Miserable
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B1 adjective /ˈmɪzərəbəl/

Miserable

Meaning
very unhappy; wretched; causing suffering
Example
He felt miserable after losing his job.
B2 adverb /ˈpraɪ.vət.li/

Privately

Meaning
in a private manner; without others present; confidentially
Example
She spoke to him privately about the matter.
B2 noun /ˈhɑːt.biːt/

heartbeat

Meaning
A pulsation of the heart, especially as perceptible to the touch or audible with a stethoscope.
Example
Rubbing the eyes helps normalize the heartbeat.
C2 adjective /ˈɡaɪlləs/

guileless

Meaning
Innocent and without deceit
Example
Her guileless smile won everyone’s heart.
B2 adjective /ˈɡrʌm.pi/

Grumpy

Meaning
bad-tempered and irritable; easily annoyed
Example
He was grumpy all morning because he didn't sleep well.
C2 noun /ˈlæn.sɪt/

lancet

Meaning
a small, sharp, two-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions
Example
The doctor used a lancet to prick the patient’s finger for a blood test.
C1 adjective /ˈsæk.rəˌsæŋkt/

sacrosanct

Meaning
Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; sacred.
Example
Freedom of speech is considered sacrosanct in democratic societies.
B1 noun /ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti taɪm/

quality time

Meaning
Time spent giving someone your full attention in order to strengthen your relationship with them.
Example
Spending quality time with family enhances relationships.
C1 verb /ˈrɛplɪkeɪt/

replicate

Meaning
to copy, reproduce, or duplicate something exactly
Example
The scientist tried to replicate the experiment for accuracy.
C2 verb /ˈvɪvɪfaɪ/

vivify

Meaning
to give life or energy to something; to animate or enliven
Example
The teacher’s enthusiasm helped vivify the boring lecture.
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.
A2 adjective ˈkʌmftəbəl

comfortable

Meaning
Giving a feeling of physical ease and relaxation; free from hardship or unpleasant conditions.
Example
Urban planning aims to make cities more comfortable.
B2 noun kənˈtrækʃən

contraction

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller; a decrease in size or quantity.
Example
The economic contraction resulted in a rise in unemployment.
C2 verb /raɪv/

rive

Meaning
to tear apart violently
Example
The earthquake rived the ground in several places.
B2 noun, verb /stiːm/

steam

Meaning
the vapor into which water is converted when heated; to emit or treat with steam
Example
The kettle was steaming on the stove.
B2 noun /ˈdæf.ə.dɪl/

Daffodil

Meaning
A bright yellow spring flower with a trumpet-shaped center, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings
Example
The daffodils bloomed early this spring in the meadow.
A1 noun /dres/

Dress

Meaning
a piece of clothing for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs
Example
She wore a beautiful blue dress to the party.
B2 noun /ˈkɒm.pɒ.stɪŋ/

composting

Meaning
The process of recycling organic waste into fertile fertilizer.
Example
Composting reduces waste and enhances soil fertility.
B2 adjective /veɪɡ/

Vague

Meaning
unclear or uncertain in meaning; not clearly expressed
Example
His explanation was too vague for me to understand.
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.
A2 noun /ˈneɪbər/

neighbor

Meaning
a person living next door or nearby
Example
My neighbor lent me some sugar when I ran out.
A1 adverb /soʊ/

so

Meaning
to such a degree or extent
Example
She was so happy with the gift.
C1 adjective /ɔːˌθɒr.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/

authoritarian

Meaning
Demanding absolute obedience to authority; excessively controlling or strict in governance.
Example
Authoritarian parenting often limits a child's independence.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪdʒərɪzəm/

plagiarism

Meaning
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own
Example
The student was expelled for committing plagiarism in his essay.
A1 noun /help/

Help

Meaning
the action of helping someone to do something; assistance or support
Example
The volunteer offered his help to carry the elderly woman's groceries to her car.
C1 noun /dɪˈprɛsənt/

depressant

Meaning
A drug that reduces functional or nervous activity in the body.
Example
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

disengage

Meaning
To release or detach oneself from something; to withdraw.
Example
He tried to disengage from the heated argument.
B2 adjective /ˈmæn.dəˌtɔːr.i/

mandatory

Meaning
required by law or rules; compulsory
Example
Wearing seat belts is mandatory in most countries.
C1 adverb /ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəli/

unconventionally

Meaning
in a way that is not based on or conforming to accepted standards or norms
Example
She dresses unconventionally, mixing bold colors and patterns that surprise everyone.
B1 adjective /ɑːrmd/

armed

Meaning
equipped with or carrying weapons
Example
The bank was robbed by armed men.
B2 noun ˌɪn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən

installation

Meaning
The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed.
Example
The installation of the submarine cable is almost complete.
C2 noun /krəˈdjuːlɪti/

