthcare quality.
B1 adjective ˈlɔːŋ.tɜːrm

long-term

Meaning
Occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time.
Example
Long-term planning is necessary for environmental conservation.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪəri/

leery

Meaning
Cautious or wary due to suspicion or distrust.
Example
She was leery of investing in the new business.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmpɪd/

limpid

Meaning
Clear and transparent, easily understood.
Example
The limpid water of the lake reflected the sky perfectly.
C2 noun /ˈlev.ɪ.ti/

Levity

Meaning
humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect
Example
The levity in the courtroom was inappropriate.
C2 noun /lɪnt/

lint

Meaning
small soft fibers that come off cloth, often found in dryers or on clothes
Example
There was lint all over his black shirt after the wash.
A2 noun /laɪt bʌlb/

Light bulb

Meaning
a glass or plastic container that produces light when electricity passes through it
Example
The light bulb in the kitchen needs to be replaced.
B2 noun ˈlɛɡ.ə.si

legacy

Meaning
An amount of money or property left to someone in a will; something left or handed down by a predecessor.
Example
His contributions left a lasting legacy in the industry.
C2 noun lɑːˈʒɛs

largesse

Meaning
Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.
Example
His largesse towards the charity was greatly appreciated.
C1 noun /lɪˈɡæl.ə.ti/

Legality

Meaning
the quality or state of being legal; accordance with the law
Example
The lawyer questioned the legality of the contract.
B1 verb /leɪ/

lay

Meaning
to put something down in a flat position; to place carefully
Example
Please lay the book on the table.
C2 noun /ləˈdʒɪʃən/

logician

Meaning
A person skilled in logic and reasoning.
Example
Aristotle is considered one of the greatest logicians in history.
C1 noun /ˈlɔː.meɪ.kər/

Lawmaker

Meaning
a person who writes and passes laws, especially a member of a legislative body
Example
The lawmakers voted on the new education bill.
C2 noun /ˈliː.vɪŋz/

Leavings

Meaning
things that have been left behind or remain; remnants or scraps
Example
The leavings from dinner were given to the dog.
A1 verb /ˈlɪsən/

listen

Meaning
to pay attention to sounds; to hear someone or something with thoughtful attention
Example
Please listen carefully to the instructions.
B1 noun /læm/

Lamb

Meaning
a young sheep; meat from a young sheep
Example
The little lamb followed its mother everywhere.
B1 adjective /ˌlɛftˈhændɪd/

left-handed

Meaning
Using or done with the left hand; also can mean clumsy or awkward.
Example
She is left-handed and writes beautifully with her left hand.
C2 noun /lɪˈbrɛtoʊ/

libretto

Meaning
The text of an opera or other long vocal work.
Example
She studied the libretto before attending the opera performance.
C1 noun /ˈliːʒən/

lesion

Meaning
An area of damage or abnormal change in the tissue of an organism, often caused by injury or disease.
Example
The doctor examined the skin lesion carefully.
C2 noun /ˈleʧ.ər/

Lecher

Meaning
a man who behaves in a sexually inappropriate way towards women
Example
The company fired him for being a lecher.
C2 adjective /lɪˈbɪdənəs/

libidinous

Meaning
Showing excessive sexual drive; lustful.
Example
The play was criticized for its libidinous characters.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪtərəl/

literal

Meaning
taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration
Example
His comment was meant as a joke, not to be taken in a literal sense.
C2 adjective /lɪˈtɪdʒəs/

litigious

Meaning
prone to engage in lawsuits or overly inclined to argue legally
Example
He is known as a litigious neighbor who often sues people.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪsɪt/

licit

Meaning
Permitted by law or by rules; legal.
Example
The trade of certain goods is licit under international law.
B1 adverb /ˈlaɪk.li/

Likely

Meaning
probably; having a high probability of happening or being true
Example
It will likely rain tomorrow according to the weather forecast.
C2 noun /ˈlæsɪtjuːd/

lassitude

Meaning
a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy
Example
After the long hike, a feeling of lassitude swept over the group.
A2 adjective /liːst/

Least

Meaning
smallest in amount or degree; minimal
Example
This is the least expensive option available.
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.
B2 noun /lɔːntʃ/

