modicum
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C2 noun /ˈmɒdɪkəm/

modicum

Meaning
a small or moderate amount of something, especially something valuable or desirable
Example
She showed a modicum of patience during the long meeting.
C2 noun /juːˈdʒen.ɪks/

eugenics

Meaning
the study or practice of improving the genetic quality of the human population
Example
Eugenics has been criticized for its unethical applications in history.
C1 noun /ˈtem.pɚ.əns/

temperance

Meaning
Moderation in action, thought, or feeling; restraint.
Example
Temperance is essential for a balanced life.
A2 noun /ˈstreɪndʒər/

Stranger

Meaning
a person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar
Example
Never take candy from a stranger.
C2 noun /ˈbʌskɪn/

buskin

Meaning
A type of thick-soled boot that reaches halfway to the knee; also associated with tragic drama in ancient times.
Example
The actor wore a buskin as part of his classical costume.
B1 adjective ˈsʌb.mə.riːn

submarine

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or used underwater, especially in relation to vessels or cables.
Example
Submarine cables facilitate international communication.
C2 adjective /ɛkˈstrɪnzɪk/

extrinsic

Meaning
Not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming from outside.
Example
His motivation was largely extrinsic, driven by rewards and recognition.
C2 noun /ˈkuː.li/

Cooly

Meaning
a laborer who does physical work for wages
Example
The cooly carried heavy bags at the railway station.
C1 adjective /ˈheɪ.nəs/

Heinous

Meaning
extremely wicked or evil; abominable; morally reprehensible
Example
The heinous crime shocked the entire community.
C1 noun /əˈlɒt.mənt/

allotment

Meaning
The distribution or allocation of something, especially resources or portions.
Example
Each department received an allotment of resources.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

invasive

Meaning
Tending to spread harmfully, intruding aggressively, or encroaching beyond proper boundaries.
Example
The doctor explained that the procedure was minimally invasive.
A2 noun /pəˈluː.ʃən/

pollution

Meaning
The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
Example
Industrial pollution harms marine life.
C2 noun /ɪˈrɛvərəns/

irreverence

Meaning
a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
Example
His jokes about religion showed irreverence to the sacred traditions.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

psychological

Meaning
relating to the mind or mental processes.
Example
She studied the psychological effects of trauma on children.
C1 adjective /ˈeɪmləs/

Aimless

Meaning
without purpose or direction; lacking a goal
Example
He wandered around the city in an aimless manner.
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.
B1 verb rɪˈdjuːst

reduced

Meaning
Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Example
Singapore has reduced plastic usage significantly.
C1 noun /fɪˈnænʃɪər/

financier

Meaning
a person who manages large amounts of money or investments
Example
The financier advised the company on its investments.
C2 noun /flæks/

flax

Meaning
a plant whose fibers are used to make linen and whose seeds are edible
Example
Flax is often used in making linen fabrics.
C1 adjective/noun /ˈsʌkjələnt/

succulent

Meaning
Juicy or full of juice; also refers to a plant with thick, fleshy leaves adapted to storing water.
Example
The steak was so succulent that everyone enjoyed it.
C2 noun /bɪˈtroʊðəl/

betrothal

Meaning
The formal engagement to be married.
Example
Their betrothal was announced to the whole village.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.pɪˈtʃuː.ɪ.ti

perpetuity

Meaning
Permanence, eternity, continuity.
Example
The contract ensures payments in perpetuity.
A2 adjective ˈiːkwəl

equal

Meaning
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value; having the same status or treatment.
Example
Bose was regarded as Galileo's equal.
B2 noun ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən

comprehension

Meaning
The ability to understand something; understanding or grasp of knowledge.
Example
Reading improves vocabulary and comprehension skills.
A2 noun /ˈɒbdʒɪkt/

object

Meaning
a thing that can be seen and touched
Example
The table is an object in the room.
B2 noun /ˈdiː.sən.si/

Decency

Meaning
behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability
Example
She had the decency to apologize for her mistake immediately.
A2 verb /kwɪt/

quit

Meaning
to stop doing something; to leave a job or position
Example
She decided to quit her job and start her own business.
C1 noun ˌdɪm.ɪˈnjuː.ʃən

diminution

Meaning
A reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something; decrease.
Example
There has been a diminution in air pollution.
C1 verb /rɪˈkaʊnt/

recount

Meaning
to narrate or tell the details of an event or experience
Example
She recounted her adventures during the summer trip.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌktɪv/

inductive

Meaning
characterized by the inference of general laws from particular instances; reasoning from specific cases to general principles
Example
The scientist used inductive reasoning to form a hypothesis.
A1 noun /snoʊ/

