nonplussed
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C2 verb /ˌnɒnˈplʌst/

nonplussed

Meaning
Past tense of nonplus; surprised and unsure how to react.
Example
He stood nonplussed at the strange remark.
B2 noun /wɔːmθ/

warmth

Meaning
the quality or state of being warm in temperature or feeling
Example
She felt the warmth of the sun on her face.
A2 noun, verb /ʃɒt/

shot

Meaning
a single attempt to hit something, usually with a weapon or a ball
Example
He took a shot at the goal.
B1 noun /ˈpænəl/

panel

Meaning
a group of people gathered to discuss, judge, or advise on a particular topic
Example
The panel of judges announced the winner of the competition.
C2 adjective /haɪˈbɜːrnəl/

hibernal

Meaning
Relating to or occurring in winter.
Example
The hibernal season is often harsh in the mountains.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪvstoʊn/

gravestone

Meaning
A stone that marks a grave, usually inscribed with the name of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone had her name carved beautifully.
C2 noun /əˈspær.ə.ɡəs biːn/

Asparagus bean

Meaning
a long, thin green vegetable pod that grows on vines; also known as yard-long bean
Example
The asparagus bean grows up to three feet long and is commonly used in Asian cooking.
B2 noun ˌɪn.fləˈmeɪ.ʃən

inflammation

Meaning
A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful.
Example
Chronic inflammation can lead to severe diseases.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdənt/

pedant

Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
Example
The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details.
B2 adjective /ˈænɪmeɪtɪd/

animated

Meaning
Full of life or excitement; made using animation techniques.
Example
The animated film was loved by children and adults alike.
C1 verb ˈdwɪn.dl

dwindle

Meaning
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength; to become progressively smaller.
Example
His savings dwindled due to unexpected expenses.
C1 noun /ˈbɛərnəs/

bareness

Meaning
the state of being bare or uncovered; lack of decoration, warmth, or concealment
Example
The bareness of the room made it feel cold and unwelcoming.
C1 adjective /ˈmeʒ.ər.ə.bəl/

Measurable

Meaning
able to be measured; quantifiable
Example
The project's success was measurable by increased sales.
C2 adjective /ˈfʌŋɡəs/

fungous

Meaning
relating to or resembling a fungus
Example
The damp basement had a fungous smell.
C1 adjective /rɪˈmoʊtɪd/

remoted

Meaning
placed at a distance; made remote
Example
The system was remoted to a secure location.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪt ˈnwɑːr/

bete noire

Meaning
A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or fears.
Example
Grammar has always been his bete noire.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.θən/

Python

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The python wrapped around its prey tightly.
B1 noun /ˈpɔɪ.zən/

Poison

Meaning
a substance that is capable of causing death or illness
Example
The snake's bite contains deadly poison.
B2 noun ɪˈmɪʃ.ən

emission

Meaning
The release or discharge of gases, particles, or other substances into the environment.
Example
Car manufacturers are reducing carbon emissions.
A1 preposition /ˈʌndər/

under

Meaning
in or to a lower position than something
Example
The cat is under the table.
B1 adverb /ˈæftərwərd/

afterward

Meaning
at a later time; subsequently
Example
We went to dinner and watched a movie afterward.
C2 noun /ˈnoʊzˌɡeɪ/

nosegay

Meaning
a small bunch of flowers, typically given as a gift or carried for decoration
Example
She carried a nosegay of fresh roses to the ceremony.
C1 adjective /bɪˈfɪt.ɪŋ/

Befitting

Meaning
appropriate; suitable; proper for a particular situation or person
Example
He wore formal attire befitting the important occasion.
A2 adjective /ruːd/

Rude

Meaning
impolite; discourteous; lacking civility; rough or harsh in manner
Example
It was rude of him to interrupt the meeting.
B2 noun /ˈkʌs.tə.mər rɪˈten.ʃən/

Customer Retention

Meaning
The ability of a company or product to retain its customers over some specified period.
Example
High customer retention increases business sustainability.
C2 noun /wɜːrl/

whorl

Meaning
A pattern of spirals or concentric circles, often found in fingerprints, shells, or flowers.
Example
The fingerprint displayed a clear whorl pattern.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɛvəˈrɛnʃəl/

irreverential

Meaning
Showing a lack of respect for things that are generally taken seriously.
Example
His irreverential humor often shocked traditional audiences.
C1 verb /plʌm/

plumb

Meaning
to measure the depth of water or examine closely
Example
They used a line to plumb the depth of the lake.
C1 verb /ˈstɪɡmətaɪz/

stigmatize

Meaning
to describe or regard someone as worthy of disgrace or disapproval
Example
People with certain illnesses are often unfairly stigmatized.
A1 pronoun /ˈʌðərz/

