motif
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C1 noun /moʊˈtiːf/

motif

Meaning
A recurring theme, subject, or idea in a work of art or literature.
Example
The motif of love is central to the novel.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪdənˌhʊd/

maidenhood

Meaning
The state of being a maiden; girlhood or virginity.
Example
The poem celebrated the innocence of maidenhood.
C1 noun /ˌmæn.ɪ.fɛsˈteɪ.ʃən/

manifestation

Meaning
A visible form or expression of an idea, concept, or feeling; the action of displaying or showing.
Example
His generosity was a manifestation of his kind nature.
C2 adjective /mɜːrˈkjʊriəl/

mercurial

Meaning
subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
Example
She is known for her mercurial temperament.
C2 noun /meɪs/

Mase

Meaning
spice obtained from the reddish seed covering of the nutmeg seed
Example
A pinch of mace adds warmth to the dessert.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.ɪ.neɪt/

machinate

Meaning
to engage in plots or schemes, usually for harmful or evil purposes
Example
The rebels tried to machinate against the king.
C2 adjective /ˈmɔːrɪbʌnd/

Moribund

Meaning
near death; dying; in a state of decline or decay
Example
The moribund patient was in critical condition.
B2 noun /ˈmɛntɔːr/

mentor

Meaning
an experienced person who advises and guides someone less experienced
Example
She acted as a mentor for the new employees.
B2 noun /mɪkst ˈkʌlər/

Mixed colour

Meaning
a color created by combining two or more different colors
Example
The mixed colour created a beautiful gradient on the canvas.
B2 noun /ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən/

meditation

Meaning
The practice of focusing the mind to achieve calmness, clarity, or spiritual growth.
Example
She practices meditation every morning to start her day peacefully.
B2 adjective /mɑːrkt/

Marked

Meaning
clearly noticeable; distinct; obvious
Example
There was a marked improvement in her performance.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪt/

maculate

Meaning
To stain, spot, or pollute something.
Example
The white cloth was maculated by ink stains.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊɡəl/

mogul

Meaning
A powerful or influential person, especially in business or media.
Example
He became a tech mogul by founding a billion-dollar company.
C2 adjective /ˈmoʊtaɪl/

motile

Meaning
Capable of movement or locomotion.
Example
Certain bacteria are motile and can swim toward nutrients.
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.
C2 noun /ˈmoʊlər/

molar

Meaning
A large tooth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
Example
The dentist had to extract his wisdom molar.
A2 noun /ˈmoʊ.tər ˌsaɪ.kəl/

Motor Cycle

Meaning
a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine
Example
He rides his motorcycle to work every day.
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 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.
B2 noun /məʊˈbɪləti/

mobility

Meaning
The ability to move or be moved freely and easily; the quality of being mobile.
Example
The mobility of workers is essential for the success of the project.
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 /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 /ˈmæl.ɪt/

Mallet

Meaning
a hammer with a large head, typically made of wood
Example
The carpenter used a rubber mallet to avoid damaging the wood.
C2 verb /ˌmɪs.əˈtrɪb.juːt/

misattribute

Meaning
to incorrectly credit something, such as a work or remark, to the wrong person or source
Example
The quote was misattributed to Shakespeare.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrdʒɪn/

Margin

Meaning
The edge or border of something; an amount allowed beyond what is needed
Example
Please write your notes in the margin of the page.
B1 noun /mæsk/

Mask

Meaning
covering for the face or head; disguise or protection
Example
She wore a mask to protect herself from dust.
C2 noun /ˈmuːn.biːm/

moonbeam

Meaning
A ray of light from the moon.
Example
A moonbeam lit up the quiet forest clearing.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌɡi/

muggy

Meaning
uncomfortably warm and humid
Example
It was a muggy afternoon in July.
C2 adjective /ˈmɔːdlɪn/

maudlin

Meaning
Overly sentimental, often tearfully or weakly emotional.
Example
He became maudlin after a few drinks.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪn.ɪ.skjuːl/

miniscule

Meaning
Extremely small or tiny.
Example
The error was so miniscule that nobody noticed it.
B2 noun /məˈtʃʊrəti/

