leaven
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C2 noun/verb /ˈlɛv.ən/

leaven

Meaning
a substance, typically yeast, that causes dough to rise; to permeate and modify
Example
A little yeast will leaven the bread dough.
C1 noun /ˈlɪrɪk/

lyric

Meaning
the words of a song or a short poem that expresses personal feelings
Example
She memorized every lyric of her favorite song.
C1 noun /ˈlɛktən/

lectern

Meaning
A tall stand with a sloping top used to support a book, notes, or script during a speech or lecture.
Example
The professor placed her notes on the lectern before starting her lecture.
C1 noun /luː/

lieu

Meaning
Instead of; in place of.
Example
He gave money in lieu of flowers.
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.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈleɪt.li/

Lately

Meaning
recently; in the recent past; not long ago
Example
I haven't seen him lately, but I heard he got a new job.
C2 adjective /ˈlʌstrəs/

lustrous

Meaning
having a gentle sheen or soft glow
Example
Her hair looked smooth and lustrous.
C2 verb /ˈlɔɪtər/

loiter

Meaning
To stand or wait around idly without apparent purpose.
Example
The teenagers were told not to loiter outside the shop.
C1 adjective liːst prɪˈpeərd

least prepared

Meaning
Having the minimum level of readiness or equipment to handle a situation.
Example
Bangladesh is among the least prepared for climate adaptation.
C2 noun /ˈlɪtərdʒi/

liturgy

Meaning
A form or formulary according to which public religious worship is conducted.
Example
The priest followed the liturgy during the Sunday mass.
C1 verb /ˈlɔːndər/

launder

Meaning
to wash clothes, linens, etc.; or to conceal the origins of money obtained illegally
Example
She laundered all the dirty clothes on Sunday.
C2 noun /ˈleɪ.ɪ.ti/

laity

Meaning
Ordinary members of a religious community who are not clergy.
Example
The church welcomed the laity to participate in the event.
B1 noun /lɔːn/

Lawn

Meaning
an area of short, regularly mown grass in the grounds of a house or in a park
Example
She waters the lawn every morning.
B2 noun /liːɡ/

league

Meaning
An association of people or groups united for a common purpose; also a unit of distance (old use).
Example
Several clubs formed a league to promote sportsmanship.
C1 noun ˌlɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

litigation

Meaning
The process of taking legal action; a lawsuit.
Example
The litigation accused the regime of human rights abuses.
C1 noun /ˈliːniənsi/

leniency

Meaning
The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected.
Example
The judge showed leniency in his ruling.
C1 noun /liːtʃ/

Leech

Meaning
an aquatic or terrestrial annelid worm with suckers at both ends; metaphorically, a person who extorts profit from others
Example
The leech attached itself to his leg while swimming.
C1 verb /loʊð/

loathe

Meaning
to feel intense dislike or disgust for
Example
He absolutely loathes being late to meetings.
C1 noun /ˌlaɪ.sənˈsiː/

Licensee

Meaning
a person or organization that holds a license to do something
Example
The licensee is responsible for following all regulations.
A1 noun /lʌntʃ/

Lunch

Meaning
a meal eaten in the middle of the day, typically one that is lighter or less formal than an evening meal
Example
We had lunch at a nice restaurant downtown.
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.
B1 noun /ˈlʌvər/

lover

Meaning
a person who is in a romantic relationship or has strong affection for someone
Example
She met her lover at the café every evening.
B1 adjective /luːs/

loose

Meaning
not firmly or tightly fixed in place
Example
The screw is loose and needs tightening.
C2 adjective /ˈleɪ.tɪʃ/

latish

Meaning
Somewhat late; occurring or arriving later than usual but not very late.
Example
We arrived latish to the party but still caught most of the fun.
B2 noun /ˈliːtər/

litre

Meaning
a metric unit of volume equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters; commonly used to measure liquids
Example
She bought a litre of milk from the shop.
B2 noun ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃən

limitation

Meaning
A limiting rule or circumstance; a restriction on the size or amount of something permissible.
Example
Limitation in data affects policy-making decisions.
C1 noun /lɪˈbiːdoʊ/

libido

Meaning
Sexual desire or drive.
Example
Stress can sometimes lower a person's libido.
A2 noun /ˈlɜːrnər/

learner

Meaning
a person who is acquiring knowledge or skill through study or experience
Example
She is a fast learner.
A1 verb /let/

let

Meaning
to allow someone to do something; to give permission
Example
Please let me help you with that task.
C1 adjective /ˈliː.θəl/

