optimization
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C1 noun ˌɒp.tɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

optimization

Meaning
Improving processes to increase performance and efficiency.
Example
SEO optimization helps websites rank higher on search engines.
C1 noun/verb /ˈɪnsɛns/

incense

Meaning
a substance burned for its sweet smell (noun); to make very angry (verb)
Example
The smell of incense filled the temple, but his rude words incensed her.
B1 verb /pərˈmɪt/

permit

Meaning
to allow or give permission; to make possible
Example
The teacher permits students to use calculators during the exam.
C2 verb /ˈnɪɡəl/

niggle

Meaning
to cause slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or worry
Example
A small doubt niggled at her mind.
B2 noun /ˈtek.staɪl/

textile

Meaning
a type of cloth or woven fabric made by knitting or weaving fibers
Example
Bangladesh is famous for its high-quality textile industry.
C2 noun /ɪɡˈzækʃən/

exaction

Meaning
the act of demanding or obtaining something, especially unfairly
Example
The peasants suffered under the king's heavy exactions.
C1 noun əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən

Assimilation

Meaning
Connecting new information with existing knowledge
Example
Proper assimilation of knowledge leads to effective learning.
B1 adverb /ˈrʌfli/

Roughly

Meaning
approximately; in a harsh or violent way
Example
The project will take roughly three months to complete.
B1 noun /'pʌmp.kɪn/

Pumpkin

Meaning
a large round orange fruit with thick skin and edible flesh
Example
We carved a jack-o'-lantern from a big pumpkin.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnət/

senate

Meaning
a legislative or governing body, typically the upper chamber in a bicameral legislature
Example
The senate voted in favor of the new healthcare bill.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːtətɪv/

putative

Meaning
commonly accepted or supposed; generally regarded as such
Example
He is the putative father of the child.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv

introspective

Meaning
Characterized by or given to introspection; examining one's own thoughts and feelings.
Example
Writers tend to be highly introspective individuals.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən/

inquisition

Meaning
A prolonged and intense questioning or investigation, often harsh in nature.
Example
The journalist faced an inquisition from the panel about his sources.
B2 noun ɪˌvæljuˈeɪʃən

evaluation

Meaning
The making of a judgment about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment.
Example
Accurate evaluation helps determine resource sustainability.
B1 verb /rɪˈfɜː/

refer

Meaning
to mention or allude to something; to direct someone to a source of information
Example
Please refer to page 45 for more details.
B1 noun /ˈdʒʌŋ.ɡəl/

Jungle

Meaning
a dense forest in a tropical climate; a place of bewildering complexity or ruthless struggle
Example
The explorer got lost in the dense Amazon jungle for three days.
C1 adjective ˌæd.vɚˈser.i.əl

adversarial

Meaning
Involving or characterized by conflict or opposition.
Example
The two companies have an adversarial relationship in the market.
C2 noun /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪst/

recidivist

Meaning
A person who repeatedly commits crimes, especially after having been punished.
Example
The police identified him as a recidivist who had been arrested several times before.
A2 noun /reɪt/

rate

Meaning
the cost or price of something, or the amount at which something happens
Example
The rate of inflation is increasing every year.
B1 adverb /rɪˈpiː.tɪd.li/

Repeatedly

Meaning
again and again; many times over
Example
He repeatedly asked for help with his homework.
C2 verb /ˈhʊdwɪŋk/

hoodwink

Meaning
To deceive or trick someone.
Example
The scammer hoodwinked many people with false promises.
B2 noun /ˈliːf.lət/

