linguistics
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C1 noun /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks/

linguistics

Meaning
The scientific study of language and its structure.
Example
She decided to major in linguistics at university.
A1 adjective, noun, adverb, verb (past tense of leave) /lɛft/

left

Meaning
on or towards the side of the body that is to the west when facing north
Example
He turned left at the intersection.
C2 adjective /ˈluːpi/

loopy

Meaning
crazy, silly, or eccentric
Example
After working all night, he felt a little loopy.
C2 noun /ˈlɔːndrəs/

laundress

Meaning
A woman whose job is washing clothes and linens.
Example
The laundress delivered the freshly cleaned clothes to the household.
B2 noun /ˈlɪstɪŋ/

listing

Meaning
a series of items or names written or printed in a specific order
Example
The listing of available jobs was updated daily.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.kəst/

Locust

Meaning
a large insect that flies in groups and eats crops
Example
The locusts destroyed the entire wheat field.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌtaɪp/

lithotype

Meaning
a printing surface or type made for lithography
Example
The printer used a lithotype to produce multiple copies of the design.
C1 verb, noun /læɡ/

lag

Meaning
To fall behind in movement, progress, or development; a delay or period of falling behind.
Example
The old computer tends to lag when running new software.
C1 verb /ˈluːbrɪkeɪt/

lubricate

Meaning
to apply oil or grease to reduce friction between surfaces
Example
The mechanic lubricated the car engine parts.
A2 adjective /ˈleɪ.zi/

Lazy

Meaning
idle; unwilling to work; sluggish
Example
He was too lazy to clean his room on the weekend.
B2 noun /ˈlen.tɪl/

Lentil

Meaning
a high-protein pulse which is dried and then soaked and cooked prior to eating
Example
She cooked red lentils for dinner tonight.
B1 adjective /ˈlɪmɪtɪd/

limited

Meaning
Restricted in size, amount, or extent; not great in number or ability.
Example
Tickets for the concert are limited.
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.
B2 noun ˈlɒŋ tɜːm ˈmɛm.ər.i

Long-term memory

Meaning
Such memory that remains stored in the brain for a long time
Example
Repeated practice helps transfer information into long-term memory.
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.
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 verb /læmˈpuːn/

lampoon

Meaning
to publicly criticize or ridicule someone or something with humor, irony, or sarcasm
Example
The cartoonist lampooned the politician for his contradictory statements.
C2 noun /ˈlɪniəmənt/

lineament

Meaning
A distinctive feature or characteristic, especially of the face.
Example
Her delicate lineaments revealed her noble birth.
B2 noun /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

Liberty

Meaning
the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views
Example
The Statue of Liberty represents freedom and democracy.
C1 noun /liːs/

Lease

Meaning
a contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc. to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment
Example
They signed a two-year lease for the apartment.
B1 verb /lend/

lend

Meaning
to give temporarily; to allow someone to use something
Example
Can you lend me your pen?
B2 adverb /ˈlaɪtli/

lightly

Meaning
gently or with little force or weight
Example
She touched the baby’s hand lightly.
C2 noun lɑːˈʒɛs

largesse

Meaning
Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.
Example
His largesse towards the charity was greatly appreciated.
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.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈleɪtɪst/

latest

Meaning
most recent in time; newest available
Example
She shared the latest updates with the team.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪf.staɪl/

lifestyle

Meaning
The way in which a person or group lives, including habits, attitudes, and possessions.
Example
A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.
B1 noun /lɪd/

Lid

Meaning
a removable or hinged cover for the top of a container
Example
Please put the lid back on the jar.
B1 noun /ˈleɪ.bər/

Labour

Meaning
work involving physical or mental effort; workers as a group
Example
The construction required months of hard labour to complete.
C2 noun /ˈlɑːrdər/

larder

Meaning
A place, such as a pantry, where food is stored.
Example
The larder was full of fresh bread and cheese.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌɡræf/

lithograph

Meaning
a print made by lithography, often artistic
Example
The museum displayed a rare lithograph from the 19th century.
C2 adjective /ˈlaʊtɪʃ/

loutish

Meaning
Clumsy, rude, or aggressive in behavior.
Example
His loutish remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
C1 noun /ləˈɡuːn/

lagoon

Meaning
A shallow body of water separated from the sea by sandbars or reefs.
Example
We swam in the calm waters of the lagoon.
C2 verb /ˈlɪk.wɪ.faɪ/

liquefy

Meaning
to make or become liquid
Example
The heat will liquefy the butter in a few minutes.
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 noun /læd/

lad

Meaning
a boy or young man; a male youth
Example
The young lad helped his father in the shop.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪf.taɪm/

lifetime

Meaning
The duration of a person's life or the existence of something.
Example
She achieved more in her lifetime than most people dream of.
B2 noun /ˈlæv.ən.dər/