Snow

Meaning
white frozen water that falls from clouds as soft flakes
Example
The children played happily in the fresh snow.
B1 verb /prəˈmoʊt/

promote

Meaning
to help something develop or increase; to advance someone to a higher position
Example
The company promotes environmental awareness.
C1 noun /trænsˈɡrɛʃən/

transgression

Meaning
an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; a violation or sin
Example
The court forgave his first transgression but warned him not to repeat it.
B2 noun /trænˈzækʃən/

transaction

Meaning
an instance of buying or selling something; a business deal or exchange
Example
Every online transaction is recorded for security purposes.
B2 noun /ˈpɪm.pəl/

Pimple

Meaning
a small, inflamed elevation of the skin; a spot on the skin, especially on the face
Example
She was embarrassed about the pimple on her forehead.
C2 verb /kɒnˈkætəneɪt/

concatenate

Meaning
To link things together in a series or chain.
Example
The program concatenates two strings into one.
C1 noun /ˈsɛpərətɪst/

separatist

Meaning
A person who supports the separation of a group from a larger body, often for political or cultural independence.
Example
The separatist group demanded independence from the central government.
B1 adjective /ˈfɔːrmər/

former

Meaning
Having been previously in a particular role or position.
Example
He is a former president of the association.
A1 noun /triː/

tree

Meaning
a large plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves
Example
The tree in our backyard is over a hundred years old.
C1 noun /ˈvaɪ.pər/

Viper

Meaning
a venomous snake with large hinged fangs that typically has a thick body and gives birth to live young
Example
The viper coiled up when it sensed danger.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪn.dʒi/

Mingy

Meaning
mean or stingy; unwilling to spend money
Example
He is too mingy to spend money on anything but necessities.
B1 adverb /rɪˈpiː.tɪd.li/

Repeatedly

Meaning
again and again; many times over
Example
He repeatedly asked for help with his homework.
C2 verb /ˈɪməleɪt/

immolate

Meaning
To kill or sacrifice, especially by burning.
Example
The protesters threatened to immolate themselves in front of the building.
B2 verb ɪmˈpoʊz

imposes

Meaning
To establish or apply by authority; to force something unwelcome or unfamiliar to be accepted or put in place.
Example
Pollution imposes harmful effects on the environment.
B2 verb ˈel.ɪ.veɪt

elevate

Meaning
To lift to a higher position; to raise to a more important or impressive level.
Example
Good leadership can elevate team performance.
C1 noun/verb /freɪ/

fray

Meaning
As a noun, a fight or heated dispute; as a verb, to unravel or wear out through friction.
Example
He tried to stay calm, but his nerves began to fray during the argument.
C1 noun ˌæp.əˈreɪ.təs

apparatus

Meaning
The technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose.
Example
The apparatus was designed to be eco-friendly.
B1 noun kəˈmɪt.mənts

commitments

Meaning
Formal pledges or promises to do something, especially in terms of obligations or agreements.
Example
Global commitments to renewable energy are increasing.
C2 adjective /əbˈstrɛpərəs/

obstreperous

Meaning
Noisy and difficult to control.
Example
The obstreperous students disrupted the class.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.kɔː.dæt/

concordat

Meaning
An agreement or treaty, especially between the Vatican and a secular government.
Example
The concordat established the rights of the church within the country.
C2 noun (plural) /ˈlɪniəmənts/

lineaments

Meaning
The features or distinctive characteristics of the face or body.
Example
The lineaments of his face were sharp and stern.
C2 noun /ˈʃɑːdənfrɔɪdə/

schadenfreude

Meaning
pleasure derived from another person's misfortune
Example
He felt a sense of schadenfreude when his rival failed.
A2 noun /ˈpɜːr.pəl/

Purple

Meaning
a color intermediate between red and blue; violet color
Example
The purple flowers bloomed beautifully in the garden.
A1 verb, noun /kraɪ/

cry

Meaning
To shed tears as an expression of emotion such as sadness or pain; also a loud call or shout.
Example
The baby began to cry when she was hungry.
C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning
Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.
Example
His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.
C1 noun /ˈɡaɪ.zər/

geyser

Meaning
A natural hot spring that intermittently ejects a column of water and steam into the air.
Example
The geyser erupted, shooting water high into the sky.
B2 noun /ˌdɛm.əˈɡræf.ɪks/

Demographics

Meaning
Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.
Example
Demographics help in targeted advertising.
B1 noun /ˈwaɪər/

wire

Meaning
a thin, flexible thread of metal used to conduct electricity or connect things
Example
The electrician fixed the wire to restore the power.
B1 noun /ˈvaɪrəs/

virus

Meaning
A tiny infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of an organism.
Example
The computer was infected with a dangerous virus.
B2 noun /ɪnˈveɪʒən/

invasion

Meaning
An instance of invading a country, region, or personal space with armed force or unwelcome presence.
Example
The army prepared for the possibility of an invasion.
C2 noun /ˈnes.lɪŋ/

