Outcast
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C1 adjective /ˈaʊt.kɑːst/

Outcast

Meaning
rejected by society; excluded person
Example
He felt like an outcast in his new school.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːrθəˈpiːdɪk/

orthopedic

Meaning
Relating to the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.
Example
She visited an orthopedic surgeon for her back pain.
C1 adjective /aʊtˈmoʊdɪd/

outmoded

Meaning
No longer in fashion or useful; outdated.
Example
That old computer is completely outmoded.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈstrɪp/

outstrip

Meaning
To go faster or do better than someone or something; to surpass.
Example
The company outstripped its competitors in sales last year.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ/

outstretch

Meaning
To extend or stretch something outward.
Example
He outstretched his hand to help her up.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊtˈspoʊkən/

Outspoken

Meaning
frank; speaking directly
Example
She is known for being outspoken about social issues.
C1 adjective əˈblɪv.i.əs

oblivious

Meaning
Being completely unaware of surrounding events.
Example
He was oblivious to the noise around him while reading.
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 adjective əʊˈpeɪk

opaque

Meaning
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand.
Example
The glass was too opaque to see through.
C1 verb /aʊtˈlæst/

outlast

Meaning
to continue longer than; to endure beyond someone or something else
Example
The old castle has outlasted many generations.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪməm/

optimum

Meaning
Most conducive to a favorable outcome; best.
Example
To achieve optimum results, we need to improve efficiency.
C1 noun /ˈɒfʃuːt/

offshoot

Meaning
A branch or result that develops from something larger or more important.
Example
The startup was an offshoot of a major tech company.
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 noun /ˈaʊtˌɡroʊθ/

outgrowth

Meaning
something that grows out of something else; a natural development or result
Example
The new policy was an outgrowth of years of debate.
C1 verb /ˈɒs.ɪ.leɪt/

oscillate

Meaning
To swing or move back and forth between two points or states
Example
The stock market tends to oscillate during uncertain times.
C1 noun /əˈkɜr.əns/

Occurrence

Meaning
an instance or event of something happening; the fact of occurring
Example
The occurrence of earthquakes is common in this region.
C1 noun /ˈɒktəɡən/

octagon

Meaning
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Example
The stop sign is shaped like an octagon.
C1 noun /ˈɒn.slɔːt/

onslaught

Meaning
A fierce or destructive attack.
Example
The village faced an onslaught of enemy forces.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈliːt/

obsolete

Meaning
No longer in use or out of date.
Example
Floppy disks are now completely obsolete.
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.
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 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.
C1 adjective /oʊˈbiːs/

obese

Meaning
Extremely overweight; having an excessive amount of body fat.
Example
The doctor advised the obese patient to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
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.
C1 verb /ˈɒfsɛt/

offset

Meaning
To counterbalance or compensate for something.
Example
The company's losses were offset by gains in other departments.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtˌkraɪ/

outcry

Meaning
A strong expression of public anger or disapproval.
Example
The decision sparked an outcry among the citizens.
C1 adjective /ˌɑːpərˈtuːn/

opportune

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

Oath

Meaning
a solemn promise or declaration; a sworn statement
Example
The doctor took an oath to help patients.
C1 verb /əbˈsɛs/

obsess

Meaning
To preoccupy or fill the mind of someone continually and to an excessive degree.
Example
She tends to obsess over small details.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪk/

optic

Meaning
Relating to the eye or vision.
Example
The optic nerve carries signals from the eye to the brain.
C1 noun /əbˈdʒɛktər/

objector

Meaning
a person who expresses opposition or disapproval to something
Example
The objector raised his concerns during the town meeting.
C1 adjective /ˌɒmnɪˈprezənt/

omnipresent

Meaning
(of God) present everywhere at the same time.
Example
Social media has become an omnipresent force in modern society.
C1 noun /əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/

observatory

Meaning
A building equipped for observing astronomical or meteorological events.
Example
The observatory is open to the public on weekends.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈruːl/

overrule

Meaning
to reject or disallow by exercising one's superior authority; to override a decision
Example
The judge overruled the objection from the defense attorney.
C1 noun /ˈɔːr.ə.tɔːr.i/

oratory

Meaning
The art of public speaking; skilled and confident delivery of speeches to an audience.
Example
His exceptional oratory skills won him the debate competition.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊt ən ˈaʊt/

out-and-out

Meaning
complete; absolute; used to emphasize something extreme
Example
The speech was an out-and-out lie.
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 adjective /ˌəʊvərˈstɪmjʊˌleɪtɪd/

