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B2 adjective /ˈlɪtərəl/

literal

Meaning
taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration
Example
His comment was meant as a joke, not to be taken in a literal sense.
A1 adjective /ˈlɪtl/

little

Meaning
Small in size, amount, or degree.
Example
He drank a little water before going to bed.
C1 noun

Longitude

C1 verb, noun /lɜːrtʃ/

lurch

Meaning
to make an abrupt, unsteady, or uncontrolled movement; a sudden movement or stagger
Example
The bus lurched forward as the driver hit the brakes.
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.
B1 noun

Loneliness

C1 adjective/verb /ˈleɪ.bərd/

labored

Meaning
done with great effort and difficulty; or past tense of labor
Example
He gave a labored explanation that confused the audience.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.laɪt/

Limelight

Meaning
the focus of public attention; a bright light produced by heating a cylinder of lime
Example
The celebrity enjoyed being in the limelight.
A2 noun /læb/

lab

Meaning
a place equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
Example
The students conducted an experiment in the chemistry lab.
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 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.
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.
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 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 noun /lɪˈkjʊər/

liqueur

Meaning
A strong, sweet alcoholic drink flavored with fruits, herbs, or spices.
Example
She served a small glass of cherry liqueur after dinner.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪb.ər.əl/

Liberal

Meaning
open-minded; tolerant; generous; progressive in thinking
Example
She has a liberal attitude towards different cultures and beliefs.
B1 verb /loʊd/

load

Meaning
to put goods or cargo onto a vehicle; to fill something with a heavy quantity
Example
Workers load the truck with heavy boxes.
A2 adjective /loʊ/

low

Meaning
Small in amount, degree, or position; not high.
Example
The river is at its lowest level in years.
A2 adjective /ˈleɪtɪst/

latest

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

labor

Meaning
work, especially hard physical work; to work hard
Example
The workers labored in the hot sun all day.
C2 verb /læmˈbeɪst/

lambaste

Meaning
to criticize someone or something harshly; to reprimand severely
Example
The teacher lambasted the students for not completing their homework.
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.
C1 noun ˈlɪniɪdʒ

Lineage

Meaning
Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
Example
Tracing your lineage can reveal unknown ancestors.
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 /ˌluːkjʊˈbreɪʃən/

lucubration

Meaning
study or meditation, especially at night
Example
His novel was the result of long lucubration.
C1 adjective /ˈlɪstləs/

listless

Meaning
lacking energy, enthusiasm, or interest
Example
She felt listless after working long hours without rest.
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 /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 verb /lʌɡ/

lug

Meaning
to carry or drag something heavy or cumbersome with effort
Example
He had to lug the suitcase up three flights of stairs.
B1 adjective /luːs/

loose

Meaning
not firmly or tightly fixed in place
Example
The screw is loose and needs tightening.
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.
B2 noun ˈlɪv.ɪŋ ˈstæn.dədz

living standards

Meaning
The degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community; quality of life.
Example
High living standards improve satisfaction.
C1 verb /ˈlaɪ.kən/

liken

Meaning
to compare one thing to another, often in a figurative way
Example
He likened her voice to sweet music.
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.
C2 noun /ˈliːdʒənəri/

legionary

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

lariat

Meaning
A long rope with a noose at one end used to catch animals such as cattle or horses.
Example
The cowboy threw his lariat to catch the stray horse.
C1 adjective /ləˈbɔːr.i.əs/

laborious

Meaning
requiring considerable effort and time; difficult and hard-working
Example
Writing the long report was a laborious task.
B2 noun /liːk/

Leek

Meaning
vegetable related to onion with long green leaves and white bulb, milder than onion
Example
The soup was made with potatoes and leeks.
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 noun /ˈlætɪs/

lattice

Meaning
A structure of crossed strips arranged in a grid or crisscross pattern.
Example
The garden was decorated with a wooden lattice covered in vines.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfi/

lexicography

Meaning
The art or practice of compiling dictionaries.
Example
Lexicography requires both linguistic and cultural knowledge.
C1 adjective /ˈlæv.ɪʃ/

Lavish

Meaning
expensive; elaborate; extravagant; generous
Example
The wedding was a lavish celebration with hundreds of guests.
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.
C2 noun /liːdʒ/

liege

Meaning
A feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service; a loyal subject.
Example
The knight pledged loyalty to his liege.
B2 noun /leɪs/