Lethal

Meaning
deadly; fatal; capable of causing death
Example
The snake's venom is lethal to humans if not treated immediately.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈlɛzbiən/

lesbian

Meaning
a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women
Example
She is a proud lesbian and advocates for equal rights.
C2 verb /ˈlaɪ.ə.naɪz/

lionize

Meaning
to treat someone as a celebrity or give a lot of public attention
Example
The press began to lionize the young scientist after his discovery.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.kəst/

Locust

Meaning
a large insect that flies in groups and eats crops
Example
The locusts destroyed the entire wheat field.
B2 noun /ˈlænd.lɔːrd/

Land lord

Meaning
a person who owns property and rents it to tenants
Example
The landlord collected the monthly rent from all tenants.
B2 noun ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si ˌreɪts

literacy rates

Meaning
The percentage of people in a population who can read and write; measures of educational levels in a population.
Example
Literacy rates impact socioeconomic conditions.
B2 noun /ˈloʊ.təs/

Lotus

Meaning
a large water flower that floats on the surface of ponds and lakes
Example
The lotus flower blooms beautifully in the quiet pond.
C2 adjective /ˈluː.ni/

Loony

Meaning
crazy; silly; mentally unstable
Example
His loony behavior made everyone laugh.
C2 verb ˈlev.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ

levitating

Meaning
Rising and hovering in the air, especially as a result of supernatural or magical power.
Example
The levitating structure is an engineering marvel.
C1 noun /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən wɔːr/

liberation war

Meaning
a war fought to gain freedom from foreign rule, occupation, or oppression; an armed struggle for national independence
Example
The liberation war reshaped the nation’s history and identity.
C2 noun /ˈlɔːˌɡɪvər/

lawgiver

Meaning
A person who creates or enforces laws; a legislator.
Example
Moses is often regarded as a great lawgiver in history.
B2 noun /lɔːɡ/

Log

Meaning
a piece of a dead or felled tree trunk or branch, especially one stripped of bark
Example
They sat on a log by the campfire.
B2 noun; verb /ˈlaɪnʌp/

line-up

Meaning
a group or arrangement of people or things in a line; to arrange people or things in a row or planned order
Example
The coach announced the team line-up before the match.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ləˈbɔːr.ə.tɔːr.i/

Laboratory (Lab)

Meaning
a room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
Example
The scientists conducted their experiments in the well-equipped laboratory.
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.
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.
C1 verb /ˈluːbrɪkeɪt/

lubricate

Meaning
to apply oil or grease to reduce friction between surfaces
Example
The mechanic lubricated the car engine parts.
C2 adjective /ˈliːənaɪn/

leonine

Meaning
Of or resembling a lion.
Example
His leonine hair made him stand out in the crowd.
B2 adjective /liːn/

Lean

Meaning
thin; having little fat; weak
Example
He has a lean and muscular body.
A2 verb /ˈloʊər/

lower

Meaning
to move something to a lower position or to reduce
Example
The company decided to lower the prices.
C1 verb /ˈlɪkwɪdeɪt/

liquidate

Meaning
To sell assets in order to pay off debts; to close a business and convert assets into cash.
Example
The company decided to liquidate its assets to pay creditors.
B2 adjective /ˈlʌvəbl̩/

loveable

Meaning
easy to love; endearing or charming
Example
The puppy was so loveable that everyone wanted to hold it.
C2 noun /ˈlɛvi/

levee

Meaning
An embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river or to hold back water.
Example
The town built a levee to protect itself from flooding.
B1 noun /ˈlʌk.ʃər.i/

