onomatopoeia
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C2 noun /ˌɒn.əˌmæt.əˈpiː.ə/

onomatopoeia

Meaning
The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.
Example
The word 'buzz' is an example of onomatopoeia.
C2 adjective /ˈɑːbdjʊrət/

obdurate

Meaning
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
Example
He remained obdurate despite everyone's pleas.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrkɪd/

Orchid

Meaning
a diverse family of flowering plants known for their exotic and often fragrant flowers
Example
The white orchid on the windowsill bloomed for months.
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.
B2 noun /əˌrɪʒ.əˈnæl.ə.ti/

Originality

Meaning
the quality of being novel or unusual; the ability to think independently and creatively
Example
The artist's work showed great originality and creativity.
B2 noun ˈəʊnəʃɪp

ownership

Meaning
The act, state, or right of possessing something; legal title to something.
Example
Ownership of resources was crucial.
B2 adjective /ˈaʊtˌɡoʊɪŋ/

outgoing

Meaning
Friendly and sociable; inclined to mix with others.
Example
He is an outgoing person who loves meeting new people.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrdɪnəns/

ordinance

Meaning
An authoritative rule, law, or decree issued by a city, town, or authority.
Example
The city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public parks.
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.
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 əbˈzɜːrvd

observed

Meaning
To celebrate or keep a religious or other festival.
Example
The day is observed annually to raise awareness.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrθədɑːks/

orthodox

Meaning
conforming to traditional beliefs or practices
Example
He comes from a very orthodox family.
C1 verb /aʊst/

oust

Meaning
To remove someone from a position or place of power or authority.
Example
The rebels ousted the dictator from power.
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.
B2 noun /ˈoʊ.vər ɡroʊθ/

Over growth

Meaning
excessive growth beyond normal size; too much development or expansion
Example
The overgrowth of weeds made the garden look untidy.
A2 verb /oʊˈbeɪ/

obey

Meaning
to follow orders or instructions; to comply with rules
Example
Children should obey their parents and teachers.
B2 adverb /ˌoʊvərˈnaɪt/

Overnight

Meaning
during the night; suddenly; very quickly
Example
The city was transformed overnight.
B2 adjective /ˌfæʃ.ənd/

Outdated

Meaning
obsolete; no longer current
Example
This computer software is completely outdated.
C1 noun əˈblɪv.i.ən

oblivion

Meaning
The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening; complete forgetfulness.
Example
His name faded into oblivion over time.
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.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈpeɪ/

overpay

Meaning
To pay more than is necessary or reasonable.
Example
She realized she had overpaid for the concert tickets.
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.
C2 verb /aʊtˈraɪd/

outride

Meaning
to ride faster, farther, or better than someone else
Example
The young rider managed to outride his competitors in the race.
C1 verb /aʊtˈlɪv/

outlive

Meaning
to live longer than someone or something else
Example
She outlived all her siblings.
B2 noun /ɔːˈræŋ.ʊˌtæŋ/

Orang-Outang

Meaning
a large arboreal ape with long reddish hair, long arms, and hooked hands and feet, native to Borneo and Sumatra
Example
The orangutan swings gracefully through the forest canopy.
B1 adverb /əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/

originally

Meaning
in the beginning, at first
Example
Originally, she wanted to be a doctor.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtskɜːrts/

outskirts

Meaning
The outer parts of a town or city, away from the center.
Example
They moved to the outskirts of the city for a quieter life.
C1 noun /ˈɒstrəsɪzəm/

ostracism

Meaning
The act of excluding someone from a group or society.
Example
The student faced ostracism after breaking the rules.
C1 adjective /ˌɑːpərˈtuːn/

opportune

Meaning
Happening at a suitable or convenient time.
Example
She arrived at an opportune moment to help.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/

optimal

Meaning
Best or most favorable; the most effective under particular conditions.
Example
The optimal temperature for plant growth is around 25°C.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊtraɪt/

