napkin
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A2 noun /ˈnæpkɪn/

napkin

Meaning
a piece of cloth or paper used to wipe the mouth and hands while eating
Example
She placed a napkin on her lap before eating.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmpoʊst/

compost

Meaning
decayed organic matter used as fertilizer
Example
The gardener added compost to enrich the soil.
C1 noun ˈɪn.fər.əns

inference

Meaning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; logical deduction.
Example
Scientists make inferences based on experimental data.
C1 noun (plural) /kwɑːmz/

qualms

Meaning
feelings of doubt, worry, or uneasiness
Example
He had serious qualms about accepting the offer.
B2 noun ləˈdʒɪs.tɪks

Logistics

Meaning
The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies.
Example
Logistics ensures timely delivery.
C1 verb /spɜːrn/

spurn

Meaning
To reject something or someone with disdain or contempt.
Example
She spurned his offer of help.
C1 noun /ˈpiːɒn/

peon

Meaning
a low-ranking worker, often performing menial tasks
Example
The office peon delivered the files to each department.
C2 adjective /ˈfʌsti/

fusty

Meaning
smelling stale, damp, or stuffy; old-fashioned
Example
The room smelled fusty after being closed for months.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɛntɪv/

inventive

Meaning
Having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally.
Example
The inventor was known for his inventive solutions to everyday problems.
C1 noun /ˈælɪbaɪ/

alibi

Meaning
A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a crime, was committed.
Example
She had a strong alibi that proved she was at the cinema during the theft.
C1 adverb /əˈtroʊʃəsli/

atrociously

Meaning
in a very cruel, shocking, or extremely bad manner
Example
The service at the restaurant was atrociously slow.
B1 adjective /pleɪn/

plain

Meaning
simple or clear, without decoration or complexity
Example
She wore a plain white dress to the ceremony.
C1 adjective /vəˈluː.mə.nəs/

voluminous

Meaning
Occupying or containing much space; large in volume, in particular.
Example
The library contained a voluminous collection of books.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səbˈstæn.ʃəl/

insubstantial

Meaning
Lacking strength, substance, or solidity.
Example
The evidence provided was insubstantial and unconvincing.
A2 noun /ˈtʃer.i/

Cherry

Meaning
a small round red or black fruit with a hard seed inside
Example
She picked fresh cherries from the tree in her garden.
C1 noun /hoʊks/

Hoax

Meaning
a humorous or malicious deception; something intended to trick or deceive people
Example
The news about aliens landing turned out to be an elaborate hoax created by pranksters.
B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/

superficial

Meaning
Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep.
Example
His understanding of the subject was rather superficial.
C1 verb /ˈɒs.ɪ.leɪt/

oscillate

Meaning
To swing or move back and forth between two points or states
Example
The stock market tends to oscillate during uncertain times.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbl/

irretrievable

Meaning
impossible to recover or regain
Example
The documents were lost in an irretrievable way after the fire.
C1 noun/verb kənˈdʒɛk.tʃər

conjecture

Meaning
An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; to form an opinion or supposition about something.
Example
The scientist's conjecture was later proven true.
C1 adjective /ˈɛərˌtaɪt/

airtight

Meaning
Completely sealed so that no air can get in or out.
Example
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
B2 noun /ˈænsestri/

ancestry

Meaning
one’s family origins or lineage
Example
He is proud of his royal ancestry.
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.
C2 noun prəˈklɪv.ə.ti

proclivity

Meaning
A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing.
Example
She has a proclivity for learning new languages.
C1 noun /naɪˈiːvteɪ/

naivete

Meaning
The quality of being naive; lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
Example
His naivete made him an easy target for manipulation.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/

dissertation

Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually written for a university degree.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral dissertation.
C1 noun /ˌɑːrbɪˈtreɪʃən/

arbitration

Meaning
the process of resolving a dispute through an impartial third party whose decision is binding; formal judgment outside a court
Example
The contract requires arbitration to settle any disputes.
A1 noun /ɪər/

Ear

Meaning
the organ of hearing; the ability to hear or listen
Example
She whispered something in his ear during the meeting.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkəmˈpliːtnəs/

incompleteness

Meaning
the state of not being complete or whole; lack of necessary parts or fullness
Example
The incompleteness of the report caused delays in the project.
A2 noun /boʊl/

Bowl

Meaning
a round, deep dish or basin used for food or liquid
Example
She served the soup in a large ceramic bowl.
B2 verb /ˈstreɪtən/

straighten

Meaning
to make something straight or tidy; to correct or organize
Example
She straightened her hair before the meeting.
C2 adjective /lʌɡˈʒʊəriənt/

luxuriant

Meaning
abundant in growth or richly abundant
Example
The luxuriant forest was teeming with life.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːl.tɪd fɪʃ/