overstimulated

Meaning
Excessively excited or aroused, overwhelmed by too much stimulus.
Example
Overstimulated minds can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrθədɑːksi/

orthodoxy

Meaning
traditional or generally accepted beliefs and practices
Example
The religious leader defended the orthodoxy of the faith.
C1 noun /ɒpˈtɒmɪtrɪst/

optometrist

Meaning
A healthcare professional who examines eyes and prescribes corrective lenses.
Example
The optometrist prescribed new glasses for her.
C1 verb ˈɔː.kɪ.streɪ.tɪd

orchestrated

Meaning
Planned or coordinated carefully and deliberately.
Example
The attacks were orchestrated with precision.
C1 adjective /əbˈzɜːrvənt/

Observant

Meaning
quick to notice things; watchful; attentive
Example
The observant detective noticed every small detail at the crime scene.
C1 noun /ˌɒbstəˈtrɪʃən/

obstetrician

Meaning
A doctor specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and women's reproductive health.
Example
The obstetrician monitored the mother’s health throughout the pregnancy.
C1 adjective /ɒˈstɛnsəbl/

ostensible

Meaning
stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
Example
His ostensible reason for leaving was illness, but many doubted it.
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.
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 /ˌɑːk.sɪˈmɔːr.ɒn/

oxymoron

Meaning
a figure of speech where two contradictory terms are combined
Example
The phrase 'deafening silence' is a classic oxymoron.
C1 noun /ˈoʊvərˌsiːər/

overseer

Meaning
a person who supervises work or workers; a manager
Example
The overseer made sure the workers followed safety rules.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪkəl/

optical

Meaning
related to or used in seeing or sight
Example
The optical illusion fooled everyone at the exhibition.
C1 noun /ˈɒptɪks/

optics

Meaning
The branch of physics dealing with light and vision.
Example
She studied optics to understand how lenses work.
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.
C1 adjective /əˈblaɪdʒɪŋ/

obliging

Meaning
Willing to help or do favors; accommodating.
Example
The staff at the hotel were very obliging and friendly.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈrʌn/

overrun

Meaning
to spread over or occupy completely; to exceed a limit or time
Example
The garden was overrun with weeds.
C1 adjective /ˈəʊnərəs/

onerous

Meaning
involving a great deal of effort, difficulty, or burden
Example
Fulfilling the contract proved to be an onerous task for the company.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrdɪnəl/

ordinal

Meaning
Relating to the order or position of something in a sequence (first, second, third, etc.).
Example
The ordinal number 'third' indicates position in a sequence.
C1 adjective /ˈɑp.ər.ə.tɪv/

Operative

Meaning
Functioning; in effect; working; active;
Example
The new safety protocols became operative immediately after the accident.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈɒktɪv/

octave

Meaning
A series of eight musical notes, or the interval between one musical pitch and another with double its frequency.
Example
The singer's voice could easily reach the higher octave.
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 verb /ˌaʊtˈduː/

outdo

Meaning
To do better than someone else; to surpass.
Example
She always tries to outdo her classmates in exams.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈθroʊ/

overthrow

Meaning
To remove a leader or government from power, often by force.
Example
The rebels planned to overthrow the corrupt regime.
C1 noun /ˌɑːsɪˈleɪʃən/

oscillation

Meaning
The movement back and forth at a regular speed.
Example
The oscillation of the pendulum controls the clock.
C1 noun /ˌəʊvərɪksˌplɔɪˈteɪʃən/

overexploitation

Meaning
The unsustainable use of natural resources at a rate that exceeds their ability to regenerate, leading to depletion and environmental degradation.
Example
Overexploitation of natural resources leads to environmental degradation.
C1 verb /uːz/

ooze

Meaning
to slowly flow or leak out through small openings or pores
Example
Blood began to ooze from the small cut.
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.
C1 adjective /əbˈnɒkʃəs/

Obnoxious

Meaning
extremely unpleasant; offensive; annoying
Example
His obnoxious behavior at the party annoyed everyone.
C1 adjective /əbˈdʒek.ʃən.ə.bəl/

Objectionable

Meaning
arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive
Example
His objectionable behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
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 noun /ˈəʊ.nəs/

onus

Meaning
A duty or responsibility, especially a heavy one.
Example
The onus is on the government to provide relief to the victims.
C1 noun ˌɒk.sɪˈdeɪ.ʃən

oxidation

Meaning
A chemical reaction that involves the combination of a substance with oxygen, often causing deterioration.
Example
Oxidation causes metal surfaces to weaken.
C1 noun /oʊˈeɪ.sɪs/