Outright

Meaning
completely; directly; without reservation or concealment
Example
She rejected the proposal outright.
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.
A1 verb /ˈoʊpən/

open

Meaning
to move something so as to allow access; to begin
Example
Please open the door for me.
C1 verb /aʊtˈlæst/

outlast

Meaning
to continue longer than; to endure beyond someone or something else
Example
The old castle has outlasted many generations.
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.
B2 noun /ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/

opposition

Meaning
the action of opposing or resisting something
Example
The opposition to the new law was strong.
A2 noun /ˈɒpərə/

opera

Meaning
a dramatic performance in which the actors sing most of their lines
Example
We watched a beautiful opera at the theater last night.
C2 noun /ɔːrˈθɑːɡrəfi/

orthography

Meaning
The conventional spelling system of a language.
Example
English orthography can be confusing for learners.
B1 adjective /ˈɔːɡənaɪzd/

organized

Meaning
Arranged in a systematic way, especially on a large scale.
Example
An organized approach to work increases productivity and reduces stress.
A2 modal verb /ɔːt/

ought

Meaning
Used to indicate duty, correctness, or moral obligation.
Example
You ought to respect your elders.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwiːz/

obsequies

Meaning
Funeral rites or ceremonies.
Example
The obsequies for the late leader drew thousands of mourners.
A2 adjective /ˈɑp.ə.zɪt/

Opposite

Meaning
Contrary; completely different; facing each other; reverse;
Example
They have opposite views on politics but remain good friends.
C2 noun /əbˈstrʌkʃənɪst/

obstructionist

Meaning
a person who deliberately delays or prevents progress by being uncooperative or oppositional
Example
The obstructionist in the committee kept delaying the decision-making process.
C2 verb /ˈoʊɡəl/

ogle

Meaning
To look at someone with obvious sexual interest.
Example
He kept ogling the models on the runway.
C2 verb /ˈɑːblɪˌɡeɪt/

obligate

Meaning
to bind legally or morally; to compel someone to do something
Example
The contract obligates the company to provide timely service.
B2 noun ˈoʊzoʊn dɪˈpliʃən

ozone depletion

Meaning
The reduction in the amount of ozone in the Earth's stratosphere, leading to increased UV radiation.
Example
Ozone depletion increases UV radiation.
B2 noun /ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/

organism

Meaning
a living thing that has an organized structure and can grow and reproduce
Example
Every organism needs water to survive.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈneɪt/

ornate

Meaning
elaborately or highly decorated
Example
The palace hall was filled with ornate furniture and paintings.
B2 noun /əˈfɛns/

offense

Meaning
an illegal act; a crime
Example
The offense was committed in broad daylight.
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 əʊˈpeɪk

opaque

Meaning
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand.
Example
The glass was too opaque to see through.
C2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈstraɪd/

overstride

Meaning
To stride over something; to step across with long steps.
Example
He managed to overstride the narrow stream with ease.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwi/

obsequy

Meaning
A funeral rite, usually used in plural form obsequies.
Example
The village gathered for the obsequy of their beloved teacher.
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 noun/verb /ˈaʊtreɪdʒ/

outrage

Meaning
A strong feeling of anger and shock; to arouse anger or shock.
Example
The unfair decision caused public outrage.
A1 interjection /oʊ/

oh

Meaning
used to express surprise, realization, or understanding
Example
Oh, I didn't know you were here!
B1 noun /əˈpɪn.jən/

Opinion

Meaning
a view or judgment formed about something; a belief or assessment based on grounds short of proof
Example
In my opinion, this is the best solution.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtlʊk/

outlook

Meaning
a person's general attitude or view; a forecast or prospect
Example
The economic outlook for the year is positive.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɒlədʒɪst/

ornithologist

Meaning
a scientist who studies birds
Example
The ornithologist spent years studying migratory birds.
B2 noun /əˈfens/

Offence

Meaning
a breach of law or rule; an annoyance or resentment
Example
Stealing is a serious offence punishable by law.
B2 adjective /əˈpəʊzd/

opposed

Meaning
being against or in disagreement with something
Example
She is strongly opposed to animal testing.
C1 noun /əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/

observatory

Meaning
A building equipped for observing astronomical or meteorological events.
Example
The observatory is open to the public on weekends.
A1 pronoun, noun, adjective /wʌn/

one

Meaning
the number equivalent to the sum of zero and one; a single person or thing
Example
Only one student answered the question.
C1 noun /ɔːr/

