Marginal
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C1 adjective /ˈmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl/

Marginal

Meaning
relating to or situated at the edge; minimal; slight
Example
The marginal improvement in sales was barely noticeable.
C1 noun /ˈmɔːrtər/

mortar

Meaning
a mixture used in building to bond bricks or stones together; also, a small cannon for firing shells
Example
The workers applied mortar between the bricks.
C1 noun /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tənt/

Militant

Meaning
A person who uses aggressive or violent methods to promote a political or social cause
Example
The militant group demanded immediate political reforms.
C1 adjective ˈmer.ɪt beɪst

merit-based

Meaning
Based on or determined by individual merit, ability, or achievement rather than other factors.
Example
Merit-based recruitment strengthens the workforce.
C1 noun /moʊld/

Mould

Meaning
a hollow container used to give shape to molten material; fungus
Example
She poured chocolate into the mould to make candies.
C1 noun /ˈmæroʊ/

Marrow

Meaning
A soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones; the essence of something
Example
The bone marrow produces blood cells in the human body.
C1 adverb /ˈmiːk.li/

Meekly

Meaning
in a quiet, gentle way; without resistance or protest
Example
He meekly accepted the criticism without arguing.
C1 noun /mɪˈsɑːdʒəni/

misogyny

Meaning
Hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women.
Example
The novel has been criticized for promoting misogyny.
C1 adjective məˈdʒes.tɪk

Majestic

Meaning
Having impressive beauty, dignity, or grandeur; regal and stately in appearance.
Example
The majestic Himalayas stand tall against the sky.
C1 noun nɪˈmɒnɪks

mnemonics

Meaning
A technique to aid memory; a device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations
Example
Mnemonics help in remembering complex concepts easily.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪniə/

Mania

Meaning
Mental illness marked by periods of great excitement; extreme enthusiasm
Example
She had a mania for collecting vintage postcards from around the world.
C1 noun /ˌmæn.ɪ.fɛsˈteɪ.ʃən/

manifestation

Meaning
A visible form or expression of an idea, concept, or feeling; the action of displaying or showing.
Example
His generosity was a manifestation of his kind nature.
C1 noun, verb /ˈmæn.deɪt/

mandate

Meaning
an official order or command; to give someone authority to act in a certain way
Example
The government issued a mandate to reduce carbon emissions.
C1 noun /ˈmæk.rəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts/

macronutrients

Meaning
Nutrients that are needed in large amounts to provide energy and building materials for the body, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Example
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are vital macronutrients.
C1 noun /məˈtɜːrnəti/

Maternity

Meaning
The state of being a mother; motherhood
Example
The hospital has an excellent maternity ward for new mothers.
C1 noun /ˈmaɪlɪdʒ/

mileage

Meaning
The distance traveled in miles, or the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.
Example
This car gives excellent mileage on highways.
C1 verb, noun /mɛʃ/

mesh

Meaning
To fit or work together properly; or a material made of interlaced threads.
Example
The two gears mesh perfectly to keep the machine running smoothly.
C1 adjective /ˈmaɪzərli/

miserly

Meaning
Unwilling to spend money; stingy.
Example
She lived a miserly life, refusing to buy anything new.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈmɪstɪk/

mystic

Meaning
relating to mysteries, spirituality, or hidden truths; a person who seeks spiritual insight
Example
The mystic devoted his life to meditation and spiritual discovery.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈkɒn.dʌkt/

Misconduct

Meaning
Unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by a professional person
Example
The officer was dismissed for professional misconduct.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡneɪt/

Magnate

Meaning
A wealthy and powerful businessperson or industrialist
Example
The oil magnate owned dozens of refineries across the country.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜː.sɪ.ləs/

Merciless

Meaning
showing no mercy or pity; cruel and heartless
Example
The merciless dictator showed no compassion.
C1 adjective /məˈkɑː.brə/

