lightning
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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.
B1 noun freɪm

Frame

Meaning
A rigid structure that surrounds something such as a picture, door, or windowpane.
Example
A framed family tree can be displayed in your home.
C1 noun daɪˈkɒtəmi

dichotomy

Meaning
A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Example
The dichotomy between tradition and modernity is often debated.
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 /ˌriːəˈʃʊr/

reassure

Meaning
to say or do something to remove someone's doubts or fears
Example
The teacher reassured the students before the exam.
C1 noun ziːl

zeal

Meaning
Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective; passion.
Example
She approached the project with great zeal and determination.
C2 noun /ˈplænɪsfɪr/

planisphere

Meaning
a rotating star chart used to display the visible stars for any time and date
Example
The astronomer used a planisphere to identify the constellations.
C2 adjective /pərˈsɪpiənt/

percipient

Meaning
Having good understanding or insight; able to perceive things clearly.
Example
As a percipient critic, she recognized the deeper meaning of the play.
B2 adverb /ˈmɪzərəbli/

Miserably

Meaning
in a wretched or unhappy manner; extremely badly
Example
The team performed miserably in the championship.
C2 noun /əˈdɛndəm/

addendum

Meaning
an additional item or piece of information added at the end of a document or book
Example
The report included an addendum with updated statistics.
C1 noun /ˈsɪstərhʊd/

sisterhood

Meaning
The relationship between sisters, or a community of women united by shared experiences or goals.
Example
The feminist movement created a strong sense of sisterhood among women.
C2 noun /ˈkuː.li/

Cooly

Meaning
a laborer who does physical work for wages
Example
The cooly carried heavy bags at the railway station.
C1 noun /ˈredʒ.ɪ.mən/

regimen

Meaning
A prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health.
Example
A strict exercise regimen improves overall fitness.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛrɪtəbl/

veritable

Meaning
used to emphasize that something is genuine or true
Example
The house was a veritable palace compared to ours.
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 /ˈtʌtʃ.stoʊn/

Touchstone

Meaning
a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized; a test of genuineness
Example
His honesty became the touchstone by which all other employees were measured.
A2 preposition /bɪˈsaɪd/

beside

Meaning
next to or at the side of someone or something
Example
She sat beside her best friend during the ceremony.
B1 noun

Kingdom

C2 noun /ɪɡˈzɛmplɑːr/

exemplar

Meaning
A model or pattern to be copied or imitated.
Example
She is an exemplar of kindness and generosity.
C1 verb /broʊtʃ/

broach

Meaning
to bring up a subject for discussion
Example
She decided to broach the topic of salary with her manager.
B1 noun /ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/

processing

Meaning
the series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end, especially in data or food handling
Example
Data processing takes place in the server.
B1 noun /ˈkɒtɪdʒ/

cottage

Meaning
a small simple house, typically in the countryside
Example
They spent their vacation in a cozy cottage by the lake.
C2 noun /niˈɒlədʒi/

neology

Meaning
The use of new words or the study of their origin.
Example
The professor specialized in neology, studying the creation of modern slang.
B2 noun /ˈmæd.nəs/

Madness

Meaning
the state of being mentally ill, especially severely; extremely foolish behavior
Example
It would be madness to drive in this storm.
C1 verb /səˈfɪstɪkeɪt/

sophisticate

Meaning
to make something more complex or refined; to educate or develop in taste and manners
Example
Traveling abroad helped sophisticate his worldview.
B2 noun/verb /ˈwɒf.əl/

waffle

Meaning
as noun: a crisp cake with a pattern of deep squares; as verb: to speak or write vaguely without making a clear decision
Example
He kept waffling instead of making a decision.
C1 noun /ˈjuːlədʒi/

eulogy

Meaning
A speech or piece of writing that praises someone, especially after their death.
Example
Her brother delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the funeral.
A2 noun /ˈtaɪ.ɡər/

Tiger

Meaning
a very large solitary cat with a yellow-brown coat striped with black, native to the forests of Asia
Example
The tiger hunted silently through the jungle.
B1 verb /kəmˈbaɪn/

combine

Meaning
To bring two or more things together to form a single unit.
Example
They decided to combine their resources for the project.
C1 verb/noun /stuːp/

stoop

Meaning
To bend one's body forward and downward; also a small porch or staircase at the entrance of a house
Example
He had to stoop to pick up the coin.
B2 verb /buːst/

boost

Meaning
To increase, improve, or raise something.
Example
The company launched a campaign to boost sales.
B2 noun /məˈtʃʊrəti/

