merit-based
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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 /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 verb /ˈmæd.ən/

madden

Meaning
To make someone very angry or extremely annoyed.
Example
The constant noise maddened him.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːrbɪd/

morbid

Meaning
Having an abnormal interest in disturbing or unpleasant subjects such as death or disease.
Example
She had a morbid fascination with crime stories.
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 /moʊt/

moat

Meaning
A deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle or town, often filled with water, for defense.
Example
The castle was protected by a wide moat filled with water.
C1 noun ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt

micronutrient

Meaning
Essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts, including vitamins and minerals.
Example
Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for growth.
C1 noun /məˈnɒɡəmi/

monogamy

Meaning
The practice of being married to or in a relationship with only one person at a time.
Example
Many cultures encourage monogamy as the ideal form of marriage.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡneɪt/

Magnate

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

momentary

Meaning
Lasting for only a short time.
Example
There was a momentary silence in the room.
C1 noun /mæɡˈnɪfɪsəns/

magnificence

Meaning
splendor, grandeur, or impressive beauty
Example
The magnificence of the palace left everyone speechless.
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 /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 noun /mɔːˈtæləti/

mortality

Meaning
the state of being subject to death; the death rate of a population
Example
Advancements in medicine have reduced child mortality significantly.
C1 noun ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

mitigation

Meaning
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example
Mitigation of climate change requires collective effort.
C1 verb /ˈmjuːteɪt/

mutate

Meaning
To change or cause to change in form, nature, or character.
Example
The virus can mutate into a more dangerous strain.
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 verb, noun /miˈændər/

meander

Meaning
to wander aimlessly or follow a winding course
Example
We meandered through the old streets of the city.
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 ˌmɪs.kənˈsɛp.ʃən

misconception

Meaning
A wrong idea or false understanding about something.
Example
There is a common misconception that success happens overnight.
C1 noun /ˌmɑːr.kɪ.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/

marketability

Meaning
The possibility of commercial success for a product or service
Example
The new product's marketability depends on consumer demand.
C1 noun /ˈmɒd.ə.sti/

Modesty

Meaning
the quality of being humble and not boastful about achievements
Example
Despite his success, he showed great modesty.
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 /ˈmaʊntɪnəs/

Mountainous

Meaning
having many mountains; characterized by mountains
Example
The mountainous region was difficult to travel through.
C1 noun /ˈmedoʊ/

Meadow

Meaning
A piece of grassland, especially one used for hay
Example
The cows grazed peacefully in the green meadow.
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 /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 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 noun/adjective /ˈmɪriəd/

myriad

Meaning
a countless or extremely great number
Example
There are myriad stars in the night sky.
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 /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 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 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 adjective /məˈdʒen.tə/

Magenta

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

merger

Meaning
The combination of two or more companies into a single entity.
Example
The merger of the two firms created the largest bank in the region.
C1 noun ˌmɪsˈmænɪdʒmənt

mismanagement

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

Malpractice

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

makeshift

Meaning
used as a temporary substitute; improvised
Example
They used boxes as a makeshift table.
C1 adjective ˌmæk.roʊ.iː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk

macroeconomic

Meaning
Relating to the large-scale or general economic factors, such as interest rates and national productivity.
Example
Government policies impact macroeconomic stability.
C1 verb /məˈtɪərɪəlaɪz/

materialize

Meaning
To become real or actual; to appear suddenly or in a physical form.
Example
The opportunity he had been waiting for finally materialized.
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 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 adjective /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/

multifaceted

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

martial

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

Muffler

Meaning
a long strip of cloth worn around the neck for warmth
Example
She wrapped a warm muffler around her neck before going outside.
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 /meɪn/

mane

Meaning
the long hair growing on the neck of a horse, lion, or other animal
Example
The lion shook its thick mane proudly.
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 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 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 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 noun /məˈnɒtəni/

monotony

Meaning
Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine.
Example
Breaking the monotony of everyday life can improve mental health.
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 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 verb /məˈnuː.vər/

manoeuver

Meaning
To move skillfully or carefully; to guide or manipulate into a desired position.
Example
The driver skillfully manoeuvered the car through the narrow street.
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 /ˈmjuːtɪd/

muted

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

mediation

Meaning
Intervention between parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise.
Example
The mediation helped resolve the conflict between the two teams.
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 /ˈmedɪkeɪt/

medicate

Meaning
to treat with medicine; to give drugs to someone for medical purposes
Example
The doctor will medicate the patient to reduce inflammation.
C1 adjective /ˈmænɪfoʊld/

