obstinate
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C1 adjective ˈɒb.stɪ.nət

obstinate

Meaning
Refusing to change one's mind or accept others' advice easily.
Example
He remained obstinate despite the logical arguments.
C2 noun /oʊˈbleɪʃən/

oblation

Meaning
a religious offering, especially of bread or wine to God
Example
The priest placed the oblation on the altar during the ceremony.
A2 adjective /ɒd/

Odd

Meaning
strange; unusual; different from what is normal or expected
Example
That's an odd way to solve the problem.
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 adjective /ˈɒptɪməm/

optimum

Meaning
Most conducive to a favorable outcome; best.
Example
To achieve optimum results, we need to improve efficiency.
A1 adverb /aʊt/

out

Meaning
moving or appearing away from the inside or center; not at home or present
Example
He stepped out of the room quietly.
C2 noun ˌɒbfəsˈkeɪʃən

obfuscation

Meaning
The action of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
The obfuscation of the data made it difficult to interpret.
C2 adjective /ˌɔːfˈkiː/

off-key

Meaning
out of tune; not in accordance with expected standards
Example
The singer was slightly off-key during the performance.
C1 noun /əbˈstrʌkʃən/

obstruction

Meaning
Something that blocks or gets in the way; the action of obstructing.
Example
There was an obstruction on the railway track.
B1 noun /aʊl/

Owl

Meaning
a nocturnal bird of prey with large eyes and a hooked beak
Example
The owl hooted softly in the darkness of the forest.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv brɑːntʃ/

olive-branch

Meaning
A symbol of peace or reconciliation; an offer to end conflict.
Example
He extended an olive-branch to his rival after years of hostility.
C1 adjective ˈɒk.sɪ.də.tɪv

oxidative

Meaning
Related to or caused by oxidation, especially cellular damage from free radicals.
Example
Excess stress can lead to oxidative damage in cells.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ/

overweening

Meaning
excessively arrogant or prideful
Example
His overweening pride cost him many friends.
C1 noun /ˌoʊvərprəˈdʌkʃən/

overproduction

Meaning
The act of producing more of something than is needed or can be consumed.
Example
The economic crisis was caused by the overproduction of goods.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊdəˈrɪfərəs/

odoriferous

Meaning
having or giving off a smell, especially a strong or pleasant one
Example
The garden was filled with odoriferous flowers.
C1 noun /oʊˈmɪʃ.ən/

Omission

Meaning
the action of excluding or leaving out someone or something; a failure to include
Example
The omission of his name from the list was intentional.
C1 verb /ˈɒfsɛt/

offset

Meaning
To counterbalance or compensate for something.
Example
The company's losses were offset by gains in other departments.
B2 verb /əˈblaɪdʒ/

oblige

Meaning
to compel or require someone to do something; to help or do a favor
Example
I would be happy to oblige you with the information you need.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊtraɪt/

Outright

Meaning
completely; directly; without reservation or concealment
Example
She rejected the proposal outright.
B2 noun /ˈɒkjʊpənt/

occupant

Meaning
A person who resides in or is present in a house, vehicle, seat, or place.
Example
The car had three occupants at the time of the accident.
C1 noun /ˌɒk.sɪ.dʒɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

oxygenation

Meaning
The process of supplying or treating with oxygen.
Example
Deep breathing exercises improve oxygenation of the body.
C1 adjective /ˌɑːpərˈtuːn/

opportune

Meaning
Happening at a suitable or convenient time.
Example
She arrived at an opportune moment to help.
C1 noun ˈoʊʃən əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

ocean acidification

Meaning
The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Example
Ocean acidification is caused by atmospheric CO2 absorption.
B1 adverb /əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/

originally

Meaning
in the beginning, at first
Example
Originally, she wanted to be a doctor.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwiːz/

obsequies

Meaning
Funeral rites or ceremonies.
Example
The obsequies for the late leader drew thousands of mourners.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtˌskɜːrt/

outskirt

Meaning
the outer edge or border of a town or city
Example
They built a new factory on the outskirts of the city.
C1 noun /ˈɔɪntmənt/

ointment

Meaning
A smooth, oily substance applied to the skin for healing or soothing.
Example
The doctor prescribed an ointment for the burn on his arm.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈloʊd/

overload

Meaning
to load with too much weight or cargo; to give too much work or information
Example
Don't overload the washing machine or it might break down.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbɛrɪŋ/

overbearing

Meaning
unpleasantly or arrogantly domineering
Example
His overbearing attitude made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 adjective ˈɒptɪmaɪzd

optimized

Meaning
Made as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible; improved to achieve maximum efficiency.
Example
The system has been optimized for faster performance.
C1 verb /ˈɔːstrəˌsaɪz/