Maturity

Meaning
The state of being mature; full development physically or emotionally
Example
With age comes wisdom and emotional maturity.
C2 noun /ˈmɛtəfɔːrm/

metaphorm

Meaning
A coined or rare term sometimes used to describe a hybrid form of metaphor and form in literature or art.
Example
The poet introduced a metaphorm to blend imagery with structure.
C2 verb /ˌmɪskənˈsiːv/

misconceive

Meaning
To misunderstand or form an incorrect idea about something.
Example
He misconceived the purpose of the project.
A2 noun/verb /meɪl/

mail

Meaning
Letters, packages, or email messages sent or delivered to someone.
Example
I received an important letter in the mail.
B2 noun /ˈmeɪnstriːm/

mainstream

Meaning
the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend in opinion or fashion
Example
Social media has become a mainstream source of news for many people.
B2 verb /mɔːrn/

mourn

Meaning
To feel or express deep sadness or grief, especially because of someone's death.
Example
They gathered to mourn the loss of their friend.
B2 noun/adjective /ˈmɪnətʃər/ or /ˈmɪniətʃʊr/

miniature

Meaning
a very small version of something; small in scale or size
Example
The artist created a miniature model of the castle.
B2 noun ˈmʌltiˌtɑːskɪŋ

multitasking

Meaning
The performance of more than one task at the same time
Example
Multitasking reduces efficiency.
C2 noun /ˈmæntl̩/

mantel

Meaning
A shelf above a fireplace, often used for decoration.
Example
She placed family photos on the mantel above the fireplace.
C2 noun /ˈmɛtrəˌnoʊm/

metronome

Meaning
A device that produces regular ticks or beats to help musicians maintain tempo.
Example
She practiced the piano with a metronome to keep steady timing.
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.
B1 noun /ˈmiːdiəm/

medium

Meaning
A means or channel of communication, expression, or artistic work.
Example
Television is a powerful medium for spreading information.
A2 verb /ˈmæri/

marry

Meaning
to become husband and wife; to perform a wedding ceremony
Example
They plan to marry next summer.
B2 adjective /məˈtjʊr/

mature

Meaning
fully developed or grown, especially emotionally or intellectually
Example
She has become a mature and confident leader.
B2 verb ˈmɪnɪmaɪz

minimize

Meaning
Reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree.
Example
Efforts should be made to minimize plastic usage.
C2 noun/verb /ˈmæn.ə.kəl/

manacle

Meaning
A metal shackle for fastening someone's hands or ankles; also to restrain with such shackles.
Example
The prisoner was manacled before being taken to court.
C2 noun /ˈmæŋɡoʊ fɪʃ/

Mango fish

Meaning
A popular white fish also known as barramundi or Asian sea bass
Example
Mango fish is prized for its delicate flavor and tender texture.
C1 noun /miːlˈjuː/

milieu

Meaning
A person's social environment or surroundings.
Example
She grew up in an artistic milieu.
B2 adjective /ˌmænˈmeɪd/

manmade

Meaning
something created or built by humans rather than occurring naturally
Example
This lake is manmade, not natural.
C1 noun ˈmɪl.ɪ.tər.i ɪnˈkɜː.ʃən

military incursion

Meaning
A sudden armed attack or invasion by military forces into a territory.
Example
The military incursion caused widespread devastation.
A2 noun ˈmɒd.əl

model

Meaning
A framework, prototype, or simulation used to represent or understand a system or process.
Example
Scientists use a model to simulate climate change.
A2 adjective /ˈmɒdən/

modern

Meaning
relating to the present or recent times, not ancient or old-fashioned
Example
They live in a modern apartment with new facilities.
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.
B1 noun /ˈmeɪkʌp/

makeup

Meaning
cosmetics used to enhance or alter appearance
Example
She applied makeup before the party.
A2 /ˈmaɪ.krəˌfoʊn/

microphone

Meaning
A device that converts sound into an electrical signal, typically used to amplify or record voices or music.
Example
She spoke into the microphone during the presentation.
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.
C2 noun /məˈnɪʃən/

monition

Meaning
A warning or caution, often of a religious or moral nature.
Example
The priest gave a monition against dishonesty.
C2 noun /ˈmæləprɒˌpɪzəm/

malapropism

Meaning
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with amusing effect
Example
He is famous for his malapropism when speaking in public.
C1 noun /ˈmɜːrsəˌnɛri/

mercenary

Meaning
a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army; also used to describe someone motivated solely by money.
Example
The mercenary fought for whoever paid the highest wage.
B2 noun /ˈmʌð.ər.hʊd/