Leaflet

Meaning
a printed sheet of paper containing information or advertising and usually distributed free
Example
She handed out leaflets about the environmental campaign.
C1 noun rɪˈfaɪnmənt

refinement

Meaning
The process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.
Example
His manners showed a refinement that made him stand out in any crowd.
C2 noun /ˈdɛswɪˌtuːd/

desuetude

Meaning
a state of disuse or inactivity
Example
The old law has fallen into desuetude.
B1 verb /pɔːr/

pour

Meaning
to flow or cause to flow in a steady stream; to rain heavily
Example
Please pour the water into the glass carefully.
C1 noun /nɑːrˈkɒtɪk/

narcotic

Meaning
A drug that dulls the senses and relieves pain, often causing sleep and sometimes addiction.
Example
The police seized a large amount of narcotic substances.
C2 adjective /ˈtɪd.li/

Tiddley

Meaning
slightly drunk; small or tiny
Example
After a few drinks, he felt a bit tiddley.
A1 noun /ˈbʌt.ər/

Butter

Meaning
a pale yellow edible fatty substance made by churning cream
Example
He spread butter on his toast for breakfast.
B2 noun /ˈfɪzɪsɪst/

physicist

Meaning
a scientist who studies or specializes in physics
Example
The physicist explained the theory of relativity to the students.
B2 noun /raɪˈnɒs.ər.əs/

Rhinoceros

Meaning
a large, heavy animal with thick skin and one or two horns on its nose
Example
The rhinoceros charged through the grassland.
B1 noun fəˈsɪl.ɪ.tiz

facilities

Meaning
A place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose.
Example
Facilities improve industrial productivity.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌfɑːðər/

forefather

Meaning
an ancestor, especially one who was part of an earlier generation of a family or nation
Example
Our forefathers fought for independence.
C2 verb /ɪkˈspeɪʃiˌeɪt/

expatiate

Meaning
to speak or write at length or in detail
Example
The professor expatiated on the importance of critical thinking.
B2 noun /ˈɡreɪt.fəl.nəs/

Gratefulness

Meaning
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for kindness
Example
She expressed her gratefulness to the doctors who saved her life.
C2 noun /ˈɛpəʊd/

epode

Meaning
A form of lyric poem written in couplets, often following a strophe and antistrophe in classical Greek poetry.
Example
The poet concluded his ode with a striking epode.
C2 noun /ˈseɪnjər/

seignior

Meaning
A feudal lord; a man of authority in medieval Europe.
Example
The seignior demanded taxes from the peasants.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/

parenthetical

Meaning
Relating to or expressed in parentheses; a side remark or digression.
Example
He added a parenthetical comment during the lecture.
A2 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.lər/

Popular

Meaning
liked or admired by many people; well-known and widely accepted
Example
This restaurant is very popular among young people.
B2 noun /ˈfleɪvər/

flavor

Meaning
The distinctive taste of a food or drink.
Example
This ice cream has a delicious mango flavor.
C1 noun /pərˈvɜr.sə.ti/

Perversity

Meaning
deliberate determination to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; the quality of being contrary or obstinate
Example
His perversity in refusing help frustrated everyone.
B2 noun /rɪˈbel.jən/

Rebellion

Meaning
an act of armed resistance to an established government or leader
Example
The rebellion against the king lasted for three years.
C2 adjective /ˈɡlɑːbjələr/

globular

Meaning
Having the shape of a globe; spherical.
Example
The scientist studied the globular cluster of stars.
C1 noun /bɑːm/

balm

Meaning
A soothing ointment or something that provides comfort or relief.
Example
The balm helped relieve the pain from her sunburn.
C2 noun /ˈɡɜːrdər/

girder

Meaning
a large, strong beam used to support buildings or bridges
Example
The steel girders held the weight of the bridge.
C1 verb /ɪˈkɒnəmaɪz/

economize

Meaning
To reduce spending or use resources carefully.
Example
Families are trying to economize by cutting unnecessary expenses.
B2 verb /pæt/

pat

Meaning
to touch someone or something gently, often to show affection or approval
Example
She gently patted the dog on its head.
C1 verb /klæsp/

clasp

Meaning
to grasp or hold tightly; also a device for fastening
Example
She clasped her hands together in prayer.
B2 noun /ˌærɪˈstɑːkrəsi/

aristocracy

Meaning
a class of people holding exceptional rank and privileges, especially hereditary nobility
Example
The aristocracy often had influence over political decisions.
C2 noun ˌbaɪ.oʊ.əˈveɪ.lə.bɪl.ə.ti

bioavailability

Meaning
The degree to which a substance can be absorbed and used by the body.
Example
Turmeric's bioavailability increases when consumed with black pepper.
B1 noun /ˈtiː.pɒt/

