nuance
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C1 noun /ˈnjuːɑːns/

nuance

Meaning
A subtle difference in shade of meaning, appearance, or sound.
Example
He noticed the subtle nuance in her expression.
A2 noun /ˈbʊkstɔːr/

bookstore

Meaning
a shop where books are sold
Example
She spent an entire afternoon browsing in the bookstore.
C1 adjective /ˈkoʊvərt/

covert

Meaning
hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged
Example
The spy conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines.
B1 adverb /ˌnesəˈserəli/

Necessarily

Meaning
as a necessary result; inevitably; by logical consequence
Example
Rich people are not necessarily happy.
B1 noun /ˈfæktər/

factor

Meaning
A circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result.
Example
Weather is an important factor in crop production.
C1 noun /pɒmp/

pomp

Meaning
ceremonial display or splendor; grandeur
Example
The graduation ceremony was full of pomp and circumstance.
C2 noun /hɪˈdʒɛməni/ or /ˈhɛdʒəmoʊni/

hegemony

Meaning
leadership or dominance, especially by one state or group over others
Example
The empire maintained its hegemony over neighboring states.
A1 adjective /bluː/

Blue

Meaning
having the color of the clear sky or the sea
Example
The blue ocean stretched endlessly to the horizon.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːrəɡət/

surrogate

Meaning
A substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office.
Example
The surrogate mother gave birth to the child after carrying it for nine months.
C1 verb /dɪˈfeɪm/

defame

Meaning
to harm someone's reputation by spreading false information
Example
He was defamed by malicious rumors.
C2 noun /ɪˈrʌp.ʃən/

Irruption

Meaning
a sudden violent entry; an invasion or raid; a sudden outburst or eruption
Example
The army's irruption into enemy territory caught the opposing forces completely off guard.
C2 noun /læŋ'ɡʊər/

Langoor

Meaning
a long-tailed monkey found in Asia, especially India and Southeast Asia
Example
The langoor was sitting on the tree branch eating fruits.
B2 noun /dɪˌskrɪm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Discrimination

Meaning
the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people; recognition of difference
Example
The company was sued for racial discrimination in their hiring practices.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlənt/

sibilant

Meaning
Making or characterized by a hissing sound.
Example
The word 'snake' starts with a sibilant sound.
C2 noun /ˈpætwɑː/

patois

Meaning
a regional or social dialect, especially one considered nonstandard or informal
Example
The guide slipped into local patois when chatting with the fishermen.
C1 noun, verb /əˈsɛnt/

assent

Meaning
To agree to something, especially after careful consideration; an expression of approval.
Example
She nodded her head in silent assent.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.mɪdʒ/

Homage

Meaning
special honor or respect shown publicly; tribute paid to someone in recognition of their merit
Example
The memorial service was a touching homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
B1 adjective /ˌlɛftˈhændɪd/

left-handed

Meaning
Using or done with the left hand; also can mean clumsy or awkward.
Example
She is left-handed and writes beautifully with her left hand.
C2 noun /ˈspɛndˌθrɪft/

spendthrift

Meaning
A person who spends money extravagantly or wastefully.
Example
The young prince was known as a spendthrift, wasting his fortune on lavish parties.
B2 adjective /ˌɪntərˈmiːdiət/

intermediate

Meaning
Coming between two things in time, place, or order; in the middle level or stage.
Example
She is taking an intermediate-level French course.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɔɪl/

despoil

Meaning
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
Example
The invaders despoiled the village during the war.
C1 adjective /pæˈseɪ/

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
C2 noun /niːˈɒkrəsi/

neocracy

Meaning
A government or leadership run by inexperienced or new officials.
Example
The sudden revolution led to a neocracy with inexperienced leaders.
A2 noun /ˈplɛʒər/

pleasure

Meaning
a feeling of happiness or enjoyment
Example
It was a pleasure to meet you.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪniər/

linear

Meaning
Arranged in or extending along a straight line.
Example
The artist used linear perspective in his drawings.
B1 noun /ˈkʌˈs.təm/