Motherhood

Meaning
the state of being a mother; the qualities of a mother
Example
She embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood.
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.
B2 noun /ˌmɪs.ʌn.dəˈstæn.dɪŋ/

Misunderstanding

Meaning
A failure to understand something correctly; a disagreement or confusion between people
Example
The argument was caused by a simple misunderstanding.
C1 noun /ˈmævərɪk/

maverick

Meaning
An unorthodox or independent-minded person.
Example
The maverick scientist challenged established theories.
C2 verb /məˈlɪŋɡər/

malinger

Meaning
to exaggerate or fake illness in order to escape duty or work
Example
He tried to malinger to avoid going to school.
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 /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.
B2 noun /meɪz/

Maize

Meaning
a tall cereal plant bearing large grains on a cob; corn
Example
Farmers in the region grow maize as their primary crop for both food and animal feed.
B1 noun /meɪt/

mate

Meaning
a friend or companion; a partner in marriage or reproduction
Example
He went fishing with his old school mate.
C2 adjective /ˌmædʒɪˈstɪəriəl/

magisterial

Meaning
Having the characteristics of a master or authority; commanding and dignified.
Example
The professor spoke in a magisterial tone during the lecture.
C1 verb /ˈmɛdəl/

meddle

Meaning
to interfere in something that is not one's concern
Example
He always tries to meddle in other people’s business.
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.
B2 verb /maɪˈɡreɪt/

migrate

Meaning
To move from one region or habitat to another, especially regularly according to the seasons or for work.
Example
Birds migrate south during the winter.
B2 verb /maʊnt/

mount

Meaning
to climb up, rise, or fix something in place
Example
They plan to mount a camera on the wall.
A1 adverb /ˈmeɪbi/

maybe

Meaning
used to express possibility or uncertainty
Example
Maybe we will go to the park tomorrow.
C2 adjective /mæɡˈnɪləkwənt/

magniloquent

Meaning
using high-flown or pompous language
Example
The politician’s magniloquent speech impressed the crowd.
C1 adjective məˈθɒd.ɪ.kəl

methodical

Meaning
Done according to a systematic or established procedure; orderly and systematic.
Example
His methodical research produced reliable results.
B2 noun /ˈmɜːrtʃənt/

merchant

Meaning
a person or company involved in the trade of goods, especially in large quantities
Example
The merchant sold spices from distant lands.
B2 noun /ˈmoʊ.tɪv/

Motive

Meaning
a reason for doing something; what drives someone to act
Example
The police are investigating the motive for the crime.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪnsɪŋ/

mincing

Meaning
affectedly delicate, dainty, or refined in manner or movement
Example
He walked with mincing steps across the stage.
B2 adjective /ˈmæn.ju.əl/

Manual

Meaning
done by hand; operated by hand; not automatic
Example
This is a manual process that requires careful attention.
B2 noun /maɪˈnɔːr.ɪ.ti/

minority

Meaning
A smaller number or part, especially a group differing from the majority.
Example
The law aims to protect the rights of ethnic minorities.
A2 noun /mæp/

map

Meaning
a drawing that shows the features of an area of land or sea
Example
He studied the map before starting his journey.
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 adjective /məˈlɪʃəs/

Malicious

Meaning
having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone; spiteful
Example
The malicious software damaged many computers.
C1 noun moʊst ˈvʌlnərəbəl ˈneɪʃən

most vulnerable nation

Meaning
A country that is highly exposed to risks and lacks adequate protection or resilience.
Example
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change.
C1 noun ˌmʌn.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

monetization

Meaning
Converting an asset or service into a way of earning money.
Example
YouTube allows content creators to earn money through monetization.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒtli/

motley

Meaning
Made up of different, often incongruous or diverse elements.
Example
The festival attracted a motley crowd of artists, musicians, and tourists.
B2 noun /ˈmærəθən/

marathon

Meaning
a long-distance running race, typically 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles)
Example
She completed the marathon in under four hours.
C1 noun /ˈmæroʊ/