Lavender

Meaning
a fragrant purple flowering plant used in perfumes and aromatherapy
Example
The lavender field filled the air with its sweet, calming fragrance.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪniər/

linear

Meaning
Arranged in or extending along a straight line.
Example
The artist used linear perspective in his drawings.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.kli.hʊd/

likelihood

Meaning
the chance or probability of something happening
Example
There is a strong likelihood of rain tomorrow.
C1 adjective /ˈlæk.tɪk/

lactic

Meaning
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
Example
Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
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.
C2 verb /ˈlɛvɪteɪt/

levitate

Meaning
to rise or float in the air, usually without visible support.
Example
The magician made the table levitate during the show.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈluː.ni/

Loony

Meaning
crazy; silly; mentally unstable
Example
His loony behavior made everyone laugh.
C1 noun /lɪˈbiːdoʊ/

libido

Meaning
Sexual desire or drive.
Example
Stress can sometimes lower a person's libido.
B2 noun /ˈliːf.lət/

Leaflet

Meaning
a printed sheet of paper containing information or advertising and usually distributed free
Example
She handed out leaflets about the environmental campaign.
B2 adjective /leɪm/

Lame

Meaning
unable to walk normally because of an injury or illness affecting the leg or foot; weak and unconvincing
Example
The injured horse was lame and couldn't walk properly.
C1 noun /ˈlɪŋɡwɪst/

linguist

Meaning
A person skilled in foreign languages or in the scientific study of language.
Example
She is a linguist who speaks six languages fluently.
A2 noun /ˈlæd.ər/

Ladder

Meaning
a structure consisting of two upright parallel sides connected by rungs, used for climbing up or down
Example
He climbed the ladder to reach the books on the top shelf.
B2 adjective /ˈlækɪŋ/

lacking

Meaning
not having enough of something; missing
Example
His report was lacking in detail.
C1 adjective /ˈluː.krə.tɪv/

lucrative

Meaning
Producing a great deal of profit; highly profitable or financially rewarding.
Example
The real estate business is highly lucrative in urban areas.
C1 verb /ˈlɛvi/

levy

Meaning
To impose or collect, especially a tax or fine.
Example
The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfi/

lexicography

Meaning
The art or practice of compiling dictionaries.
Example
Lexicography requires both linguistic and cultural knowledge.
C1 noun /luː/

lieu

Meaning
Instead of; in place of.
Example
He gave money in lieu of flowers.
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.
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 /liːdʒ/

liege

Meaning
A feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service; a loyal subject.
Example
The knight pledged loyalty to his liege.
C1 adjective /ˈluːdɪkrəs/

ludicrous

Meaning
so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing
Example
It is ludicrous to think the Earth is flat.
A1 verb /liːv/

leave

Meaning
to go away from; to depart or exit
Example
The train leaves at 6 PM.
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.
C1 verb, adjective, noun /lɪmp/

limp

Meaning
to walk with difficulty, often due to injury or weakness; lacking strength or firmness.
Example
He limped after injuring his ankle.
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.
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 /ˈlɪɡ.əmənt/

ligament

Meaning
A tough band of tissue that connects bones at a joint.
Example
He tore a ligament in his knee while playing football.
C1 verb /luːt/

loot

Meaning
to steal goods, typically during war, riot, or chaos
Example
The rioters looted several shops during the protest.
C2 adjective /ˈlæk.ti.əl/

lacteal

Meaning
Relating to or resembling milk; conveying chyle or milky fluid.
Example
The lacteal vessels in the small intestine absorb dietary fats.
B2 noun /lɪm/

limb

Meaning
an arm or leg of a person or animal; a large branch of a tree
Example
He broke a limb while climbing the tree.
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 /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.
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.
C1 noun ˈlaɪv.li.hʊd

livelihood

Meaning
A means of securing the necessities of life; a way of making a living.
Example
Fishing is the primary livelihood of coastal communities.
C1 noun /liˈeɪzɒn/

liaison

Meaning
communication or cooperation between people or groups for a smooth working relationship
Example
She works as a liaison between the company and its clients.
C1 noun /ˈledʒ.ər/

Ledger

Meaning
a book or other collection of financial accounts of a particular type
Example
The accountant updated the company ledger daily.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪ.kɪŋ/