Custom

Meaning
a traditional practice or behavior; duties levied on imports; habitual practice
Example
It is a local custom to remove shoes before entering someone's home.
C1 noun /ˈproʊbeɪt/

probate

Meaning
the official proving of a will in a court of law
Example
The family had to go through probate after his death.
C1 adverb ˌekspəˈnenʃəli

exponentially

Meaning
At a rapidly increasing rate; growing or expanding very quickly and intensely.
Example
Internet adoption is growing exponentially worldwide.
A1 adverb /ɛls/

else

Meaning
In addition; besides.
Example
Is there anything else you need?
C2 adjective /fækˈtɪʃəs/

factitious

Meaning
artificial or fabricated; not natural or genuine
Example
The excitement in his story seemed factitious and forced.
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.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛsər/

intercessor

Meaning
a person who intervenes or pleads on behalf of another
Example
He acted as an intercessor to resolve the conflict between the two families.
C1 verb /ˌriːəˈdʒʌst/

readjust

Meaning
To change or move something again in order to achieve a better fit, condition, or balance.
Example
He readjusted the chair to make it more comfortable.
B2 adverb /əˈproʊpriətli/

appropriately

Meaning
in a way that is suitable or proper for a particular situation
Example
She was dressed appropriately for the event.
C2 noun /ˈʌn.dɚˌstɔː.ri/

understory

Meaning
The layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest.
Example
The understory of a rainforest is home to small mammals and insects.
B2 adjective /ˈdʒɔɪfəl/

joyful

Meaning
full of joy and happiness; causing joy or delight
Example
She felt joyful when she heard the good news.
B1 noun /paɪl/

pile

Meaning
a large amount of something stacked or placed in a heap
Example
He placed the books in a pile on the table.
B1 noun /ˌvedʒəˈteəriən/

Vegetarian

Meaning
a person who does not eat meat or fish; relating to vegetarians or vegetarianism
Example
She became a vegetarian for health and environmental reasons.
A1 adverb /ˈsʌm.taɪmz/

Sometimes

Meaning
at times; occasionally; now and then
Example
Sometimes I go for a walk in the evening.
B1 adverb /əˈsaɪd/

Aside

Meaning
to one side; apart; away from the main part
Example
Please set your book aside and listen to me.
C1 noun /ˈprɛljuːd/

prelude

Meaning
An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.
Example
The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict.
C1 adjective ˈkɒn.və.luː.tɪd

convoluted

Meaning
Extremely complex and difficult to follow; twisted or intricate.
Example
His argument was so convoluted that no one understood it.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪˈsɛnʃəl/

inessential

Meaning
not necessary or important; not essential
Example
The report removes all inessential details to stay focused.
B1 verb /spɔɪl/

spoil

Meaning
to damage or ruin something
Example
The rain spoiled the outdoor event.
B1 noun /treɪl/

trail

Meaning
a path or track left by something that has passed
Example
The hikers followed the trail through the forest.
B1 adjective /ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/

Capable

Meaning
having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve something; competent
Example
She is capable of handling complex problems.
A1 noun /ˈwɛð.ɚ/

weather

Meaning
The state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
Example
The weather forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow.
C1 verb /ˈslækən/

slacken

Meaning
to make or become less tight, less active, or slower
Example
The driver slackened his speed as he approached the village.
C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts

phytonutrients

Meaning
Bioactive compounds found in plants that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Example
Green tea contains powerful phytonutrients.
C1 verb /dɪˈpɔːrt/

deport

Meaning
To expel a foreigner from a country, usually for legal or political reasons.
Example
The government decided to deport the illegal immigrants.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒz.mɪk/

cosmic

Meaning
relating to the universe or cosmos; vast
Example
Astronomers study cosmic phenomena to understand the universe.
A1 adjective /ˈæŋ.ɡri/

Angry

Meaning
feeling or showing strong displeasure; furious; irritated
Example
She was angry because someone had broken her favorite vase.
B2 adjective /əˈkuːstɪk/

acoustic

Meaning
relating to sound or the sense of hearing; not amplified by electrical means
Example
We recorded an acoustic version of the song in a quiet room.
C1 adjective /ˈdɛkədənt/

decadent

Meaning
Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; excessively self-indulgent.
Example
The party was filled with decadent luxury and excess.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌt.əl/

subtle

Meaning
So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods.
Example
The artist's use of color was subtle yet powerful.
B2 adjective /ˈɒnɡəʊɪŋ/

ongoing

Meaning
continuing; still in progress
Example
The ongoing project will finish next month.
A2 verb /dəˈrɛkt/ or /daɪˈrɛkt/

direct

Meaning
to manage or control the course of something; to give instructions
Example
She directed the team to complete the project on time.
A2 noun /trɪk/

Trick

Meaning
a cunning act intended to deceive; a skillful action performed for entertainment
Example
The magician performed an amazing card trick that fooled everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈstɒlɪd/

stolid

Meaning
Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
Example
Despite the chaos around him, he remained stolid and composed.
C1 adjective /moʊv/

mauve

Meaning
a pale purple color with a grayish or bluish tinge
Example
She wore a beautiful mauve dress to the party.
C2 verb /ɪkˈstɛmpəraɪz/

extemporize

Meaning
To speak or perform without preparation; improvise.
Example
The actor had to extemporize when he forgot his lines.
B2 noun /ˈrep.taɪl/