Maturity

Meaning
The state of being mature; full development physically or emotionally
Example
With age comes wisdom and emotional maturity.
B1 adverb /ˈprɒpərli/

properly

Meaning
in the correct or suitable manner
Example
He performed the task properly to avoid mistakes.
C1 verb /ˈkrʌmpəl/

crumple

Meaning
to crush something into folds or wrinkles
Example
He crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin.
B2 verb /ˈraɪpən/

ripen

Meaning
to become or make something ready to eat or fully developed
Example
The bananas ripened quickly in the warm weather.
C2 verb /dʒaʊst/

joust

Meaning
to engage in a medieval contest on horseback with lances; to compete or argue
Example
The knights prepared to joust in front of the cheering crowd.
C2 verb /dɪsˈkaʊntənəns/

discountenance

Meaning
To disapprove of or discourage something.
Example
The teacher strongly discountenanced cheating in exams.
C1 adjective /dɪˈʃɛvəld/

disheveled

Meaning
Untidy, messy, or in disorder, especially of hair or clothing.
Example
He arrived with disheveled hair and wrinkled clothes.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/

counteract

Meaning
to act against something in order to reduce its effect
Example
The medicine helps counteract the side effects of the treatment.
C2 noun /ˌæs.əˈfet.ɪ.də/

Asafoetida

Meaning
a pungent spice derived from the resin of a plant, commonly used in Indian cooking
Example
A pinch of asafoetida adds a distinctive flavor to the lentil curry.
C1 noun /ˈhiːdəˌnɪzəm/

hedonism

Meaning
The pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence as the highest goal.
Example
The lifestyle of the rich is often criticized as pure hedonism.
B2 noun /ˌkɑm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/

Compensation

Meaning
something given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, loss, injury, or suffering; payment or reward
Example
The company provided financial compensation to the workers injured in the accident.
C1 noun /fɪˈnɑːleɪ/

finale

Meaning
the last part or conclusion of a performance, event, or series
Example
The concert ended with a spectacular finale.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒəns/

indigence

Meaning
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
Example
The charity was founded to help people living in indigence.
B2 verb /əˈbaɪd/

abide

Meaning
to accept or act in accordance with; to endure; to dwell
Example
I will abide by the rules of the company.
B2 adverb /ˈprez.ənt.li/

Presently

Meaning
at the present time; soon; in a little while
Example
The doctor will see you presently.
B2 adjective /ˈɡræs.i/

Grassy

Meaning
covered with grass; resembling grass in color; green like grass
Example
The grassy field stretched as far as the eye could see.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/

inclusive

Meaning
Including all the services, facilities, or items normally expected or required; not excluding any section of society or any party involved.
Example
Inclusive growth benefits all sections of society.
C1 adjective /ˈnɒm.ɪ.nəl/

Nominal

Meaning
very small in size or amount; existing in name only
Example
He paid only a nominal fee for the membership since he was a student.
B1 noun pɔːrt

Port

Meaning
A town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload.
Example
Ports improve maritime trade.
B2 noun/adjective /ˈfluːɪd/

fluid

Meaning
a substance that can flow easily, such as liquid or gas; smooth and adaptable
Example
The artist's fluid movements impressed the audience.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/

pathological

Meaning
Relating to disease; extreme or obsessive in a way that is abnormal.
Example
He has a pathological fear of failure.
C2 verb /rɪˈtrɛntʃ/

retrench

Meaning
to reduce costs, spending, or staff to save resources
Example
The company had to retrench employees due to financial difficulties.
A2 adjective /ˈwɛstərn/

western

Meaning
relating to or characteristic of the West, especially Europe and the Americas
Example
She loves western music and culture.
C1 noun /ˈrʌfiən/

Ruffian

Meaning
a violent person, especially one involved in crime; a brutal or lawless person
Example
The ruffian threatened the shopkeeper for money.
B2 noun /kroʊ/

Crow

Meaning
a large black bird known for its intelligence and harsh call
Example
The crow cawed loudly from the tree branch.
B1 noun /ˈbɜː.nɪŋ/

burning

Meaning
The process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (typically) smoke.
Example
Burning garbage exacerbates air pollution.
A2 adverb /ˈnaʊədeɪz/

nowadays

Meaning
At the present time; in contrast with the past.
Example
Nowadays, many people prefer shopping online.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈnætʃərəl/

Unnatural

Meaning
not existing in nature; artificial; forced
Example
The actor's smile looked unnatural and forced.
B2 noun /biːt/