Tea-pot

Meaning
a container with a lid, handle, and spout for brewing and serving tea
Example
She poured hot water into the tea-pot to make tea.
C1 noun /ˈpræɡ.mə.tɪ.zəm/

pragmatism

Meaning
A practical approach to problems and affairs; dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
Example
His pragmatism helped solve the financial crisis.
C1 adjective /æbˈdɑː.mə.nəl/

abdominal

Meaning
relating to the abdomen (the part of the body between the chest and pelvis)
Example
He complained of severe abdominal pain.
A2 noun ˌedʒ.ʊˈkeɪ.ʃən

education

Meaning
The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.
Example
Quality education is key to progress.
C1 noun /ˈpæntəmaɪm/

pantomime

Meaning
A type of theatrical performance using gestures and movements without spoken words; in Britain, a musical comedy play for families performed at Christmas.
Example
The children enjoyed the Christmas pantomime at the local theater.
C1 noun /ˌrɛstɪˈtjuːʃən/

restitution

Meaning
The act of restoring something to its rightful owner or compensating for loss
Example
The court ordered restitution to the victims of the fraud.
C2 adjective /ˈlæk.rɪ.moʊs/

lachrymose

Meaning
tearful or given to weeping; sad and mournful
Example
The movie's lachrymose ending left the audience in tears.
B2 noun /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/

congestion

Meaning
A situation in which a place is too blocked or crowded, causing difficulties.
Example
Urban congestion leads to longer travel times.
B2 verb /ˈflætər/

flatter

Meaning
to praise excessively or insincerely to gain favor
Example
He tried to flatter his boss to get a promotion.
C2 verb /ˈseɪʃiˌeɪt/

satiate

Meaning
To satisfy fully, especially with food or desire.
Example
The large meal satiated his hunger.
A2 adjective /əˈsliːp/

asleep

Meaning
in a state of sleep
Example
The baby is fast asleep.
B1 verb/noun /ˈdiːkriːs/ (noun), /dɪˈkriːs/ (verb)

decrease

Meaning
To become or make something smaller or fewer in number, amount, or degree.
Example
The population of the town has decreased over the years.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛʃən/

intercession

Meaning
the act of intervening or pleading on behalf of another person
Example
The prisoner was released due to the intercession of influential leaders.
C1 verb /kɑːrp/

carp

Meaning
to complain or find fault continually, often about trivial matters
Example
She tends to carp about the smallest inconveniences.
C2 noun /ˌdɪskwɪˈzɪʃən/

disquisition

Meaning
A long or elaborate discussion or written essay on a particular subject.
Example
The professor gave a lengthy disquisition on ancient philosophy.
B1 noun, verb /ɡrɪl/

grill

Meaning
a metal frame used for cooking food over an open fire; to cook food on such a frame
Example
We grilled some chicken for dinner.
B1 noun /ˈplæt.fɔːm/

platform

Meaning
A raised level surface on which people or things can stand.
Example
The platform was used to discuss collaboration.
A2 adjective /ˈkreɪzi/

Crazy

Meaning
mentally ill; extremely foolish; wildly enthusiastic about something
Example
That's a crazy idea, but it might just work.
C2 adjective ˈɛr.jʊ.daɪt

erudite

Meaning
Having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarly and intellectual.
Example
The professor's erudite lecture fascinated the students.
A2 noun /ˈtrʌb.əl/

