Leech
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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.
B1 verb kənˈsjuːmz

consumes

Meaning
Use up (a resource); eat, drink, or ingest (food or drink).
Example
An individual consumes around 20 kg of plastic annually.
C1 noun /kənˈstɪtʃuənsi/

constituency

Meaning
A geographical area whose residents elect a representative to a legislative body.
Example
She campaigned tirelessly across her constituency.
C1 noun /ˈnep.ə.tɪz.əm/

Nepotism

Meaning
the practice of favoring relatives or friends in business or politics
Example
The company was accused of nepotism in its hiring practices.
B1 verb /ˈθretən/

threaten

Meaning
to express an intention to harm or punish someone; to be likely to cause harm
Example
The storm clouds threaten to bring heavy rain tonight.
C1 adjective /ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪs/

imprecise

Meaning
Not exact or accurate; vague.
Example
His explanation was too imprecise to be helpful.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt/

encroachment

Meaning
the act of gradually intruding or taking over someone’s rights, land, or space
Example
The villagers protested against the encroachment on their farmland.
C1 verb dɪˈsaɪ.fɚ

decipher

Meaning
To convert something written in code into normal language; to succeed in understanding the meaning of something.
Example
It took hours to decipher the ancient script.
C2 noun /dɪˌlæpɪˈdeɪʃən/

dilapidation

Meaning
The state of disrepair or ruin as a result of neglect.
Example
The old temple was in a state of dilapidation.
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 adjective /hɪˈspænɪk/

hispanic

Meaning
relating to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially Latin America.
Example
She studies Hispanic culture and language.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

indictment

Meaning
a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime
Example
The indictment accused the company of multiple violations.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːrɡoʊ/

cargo

Meaning
goods carried by a ship, plane, or other transport
Example
The ship was loaded with valuable cargo.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪ.kɪŋ ˈsoʊ.də/

Baking Soda

Meaning
sodium bicarbonate used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent
Example
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to make the cake fluffy.
B2 adjective /ˈbraʊn.ɪʃ/

Brownish

Meaning
having a color somewhat like brown; tending toward brown
Example
The old paper had a brownish tint from age.
C2 noun /ˌkɒntrəpəˈzɪʃən/

contraposition

Meaning
the act of placing two things in opposition for contrast or comparison
Example
The contraposition of the two theories highlighted their differences.
C2 noun /proʊˈdʒɛnɪtər/

progenitor

Meaning
a direct ancestor; a person or thing that originates something
Example
Researchers traced the custom back to a common progenitor.
B2 verb /ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt/

eliminate

Meaning
To completely remove or get rid of something.
Example
Eliminate time-wasting habits.
C2 adjective /ˈmɛtəlˌsʌm/

mettlesome

Meaning
Full of courage and spirit; lively and spirited.
Example
The mettlesome young rider never backed down from a challenge.
C2 noun /ˌdɪʃəˈbiːl/

dishabille

Meaning
The state of being only partly or loosely dressed; casual or careless attire.
Example
She answered the door in a state of dishabille, wearing just a robe.
C1 adjective /ˈteɪn.tɪd/

Tainted

Meaning
contaminated or affected by something bad or undesirable
Example
The water supply was tainted with harmful chemicals.
C1 verb /ɪˈmɔːrtəlaɪz/

immortalize

Meaning
to preserve the memory of someone or something forever
Example
The statue was built to immortalize the hero’s sacrifice.
B1 adjective /ˈspaɪ.si/

Spicy

Meaning
having a strong, hot flavor from spices; containing spices
Example
This curry is too spicy for me to eat.
C1 adjective /ˈɡræn.jʊ.lər/

granular

Meaning
Consisting of small grains or particles; detailed and specific.
Example
The report provided a granular analysis of the market data.
B2 noun /ˈkruː.əl.ti/

Cruelty

Meaning
behavior that causes pain or suffering to others; the quality of being cruel
Example
The documentary exposed the cruelty of factory farming to animals.
B2 noun /ˈsæksəfoʊn/

Saxophone

Meaning
a wind musical instrument with a curved metal body and a single reed mouthpiece
Example
The jazz musician played a beautiful solo on his saxophone.
B2 adjective /ˈθɔːtfəl/

thoughtful

Meaning
showing careful consideration or attention
Example
She gave a thoughtful response to every question asked.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈdjʊər.ɪŋ/

Enduring

Meaning
lasting; permanent; continuing for a long time
Example
Their enduring friendship lasted for decades.
B1 adjective ˈkrɪtɪkəl

critical

Meaning
Extremely important; at a point of crisis or urgency.
Example
Addressing critical issues in education is imperative.
C1 verb /əˈtoʊn/

atone

Meaning
to make amends for a wrong or injury; to make reparation
Example
He tried to atone for his mistakes by helping others.
B2 noun /kʌlt/

cult

Meaning
a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object
Example
The cult followed their leader with great devotion.
C1 adjective /ˈstæɡ.nənt/

