operate
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B1 verb /ˈɒpəreɪt/

operate

Meaning
to function; to control or manage; to perform surgery
Example
The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow.
C1 noun /ˌsɑːrdʒənt ˈmeɪdʒər/

sergeant-major

Meaning
A senior non-commissioned officer in the army responsible for discipline and administration within a unit.
Example
The sergeant-major inspected the troops before the parade.
C2 adjective /luːd/

lewd

Meaning
Sexually offensive, obscene, or vulgar.
Example
He was arrested for making lewd remarks in public.
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 /ˌnɒməˈneɪʃən/

nomination

Meaning
The act of formally proposing someone for a role, position, or award.
Example
Her nomination for the award surprised everyone.
C2 adjective /vaɪˈtjuːpərəbl̩/

vituperable

Meaning
Deserving of blame, censure, or harsh criticism.
Example
His reckless actions made him vituperable in the eyes of his colleagues.
B1 noun /ˈɡaɪ.dəns/

Guidance

Meaning
advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty; leadership or direction
Example
The teacher provided valuable guidance to help students choose their career paths.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbər/

belabor

Meaning
to argue or elaborate on a subject in excessive detail; to attack verbally or physically
Example
The professor belabored the point until the students grew restless.
C2 verb /fɪˈlɪsɪˌteɪt/

felicitate

Meaning
to congratulate; to express good wishes
Example
We felicitated the graduating students at the ceremony.
C1 adverb /ˈnoʊɪŋli/

knowingly

Meaning
in a way that shows you are aware of something; intentionally
Example
She knowingly kept the secret from her friends.
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 verb /ˈfjuːmɪˌɡeɪt/

fumigate

Meaning
to disinfect or purify an area by using chemical fumes
Example
They fumigated the warehouse to kill the insects.
A1 preposition /ɪn ˈfrʌnt əv/

in front of

Meaning
positioned before or ahead of something; facing or located at the forward side of a person or object
Example
She stood in front of the building.
B2 noun ˈsɜːrkjələr ɪˈkɒnəmi

circular economy

Meaning
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling.
Example
Adopting a circular economy can reduce waste.
B1 noun/adjective /ˌæfrɪkən əˈmɛrɪkən/

african-american

Meaning
A person of African descent living in or originating from the United States; relating to such people.
Example
She is proud of her African-American heritage.
C2 verb /haɪ/

hie

Meaning
to go quickly; hasten
Example
He hied to the station to catch the train.
C1 adjective /ˈræɡ.ɪd/

Ragged

Meaning
torn; tattered; frayed; shabby
Example
The homeless man wore ragged clothes.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɛst/

divest

Meaning
to strip away possessions, rights, or assets; to rid oneself of
Example
The company decided to divest its unprofitable division.
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.
C2 noun /ˈstriːmlɪt/

streamlet

Meaning
a small stream; a tiny brook or rivulet
Example
A streamlet flowed through the meadow.
C1 noun /ˌriː.dɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/

redistribution

Meaning
The sharing of wealth or resources more equally among society.
Example
The government introduced a redistribution policy to reduce inequality.
A2 noun ˈpʌblɪk træns ˈpɔːt

public transport

Meaning
Transportation systems available for use by the general public, typically including buses, trains, and metros.
Example
Public transport systems are essential for reducing traffic congestion.
C2 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ɪ.zəm/

pantheism

Meaning
The belief that God and the universe are identical, or that everything is a manifestation of God.
Example
Spinoza’s philosophy is often associated with pantheism.
C1 adjective /dɪˈklærətɪv/

declarative

Meaning
relating to a statement that declares something; in grammar, a sentence that makes a statement
Example
A declarative sentence simply states a fact or opinion.
C1 verb /ˈvæŋkwɪʃ/

vanquish

Meaning
to defeat thoroughly, especially in battle or competition
Example
The army vanquished its enemies with superior strategy.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɛntri/

gentry

Meaning
People of good social position, usually of high birth or wealthy landowners
Example
The gentry of the town gathered for the annual ball.
C1 noun /huːf/

Hoof

Meaning
the hard part covering the foot of horses, cattle, sheep, and other animals
Example
The horse's hoof was injured after stepping on a sharp rock.
C2 verb /ɪnˈskɒns/

ensconce

Meaning
to settle comfortably or securely in a place; to hide or shelter firmly
Example
She ensconced herself in a cozy armchair by the fireplace.
C2 verb /rɪˈkjʊə/

recure

Meaning
to cure again; to remedy a second time
Example
The doctor had to recure the wound after it reopened.
C2 noun /koʊˈædʒətər/

coadjutor

Meaning
a person who helps or assists another, especially in a religious or official capacity
Example
The bishop appointed a coadjutor to assist him with his duties.
C1 adverb /ˈduːli/