ostracize

Meaning
to exclude someone from a group or society; to banish or shun
Example
After the scandal, he was ostracized by his former colleagues.
B1 adjective /ˈaʊtər/

outer

Meaning
situated on or toward the outside; external
Example
The outer layer of the jacket is waterproof.
C2 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsnt/

obsolescent

Meaning
Becoming outdated or on the way to becoming obsolete.
Example
The obsolescent technology could not compete with modern devices.
C2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈliːp/

overleap

Meaning
To jump over something; to omit or disregard something.
Example
He managed to overleap the fence easily.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈwɛlm/

overwhelm

Meaning
to overpower someone emotionally or physically; to be too much to handle
Example
She was overwhelmed with gratitude after receiving the help.
C2 noun /ˈoʊ.kəm/

oakum

Meaning
loose fibers obtained by untwisting old ropes, used for caulking ships
Example
The shipbuilders used oakum to seal the gaps in the wooden planks.
B2 verb /əbˈteɪn/

obtain

Meaning
to get or acquire something
Example
You need to obtain a visa before traveling abroad.
A2 verb /oʊˈbeɪ/

obey

Meaning
to follow orders or instructions; to comply with rules
Example
Children should obey their parents and teachers.
C2 adjective /ˈɑːbdjʊrət/

obdurate

Meaning
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
Example
He remained obdurate despite everyone's pleas.
A1 verb, adjective /oʊn/

own

Meaning
to possess something; belonging to oneself
Example
She owns a beautiful house in the city.
C1 adjective /əˈkʌlt/

occult

Meaning
Relating to mysterious, supernatural, or magical powers and practices.
Example
She had always been fascinated by the occult and its hidden knowledge.
B1 adjective /əˈfɪʃəl/

official

Meaning
relating to or connected with an authority or public office
Example
He is the official spokesperson for the company.
C1 adjective /oʊˈvɜːrt/

overt

Meaning
Done or shown openly; not hidden or secret.
Example
There was an overt display of hostility between the rivals.
C1 noun /əbˈdʒɛktər/

objector

Meaning
a person who expresses opposition or disapproval to something
Example
The objector raised his concerns during the town meeting.
C2 noun /ˌɑːbdʒərˈɡeɪʃən/

objurgation

Meaning
a harsh scolding or strong rebuke
Example
His misconduct earned him a severe objurgation from the manager.
C1 verb /ˈɒp.tɪ.maɪz/

optimize

Meaning
To make the best or most effective use of a situation, opportunity, or resource.
Example
The company is working to optimize its supply chain.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈduː/

outdo

Meaning
To do better than someone else; to surpass.
Example
She always tries to outdo her classmates in exams.
B2 adjective; verb (past participle) /ˈɒkjʊpaɪd/

occupied

Meaning
being in use or taken; filled or lived in; controlled or held by force
Example
The room is occupied, so please wait outside.
C2 noun /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃən/

ostentation

Meaning
excessive display of wealth or knowledge intended to attract admiration or envy
Example
The billionaire’s party was full of ostentation and luxury.
C1 adjective /əbˈzɜːrvənt/

Observant

Meaning
quick to notice things; watchful; attentive
Example
The observant detective noticed every small detail at the crime scene.
C2 verb /ˈoʊɡəl/

ogle

Meaning
To look at someone with obvious sexual interest.
Example
He kept ogling the models on the runway.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊ/

overshadow

Meaning
to appear more important or significant than something else, reducing its impact
Example
The scandal overshadowed his achievements.
C2 adjective /ɒˈstɛnsɪv/

ostensive

Meaning
clearly demonstrative or pointing out; explicitly shown
Example
The teacher gave an ostensive example to clarify the concept.
C2 noun /ˈɔːfəl/

offal

Meaning
the internal organs and entrails of an animal used as food; waste parts
Example
The butcher prepared sausages using pork offal.
C1 noun /oʊˈveɪʃən/

ovation

Meaning
an enthusiastic show of approval, especially by clapping hands
Example
The actor received a standing ovation after his performance.
C2 noun /ˈɔː.rɪ.fɪs/

orifice

Meaning
an opening or hole, especially in the body or a device
Example
The medicine was applied through a small orifice in the device.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv bɑːb/

Olive barb

Meaning
A small freshwater fish with olive-colored body and barbels
Example
The olive barb is commonly found in South Asian rivers.
C1 verb /əbˈstrʌkt/

obstruct

Meaning
to block or hinder progress; to prevent or impede movement
Example
The fallen tree obstructed the road for several hours.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtpoʊst/

outpost

Meaning
A small military camp or position at some distance from the main force, used especially as a guard.
Example
The soldiers were stationed at a remote outpost.
C2 noun /əbˈstɛtrɪks/

obstetrics

Meaning
The branch of medicine dealing with childbirth and care of women giving birth.
Example
She is studying obstetrics to become a specialist in childbirth.
A2 noun /ˈɒbdʒɪkt/

object

Meaning
a thing that can be seen and touched
Example
The table is an object in the room.
B2 noun/verb /ˈoʊvərˌdoʊs/

overdose

Meaning
An excessive and dangerous amount of a drug; to take too much of a substance.
Example
He was rushed to the hospital after a drug overdose.
B2 noun /ˌɑb.zɚˈveɪ.ʃən/