Launch

Meaning
a large motorboat or a boat used to transport people and goods
Example
We took a launch to cross the river.
C1 noun /ˈlɪŋɡwɪst/

linguist

Meaning
A person skilled in foreign languages or in the scientific study of language.
Example
She is a linguist who speaks six languages fluently.
C1 verb /ˈlɛvi/

levy

Meaning
To impose or collect, especially a tax or fine.
Example
The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.fər/

Loafer

Meaning
a person who avoids work or effort; an idler
Example
Don't be a loafer, help us with the work.
B1 adjective /ˈlʌv.ɪŋ/

Loving

Meaning
affectionate; caring; showing love and warmth
Example
She is a loving mother who cares deeply for her children.
A1 verb /let/

let

Meaning
to allow someone to do something; to give permission
Example
Please let me help you with that task.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪf.taɪm/

lifetime

Meaning
The duration of a person's life or the existence of something.
Example
She achieved more in her lifetime than most people dream of.
C2 noun /ˈlɑːrdər/

larder

Meaning
A place, such as a pantry, where food is stored.
Example
The larder was full of fresh bread and cheese.
A1 noun /ˈlaɪ.brər.i/

Library

Meaning
a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for people to read, borrow, or refer to
Example
She goes to the library every weekend to study.
B2 noun /læp/

Lap

Meaning
the flat area between the waist and knees of a seated person; one circuit of a track or course
Example
The cat curled up comfortably in her lap while she read her book.
B2 noun /ˈleɪbərər/

laborer

Meaning
a person who does physical work, especially work that requires strength rather than skill
Example
The laborer worked long hours at the construction site.
A2 adjective /loʊ/

low

Meaning
Small in amount, degree, or position; not high.
Example
The river is at its lowest level in years.
C1 noun /ˈlɪbərəlɪzəm/

liberalism

Meaning
a political and social philosophy advocating individual freedoms, democracy, and equality
Example
Liberalism emphasizes freedom of speech and human rights.
C2 noun /ˈlɔɪtərər/

loiterer

Meaning
A person who lingers aimlessly in a place without purpose.
Example
The police questioned the loiterer outside the store.
C2 noun /ˈlɪŋ.ɡoʊ/

lingo

Meaning
Specialized or informal language used by a particular group that is often difficult for outsiders to understand.
Example
The manual was written in technical lingo that confused the new employees.
A2 adjective /ˈloʊn.li/

Lonely

Meaning
solitary; isolated; without companions
Example
She felt lonely after moving to a new city.
C2 adjective /ˈluːpi/

loopy

Meaning
crazy, silly, or eccentric
Example
After working all night, he felt a little loopy.
C1 noun /ˈlɛk.sɪ.kɒn/

lexicon

Meaning
The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge; a collection of words and terms.
Example
A translator must have a vast lexicon of both languages.
B2 noun /ˈlɪtə(r)/

liter

Meaning
a metric unit of volume equal to one cubic decimeter
Example
The recipe calls for two liters of water.
C1 adverb /ˈleŋθ.waɪz/

Lengthwise

Meaning
in the direction of the length; along the longest dimension
Example
Fold the paper lengthwise to make it easier to carry.
C1 noun /lɒft/

loft

Meaning
An upper room or space, often under the roof of a building.
Example
She converted the old loft into a modern studio.
A1 noun /laɪt/

Light

Meaning
the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength
Example
Turn on the light, it's getting dark.
C2 adjective /lʌɡˈʒʊəriənt/

luxuriant

Meaning
abundant in growth or richly abundant
Example
The luxuriant forest was teeming with life.
B2 adjective /lʌɡˈʒʊəriəs/

luxurious

Meaning
extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, often involving great expense
Example
They stayed in a luxurious hotel during their vacation.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪtərɛri/

literary

Meaning
concerning the writing, study, or content of literature
Example
She is a well-known figure in the literary world.
C2 adjective /ˈlæk.rɪ.moʊs/

lachrymose

Meaning
tearful or given to weeping; sad and mournful
Example
The movie's lachrymose ending left the audience in tears.
C2 noun /ˈlɑːrsəni/

larceny

Meaning
The unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it.
Example
He was arrested for committing larceny at the store.
C2 adjective /ˈlɛtʃ.ər.əs/

lecherous

Meaning
having or showing excessive or offensive sexual desire
Example
The character was portrayed as a lecherous old man.
C1 noun /ˈliːniənsi/

leniency

Meaning
The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected.
Example
The judge showed leniency in his ruling.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪnˌʌp/

