Middleman
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
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.
B2 noun, verb /sɪn/

sin

Meaning
an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law; to commit an offense against religious or moral law
Example
He confessed his sin to the priest.
C1 noun /sɪlk klɔːθ/

Silk cloth

Meaning
fabric made from natural fibers produced by silkworms
Example
The bride wore a beautiful dress made of silk cloth.
B1 adjective /ˈtwɛntiəθ/

twentieth

Meaning
coming after the nineteenth in order; being one of twenty equal parts.
Example
She was born on the twentieth of April.
B2 verb /ədˈmɪnɪstər/

administer

Meaning
to manage or control the running of; to give or apply medicine or treatment
Example
The nurse will administer the vaccine to all patients.
B2 noun /ɑːrtʃ/

arch

Meaning
a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight above it
Example
The ancient arch still stands in the city center.
C2 noun, adjective, verb /ˈrɛprəˌbeɪt/

reprobate

Meaning
A person of immoral character; to express disapproval of; morally corrupt.
Example
The old reprobate spent his days gambling and drinking.
C1 verb /əˈsæsɪneɪt/

assassinate

Meaning
To murder someone important, often a political or religious leader, usually by surprise attack.
Example
The rebels planned to assassinate the king.
B2 adverb dɪˈlɪb.ər.ət.li

deliberately

Meaning
Consciously and intentionally; on purpose.
Example
The actions were deliberately planned to cause harm.
C2 noun /ˌɪnvəˈluːʃən/

involution

Meaning
a complicated or intricate form or state; in biology, the shrinking of an organ after its function has finished
Example
The story was full of involution, making it hard to follow.
B1 noun /ˈneɪbərˌhʊd/

neighborhood

Meaning
a district or area around or near a particular place
Example
I grew up in a quiet neighborhood.
A1 verb /kɔːl/

call

Meaning
to say something loudly; to telephone someone; to name
Example
Please call me when you arrive home.
B2 adjective /ˈtɛlɪŋ/

telling

Meaning
Revealing something significant or giving important information.
Example
Her silence was more telling than words.
C2 noun /prɪˈpɒndərəns/

preponderance

Meaning
The quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance.
Example
There was a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌski/

musky

Meaning
having a strong, sweet, earthy smell like musk
Example
The perfume had a musky fragrance.
B1 adjective ˈlɔːŋ.tɜːrm

long-term

Meaning
Occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time.
Example
Long-term planning is necessary for environmental conservation.
C1 verb /plʌm/

plumb

Meaning
to measure the depth of water or examine closely
Example
They used a line to plumb the depth of the lake.
B1 adjective /ɪnˈtaɪər/

Entire

Meaning
complete; whole; not divided or in parts
Example
She read the entire book in one sitting.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈkɒn.stɪ.tʃuːt/

reconstitute

Meaning
to restore something to its original form or state; to reassemble
Example
The group was reconstituted after the leader returned.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.pən ˈhæn.dɪd/

Open-handed

Meaning
Generous; liberal; giving freely;
Example
He is very open-handed with his money and always helps those in need.
B2 noun /ɪˈfɛktɪvnəs/

effectiveness

Meaning
the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.
Example
The effectiveness of the new policy is still being evaluated.
C2 adjective /sɪˈlæbɪk/

syllabic

Meaning
Relating to or based on syllables.
Example
The teacher explained the syllabic structure of the word.
C1 noun /ˌɒk.sɪ.dʒɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

oxygenation

Meaning
The process of supplying or treating with oxygen.
Example
Deep breathing exercises improve oxygenation of the body.
A2 adjective /miːn/

Mean

Meaning
unkind; cruel; nasty
Example
Don't be so mean to your little sister.
A1 adverb /suːn/

