levee
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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, verb /ˈlaɪsəns/

license

Meaning
A legal permission to do something (noun); to grant such permission (verb).
Example
You must have a driving license to operate a car legally.
C1 noun /luː/

lieu

Meaning
Instead of; in place of.
Example
He gave money in lieu of flowers.
B2 adjective /ˈluː.nər/

Lunar

Meaning
relating to the moon; of or concerning the moon
Example
The lunar eclipse was visible last night.
C2 noun /lɑːrˈʒes/

largess

Meaning
Generosity in giving gifts or money.
Example
The foundation survived thanks to the largess of wealthy donors.
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 adjective /ˈlɛdʒəndɛri/

legendary

Meaning
remarkable enough to be famous; often used to describe something that is iconic or widely known
Example
The legendary musician performed in front of a packed stadium.
C2 noun /ˈlaɪtoʊtiːz/

litotes

Meaning
a figure of speech in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary
Example
Saying 'not bad' as a compliment is an example of litotes.
B2 adjective /ˈliː.fi/

Leafy

Meaning
having many leaves; covered with leaves
Example
The leafy green vegetables are very nutritious.
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 /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.
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.
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.
C2 noun /lɒŋ ˈwɪskəd ˈkætfɪʃ/

Long whiskered catfish

Meaning
A type of freshwater fish with long whisker-like barbels around its mouth
Example
The fisherman caught a long whiskered catfish in the river.
C2 noun /liː/

lea

Meaning
An open area of grassy or arable land; a meadow.
Example
The cottage was surrounded by a quiet lea.
B2 noun /liːk/

Leak

Meaning
a hole in a container or covering through which contents escape or enter accidentally
Example
There is a leak in the water pipe.
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, adjective /ˈlæksətɪv/

laxative

Meaning
A medicine or substance that stimulates bowel movements; tending to loosen or relieve constipation.
Example
The doctor prescribed a mild laxative for her condition.
C1 adjective /ˈljʊərɪd/

lurid

Meaning
shocking or sensational in a vivid way, often involving crime or violence
Example
The newspaper published a lurid account of the crime.
C1 noun /lɔnˈdʒɛvəti/

longevity

Meaning
Long life or long existence of something.
Example
Good habits contribute to health and longevity.
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 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.
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.
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.
B2 verb lɔːntʃt

launched

Meaning
Set (something) in motion by pushing it or letting it go.
Example
The satellite was launched successfully.
C1 noun /ˈliːvˌteɪ.kɪŋ/

leave-taking

Meaning
an act of saying goodbye; farewell
Example
His leave-taking from his friends was emotional.
C2 adjective /ˈliːənaɪn/

leonine

Meaning
Of or resembling a lion.
Example
His leonine hair made him stand out in the crowd.
B1 verb /lend/

lend

Meaning
to give temporarily; to allow someone to use something
Example
Can you lend me your pen?
B1 noun /læm/

Lamb

Meaning
a young sheep; meat from a young sheep
Example
The little lamb followed its mother everywhere.
B2 noun /ˈleɪ.zi.nəs/

Laziness

Meaning
the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness
Example
His laziness prevented him from achieving his goals.
A1 adjective/adverb /leɪt/

late

Meaning
arriving, happening, or done after the expected time
Example
He arrived late to the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈlɛdʒəbl/

legible

Meaning
clear enough to read
Example
Her handwriting was barely legible.
C1 verb /loʊð/

loathe

Meaning
to feel intense dislike or disgust for
Example
He absolutely loathes being late to meetings.
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.
C2 noun /lɔːŋ ˈpepər/

Long pepper

Meaning
a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit which is used as a spice
Example
Long pepper was more valuable than black pepper in ancient times.
B2 adverb /ˈliːɡəli/

legally

Meaning
in a way that is allowed by law
Example
He is legally responsible for his actions.
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.
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.
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.
A2 adverb /ˈlaʊdli/

loudly

Meaning
in a way that produces a lot of sound; with a high volume
Example
He spoke loudly so everyone in the room could hear him.
B2 adjective; verb (past and past participle) /lɜːrnd/

learned

Meaning
having acquired much knowledge through study; gained knowledge or skill through experience or teaching
Example
She is a learned scholar with deep knowledge of history.
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.
B1 noun /ˈlɪk.wɪd/