Macabre

Meaning
disturbing because concerned with death; gruesome and horrifying
Example
The horror movie had a macabre atmosphere.
C1 noun /ˈmænər/

manor

Meaning
A large country house with lands; the main house of an estate.
Example
The old manor stood proudly on the hill for centuries.
C1 adjective /mʌnˈdeɪn/

mundane

Meaning
lacking interest or excitement; dull and ordinary
Example
She tried to escape her mundane routine by traveling.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡnɪtuːd/

Magnitude

Meaning
The great size or extent of something; importance
Example
The magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 7.5 on the Richter scale.
C1 noun /meər/

Mare

Meaning
an adult female horse
Example
The beautiful mare galloped across the meadow.
C1 noun /ˈmɛm.breɪn/

membrane

Meaning
A thin layer of tissue or material that covers, separates, or connects structures.
Example
The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
C1 noun /məˈtɪəriəlɪzəm/

Materialism

Meaning
A tendency to consider material possessions more important than spiritual values
Example
The rise of materialism in modern society concerns many philosophers.
C1 verb /ˈmæsəkər/

massacre

Meaning
to kill a large number of people brutally; to defeat decisively
Example
The army massacred the innocent civilians.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒdʒʊlər/

modular

Meaning
Employing or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction.
Example
The modular design allows for easy customization and scalability.
C1 adjective /ˈmɑːrʃəl/

martial

Meaning
Related to war, soldiers, or military life.
Example
The country imposed martial law during the crisis.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒsi/

Mossy

Meaning
covered with moss; having moss growing on it
Example
The old tree trunk was mossy and covered with green vegetation.
C1 verb /mɔːrf/

morph

Meaning
to change smoothly from one form, shape, or character into another
Example
The caterpillar will morph into a butterfly.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈmæm.əθ/

mammoth

Meaning
An extinct large elephant-like animal with long curved tusks; also means something huge.
Example
The company faced a mammoth challenge during expansion.
C1 verb /məˈlɛst/

molest

Meaning
to assault or abuse someone, especially in a sexual or physical way
Example
The criminal was arrested for attempting to molest a child.
C1 adjective /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/

multifaceted

Meaning
Having many different aspects or features
Example
The multifaceted approach to the problem resulted in innovative solutions.
C1 noun /mɑːrʃ/

Marsh

Meaning
An area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide
Example
The endangered birds built their nests in the protected marsh.
C1 noun /ˈmɛrɪɡoʊld/

Marigold

Meaning
a bright orange or yellow flower of the daisy family, often used in gardens and ceremonies
Example
The vibrant marigold flowers added a splash of color to the festival decorations.
C1 noun /mɑːrˈsuːpiəl/

marsupial

Meaning
A type of mammal that carries and nourishes its young in a pouch, like kangaroos and koalas.
Example
The kangaroo is a well-known marsupial.
C1 verb /mɔːl/

maul

Meaning
To wound or injure someone by scratching or tearing; to handle roughly.
Example
The bear mauled the camper in the forest.
C1 adjective /ˈmiːɡər/

meager

Meaning
Lacking in quantity or quality; inadequate.
Example
He could barely survive on his meager salary.
C1 adjective /ˈmæliəbl̩/

malleable

Meaning
Easily shaped or influenced; capable of being bent or adapted.
Example
Gold is a highly malleable metal used in jewelry.
C1 noun /ˈmɪmɪkri/

mimicry

Meaning
The act of imitating someone or something, often for humor or learning.
Example
The comedian’s mimicry of celebrities made the audience laugh.
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 noun /ˈmeɪsən/

mason

Meaning
a person skilled in building with stone, brick, or concrete
Example
The mason carefully laid the bricks for the new house.
C1 noun /mɔːrɡ/

morgue

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are kept, especially to be identified or claimed
Example
The police took the body to the morgue for identification.
C1 verb (past) /ˈmɛrɪtɪd/

merited

Meaning
Deserved or earned something.
Example
Her dedication merited recognition from the community.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnər/

misdemeanor

Meaning
A minor wrongdoing or criminal offense that is less serious than a felony.
Example
He was fined for a misdemeanor involving public disturbance.
C1 adjective /ˈmaɪ.ɡrə.tɔːr.i/