credulity

Meaning
A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
Example
The scam succeeded because of the victim's credulity.
C2 adjective /ˈfætʃuəs/

fatuous

Meaning
silly or foolish, especially in a self-satisfied way
Example
His fatuous comments during the meeting annoyed everyone.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsiːtfəl/

deceitful

Meaning
Deliberately misleading or dishonest.
Example
She gave a deceitful answer to hide the truth.
B1 adjective ˌdem.əˈkræt.ɪk

democratic

Meaning
Relating to or supporting democracy or its principles.
Example
Democratic governance ensures equal rights.
C2 adjective /ˈfuːlˌhɑːrdi/

foolhardy

Meaning
Recklessly bold or rash; taking foolish risks.
Example
It was foolhardy of him to climb the mountain without proper gear.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.lekt/

intellect

Meaning
The ability to think, reason, and understand objectively.
Example
Her intellect is admired by all her colleagues.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

deserted

Meaning
Empty of people; abandoned.
Example
The village looked completely deserted after the storm.
B1 noun /məˈkænɪk/

mechanic

Meaning
a person who repairs and maintains machines or vehicles
Example
The mechanic fixed the engine in less than an hour.
C1 noun ˌræʃ.ən.əl.ɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

rationalization

Meaning
The practice of finding reasons for behavior or actions that are not the real reasons.
Example
His rationalization of the mistake was not convincing.
A1 noun /ˈbeɪbi/

baby

Meaning
a very young child, especially one newly or recently born
Example
The baby is sleeping peacefully in the crib.
C1 noun /buːn/

boon

Meaning
A thing that is helpful or beneficial.
Example
The internet is a boon to modern education.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɛtərət/

inveterate

Meaning
having a long-established habit, activity, or interest that is unlikely to change
Example
He is an inveterate reader who spends hours in the library every day.
B2 adjective /ˈflɔːrəl/

floral

Meaning
Relating to flowers or decorated with flowers.
Example
She wore a beautiful floral dress to the party.
A1 adjective /mʌm/

Mum

Meaning
silent; saying nothing; keeping quiet
Example
He kept mum about the surprise party plans.
B1 noun /ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/

composition

Meaning
the act of creating a piece of writing, music, or art; the way parts are arranged
Example
Her composition won first prize in the contest.
C2 adjective /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/

recalcitrant

Meaning
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
Example
The recalcitrant student refused to follow rules.
B1 verb /ˈreskjuː/

rescue

Meaning
to save someone or something from danger or harm
Example
The firefighters rescued the cat from the tree.
C1 verb /ˈænɪmeɪt/

animate

Meaning
to bring to life or make lively; to create animation for films or cartoons
Example
The artist will animate the characters for the movie.
B2 noun /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

Liberty

Meaning
the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views
Example
The Statue of Liberty represents freedom and democracy.
C2 noun /ˌtɛliˈɒlədʒi/

teleology

Meaning
the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by cause
Example
Aristotle is often associated with the concept of teleology in philosophy.
C1 noun /mɜːrθ/

mirth

Meaning
Great joy, amusement, or laughter.
Example
The festival was full of mirth and laughter.
C2 adjective /əˈpɒ.krɪ.fəl/

apocryphal

Meaning
Of doubtful authenticity, though widely circulated as true.
Example
The story about him saving the village is probably apocryphal.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsɪflɑːʒ/

persiflage

Meaning
light and slightly contemptuous mockery or banter
Example
Their conversation was full of persiflage and jokes.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuːtrɪd/

putrid

Meaning
decayed and emitting a foul smell
Example
The garbage smelled putrid after days in the sun.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪnɪməm/

minimum

Meaning
The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attained, or required.
Example
This year saw a minimum unemployment rate.
C1 noun ˈnærətɪv staɪl

narrative style

Meaning
The way in which a story is told, including the point of view and the voice of the narrator.
Example
Dickens' narrative style is engaging and emotional.
C1 noun /wʊd ˈæp.əl/

Wood Apple

Meaning
a hard-shelled tropical fruit with aromatic pulp used in beverages and medicine
Example
The wood apple has a hard shell but sweet pulp inside.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrkeɪˌɪzəm/

archaism

Meaning
a word, expression, or style of language that is no longer in everyday use
Example
The poem is full of archaisms that give it an old-fashioned flavor.
C1 noun ˈkəmˌpaʊndɪŋ

compounding

Meaning
The process whereby interest is added to an amount of money and future interest is calculated on the total.
Example
Compounding interest increases the value of investments over time.
C1 noun /ˈlɔːriət/

laureate

Meaning
A person honored with an award for outstanding achievement in a field, especially the arts or sciences.
Example
The Nobel laureate gave an inspiring lecture on peace.
C1 noun /ɪˈlɪpsɪs/

ellipsis

Meaning
The omission of words in a sentence, represented by three dots (...).
Example
The writer used an ellipsis to show that part of the quote was omitted.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪ ˈfloʊn/

high-flown

Meaning
Using fancy or pretentious language; lofty in style but often overblown.
Example
The politician gave a high-flown speech full of promises.
B1 adjective /əˈʃeɪmd/

