maxim
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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 noun /ˈmænɪkɪn/

mannequin

Meaning
a life-sized model of a human figure used by shops to display clothes
Example
The mannequin in the shop window was dressed in a red gown.
C1 noun /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/

meritocracy

Meaning
A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
Example
In a true meritocracy, the most capable people rise to leadership positions.
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 noun /ˈmɒnəlɪθ/

monolith

Meaning
A large single upright block of stone, or a large, powerful, indivisible organization or system.
Example
The ancient monolith stood in the desert for centuries.
C1 noun /mælˈpræktɪs/

Malpractice

Meaning
Improper, illegal, or negligent professional behavior
Example
The surgeon was sued for malpractice after the failed operation.
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 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 /mɔːrˈfɑːlədʒi/

morphology

Meaning
the study of the form and structure of things, especially in language and biology
Example
Morphology studies the structure of words and how they are formed.
C1 adjective /ˈmæn.əd/

mannered

Meaning
Having or showing a particular manner, especially an artificial or affected one.
Example
The actor’s performance was too mannered to feel natural.
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 verb /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪz/

marginalize

Meaning
To treat a person or group as unimportant or insignificant.
Example
The policy marginalized minority communities.
C1 noun /meər/

Mare

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

matriarch

Meaning
A woman who is the head of a family or community.
Example
The matriarch of the family made all important decisions.
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 noun ˈmɪl.ɪ.tər.i ɪnˈkɜː.ʃən

military incursion

Meaning
A sudden armed attack or invasion by military forces into a territory.
Example
The military incursion caused widespread devastation.
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 noun /ˈmɔː.tər ænd ˈpes.əl/

Mortar and Pestle

Meaning
a bowl and grinding tool used to crush and grind spices, herbs, and other substances
Example
She ground the spices using a mortar and pestle.
C1 adjective ˈmær.ɪ.taɪm

Maritime

Meaning
Connected with the sea, especially in relation to seafaring commercial or military activity.
Example
Maritime trade enhances the economy.
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 /məˈrɑːl/

Morale

Meaning
the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group
Example
The team's morale improved after the victory.
C1 adjective ˌmiː.ti.ər.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

meteorological

Meaning
Relating to weather conditions and atmospheric phenomena.
Example
Meteorological conditions affect farming cycles.
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 verb /ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/

misinterpret

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

myriad

Meaning
a countless or extremely great number
Example
There are myriad stars in the night sky.
C1 adjective /ˌmer.ɪˈtɔː.ri.əs/

Meritorious

Meaning
deserving reward or praise; commendable; worthy of recognition
Example
His meritorious service to the community was recognized.
C1 verb /ˈmiː.di.eɪt/

mediate

Meaning
To act as an intermediary in bringing about agreement or reconciliation between parties.
Example
She was asked to mediate between the two companies.
C1 adjective /ˈmeʒ.ər.ə.bəl/

Measurable

Meaning
able to be measured; quantifiable
Example
The project's success was measurable by increased sales.
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 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 noun /ˈmɪs.hæp/

Mishap

Meaning
An unlucky accident or unfortunate event, typically minor
Example
The cooking mishap resulted in a burnt dinner.
C1 noun /ˌmɪdˈsʌm.ər/

midsummer

Meaning
The middle of summer, often around the summer solstice in June.
Example
We had a festival to celebrate midsummer.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ə.təʊn/

monotone

Meaning
A continuous sound, especially of a person's voice, that does not rise and fall in pitch.
Example
The teacher's monotone made the lecture hard to follow.
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 ˈmetəl kənˌtæməˈneɪʃən

metal contamination

Meaning
The presence of toxic metals in the environment that pose health and environmental risks.
Example
Metal contamination poses severe health risks.
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 noun /ˌmɪsˈtrʌst/

Mistrust

Meaning
Lack of trust; suspicion or doubt about someone or something
Example
There was deep mistrust between the two political parties.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡneɪt/

Magnate

Meaning
A wealthy and powerful businessperson or industrialist
Example
The oil magnate owned dozens of refineries across the country.
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 adjective/noun nɪˈmɒn.ɪk

mnemonic

Meaning
Assisting or intended to assist memory; a device or technique to aid memory.
Example
A mnemonic device helps students remember complex concepts.
C1 noun /ˈmæntl̩/

mantle

Meaning
A cloak or covering; also the layer of the earth between the crust and the core.
Example
The leader assumed the mantle of responsibility.
C1 adjective /ˈmoʊmənˌteri/

momentary

Meaning
Lasting for only a short time.
Example
There was a momentary silence in the room.
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 /meɪl treɪn/