lineup

Meaning
a group of people or things arranged in a sequence
Example
The event featured a star-studded lineup of musicians.
C1 adjective /ˈlɪstləs/

listless

Meaning
lacking energy, enthusiasm, or interest
Example
She felt listless after working long hours without rest.
C2 verb /læmˈpuːn/

lampoon

Meaning
to publicly criticize or ridicule someone or something with humor, irony, or sarcasm
Example
The cartoonist lampooned the politician for his contradictory statements.
A1 adjective/adverb /leɪt/

late

Meaning
arriving, happening, or done after the expected time
Example
He arrived late to the meeting.
C2 verb /leɪv/

lave

Meaning
To wash or bathe.
Example
She laved her face with cool water.
A1 adjective, noun, adverb, verb (past tense of leave) /lɛft/

left

Meaning
on or towards the side of the body that is to the west when facing north
Example
He turned left at the intersection.
B2 noun /ˈlæn.tərn/

Lantern

Meaning
a portable lamp with a protective covering, often used outdoors
Example
We carried a lantern during our camping trip.
B2 verb /ˈlaɪɪŋ/

lying

Meaning
the act of not telling the truth
Example
He was caught lying about his grades.
C1 noun /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊʃən/

locomotion

Meaning
movement or the ability to move from one place to another
Example
Walking is the most common form of human locomotion.
A2 noun /ˈleɪ.di/

Lady

Meaning
a woman, especially one of refined or gentle manners; a polite term for any woman
Example
The elderly lady crossed the street with the help of her walking stick.
B2 adjective, adverb /ˈlɒŋ taɪm/

long-time

Meaning
lasting or existing for a long period of time; having continued for many years
Example
She is a long-time friend of my family.
C1 adjective /ˈlɛdʒəbl/

legible

Meaning
clear enough to read
Example
Her handwriting was barely legible.
C2 noun /lɒx/ or /lɒk/

lough

Meaning
An Irish or Scottish word for a lake or sea inlet.
Example
The fishermen lived by the lough for generations.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌɡræf/

lithograph

Meaning
a print made by lithography, often artistic
Example
The museum displayed a rare lithograph from the 19th century.
C2 adjective /ˌlɛvəlˈhɛdɪd/

levelheaded

Meaning
calm and sensible; showing good judgment.
Example
She remained levelheaded during the crisis.
C1 noun ˈlɪniɪdʒ

Lineage

Meaning
Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
Example
Tracing your lineage can reveal unknown ancestors.
C1 noun /læʃ/

Lash

Meaning
an eyelash; a sharp blow with a whip or rope; to strike forcefully
Example
She carefully applied mascara to make her lashes look longer and darker.
C2 adjective /ləˈkɒnɪk/

laconic

Meaning
using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
Example
His laconic reply ended the conversation quickly.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.dəl/

Ladle

Meaning
a large deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup or other liquids
Example
Use the ladle to serve the hot soup into bowls.
A2 noun /ˈlɜrnɪŋ/

learning

Meaning
The process of gaining knowledge or skills through study or experience.
Example
Learning a new language can be exciting.
C2 noun /luːˈbrɪsɪti/

lubricity

Meaning
the quality of being slippery or smooth; sometimes also refers to lewdness
Example
The lubricity of the surface made it difficult to walk on.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/

lightning

Meaning
a flash of light in the sky caused by electricity during a storm
Example
The lightning struck a tree near our house.
B2 noun /leɪs/

Lace

Meaning
a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern; a cord or string for fastening
Example
She wore a beautiful dress decorated with intricate lace patterns.
B1 noun /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.ʧər/

Literature

Meaning
written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit; books and writings published on a particular subject
Example
She studied English literature at university.
A1 verb /lɪv/

live

Meaning
to have life; to reside in a particular place; to exist
Example
They live in a beautiful house by the lake.
B1 verb /loʊˈkeɪt/

locate

Meaning
to find the exact position or place of something
Example
They managed to locate the missing keys under the couch.
C2 noun /ˈlɪɡ.ə.tʃər/

ligature

Meaning
A thing used for tying or binding tightly; in music/printing, two or more notes or letters joined together.
Example
The doctor used a ligature to stop the bleeding.
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.
C2 noun /lɪˈvaɪəθən/

leviathan

Meaning
a huge sea monster or something very large and powerful.
Example
The ship looked like a leviathan on the horizon.
C2 noun /ˈlɪmərɪk/

limerick

Meaning
a humorous five-line poem with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme (AABBA).
Example
She recited a funny limerick at the party.
A1 pronoun/noun /lɒts/

lots

Meaning
A large number or amount of something.
Example
She has lots of friends in the city.
C1 noun ˌlɪb.ərˈeɪ.ʃən

liberation

Meaning
The action of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release.
Example
Liberation movements inspired many countries.
C2 noun /ˈluːkər/

lucre

Meaning
money, especially when regarded as sordid or gained dishonorably
Example
He was motivated more by lucre than by duty.
A1 noun /lænd/