Liquid

Meaning
a substance that flows freely but is of constant volume, having a consistency like that of water or oil
Example
Water is a liquid at room temperature.
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.
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 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 /leɪð/

lathe

Meaning
A machine for shaping wood, metal, or other material by rotating it against a cutting tool.
Example
The carpenter used a lathe to shape the wooden bowl.
B2 noun /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃən/

legislation

Meaning
laws considered collectively, or the act of making laws
Example
The government passed new legislation to protect the environment.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmpɪd/

limpid

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

Lion

Meaning
a large tawny-colored cat that lives in prides, found in Africa and northwestern India
Example
The lion roared loudly in the savanna.
B2 noun /ˈlɒdʒɪk/

logic

Meaning
Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.
Example
Her argument was based on sound logic.
C1 noun ˌlaɪ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti

liability

Meaning
The state of being responsible for something, especially by law; a debt or financial obligation.
Example
The company's liabilities exceeded its assets.
C2 noun /lɔːŋ ɡɔːrd/

Long gourd

Meaning
an elongated green vegetable belonging to the cucumber family, used in cooking
Example
She sliced the long gourd thinly for the stir-fry dish.
C1 verb /ˈlɪbəreɪt/

liberate

Meaning
to set free from imprisonment, oppression, or restraint
Example
The army liberated the city from enemy control.
C1 verb /ləˈmɛnt/

lament

Meaning
to express grief, sorrow, or regret about something
Example
She lamented the loss of her childhood home.
C2 verb /lɪm/

limn

Meaning
to depict or describe something vividly in words or art.
Example
The author limned the beauty of the countryside.
B2 adverb /ˈlaɪtli/

lightly

Meaning
gently or with little force or weight
Example
She touched the baby’s hand lightly.
B1 noun /ˈlɛktʃərər/

lecturer

Meaning
a person who gives lectures, especially at a college or university
Example
The lecturer explained the theory with clear examples.
B2 adjective /liːn/

Lean

Meaning
thin; having little fat; weak
Example
He has a lean and muscular body.
B2 adverb /ˈlaɪk.waɪz/

Likewise

Meaning
in the same way; also; similarly
Example
She studied hard for the exam, and her brother did likewise.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.kli.hʊd/

likelihood

Meaning
the chance or probability of something happening
Example
There is a strong likelihood of rain tomorrow.
A2 noun /loʊˈkeɪʃən/

location

Meaning
a particular place or position
Example
This cafe is in a beautiful location near the lake.
C1 noun /ˌluː.mɪˈnɒs.ɪ.ti/

luminosity

Meaning
The intrinsic brightness of a celestial object; the quality of emitting light.
Example
The luminosity of the star was measured with advanced instruments.
B2 noun ˈlɛvərɪdʒ

leverage

Meaning
The use of borrowed capital or resources to increase the potential return of an investment; using something to maximum advantage.
Example
Leverage amplifies your efforts and scales your work.
A1 noun

Love

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.
B1 noun /ˈlæbrətɔːri/

laboratory

Meaning
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching.
Example
The students conducted the experiment in the chemistry laboratory.
C2 noun /ˈlɪniəmənt/

lineament

Meaning
A distinctive feature or characteristic, especially of the face.
Example
Her delicate lineaments revealed her noble birth.
C2 adjective /ˌluː.mɪˈnɛs.ənt/

luminescent

Meaning
Emitting light without heat, glowing softly.
Example
The luminescent watch dial was visible in the dark.
B2 noun /ˈleɪaʊt/

layout

Meaning
the arrangement or design of something, especially the arrangement of elements in a book, webpage, or room
Example
The designer presented a new layout for the website that was much more user-friendly.
C1 noun

Longitude

C2 adjective /ˈluːsənt/

lucent

Meaning
shining or glowing with light
Example
The lucent stars brightened the night sky.
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.
C1 noun lɪˈkwɪd.ə.ti

liquidity

Meaning
The availability of liquid assets to a market or company; the ability to convert assets into cash quickly.
Example
Maintaining liquidity is crucial for financial stability.
C1 noun /ˌlɛ.seɪ ˈfɛər/

laissez-faire

Meaning
An economic policy where government does not intervene in business affairs.
Example
Laissez-faire policies encourage private enterprise.
A1 adjective /lɔːŋ/