Ashamed

Meaning
feeling embarrassed or guilty because of one's actions
Example
He was ashamed of his poor performance.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/

painstaking

Meaning
Done with great care and thoroughness.
Example
The artist completed the project with painstaking detail.
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.
A2 verb /ˈædvərˌtaɪz/

advertise

Meaning
to promote or publicize a product or service
Example
They advertise their products on television.
B2 verb /ˈtɛmpər/

temper

Meaning
to moderate, soften, or tone down something; also to strengthen by heat treatment (as in metal).
Example
She tried to temper her criticism with kindness.
B2 verb /rɪˈɡeɪn/

regain

Meaning
to get back something that was lost; to recover
Example
He regains his strength after the illness.
C2 noun /aɪˈdɒlətri/

idolatry

Meaning
The worship of idols or extreme admiration for someone or something.
Example
The priest condemned the idolatry practiced in the village.
A1 adverb /naʊ/

now

Meaning
at the present moment or time
Example
I am studying now.
B2 noun /ˈpæʃ.ən/

Passion

Meaning
strong enthusiasm or excitement for something; intense emotion or feeling
Example
Her passion for music led her to become a professional singer.
C1 adjective /ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/

Dashing

Meaning
stylish and confident; lively and energetic; attractive and charming
Example
He looked dashing in his new suit.
C2 adjective /ˌhɑːrdˈbɪtn̩/

hard-bitten

Meaning
tough and experienced, not easily affected by emotions or hardship
Example
The hard-bitten detective showed no sign of surprise at the crime scene.
C2 noun /kɪln/

kiln

Meaning
a furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially one for firing pottery or bricks
Example
The potter placed the clay pots into the kiln for firing.
B2 adjective /ˈædɪkwət/

adequate

Meaning
sufficient or acceptable in quality or quantity
Example
The food was adequate for the small group.
C1 noun /foʊ/

foe

Meaning
an enemy or opponent
Example
The knight fought bravely against his foe.
B1 adjective /ɪmˈpres.ɪv/

Impressive

Meaning
striking; remarkable; having the ability to impress
Example
Her impressive performance earned her a standing ovation.
C1 noun /rɪˌsɛptɪˈvɪti/

receptivity

Meaning
The ability or willingness to receive something, especially signals or stimuli.
Example
Her receptivity to new ideas helped improve the project.
B2 adverb /ˈkæʒ.u.ə.li/

Casually

Meaning
in a relaxed and informal way; without much thought or preparation
Example
He casually mentioned that he was leaving.
C2 adjective /raɪˈpɛə.ri.ən/

riparian

Meaning
Relating to or situated on the banks of a river or other watercourse.
Example
Riparian vegetation helps prevent soil erosion along rivers.
B2 verb /koʊˈɔːrdɪˌneɪt/

coordinate

Meaning
to organize people or things so that they work together effectively
Example
We need to coordinate our efforts to finish the project on time.
C2 noun ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

aberration

Meaning
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.
Example
The scientist dismissed the data as an aberration.
B2 noun /ˈseɡ.mənt/

Segment

Meaning
each of the parts into which something is divided; a section or portion
Example
The orange was divided into eight segments.
C1 noun /draɪ ˈtʃɪl.i/

Dry Chilli

Meaning
dried chili peppers used as spice for adding heat to food
Example
The recipe calls for two dry chillies to make it spicy.
C2 noun /spʌndʒ ɡɔːrd/

Sponse gourd

Meaning
a fibrous gourd that becomes sponge-like when dried, used for cleaning and in cooking when young
Example
The sponge gourd can be eaten when young or dried to make natural scrubbers.
B2 adjective /hɪˈspænɪk/

hispanic

Meaning
relating to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially Latin America.
Example
She studies Hispanic culture and language.
C1 noun, verb /klɒt/

clot

Meaning
a thick mass of coagulated liquid, especially blood; to form such a mass.
Example
The doctor removed a blood clot from the patient.
B2 verb /əˈkɒmədeɪt/

accommodate

Meaning
To provide lodging, space, or meet the needs of someone.
Example
The hotel can accommodate up to 200 guests.
C2 noun brəˈvɑː.dəʊ

bravado

Meaning
Show of courage or confidence that is not real.
Example
His bravado masked his nervousness before the performance.
C1 adjective /ˈmaʊntɪnəs/