Salted fish

Meaning
fish preserved with salt; dried and salted fish for storage
Example
Salted fish is a traditional way to preserve seafood.
C2 adjective /ˈɒfɪʃ/

offish

Meaning
Unfriendly, distant, or reserved in manner.
Example
He seemed offish at the party and avoided most conversations.
C1 noun /ɪkˌsperɪˈmɛnteɪʃən/

experimentation

Meaning
The process of performing a scientific procedure to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
Example
Experimentation leads to groundbreaking products.
C1 noun /mɔːrɡ/

morgue

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are kept, especially to be identified or claimed
Example
The police took the body to the morgue for identification.
C2 noun /ˈrɛtɪnjuː/

retinue

Meaning
A group of attendants or followers accompanying an important person.
Example
The king entered the hall followed by his retinue.
B2 verb /sʌk/

suck

Meaning
to draw something into the mouth by using the lips and tongue
Example
The baby began to suck her thumb.
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.
C2 adverb /ɪnˈdjuːbɪtəbli/

indubitably

Meaning
Without a doubt; certainly.
Example
She is indubitably the best candidate for the job.
C2 adjective /əˈbɑː.mə.nə.bəl/

abominable

Meaning
causing moral revulsion; extremely unpleasant
Example
The prisoners were kept in abominable conditions.
C1 noun /ˈem.ɪ.nəns/

Eminence

Meaning
fame or recognized superiority; high rank or status
Example
The professor achieved eminence in the field of quantum physics.
B2 adjective /ˈneɪbərɪŋ/

neighboring

Meaning
situated near or next to another place; adjacent or nearby.
Example
They visited a neighboring village for the festival.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskʌr.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/

Discouraging

Meaning
making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
Example
The coach's discouraging words affected the team's morale.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈproʊtʃ/

reproach

Meaning
An expression of disapproval or disappointment; to criticize someone for doing wrong.
Example
She reproached him for arriving late to the meeting.
B2 noun /ˈfʌndˌreɪzɪŋ/

fundraising

Meaning
the process of collecting money for a cause or project
Example
The organization is organizing a fundraising event.
B2 noun /ɪnˈventər/

inventor

Meaning
a person who creates or designs something new, especially a device, method, or process
Example
The inventor patented her new medical device.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈsmoʊ.kɪŋ/

smoking

Meaning
The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances; wearing a tuxedo (adjective, formal context).
Example
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
C2 noun /ˈθɛspiən/

thespian

Meaning
An actor or actress; relating to drama or theater.
Example
The festival was filled with talented thespians from across the country.
B1 noun /ˈmem.bə.ʃɪp/

membership

Meaning
The state of belonging to or being part of an organization or group.
Example
The country's membership in the organization marked 50 years.
A2 adjective, adverb, interjection /ɔːlˈraɪt/

alright

Meaning
satisfactory or acceptable; safe or unharmed; used to express agreement or acknowledgment
Example
Everything is going to be alright.
C1 verb /əˈpɔːl/

appall

Meaning
To shock or horrify someone with something unpleasant or bad.
Example
The cruelty of the crime appalled the entire community.
B2 adjective /ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/

Puzzling

Meaning
confusing; perplexing;
Example
The scientist found the results puzzling.
C1 adjective /səˈnɔːrəs/

sonorous

Meaning
Deep, full, and rich in sound.
Example
The actor's sonorous voice filled the entire theater.
B2 noun /braʊ/

brow

Meaning
the part of the face above the eyes; forehead
Example
She wiped the sweat from her brow.
B2 noun /ˌspeʃiˈælɪti/

Speciality

Meaning
a particular area of activity or interest that someone focuses on; expertise in a specific field
Example
His speciality is Italian cuisine.
C1 noun dəˌmɛstɪˈkeɪʃən

domestication

Meaning
The process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or for farm produce.
Example
Domestication of animals has been crucial for human survival.
B2 noun /skɑːr/

Scar

Meaning
a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed; lasting emotional damage
Example
The accident left a permanent scar on his forehead.
A2 noun ˈprəʊ.ses

process

Meaning
A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
Example
Recruitment involves a three-stage process.
B2 verb /əˈfend/

offend

Meaning
to cause displeasure or resentment; to hurt someone's feelings
Example
His rude comments offended many people at the meeting.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpruːdənt/

imprudent

Meaning
Not showing care for the consequences of an action.
Example
It was imprudent to drive in such stormy weather.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/

insurmountable

Meaning
Too great to be overcome.
Example
The explorers faced insurmountable odds in the desert.
C1 verb /blɜːrt/

blurt

Meaning
to say something suddenly without thinking
Example
He blurts out the secret accidentally.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrwɜːrd/

foreword

Meaning
a short introduction at the beginning of a book, typically written by someone other than the author
Example
The foreword of the book was written by a famous historian.
C1 adjective /ˌaɪ.di.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

ideological

Meaning
Relating to or based on a system of ideas or beliefs.
Example
The two parties are divided by deep ideological differences.
C1 noun /bɑːrˈbeəriən/