Lace

Meaning
a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern; a cord or string for fastening
Example
She wore a beautiful dress decorated with intricate lace patterns.
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.
B1 noun /læm/

Lamb

Meaning
a young sheep; meat from a young sheep
Example
The little lamb followed its mother everywhere.
C1 adjective /loʊθ/

loath

Meaning
reluctant or unwilling to do something
Example
She was loath to admit her mistake in front of everyone.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪtərɛri/

literary

Meaning
concerning the writing, study, or content of literature
Example
She is a well-known figure in the literary world.
B2 adjective /ˈlɛdʒɪslətɪv/

legislative

Meaning
relating to the making of laws
Example
The legislative body passed the new tax bill.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.kli.hʊd/

likelihood

Meaning
the chance or probability of something happening
Example
There is a strong likelihood of rain tomorrow.
C2 noun /ˈlaɪər/

lier

Meaning
a person who tells lies; an alternative spelling of liar
Example
No one trusted him because he was known as a habitual lier.
C1 noun /luː/

lieu

Meaning
Instead of; in place of.
Example
He gave money in lieu of flowers.
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.
C1 noun /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks/

linguistics

Meaning
The scientific study of language and its structure.
Example
She decided to major in linguistics at university.
C2 verb /ˈlɔɪtər/

loiter

Meaning
To stand or wait around idly without apparent purpose.
Example
The teenagers were told not to loiter outside the shop.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔːf.ti/

Lofty

Meaning
of great height; noble in character; elevated in style
Example
He has lofty ideals about making the world a better place.
C2 verb /ˈlæs.ə.reɪt/

lacerate

Meaning
to tear or cut deeply in the skin or flesh
Example
The broken glass lacerated his hand.
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.
A1 noun

Love

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 /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 /ˌlɪk.wəˈfeɪ.ʃənt/

liquefacient

Meaning
a substance that causes something to become liquid
Example
The chemist explained how the liquefacient worked in the experiment.
B1 noun /ˈlɪm.ɪt/

Limit

Meaning
a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass; the greatest amount allowed
Example
There is a speed limit on this road.
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.
C2 noun /lɪˈvaɪəθən/

leviathan

Meaning
a huge sea monster or something very large and powerful.
Example
The ship looked like a leviathan on the horizon.
A2 adjective /ˈleɪ.zi/

Lazy

Meaning
idle; unwilling to work; sluggish
Example
He was too lazy to clean his room on the weekend.
C2 noun /ˈlɪnəmənt/

liniment

Meaning
A liquid or lotion applied to the skin to relieve pain or stiffness.
Example
He rubbed liniment on his sore muscles after the workout.
C2 adjective /ˈluː.ni/

Loony

Meaning
crazy; silly; mentally unstable
Example
His loony behavior made everyone laugh.
B2 adjective /ˈlʌv.ə.bəl/

Lovable

Meaning
deserving of love; endearing; adorable
Example
The puppy was so lovable that everyone wanted to adopt it.
C1 noun /lɒft/

loft

Meaning
An upper room or space, often under the roof of a building.
Example
She converted the old loft into a modern studio.
B2 noun /lɔːɡ/

Log

Meaning
a piece of a dead or felled tree trunk or branch, especially one stripped of bark
Example
They sat on a log by the campfire.
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.
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.
A2 verb /liːd/

lead

Meaning
To guide or be in charge; to show the way.
Example
He led the team to victory.
C1 noun /ˈlʌləˌbaɪ/

lullaby

Meaning
a soothing song sung to help a child fall asleep
Example
She sang a lullaby to her baby every night.
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.
B1 noun /ˈlæftər/

laughter

Meaning
the act or sound of laughing
Example
The room was filled with laughter.
B1 adjective /ˌlɛftˈhændɪd/

left-handed

Meaning
Using or done with the left hand; also can mean clumsy or awkward.
Example
She is left-handed and writes beautifully with her left hand.
B2 noun ˈlaɪv.stɒk ˈfɑː.mɪŋ

livestock farming

Meaning
The breeding, raising, and care of farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs for food, fiber, and other products.
Example
Livestock farming plays a crucial role in food security.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈlʌv.ɪŋ/

