legitimate self-defense
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C1 phrase lɪˈdʒɪt.ɪ.mət sɛlf dɪˈfens

legitimate self-defense

Meaning
Lawful protection of oneself from harm or attack.
Example
The country claimed it was legitimate self-defense.
B1 adjective /ˈɪrɪteɪtɪŋ/

irritating

Meaning
causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger
Example
The constant noise from the street is extremely irritating.
C1 verb ɔːɡˈmɛntɪŋ

augmenting

Meaning
Increasing; making something greater in size, number, or degree
Example
Life expectancy is augmenting with advancements in healthcare.
C1 verb /məˈtɪərɪəlaɪz/

materialize

Meaning
To become real or actual; to appear suddenly or in a physical form.
Example
The opportunity he had been waiting for finally materialized.
C1 noun ˌsteɪbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən

stabilization

Meaning
The process of making or becoming stable.
Example
The stabilization of the structure was essential after the earthquake.
C2 noun /kænˈtɑː.tə/

cantata

Meaning
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival.
B1 noun /lenz/

lens

Meaning
a curved piece of glass or plastic that makes things look clearer or larger when you look through it
Example
He cleaned the camera lens before taking the picture.
B2 noun /ˈten.dər.nəs/

Tenderness

Meaning
gentleness and kindness; the quality of being easily hurt or damaged
Example
The mother showed great tenderness while caring for her sick child.
B2 noun /ˈtæk.tɪk/

Tactic

Meaning
a plan or method for achieving something; a strategy used to accomplish a goal
Example
The coach used a new tactic to win the game.
C2 adjective /ˌmækɪəˈvɛliən/

machiavellian

Meaning
cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career
Example
The politician was known for his Machiavellian tactics.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊn.kæst/

downcast

Meaning
feeling sad, dejected, or with lowered eyes
Example
He looked downcast after hearing the bad news.
B1 noun /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/

operation

Meaning
an act or process of functioning or operating
Example
The hospital performed a successful operation.
B2 noun /ˈpæd.i/

Paddy

Meaning
rice in its natural state before processing; a field where rice is grown
Example
The farmers worked hard in the paddy fields during harvest season.
C1 noun /ˈsuːdənɪm/

pseudonym

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens.
C1 adjective /ˌθiːəˈlɒdʒɪkl/

theological

Meaning
Relating to the study of theology or religious belief.
Example
He wrote a theological paper on the concept of divine justice.
B2 verb /ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ/

intensify

Meaning
To make something stronger, more extreme, or more forceful.
Example
The storm is expected to intensify overnight.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrstɪs/

interstice

Meaning
a small space that lies between things
Example
Light filtered through the narrow interstices of the wall.
B2 noun /kənˈtɛmpt/

contempt

Meaning
a strong feeling of dislike and lack of respect towards someone or something
Example
He spoke with contempt about the corrupt officials.
B1 noun ˈplæt.fɔːrmz

platforms

Meaning
Computing environments where software applications can be developed and run.
Example
Different platforms offer diverse digital solutions.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪf.ər.əns/

Indifference

Meaning
lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; the state of not caring about something
Example
His indifference to his studies resulted in poor grades throughout the semester.
A1 verb /wɔːk/

walk

Meaning
to move forward by putting one foot in front of the other
Example
I walk to school every morning.
C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

Meaning
Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.
Example
The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.
C1 noun /kənˈfɔːrmɪst/

conformist

Meaning
A person who uncritically conforms to established practices or standards.
Example
She was labeled a conformist for always following the crowd.
B2 noun /ˈɡləʊ.bəl piːs/

global peace

Meaning
Worldwide harmony and absence of conflict between nations.
Example
Global peace requires collective efforts.
B2 noun /ˈhæs.əl/

Hassle

Meaning
irritating inconvenience; trouble or difficulty; a situation causing problems
Example
Booking tickets online can save you the hassle of waiting in long queues at the theater.
B1 noun /əˈtʃiːvmənt/

achievement

Meaning
Something that has been successfully completed or accomplished through effort or skill.
Example
Graduating from university was her greatest achievement.
C2 adjective, adverb /ˈsaɪdlɔːŋ/

sidelong

Meaning
Directed to the side; indirect, furtive, or not straightforward.
Example
She gave him a sidelong glance across the room.
A2 adjective /ˈhɔːrəbəl/

Horrible

Meaning
causing or likely to cause horror; shocking; terrible; extremely unpleasant
Example
The accident was a horrible sight to witness.
C2 verb /ˈæbrəɡeɪt/

abrogate

Meaning
To formally repeal, cancel, or abolish a law, agreement, or custom.
Example
The government decided to abrogate the outdated treaty.
B2 noun /ˈθiːsɪs/

thesis

Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually for a degree at a university.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral thesis.
C2 noun /slaɪt/

sleight

Meaning
Skill or dexterity, especially in performing tricks.
Example
The magician amazed the crowd with his sleight of hand.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 adjective /ˈfuːlpruːf/

foolproof

Meaning
Designed to be very easy to use or understand, leaving no possibility of failure or error.
Example
The new software has a foolproof installation process.
C1 adjective /məˈləʊ.di.əs/