Trouble

Meaning
difficulty or problems; effort or exertion made to do something
Example
The car broke down and caused a lot of trouble for the family.
C2 noun /ˌbluː ˈblʌd/

Blue-blood

Meaning
a person of noble birth; aristocrat
Example
She came from a family of blue-bloods with centuries of royal heritage.
B2 adjective /rɪˈstrɪk.tɪd/

Restricted

Meaning
limited or controlled; subject to restrictions
Example
Access to this area is restricted to authorized personnel only.
C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning
a person or group who has captured someone or something
Example
The hostage managed to escape from his captors.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈnesəserəli/

Unnecessarily

Meaning
to a greater extent than is needed; without necessity
Example
Don't worry unnecessarily about the exam.
C2 noun /ˈmɪlk pɒt/

Milk-pot

Meaning
a container specifically used for storing or serving milk
Example
She poured fresh milk from the milk-pot into her glass.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

polymath

Meaning
a person with knowledge of many different subjects
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.
C1 noun /ɪnˈɛk.wɪ.ti/

inequity

Meaning
Lack of fairness or justice; unequal distribution or treatment.
Example
Social inequity continues to be a global issue.
C1 noun ˈdʒen.ə.saɪd

genocide

Meaning
The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation.
Example
The allegations of genocide raised global concerns.
A2 noun /sɔːs/

Sauce

Meaning
a liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moisture and flavor
Example
She added tomato sauce to her pasta.
B1 adjective /ɪnˈfɔːrməl/

Informal

Meaning
relaxed and friendly; not official or ceremonial; casual
Example
The meeting was informal and relaxed.
B1 noun /ˈbaɪbəl/

bible

Meaning
the Christian scriptures consisting of the Old and New Testaments; also used for any authoritative book
Example
She reads the Bible every morning.
A2 verb /ˈprɒmɪs/

promise

Meaning
to assure someone that one will definitely do something; to give one's word
Example
I promise to help you with your homework.
A2 noun ˈprəʊɡres

progress

Meaning
Forward or onward movement towards a destination or a more advanced state.
Example
Progress in recycling technologies can tackle pollution.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkəˈdɪloʊ/

peccadillo

Meaning
a small or minor fault or sin
Example
Forgetting to call was just a small peccadillo, not a serious mistake.
B2 noun /ˈʒɑːn.rə/

genre

Meaning
a style or category of art, music, or literature
Example
Romance is her favorite genre of movies.
C1 noun /ˈsɪvɪks/

civics

Meaning
the study of the rights and duties of citizens and how government works
Example
Civics helps students understand their responsibilities as citizens.
B2 noun /ˈmɛntɔːr/

mentor

Meaning
an experienced person who advises and guides someone less experienced
Example
She acted as a mentor for the new employees.
A2 noun /truːθ/

Truth

Meaning
the quality or state of being true; that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality
Example
The witness promised to tell the truth during the court hearing.
B2 adjective /prɛsˈtɪdʒəs/

prestigious

Meaning
having a high reputation; respected
Example
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
B2 noun ˈstɪmjələs

stimulus

Meaning
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Example
Plants respond to external stimulus.
A1 noun /iːst/

east

Meaning
The direction from which the sun rises; one of the four cardinal points.
Example
The sun rises in the east.
B2 noun /skɑːr/

Scar

Meaning
a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed; lasting emotional damage
Example
The accident left a permanent scar on his forehead.
B2 noun /ˈænsestri/

ancestry

Meaning
one’s family origins or lineage
Example
He is proud of his royal ancestry.
C1 adjective /ˈloʊli/

lowly

Meaning
humble in status, position, or manner
Example
She rose from a lowly position to become the company's CEO.
C1 adjective /ˈkʌlpəbl̩/

culpable

Meaning
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
Example
The judge found him culpable for the accident.
C2 noun (plural) /ˈɔːspɪsɪz/

auspices

Meaning
Patronage, support, or guidance, often used in the phrase 'under the auspices of'.
Example
The conference was held under the auspices of the United Nations.
B2 noun /ˈlænd.lɔːrd/