Nestling

Meaning
a young bird that has not yet left its nest
Example
The mother bird fed the hungry nestling with worms.
B2 verb /skreɪp/

scrape

Meaning
to remove or damage the surface of something by rubbing or scratching; to collect something by effort
Example
He scraped his knee while playing football.
C1 noun /hɒˈstɪləti/

hostility

Meaning
hostile behavior; unfriendliness or opposition
Example
The negotiations ended in an atmosphere of hostility.
C1 verb /ˈviːtoʊ/

veto

Meaning
to reject or forbid a decision, proposal, or law
Example
The president decided to veto the new bill.
B2 adjective ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs

simultaneous

Meaning
Occurring, operating, or done at the same time.
Example
Simultaneous crop failures affect global food supply.
B2 verb /kriːp/

creep

Meaning
to move slowly and quietly; to make someone feel uncomfortable
Example
She crept quietly up the stairs to avoid waking anyone.
C2 verb /ˈmiːliəˌreɪt/

meliorate

Meaning
To make something better or improve a condition.
Example
The new policies aim to meliorate the living conditions of the poor.
C2 verb /boʊd/

bode

Meaning
to be an omen of a particular outcome, often something bad
Example
The dark clouds bode a heavy storm.
C2 noun /ˈhænd ˌrɪŋɪŋ/

hand-wringing

Meaning
excessive worry or concern expressed in a visible or dramatic way.
Example
There was much hand-wringing over the political crisis.
B2 verb /mɒk/

mock

Meaning
To make fun of someone or something in a cruel or unkind way.
Example
The students mocked his accent during class.
C1 noun /ˌstætʃuˈɛt/

statuette

Meaning
A small statue, usually decorative or artistic.
Example
The artist won a gold statuette for his work.
B1 adjective /əˈlaɪk/

Alike

Meaning
similar in appearance or nature; in the same way
Example
The two sisters look very much alike.
B2 adjective /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/

resilient

Meaning
Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example
Resilient materials ensure durability.
C2 noun /ˌæntiˈsaɪkloʊn/

anticyclone

Meaning
A weather system with high atmospheric pressure at its center, usually bringing calm and clear conditions.
Example
An anticyclone brought sunny weather across the region.
B2 verb /kəˈlæps/

collapse

Meaning
to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down completely
Example
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
B1 verb /ˈɛdjʊˌkeɪt/

educate

Meaning
to give knowledge, skills, or training to someone; to teach
Example
Parents should educate their children about healthy habits.
A2 noun /wɜːrks/

works

Meaning
the physical or mental effort used to achieve something
Example
Her works have been exhibited in museums worldwide.
C1 noun/verb /ˈhɛmərɪdʒ/

hemorrhage

Meaning
A significant loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, or to lose blood heavily.
Example
The patient suffered a severe brain hemorrhage.
C2 verb /ʃiːð/

sheathe

Meaning
to put a sword or knife back into its cover
Example
He quickly sheathed his sword after the duel.
B1 noun ˈseʃən

session

Meaning
A meeting of an official body, especially a legislature, council, or court of law, to conduct its business.
Example
The session was held on February 25.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstiːmd/

Esteemed

Meaning
respected and admired; held in high regard
Example
He is an esteemed professor at the university.
B2 adjective, noun, verb /faʊl/

foul

Meaning
offensive to the senses; dirty or unpleasant; in sports, an unfair or illegal act
Example
The player was penalized for committing a foul.
B1 noun /kənˈstrʌk.ʃən/

construction

Meaning
The building of something, typically a large structure.
Example
Construction dust significantly contributes to pollution.
B2 noun /ˈpjʊə.rɪ.ti/

Purity

Meaning
the state of being pure; cleanness or freedom from contamination
Example
The purity of the mountain water was remarkable.
B2 verb /dɪˈpɪkt/

depict

Meaning
to represent or show something in a picture, story, or other art form
Example
The painting depicts a beautiful sunset over the sea.
A1 noun /ˈɡɑːr.dən/

Garden

Meaning
a piece of ground, often near a house, used for growing flowers, fruit, or vegetables
Example
She spent her morning tending to the roses in her beautiful garden.
B1 noun, verb /ˈkɒndʌkt/ (noun), /kənˈdʌkt/ (verb)

conduct

Meaning
to organize or carry out; or a person's behavior
Example
The teacher conducted the exam fairly.
B1 adjective /ˈsɔːlti/

Salty

Meaning
having the taste of salt; containing salt; tasting of seawater
Example
The salty ocean water made her thirsty.
B2 verb /feɪnt/

faint

Meaning
to lose consciousness for a short time because of a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain
Example
He felt dizzy and fainted in the heat.
C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
C1 noun /ˈnʌt.meg/

Nut meg

Meaning
a spice made from the seed of the fruit of an evergreen tree, used in cooking and baking
Example
The recipe called for a teaspoon of ground nutmeg to flavor the custard.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪn.tɪf/