Oasis

Meaning
a fertile spot in a desert where water is found; a pleasant refuge
Example
The travelers found an oasis after days in the desert.
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 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 /ˌoʊvərˈbɛrɪŋ/

overbearing

Meaning
unpleasantly or arrogantly domineering
Example
His overbearing attitude made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˈɑːlɪˌɡɑːrki/

oligarchy

Meaning
A small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution.
Example
The nation was ruled by a wealthy oligarchy that controlled all resources.
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.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈneɪt/

ornate

Meaning
elaborately or highly decorated
Example
The palace hall was filled with ornate furniture and paintings.
C1 verb /aʊtˈlɪv/

outlive

Meaning
to live longer than someone or something else
Example
She outlived all her siblings.
C1 adjective /əbˈstrʌk.tɪv/

Obstructive

Meaning
deliberately creating difficulties or preventing progress; hindering or blocking something
Example
The obstructive policies hindered economic growth.
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 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbloʊn/

overblown

Meaning
excessively exaggerated or inflated
Example
The controversy was overblown by the media.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊər/

overpower

Meaning
To defeat or gain control over someone or something by using greater strength or force.
Example
The soldiers managed to overpower the enemy forces.
C1 noun /ˈoʊ.mən/

Omen

Meaning
an event regarded as a sign of future good or bad luck
Example
Many people consider a black cat crossing your path a bad omen.
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 noun /ˈaʊtriːtʃ/

outreach

Meaning
The act of providing services or support to people who might not otherwise have access to them.
Example
The charity launched a new outreach program for the homeless.
C1 noun /ˈɑn.set/

Onset

Meaning
the beginning or early stages of something; the start of a medical condition
Example
The onset of winter brought heavy snowfall.
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 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.
C1 noun /ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/

overture

Meaning
An introduction to something more substantial; a proposal or preliminary action.
Example
The peace overture was welcomed by both nations.
C1 noun ˌoʊ.vɚˈɡreɪ.zɪŋ

overgrazing

Meaning
The practice of allowing livestock to graze to the point of damaging vegetation.
Example
Overgrazing leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
C1 noun /oʊˈveɪʃən/

ovation

Meaning
an enthusiastic show of approval, especially by clapping hands
Example
The actor received a standing ovation after his performance.
C1 adjective /ˌɔː.riˈen.təl/

Oriental

Meaning
relating to the countries of East Asia; eastern
Example
The museum has a beautiful collection of oriental art.
C1 noun /əˈpreʃ.ən/

Oppression

Meaning
cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority; the state of being subject to harsh treatment
Example
The people fought against political oppression.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːrnəˈmɛntl/

ornamental

Meaning
Serving as decoration; decorative rather than functional.
Example
The garden was filled with ornamental plants.
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 /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 noun /ˈoʊ.vər spɪl/

Over-spill

Meaning
the overflow of liquid from a container; excess that cannot be contained
Example
The overspill from the river flooded nearby farms.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊt əv ðə ˈweɪ/

out-of-the-way

Meaning
remote or unusual; not in a convenient or usual location
Example
They stayed in an out-of-the-way village.
C1 noun /ˈɒf.sprɪŋ/

offspring

Meaning
a person's child or children; an animal's young
Example
The bird carefully fed its offspring.
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.
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 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.
C1 noun ɔːrˈdiːl

ordeal

Meaning
A physical or mental painful experience that must be endured
Example
Surviving the wilderness was a tough ordeal for them.
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 verb ˈɔːr.kɪ.streɪt

orchestrate

Meaning
To plan or coordinate the elements of (a situation) to produce a desired effect, especially surreptitiously.
Example
He skillfully orchestrated the entire event.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrθədɑːks/

orthodox

Meaning
conforming to traditional beliefs or practices
Example
He comes from a very orthodox family.
C1 adverb /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl.i/

optimally

Meaning
In the most effective or efficient way possible.
Example
Tasks should be allocated optimally for maximum output.
C1 adjective /əˈbliːk/

Oblique

Meaning
slanting; diagonal; indirect or evasive
Example
The artist drew an oblique line across the canvas.
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 noun /ˈɔr.ə.kəl/

Oracle

Meaning
a person regarded as a source of wise counsel; in ancient times, a priest or priestess acting as a medium
Example
The ancient Greeks consulted the oracle at Delphi.