Luxury

Meaning
the state of great comfort and extravagant living; an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain
Example
They enjoyed the luxury of a five-star hotel.
C2 verb /lʌɡ/

lug

Meaning
to carry or drag something heavy or cumbersome with effort
Example
He had to lug the suitcase up three flights of stairs.
A2 noun /lɪp/

Lip

Meaning
either of the two soft parts that form the edge of the mouth
Example
She applied lipstick to her lips before the party.
B1 noun /ˈleʒ.ər/

Leisure

Meaning
time when one is not working or occupied; free time used for enjoyment
Example
She enjoys reading books in her leisure time.
C2 noun /lɪˈnoʊ.li.əm/

linoleum

Meaning
a durable, washable floor covering made from solidified linseed oil, wood flour, or cork dust on a canvas backing
Example
They decided to cover the kitchen floor with linoleum.
B2 adjective /ˈles.ər/

Lesser

Meaning
smaller in amount; of lower importance; inferior
Example
He chose the lesser of two evils when making his decision.
B1 noun /læk/

Lack

Meaning
the state of being without or not having enough of something; absence or shortage
Example
The lack of rain this summer has caused serious problems for farmers.
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 adjective /ˈlæm.ən.tə.bəl/

lamentable

Meaning
deserving to be criticized or regretted; unfortunate
Example
The team’s lamentable performance disappointed their fans.
C2 noun /lʌɡˈʒʊəriəns/

luxuriance

Meaning
abundant growth, richness, or elegance
Example
The garden was filled with the luxuriance of tropical plants.
B2 noun ˈlænd.mɑːk

landmark

Meaning
An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance; an important stage or turning point.
Example
The space restaurant is a landmark in innovation.
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 /lɔːˈdeɪʃən/

laudation

Meaning
The act of praising or expressing approval.
Example
The poet received much laudation for his moving verses.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.tən.si/

latency

Meaning
The delay in processing signals or data.
Example
High latency in online gaming can cause lagging issues.
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.
A1 adjective /lɔːŋ/

Long

Meaning
having great length; extended in distance or time
Example
The long road stretched for miles ahead.
B1 noun ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ æps

language apps

Meaning
Mobile or computer applications designed to help users learn new languages through interactive lessons and exercises.
Example
Language apps make learning easier.
C1 verb /lʌl/

lull

Meaning
to soothe or calm; to cause to sleep or rest
Example
The gentle music lulled the baby to sleep.
C1 verb /ˈlɛdʒɪsˌleɪt/

legislate

Meaning
to make or enact laws
Example
The government plans to legislate new safety standards.
B2 noun

Loop

C2 noun /ˈlɔːŋ.ɡən/

Longan

Meaning
a small round tropical fruit with translucent white flesh and sweet taste, related to lychee
Example
Longan fruits are often eaten fresh or dried and are popular in Asian desserts.
A1 noun /laɪf/

life

Meaning
The existence of an individual human being or animal.
Example
Life is full of challenges and opportunities.
C2 noun /ˈlɛtʃ.əri/

lechery

Meaning
excessive or offensive sexual desire; lustfulness
Example
The novel depicted the lechery of corrupt nobles.
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 /lɑːrˈʒes/

largess

Meaning
Generosity in giving gifts or money.
Example
The foundation survived thanks to the largess of wealthy donors.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈlænd.skeɪp/

Landscape

Meaning
all the visible features of an area of countryside or land; the art of designing outdoor areas
Example
The mountain landscape was breathtaking with its snow-capped peaks and green valleys.
B2 adjective /ˈlætər/

latter

Meaning
the second of two people or things mentioned
Example
Between tea and coffee, I prefer the latter.
C2 adjective /ˈloʊð.səm/

Loathsome

Meaning
causing hatred or disgust; repulsive
Example
The loathsome smell from the garbage made everyone leave the room.
C1 noun /læns/

Lance

Meaning
a long weapon with a sharp metal point, used by soldiers on horseback
Example
The knight charged forward with his lance ready.
B2 noun /ˈlɒbstər/

Lobster

Meaning
a large marine crustacean with claws and a hard shell
Example
The lobster was served with melted butter and lemon.
C1 noun /ˈlʌɡ.ɪdʒ væn/

