nerve
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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.
B1 noun /ˈmɒr.əl/

Moral

Meaning
a lesson about right and wrong conduct; principles of right behavior
Example
The moral of the story is to always tell the truth.
B1 noun /ˈrʌnər/

runner

Meaning
a person who runs, especially in races or for exercise
Example
The runner crossed the finish line with a big smile.
A1 pronoun /ˈɛniˌbɒdi/

anybody

Meaning
any person; anyone
Example
Anybody can join the club.
C2 noun /ˈkæn.toʊ/

canto

Meaning
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
Example
The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒvɪdənt/

improvident

Meaning
Not having or showing foresight; spending wastefully or without thought for the future.
Example
His improvident habits left him with no savings.
C2 noun /ruːd/

rood

Meaning
a crucifix, especially one positioned above the entrance to the chancel of a church
Example
The old church displayed a carved rood above the altar.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnsɪv/

pensive

Meaning
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
Example
She looked pensive as she stared out of the window.
A1 pronoun /maɪ/

my

Meaning
used to indicate possession or ownership
Example
This is my book.
B2 adjective /mɪsˈliːdɪŋ/

misleading

Meaning
giving the wrong idea or impression
Example
The advertisement was misleading and gave false information.
B2 noun /ˈem.ər.əld/

Emerald

Meaning
a bright green precious stone used in jewelry
Example
The emerald necklace sparkled in the sunlight.
B2 noun /ˈfjʊr.i/

Fury

Meaning
wild or violent anger; extreme intensity of emotion or activity
Example
His fury was evident when he discovered someone had stolen his bicycle.
C2 noun /ˌmjuːtəˈbɪləti/

mutability

Meaning
The quality of being changeable or capable of change.
Example
The mutability of fashion trends makes it hard to keep up.
C2 noun /meɪˈlɑːnʒ/

melange

Meaning
A mixture of different things or styles.
Example
The festival offered a melange of music, food, and art.
B1 verb ˈɪndɪkeɪts

indicates

Meaning
Point out; show; be a sign or symptom of; suggest as a desirable or necessary course of action.
Example
The rising trend indicates an urgent need for action.
B2 adjective /ˈklæsɪfaɪd/

classified

Meaning
arranged into categories; officially secret or restricted
Example
The report contains classified information and cannot be shared publicly.
B2 verb /ˈwɪɡəl/

wiggle

Meaning
To move or cause to move with small rapid movements from side to side.
Example
The baby wiggled happily in her mother's arms.
C1 adjective, noun /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri/

auxiliary

Meaning
(adjective) providing supplementary or additional help and support; (noun) a person or thing that provides auxiliary support
Example
The hospital has an auxiliary power generator in case of emergencies.
C2 noun /ˈrɪɡməˌroʊl/

rigmarole

Meaning
a long, complicated, and confusing process or story
Example
Getting a visa was such a rigmarole of paperwork and interviews.
C1 verb /veks/

vex

Meaning
to annoy or frustrate someone; to cause trouble
Example
The constant noise from construction vexes the residents.
B2 noun /ˈraɪdər/

rider

Meaning
A person who rides a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle.
Example
The rider fell off the horse.
C1 noun /ˈtjuːmʌlt/

tumult

Meaning
A loud, confused noise, especially caused by a crowd; commotion or disorder.
Example
The protest created a tumult in the city square.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːr.kəˌroʊl/

barcarole

Meaning
a traditional Venetian boat song, often in 6/8 time
Example
The orchestra played a beautiful barcarole that reminded me of Venice.
B2 noun /ˈdef.ə.sɪt/

Deficit

Meaning
the amount by which something is too small; a shortfall or lack
Example
The government faced a budget deficit of millions due to increased spending.
C2 noun /ˈvɛləm/

vellum

Meaning
a fine parchment made originally from the skin of a calf, used for writing or printing
Example
The ancient manuscript was written on vellum.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
B1 noun, verb /eɪd/

aid

Meaning
help or support, typically of a practical nature
Example
The volunteers provided aid to the flood victims.
C2 noun /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

Meaning
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
Example
Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.
C1 verb /ˈkɒr.ə.leɪt/

correlate

Meaning
To have a mutual relationship or connection; to establish a relationship between two or more things.
Example
Researchers found that diet and mental health correlate strongly.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfɜːrloʊ/

furlough

Meaning
temporary leave of absence from work, especially that granted to an employee or soldier
Example
Many workers were placed on furlough during the crisis.
A2 noun /ɪˈvent/

event

Meaning
something that happens, especially something important
Example
The concert was the biggest event of the year.
C2 noun /ˈrɛv.ər.i/

reverie

Meaning
A state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream.
Example
Lost in reverie, he didn't hear his name being called.
C2 noun /ˈdjʊərəns/