Migratory

Meaning
moving from one place to another; characterized by seasonal movement
Example
Many birds are migratory and travel thousands of miles each season.
C1 noun /ˈmæk.ər.əl/

Mackerel

Meaning
a streamlined marine fish with a forked tail and wavy stripes
Example
Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
C1 noun /moʊˈtiːf/

motif

Meaning
A recurring theme, subject, or idea in a work of art or literature.
Example
The motif of love is central to the novel.
C1 noun /ˈmelənkəli/

Melancholy

Meaning
A feeling of pensive sadness; thoughtful or gentle sadness
Example
A deep melancholy settled over him after reading the old letters.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈmɑːrʃən/

martian

Meaning
Related to the planet Mars; or an imaginary being from Mars.
Example
The movie showed a Martian visiting Earth.
C1 noun /ˈmiːknəs/

Meekness

Meaning
The quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive
Example
His meekness was often mistaken for weakness by his colleagues.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/

misrepresent

Meaning
to give a false or misleading account of something
Example
The lawyer accused the witness of trying to misrepresent the facts.
C1 verb, noun /ˈmʌstər/

muster

Meaning
to gather people, especially soldiers; to summon courage or strength
Example
He mustered enough courage to face the challenge.
C1 noun ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən ˈstrætədʒiz

mitigation strategies

Meaning
Plans and actions designed to reduce the severity or impact of problems or risks.
Example
Governments must adopt mitigation strategies for climate change.
C1 adjective /mjuːˈnɪsɪpəl/

municipal

Meaning
relating to a city or town or its local government
Example
The municipal authority is responsible for maintaining the park.
C1 noun /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌklaɪmæt/

microclimate

Meaning
The climate of a small, specific area that may differ from the general climate of the surrounding region, often influenced by local factors like terrain, vegetation, or buildings.
Example
A microclimate can have a significant impact on plant growth.
C1 adjective /ˈmæn.li/

Manly

Meaning
having qualities traditionally associated with men; brave; courageous
Example
He showed manly courage during the crisis.
C1 adverb /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkli/

mathematically

Meaning
in a way that relates to mathematics; using numbers, formulas, or logical calculation
Example
The problem can be solved mathematically rather than by guesswork.
C1 noun məˌtɪərɪəˈlɪstɪk ˈlaɪfstaɪl

materialistic lifestyle

Meaning
A way of living focused on acquiring material possessions and wealth.
Example
A materialistic lifestyle often leads to moral decline.
C1 adjective /məˈlɛvələnt/

malevolent

Meaning
Having or showing a wish to do evil or harm to others.
Example
The malevolent glare in his eyes frightened the children.
C1 noun, verb /məˈnuː.vər/

maneuver

Meaning
a planned or skillful movement or action; to move skillfully or carefully
Example
The pilot maneuvered the plane through the storm.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈmɒnəkrəʊm/

monochrome

Meaning
A photograph, painting, or screen image in black and white or varying tones of one color.
Example
The old film was shot entirely in monochrome.
C1 noun ˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz

modifications

Meaning
The action of making partial or minor changes to something.
Example
DNA modifications enable enhanced traits in crops.
C1 verb /mæʃ/

mash

Meaning
to crush or mix food into a soft mass, usually by pressing or beating
Example
She mashed the potatoes before serving dinner.
C1 noun /ˈmɪʃ.ən.ɛr.i/

Missionary

Meaning
A person sent on a religious mission to promote their faith in a foreign country
Example
The missionary spent years teaching and helping people in remote villages.
C1 adjective /məˈlɪɡnənt/

malignant

Meaning
dangerous or harmful in influence or effect; medically, tending to invade and destroy tissue
Example
Doctors confirmed that the tumor was malignant.
C1 adjective /ˈməʊltən/

molten

Meaning
Made into liquid by heat; melted.
Example
The blacksmith poured molten metal into the mold.
C1 noun /ˌmaʊntəˈnɪə/

mountaineer

Meaning
A person who climbs mountains as a sport or profession.
Example
The mountaineer reached the summit after a long climb.
C1 adjective /ˌmiː.diˈoʊ.kər/

mediocre

Meaning
Of only average quality; not very good.
Example
The movie was entertaining but overall mediocre.
C1 noun /ˈmjuːtɪni/

mutiny

Meaning
an open rebellion against authority, especially by soldiers or sailors
Example
The sailors staged a mutiny against their captain.
C1 adjective /məˈnæstɪk/

monastic

Meaning
Relating to monks, monasteries, or a life of religious seclusion.
Example
He chose to live a monastic life away from the city.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒnstrəs/