Stagnant

Meaning
not moving or flowing; showing no activity or development
Example
The stagnant water in the pond was covered with algae.
C1 noun /ræmˈbuːtən/

Rambutan

Meaning
a tropical fruit with red spiky skin and white translucent sweet flesh similar to litchi
Example
The rambutan looks scary with its hairy skin but tastes very sweet inside.
A2 noun əˈpɔɪnt.mənts

appointments

Meaning
An arrangement to meet someone at a particular time and place; the action of assigning a job or role to someone.
Example
Government appointments follow meritocracy.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpɛnd/

impend

Meaning
to be about to happen; to loom threateningly
Example
Dark clouds suggested that a storm was impeding.
C1 noun /ɔːˈtɒmətən/

automaton

Meaning
A machine that works automatically; also refers to a person who behaves like a machine, without thinking.
Example
He worked like an automaton, without showing any emotion.
A2 noun /ˈmærɪdʒ/

marriage

Meaning
The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship.
Example
Their marriage lasted for over thirty years.
C1 verb /ˌdiːˈbʌŋk/

debunk

Meaning
Expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).
Example
Scientists debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
B1 noun ˈkeɪ.bəl

cable

Meaning
A thick rope of wire or nonmetallic fiber, typically used for construction, mooring ships, or transmitting electricity or telecommunication signals.
Example
The cable connects countries across continents.
C2 noun /tɪlθ/

tilth

Meaning
The physical condition of soil in relation to its suitability for planting crops.
Example
The farmer checked the soil's tilth before planting the seeds.
C2 noun /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃn/

circumlocution

Meaning
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
Example
The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution.
B2 noun /bʌlk/

Bulk

Meaning
the mass or size of something large; the greater part or majority of something
Example
The bulk of the work was completed before the deadline.
B2 verb /vaʊ/

vow

Meaning
to make a serious promise; to pledge solemnly
Example
They vowed to love each other forever.
B1 noun /ˈen.trəns/

Entrance

Meaning
an opening that allows access to a place; the action of entering
Example
The main entrance to the building was decorated with beautiful flowers.
B2 noun /əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən/

abbreviation

Meaning
a shortened form of a word or phrase
Example
NASA is an abbreviation for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
C1 noun /streɪt/

strait

Meaning
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water.
Example
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
A2 noun/verb /ˈkɒntækt/

contact

Meaning
Communication or connection with someone.
Example
You should contact your doctor if symptoms persist.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/

decapitate

Meaning
To cut off the head of a person or animal.
Example
The ancient executioner decapitated the criminal.
B1 noun /ˈplʌm.ər/

plumber

Meaning
a person who installs or repairs water pipes
Example
The plumber fixed the leaking pipe in the kitchen.
C1 adjective /ˈhɛlθfəl/

healthful

Meaning
Promoting good health; beneficial to health.
Example
A healthful diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
B2 adjective ˈsiːm.ləs

seamless

Meaning
A process or service that works without any interruption.
Example
A seamless checkout process improves user satisfaction.
C1 verb /ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/

mesmerize

Meaning
To capture complete attention; to hypnotize or fascinate.
Example
The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience.
C1 noun /mɔːs/

Moss

Meaning
a small flowerless plant that grows in clumps in moist places
Example
Green moss covered the old stone wall.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˈpleɪs/

misplace

Meaning
To put something in the wrong location and temporarily lose it.
Example
I often misplace my keys when I am in a hurry.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪfɒn/

antiphon

Meaning
a short chant or verse sung responsively in Christian worship, typically sung before or after a psalm or canticle
Example
The choir sang the antiphon before beginning the main hymn.
C2 verb /ˈkɔː.tə.raɪz/

cauterize

Meaning
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
Example
The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.
C1 noun /ˈiːɡoʊˌtɪzəm/

egotism

Meaning
The practice of talking and thinking about oneself excessively because of an inflated sense of self-importance.
Example
His constant boasting revealed his egotism.
B2 noun /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/

unkindness

Meaning
lack of kindness; cruel or inconsiderate behavior
Example
His unkindness hurt her feelings deeply.
B2 noun /fɔːrˈmeɪʃən/

formation

Meaning
the action of forming or process of being formed
Example
The formation of the new company took several months.
B1 verb /ɪˈneɪbəl/

enable

Meaning
to make something possible; to give power or ability
Example
This software enables users to edit videos easily.
C2 noun /dɪˈstɛnʃən/

distention

Meaning
The state of being swollen due to internal pressure.
Example
The patient complained of abdominal pain and distention.
C1 noun /ɡrəˈfiː.ti/