durance

Meaning
imprisonment or confinement
Example
The prisoner spent years in durance before his release.
C2 noun /sɪˈnɛrəsɪs/

syneresis

Meaning
The contraction of two adjacent vowels into a single syllable or the separation of liquid from a gel.
Example
The yogurt showed syneresis when liquid separated on top.
A1 noun /taɪm/

time

Meaning
a measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues
Example
I don’t have enough time to finish the project.
A1 noun /ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/

example

Meaning
a thing or person regarded as a model to be followed or avoided
Example
He is a good example of a hardworking student.
B2 noun səbˈstænʃəl ˈɪmpækt

substantial impact

Meaning
A significant, considerable, and meaningful effect or influence.
Example
Substantial impact is possible even with a few hours of volunteering.
B2 noun /ˌkɒn.tɪˈnjuː.ɪ.ti/

continuity

Meaning
the state of being continuous or connected; consistency over time
Example
Maintaining continuity in leadership is essential for organizational stability.
C1 noun /ˌplɔː.zəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

plausibility

Meaning
The quality of being reasonable or probable.
Example
The plausibility of his explanation convinced the jury.
B2 verb /əˈkweɪnt/

acquaint

Meaning
to make someone familiar with something; to inform or introduce
Example
Please acquaint yourself with the safety guidelines before operating the machine.
C1 verb /sərˈmaʊnt/

surmount

Meaning
to overcome a difficulty or obstacle
Example
He surmounted all the challenges to achieve his dream.
C1 adjective /ˈmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl/

Marginal

Meaning
relating to or situated at the edge; minimal; slight
Example
The marginal improvement in sales was barely noticeable.
B1 verb /məˈsɑːʒ/

massage

Meaning
to rub and press muscles to relieve pain or tension; to manipulate information
Example
The therapist will massage your back to reduce muscle tension.
B2 noun /ˈæftərˌlaɪf/

afterlife

Meaning
Life or existence that some believe continues after physical death.
Example
Many cultures have different beliefs about the afterlife.
C2 noun /ˌfoʊ.nəˈlɑː.dʒi/

phonology

Meaning
the study of the sound system of a language
Example
She is studying phonology to understand how sounds function in English.
C2 noun /ˈproʊtoʊˌmɑːrtɚ/

protomartyr

Meaning
The first martyr in a cause or religion, often referring to the first Christian martyr.
Example
St. Stephen is known as the protomartyr of Christianity.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪntri/

wintry

Meaning
Characteristic of or suitable for winter; cold and bleak.
Example
The wintry wind made everyone shiver as they walked outside.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪstri/

chemistry

Meaning
the branch of science that studies substances and their interactions; also the emotional connection between people
Example
They have great chemistry and work well together.
B2 noun /ˈfluː.ən.si/

fluency

Meaning
The ability to speak or write a language smoothly and effortlessly.
Example
She speaks English with remarkable fluency.
A1 preposition/adverb/adjective/noun /ˌɪnˈsaɪd/

inside

Meaning
Situated within something; the inner part of something.
Example
She waited inside the house until the rain stopped.
B2 verb /ʃʌv/

shove

Meaning
to push someone or something roughly
Example
He shoved the box into the corner.
C1 adjective, verb /sɪˈdeɪt/

sedate

Meaning
calm, quiet, and composed; or to administer a drug to make someone calm or sleep
Example
The nurse sedated the patient before the operation.
A2 noun /ˈæl.fə.bɛt/

alphabet

Meaning
a set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used to represent the sounds of a language
Example
Children usually learn the alphabet before learning to read words.
B2 adverb /ˈædɪkwətli/

adequately

Meaning
in a satisfactory manner
Example
He completed the task adequately, but could improve next time.
C1 adjective /ˈflæʃi/

flashy

Meaning
ostentatious or showy in a way that attracts attention
Example
He drove a flashy sports car through the city streets.
B2 noun /ˈsæŋk.tʃuˌɛr.i/

sanctuary

Meaning
A place of safety, refuge, or protection; a sacred place.
Example
The forest is a sanctuary for endangered animals.
B2 noun /ˈraɪvəlri/

Rivalry

Meaning
competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field; the state of being rivals
Example
The rivalry between the two teams made the match exciting.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɜːrs/

disperse

Meaning
To scatter or spread widely in different directions.
Example
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
C1 verb /ˈrevəl/

revel

Meaning
to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way; to take great pleasure in
Example
They revel in their success.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊər.li/

Hourly

Meaning
every hour; happening or done each hour; continuously
Example
The weather report is updated hourly.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈweɪ/

outweigh

Meaning
To be more important, valuable, or significant than something else.
Example
The benefits of the new policy outweigh the risks.
B2 verb /triːd/

tread

Meaning
to step or walk on something; to crush with feet
Example
Don't tread on the flowers.
B1 noun /ˈeər fɔːrs/