Barbarian

Meaning
a person from an uncivilized group; someone who is cruel or brutal
Example
The ancient Romans considered anyone outside their empire to be barbarians.
B2 adjective /ˈspiː.di/

Speedy

Meaning
moving or happening quickly; fast
Example
The speedy delivery service arrived within an hour.
C1 noun /ɑːrˈmɑːdə/

armada

Meaning
A large fleet of warships.
Example
The Spanish Armada sailed against England in 1588.
C1 adjective /ˈskɔːrnfəl/

Scornful

Meaning
showing contempt or disdain; expressing scorn
Example
She gave him a scornful look when he made the rude comment.
C1 noun sɜːrˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm

circadian rhythm

Meaning
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle that occurs within 24 hours
Example
Exposure to natural light regulates the circadian rhythm.
C2 adjective /ˈɪkθiɪk/

ichthyic

Meaning
Relating to or resembling fish.
Example
The artist's painting had an ichthyic quality.
A1 verb /neɪm/

name

Meaning
to give a title or designation to someone or something
Example
They decided to name their baby Sarah.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈpæθɪk/

psychopathic

Meaning
Relating to or affected by psychopathy; showing chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent behavior.
Example
The film portrayed a psychopathic killer with no sense of empathy.
B1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərət/

corporate

Meaning
relating to a corporation or large company; united as a single body
Example
Corporate social responsibility is important for modern businesses.
B1 verb /kənˈtɪnjuɪŋ/

continuing

Meaning
to keep doing something without stopping
Example
They are continuing their journey despite the rain.
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.
C1 adverb spɒnˈteɪnɪəsli

spontaneously

Meaning
In a spontaneous way; naturally and without planning or external cause.
Example
Children learn spontaneously through peer interactions.
C1 noun /ˈrɒstrəm/

rostrum

Meaning
A raised platform for speakers, performers, or leaders.
Example
The politician delivered a speech from the rostrum.
C2 adjective /ˈviːnəl/

venal

Meaning
willing to do dishonest things in return for money; corrupt
Example
The politician was accused of being venal and corrupt.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbl̩/

reconcilable

Meaning
Capable of being resolved or made consistent.
Example
Their differences are reconcilable with honest communication.
C2 adjective /ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

contumacious

Meaning
stubbornly disobedient or rebellious
Example
The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules.
C2 noun /ˈeɪ.viˌɛr.i/

aviary

Meaning
a large enclosure for keeping birds
Example
The zoo built a new aviary for exotic parrots.
C1 verb /sɪˈsiːd/

secede

Meaning
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
Example
Several states threatened to secede from the union.
C2 noun /ˈmaɪkrəˌkɒzəm/

microcosm

Meaning
A small, representative system having analogies to a larger system; a miniature version of something.
Example
The small town is a microcosm of the entire nation.
C1 verb /kɑːrp/

carp

Meaning
to complain or find fault continually, often about trivial matters
Example
She tends to carp about the smallest inconveniences.
C1 adjective /ˈæv.ɪd/

avid

Meaning
having an eager desire or enthusiasm for something
Example
She is an avid reader of mystery novels.
C2 verb /ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/

mortify

Meaning
to cause someone to feel great embarrassment or shame
Example
She was mortified when she tripped on stage.
C1 adjective /ˈprɛdəˌtɔri/

predatory

Meaning
Relating to animals that prey on others; exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.
Example
The predatory bird swooped down on its prey.
B1 noun /ˌsaʊθˈwɛst/

southwest

Meaning
the direction that is between south and west; a region in that direction
Example
They traveled to the southwest of the country for their vacation.
C2 verb /ˈfrɪtər/

fritter

Meaning
To waste time, money, or energy on trivial matters.
Example
He frittered away his savings on unnecessary gadgets.
C1 noun /ˈstænzə/

stanza

Meaning
a group of lines forming a unit in a poem or song
Example
The poem begins with a stanza describing nature.
B1 noun kəˈpæs.ə.ti

capacity

Meaning
The maximum amount that something can contain or produce; the ability or power to do or understand something.
Example
The cable has the capacity to handle vast data traffic.
B2 adjective /prəˈtɛktɪv/

protective

Meaning
giving or capable of giving protection; shielding from harm or danger
Example
She wore a protective helmet while riding her bike.
A2 noun, verb /lɪŋk/

link

Meaning
a connection between two things; to connect or associate
Example
The article includes a link to the official website.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːr.tən.ti/