Long

Meaning
having great length; extended in distance or time
Example
The long road stretched for miles ahead.
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.
C2 noun /ˈluː.nə.si/

lunacy

Meaning
Extreme foolishness or madness; insanity.
Example
It was sheer lunacy to go hiking in the storm.
C2 noun /ˌlaɪ.pəˈdʒen.ɪ.sɪs/

lipogenesis

Meaning
The metabolic process of fat synthesis where excess carbohydrates are converted into fatty acids and stored as triglycerides.
Example
Excess carbohydrate intake promotes lipogenesis and fat storage.
C1 adjective ləˈθɑːrdʒɪk

lethargic

Meaning
Being inactive due to lack of physical or mental energy
Example
After a heavy meal, he felt lethargic and sleepy.
C1 noun ˈledʒ.ɪ.slə.tʃər

legislature

Meaning
The legislative body of a country or state; the branch of government that makes laws.
Example
The legislature drafts laws for governance.
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 /ˈleɪzər/

laser

Meaning
a device that emits a concentrated beam of light
Example
The doctor used a laser to perform eye surgery.
A2 noun, verb /lɪŋk/

link

Meaning
a connection between two things; to connect or associate
Example
The article includes a link to the official website.
A2 verb/adjective /lɒst/

lost

Meaning
Unable to find the way; no longer in possession of something.
Example
He lost his keys and couldn’t enter the house.
C2 adjective /lɪˈbɪdənəs/

libidinous

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

Lasting

Meaning
enduring for a long time; permanent; durable
Example
Their friendship had a lasting impact on both their lives.
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.
C2 noun /ˈlændˌhoʊl.dər/

landholder

Meaning
a person who owns land, especially in large amounts
Example
The landholder leased part of his property to local farmers.
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.
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 ˌlɪb.ər.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

liberalization

Meaning
The removal or loosening of restrictions on something, typically an economic or political system.
Example
The liberalization of trade policies attracted foreign investments.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈluː.mɪ.nəs/

Luminous

Meaning
bright; shining; emitting light; radiant
Example
The luminous stars filled the dark night sky.
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.
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/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 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 /ˈlænd.ɪŋ/

Landing

Meaning
the action of coming to rest on the ground or another surface; a level area at the top of a staircase
Example
The pilot made a smooth landing despite the stormy weather conditions.
C1 noun /ˈleθ.ər.dʒi/

Lethargy

Meaning
a lack of energy and enthusiasm; tiredness and inactivity
Example
The hot weather caused a feeling of lethargy.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈleɪ.baɪl/ or /ˈlæb.aɪl/

labile

Meaning
easily altered or unstable; prone to change
Example
Her mood was so labile that it changed several times in an hour.
C2 verb /lɔːd/

laud

Meaning
To praise someone or something highly, especially in public.
Example
The critic lauded the actor's performance as a masterpiece.
C1 verb /ˈlɪtɪˌɡeɪt/

litigate

Meaning
to engage in legal proceedings or take a dispute to court
Example
The company decided to litigate the contract dispute.
B2 noun /ˈlænd.fɪl/

landfill

Meaning
a site where waste material is buried under the ground
Example
The city built a new landfill to manage its growing waste problem.
A2 adjective /ˈlʌki/

lucky

Meaning
having good fortune or favorable circumstances
Example
She felt lucky to have such supportive friends.
C2 noun lɑːˈʒɛs

largesse

Meaning
Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.
Example
His largesse towards the charity was greatly appreciated.
C2 adjective /ləˈsɪviəs/

lascivious

Meaning
showing an overt and often offensive sexual desire
Example
The lascivious remarks made everyone uncomfortable.
B1 adjective ˈliː.ɡəl

legal

Meaning
Permitted by law; relating to the law.
Example
Legal systems ensure justice.
A2 noun /ˈlev.əl/

level

Meaning
A position on a real or imaginary scale of amount, quantity, extent, or quality.
Example
Pollution levels must be reduced urgently.
B2 adjective ˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

logical

Meaning
Of or according to the rules of logic or formal argument.
Example
Logical circuits ensure effective computation.
C1 verb /lɜːrk/

lurk

Meaning
to remain hidden so as to wait for an opportunity to attack or observe
Example
A stranger lurked in the shadows.
A2 adjective /loʊ/

low

Meaning
Small in amount, degree, or position; not high.
Example
The river is at its lowest level in years.
B2 noun /lɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi/

legitimacy

Meaning
the quality of being accepted as right, proper, or lawful
Example
The legitimacy of the election was questioned by observers.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪk.nəs/

Likeness

Meaning
the fact or quality of being alike; resemblance; a portrait or representation
Example
The portrait shows a strong likeness to her grandmother.
C2 noun /ˈlæn.sɪt/

lancet

Meaning
a small, sharp, two-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions
Example
The doctor used a lancet to prick the patient’s finger for a blood test.
C2 verb /lɑːl/

loll

Meaning
To sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way.
Example
He lolled on the sofa after a long day at work.
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.