Air force

Meaning
the military organization of a country that uses aircraft for fighting
Example
The air force conducted a training exercise over the mountains.
B2 noun ˌɡloʊ.bəl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

globalization

Meaning
The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.
Example
Globalization has connected economies across the world.
C2 noun /ˌædʒʊˈreɪʃən/

adjuration

Meaning
a solemn urging or appeal
Example
The priest made an adjuration for peace and unity.
B2 adjective /ˈbaɪəst/

Biased

Meaning
showing prejudice for or against someone or something unfairly
Example
The judge was accused of being biased against the defendant.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsæn.ə.ti/

Insanity

Meaning
the state of being seriously mentally ill; extreme foolishness or irrationality
Example
The defense lawyer argued that his client was not guilty by reason of insanity.
C2 adjective /ˌdeɪ.kɒlˈteɪ/

decollete

Meaning
of a woman's dress or top, cut low so as to reveal the neck and upper chest
Example
She wore a decollete gown to the party.
C1 noun /krʊk/

crook

Meaning
a dishonest person, especially a criminal
Example
The police finally caught the crook who had been stealing cars.
C1 verb /riˈdʒɔɪn/

rejoin

Meaning
to join again or return to a group, place, or activity
Example
After a short break, she decided to rejoin the team.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃən/

convolution

Meaning
a twist, coil, or a complex and intricate shape or arrangement
Example
The brain has many convolutions that increase its surface area.
C2 noun /nɪt/

nit

Meaning
The egg or young form of a louse or other parasitic insect.
Example
The teacher noticed nits in the child’s hair.
C2 noun /ˌklɛptəˈmeɪniæk/

kleptomaniac

Meaning
A person with an irresistible urge to steal, typically without need or profit.
Example
The kleptomaniac was caught shoplifting again.
C1 noun /slæɡ/

slag

Meaning
Stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting process.
Example
The factory dumped the slag near the river.
C1 noun ˌoʊ.vɚˈɡreɪ.zɪŋ

overgrazing

Meaning
The practice of allowing livestock to graze to the point of damaging vegetation.
Example
Overgrazing leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
C2 verb /ˈmjuːtɪleɪt/

mutilate

Meaning
to inflict serious damage on something, often by cutting or tearing
Example
The ancient manuscript was mutilated by careless handling.
B2 noun ˈbleɪzə

blazer

Meaning
A coloured jacket worn by members of a club, team, or school as part of a uniform.
Example
He looked sharp in his navy blue blazer at the event.
B2 noun /əbˈsɛʃən/

obsession

Meaning
An idea, thought, or concern that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind.
Example
His obsession with success drove him to work day and night.
C2 noun /ˈɪntərˌloʊpər/

interloper

Meaning
A person who becomes involved in a situation or place where they are not wanted.
Example
He felt like an interloper at the private family gathering.
C2 noun /pɛlf/

pelf

Meaning
Money, especially when gained dishonorably.
Example
The corrupt official was motivated only by pelf.
B2 adjective /hɪˈstɛrɪkəl/

hysterical

Meaning
Extremely funny or uncontrollably emotional.
Example
The comedian's jokes were absolutely hysterical.
B1 noun /ˈɒnɪsti/

honesty

Meaning
the quality of being truthful and sincere
Example
Honesty is the best policy in all situations.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdetɪd/

Indebted

Meaning
owing money or gratitude to someone; obligated; grateful
Example
I am deeply indebted to my teacher for all her guidance.
C1 noun /ˌɪmpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

importation

Meaning
The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad
Example
The importation of luxury goods is strictly regulated.
C1 noun /ˈkɔːl.drən/

Cauldron

Meaning
a large metal pot with a lid and handle, used for cooking over a fire
Example
The witch stirred her potion in a large cauldron.
C1 noun /ˈpriːˌæmbəl/

preamble

Meaning
a preliminary statement, especially the introduction to a formal document
Example
The preamble of the constitution outlines its guiding principles.
C1 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ət/

bigot

Meaning
A person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions or beliefs.
Example
He was called a bigot for refusing to listen to others' views.
C2 noun /ˈkærəˌpeɪs/

carapace

Meaning
the hard shell covering the back of some animals like turtles and crabs
Example
The turtle withdrew into its carapace for protection.
C1 noun ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən

degradation

Meaning
The condition or process of degrading or being degraded.
Example
Soil degradation due to overuse is a growing issue.
C1 verb /ˈtɑːtər/

totter

Meaning
To move unsteadily, as if about to fall; to be on the point of collapse.
Example
The old man tottered across the street with a cane.
B2 noun /ˈlɒk.ɪt/

Locket

Meaning
a small ornamental case, typically made of gold or silver, worn on a chain around the neck
Example
She kept her grandmother's photo in the locket.
A2 verb /feɪl/

fail

Meaning
to not succeed in achieving something; to be unsuccessful
Example
He failed to complete the assignment on time.
A2 noun /piˈænoʊ/