others

Meaning
people or things distinct from the ones already mentioned or known
Example
I like to spend time with others.
B2 verb /ɪnˈlaɪtən/

enlighten

Meaning
to give someone greater knowledge or understanding about a subject or situation
Example
The teacher tried to enlighten the students about ancient history.
C1 verb /loʊð/

loathe

Meaning
to feel intense dislike or disgust for
Example
He absolutely loathes being late to meetings.
C2 noun /ˈplɛbɪsaɪt/

plebiscite

Meaning
a direct vote by the electorate on an important public question
Example
The government held a plebiscite to decide on the new constitution.
C1 noun əbˈzɔːrp.ʃən

absorption

Meaning
The process or action by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.
Example
Plants help in the absorption of carbon dioxide.
B1 adjective /ˈlaɪv.li/

Lively

Meaning
full of life and energy; animated; cheerful
Example
The children had a lively discussion about their favorite books.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/

inimical

Meaning
tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly or hostile
Example
The policy was inimical to the country's economic growth.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈfɪt/

Unfit

Meaning
not in good physical condition; unsuitable or inappropriate
Example
He was declared unfit for military service due to his poor health.
C1 noun /ˌbɪbliˈɒɡrəfi/

bibliography

Meaning
a list of books, articles, or other sources used or referred to in scholarly work
Example
The report includes a detailed bibliography at the end.
C2 noun, adjective /ɪˈklɪptɪk/

ecliptic

Meaning
The apparent path of the sun across the sky; relating to eclipses or this path.
Example
The ecliptic is the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun.
C1 verb /kliːv/

cleave

Meaning
to split or divide; to cut through forcefully
Example
He used an axe to cleave the wood.
B2 verb /ˈverɪfaɪ/

verify

Meaning
to check if something is true or correct; to confirm
Example
Please verify your email address before proceeding.
C2 noun /pæˈstiːʃ/

pastiche

Meaning
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
Example
The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies.
A1 adverb /wen/

When

Meaning
at what time; at the time that; during the time that
Example
When will you arrive at the station?
B1 noun ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən

conservation

Meaning
The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity.
Example
Conservation of forests is crucial for climate stability.
B2 verb/noun /ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/

exhibit

Meaning
To display or show publicly; something put on display.
Example
The museum will exhibit ancient artifacts.
C2 noun /əˈbeɪəns/

abeyance

Meaning
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
Example
The project was held in abeyance until funds became available.
C2 noun /luːn/

lune

Meaning
A crescent-shaped figure formed by two intersecting arcs; also means 'moon' in French.
Example
The mathematician studied the properties of the lune.
C2 noun /weɪf/

Waif

Meaning
a homeless or abandoned child; a stray person or animal
Example
The charity helps waifs and strays find homes and families.
B2 noun /ˈθæŋksˌɡɪvɪŋ/

thanksgiving

Meaning
an annual holiday in the US for giving thanks, celebrated with a meal
Example
We spent Thanksgiving dinner with our family.
B1 verb /dɪˈfaɪn/

define

Meaning
to explain the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept clearly
Example
The teacher asked the student to define the word 'democracy'.
C1 noun /fæd/

fad

Meaning
a temporary fashion or trend; a short-lived craze
Example
The new diet became a popular fad among teenagers.
A1 noun ˈpɛrənts

Parents

Meaning
One's father and mother.
Example
The family tree starts with the child's parents.
B1 noun rɪˈsɜː.tʃəz

researchers

Meaning
People who study and investigate to discover new information or facts.
Example
Researchers are working on innovative solutions.
A2 noun, verb, adjective /saʊnd/

sound

Meaning
a sensation perceived by the ear; to make or cause to make a noise; in good condition
Example
The bell sounded across the valley.
B2 noun /rɪˈfɔːr.mər/

Reformer

Meaning
a person who works to bring about positive changes in society or institutions
Example
The social reformer dedicated her life to improving education for all children.
C2 noun /ˈdɛrɪk/

derrick

Meaning
A framework or tower used for supporting a crane, especially for oil drilling or lifting heavy loads.
Example
The workers assembled a derrick at the oil drilling site.
C1 adjective /ˈhɛdˌstrɔŋ/

headstrong

Meaning
Determined to do what one wants, even if it is not sensible.
Example
The headstrong child refused to listen to anyone.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrpəskəl/

corpuscle

Meaning
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
Example
Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body.
C1 noun ˌsætʃəˈreɪʃən

saturation

Meaning
The state of being saturated; the degree or extent to which something is dissolved or absorbed
Example
The saturation of the market with similar products reduced sales.
B2 noun /ˈtwaɪ.laɪt/