Marrow

Meaning
A soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones; the essence of something
Example
The bone marrow produces blood cells in the human body.
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 nɪˈmɒnɪks

mnemonics

Meaning
A technique to aid memory; a device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations
Example
Mnemonics help in remembering complex concepts easily.
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 adjective /ˈmɪnəskjuːl/

minuscule

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

Menace

Meaning
A person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat
Example
The reckless driver was a menace to everyone on the road.
B1 verb /ˈmʌltɪplaɪ/

multiply

Meaning
to increase in number; to perform mathematical multiplication
Example
The bacteria multiply rapidly in warm conditions.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪleɪ/

melee

Meaning
A noisy, confused fight or crowd situation.
Example
A melee broke out during the football match.
C2 noun /meɪndʒ/

mange

Meaning
a skin disease in animals caused by parasitic mites, leading to hair loss and sores
Example
The stray dog was suffering from mange.
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.
A1 noun /ˈmʌðər/

mother

Meaning
a female parent
Example
Her mother is a kind and caring person.
A2 noun /mɑːrk/

Mark

Meaning
A sign, symbol, or stain; a grade or score
Example
She received the highest mark in the mathematics examination.
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.
B2 noun ˈmɒnjʊmənt

monument

Meaning
A statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event.
Example
A monument should honor his contributions.
C1 adjective /ˈmel.əʊ/

Mellow

Meaning
soft and pleasant; relaxed and gentle
Example
The mellow evening light created a peaceful atmosphere.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈmiːn.taɪm/

Meantime

Meaning
during the time between two events; in the period of time between now and when something else happens
Example
The food will be ready in an hour; in the meantime, we can watch TV.
C1 noun /mɔːs/

Moss

Meaning
a small flowerless plant that grows in clumps in moist places
Example
Green moss covered the old stone wall.
A2 adjective /maɪˈnuːt/

Minute

Meaning
extremely small; tiny; detailed; precise
Example
The scientist examined minute details under the microscope.
B1 adjective /ˈmɑːrvələs/

Marvellous

Meaning
extremely good; wonderful; causing great wonder
Example
The view from the mountain was marvellous.
C2 verb /məˈtrɪkjʊˌleɪt/

matriculate

Meaning
To enroll as a student in a college or university.
Example
She matriculated at Oxford University last year.
C1 verb /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪz/

marginalize

Meaning
To treat a person or group as unimportant or insignificant.
Example
The policy marginalized minority communities.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪd.əl.eɪdʒd/

Middle-aged

Meaning
being of an age between young and old; typically between 40-60 years old
Example
The middle-aged man started a new career.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪks/

metaphysics

Meaning
The branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter.
Example
She studied metaphysics to understand the principles of existence beyond physical science.
B2 adjective ˈmɒn.ɪ.tri

monetary

Meaning
Relating to money or currency.
Example
The monetary implications are significant for investors.
A2 noun /mjuːˈzɪʃən/

musician

Meaning
a person who plays a musical instrument or is musically talented
Example
He is a talented musician.
C2 adjective /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪ.tɪd/

maculated

Meaning
Spotted or stained; marked with blemishes.
Example
The maculated surface of the old mirror gave it a unique charm.
C2 adjective /məˈlɪfluəs/

mellifluous

Meaning
Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
Example
The singer’s mellifluous voice enchanted the audience.
C2 adjective /ˌmæl.əˈfɪʃ.ənt/

maleficient

Meaning
Doing harm or evil; having a harmful effect.
Example
The maleficient acts of the tyrant ruined the kingdom.
A1 noun /ˈmʌni/

money

Meaning
A medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes; wealth or financial resources.
Example
He saved enough money to buy a new car.
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 adjective /ˈmɒsi/

Mossy

Meaning
covered with moss; having moss growing on it
Example
The old tree trunk was mossy and covered with green vegetation.
C2 noun /maɪˈnjuːʃə/

minutia

Meaning
a small or trivial detail of something
Example
He was bored by the minutia of office paperwork.