Soon

Meaning
in a short time; before long; quickly
Example
The train will arrive soon.
A2 noun; gerund /ˈbɒksɪŋ/

boxing

Meaning
the sport of fighting with fists using padded gloves; the act of putting something into a box
Example
He has been training hard for a professional boxing match.
B2 noun /ˌsoʊsiˈɑːlədʒi/

sociology

Meaning
the study of society, human relationships, and social institutions
Example
She is studying sociology at university.
B1 adjective /ˈfæʃənəbəl/

fashionable

Meaning
Following the latest styles or trends in clothing, behavior, or ideas
Example
She always wears fashionable clothes to every party.
B2 verb /kənˈfaɪn/

confine

Meaning
to restrict someone or something within certain limits; to keep someone in a closed space
Example
The prisoner was confined to his cell for 23 hours a day.
B2 adjective; past participle /ˈɒnəd/

honoured

Meaning
treated with respect or distinction; feeling proud and privileged
Example
She felt deeply honoured to receive the award.
A2 noun /ɡɑːd/

god

Meaning
a deity; a supreme being believed to control the universe
Example
People in different cultures worship God in various ways.
B1 verb /mɛlt/

melt

Meaning
to change from solid to liquid due to heat; to disappear gradually
Example
The ice melted in the sun.
B1 verb /hʊk/

hook

Meaning
to catch with a hook; to fasten
Example
He hooked the fish successfully.
B2 adjective /ˈwɪt.i/

Witty

Meaning
having or showing quick intelligence; amusing in a clever way
Example
Her witty response to the critic's question impressed the entire audience.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmpɪd/

limpid

Meaning
Clear and transparent, easily understood.
Example
The limpid water of the lake reflected the sky perfectly.
A2 noun /pɛt/

pet

Meaning
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or pleasure
Example
My dog is my favorite pet.
C1 noun /ˈɑn.set/

Onset

Meaning
the beginning or early stages of something; the start of a medical condition
Example
The onset of winter brought heavy snowfall.
C2 noun /ˈnɛtl̩/

nettle

Meaning
a plant with stinging hairs that cause irritation when touched
Example
He accidentally brushed against the nettle and felt a sharp sting.
B1 verb /ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/

exploring

Meaning
Investigating or studying thoroughly; searching into or ranging over for the purpose of discovery.
Example
They are exploring different areas of Antarctica.
B2 verb /ˈroʊ.teɪt/

rotate

Meaning
to turn around a central point or axis
Example
The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours.
C2 noun /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/

shibboleth

Meaning
A custom, phrase, or belief distinguishing a particular group of people, often used to identify outsiders.
Example
The phrase became a political shibboleth during the campaign.
B2 noun, verb /nɜːrv/

nerve

Meaning
A bundle of fibers in the body that transmits signals between the brain and other parts; also courage or audacity.
Example
She gathered the nerve to speak in front of the large audience.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.səns/

Licence

Meaning
a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade
Example
You need a driving licence to operate a car.
B2 adjective /ˈfɔːlti/

faulty

Meaning
Having defects or imperfections; not working properly
Example
The device stopped working because it was faulty.
B2 noun ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən

exploitation

Meaning
The action of making use of and benefiting from resources, often in an unfair or selfish way.
Example
Exploitation of marine resources has led to significant damage.
C2 adjective /ˈvɒkətɪv/

vocative

Meaning
relating to a case in grammar used for directly addressing someone
Example
In Latin, the vocative case is used when directly calling someone by name.
B2 adjective /ˈɛθnɪk/

ethnic

Meaning
relating to a population subgroup with a common national or cultural tradition
Example
The festival celebrated the city's diverse ethnic communities.
C2 verb /ˌmɪsˈleɪ/

mislay

Meaning
to lose something temporarily by putting it in the wrong place
Example
I must have mislaid my keys somewhere in the house.
C1 adjective /ˈspjʊəriəs/

spurious

Meaning
Not genuine, authentic, or true; false or fake.
Example
The report was based on spurious claims.
C1 verb /fɔːrˈkloʊz/

foreclose

Meaning
to take possession of a property due to the owner's failure to keep up mortgage payments
Example
The bank decided to foreclose on the property after months of missed payments.
A2 noun /ˈæk.ʃən/