Observation

Meaning
the action of watching something carefully; a comment or remark
Example
The scientist made careful observations of the experiment.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.laɪn/

Outline

Meaning
a general description or plan showing the essential features of something; the main points
Example
The teacher provided an outline of the course syllabus.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrəˈtɔːri.oʊ/

oratorio

Meaning
A large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, usually on a sacred theme, performed without costumes or scenery.
Example
Handel's 'Messiah' is one of the most famous oratorios ever written.
A2 noun /ˈɒf.ɪs/

office

Meaning
a room or building where people work, usually at desks
Example
She left the office early to attend a family event.
C2 noun /ˈɔːrdʒi/

orgy

Meaning
A wild party involving excessive indulgence, especially of a sexual nature.
Example
The novel described a scandalous orgy in a wealthy mansion.
B2 noun /ˌoʊ.vɚˈkraʊ.dɪŋ/

overcrowding

Meaning
Excessive crowd or packed condition, having more people or vehicles in a place than the approved capacity.
Example
The subway system suffers from severe overcrowding during peak hours.
C1 adjective /ˈaʊt.kɑːst/

Outcast

Meaning
rejected by society; excluded person
Example
He felt like an outcast in his new school.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.tər/

Orator

Meaning
a public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled in speaking
Example
The famous orator delivered an inspiring speech.
B1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.ʒɪn/

Origin

Meaning
the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived; the source
Example
Scientists are studying the origin of the universe.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɑːlədʒi/

ornithology

Meaning
the scientific study of birds
Example
She pursued ornithology to understand the migration patterns of birds.
C1 adjective /ˈɒm.ɪ.nəs/

Ominous

Meaning
giving the impression that something bad will happen; threatening; foreboding
Example
The dark clouds looked ominous before the storm.
B2 noun ˈaʊt.pʊt

output

Meaning
The amount of something produced by a person, machine, or industry.
Example
Climate change reduces agricultural output.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈneɪt/

ornate

Meaning
elaborately or highly decorated
Example
The palace hall was filled with ornate furniture and paintings.
C2 noun /ˈɔːrɪndʒfɪn ˈleɪbiːoʊ/

Orangefin labeo

Meaning
a freshwater fish species native to South Asian rivers, commonly found in Bangladesh and India
Example
The orangefin labeo is an important food fish in Bangladesh.
C2 verb /əˈkluːd/

occlude

Meaning
To block or close up an opening or passage.
Example
The pipe was occluded by mineral deposits.
C1 adjective/adverb /ˌɒfˈhænd/

offhand

Meaning
Without previous thought or preparation; casual and sometimes dismissive.
Example
She gave an offhand reply to his serious question.
A2 adverb /ˈɒbviəsli/

obviously

Meaning
in a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly
Example
Obviously, he didn’t read the instructions.
B2 verb /ˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

occupy

Meaning
to take up space or time; to live or work in a place
Example
The new family will occupy the house next month.
B1 verb /ˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

organize

Meaning
to arrange systematically; to plan and coordinate
Example
She organized a surprise party for her friend.
B2 noun /wʌn θɜːd/

one-third

Meaning
one part of something that is divided into three equal parts
Example
One-third of the class was absent today.
B2 adjective, verb /əbˈskjʊr/

obscure

Meaning
Not clearly expressed or understood; to make something difficult to see or understand.
Example
The meaning of the poem was obscure to most readers.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtˌbreɪk/

outbreak

Meaning
a sudden start or occurrence of something unpleasant, like disease or violence
Example
There was an outbreak of flu in the city.
A1 adjective /ˈɔːr.ɪndʒ/

Orange

Meaning
having a color between red and yellow like that of a ripe orange fruit
Example
The orange sunset painted the sky magnificently.
B2 noun /ˈoʊvərpæs/

overpass

Meaning
A bridge that carries one road or railway over another.
Example
The new overpass reduced traffic congestion in the city.
B1 noun ˌɔː.ɡən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃənz

organizations

Meaning
Organized groups of people with a particular purpose
Example
Organizations play a key role in policymaking.
C1 verb /ˈoʊvərˌhɔːl/

overhaul

Meaning
to examine thoroughly and repair or improve something that is worn or ineffective
Example
The company decided to overhaul its outdated computer system.
A1 adjective /əʊˈkeɪ/

okay

Meaning
used to express agreement or acceptance
Example
It's okay to leave early today.
A1 adjective /ˈʌðər/