Duly

Meaning
in accordance with what is required or appropriate; at the proper time
Example
The documents were duly signed and submitted.
A1 noun /mɑːm/

mom

Meaning
an informal word for mother
Example
My mom makes the best homemade food.
A1 adjective /pɪŋk/

Pink

Meaning
pale red color; slightly red
Example
She wore a beautiful pink dress to the party.
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.
C2 noun /paɪər/

pyre

Meaning
A heap of combustible material, especially one used for burning a corpse as part of a funeral ceremony.
Example
The villagers built a pyre to honor the deceased.
B2 verb /ˈɪl.ə.streɪt/

illustrate

Meaning
to explain or make something clear by using examples, pictures, or comparisons
Example
The teacher used diagrams to illustrate the concept.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpʌlsəri/

compulsory

Meaning
Required by law or a rule; obligatory.
Example
Wearing seat belts is compulsory in most countries.
C1 adjective /ˈbæʃ.fəl/

Bashful

Meaning
shy; timid; modest; easily embarrassed
Example
The bashful child hid behind her mother when meeting strangers.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsɒljʊbl/

indissoluble

Meaning
Unable to be destroyed, broken, or dissolved.
Example
Marriage was once considered an indissoluble bond.
A1 noun ˈfoʊtoʊz

Photos

Meaning
Photographs; pictures taken with a camera.
Example
Adding photos to a family tree makes it more personal.
B2 adjective ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl

controversial

Meaning
Giving rise to public disagreement or heated discussion.
Example
The policy remains controversial.
C1 adjective ˌʌn.pəˈtɜːbd

unperturbed

Meaning
Not worried or disturbed by something; calm and composed.
Example
She remained unperturbed despite the challenges.
B2 verb /klɪŋ/

cling

Meaning
to hold on tightly to someone or something
Example
The child clung to his mother in fear.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
C1 adjective /pəˈroʊkiəl/

parochial

Meaning
Having a limited or narrow outlook; relating to a parish.
Example
His parochial view prevented him from understanding global issues.
B2 noun /ˈleð.ər/

Leather

Meaning
animal skin that has been treated to preserve it and make it suitable for use
Example
He bought a leather jacket from the store.
C1 verb /skɪmp/

skimp

Meaning
to use less of something than is necessary in order to save money or effort
Example
Don’t skimp on quality when buying a new laptop.
B2 verb /prɪˈzjuːm/

presume

Meaning
To suppose something is true without proof; to take for granted.
Example
I presume she has already left for the meeting.
B2 noun /ˈloʊ.təs/

Lotus

Meaning
a large water flower that floats on the surface of ponds and lakes
Example
The lotus flower blooms beautifully in the quiet pond.
B2 noun /dɪsˈmeɪ/

Dismay

Meaning
concern and distress caused by something unexpected; consternation or alarm
Example
To our dismay, the concert was cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
C2 verb /ɪˈvɪns/

evince

Meaning
to show or demonstrate clearly
Example
She evinced her interest in the project through active participation.
A2 adjective /ˈwɛstərn/

western

Meaning
relating to or characteristic of the West, especially Europe and the Americas
Example
She loves western music and culture.
B2 noun /oʊk/

oak

Meaning
a large tree that produces acorns and has strong, hard wood
Example
The old oak tree provided shade for the entire yard.
B2 adverb /ˈəʊvəli/

overly

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

odium

Meaning
general or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions
Example
The scandal brought public odium on the corrupt minister.
C1 verb /prəˈfes/

profess

Meaning
to declare or claim openly; to state one's belief
Example
He professes his love for classical music.
B2 verb /ˈstɑːrtl/

startle

Meaning
To surprise or frighten someone suddenly.
Example
The loud noise startled the children.
B2 noun /ˈækni/

acne

Meaning
a skin condition in which pores become inflamed and clogged, causing pimples and spots
Example
Regular cleansing and a balanced diet can help reduce acne.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɒnɪk/

chronic

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or constantly recurring, often describing illness.
Example
She suffers from chronic back pain.
B2 verb /ɪɡˈzɜrt/

exert

Meaning
to apply or bring to bear; to use physical or mental effort
Example
He exerted all his strength to lift the heavy box.
C2 adjective /droʊl/

droll

Meaning
curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement
Example
He had a droll sense of humor that made everyone laugh.
B2 noun /ˈhɔːrmoʊn/

hormone

Meaning
a chemical substance produced in the body that influences how the body grows or functions
Example
Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels.
C1 noun /ɡʌl/