Monstrous

Meaning
extremely large; shockingly evil or wrong; abnormal or unnatural
Example
The monstrous crime shocked the entire community.
C1 noun /ˈmæksɪm/

maxim

Meaning
a short, well-known statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct
Example
Honesty is a timeless maxim valued in every culture.
C1 adjective /ˈmjuːtɪd/

muted

Meaning
softened in sound, color, or effect; subdued
Example
The room was painted in muted shades of blue and grey.
C1 noun /ˈmɪd.waɪf/

midwife

Meaning
A person, typically a woman, trained to assist women during childbirth.
Example
The midwife stayed with the mother throughout her labor.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪniæk/

maniac

Meaning
a person who behaves in a wildly foolish, dangerous, or violent way
Example
The driver was speeding like a maniac.
C1 noun məˈnjʊər

manure

Meaning
Animal dung used for fertilizing land; organic matter used as fertilizer.
Example
Organic manure enhances soil fertility.
C1 verb, noun /mʊər/

moor

Meaning
As a verb: to tie a ship so that it stays in place. As a noun: open, uncultivated land.
Example
The sailors moored the ship at the dock.
C1 noun /ˌmɒd.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

modulation

Meaning
The process of varying or controlling something.
Example
Proper modulation of voice enhances communication skills.
C1 noun /mɔːs/

Moss

Meaning
a small flowerless plant that grows in clumps in moist places
Example
Green moss covered the old stone wall.
C1 noun /ˈmænəˌrɪzəm/

Mannerism

Meaning
A habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving; an idiosyncrasy
Example
His constant throat clearing had become an annoying mannerism.
C1 verb /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/

mitigate

Meaning
To make less severe, serious, or painful; to lessen the severity of damage or harm.
Example
Proper planning can mitigate financial risks.
C1 noun /ˈmɒnəˌθiːɪzəm/

monotheism

Meaning
The belief in the existence of only one God.
Example
Islam and Christianity are religions based on monotheism.
C1 adjective, verb (past tense/participle of mire) /ˈmaɪərd/

mired

Meaning
Trapped or entangled in something, typically a difficult situation.
Example
The politician was mired in scandal.
C1 noun /ˈmɪd.əl.mæn/

Middleman

Meaning
A person who acts as an intermediary between two parties in a business transaction
Example
They decided to cut out the middleman and sell directly to customers.
C1 noun /ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/

moratorium

Meaning
A temporary suspension or delay of an activity, law, or obligation.
Example
The government announced a moratorium on new mining licenses.
C1 noun /ˈmɑː.kɪt ˌpen.ɪˈtreɪ.ʃən/

Market Penetration

Meaning
A measure of the amount of sales or adoption of a product or service compared to the total theoretical market for that product or service.
Example
High market penetration ensures competitive dominance.
C1 noun məˈnɒp.əl.i

monopoly

Meaning
The exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service.
Example
The company has a monopoly on electric car production.
C1 noun /ˈmɔːr.nər/

Mourner

Meaning
a person who attends a funeral or shows grief for someone who has died
Example
The mourners gathered at the cemetery to pay their respects.
C1 noun /mɪˈlɪʃə/

militia

Meaning
a group of ordinary people who are trained to act as soldiers in emergencies
Example
The village formed a militia to defend against attacks.
C1 adjective məˈθɒd.ɪ.kəl

methodical

Meaning
Done according to a systematic or established procedure; orderly and systematic.
Example
His methodical research produced reliable results.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ɑːk/