other

Meaning
used to refer to something different from the one already mentioned or known
Example
I don't want this one, I will take the other one.
B2 adverb /ˈɒdli/

oddly

Meaning
in a strange or unusual way; unexpectedly
Example
Oddly, he didn’t seem upset by the bad news.
B2 noun /ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/

opposition

Meaning
the action of opposing or resisting something
Example
The opposition to the new law was strong.
B1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈweɪt/

overweight

Meaning
heavier than is considered healthy or normal
Example
The doctor advised him to lose weight as he was overweight.
B2 noun ɔːˈɡæn.ɪk fuːdz

organic foods

Meaning
Food produced without the use of chemicals such as artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or other artificial agents.
Example
Organic foods are healthier than processed foods.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.saɪ.dər/

Out-sider

Meaning
a person who does not belong to a particular group; someone not accepted by a group
Example
As an outsider, he found it difficult to understand their traditions.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪkəl/

optical

Meaning
related to or used in seeing or sight
Example
The optical illusion fooled everyone at the exhibition.
A1 adjective /oʊld/

old

Meaning
having lived for a long time; not new or young
Example
He still drives his old car.
B2 noun oʊˈbiː.sə.t̬i

obesity

Meaning
The condition of being grossly fat or overweight.
Example
Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ/

outstretch

Meaning
To extend or stretch something outward.
Example
He outstretched his hand to help her up.
C2 adjective /əbˈtruːsɪv/

obtrusive

Meaning
noticeable in an unpleasant or unwelcome way; intrusive
Example
The advertisement was so obtrusive that it ruined the user’s experience.
A2 verb /ˈɔːfər/

offer

Meaning
to present something for acceptance or rejection; to propose
Example
She offered to help with the project.
C1 verb /əˈprɛs/

oppress

Meaning
to keep someone down by harsh and unfair use of authority; to suppress
Example
The dictator oppressed the people for decades.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈteɪk/

overtake

Meaning
to catch up with and pass someone or something; to surpass
Example
The runner managed to overtake his competitor in the final lap.
B1 noun ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz

opportunities

Meaning
A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something; chances for advancement or success.
Example
Opportunities for jobs decreased.
C1 verb /ɔːrˈdeɪn/

ordain

Meaning
To officially make someone a priest or minister; to decree or order something officially.
Example
The bishop will ordain three new priests this Sunday.
C2 noun /ɔːˈreɪʃən/

oration

Meaning
A formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion
Example
The president delivered an inspiring oration.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈsiː/

oversee

Meaning
to supervise or watch over something; to manage and direct
Example
The manager will oversee the entire construction project.
C1 noun /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪst/

opportunist

Meaning
A person who takes advantage of situations for personal gain, often disregarding principles.
Example
He is seen as an opportunist who always puts his interests first.
C1 adjective /əbˈtjuːs/

Obtuse

Meaning
annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand; lacking in intelligence or perception
Example
He was being deliberately obtuse about the instructions.
B1 noun əbˈdʒek.tɪv

objective

Meaning
A thing aimed at or sought; a goal.
Example
The main objective is to test sustainability.
C2 noun /ˌɒktədʒəˈnɛəriən/

octogenarian

Meaning
A person who is between 80 and 89 years old.
Example
The octogenarian still jogs every morning to stay healthy.
B2 adjective /əˈfen.sɪv/

Offensive

Meaning
causing displeasure or resentment; insulting; aggressive
Example
His offensive remarks hurt everyone's feelings.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈiːt/

overeat

Meaning
To eat more food than the body needs.
Example
She tends to overeat when she is stressed.
C1 adjective /əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔː.ri/

obligatory

Meaning
Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.
Example
Wearing a seatbelt is obligatory in most countries.
C2 adjective /ˈɔːrnəri/

ornery

Meaning
bad-tempered and combative; stubborn
Example
The ornery old man refused to leave his chair.
B2 noun /ˈɑp.tə.mɪst/

Optimist

Meaning
a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future; someone who sees the good side of things
Example
As an optimist, she always believed things would improve.
C2 noun /ˈɒfərtɔːri/

offertory

Meaning
The part of a religious service when offerings are collected; the offering itself.
Example
The offertory was taken during the Sunday service.
A1 preposition /ʌv/

of

Meaning
expressing the relationship between a part and a whole
Example
The book is on the table, in front of the window.
C1 noun ˌɒb.səˈlɛs.əns

obsolescence

Meaning
The process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used.
Example
The rapid advancement of technology leads to the obsolescence of old devices.
B2 adverb /ˈoʊpənli/

Openly

Meaning
in a frank and honest way; without concealment; publicly
Example
She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.i.ənt/

Orient

Meaning
the East, especially countries of eastern Asia; to determine one's position or direction
Example
Many spices come from the Orient.