Reptile

Meaning
a cold-blooded animal with scaly skin that lays eggs on land
Example
The lizard is a common reptile found in gardens.
B2 noun /skʌl/

Skull

Meaning
the bony framework of the head that protects the brain
Example
The doctor examined the skull X-ray carefully.
C1 noun /ˈlɛktən/

lectern

Meaning
A tall stand with a sloping top used to support a book, notes, or script during a speech or lecture.
Example
The professor placed her notes on the lectern before starting her lecture.
C1 adjective /ˌʌn.əˈdʌl.tə.reɪ.tɪd/

Unadulterated

Meaning
not mixed or diluted with any different or extra elements; pure
Example
She felt unadulterated joy when she heard the news.
A1 noun /ˈhɒlɪdeɪ/

holiday

Meaning
A day of celebration or rest when most people do not work.
Example
We are planning a trip during the summer holiday.
C1 adjective /ˈɡleɪʃəl/

glacial

Meaning
relating to ice or glaciers; extremely cold or unfriendly
Example
The mountains were covered in glacial ice.
C2 verb /drɔːl/

drawl

Meaning
to speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds
Example
He tends to drawl when he is tired.
C1 adjective /ˌwɛlˈbrɛd/

well-bred

Meaning
Having or showing good manners; properly raised.
Example
She is a well-bred young lady with excellent manners.
C2 adjective /ˈneb.jə.ləs/

Nebulous

Meaning
vague or unclear; lacking definite form; hazy
Example
His plans for the future remain nebulous and unclear.
C1 noun /djʊˈrɛs/

duress

Meaning
threats, violence, or pressure used to force someone to do something
Example
She signed the contract under duress.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsaɪfər/

encipher

Meaning
to convert a message into code or cipher
Example
The agent enciphered the secret message before sending it.
C2 noun /ˌluːkjʊˈbreɪʃən/

lucubration

Meaning
study or meditation, especially at night
Example
His novel was the result of long lucubration.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt/

encroachment

Meaning
the act of gradually intruding or taking over someone’s rights, land, or space
Example
The villagers protested against the encroachment on their farmland.
B2 noun /ˈzɪɡzæɡ/

Zigzag

Meaning
a line or course having abrupt alternate right and left turns; a pattern of sharp turns
Example
The road follows a zigzag pattern up the mountain.
B2 adjective /dɪˈpɛndəbl/

dependable

Meaning
able to be trusted or relied on; consistently reliable
Example
She is a dependable colleague who always meets deadlines.
B2 noun /bædʒ/

badge

Meaning
A small emblem or sign worn to show membership, authority, or achievement.
Example
The police officer showed his badge to identify himself.
B2 noun /tʃɔːr/

chore

Meaning
A routine task, especially a household duty.
Example
Washing the dishes is my least favorite chore.
C2 noun /prəˈtɛktərət/

protectorate

Meaning
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
Example
The small country became a protectorate of the empire.
B1 adjective /kriˈeɪtɪv/

creative

Meaning
Having the ability to produce new and original ideas or things.
Example
She is very creative in her writing.
B1 adverb /ɛtˈsɛtərə/

etcetera

Meaning
used at the end of a list to indicate that other similar items are included
Example
She bought apples, oranges, bananas, etcetera from the market.
A2 noun /nek/

Neck

Meaning
the part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders
Example
She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck.
C1 noun /ˈɛksədəs/

exodus

Meaning
A mass departure of people from a place.
Example
There was a sudden exodus of workers after the strike began.
C1 verb /ˈrʌm.ɪdʒ/

rummage

Meaning
to search through something in a disorderly way
Example
He rummaged through the drawer for his keys.
C1 adjective /həˈred.ɪ.ter.i/

Hereditary

Meaning
passed down through family genes; inherited from ancestors
Example
The hereditary disease was passed down through generations.
A1 adjective /ˈbɔːrɪŋ/

boring

Meaning
not interesting or exciting; dull.
Example
The lecture was so boring that several students fell asleep.
A2 adjective /ˈnɔːti/

naughty

Meaning
Disobedient or mischievous, often in a playful or mildly bad way.
Example
The naughty child drew on the walls with crayons.
C1 noun /ˈplʌn.dər.ər/

Plunderer

Meaning
a person who steals goods, especially during war or civil disorder
Example
The plunderers ransacked the village after the battle.
C2 verb /ʃʌk/

shuck

Meaning
To remove the outer covering, such as the husk of corn or shell of shellfish.
Example
She learned how to shuck oysters quickly.
C1 noun /bɒmˈbɑːrdmənt/

bombardment

Meaning
a continuous attack with bombs or other projectiles
Example
The city endured a heavy bombardment during the war.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkwes.tʃən.ə.bl̩/

