Meritorious
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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 noun /məˈleɪz/

malaise

Meaning
a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify
Example
After the long journey, she felt a general malaise.
C1 noun ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn

modification

Meaning
The action of making changes to something.
Example
The plan required modification.
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 /ˈmjuːtɪd/

muted

Meaning
softened in sound, color, or effect; subdued
Example
The room was painted in muted shades of blue and grey.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜː.sɪ.ləs/

Merciless

Meaning
showing no mercy or pity; cruel and heartless
Example
The merciless dictator showed no compassion.
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 /ˈmaɪndləs/

mindless

Meaning
without thought or intelligence; done without consideration
Example
He was bored by the mindless tasks at work.
C1 noun mɪˈtɪkjʊləsnɪs

meticulousness

Meaning
Great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example
His meticulousness made the project successful.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ɑːk/

Monarch

Meaning
a sovereign ruler, especially a king or queen
Example
The monarch addressed the nation on television.
C1 adjective /ˈmænɪfoʊld/

Manifold

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

madden

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

Malpractice

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

mauve

Meaning
a pale purple color with a grayish or bluish tinge
Example
She wore a beautiful mauve dress to the party.
C1 noun /mɪsˈɡɪv.ɪŋ/

Misgiving

Meaning
A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something
Example
She had serious misgivings about accepting the job offer.
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 /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 /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 /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 /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 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 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 /ˈmɛm.wɑːr/

memoir

Meaning
A historical account or autobiography written from personal experience.
Example
The author’s memoir details her journey through hardship and success.
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 adjective /ˈmæn.li/

Manly

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

midsummer

Meaning
The middle of summer, often around the summer solstice in June.
Example
We had a festival to celebrate midsummer.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜː.sɪ.fəl/

Merciful

Meaning
showing compassion or forgiveness; kind and forgiving
Example
The merciful judge gave him a lighter sentence.
C1 adjective /ˈmeʒ.ər.ə.bəl/

Measurable

Meaning
able to be measured; quantifiable
Example
The project's success was measurable by increased sales.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊldɪŋ/

molding

Meaning
A decorative strip or design, often used on walls, ceilings, or furniture.
Example
The wooden molding gave the room a classic look.
C1 adjective /ˈmuː.və.bl̩/

Movable

Meaning
capable of being moved; not fixed in position
Example
The furniture is movable so we can rearrange the room easily.
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 /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 verb /ˌmɪsˈkaʊnt/

miscount

Meaning
To count wrongly or inaccurately.
Example
He miscounted the number of chairs in the hall.
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 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 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 /maɪt/

mite

Meaning
a very small creature, often a tiny arachnid; also used to mean a very small amount
Example
The mattress was infested with dust mites.
C1 verb (past) /ˈmɛrɪtɪd/

merited

Meaning
Deserved or earned something.
Example
Her dedication merited recognition from the community.
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 /ˈmætrəˌmoʊni/

matrimony

Meaning
The state of being married; marriage.
Example
They entered into matrimony after years of friendship.
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 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 /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 ˌmɪsˈmænɪdʒmənt

mismanagement

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

medley

Meaning
A mixture of different things, especially musical tunes combined together.
Example
The band played a medley of popular songs.
C1 noun /ˌmjuːnɪsɪˈpæləti/

municipality

Meaning
a city or town that has its own local government
Example
The municipality is planning to build a new library.
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 /ˈmɒk.ər.i/

Mockery

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

Modesty

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

malfunction

Meaning
A failure to function normally or satisfactorily; a defect or breakdown.
Example
The engine malfunctioned due to overheating.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˈriːd/

misread

Meaning
to read something incorrectly or interpret wrongly
Example
He misread the instructions and built the shelf incorrectly.
C1 verb /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪz/

marginalize

Meaning
To treat a person or group as unimportant or insignificant.
Example
The policy marginalized minority communities.
C1 adjective /ˌmiː.diˈoʊ.kər/

mediocre

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

massacre

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

momentary

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

Maternal

Meaning
relating to a mother; motherly
Example
She showed maternal care towards the orphan child.
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 adjective /ˈmɪnəskjuːl/

minuscule

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

mundane

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

Minutely

Meaning
in very small detail; extremely carefully
Example
The detective examined the evidence minutely.
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 /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 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 /məˈtɪk.jə.ləs/

meticulous

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

monologue

Meaning
A long speech by one person, often in a play or performance.
Example
The actor delivered a powerful monologue on stage.
C1 adjective ˌmiː.ti.ər.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

meteorological

Meaning
Relating to weather conditions and atmospheric phenomena.
Example
Meteorological conditions affect farming cycles.
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 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 /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 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 /məˈləʊ.di.əs/

Melodious

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

meager

Meaning
Lacking in quantity or quality; inadequate.
Example
He could barely survive on his meager salary.
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 /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 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 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 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 /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 noun /moʊl/

Mole

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

monolithic

Meaning
Massive, uniform, and indivisible; resembling a large single stone or structure.
Example
The company maintained a monolithic structure resistant to change.
C1 noun /ˌmænɪˈfɛstoʊ/

manifesto

Meaning
a public declaration of policy and aims, especially by a political party
Example
The party released its manifesto before the election.
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 /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 /ˈmaʊθ.fʊl/

mouthful

Meaning
the amount of food or drink that fills the mouth, or a long and difficult word or phrase
Example
He took a big mouthful of water after the run.
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 adjective /məˈlɪʃəs/

Malicious

Meaning
having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone; spiteful
Example
The malicious software damaged many computers.
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 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 noun /ˌmɪsˈdiːd/

Misdeed

Meaning
A wicked or illegal act; wrongdoing
Example
He regretted his past misdeeds and tried to make amends.
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 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/adjective /ˈmɪriəd/

myriad

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

modernity

Meaning
The quality or condition of being modern; up-to-date ideas, practices, or style.
Example
The city’s architecture reflects both tradition and modernity.
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 /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 verb /ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/

misinterpret

Meaning
to understand or explain something wrongly
Example
He misinterpreted her silence as agreement.
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/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 ˌmek.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

mechanization

Meaning
The process of introducing machines or replacing manual labor with machines.
Example
Mechanization has revolutionized agriculture.
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 /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 verb məˈnɒp.ə.laɪz

monopolize

Meaning
Control exclusively, dominate market.
Example
The company tried to monopolize the market.
C1 verb, noun /mjuːz/

muse

Meaning
to think deeply about something; a source of inspiration, especially for an artist or writer
Example
She sat by the window to muse about her future.