Beet

Meaning
a plant with a round dark red root that is eaten as a vegetable
Example
Roasted beet with goat cheese makes a delicious salad.
C1 noun /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/

referendum

Meaning
a general vote by the population on a single political issue
Example
The government held a referendum on the new constitution.
C2 noun /ˈɪmpjʊdəns/

impudence

Meaning
Rude and disrespectful behavior.
Example
The student's impudence shocked the entire class.
B2 noun /strɔː/

straw

Meaning
a thin tube for sucking up liquids; dried stalks of grain plants
Example
She drank the juice through a straw.
B1 noun /ˈdɛkeɪd/

decade

Meaning
A period of ten years.
Example
The country has changed a lot in the past decade.
B1 noun /ˈsʌməri/

summary

Meaning
A brief statement of the main points of something.
Example
She wrote a summary of the book for her class.
B1 noun rɪˈsɜː.tʃəz

researchers

Meaning
People who study and investigate to discover new information or facts.
Example
Researchers are working on innovative solutions.
B2 noun /ˈlɪvər/

liver

Meaning
a large organ in the body that cleans the blood and produces bile to help digest food.
Example
The liver plays a vital role in removing toxins from the body.
B2 adjective /əˈfektɪd/

Affected

Meaning
influenced; impacted; touched by something
Example
The flood-affected areas need immediate assistance.
C2 noun /moʊˈtɪləti/

motility

Meaning
The ability of an organism or cell to move independently.
Example
The motility of sperm is crucial for successful fertilization.
C2 adjective /ˈæstrəl/

astral

Meaning
Relating to the stars or to spiritual, non-physical realms.
Example
Some believe in astral projection, the ability to leave the body and travel spiritually.
A2 adjective /ˈiː.stərn/

Eastern

Meaning
relating to or situated in the east; from or characteristic of the eastern part of the world
Example
She studied Eastern philosophy at the university.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrθədɑːksi/

orthodoxy

Meaning
traditional or generally accepted beliefs and practices
Example
The religious leader defended the orthodoxy of the faith.
A2 adjective /draɪ/

Dry

Meaning
free from moisture or liquid; not wet; lacking interest or excitement
Example
The desert has very dry climate.
A2 noun /hɔːl/

Hall

Meaning
a large room for meetings, concerts, or other events; a corridor in a building
Example
The graduation ceremony was held in the main hall of the university.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlf əˌfɜːˈmeɪʃən/

self-affirmation

Meaning
The practice of affirming one's own worthiness and value as an individual.
Example
Daily self-affirmation can boost your confidence.
C2 adjective /ɪɡˈnoʊ.bəl/

Ignoble

Meaning
dishonorable; not noble in character; base or mean
Example
His ignoble actions betrayed his friends' trust.
B2 verb /tiːz/

Tease

Meaning
to make fun of someone in a playful or unkind way
Example
Children often tease their younger siblings playfully.
A2 noun /fæt/

Fat

Meaning
a natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies; lipid used in cooking
Example
Too much fat in your diet can be unhealthy.
A2 noun /drʌɡ/

drug

Meaning
a substance used as a medicine or an illegal addictive substance
Example
The doctor prescribed a new drug for the illness.
A1 adverb /təˈdeɪ/

Today

Meaning
on this day; at the present time
Example
Today is a beautiful day for a walk.
B2 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəl/

Universal

Meaning
applicable to all cases; existing everywhere
Example
Music is a universal language that everyone understands.
A2 noun /piːs/

peace

Meaning
a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from disturbance
Example
They hope for peace in the region.
B2 adjective /ˈvɪʃ.əs/

Vicious

Meaning
deliberately cruel or violent; having a savage nature
Example
The vicious dog attacked anyone who came near its territory.
A1 adjective /haɪ/

high

Meaning
At or to a great height; greater than normal in amount, degree, or intensity.
Example
The mountain peak is very high.
B2 verb /kəˈmɛnd/

commend

Meaning
to praise formally or officially
Example
The teacher commended the students for their hard work.
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.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪtʃi/

Litchi

Meaning
a small oval pink-red tropical fruit with white translucent flesh and sweet taste
Example
The litchi has a rough pink shell that you peel to eat the sweet white fruit inside.
B2 noun /ˈbrɔːd.bænd/

broadband

Meaning
a high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies.
Example
Broadband internet has become a necessity in modern homes.
A2 noun/adjective /meɪl/

male

Meaning
a man or boy; relating to men or boys
Example
The school has more male teachers than female teachers.
B1 verb /ˈpʌblɪʃ/

publish

Meaning
to print and distribute books, magazines, etc.; to make information available
Example
The author will publish her new novel next month.
B1 verb /ˈkæptʃər/

capture

Meaning
to take control of something or someone by force
Example
The soldiers managed to capture the enemy base.
C1 verb /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

inhibit

Meaning
to prevent or restrain someone or something from acting freely; to hinder
Example
Fear can inhibit personal growth.
C1 verb /ˈbəʊl.stər/

bolster

Meaning
To support or strengthen; to prop up.
Example
The new policy aims to bolster economic growth.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsɪkeɪtɪd/

desiccated

Meaning
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
Example
The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants.
B2 noun /rɪˈvendʒ/