Mail train

Meaning
a train that carries mail and postal packages
Example
The mail train departs every evening to deliver letters across the country.
C1 noun /mɪˈlɛniəm/

millennium

Meaning
a period of one thousand years; often used to mark an anniversary
Example
The year 2000 was celebrated as the beginning of a new millennium.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ə.stər.i/

Monastery

Meaning
a building or group of buildings where monks live and worship
Example
The ancient monastery was built on a hilltop.
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 noun /moʊˈzeɪɪk/

mosaic

Meaning
A picture or pattern produced by arranging together small pieces of stone, tile, or glass.
Example
The church ceiling was decorated with a beautiful mosaic.
C1 noun /maɪm/

Mime

Meaning
A performer who acts without words, using only gestures and body movements
Example
The street mime entertained the crowd with his invisible box routine.
C1 noun /mɪsˈɡɪvɪŋz/

misgivings

Meaning
feelings of doubt or concern about the outcome or propriety of something
Example
She had serious misgivings about signing the contract.
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 noun ˌmɛməraɪˈzeɪʃən

memorization

Meaning
The process of learning or committing something to memory
Example
Memorization of important information is crucial for exams.
C1 adjective /ˈmɪnəskjuːl/

minuscule

Meaning
extremely small in size or importance
Example
She made only a minuscule contribution to the project.
C1 noun /ˈmɒŋ.ɡuːs/

Mongoose

Meaning
a small carnivorous mammal known for its ability to kill venomous snakes
Example
The mongoose quickly attacked the cobra to protect its young.
C1 noun /moʊl/

Mole

Meaning
a small burrowing mammal with tiny eyes and soft fur
Example
The mole dug tunnels under the garden.
C1 verb /mɑːr/

mar

Meaning
to spoil or damage the appearance or quality of something
Example
The scratch will mar the beauty of the painting.
C1 noun moʊst ˈvʌlnərəbəl ˈneɪʃən

most vulnerable nation

Meaning
A country that is highly exposed to risks and lacks adequate protection or resilience.
Example
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change.
C1 noun /ˈmɒnəˌθiːɪzəm/

monotheism

Meaning
The belief in the existence of only one God.
Example
Islam and Christianity are religions based on monotheism.
C1 noun /ˌmiːtiəˈrɒlədʒi/

meteorology

Meaning
The scientific study of the atmosphere and weather.
Example
He chose to specialize in meteorology to study weather patterns.
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 adverb /maɪˈnjuːtli/

Minutely

Meaning
in very small detail; extremely carefully
Example
The detective examined the evidence minutely.
C1 noun /miːlˈjuː/

milieu

Meaning
A person's social environment or surroundings.
Example
She grew up in an artistic milieu.
C1 verb /ˈmɛdəl/

meddle

Meaning
to interfere in something that is not one's concern
Example
He always tries to meddle in other people’s business.
C1 noun /ˌmʌltɪˈplɪsɪti/

multiplicity

Meaning
A large number or variety of something.
Example
The project faced a multiplicity of challenges.
C1 verb /ˈmɑːrʃəl/

marshal

Meaning
To arrange or organize people, events, or resources in an orderly way.
Example
The teacher marshaled the students for the field trip.
C1 verb /ˈmæsəkər/

massacre

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

Meekness

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

miserly

Meaning
Unwilling to spend money; stingy.
Example
She lived a miserly life, refusing to buy anything new.
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 verb /məˈruːn/

maroon

Meaning
to leave someone trapped and isolated, especially on an island
Example
The sailors were marooned on a deserted island.
C1 adjective /ˌmed.iˈiː.vəl/

Mediaeval

Meaning
relating to the Middle Ages; medieval
Example
The castle displayed mediaeval architecture and design.
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 /ˈmʌltɪplaɪər/

multiplier

Meaning
a number or factor by which another number is multiplied; something that increases the effect or value of something else
Example
In economics, government spending can act as a multiplier for economic growth.
C1 verb /ˈmʌmbəl/

mumble

Meaning
To speak quietly and not clearly so that words are difficult to understand.
Example
He mumbled an apology before leaving.
C1 adjective ˌmɒn.jʊˈmɛn.təl

monumental

Meaning
Great in importance, extent, or size; exceptionally great; forming or serving as a monument.
Example
The discovery of electricity was a monumental achievement.
C1 adverb /ˈmɪdweɪ/