Liking

Meaning
a feeling of regard or fondness; a preference or taste for something
Example
She has developed a liking for classical music.
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.
C2 adjective ˌlæb.əˈrɪn.θaɪn

labyrinthine

Meaning
Like a labyrinth; complicated and confusing; having many interconnected paths or passages.
Example
The old city streets were labyrinthine.
B2 adjective /ˈlɛdʒɪslətɪv/

legislative

Meaning
relating to the making of laws
Example
The legislative body passed the new tax bill.
C1 noun /ˈlɔːriət/

laureate

Meaning
A person honored with an award for outstanding achievement in a field, especially the arts or sciences.
Example
The Nobel laureate gave an inspiring lecture on peace.
C1 adjective /læks/

lax

Meaning
Not strict, severe, or careful; negligent or careless.
Example
The security at the airport was surprisingly lax.
B2 adjective /ˈlætər/

latter

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

lawsuit

Meaning
a legal case brought to a court of law by one person against another
Example
The company faced a lawsuit over false advertising.
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.
A2 noun /lʌk/

Luck

Meaning
success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions
Example
She had good luck with her job interview.
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 adjective /luːd/

lewd

Meaning
Sexually offensive, obscene, or vulgar.
Example
He was arrested for making lewd remarks in public.
B2 noun /ˈlɪn.ən/

linen

Meaning
A strong cloth made from the fibers of the flax plant, or items made from this cloth such as sheets or clothing.
Example
She bought new linen curtains for the living room.
B2 noun /ˈleɪ.bər.ər/

Labourer

Meaning
a person who does unskilled physical work for wages
Example
The labourer worked hard all day at the construction site.
C2 adjective /ˌlɛvəlˈhɛdɪd/

levelheaded

Meaning
calm and sensible; showing good judgment.
Example
She remained levelheaded during the crisis.
C1 verb /ˈlɛdʒɪsˌleɪt/

legislate

Meaning
to make or enact laws
Example
The government plans to legislate new safety standards.
A2 noun /ˈlʌɡ.ɪdʒ/

Luggage

Meaning
suitcases or other bags in which to pack personal belongings for traveling
Example
Please check your luggage at the airport counter.
C1 noun /ˈlæt.ɪ.tuːd/

Latitude

Meaning
the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator; freedom to act or think
Example
The GPS device showed our exact latitude and longitude coordinates on the map.
C2 noun /ˈliːdʒənəri/

legionary

Meaning
a soldier in the Roman army
Example
Each legionary carried a shield and a short sword.
C2 noun/verb /læˈsuː/

lasso

Meaning
a rope with a loop used to catch animals; to catch with such a rope
Example
The cowboy lassoed the horse quickly.
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.
C2 verb /lʌɡˈʒʊrieɪt/

luxuriate

Meaning
to enjoy something in a self-indulgent way; to take pleasure in great comfort
Example
She luxuriated in the warm bubble bath after a long day.
B1 noun /læm/

Lamb

Meaning
a young sheep; meat from a young sheep
Example
The little lamb followed its mother everywhere.
C2 noun /lækˈteɪʃən/

lactation

Meaning
the secretion of milk by the mammary glands of female mammals
Example
The doctor explained that lactation is a natural process after childbirth.
C1 adjective ˈleɪ.tənt

latent

Meaning
Existing but not yet developed or manifested; hidden potential.
Example
His artistic talent remained latent for years.
B2 adjective /ˈluː.nər/

Lunar

Meaning
relating to the moon; of or concerning the moon
Example
The lunar eclipse was visible last night.
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.
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 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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.mən/

Layman

Meaning
a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject
Example
The doctor explained the procedure in layman's terms.
C2 noun /ˈlɪbərəlɪst/

liberalist

Meaning
a person who supports liberal ideas and principles
Example
He is a well-known liberalist advocating human rights.
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 /lʌmp/

Lump

Meaning
a compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape
Example
She found a lump of sugar in the bowl.
A1 adjective/adverb /leɪt/

late

Meaning
arriving, happening, or done after the expected time
Example
He arrived late to the meeting.
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.
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.
B1 noun /loʊn/

Loan

Meaning
a thing that is borrowed, especially a sum of money that is expected to be paid back with interest
Example
He took a loan to buy a new car.
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.
B1 noun /ˈlek.tʃər/

Lecture

Meaning
an educational talk to an audience, especially to students in a university or college
Example
The professor gave an interesting lecture on history.
A2 noun /laɪˈbrɛəriən/

librarian

Meaning
a person who manages, organizes, and assists users in a library
Example
The librarian helped me find a rare history book.
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.
C2 noun /ˈlæki/

lackey

Meaning
a person who is overly willing to serve or obey someone else
Example
He treated his assistant like a mere lackey.
C1 noun /ˈlɛɡɪŋ/

legging

Meaning
tight-fitting stretch pants, typically worn by women for exercise or casual wear
Example
She bought a new pair of black leggings for the gym.
C1 adjective /loʊθ/

loath

Meaning
reluctant or unwilling to do something
Example
She was loath to admit her mistake in front of everyone.
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.