Action

Meaning
the process of doing something; something that is done
Example
We need to take action to solve this problem.
B1 noun ˈplæt.fɔːrmz

platforms

Meaning
Computing environments where software applications can be developed and run.
Example
Different platforms offer diverse digital solutions.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛreɪtɪd/

serrated

Meaning
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
Example
The bread knife had a serrated blade.
C1 noun /ˈpælɪt/

pallet

Meaning
a flat wooden platform used for moving or storing goods; also a makeshift bed
Example
The boxes were stacked on a wooden pallet for easy transport.
B2 noun, verb /ˈædvɜːrt/

advert

Meaning
(noun) a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event; (verb) to refer to something in speaking or writing
Example
The company placed an advert in the newspaper for the new position.
C2 verb /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/

sublimate

Meaning
to redirect strong emotions or desires into socially acceptable activities or channels
Example
She sublimated her anger into painting beautiful landscapes.
B1 noun /ˈklɪn.ɪk/

clinic

Meaning
A place where people receive medical treatment without staying overnight.
Example
She went to the clinic for a health check-up.
B2 noun ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən

preservation

Meaning
The action of maintaining something in its original or existing state; protection from harm or damage.
Example
Proper preservation extends the lifespan of machinery.
B2 adjective /ˌsen.tɪˈmen.təl/

Sentimental

Meaning
having tender feelings; being emotional about memories or experiences
Example
She became sentimental when looking at old family photographs.
B1 adjective /ˈmɑːrvələs/

Marvellous

Meaning
extremely good; wonderful; causing great wonder
Example
The view from the mountain was marvellous.
C1 verb /tʃɑːr/

char

Meaning
To burn or scorch something so that it becomes blackened.
Example
The cook accidentally charred the steak.
B2 adverb /ˈlaɪk.waɪz/

Likewise

Meaning
in the same way; also; similarly
Example
She studied hard for the exam, and her brother did likewise.
C1 verb/noun ˈbuːt.stræp

bootstrap

Meaning
To start and develop a business using personal resources without external funding.
Example
He bootstrapped his company with minimal resources.
C1 verb /ʃɪə/

shear

Meaning
to cut the wool off a sheep or to cut something with sharp tools like scissors or shears
Example
The farmer will shear the sheep in the spring.
B2 verb /dɪˈstɔːrt/

distort

Meaning
to twist or change the shape, appearance, or meaning of something so it is not true or accurate
Example
The mirror distorted her reflection.
C2 noun /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɑː.lə.sɪs/

electrolysis

Meaning
A chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution.
Example
Electrolysis is used to separate hydrogen from water.
B2 noun /ˌoʊ.vɚˈkraʊ.dɪŋ/

overcrowding

Meaning
Excessive crowd or packed condition, having more people or vehicles in a place than the approved capacity.
Example
The subway system suffers from severe overcrowding during peak hours.
B2 noun /ˈdʒɜːr.nəl/

Journal

Meaning
a newspaper or magazine that deals with a particular subject; a daily record of events
Example
She kept a personal journal to record her thoughts and experiences.
C1 adjective /traɪt/

trite

Meaning
Overused and lacking originality.
Example
The speech was full of trite phrases.
C2 adjective /ˈkjʊərətɪv/

curative

Meaning
Able to cure disease or restore health.
Example
The doctor prescribed a curative treatment for the illness.
C2 adjective /ɡælˈvænɪk/

galvanic

Meaning
Relating to electricity produced by chemical action; sudden and dramatic.
Example
The news had a galvanic effect on the audience.
C1 noun ˈnuːkliəs

nucleus

Meaning
The central core of an atom containing protons and neutrons.
Example
The nucleus consists of protons.
A2 noun /ˈsɒkər/

soccer

Meaning
a sport in which two teams of eleven players each try to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing goal
Example
He loves to play soccer with his friends.
C2 adjective /ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sə.bəl/