Gull

Meaning
a seabird with webbed feet, long wings, and usually white and gray feathers
Example
The gull swooped down to grab the fish from the water.
B2 adjective /θiˈætrɪkl/

theatrical

Meaning
Relating to the theater or exaggerated and dramatic in behavior or style.
Example
Her theatrical performance won the audience's applause.
B2 noun /ˈkwɔː.tərz/

Quarters

Meaning
living accommodation; lodgings; military housing
Example
The soldiers returned to their quarters after the training exercise.
B2 adjective /ɪˈlɪt.ər.ət/

Illiterate

Meaning
unable to read or write; lacking education
Example
The program aims to help illiterate adults learn to read and write.
C2 adjective /ˈbeɪnfəl/

baneful

Meaning
Causing harm, ruin, or destruction; deadly or poisonous.
Example
His baneful influence ruined the community.
C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning
Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.
Example
The film ended with a climactic battle scene.
C1 noun /ˈɛpɪˌlɔːɡ/

epilogue

Meaning
A section at the end of a book, play, or speech that serves as a conclusion.
Example
The author included an epilogue to explain what happened to the characters later.
B1 noun /ˈæs.pekt/

aspect

Meaning
A particular part, feature, or view of something.
Example
One important aspect of health is regular exercise.
C1 verb /praʊl/

prowl

Meaning
To move around quietly and secretly, especially while hunting or searching.
Example
The cat prowled around the garden at night.
C2 adjective /ˈvjuː.ləs/

Viewless

Meaning
invisible; having no views or opinions
Example
The ghost remained viewless to most people in the haunted house.
C2 adjective /raɪˈpɛə.ri.ən/

riparian

Meaning
Relating to or situated on the banks of a river or other watercourse.
Example
Riparian vegetation helps prevent soil erosion along rivers.
A1 noun /hæt/

Hat

Meaning
a covering for the head, typically with a brim and worn outdoors
Example
He always wears a hat when working in the garden.
C2 noun əˌdʌl.təˈreɪ.ʃən

adulteration

Meaning
The action of making something poorer in quality by the addition of another substance.
Example
Adulteration of food is a serious health risk.
B1 noun /rɪˈfjuːz/

Refuse

Meaning
waste material; garbage; to decline or reject something
Example
Please put the refuse in the designated bins.
C1 noun, adjective /dɪˈrɪvətɪv/

derivative

Meaning
Something that is based on another source; in math, a measure of how a function changes.
Example
The film was criticized for being too derivative of earlier works.
C2 adjective /ˌmælˈoʊdərəs/

malodorous

Meaning
Having a very unpleasant smell.
Example
The malodorous room made everyone leave quickly.
C1 noun /ˈɡeɪ.ə.ti/

Gaiety

Meaning
the state or quality of being light-hearted or cheerful; festive atmosphere
Example
The wedding reception was filled with gaiety, laughter, and joyful celebrations.
A2 noun ˈprəʊ.ses

process

Meaning
A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
Example
Recruitment involves a three-stage process.
B1 verb /pərˈmɪt/

permit

Meaning
to allow or give permission; to make possible
Example
The teacher permits students to use calculators during the exam.
B1 verb /kəmˈpiːt/

compete

Meaning
to try to win or be more successful than others in a contest or activity
Example
Several companies compete for dominance in the market.
B2 adjective /dɪˈbeɪtəbl̩/

debatable

Meaning
open to discussion or doubt; not certain
Example
It is debatable whether the policy will work.
B2 noun /ɡriːf/

Grief

Meaning
deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death; trouble or suffering
Example
The family was overwhelmed with grief after losing their beloved pet.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs/

contiguous

Meaning
sharing a common border; touching
Example
The two continguous houses shared a wall.
B1 verb /əˈdæpt/

adapt

Meaning
to adjust or change something to suit new conditions or situations
Example
He quickly adapted to the new environment.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrtrɪdʒ/

cartridge

Meaning
A container holding a substance or device, such as ink for printers or bullets for firearms.
Example
The printer stopped working because the ink cartridge was empty.
A2 verb /rɪˈplaɪ/

reply

Meaning
to give an answer; to respond
Example
She replies to emails quickly.
C2 verb /ˈdʒæbər/

jabber

Meaning
To talk quickly and excitedly but with little sense.
Example
The children jabbered happily after the show.
C2 noun /ˈpɛnjʊri/

penury

Meaning
extreme poverty or destitution
Example
He grew up in penury but became successful later in life.
B2 noun /ˈtɛmpoʊ/

tempo

Meaning
The speed or pace at which a piece of music or activity is performed.
Example
The band played the song at a faster tempo than usual.
C2 adjective /ˈboʊvaɪn/

bovine

Meaning
relating to cattle; showing a dull or sluggish nature
Example
Her bovine expression revealed no emotions.
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.
B1 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər.tʃɪf/