Twilight

Meaning
the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon; a period of decline
Example
We walked along the beach at twilight.
C1 noun /rɪˈtrækʃən/

retraction

Meaning
the act of taking back a statement, promise, or belief
Example
The newspaper issued a retraction of the false report.
B1 verb /stiːl/

steal

Meaning
to take something without permission; to rob
Example
It's wrong to steal from others.
C1 noun /ˈɛmbləm/

emblem

Meaning
A symbolic object, design, or figure representing an idea, group, or identity.
Example
The dove is an emblem of peace.
C1 verb /ˈsenʃər/

censure

Meaning
to criticize severely; to express strong disapproval
Example
The committee censured the politician for his misconduct.
C1 noun /ˌɛks.həˈleɪ.ʃən/

exhalation

Meaning
The action of breathing out.
Example
Slow exhalation calms the nervous system.
C1 noun /vɛnˈdɛtə/

vendetta

Meaning
a prolonged bitter quarrel or campaign of revenge
Example
The two families were caught in a bitter vendetta for generations.
A1 noun /tɒp/

top

Meaning
the highest or uppermost point, part, or surface of something
Example
The book is on the top shelf.
B2 noun /əˈsɛnt/

ascent

Meaning
The act of rising or climbing to a higher position or level.
Example
The climbers began their ascent to the mountain peak at dawn.
B2 adjective /ˈhek.tɪk/

Hectic

Meaning
very busy and full of activity; frantic; characterized by intense activity or excitement
Example
My schedule has been hectic lately with back-to-back meetings.
B2 adjective /ˈæp.lɪ.kə.bəl/

applicable

Meaning
Relevant or appropriate in a particular situation.
Example
This rule is applicable to eye care too.
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.
C2 verb /ˈprɒsəˌlaɪtaɪz/

proselytize

Meaning
To try to persuade someone to convert to a different belief or religion.
Example
They tried to proselytize the villagers with their new ideas.
C2 noun /skæd/

scad

Meaning
A type of fish of the jack family; also informally means a large number or quantity.
Example
The fisherman caught a scad in the net.
C1 adjective /ˈhɛlθfəl/

healthful

Meaning
Promoting good health; beneficial to health.
Example
A healthful diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪhɑːrd/

diehard

Meaning
A person who strongly resists change and remains loyal to a belief or cause.
Example
He is a diehard fan of classic rock music.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.lekt/

intellect

Meaning
The ability to think, reason, and understand objectively.
Example
Her intellect is admired by all her colleagues.
C1 adjective /ˈnɑːkʃəs/

noxious

Meaning
harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
Example
The factory released noxious fumes into the air.
C1 noun /bɑːrb/

barb

Meaning
a sharp projection such as on a fishhook; a cutting remark
Example
The fishhook has a small barb to keep the fish from escaping.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrətɑː̃/

contretemps

Meaning
an unexpected and unfortunate event or disagreement; a minor dispute
Example
There was a small contretemps between the two colleagues during the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈbloʊˌhɑrd/

blowhard

Meaning
a person who brags a lot or talks in a boastful way
Example
Everyone avoided the blowhard at the party because he wouldn't stop bragging.
C2 noun /boʊ/

beau

Meaning
a male admirer or boyfriend; a fashionable young man
Example
She arrived at the party with her beau.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌstʌdi/

understudy

Meaning
An actor who learns another's role to act as a replacement if needed.
Example
The understudy performed when the lead actor fell ill.
C2 verb /seɪt/

sate

Meaning
To satisfy fully or to excess.
Example
The huge meal sated their hunger after the long journey.
C1 adjective /əˈprɛs.ɪv/

Oppressive

Meaning
Harsh and authoritarian; overwhelming; causing distress; tyrannical;
Example
The oppressive heat made it difficult to work outside during the summer.
C1 verb /ˈɡlɒs.oʊ.vər/

glossover

Meaning
an informal or non-standard variant of 'gloss over', meaning to ignore or minimize something
Example
He tried to glossover his mistakes during the meeting.
C2 noun /njuːˈmɪzmətɪst/

numismatist

Meaning
A person who studies or collects coins, paper currency, and medals.
Example
The numismatist displayed his rare coin collection at the exhibition.
B2 adjective əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ

astonishing

Meaning
Extremely surprising or impressive; amazing.
Example
The astonishing discovery changed the way we view the universe.
B1 noun /ˈɛldər/

elder

Meaning
a person who is older or has higher rank; an older person in a family or community
Example
We should always respect our elders.
B2 noun /lɪm/

limb

Meaning
an arm or leg of a person or animal; a large branch of a tree
Example
He broke a limb while climbing the tree.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsaɪfər/

encipher

Meaning
to convert a message into code or cipher
Example
The agent enciphered the secret message before sending it.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪlkən/