Unquestionable

Meaning
not able to be disputed or doubted; certain and beyond doubt
Example
Her honesty and integrity are unquestionable qualities.
B1 verb /floʊt/

float

Meaning
to rest or move on the surface of a liquid or in the air without sinking
Example
The boat began to float gently down the river.
C1 verb /ˈdɛsɪmeɪt/

decimate

Meaning
To destroy or kill a large proportion of something.
Example
The wildfire decimated the forest.
C2 verb /əˈbrɪdʒ/

abridge

Meaning
to shorten a text without losing its meaning
Example
The editor decided to abridge the long novel for young readers.
B2 adjective /ˈvoʊkəl/

vocal

Meaning
expressing opinions or feelings freely and loudly; relating to the voice
Example
She was very vocal about her dissatisfaction.
B2 verb /daɪ/

dye

Meaning
to change the color of something using a chemical substance
Example
She will dye her hair blonde tomorrow.
A2 noun /ruːlz/

rules

Meaning
explicit principles or regulations governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity
Example
The teacher reminded the students to follow the classroom rules.
B2 noun /rɪˈstreɪnt/

Restraint

Meaning
the action of keeping someone or something under control; self-control
Example
She showed great restraint in not responding to the criticism.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfleɪtɪd/

inflated

Meaning
excessively increased in size, value, or importance; filled with air or gas
Example
The company faced criticism for its inflated prices.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈsiːzənd/

seasoned

Meaning
Experienced in a particular activity; also, flavored with spices.
Example
She is a seasoned teacher with over 20 years of experience.
A1 noun /ˈeɪprɪl/

april

Meaning
the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Example
April is known for its pleasant spring weather.
C1 verb /ɡliːn/

glean

Meaning
to collect or gather slowly and bit by bit, especially information or crops left after harvest
Example
The journalist gleaned facts from several sources.
A2 adjective /ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/

expensive

Meaning
costing a lot of money
Example
That car is too expensive for me to buy.
B2 noun /ˈeɪ.prən/

apron

Meaning
A protective garment worn over the front of one's clothes to keep them clean, especially while cooking.
Example
She tied an apron around her waist before cooking dinner.
C2 adjective /ˈfiːbəlˌmaɪndɪd/

feebleminded

Meaning
lacking intelligence or mental capacity; foolish or weak-minded
Example
The feebleminded man struggled to understand basic instructions.
B2 adjective kəˈlɛktɪv

collective

Meaning
Done by people acting as a group; shared by all members of a group.
Example
Victory Day represents our collective pride.
A2 noun /əˈɡriː.mənts/

agreements

Meaning
Formal arrangements or understandings between two or more parties.
Example
Agreements strengthen partnerships.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkrɛpɪt/

decrepit

Meaning
worn out or weakened by age or neglect
Example
The decrepit old house was on the verge of collapse.
B2 noun /ˌʌnəˌveɪləˈbɪləti/

unavailability

Meaning
The state of being not available or not accessible.
Example
The unavailability of the manager caused a delay in the project.
B2 noun /ˈtræn.zɪt/

transit

Meaning
Transportation or travel system, the process of travel or transportation from one place to another.
Example
The city is investing in a new transit system.
B1 noun /rɪˈvɪʒ.ən/

Revision

Meaning
the action of revising; a revised edition or form of something; review of subject matter
Example
The students spent hours doing revision for their final exams.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt/

incarcerate

Meaning
to imprison or confine someone
Example
The authorities incarcerated the criminal after the trial.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈbrɔːdli/

broadly

Meaning
in a general or wide manner.
Example
The rules are broadly similar across all regions.
C2 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈsɪl.ə.bəl/

polysyllable

Meaning
a word with more than one syllable
Example
The word 'elephant' is a polysyllable because it has three syllables.
A2 noun /ɡoʊl/

Goal

Meaning
the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result; a point scored in sports
Example
Her goal is to become a doctor and help people in underserved communities.
C1 noun /ˈɡær.ɪ.sən/

garrison

Meaning
A body of troops stationed in a particular location, usually to defend it.
Example
The garrison defended the fortress against the invaders.
C1 adjective ɪɡˈzɛmpləri

exemplary

Meaning
Serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
Example
She was praised for her exemplary work ethic and dedication.
C1 verb /ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt/

dissipate

Meaning
To disappear or cause to disappear gradually.
Example
The tension in the room slowly dissipated.
C1 adjective /dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪtɪd/

dilapidated

Meaning
Fallen into disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.
Example
The family lived in a dilapidated house at the edge of town.
C2 noun /ˈænɪ siːd/

Ani seed

Meaning
Small aromatic seeds used as a spice and for medicinal purposes, with a sweet licorice-like flavor
Example
Anise seeds are often used in traditional desserts and teas.