Manifold

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

mesmerize

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

matinee

Meaning
A performance, especially a play or movie, that takes place in the afternoon.
Example
We bought tickets for the Sunday afternoon matinee.
C1 noun ˌmɛtə ˈmɔːfəsɪs

metamorphosis

Meaning
A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
Example
The company's metamorphosis from a small startup to a global leader was remarkable.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪ.trɪks/

matrix

Meaning
An environment or structure in which something develops; also a mathematical array of numbers.
Example
The cultural matrix shaped his worldview.
C1 verb /ˈmʌd.əl/

muddle

Meaning
to mix things up in a confused way or to make a mess of something
Example
He muddled the papers and couldn’t find the report.
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 /ˈmɑːrtərdəm/

Martyrdom

Meaning
The suffering of death on account of adherence to a cause or principle
Example
His martyrdom inspired countless others to join the freedom movement.
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 /məˈləʊ.di.əs/

Melodious

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

mince

Meaning
to cut into very small pieces; to walk with short quick steps
Example
She minced the garlic for the recipe.
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 noun /ˈmɒnəʊˌkʌltʃər/

monoculture

Meaning
The agricultural practice of growing only one type of crop over a large area and for many consecutive years, which can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Example
Monoculture can lead to soil depletion and increased pest vulnerability.
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 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 /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 /ˈmɒnstrəs/

Monstrous

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

marginalize

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

Mortgage

Meaning
a legal agreement by which a bank lends money to buy property
Example
They took out a mortgage to buy their first house.
C1 adjective /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/

Miscellaneous

Meaning
various; diverse; mixed; assorted
Example
The box contained miscellaneous items from different periods.
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 /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 ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rə.ti

mediocrity

Meaning
Being average or ordinary, not particularly good.
Example
He refused to settle for mediocrity and aimed for greatness.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜːki/

murky

Meaning
Dark, gloomy, and difficult to see through; obscure.
Example
We avoided swimming in the murky river.
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 verb /ˈmɜːrmər/

murmur

Meaning
To say something in a low, soft, or indistinct voice.
Example
She murmured a prayer before going to sleep.
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 /ˈmʌmbəl/

mumble

Meaning
To speak quietly and not clearly so that words are difficult to understand.
Example
He mumbled an apology before leaving.
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 noun /mɪˈrɑːʒ/

Mirage

Meaning
An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially in deserts
Example
The travelers saw a mirage of water in the desert.
C1 verb /mɑːrd/

marred

Meaning
to spoil or damage the quality or appearance of something
Example
The celebration was marred by bad weather.
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 adjective /ˌmed.iˈiː.vəl/

Mediaeval

Meaning
relating to the Middle Ages; medieval
Example
The castle displayed mediaeval architecture and design.
C1 noun /mɪˈtrɒp.ə.lɪs/

Metropolis

Meaning
A very large city, especially the main city of a country or region
Example
New York is a bustling metropolis with millions of residents.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/

misinterpret

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

maverick

Meaning
An unorthodox or independent-minded person.
Example
The maverick scientist challenged established theories.
C1 noun ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn

modification

Meaning
The action of making changes to something.
Example
The plan required modification.
C1 noun /mɒb/

Mob

Meaning
a large crowd of people; a group that acts in a violent way
Example
An angry mob gathered outside the building.
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 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 /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 /ˌmʌltɪˈplɪsɪti/

multiplicity

Meaning
A large number or variety of something.
Example
The project faced a multiplicity of challenges.
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.
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 /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 adjective /ˌmel.ənˈkɒl.ɪk/

Melancholic

Meaning
sad and thoughtful; feeling or expressing sadness
Example
The melancholic music made everyone feel sad.
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 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 verb /ˌmɪsˈriːd/

misread

Meaning
to read something incorrectly or interpret wrongly
Example
He misread the instructions and built the shelf incorrectly.