Certainty

Meaning
firm conviction that something is the case; the quality of being reliably true
Example
We can say with certainty that the project will be completed on time.
C1 noun /ləˈɡuːn/

lagoon

Meaning
A shallow body of water separated from the sea by sandbars or reefs.
Example
We swam in the calm waters of the lagoon.
C2 verb /ˈtæri/

tarry

Meaning
To delay or linger; to stay longer than intended.
Example
Do not tarry, or you will miss the train.
B1 noun ˈem.fə.sɪs

emphasis

Meaning
Special importance, value, or prominence given to something; stress laid on a particular point or aspect.
Example
The speaker placed emphasis on sustainable development.
C1 verb /ɪnˈθjuːz/

enthuse

Meaning
to express excitement or admiration
Example
She enthused about her trip to Italy.
C2 noun /ˈvɛrɪti/

verity

Meaning
a true principle or belief; the state of being true
Example
The verity of his statement was confirmed by evidence.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəmˌsaɪˈkoʊsɪs/

metempsychosis

Meaning
The supposed transmigration of the soul, especially its reincarnation after death.
Example
Ancient philosophers often debated the idea of metempsychosis.
A2 noun /bɒs/

boss

Meaning
a person who is in charge of a worker, group, or organization
Example
Her boss gave her a new project to complete.
B1 noun /ˈseɪ.vɪŋz/

savings

Meaning
Money that is saved, especially in a bank or official scheme for future use.
Example
Many people invest their savings in real estate.
C1 noun /ˌmɒd.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

modulation

Meaning
The process of varying or controlling something.
Example
Proper modulation of voice enhances communication skills.
C1 noun /spæt/

spat

Meaning
a short, petty quarrel or argument
Example
They had a brief spat about who should do the dishes.
C2 verb /mʌlkt/

mulct

Meaning
to punish by a fine or to defraud someone of money
Example
The corrupt official was mulcted for his misconduct.
C1 noun /ˈæd.vənt/

advent

Meaning
The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
Example
The advent of the internet changed the way people communicate.
C2 adjective /ˈtɜːrbɪd/

turbid

Meaning
Cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter; confused or obscure in meaning.
Example
The river water became turbid after the heavy rains.
C2 noun /ˈfɜːrðərəns/

furtherance

Meaning
The advancement or promotion of something.
Example
The new policy was introduced in furtherance of social justice.
C2 noun /mɛnˈdæsəti/

mendacity

Meaning
the tendency to be untruthful; dishonesty
Example
The journalist exposed the mendacity of the officials.
B1 noun /ˈær.əb/

arab

Meaning
a person belonging to the Semitic people of the Middle East and North Africa
Example
He is an Arab living in Dubai.
C1 noun ˌpraɪɔːrɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən

prioritization

Meaning
The action or process of deciding the relative importance or urgency of things.
Example
Effective prioritization ensures resources are used efficiently.
C1 noun /ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃən/

inclination

Meaning
A natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way.
Example
She has an inclination towards helping others.
C1 verb /əˈfɪʃieɪt/

officiate

Meaning
To perform official duties, especially in a ceremony or as a referee.
Example
The priest will officiate the wedding ceremony.
C1 noun /juːˈtoʊpiə/

utopia

Meaning
An imagined perfect society or place where everything is ideal.
Example
Many philosophers dreamed of creating a utopia for humanity.
C2 noun /ˌnɛɡlɪˈʒeɪ/

negligee

Meaning
A woman's light dressing gown, often made of thin or silky material.
Example
She wore a silk negligee before going to bed.
C2 adjective /ˈstraɪ.eɪ.tɪd/

striated

Meaning
marked with thin lines, grooves, or stripes
Example
The muscle fibers appeared striated under the microscope.
A2 adjective /ˈmeɪdʒər/

major

Meaning
important, serious, or significant
Example
Climate change is a major concern for the world.
C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning
a person or group who has captured someone or something
Example
The hostage managed to escape from his captors.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪləm/

phylum

Meaning
a primary category in the biological classification of organisms, above class and below kingdom
Example
Humans belong to the phylum Chordata.
B2 noun /ˈkrɪtɪk/

critic

Meaning
A person who judges the merits of something, especially art or literature
Example
The film critic praised the director's latest movie.