Plaintiff

Meaning
a person who brings a case against another in a court of law; the person who initiates a lawsuit
Example
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the company.
C1 verb /hɜːrl/

hurl

Meaning
To throw something with great force.
Example
The boy hurled a stone into the river.
C2 adjective /roʊn/

roan

Meaning
denoting an animal, especially a horse, having a coat of mixed colors, typically reddish-brown and white
Example
The rider mounted a roan horse with a speckled coat.
C2 noun /muˈleθi/

Mulethi

Meaning
licorice root, a sweet-tasting herb used in traditional medicine and cooking
Example
She prepared a herbal tea with mulethi to soothe her sore throat.
A2 adjective /ˈfɔːrməl/

formal

Meaning
done in accordance with rules of convention or etiquette; official or serious in nature
Example
He wore a formal suit to the wedding.
B2 adjective /ɪkˈsprɛsɪv/

expressive

Meaning
Effectively conveying thought or feeling.
Example
Her eyes were so expressive that no words were needed.
B2 adjective /ˈtɒlərənt/

tolerant

Meaning
Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behaviors that one dislikes or disagrees with.
Example
He is very tolerant of other people's beliefs.
C1 noun /trɔːf/

trough

Meaning
A long, narrow container from which animals eat or drink; also, a low point between waves or in business cycles.
Example
The cows drank water from the wooden trough.
B1 noun /ˈkɜː.ri/

Curry

Meaning
a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in an Indian-style sauce with hot spices
Example
I love spicy chicken curry with rice.
B2 noun ɑːmd ˈkɒn.flɪkt

armed conflict

Meaning
A contest of armed forces; warfare between opposing military forces.
Example
Armed conflict resulted in widespread devastation.
C1 noun /ədˈmɪtəns/

admittance

Meaning
the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter a place
Example
No admittance without a valid ticket.
C1 adjective /ˌhɑːrdˈhɑːrtɪd/

hard-hearted

Meaning
showing no kindness or sympathy; cruel
Example
The landlord was hard-hearted and refused to help the poor family.
B2 noun /feɪz/

Phase

Meaning
a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development
Example
The project is now in its final phase.
C2 noun /ˈθɝː.moʊ.klaɪn/

thermocline

Meaning
A layer in a body of water in which temperature changes rapidly with depth.
Example
The thermocline separates warm surface water from cold deep water.
C1 noun /ˈtændʒənt/

tangent

Meaning
a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not cross it
Example
The teacher drew a tangent to the circle on the board.
B2 adjective /ˈnoʊ.ɪŋ/

Knowing

Meaning
showing awareness or understanding; perceptive; shrewd
Example
She gave him a knowing smile when he mentioned the secret.
B2 adjective /ˈtɛlɪŋ/

telling

Meaning
Revealing something significant or giving important information.
Example
Her silence was more telling than words.
A2 adjective /ˈæfrɪkən/

african

Meaning
relating to Africa or its people
Example
She studied African culture in university.
A2 noun /ˈleɪ.di/

Lady

Meaning
a woman, especially one of refined or gentle manners; a polite term for any woman
Example
The elderly lady crossed the street with the help of her walking stick.
C1 adjective /məˈnɒtənəs/

Monotonous

Meaning
lacking in variety; tediously unvarying; boring and repetitive
Example
The monotonous sound of the rain made everyone feel sleepy.
B2 noun

Patriot

A2 verb /sɑːlv/

solve

Meaning
to find an answer to a problem or question; to resolve a difficulty
Example
The detective finally solved the mysterious case.
C1 verb /aʊst/

oust

Meaning
To remove someone from a position or place of power or authority.
Example
The rebels ousted the dictator from power.
B1 noun ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt

judgment

Meaning
The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.
Example
The judge's judgment was fair and just.
A2 noun /ˈmembər/

member

Meaning
a person or thing that belongs to a group or organization
Example
She is a member of the local sports club.
C1 noun /ˌɪnɪkˈspɪəriəns/

inexperience

Meaning
Lack of knowledge or skill in a particular activity or field.
Example
His inexperience in handling negotiations was evident.
B2 adjective /ˈslɪp.ər.i/

Slippery

Meaning
smooth and difficult to hold; causing sliding or slipping
Example
The wet floor was very slippery after cleaning.
B2 noun /ˈteɪ.lər/

Tailor

Meaning
a person whose job is making and altering clothes
Example
The tailor measured him for a new suit.
C1 adjective ˈɒb.stɪ.nət

obstinate

Meaning
Refusing to change one's mind or accept others' advice easily.
Example
He remained obstinate despite the logical arguments.
C1 verb /lʊər/

lure

Meaning
to attract or tempt someone, often by offering something appealing
Example
The advertisement lured customers with promises of discounts.