Land

Meaning
the part of the earth's surface that is not covered by water; an area of ground, soil, or earth
Example
The farmer worked hard to cultivate his land and grow healthy crops.
C2 noun /ˈlæŋɡər/

languor

Meaning
A state of tiredness, inertia, or dreamy relaxation.
Example
The hot afternoon filled her with languor.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪ.ər/

Liar

Meaning
a person who tells lies; someone who does not tell the truth
Example
Nobody trusts him because he is a liar.
B1 verb /lend/

lend

Meaning
to give temporarily; to allow someone to use something
Example
Can you lend me your pen?
A2 noun /ˈloʊ.kəl/

Local

Meaning
belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood; a person living in a particular area
Example
The local people are very friendly.
C1 verb /lʊər/

lure

Meaning
to attract or tempt someone, often by offering something appealing
Example
The advertisement lured customers with promises of discounts.
B1 noun/verb /ˈleɪ.bər/

labor

Meaning
work, especially hard physical work; to work hard
Example
The workers labored in the hot sun all day.
A1 verb /lɜːrn/

learn

Meaning
to acquire knowledge or skills; to gain understanding
Example
Children learn quickly when they are interested.
B1 adjective /ˈlaɪv.li/

Lively

Meaning
full of life and energy; animated; cheerful
Example
The children had a lively discussion about their favorite books.
A2 noun /ˈlɔːndri/

laundry

Meaning
clothes or linens that need to be washed or have been washed
Example
She folded the clean laundry neatly.
C1 noun/verb /liːʃ/

leash

Meaning
a strap or cord used to control or guide an animal; to restrain or control
Example
The dog was on a leash during the walk.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfi/

lexicography

Meaning
The art or practice of compiling dictionaries.
Example
Lexicography requires both linguistic and cultural knowledge.
A2 noun /loʊˈkeɪʃən/

location

Meaning
a particular place or position
Example
This cafe is in a beautiful location near the lake.
C1 adjective /ˌloʊ ˈspɪrɪtɪd/

low-spirited

Meaning
feeling sad, depressed, or lacking enthusiasm
Example
He felt low-spirited after hearing the bad news.
B2 noun /ˈledʒ.ənd/

Legend

Meaning
a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated; an extremely famous or notorious person
Example
The legend of King Arthur has inspired many books.
C2 noun /lɑːrˈʒes/

largess

Meaning
Generosity in giving gifts or money.
Example
The foundation survived thanks to the largess of wealthy donors.
C1 verb, noun /læɡ/

lag

Meaning
To fall behind in movement, progress, or development; a delay or period of falling behind.
Example
The old computer tends to lag when running new software.
C1 noun /ˈlɔː.ləs.nəs/

Lawlessness

Meaning
absence of law and order; a state where laws do not exist or are not enforced
Example
The city descended into lawlessness after the government collapsed.
B2 adjective /ˈlʌvəbl̩/

loveable

Meaning
easy to love; endearing or charming
Example
The puppy was so loveable that everyone wanted to hold it.
B1 adjective /luːs/

loose

Meaning
not firmly or tightly fixed in place
Example
The screw is loose and needs tightening.
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.
A2 noun /leɪk/

Lake

Meaning
a large body of water completely surrounded by land
Example
The peaceful lake reflected the mountains in its calm waters.
C2 noun /lækˈteɪʃən/

lactation

Meaning
the secretion of milk by the mammary glands of female mammals
Example
The doctor explained that lactation is a natural process after childbirth.
C2 adjective /luːd/

lewd

Meaning
Sexually offensive, obscene, or vulgar.
Example
He was arrested for making lewd remarks in public.
B2 adverb /ˈliːɡəli/

legally

Meaning
in a way that is allowed by law
Example
He is legally responsible for his actions.