Revenge

Meaning
the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands
Example
She sought revenge against those who betrayed her trust.
C2 verb /kəˈraʊz/

carouse

Meaning
to drink and enjoy oneself noisily, often with others
Example
They stayed up all night to carouse after the victory.
B1 preposition /ˈvɜːsəs/

versus

Meaning
against (in a competition or conflict)
Example
The team is playing versus their biggest rivals.
B1 noun /rɪˈkwɛst/

request

Meaning
a formal or polite demand for something
Example
She made a request for additional time to complete the project.
B2 verb /breɪd/

braid

Meaning
to weave together strands of hair or material
Example
She braided her hair before going to school.
B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət əˌdæp.teɪ.ʃən/

climate adaptation

Meaning
The process of adjusting to current or expected climate change and its effects.
Example
Climate adaptation ensures resilience to change.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtbɜːrst/

outburst

Meaning
a sudden release of strong emotion or activity
Example
She had an angry outburst during the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈbaɪəˌɡræf/

biograph

Meaning
A written account of a person's life; an early motion-picture projector (historical use).
Example
The library holds an old biograph of the poet.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfræɡəbəl/

refragable

Meaning
Capable of being refuted or disproved.
Example
His argument was weak and easily refragable.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

predetermine

Meaning
to establish or decide something in advance
Example
The outcome of the match seemed predetermined.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

unequivocal

Meaning
Leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous
Example
She gave an unequivocal answer to the question.
A1 verb /kætʃ/

catch

Meaning
to grab something that is moving; to get a disease; to understand
Example
Can you catch the ball I'm throwing?
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈkɒn.dʌkt/

Misconduct

Meaning
Unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by a professional person
Example
The officer was dismissed for professional misconduct.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəɡræm/

monogram

Meaning
A design consisting of two or more letters, typically a person's initials, combined or interwoven.
Example
The towel was embroidered with her monogram.
C1 noun /ʃæk/

Shack

Meaning
a small, crudely built dwelling; a poorly constructed building
Example
The fisherman lived in a small shack near the beach.
C1 adjective /ˈmærɪtəl/

marital

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife.
Example
They sought counseling to resolve their marital issues.
B2 noun ˈɪnər strɛŋkθ

inner strength

Meaning
Mental or spiritual power that helps a person cope with difficulties.
Example
Community service fosters inner strength in individuals.
B2 noun /trəˈdɪʃ.ən.əl ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi/

traditional economy

Meaning
An economic system based on customs and traditions, often involving barter trade.
Example
Tribes still practice a traditional economy based on barter trade.
C1 adjective /ˈpʌn.dʒənt/

Pungent

Meaning
sharp; strong-smelling; acrid;
Example
The pungent smell of garlic filled the kitchen.
C1 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd siːdz/

Mustard seeds

Meaning
small round seeds from the mustard plant, used as a spice and for making mustard condiment
Example
Mustard seeds are often tempered in hot oil to release their nutty flavor before adding to dishes.
B2 noun /ˈdʌmi/

dummy

Meaning
a model or replica of a human used for practice, display, or testing; also a term for a foolish person
Example
The tailor used a dummy to display the dress.
C1 noun /ˈfjuː.dʒə.tɪv/

Fugitive

Meaning
a person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest
Example
The police launched a manhunt to capture the fugitive who escaped from prison.
B2 adjective /ˈmɛtrɪk/

metric

Meaning
Relating to the metric system of measurement; also, a standard of measurement used to assess performance.
Example
The company tracks success using clear performance metrics.
A2 noun /ˈfæktəri/

factory

Meaning
A building or group of buildings where goods are manufactured.
Example
He works in a shoe factory.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvenʒ.fəl/

Revengeful

Meaning
seeking or desiring revenge; vindictive
Example
He became revengeful after being betrayed by his friend.
B2 noun /ˈkɒnsənənt/

consonant

Meaning
A speech sound produced by blocking air flow, or a letter representing such a sound.
Example
The word 'cat' has two consonants and one vowel.
C1 verb /ˈrek.ən.saɪl/

reconcile

Meaning
Restore friendly relations between; cause to coexist in harmony.
Example
They tried to reconcile their differences through open communication.