Melodious

Meaning
having a pleasant musical sound; tuneful
Example
Her melodious voice captivated the entire audience.
B2 adjective /prəˈpoʊzd/

proposed

Meaning
suggested or put forward for consideration or discussion
Example
The proposed changes will improve the system.
B2 verb /stɜːr/

stir

Meaning
to mix or move something in a circular motion, especially in liquid
Example
She stirred the soup to make sure it didn't burn.
C1 noun /ˈɡrɪd.lɒk/

gridlock

Meaning
Complete traffic jam or standstill condition where vehicles cannot move.
Example
A major accident led to gridlock in the city center.
C2 noun /hoʊ/

Hoe

Meaning
a gardening tool with a thin metal blade used for breaking up soil and removing weeds
Example
The farmer used a hoe to remove weeds from his vegetable garden.
C1 noun /ˈtraɪæd/

triad

Meaning
a group of three closely related people or things
Example
The project was managed by a triad of experts.
B2 verb /ˈdɛzɪɡneɪt/

designate

Meaning
to officially assign, appoint, or indicate something or someone
Example
The committee will designate a new chairperson next week.
B2 noun /bluːz/

blues

Meaning
a feeling of sadness; a style of music with melancholy themes
Example
Listening to blues music always calms him down.
C1 adverb /ʌnˈnætʃrəli/

unnaturally

Meaning
in a way that is not natural or normal; excessively or strangely
Example
He smiled unnaturally, making everyone feel uncomfortable.
B2 noun /ˌʌndəˈɡrædʒuət/

undergraduate

Meaning
a student who has not yet earned a bachelor's degree
Example
She is an undergraduate studying computer science.
C1 adjective /kəˈlæpsəbl̩/

collapsible

Meaning
able to be folded down or reduced in size
Example
She bought a collapsible chair for camping.
B2 noun /ˈɡreɪt.fəl.nəs/

Gratefulness

Meaning
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for kindness
Example
She expressed her gratefulness to the doctors who saved her life.
A1 preposition /ɒn/

on

Meaning
physically in contact with and supported by a surface
Example
The book is on the table.
B1 noun /hjuːˈmænɪti/

humanity

Meaning
the quality of being human; kindness or compassion towards others; all human beings collectively
Example
Kindness is one of the greatest expressions of humanity.
C1 verb /kənˈsɛptʃuəlaɪz/

conceptualize

Meaning
to form an idea or concept of something in your mind
Example
The artist conceptualized a new design for the exhibition.
C1 verb /aɪˈdiː.ə.laɪz/

idealize

Meaning
To regard or represent something as perfect or better than it really is.
Example
Children often idealize their parents.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdɪɡriː/

pedigree

Meaning
the recorded ancestry or lineage of a person, family, or animal; the history or origin of something
Example
The dog has a pedigree that traces back several generations.
B2 noun /ɪɡˌzædʒ.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

Exaggeration

Meaning
a statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is
Example
His story about the fish he caught was clearly an exaggeration.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrsəm/

foursome

Meaning
a group of four people or things, especially in games or social activities
Example
The foursome enjoyed a game of golf together.
C2 verb /ɪˈreɪdieɪt/

irradiate

Meaning
to shine light on something; to expose to radiation; to illuminate or brighten
Example
The scientist used a lamp to irradiate the sample.
A2 adjective /ˈdʒɛnərəl/

general

Meaning
Relating to all or most people, things, or situations; not specific.
Example
He made a general comment about the project.
C2 verb /rɪˈvaɪl/

revile

Meaning
to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
Example
The politician was reviled by the public for his corruption.
B2 noun /kaʊtʃ/

Couch

Meaning
a long upholstered seat for more than one person, typically with a back and arms
Example
The family gathered on the couch to watch a movie.
B2 noun /kəˈlɑːʒ/

collage

Meaning
A piece of art made by sticking various materials such as photographs or paper onto a surface.
Example
She created a collage using old magazine pictures.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdʒaɪər/

gyre

Meaning
A circular or spiral motion or form, especially a giant circular oceanic surface current.
Example
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is trapped in a gyre.
B1 adjective /rʌf/