Graffiti

Meaning
writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place
Example
The subway walls were covered with colorful graffiti created by local street artists.
C2 noun /ˌɪkθiˈɒlədʒɪst/

ichthyologist

Meaning
A scientist who studies fish.
Example
The ichthyologist discovered a new species of fish in the river.
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.
A2 verb /əˈreɪndʒ/

arrange

Meaning
to organize or put in order; to plan or prepare
Example
She arranged the flowers in a vase.
B2 noun ləˈdʒɪs.tɪks

Logistics

Meaning
The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies.
Example
Logistics ensures timely delivery.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpɪleɪt/

depilate

Meaning
to remove hair from the skin, especially by mechanical or chemical means
Example
She decided to depilate her legs before the event.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪtʃuː/

Catechu

Meaning
an extract from a tropical Asian plant, used in tanning and dyeing
Example
Catechu extract is commonly used in traditional medicine.
B2 noun /ˈfʌndˌreɪzɪŋ/

fundraising

Meaning
the process of collecting money for a cause or project
Example
The organization is organizing a fundraising event.
C1 adjective /pæˈseɪ/

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
C1 noun ˈstræt.ə.sfɪər

stratosphere

Meaning
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
Example
The stratosphere provides a unique environment.
C2 verb /ˈstræɡəl/

straggle

Meaning
To move or spread in an irregular, scattered, or untidy way.
Example
The children began to straggle behind on the long hike.
C2 verb /ʌnˈɑːrm/

unarm

Meaning
to remove weapons from someone or to deprive of means of attack or defense
Example
The soldiers were ordered to unarm the prisoners.
C1 noun, adverb /ˈeɪliəs/

alias

Meaning
A false or assumed identity; also used to mean 'otherwise called'.
Example
The criminal was known by the alias 'Shadow'.
C2 noun /trʌs/

truss

Meaning
a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure
Example
The engineer designed a strong truss for the new bridge.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkɜːrʒən/

incursion

Meaning
A sudden attack or invasion into a place or territory.
Example
The army repelled the enemy incursion at the border.
C2 noun /ˈnɛkrəˌmænsi/

necromancy

Meaning
the practice of communicating with the dead, often to predict the future
Example
Ancient texts described rituals of necromancy performed by priests.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /ˈɔːltərnət/ (adj, noun), /ˈɔːltərˌneɪt/ (verb)

alternate

Meaning
to occur in turn repeatedly; to take turns; also, a substitute or replacement
Example
The students alternate between online and offline classes.
B2 verb /dɪˈsiːv/

deceive

Meaning
To cause someone to believe something that is not true.
Example
He tried to deceive his friends with a fake story.
B2 noun, verb /stiːm/

steam

Meaning
the vapor into which water is converted when heated; to emit or treat with steam
Example
The kettle was steaming on the stove.
B2 noun /ˈhɑːrd.ʃɪp/

Hardship

Meaning
severe suffering or privation; difficulty or distress
Example
Despite facing many hardships during the war, the family remained united and hopeful.
C2 noun /kænˈtoʊnmənt/

Cantonment

Meaning
a military base or permanent military station
Example
The soldiers lived in the cantonment outside the city.
A1 adverb /weər/

Where

Meaning
In or to what place or position; used to inquire about location
Example
Where did you put my keys?
C2 noun /skʌlˈdʌɡəri/

skulduggery

Meaning
underhanded or dishonest behavior
Example
The politician was accused of financial skulduggery.
A2 adjective /waɪz/

wise

Meaning
having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment
Example
It was wise of him to save money for the future.
B2 verb /nɪˈɡlekt/

neglect

Meaning
to fail to care for or give attention to something
Example
Don't neglect your health while studying.
B2 adjective /ˈspeɪ.ʃəs/

Spacious

Meaning
having a lot of space; roomy and comfortable
Example
The house has a spacious living room with high ceilings.
C2 noun /ɪˈpɪsəl/

epistle

Meaning
A letter, especially a formal or didactic one; often used for letters in the New Testament.
Example
He wrote a long epistle to his friend about his travels.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtrɛntʃ/

entrench

Meaning
To establish something so firmly that it is difficult to change.
Example
The company entrenched its position in the market through innovation.
B2 verb /nɒd/

nod

Meaning
to move one's head down and up to show agreement or acknowledgment
Example
She nodded in agreement with the proposal.
C1 noun ˌdiː.sen.trə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

decentralization

Meaning
The transfer of authority from central to local government.
Example
Decentralization promotes regional autonomy.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌɡræm/

decagram

Meaning
A metric unit of mass equal to ten grams.
Example
The package weighed exactly one decagram.
C1 noun/verb ˈpɪv.ət

pivot

Meaning
A significant change in business strategy or direction.
Example
The company decided to pivot its business strategy.
B1 noun /bʌntʃ/