Apprehensible

Meaning
able to be understood or grasped; comprehensible
Example
The complex theory became apprehensible after the professor's explanation.
C1 noun /ʃæˈtoʊ/

chateau

Meaning
a large French country house or castle
Example
They stayed in a beautiful chateau in France.
B2 noun /ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/

organism

Meaning
a living thing that has an organized structure and can grow and reproduce
Example
Every organism needs water to survive.
A2 noun/verb /kɔːz/

cause

Meaning
a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition; to make something happen
Example
The heavy rain caused flooding in the city.
C2 verb /ˈɡræn.jʊ.leɪt/

granulate

Meaning
To form or cause to form into grains or small particles.
Example
The sugar began to granulate as it cooled.
B2 verb /dɪˈspoʊz/

dispose

Meaning
To get rid of something, or to arrange or incline towards something.
Example
He disposed of the old furniture responsibly.
B2 verb /ˈwaɪdən/

widen

Meaning
to make or become wider or broader
Example
They plan to widen the road next year.
B2 noun /ˈθiːsɪs/

thesis

Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually for a degree at a university.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral thesis.
C2 noun /ˈbrɔːdˌsaɪd/

broadside

Meaning
a strong verbal attack or a sheet of paper printed on one side
Example
The politician launched a broadside against his opponent.
A2 adjective /ˈpɑːt taɪm/

part-time

Meaning
working for only part of the usual working day or week
Example
She works part-time as a waitress.
A2 noun /roʊl/

role

Meaning
a part or function of something
Example
Her role in the project was crucial.
B1 noun wɛlθ

wealth

Meaning
The state of being rich; material prosperity; an abundance of valuable possessions or money.
Example
Wealth creation involves building assets that earn while you sleep.
A2 adjective, noun /ɡreɪ/

gray

Meaning
A color between black and white; also describes dull or gloomy situations.
Example
The sky turned gray before the storm.
B1 noun tɪk mɑːrk

tick mark

Meaning
A mark (✓) used to indicate that something is correct or has been chosen, checked, or dealt with.
Example
I put a tick mark on all the completed tasks.
B1 adjective /ˈvælɪd/

Valid

Meaning
legally or officially acceptable; having a sound basis in logic or fact
Example
The passport is valid for ten years.
C1 verb rɪˈplɛn.ɪʃ

replenish

Meaning
Fill something up again.
Example
Drinking water helps replenish lost fluids in the body.
B2 verb /pəˈluːt/

pollute

Meaning
to make air, water, or land dirty and harmful to people, animals, and plants
Example
Factories pollute the environment with toxic chemicals.
C2 noun /ˈvæləns/

valance

Meaning
A decorative drapery hung across the top of a window or bed.
Example
She chose a floral valance to match the curtains in her bedroom.
C2 noun /əˈnjuː.ɪ.ti/

annuity

Meaning
a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their life
Example
She receives an annuity from her late husband's insurance policy.
A1 verb /wɪʃ/

wish

Meaning
to want something to happen; to desire or hope for
Example
I wish I could fly like a bird.
B2 adjective /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl/

economical

Meaning
Careful in the use of resources; providing good value or efficiency.
Example
Driving a hybrid car is economical in the long run.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlrʌʃ/

bulrush

Meaning
A tall plant with long leaves that grows in or near water, also known as a cattail.
Example
The pond was surrounded by tall bulrushes swaying in the wind.
B1 noun /ˈsɪtɪzən/

citizen

Meaning
a legally recognized subject or national of a state
Example
Every citizen has the right to vote.
B2 noun, verb /dɪˈfɔːlt/

default

Meaning
failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan
Example
The company defaulted on its loan payments.
B2 noun /ˈdjuːəʊ/

duo

Meaning
a pair of people or things, especially in music or entertainment
Example
The musical duo performed their latest hit at the concert.
C2 noun /ˈkærəm/