Rough

Meaning
having an uneven surface; not smooth; harsh
Example
The rough surface of the rock hurt my hands.
C1 noun /ˌəʊvərɪksˌplɔɪˈteɪʃən/

overexploitation

Meaning
The unsustainable use of natural resources at a rate that exceeds their ability to regenerate, leading to depletion and environmental degradation.
Example
Overexploitation of natural resources leads to environmental degradation.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛstɪlənt/

pestilent

Meaning
Causing or tending to cause death or destruction; harmful or pernicious.
Example
The pestilent atmosphere of the swamp made people sick.
C1 verb /ˈtɛðər/

tether

Meaning
To tie an animal with a rope or chain so it cannot move far.
Example
The farmer tethered the goat to a post.
B1 adverb /ˈdʒen.tli/

Gently

Meaning
in a mild, soft, or careful manner
Example
She gently touched the baby's face.
A2 adverb /twaɪs/

twice

Meaning
two times
Example
I have seen that movie twice.
A1 adjective, adverb /əˈloʊn/

alone

Meaning
having no one else present; on one's own
Example
She prefers to live alone in her apartment.
C2 verb /ˈtʃɔːrtl/

chortle

Meaning
to laugh in a breathy, gleeful way
Example
The audience chortled at the comedian's witty remarks.
A2 adverb /ˈsɜː.tən.li/

Certainly

Meaning
without doubt; definitely; used to agree or give permission
Example
I will certainly help you with this project.
C1 adjective /ˌhɒməˈdʒiːniəs/

homogeneous

Meaning
Of the same kind; alike.
Example
The team was not homogeneous in their skills.
B2 adjective /ˈɔː.rəl/

Oral

Meaning
spoken rather than written; relating to the mouth
Example
The oral examination will test your speaking skills.
B1 verb /kruːz/

cruise

Meaning
to travel smoothly at a moderate speed, especially for pleasure
Example
They decided to cruise along the coast during their vacation.
C2 noun /ˈeb.taɪd/

Ebb-tide

Meaning
the movement of the tide out to sea; a time when the sea level is falling
Example
During ebb-tide, we could walk further out on the beach.
C1 noun/verb /ˈtæm.pər.ɪŋ/

tampering

Meaning
The action of interfering with something in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations.
Example
Tampering with evidence is a criminal offense.
C1 noun /ˈreɪ.biːz/

rabies

Meaning
A viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals, usually transmitted through animal bites.
Example
The dog was vaccinated against rabies.
C2 adjective /ˈfraʊzi/

frowzy

Meaning
Unkempt, messy, or having a musty, unpleasant smell.
Example
He entered the room with a frowzy appearance after sleeping on the couch.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm/

conservatism

Meaning
A political or social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and resistance to change.
Example
Conservatism values tradition and gradual development.
B2 verb ɪˈrɛktɪŋ

erecting

Meaning
To build; construct; set up in a vertical position.
Example
The workers were erecting a new building downtown.
A1 noun /her/

Hair

Meaning
any of the fine thread-like strands growing from the skin of humans and animals
Example
She decided to cut her long hair short for a fresh new look this summer.
C1 noun /ˈfɛləni/

felony

Meaning
a serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
Example
He was convicted of a felony and sentenced to ten years in prison.
A2 noun /ˈdæm.ɪdʒ/

Damage

Meaning
physical harm caused to something; injury or harm that reduces value or usefulness
Example
The storm caused significant damage to the coastal buildings.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəbl/

intelligible

Meaning
Able to be understood; clear enough to be comprehended.
Example
Her speech was barely intelligible over the noise.
A1 noun /ˈwɛnzdeɪ/

wednesday

Meaning
the fourth day of the week, following Tuesday and preceding Thursday
Example
The meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
C1 verb /ɡliːn/

glean

Meaning
to collect or gather slowly and bit by bit, especially information or crops left after harvest
Example
The journalist gleaned facts from several sources.
B2 noun /ˈbæŋkrʌptsi/

bankruptcy

Meaning
the state of being unable to pay debts owed, declared by a legal process
Example
The company declared bankruptcy after months of financial struggles.
C1 noun /ˈnɑː.sɪ.sɪ.zəm/

narcissism

Meaning
Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself; extreme selfishness.
Example
His excessive narcissism made it difficult for him to empathize with others.
C1 noun /fɔːn/

Fawn

Meaning
a young deer; a light yellowish-brown color
Example
The mother deer protects her fawn from predators.
B2 noun /ˈspɒnsər/

sponsor

Meaning
a person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity in exchange for publicity or support
Example
The company became the main sponsor of the event.
C1 adjective /ˈevər ˈlæstɪŋ/

Ever-lasting

Meaning
eternal; permanent; enduring forever
Example
Their love is ever-lasting and will never fade.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈtrʌst/