Piano

Meaning
a large keyboard musical instrument with black and white keys that produces sound by striking strings with hammers
Example
The little girl practiced piano for one hour every day.
C2 noun /ˈeb.taɪd/

Ebb-tide

Meaning
the movement of the tide out to sea; a time when the sea level is falling
Example
During ebb-tide, we could walk further out on the beach.
C1 noun /ˈbjuːɡəl/

Bugle

Meaning
a brass musical instrument similar to a trumpet but without valves, used especially for military calls
Example
The soldier played the bugle to signal the start of the ceremony.
A2 adjective /ˈflaɪɪŋ/

flying

Meaning
able to move through the air; related to flight or aircraft
Example
The flying bird disappeared into the clouds.
A1 noun /laɪt/

Light

Meaning
the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength
Example
Turn on the light, it's getting dark.
C2 verb /ɪˈfeɪs/

efface

Meaning
To erase or wipe out something; to make oneself inconspicuous.
Example
Time had effaced the letters on the old gravestone.
C1 noun /ˈprɒk.tər/

proctor

Meaning
a person who supervises students during an examination
Example
The proctor reminded students to keep their phones switched off.
C2 adjective /bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/

bewitching

Meaning
charming, enchanting, or captivating in a magical or irresistible way
Example
She wore a bewitching smile that captivated everyone in the room.
C1 verb ˌæs.ɚˈteɪn

ascertain

Meaning
To find out or discover something with certainty; to verify.
Example
The police tried to ascertain the cause of the accident.
B2 conjunction /wɛərˈæz/

whereas

Meaning
used to introduce a contrast or comparison between two facts
Example
She prefers tea, whereas he likes coffee.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːrn.fəl/

mournful

Meaning
feeling, expressing, or causing sadness or grief
Example
The mournful song reminded her of lost loved ones.
C2 verb /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪt/

exhilarate

Meaning
To make someone feel very happy, animated, or excited.
Example
The mountain view exhilarated the travelers.
C1 noun /ˈfaɪərɑːm/

firearm

Meaning
a weapon capable of firing a projectile using gunpowder or other propellant
Example
The police found a hidden firearm during the investigation.
A2 noun /ˈbæskɪt/

basket

Meaning
a container made of woven materials used for carrying or storing things
Example
She carried the apples in a basket.
C1 adjective /ˈhɑːrdi/

hardy

Meaning
Strong, robust, and capable of enduring difficult conditions.
Example
Hardy plants can survive the harsh winter.
B2 noun /ˈæŋkər/

Anchor

Meaning
a heavy object used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom; a person or thing that provides stability or confidence
Example
The ship dropped its anchor in the harbor.
C2 noun /ˌfɪzɪˈɑːkrəsi/

physiocracy

Meaning
an economic theory that land and its natural products are the source of wealth
Example
Physiocracy emphasized the importance of agriculture in national wealth.
A1 noun /ˈpɛərənt/

parent

Meaning
a mother or father of a person or animal
Example
Both of his parents are teachers.
B2 noun /kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən/

coordination

Meaning
the process of organizing different elements to work together effectively
Example
The coordination between the teams was flawless.
C1 noun /ˈkʌl.ən.dər/

Colander

Meaning
a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with holes in it used for draining food such as pasta or rice
Example
She drained the pasta using a colander.
A2 verb /prəˈvaɪd/

provide

Meaning
to give or supply something that is needed or wanted
Example
The teacher will provide extra materials for the students.
C1 verb /ˌdiː.kəmˈprɛs/

decompress

Meaning
To relax and recover from stress or pressure.
Example
Taking deep breaths helps to decompress after a stressful day.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnɪˈmædʒənəbəl/

Unimaginable

Meaning
impossible to conceive; beyond imagination
Example
The scale of destruction was unimaginable until we saw it firsthand.
B1 noun /ˌdes.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Destination

Meaning
the place to which someone or something is going; the ultimate purpose or end point
Example
Paris was their dream destination for their honeymoon trip.
C1 adverb ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪ.kli

intrinsically

Meaning
In a way that is naturally or inherently part of something's essential nature.
Example
Some people are intrinsically motivated to learn.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
B2 adjective /ɪkˈstɜːr.nəl/

External

Meaning
coming from or relating to the outside; not belonging to or originating from within
Example
The company hired external consultants to review their business strategy.
B2 noun /menˈtæləti/

Mentality

Meaning
The characteristic attitude of mind or way of thinking of a person or group
Example
The team needs to develop a winning mentality to succeed.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.li.ə/

Dahlia

Meaning
a garden plant with brightly colored flowers that bloom in summer and autumn
Example
She planted colorful dahlias in her garden last summer.