Bunch

Meaning
a number of things of the same type fastened together or occurring close together
Example
She picked a bunch of flowers from the garden for her mother.
C1 noun /ˈkɑr.nɪdʒ/

Carnage

Meaning
the killing of a large number of people; widespread slaughter
Example
The battlefield was filled with carnage after the brutal war.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/

exploitative

Meaning
making use of a situation or people unfairly and unethically for one's own advantage
Example
The workers protested against the exploitative practices of the factory.
C1 noun /ˈoʊvərˌsiːər/

overseer

Meaning
a person who supervises work or workers; a manager
Example
The overseer made sure the workers followed safety rules.
C2 verb /ɪnˈvaɪərən/

environ

Meaning
to surround or enclose; to encircle
Example
Mountains environ the small valley.
C2 adjective /ˈɡaɪlləs/

guileless

Meaning
Innocent and without deceit
Example
Her guileless smile won everyone’s heart.
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.
B1 adverb /səkˈsɛsfəli/

successfully

Meaning
in a way that achieves a desired result
Example
She passed the exam successfully after weeks of studying.
A1 adjective /sæd/

sad

Meaning
feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy
Example
She felt sad after hearing the bad news.
C2 noun /poʊˈzɜːr/

poseur

Meaning
A person who pretends to be something they are not, often to impress others.
Example
Many considered him a poseur because he exaggerated his accomplishments.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntɪˌliːtər/

centiliter

Meaning
A metric unit of capacity equal to one hundredth of a liter.
Example
The recipe calls for 20 centiliters of milk.
C1 verb dɪˈsɜːn

discern

Meaning
To perceive or recognize something; to distinguish with difficulty by sight or with the other senses.
Example
He could barely discern the distant figure in the fog.
B1 noun /ˈbʌb.əl/

bubble

Meaning
a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or gas; a temporary state of inflated value or excitement
Example
The children chased the bubbles in the air.
B2 noun /ˈskɔːr.pi.ən/

Scorpion

Meaning
a small creature with eight legs, two claws, and a curved tail with a poisonous sting
Example
The scorpion hid under the rock during the day.
B1 adjective /rɪˈmoʊt/

remote

Meaning
Situated far from the main centers of population; distant.
Example
They stayed in a remote village during their trip.
C2 noun /bɪˈtroʊðəl/

betrothal

Meaning
The formal engagement to be married.
Example
Their betrothal was announced to the whole village.
C2 noun /ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

spoliation

Meaning
The act of destroying or ruining something, often evidence or property.
Example
The court punished the company for the spoliation of evidence.
C1 verb /ˈʌndərkʌt/

undercut

Meaning
to sell at a lower price than a competitor; to weaken or undermine something
Example
The company tried to undercut its rivals by offering lower prices.
B1 verb, noun, adjective /ˈmeltɪŋ/

melting

Meaning
the process of changing from solid to liquid due to heat; becoming softer or less rigid; emotionally moving or tender
Example
The ice is melting quickly under the hot sun.
B2 noun/adjective /ˈmɪnətʃər/ or /ˈmɪniətʃʊr/

miniature

Meaning
a very small version of something; small in scale or size
Example
The artist created a miniature model of the castle.
C1 verb /ˌʌndəˈreɪt/

underrate

Meaning
to fail to recognize the full value or importance of something or someone
Example
Many people underrate the benefits of regular exercise.
A2 verb /hiːt/

heat

Meaning
to make or become hot or warm
Example
Please heat the soup before serving.
B1 verb ˈtrænsfər

transfer

Meaning
To move from one place to another; to hand over.
Example
Power transfer was necessary.
A1 noun /tɛn/

ten

Meaning
the number following nine and preceding eleven
Example
I have ten apples in the basket.
C1 noun /ˈtæn.ə.ri/

tannery

Meaning
A place where animal hides are processed into leather.
Example
The tannery produced high-quality leather for export.
B1 adverb /ˈlɑːrdʒli/

largely

Meaning
to a great extent; mostly or mainly
Example
The success of the project was largely due to teamwork.
A2 noun /kraʊd/

crowd

Meaning
a large number of people gathered together
Example
A huge crowd gathered to watch the concert.
B1 noun /nɛt/

net

Meaning
a piece of material made of threads or ropes woven together, used to catch or hold things
Example
The fisherman cast his net into the sea.