Mountainous

Meaning
having many mountains; characterized by mountains
Example
The mountainous region was difficult to travel through.
B2 noun /ɪnˈkwaɪəri/ or /ˈɪnkwəri/

inquiry

Meaning
An act of asking for information; an investigation into something.
Example
The committee launched an inquiry into the financial irregularities.
C1 noun /ræmˈbuːtən/

Rambutan

Meaning
a tropical fruit with red spiky skin and white translucent sweet flesh similar to litchi
Example
The rambutan looks scary with its hairy skin but tastes very sweet inside.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpjʊˌtaɪz/

deputize

Meaning
To appoint someone as a deputy; to act as a substitute or representative.
Example
The sheriff decided to deputize several locals to help maintain order.
C1 noun /ˈɒntreɪ/ (UK), /ˈɑːntreɪ/ (US)

entree

Meaning
The main course of a meal (US); the right to enter or access (formal).
Example
The restaurant’s signature steak was served as the main entree.
C2 adjective /suːˈpɜːrnəl/

supernal

Meaning
Relating to the heavens; celestial or divine.
Example
The painting captured a supernal beauty that felt otherworldly.
C1 noun ˈɪm.pɪ.təs

impetus

Meaning
The force or motivation that drives something forward; momentum.
Example
The new policy provided an impetus for economic growth.
C1 noun /sɔːd fɪʃ/

Sword fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with an elongated bill resembling a sword
Example
The swordfish can swim at speeds up to 60 mph.
A2 noun /ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/

possibility

Meaning
something that may happen or be the case; a chance that something exists or might occur
Example
There is a strong possibility of rain tomorrow.
C1 noun/verb /skɜːrdʒ/

scourge

Meaning
A source of great pain or punishment; to whip or inflict suffering on someone.
Example
Disease and poverty remain a scourge in many regions.
C2 verb /ˈdɔːd(ə)l/

dawdle

Meaning
to waste time by being slow or idle
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework.
C1 adjective /bəˈroʊk/

baroque

Meaning
relating to a highly ornate and extravagant style of art, architecture, or music from the 17th and early 18th centuries; excessively elaborate or complex
Example
The church was decorated in a baroque style with intricate details.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛr.aɪl/

sterile

Meaning
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; incapable of producing offspring.
Example
The surgeon worked in a sterile environment to avoid infection.
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.
C2 noun /oʊˈtɜːr/

hauteur

Meaning
disdainful pride; arrogance
Example
His hauteur made it difficult for others to approach him.
B2 adjective /ˈpleɪfəl/

playful

Meaning
full of fun and high spirits; lively
Example
The puppy was very playful, running around the garden.
C2 noun /kəˌrɒbəˈreɪʃən/

corroboration

Meaning
evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding
Example
The documents provided strong corroboration of her claims.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtrəˌhɛnd/

subtrahend

Meaning
a number that is to be subtracted from another number
Example
In the equation 10 - 4, the number 4 is the subtrahend.
B1 noun /baɪˈɒlədʒi/

biology

Meaning
The scientific study of living organisms.
Example
Biology explains how plants and animals function.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒes.tɪŋ/

Jesting

Meaning
joking or teasing in a playful manner
Example
He was only jesting when he said he would quit his job.
C1 noun /djuːˈɛt/

duet

Meaning
a musical performance by two singers or instrumentalists
Example
They sang a beautiful duet together on stage.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˌɒpərəˈbɪləti/

interoperability

Meaning
The ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make use of information.
Example
The interoperability of different software systems ensures seamless workflow.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/

disobedience

Meaning
failure or refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority
Example
The child's disobedience worried his parents.
B2 noun /rɪˈlaɪ.əns/

Reliance

Meaning
the state of depending on something or someone for support or help
Example
His reliance on technology is concerning.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/

cartography

Meaning
The science or practice of drawing maps.
Example
She studied cartography at university to learn how to design maps.
B2 noun /siːdʒ/

siege

Meaning
A military operation in which a place is surrounded to force its surrender.
Example
The castle fell after a long siege.
C2 adjective /ˈæsənənt/

assonant

Meaning
Having or characterized by assonance; repeating similar vowel sounds.
Example
The poem is filled with assonant words that create a musical rhythm.
C1 noun /ɪnˈtaɪtəlmənt/

entitlement

Meaning
the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment; a right to benefits
Example
The program provides entitlement to health care.
B2 noun /ˈreɪʃoʊ/

ratio

Meaning
a relationship between two numbers showing how many times the first number contains the second
Example
The ratio of boys to girls in the class is 2:1.
C1 verb /bɒtʃ/

botch

Meaning
to carry out a task badly or carelessly
Example
He completely botched the repair job.
C1 adjective /frəˈnɛtɪk/

frenetic

Meaning
Fast and energetic in a wild or uncontrolled way.
Example
The stock market experienced frenetic trading after the announcement.