Oar

Meaning
a long pole with a flat blade used to row a boat
Example
He dipped the oar into the water and pulled the boat forward.
C1 adjective /ɒmˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Omnivorous

Meaning
eating both plants and animals; feeding on various kinds of food
Example
Bears are omnivorous animals that eat both plants and meat.
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.
B2 adjective ˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən.əl

operational

Meaning
In working order; ready for use.
Example
The space project will be operational by 2025.
B1 adjective, adverb /ˈoʊvərɔːl/

overall

Meaning
in general or as a whole
Example
Overall, the project has been successful.
B1 noun ˌɔː.ɡən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

organization

Meaning
An organized group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or government department.
Example
The organization was officially inaugurated in 2024.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ/

overweening

Meaning
excessively arrogant or prideful
Example
His overweening pride cost him many friends.
B2 adverb /ˈəʊvəli/

overly

Meaning
to an excessive degree or extent
Example
She was overly concerned about the results.
C2 noun /ˈoʊpiət/

opiate

Meaning
a drug containing opium or its derivatives, used to relieve pain or cause sleep
Example
The doctor prescribed an opiate to relieve the patient's pain.
C1 noun /əbˈzɜːvəns/

observance

Meaning
The practice of following a custom, rule, or religious law.
Example
The festival is held in observance of a centuries-old tradition.
C1 noun ˈaʊt.sɔːr.sɪŋ

outsourcing

Meaning
The practice of having certain job functions done outside a company instead of having an in-house department or employee handle them.
Example
Many companies use outsourcing to reduce labor costs.
C1 noun /oʊˈveɪʃən/

ovation

Meaning
an enthusiastic show of approval, especially by clapping hands
Example
The actor received a standing ovation after his performance.
B2 adjective /ˌɑːp.təˈmɪs.tɪk/

optimistic

Meaning
hopeful and confident about the future
Example
She is optimistic about the success of her new project.
B1 verb /ˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

organize

Meaning
to arrange systematically; to plan and coordinate
Example
She organized a surprise party for her friend.
B1 adjective /ˈaʊtər/

outer

Meaning
situated on or toward the outside; external
Example
The outer layer of the jacket is waterproof.
A1 adjective/adverb /ˈoʊnli/

only

Meaning
without others; solely
Example
He is the only person who knows the secret.
C1 noun /ɒpˈtɒmətri/

optometry

Meaning
The practice or profession of examining the eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Example
She studied optometry at the university to become an eye specialist.
A1 adjective /oʊld/

old

Meaning
having lived for a long time; not new or young
Example
He still drives his old car.
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.
A1 adverb /wʌns/

Once

Meaning
one time only; at some time in the past; formerly
Example
I have been to Paris once in my life.
C1 noun /oʊˈbɪt.ʃu.er.i/

Obituary

Meaning
a notice of someone's death published in a newspaper; biographical account of deceased person
Example
The newspaper published his obituary yesterday.
B2 noun, verb /ˈaʊtlɔː/

outlaw

Meaning
as a noun: a person who breaks the law and lives outside its protection; as a verb: to make something illegal
Example
The government decided to outlaw the harmful practice.
C1 noun /ˈɑːdəsi/

odyssey

Meaning
a long, adventurous journey; a series of experiences
Example
Her career has been an odyssey of challenges and achievements.
C1 adjective /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃəs/

ostentatious

Meaning
Characterized by a showy or pretentious display intended to impress others.
Example
He wore an ostentatious gold chain to the party.
C1 verb /aʊtˈwɪt/

outwit

Meaning
to defeat or gain an advantage over someone by being more clever or cunning
Example
The fox managed to outwit the hunters.
C1 adjective /aʊtˈmoʊdɪd/

outmoded

Meaning
No longer in fashion or useful; outdated.
Example
That old computer is completely outmoded.
C1 noun /ˈɑd.ɪ.ti/

Oddity

Meaning
something that is strange or unusual; a peculiar trait
Example
His habit of sleeping standing up was considered an oddity.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈəʊ.dər.əs/