Carom

Meaning
aromatic seeds of a plant used as a spice, especially in Indian cooking
Example
Carom seeds are often used in traditional Indian bread recipes.
C1 adjective /ˈstɔːlwərt/

stalwart

Meaning
Loyal, reliable, and hardworking; strongly built or sturdy.
Example
She has always been a stalwart supporter of the community.
B1 adjective ˈliː.ɡəl

legal

Meaning
Permitted by law; relating to the law.
Example
Legal systems ensure justice.
B2 adjective daɪˈdʒes.tɪv

digestive

Meaning
Relating to the digestion of food.
Example
Digestive enzymes help break down food.
C1 adjective /ˈædʒɪteɪtɪd/

Agitated

Meaning
disturbed; anxious; restless; excited in a negative way
Example
He became agitated when he heard the bad news.
C2 noun /ˈpɛntəˌɡræm/

pentagram

Meaning
A five-pointed star often used as a symbol in magic, mysticism, or religion.
Example
The wizard drew a pentagram on the floor as part of the ritual.
A1 noun /haʊs/

house

Meaning
A building for people to live in, usually with rooms and a roof.
Example
They bought a new house in the city.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɑːr.ɡən/

jargon

Meaning
Specialized or technical language used by a particular group or profession.
Example
The lawyer’s explanation was full of legal jargon.
C1 noun /wɪm/

whim

Meaning
a sudden or unpredictable idea, desire, or decision
Example
She bought the dress on a whim.
C1 noun /ˈɛpɪˌlɔːɡ/

epilogue

Meaning
A section at the end of a book, play, or speech that serves as a conclusion.
Example
The author included an epilogue to explain what happened to the characters later.
C1 verb /dɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ/

dissatisfy

Meaning
to fail to please or meet expectations; to make someone unhappy
Example
The poor service dissatisfies many customers.
C1 verb /ˈdæmpən/

dampen

Meaning
to make something slightly wet; to make something less strong, active, or intense
Example
The rain dampened the excitement of the outdoor concert.
B2 noun /əˈkaʊntɪŋ/

accounting

Meaning
the process of recording, summarizing, and reporting financial transactions
Example
She works in the accounting department of a large firm.
C2 noun /ˈæl.kə.laɪ ækt/

Alkali Act

Meaning
A British law passed in 1863 to regulate the emission of hydrochloric acid gas from alkali works, representing one of the first pieces of environmental legislation.
Example
The Alkali Act of 1863 was one of the first environmental laws.
A2 noun /əˈpɑːrtmənt/

apartment

Meaning
a set of rooms forming a residence within a building
Example
She rented an apartment in the city center.
C1 noun /ˈfaɪər.wɔːl/

firewall

Meaning
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Example
A firewall protects networks from cyber-attacks.
C1 noun /kwæk/

Quack

Meaning
a person who pretends to be a doctor but has no medical training; the sound a duck makes
Example
People should be careful not to trust medical advice from a quack.
B2 noun ˈkwɒlɪti sliːp

quality sleep

Meaning
Deep and healthy sleep that is adequate and restorative, ensuring physical and mental well-being
Example
Quality sleep improves cognitive function and overall health.
B2 noun /ˌkɑːrboʊˈhaɪdreɪt/

carbohydrate

Meaning
a nutrient that provides energy, found in foods like rice, bread, and sugar
Example
Rice and potatoes are rich in carbohydrates.
A2 verb /əˈnɔɪ/

annoy

Meaning
to irritate or bother someone and make them feel a little angry or uncomfortable
Example
His constant humming started to annoy everyone in the room.
C2 adjective /ˈpɜːˌblaɪnd/

purblind

Meaning
Having impaired or defective vision; lacking insight or understanding.
Example
The purblind approach to the problem led to many mistakes.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈwɪloʊi/

willowy

Meaning
Gracefully tall, slender, and flexible, like a willow tree.
Example
She moved with a willowy elegance across the stage.