Loving

Meaning
affectionate; caring; showing love and warmth
Example
She is a loving mother who cares deeply for her children.
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; verb /ˈlaɪnʌp/

line-up

Meaning
a group or arrangement of people or things in a line; to arrange people or things in a row or planned order
Example
The coach announced the team line-up before the match.
A2 noun /liːf/

Leaf

Meaning
a flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem
Example
The autumn leaves are falling from the tree.
B2 adjective /ˈlʌvəbl̩/

loveable

Meaning
easy to love; endearing or charming
Example
The puppy was so loveable that everyone wanted to hold it.
B2 adverb /ˈlaɪk.waɪz/

Likewise

Meaning
in the same way; also; similarly
Example
She studied hard for the exam, and her brother did likewise.
A2 noun /lɪst/

List

Meaning
a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other
Example
Make a list of things you need to buy.
A1 verb /ˈlɪsən/

listen

Meaning
to pay attention to sounds; to hear someone or something with thoughtful attention
Example
Please listen carefully to the instructions.
C2 noun /luːn/

lune

Meaning
A crescent-shaped figure formed by two intersecting arcs; also means 'moon' in French.
Example
The mathematician studied the properties of the lune.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈlaɪf.laɪk/

lifelike

Meaning
Very similar to a real person, object, or scene; realistic.
Example
The wax figure was so lifelike that people thought it was a real person.
B1 noun /ˈlaɪ.ər/

Liar

Meaning
a person who tells lies; someone who does not tell the truth
Example
Nobody trusts him because he is a liar.
A2 noun /laɪt bʌlb/

Light bulb

Meaning
a glass or plastic container that produces light when electricity passes through it
Example
The light bulb in the kitchen needs to be replaced.
C2 adjective /ˈluːsənt/

lucent

Meaning
shining or glowing with light
Example
The lucent stars brightened the 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.
A1 noun ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ

language

Meaning
A method of communication used by humans, consisting of spoken and written words structured in specific ways.
Example
Learning a new language can be exciting.
C2 adjective /ˈlæk.rɪ.moʊs/

lachrymose

Meaning
tearful or given to weeping; sad and mournful
Example
The movie's lachrymose ending left the audience in tears.
C2 adjective /ˈlaʊtɪʃ/

loutish

Meaning
Clumsy, rude, or aggressive in behavior.
Example
His loutish remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
B1 verb /lend/

lend

Meaning
to give temporarily; to allow someone to use something
Example
Can you lend me your pen?
C1 adjective ˈluː.sɪd

lucid

Meaning
Clear and easily understandable thoughts or explanations.
Example
His explanation was so lucid that everyone understood it.
C2 noun /lʌɡˈʒʊəriəns/

luxuriance

Meaning
abundant growth, richness, or elegance
Example
The garden was filled with the luxuriance of tropical plants.
C2 noun /lænˈtɑː.nə/

Lantana

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with clusters of small colorful flowers
Example
The lantana flowers attract butterflies to the garden.
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.
A1 noun /ˈles.ən/

Lesson

Meaning
a period of learning or teaching; an experience that teaches you something
Example
Today's math lesson was about fractions.
A2 noun /lɒs/

loss

Meaning
The state of no longer having something or someone; the harm resulting from losing.
Example
The company suffered a huge financial loss last year.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfər/

lexicographer

Meaning
A person who compiles, writes, or edits dictionaries.
Example
The lexicographer spent years compiling the dictionary.
C2 noun /ˈlʊŋ.gi/

Lungi

Meaning
a traditional garment worn around the waist in South Asia
Example
He wore a comfortable lungi while relaxing at home.
B2 verb /lɪk/

lick

Meaning
to pass the tongue over something; to defeat decisively
Example
The cat licked its paws clean.
C1 noun /lʌst/

Lust

Meaning
very strong sexual desire; a passionate desire for something
Example
His lust for power corrupted him completely.
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.
A1 adjective/adverb /leɪt/

late

Meaning
arriving, happening, or done after the expected time
Example
He arrived late to the meeting.
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.
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.
A1 noun /laɪf/

life

Meaning
The existence of an individual human being or animal.
Example
Life is full of challenges and opportunities.
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.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈluː.nə.tɪk/

lunatic

Meaning
A person who is insane or acting in a foolish or reckless way; also used as an adjective meaning insane.
Example
The driver was driving like a lunatic on the highway.
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.
B2 noun /laɪm/

Lime

Meaning
a small green citrus fruit with acidic juice
Example
Add a slice of lime to your drink.
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.