Silken

Meaning
made of silk; smooth and soft like silk
Example
She wore a beautiful silken dress to the party.
B1 noun /ˈlɪsənər/

listener

Meaning
a person who listens or pays attention to something, especially to a speaker or sound.
Example
She is a good listener who always understands others' problems.
C2 noun /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪstəns/

preexistence

Meaning
the state of existing before something else
Example
Philosophers often debated the preexistence of the soul.
A1 noun /dɪˈsɛmbər/

december

Meaning
the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Example
December is usually cold in many countries.
C1 noun /noʊm/

gnome

Meaning
a small mythical creature, often depicted as a bearded man living underground; also a figurine used in gardens
Example
The garden was decorated with a gnome statue.
C2 noun /ˈænti/

ante

Meaning
a stake put up by a player in poker or similar games before receiving cards; also used figuratively to mean an initial investment or contribution
Example
Each player placed an ante before the game began.
A1 noun /bɔɪ/

boy

Meaning
a male child or young male person
Example
The boy ran across the playground.
B2 noun /ˈskuːtər/

scooter

Meaning
a small two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or electricity
Example
She rides a scooter to work every day.
B2 noun /brɑːnz/

bronze

Meaning
a metal made by combining copper and tin, often used for statues and medals
Example
The statue was made of solid bronze.
C1 noun /ˈken.əl/

Kennel

Meaning
a small shelter for a dog; an establishment for the breeding or boarding of dogs
Example
The dog slept comfortably in his wooden kennel in the backyard.
A1 adjective /hoʊl/

Whole

Meaning
complete; entire; all of something
Example
He ate the whole pizza by himself.
C1 verb /ˈʌndərkʌt/

undercut

Meaning
to sell at a lower price than a competitor; to weaken or undermine something
Example
The company tried to undercut its rivals by offering lower prices.
C1 noun /ˈmɛdli/

medley

Meaning
A mixture of different things, especially musical tunes combined together.
Example
The band played a medley of popular songs.
B2 adjective /ɪkˈstɪr.i.ər/

Exterior

Meaning
relating to the outside part or surface of something; outer
Example
The exterior of the building was painted in bright colors.
C2 noun /ˌkæl.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

calcification

Meaning
The process of calcium accumulation in soil, making it hard.
Example
Calcification reduces soil permeability and affects crop growth.
C2 verb, noun /ˈkweɪvər/

quaver

Meaning
To shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion.
Example
Her voice quavered as she spoke before the crowd.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsns/

convalescence

Meaning
the period of time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
His convalescence lasted for almost two months after the accident.
B2 adverb /ˈsel.fɪʃ.li/

Selfishly

Meaning
in a selfish manner; caring only about oneself
Example
He selfishly took all the cookies.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪsəm/

lissome

Meaning
Thin, supple, and graceful in movement.
Example
The dancer moved with a lissome elegance.
B1 noun /ˌek.spləˈneɪ.ʃən/

Explanation

Meaning
a statement or account that makes something clear; clarification of meaning
Example
The teacher gave a detailed explanation of the complex mathematical concept.
C2 verb /ˌriː.kəˈnɔɪ.tər/

reconnoiter

Meaning
to make a preliminary inspection or survey, especially of an area for military or strategic purposes
Example
The soldiers reconnoitered the area before advancing.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːr.tɪ.tjuːd/

fortitude

Meaning
Courage in pain or adversity; mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty.
Example
She faced adversity with great fortitude.
B2 verb /riːp/

reap

Meaning
to cut or gather a crop; to receive as a consequence of actions
Example
Farmers reap wheat in the late summer.
C2 noun /ˈlɪbərˌtiːn/

libertine

Meaning
A person who behaves without moral principles, especially in sexual matters.
Example
The novel depicted the reckless life of a libertine in 18th century France.
B1 adjective /ˈblʌdi/

bloody

Meaning
covered in, involving, or containing blood; also used informally for emphasis in British English.
Example
The soldier returned from battle with a bloody arm.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
B1 noun, verb /ˈrɒkɪt/

rocket

Meaning
a missile or vehicle propelled by a rocket engine; to increase or move very quickly
Example
The company’s profits rocketed after the new product launch.
C1 verb /drɛntʃ/

drench

Meaning
to make someone or something completely wet
Example
The sudden rain drenched the players on the field.
A1 noun /speɪs/

space

Meaning
The dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move.
Example
Space exploration expands human knowledge.
A2 noun ˈsɜːvɪsɪz

services

Meaning
The action of helping or doing work for someone.
Example
Services in the healthcare industry are essential for well-being.
C1 noun /mɒb/

Mob

Meaning
a large crowd of people; a group that acts in a violent way
Example
An angry mob gathered outside the building.