Midway

Meaning
halfway; at or to the middle point
Example
The project is midway through completion.
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 /ˈmɒk.ər.i/

Mockery

Meaning
teasing and contemptuous language or behavior; ridicule
Example
His speech was met with mockery from the audience.
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/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 /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 noun /ˈmævərɪk/

maverick

Meaning
An unorthodox or independent-minded person.
Example
The maverick scientist challenged established theories.
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 /ˈmjuːtɪni/

mutiny

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

madden

Meaning
To make someone very angry or extremely annoyed.
Example
The constant noise maddened him.
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.
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 verb /ˈmɒd.jʊ.leɪt/

modulate

Meaning
To change the strength, tone, or pitch of something; to adjust or regulate.
Example
A good speaker knows how to modulate their voice.
C1 adjective /ˈmɑːrʃəl/

martial

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

melodrama

Meaning
A dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions.
Example
The movie was criticized for its excessive melodrama.
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 /ˈmɜː.sɪ.fəl/

Merciful

Meaning
showing compassion or forgiveness; kind and forgiving
Example
The merciful judge gave him a lighter sentence.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈkɒn.dʌkt/

Misconduct

Meaning
Unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by a professional person
Example
The officer was dismissed for professional misconduct.
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 /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 /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 /ˈmɜː.sɪ.ləs/

Merciless

Meaning
showing no mercy or pity; cruel and heartless
Example
The merciless dictator showed no compassion.
C1 noun məˈriːn ˈsɜː.veɪ

marine survey

Meaning
A systematic examination of the sea, seabed, and underwater features for the purpose of making maps or gathering other information.
Example
The marine survey identified the ideal cable routes.
C1 adjective /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/

makeshift

Meaning
used as a temporary substitute; improvised
Example
They used boxes as a makeshift table.
C1 adjective /məˈləʊ.di.əs/

Melodious

Meaning
having a pleasant musical sound; tuneful
Example
Her melodious voice captivated the entire audience.
C1 noun /ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/

magistrate

Meaning
A civil officer who administers the law, often with limited judicial authority.
Example
The magistrate presided over the minor criminal case.
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 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 /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 adjective /məˈlaɪn/

Malign

Meaning
evil in nature or effect; harmful; slanderous
Example
He spread malign rumors about his colleague.
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 /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 /ˈmɪm.ɪk/

Mimic

Meaning
A person who copies or imitates the actions, speech, or mannerisms of others
Example
The talented mimic could perfectly imitate famous celebrities.
C1 noun /ˈmæl.ɪt/

Mallet

Meaning
a hammer with a large head, typically made of wood
Example
The carpenter used a rubber mallet to avoid damaging the wood.
C1 noun /ˈmuːdi.nəs/

moodiness

Meaning
The state of being frequently subject to changes in mood, especially irritability or sadness.
Example
Her moodiness made it difficult to predict how she would react.
C1 noun ˌmɪsˈmænɪdʒmənt

mismanagement

Meaning
Bad or careless management of something.
Example
Mismanagement of plastic waste worsens pollution.
C1 noun ˈmiːdiə ˈdɒmɪnəns

media dominance

Meaning
The control and powerful influence that media has over communication and information distribution in society.
Example
The internet has enhanced media dominance globally.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːtəl/

Mortal

Meaning
subject to death; having a limited lifespan; human
Example
All human beings are mortal and will eventually die.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˈpleɪs/

misplace

Meaning
To put something in the wrong location and temporarily lose it.
Example
I often misplace my keys when I am in a hurry.
C1 adjective /məˈtɪk.jə.ləs/

meticulous

Meaning
Extremely careful and precise in attention to detail
Example
A meticulous researcher checks every detail before publishing.
C1 adjective /miːk/

Meek

Meaning
gentle and submissive; humble; patient
Example
Despite his power, he remained meek and humble.
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 adjective /ˈmærɪtəl/

marital

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife.
Example
They sought counseling to resolve their marital issues.
C1 adjective /ˈmʌðərli/

Motherly

Meaning
having qualities characteristic of a mother; caring and protective
Example
She showed motherly care and affection towards all the children.