Monarch

Meaning
a sovereign ruler, especially a king or queen
Example
The monarch addressed the nation on television.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊ.tər ˈlɔː.ri/

Motor lorry

Meaning
a large motor vehicle used for transporting goods; truck
Example
The motor lorry delivered fresh vegetables to the market.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˈmænɪdʒ/

mismanage

Meaning
to handle or control something badly or inefficiently
Example
The company went bankrupt because it was mismanaged for years.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/

misinterpret

Meaning
to understand or explain something wrongly
Example
He misinterpreted her silence as agreement.
C1 noun /ˈmaɪzər/

miser

Meaning
A person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible.
Example
The old miser refused to donate even a penny to charity.
C1 verb /ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/

mesmerize

Meaning
To capture complete attention; to hypnotize or fascinate.
Example
The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience.
C1 adjective /məˈroʊs/

morose

Meaning
sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered
Example
He became morose after losing his job.
C1 noun /mjuːˈteɪʃn/

mutation

Meaning
A change in form, structure, or nature, especially in genetics.
Example
Scientists discovered a genetic mutation that caused the disorder.
C1 noun /mɜːrθ/

mirth

Meaning
Great joy, amusement, or laughter.
Example
The festival was full of mirth and laughter.
C1 noun /məˈræŋ/

meringue

Meaning
A light dessert topping made from whipped egg whites and sugar.
Example
She decorated the pie with a fluffy meringue topping.
C1 adjective, verb /muːt/

moot

Meaning
Adjective: subject to debate or irrelevant. Verb: to suggest an idea for discussion.
Example
The issue of funding became a moot point after the project was canceled.
C1 noun ˈmæŋɡroʊv ˈfɒrɪst

Mangrove Forest

Meaning
A coastal forest ecosystem characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones.
Example
Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest.
C1 adjective /maɪˈɑːpɪk/

myopic

Meaning
lacking foresight or long-term perspective; also refers to nearsightedness
Example
The company’s myopic strategy led to long-term losses.
C1 adjective /ˌmet.əˈbɒl.ɪk/

metabolic

Meaning
Relating to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
Example
Regular exercise enhances metabolic efficiency.
C1 adjective /miːk/

Meek

Meaning
gentle and submissive; humble; patient
Example
Despite his power, he remained meek and humble.
C1 verb /ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/

magnify

Meaning
to make something appear larger; to increase the importance or effect of something
Example
The microscope can magnify tiny objects for better observation.
C1 adjective /ˈmænɪfoʊld/

Manifold

Meaning
many and of several different types; multiple; various
Example
The project has manifold benefits for the community.
C1 adverb /ˈmerɪli/

Merrily

Meaning
in a cheerful and joyful manner
Example
The children played merrily in the garden.
C1 noun /ˈmɒdɪfaɪər/

modifier

Meaning
a word or element that changes, limits, or describes the meaning of another word; something that alters or adjusts
Example
In the phrase 'very cold', 'very' is a modifier of 'cold'.
C1 noun /ˈmjʊr.əl/

Mural

Meaning
a painting or artwork applied directly on a wall or ceiling
Example
The artist painted a beautiful mural on the school wall.
C1 adjective /məˈdʒen.tə/

Magenta

Meaning
a bright purplish-red color
Example
She wore a beautiful magenta dress to the party.
C1 adjective /məˈnɒtənəs/

Monotonous

Meaning
lacking in variety; tediously unvarying; boring and repetitive
Example
The monotonous sound of the rain made everyone feel sleepy.
C1 noun /ˈmɜːrsəˌnɛri/

mercenary

Meaning
a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army; also used to describe someone motivated solely by money.
Example
The mercenary fought for whoever paid the highest wage.
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.
C1 adjective /məˈtɜːrnəl/

Maternal

Meaning
relating to a mother; motherly
Example
She showed maternal care towards the orphan child.
C1 noun ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts

micronutrients

Meaning
Essential nutrients required by organisms in small quantities throughout life to orchestrate a range of physiological functions.
Example
Micronutrients are essential for cellular function.