Odorous

Meaning
having a strong smell; fragrant; aromatic
Example
The garden was filled with odorous flowers.
C1 noun /ˈɒptɪks/

optics

Meaning
The branch of physics dealing with light and vision.
Example
She studied optics to understand how lenses work.
C2 adjective /əˈfɪʃəs/

officious

Meaning
Excessively eager to offer unwanted help or advice; meddlesome.
Example
The officious guard kept interrupting the visitors with unnecessary instructions.
C1 adjective /əbˈsɛsɪv/

obsessive

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by an obsession; thinking about something too much.
Example
He has an obsessive interest in cleanliness.
A1 adverb /ˈɔːfən/

often

Meaning
frequently, many times
Example
I often visit my grandparents on weekends.
C2 noun /oʊf/

Oaf

Meaning
a clumsy, stupid, or insensitive person
Example
Don't be such an oaf - handle the dishes carefully!
B2 noun /ɒdz/

odds

Meaning
the likelihood or probability of something happening; chances for or against something
Example
The odds of winning the lottery are very low.
C2 noun /ˈɒn.rʌʃ/

onrush

Meaning
A sudden powerful forward or downward rush or flow.
Example
The onrush of water swept away the bridge.
B2 adverb /ˈoʊpənli/

Openly

Meaning
in a frank and honest way; without concealment; publicly
Example
She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health.
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.
B2 adjective ɔːrˈɡæn.ɪk

organic

Meaning
Produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.
Example
Organic farming improves soil health and reduces pollution.
A2 noun /ˈoʊ.nər/

Owner

Meaning
a person who owns something; someone who has legal possession of property
Example
The owner of the restaurant greeted us warmly.
C2 noun /ˈaʊtˌrɪɡər/

outrigger

Meaning
a projecting structure on a boat, used for stability, or a boat fitted with such support
Example
The fisherman paddled his outrigger canoe across the lagoon.
C2 noun /ˈɒb.stɪ.nə.si/

obstinacy

Meaning
Stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.
Example
His obstinacy made negotiations difficult.
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.
A2 noun /ˈʌv.ən/

Oven

Meaning
an enclosed compartment used for heating, baking, or drying food
Example
She baked cookies in the oven for thirty minutes.
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 verb /ˌoʊvərˈriːtʃ/

overreach

Meaning
to go beyond what is proper, acceptable, or achievable; to overextend
Example
The politician overreached by making promises he couldn't keep.
C1 adjective /ˌəʊ.vərˈɑː.tʃɪŋ/

overarching

Meaning
Comprehensive or all-embracing; forming an arch over something.
Example
The overarching theme of the book is human resilience.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊ/

overshadow

Meaning
to appear more important or significant than something else, reducing its impact
Example
The scandal overshadowed his achievements.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtˌkraɪ/

outcry

Meaning
A strong expression of public anger or disapproval.
Example
The decision sparked an outcry among the citizens.
B2 noun /ˌɔː.ri.enˈteɪ.ʃən/

orientation

Meaning
the process of becoming familiar with a new situation or environment
Example
The company provides an orientation for all new employees.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈtɜrn/

overturn

Meaning
to turn something upside down or to reverse a decision or judgment
Example
The court decided to overturn the previous ruling.
C2 noun /ˈɒrɪz(ə)n/

orison

Meaning
a prayer, especially a devout or formal one
Example
He whispered a quiet orison before going to sleep.
C2 noun /ˈoʊ.vər.let/

Overlet

Meaning
a thin mattress or pad placed over a bed for additional comfort
Example
The overlet makes the bed more comfortable to sleep on.
C2 verb /ˈɒsɪfaɪ/

ossify

Meaning
to turn into bone or become rigid and inflexible
Example
With age, some tissues tend to ossify.
C2 noun ˈɒpjʊləns

opulence

Meaning
Great wealth or luxuriousness.
Example
The opulence of the mansion was evident in its ornate furnishings.
B2 noun /ˈɒt.ər/

Otter

Meaning
a mammal with webbed feet that lives near water and feeds on fish
Example
The playful otter swam gracefully in the river.
B2 verb /əbˈteɪn/

obtain

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