Land lord

Meaning
a person who owns property and rents it to tenants
Example
The landlord collected the monthly rent from all tenants.
C1 verb prəˈpel

propel

Meaning
To drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forward.
Example
Lack of proper guidance can propel adolescents toward delinquency.
C2 noun /ˈwɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

witticism

Meaning
a clever or funny remark
Example
Her witticism made everyone laugh during the meeting.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛmpərət/

intemperate

Meaning
Lacking self-control; immoderate, especially in indulgence.
Example
The politician's intemperate remarks caused controversy.
B1 verb /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/

purchase

Meaning
to buy something; to acquire by paying money
Example
I need to purchase groceries for the week.
B1 noun /twɪn/

twin

Meaning
either of two children born at the same time to the same mother
Example
They have twin girls.
C2 adjective /əˌnækrəˈnɪstɪk/

anachronistic

Meaning
belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; old-fashioned or outdated
Example
His views on gender roles are considered anachronistic.
B1 noun/verb /ˈleɪ.bər/

labor

Meaning
work, especially hard physical work; to work hard
Example
The workers labored in the hot sun all day.
C1 adjective /rɪˈzɪdjuəl/

residual

Meaning
Remaining after the greater part has gone.
Example
The patient experienced residual pain after the surgery.
B1 noun /kəʊˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/

cooperation

Meaning
The process of working together to the same end.
Example
Cooperation ensures effective problem-solving.
C1 adjective /ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

preferential

Meaning
showing or giving advantage to one over others
Example
Members receive preferential treatment at the club.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/

ingratiating

Meaning
Charming or flattering in a way intended to gain favor.
Example
His ingratiating smile made everyone trust him quickly.
A2 noun /ˈmæstər/

Master

Meaning
A skilled practitioner of a particular art or activity; a teacher or expert
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a master of both painting and sculpture.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/

intensive

Meaning
Involving a lot of effort, energy, or concentration in a short period of time.
Example
She attended an intensive English course before moving abroad.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːɡə/

saga

Meaning
A long story of heroic achievement, or a long, complex series of events.
Example
The company's rise and fall became a corporate saga.
B2 noun /ˌhez.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Hesitation

Meaning
the action of pausing or delaying; uncertainty or unwillingness to act
Example
After a moment of hesitation, she decided to accept the challenging job offer from the company.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
C1 verb /əˈkleɪm/

acclaim

Meaning
to praise enthusiastically and publicly
Example
The audience acclaimed the actor for his outstanding performance.
C1 phrase ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm kəˈlæps

ecosystem collapse

Meaning
The complete breakdown of an ecological system, resulting in the inability to maintain its structure and function.
Example
Unchecked deforestation can lead to ecosystem collapse.
B1 noun /ˈwɜːrkʃɒp/

workshop

Meaning
a room or building where people engage in work or creative activities
Example
The workshop focused on improving technical skills for young professionals.
B1 adjective /ˈliː.dɪŋ/

Leading

Meaning
foremost; principal; most important; guiding
Example
She is a leading expert in environmental science.
B2 noun /kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/

Consumption

Meaning
The using up of a resource or the amount of a product consumed by consumers.
Example
High energy consumption leads to increased electricity bills.
A1 verb /θroʊ/

throw

Meaning
to send something through the air with force using your hand
Example
He can throw the ball very far.
C2 verb /ˈɪməleɪt/

immolate

Meaning
To kill or sacrifice, especially by burning.
Example
The protesters threatened to immolate themselves in front of the building.
B2 noun /ˌmɒd.ən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

modernization

Meaning
The process of adapting something to modern needs or habits.
Example
Modernization of industries reduces pollution.
B2 noun /ˈæltɪtuːd/

altitude

Meaning
the height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level
Example
The airplane is flying at an altitude of 30,000 feet.