Handkerchief

Meaning
a small piece of cloth used for wiping the nose or face
Example
She always carries a clean handkerchief in her purse.
C2 noun /krəˈdjuːlɪti/

credulity

Meaning
A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
Example
The scam succeeded because of the victim's credulity.
C2 adjective /ˈfɜːr.vɪd/

Fervid

Meaning
passionate; intensely enthusiastic; burning with emotion
Example
She gave a fervid speech about environmental protection.
B1 noun /ˈskwɪr.əl/

Squirrel

Meaning
a small agile tree-dwelling rodent with a long bushy tail
Example
The squirrel gathered nuts for winter.
C2 noun /juːˈkeɪs/

ukase

Meaning
An authoritative decree or order, especially one issued by a sovereign or government.
Example
The czar issued a ukase restricting the freedom of the press.
C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning
Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.
Example
His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.
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.
C1 noun /ˈhæŋ.ər/

Hanger

Meaning
a shaped piece of wood, plastic, or metal with a hook at the top, used to hang up clothes
Example
She hung her dress on a wooden hanger to prevent it from getting wrinkled.
A1 adverb /əˈweɪ/

Away

Meaning
to or at a distance; not present; absent
Example
He walked away from the noisy crowd.
C2 adjective /ˈɡʌstəˌtɔːri/

gustatory

Meaning
relating to the sense of taste
Example
The restaurant offered a gustatory experience unlike any other.
A2 verb /tʌtʃ/

touch

Meaning
to put your hand or finger on something; to make physical contact
Example
Please don't touch the wet paint.
C1 verb /priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

preoccupy

Meaning
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
Example
Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly.
B2 noun /ˈpɒp.i/

Poppy

Meaning
a bright red flower with black seeds, often used as a symbol of remembrance
Example
The red poppy bloomed beautifully in the garden.
C1 noun /ˈɛdɪfɪs/

edifice

Meaning
A large, impressive building or structure.
Example
The museum is an impressive edifice in the city center.
B1 noun /ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt/

Judgement

Meaning
the ability to make considered decisions or form sensible opinions; an official decision made by a judge or court
Example
The jury's judgement was based on careful consideration of all the facts.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/

exploitative

Meaning
making use of a situation or people unfairly and unethically for one's own advantage
Example
The workers protested against the exploitative practices of the factory.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmwʌn/

someone

Meaning
a person, but not specifically known or named
Example
Someone left their umbrella in the hallway.
B2 noun /ɪnˈsen.tɪv/

Incentive

Meaning
a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something; a reward or penalty that influences behavior
Example
The company offered a cash incentive to employees who exceeded their sales targets.
C1 adjective /ˈskɪtɪʃ/

skittish

Meaning
easily frightened or nervous; unpredictable
Example
The horse was too skittish to ride.
C2 adjective /paɪd/

pied

Meaning
having two or more different colors, typically in blotches
Example
The pied cat had black and white patches all over its body.
C2 adjective /ˈɑːsɪˌfaɪd/

ossified

Meaning
Turned into bone or become rigid; unwilling to change.
Example
The company had an ossified management structure that resisted innovation.
C2 noun /krɪpˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/

cryptography

Meaning
The practice of securing information through encryption or coding techniques
Example
Modern cryptography ensures secure online transactions.
B2 noun ˌrɛvəˈluːʃən

revolution

Meaning
A forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favor of a new system.
Example
The story is set during the French Revolution.
C2 adjective /ɔːˈrɔːrəl/

auroral

Meaning
Relating to or resembling the aurora, especially the northern lights.
Example
The scientists observed auroral activity in the night sky.
C1 verb /snɪər/

sneer

Meaning
to smile or speak in a mocking or contemptuous way
Example
She sneered at his attempt to sing.
B2 verb, adjective /ɪˈlæbəreɪt/ (verb), /ɪˈlæbərət/ (adjective)

elaborate

Meaning
verb: to explain something in detail; adjective: detailed and complicated in design
Example
She asked him to elaborate on his proposal.
A1 noun /ˈbɑːθruːm/

bathroom

Meaning
a room containing a toilet and usually a sink or shower
Example
The bathroom is on the second floor.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪnɪti/

trinity

Meaning
a group of three closely related things; in Christianity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Example
The museum’s exhibit focused on a trinity of themes: memory, identity, and power.