Mistrust

Meaning
Lack of trust; suspicion or doubt about someone or something
Example
There was deep mistrust between the two political parties.
B2 adjective /ˈɒnɡəʊɪŋ/

ongoing

Meaning
continuing; still in progress
Example
The ongoing project will finish next month.
B2 adverb /ˈəʊvəli/

overly

Meaning
to an excessive degree or extent
Example
She was overly concerned about the results.
C1 noun ˌɪntədɪˈpɛndənsi

interdependency

Meaning
The dependence of two or more people or things on each other.
Example
The interdependency of the countries led to greater cooperation.
B1 noun /ˈɡædʒ.ɪt/

gadget

Meaning
A small mechanical or electronic device with a particular function, often novel or useful.
Example
He loves buying the latest kitchen gadgets.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪd.laɪn dɪˈskʌʃənz/

sideline discussions

Meaning
Informal or secondary conversations that occur outside the main agenda of a formal meeting.
Example
Sideline discussions often lead to agreements.
C2 noun, adjective /pəˈtrɪʃən/

patrician

Meaning
A person of noble rank or high social standing; relating to aristocracy.
Example
The patrician families of Rome wielded great power in politics.
B1 verb /tʃuː/

chew

Meaning
to bite food into smaller pieces with your teeth before swallowing it
Example
You should chew your food properly to help with digestion.
A2 noun/adjective /ˈfiːmeɪl/

female

Meaning
a person or animal of the sex that can bear offspring; relating to women or girls
Example
The female lion protects her cubs fiercely.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmpəθi/

Sympathy

Meaning
feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune
Example
She expressed her sympathy for the victims of the accident.
B2 noun /ˈtɒl.ər.əns/

Tolerance

Meaning
the ability to accept different opinions or behavior; willingness to allow something to exist
Example
Religious tolerance is important in a diverse society.
C1 verb /dɪˈteɪn/

detain

Meaning
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
Example
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
C2 noun /oʊˈbeɪsəns/

obeisance

Meaning
A gesture of respect such as a bow or curtsy.
Example
They bowed in obeisance to the king.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈprɒstreɪt/

prostrate

Meaning
lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward, often as a sign of submission or exhaustion
Example
He lay prostrate on the ground after the long battle.
B2 adjective /ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkl̩/

biological

Meaning
relating to the science of biology or to life and living organisms
Example
She is studying biological sciences at university.
B2 noun /waɪt ænt/

White-Ant

Meaning
a small social insect that lives in colonies and feeds on wood and plant matter
Example
White ants damaged the wooden furniture in our house.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
B2 noun /ɡræm/

Gram

Meaning
chickpea; a leguminous plant and its edible seed
Example
She cooked gram curry for lunch today.
C1 noun /ˈwɪtʃ.krɑːft/

witchcraft

Meaning
the practice of magical skills, spells, and abilities
Example
In old times, many people believed in witchcraft.
C2 noun /ˈdʌlərd/

dullard

Meaning
a slow or stupid person
Example
He was considered a dullard by his classmates.
C1 verb /ˈməʊbɪlaɪz/

mobilize

Meaning
to organize or prepare people or resources for action
Example
The leader worked hard to mobilize the community for the protest.
C1 verb /rɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/

regenerate

Meaning
to grow or produce again; to renew or restore
Example
The lizard can regenerate its lost tail.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪˈθɛtɪkəl/

antithetical

Meaning
Directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.
Example
His views were antithetical to the values of the organization.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪmələr/

Similar

Meaning
alike; having characteristics in common
Example
The two sisters have similar interests in music.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪtənsi/

irritancy

Meaning
the quality or state of causing irritation; legal or formal invalidation
Example
The constant noise became an irritancy to the neighbors.
A1 noun /biːtʃ/

beach

Meaning
An area of sand or small stones beside the sea or a lake.
Example
They spent the day relaxing on the beach.
B2 noun /ˈpɛbl/

pebble

Meaning
a small smooth stone found on beaches or rivers
Example
He threw a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples.
A2 verb /pɒp/

pop

Meaning
to make a short, sharp sound, or to burst or break with such a sound
Example
The balloon popped when I accidentally pricked it with a pin.
B2 verb /ænˈtɪsɪˌpeɪt/

anticipate

Meaning
to expect or look forward to something; to realize or foresee in advance
Example
We anticipate a large crowd at the event.
C1 verb /ʌnˈnɜːrv/

unnerve

Meaning
to make someone lose confidence, courage, or composure
Example
The hostile questions began to unnerve the witness.
C1 verb ˌsɝː.kəmˈvent

circumvent

Meaning
To cleverly avoid or find a way around obstacles or rules.
Example
He tried to circumvent the security system.
B2 noun /ˈlɒtəri/

lottery

Meaning
A means of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random.
Example
He won a car in the national lottery.
C1 noun/verb /θrɒŋ/

throng

Meaning
A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals; to fill or be present in a place in large numbers.
Example
Tourists thronged the streets during the festival.