Luggage van

Meaning
a vehicle designed for carrying luggage and cargo
Example
The luggage van carried all the passengers' suitcases.
C1 adjective /ˈlaɪf.laɪk/

lifelike

Meaning
Very similar to a real person, object, or scene; realistic.
Example
The wax figure was so lifelike that people thought it was a real person.
C2 noun /ˈlæŋɡər/

languor

Meaning
A state of tiredness, inertia, or dreamy relaxation.
Example
The hot afternoon filled her with languor.
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.
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.
C1 verb /ˈliːɡəlaɪz/

legalize

Meaning
To make something lawful by official approval.
Example
The government decided to legalize online businesses.
A2 noun /læb/

lab

Meaning
a place equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
Example
The students conducted an experiment in the chemistry lab.
C2 adjective /ˈlaɪðsəm/

lithesome

Meaning
gracefully flexible and supple
Example
Her lithesome figure allowed her to move like a ballerina.
A2 adjective /laɪt red/

Light Red

Meaning
a pale or diluted shade of red color
Example
She wore a light red dress to the party.
C1 adjective /ˈlɪvɪd/

livid

Meaning
Extremely angry; furious.
Example
She was livid when she found out about the betrayal.
C2 noun /liː/

lea

Meaning
An open area of grassy or arable land; a meadow.
Example
The cottage was surrounded by a quiet lea.
C2 noun /ˈlɪnəmənt/

liniment

Meaning
A liquid or lotion applied to the skin to relieve pain or stiffness.
Example
He rubbed liniment on his sore muscles after the workout.
A2 noun /lɪst/

List

Meaning
a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other
Example
Make a list of things you need to buy.
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.
B2 noun/adjective /ˈlætɪn/

latin

Meaning
the language of ancient Rome; relating to Latin culture or language
Example
Many English words are derived from Latin.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmpɪd/

limpid

Meaning
Clear and transparent, easily understood.
Example
The limpid water of the lake reflected the sky perfectly.
A2 adjective /ˈloʊɪst/

lowest

Meaning
Of the smallest amount, extent, or intensity; minimal.
Example
The unemployment rate is at its lowest in 15 years.
C2 adjective /ˌlɪlɪˈpjuːʃən/

lilliputian

Meaning
Extremely small or tiny; trivial or petty.
Example
The model village was filled with lilliputian houses.
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.
A2 noun/adjective /ˈlɪvɪŋ/

living

Meaning
the state of being alive; or a way of earning money
Example
He makes his living as a teacher.
C2 adjective /lɪˈbɪdənəs/

libidinous

Meaning
Showing excessive sexual drive; lustful.
Example
The play was criticized for its libidinous characters.
C1 adjective /læks/

lax

Meaning
Not strict, severe, or careful; negligent or careless.
Example
The security at the airport was surprisingly lax.
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 /ˌluːkjʊˈbreɪʃən/

lucubration

Meaning
study or meditation, especially at night
Example
His novel was the result of long lucubration.
C2 noun /laʊt/

lout

Meaning
An uncouth or aggressive man or boy.
Example
The drunken lout caused a scene at the party.
C1 verb, noun /lɜːrtʃ/

lurch

Meaning
to make an abrupt, unsteady, or uncontrolled movement; a sudden movement or stagger
Example
The bus lurched forward as the driver hit the brakes.
C1 noun /ˈlɛdʒɪsleɪtər/

legislator

Meaning
a person who makes laws, especially a member of a legislative body
Example
The legislator introduced a bill to improve healthcare.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.səns/

Licence

Meaning
a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade
Example
You need a driving licence to operate a car.
A1 adjective/adverb /lɛs/

less

Meaning
A smaller amount; not as much.
Example
She spends less money than her brother.
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.
B2 noun ˈlaɪv.stɒk ˈfɑː.mɪŋ

livestock farming

Meaning
The breeding, raising, and care of farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs for food, fiber, and other products.
Example
Livestock farming plays a crucial role in food security.
B1 noun /læm/

Lamb

Meaning
a young sheep; meat from a young sheep
Example
The little lamb followed its mother everywhere.
C1 noun ˈlɪniɪdʒ

Lineage

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