outlaw
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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 /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 /ɒmˈnɪʃəns/

omniscience

Meaning
the state of knowing everything
Example
The novel's narrator has an air of omniscience, revealing every character's thoughts.
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.
B2 verb /əbˈteɪn/

obtain

Meaning
to get or acquire something
Example
You need to obtain a visa before traveling abroad.
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.
A1 preposition /ɒn/

on

Meaning
physically in contact with and supported by a surface
Example
The book is on the table.
B2 adjective /ˈɔɪl.i/

Oily

Meaning
covered with oil; containing oil; greasy
Example
Her oily skin needs special care.
C2 verb /oʊˈpaɪn/

opine

Meaning
to express an opinion or belief
Example
The professor opined that the policy would fail.
B2 noun /ɒpˈtɪʃən/

optician

Meaning
A person who makes or sells glasses and contact lenses.
Example
The optician adjusted my new glasses to fit better.
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.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈəʊ.dər.əs/

Odorous

Meaning
having a strong smell; fragrant; aromatic
Example
The garden was filled with odorous flowers.
B2 adverb /ˈɒdli/

oddly

Meaning
in a strange or unusual way; unexpectedly
Example
Oddly, he didn’t seem upset by the bad news.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈrʌn/

overrun

Meaning
to spread over or occupy completely; to exceed a limit or time
Example
The garden was overrun with weeds.
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.
C1 verb əˈblɪt.ə.reɪt

obliterate

Meaning
To destroy utterly; wipe out completely, to erase or remove something completely.
Example
The storm obliterated entire villages.
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.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈaʊtdɔːr/

outdoor

Meaning
situated, existing, or done outside a building
Example
We planned an outdoor picnic for the weekend.
B2 noun /oʊˈbiː.di.əns/

Obedience

Meaning
compliance with an order, request, or law; submission to authority
Example
Children should show obedience to their parents.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈiːt/

overeat

Meaning
To eat more food than the body needs.
Example
She tends to overeat when she is stressed.
C2 verb /əbˈtruːd/

obtrude

Meaning
to force oneself or one's ideas into a situation uninvited or inappropriately
Example
He didn’t want to obtrude into their private conversation.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtˌkraɪ/

outcry

Meaning
A strong expression of public anger or disapproval.
Example
The decision sparked an outcry among the citizens.
B2 verb /əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/

originate

Meaning
to come into existence; to begin; to create or produce
Example
The tradition originated in ancient times.
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 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.
A1 interjection /oʊ/

oh

Meaning
used to express surprise, realization, or understanding
Example
Oh, I didn't know you were here!
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.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /ˌoʊld ˈfæʃənd/

old-fashioned

Meaning
not modern; belonging to an earlier time
Example
He still wears an old-fashioned hat.
B2 noun /ˈɒfərɪŋ/

offering

Meaning
something that is given, especially as a gift or contribution
Example
The company’s latest offering is an eco-friendly car.
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.
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.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /əˈfɪʃəl/

official

Meaning
relating to or connected with an authority or public office
Example
He is the official spokesperson for the company.
B2 noun /ˈɒs.trɪtʃ/

Ostrich

Meaning
a large flightless bird native to Africa with long legs and neck
Example
The ostrich is the world's largest bird.
B2 adjective /əˈfen.sɪv/

Offensive

Meaning
causing displeasure or resentment; insulting; aggressive
Example
His offensive remarks hurt everyone's feelings.
C1 adjective /əbˈnɒkʃəs/

Obnoxious

Meaning
extremely unpleasant; offensive; annoying
Example
His obnoxious behavior at the party annoyed everyone.
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 /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.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈkʌm/

overcome

Meaning
To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
Example
You can overcome procrastination with planning.
C1 adjective /ˌɒmnɪˈprezənt/

omnipresent

Meaning
(of God) present everywhere at the same time.
Example
Social media has become an omnipresent force in modern society.
B1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈsiːz/

overseas

Meaning
in or to a foreign country across the sea
Example
He went overseas for higher education.
A2 noun /ˈɒbdʒɪkt/

object

Meaning
a thing that can be seen and touched
Example
The table is an object in the room.
C2 noun /ˌɑːbdʒərˈɡeɪʃən/

objurgation

Meaning
a harsh scolding or strong rebuke
Example
His misconduct earned him a severe objurgation from the manager.
A2 noun /ˈʌn.jən/

Onion

Meaning
a round vegetable with a strong taste and smell, made up of many layers
Example
I need to chop some onions for the curry recipe.
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 verb /ˈɒsɪfaɪ/

ossify

Meaning
to turn into bone or become rigid and inflexible
Example
With age, some tissues tend to ossify.
C1 adjective /əbˈzɜːrvənt/

Observant

Meaning
quick to notice things; watchful; attentive
Example
The observant detective noticed every small detail at the crime scene.
A1 adverb /ˈɔːfən/

often

Meaning
frequently, many times
Example
I often visit my grandparents on weekends.
A2 adjective /ˈɔː.dɪ.nər.i/

Ordinary

Meaning
normal; usual; not special
Example
It was just an ordinary day at the office.
B1 adverb /əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/

originally

Meaning
in the beginning, at first
Example
Originally, she wanted to be a doctor.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌfæʃ.ənd/

Outdated

Meaning
obsolete; no longer current
Example
This computer software is completely outdated.
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.
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.
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 /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 noun /oʊˈveɪʃən/

ovation

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

omit

Meaning
to leave out or exclude; to fail to include something
Example
Please don't omit any important details from your report.
B1 adjective, adverb /ˈoʊvərɔːl/

overall

Meaning
in general or as a whole
Example
Overall, the project has been successful.
C2 noun ˈɒpjʊləns

opulence

Meaning
Great wealth or luxuriousness.
Example
The opulence of the mansion was evident in its ornate furnishings.
C2 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsnt/

obsolescent

Meaning
Becoming outdated or on the way to becoming obsolete.
Example
The obsolescent technology could not compete with modern devices.
A1 noun/adjective/adverb /ˌaʊtˈsaɪd/

outside

Meaning
the external part or surface of something; beyond the boundary
Example
Children were playing outside in the yard.
C1 noun /ˈɒktəɡən/

octagon

Meaning
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Example
The stop sign is shaped like an octagon.
C2 noun /ˈɒkjʊlɪst/

oculist

Meaning
An old-fashioned term for an eye doctor or ophthalmologist.
Example
The village oculist was known for treating various eye diseases.
C2 noun /əbˈsɪdiən/

obsidian

Meaning
A hard, dark, glasslike volcanic rock formed by rapid solidification of lava.
Example
The knife was made from sharp obsidian.
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.
C2 noun /ɔːrˈθɑːɡrəfi/

orthography

Meaning
The conventional spelling system of a language.
Example
English orthography can be confusing for learners.
C2 adjective /ɒmˈnɪp.ə.tənt/

omnipotent

Meaning
Having unlimited power; able to do anything; all-powerful.
Example
In many religions, God is considered omnipotent.
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 adverb /ˈaʊtraɪt/

Outright

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

Opponent

Meaning
a person who disagrees with or resists a proposal or practice; someone who competes against another
Example
The chess player defeated his strongest opponent.
B1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈweɪt/

overweight

Meaning
heavier than is considered healthy or normal
Example
The doctor advised him to lose weight as he was overweight.
B1 noun /ˌɑk.jəˈpeɪ.ʃən/

Occupation

Meaning
a job or profession; the action of taking control of a place
Example
Teaching is her chosen occupation.
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 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.
C2 noun /oʊˈbeɪsəns/

obeisance

Meaning
A gesture of respect such as a bow or curtsy.
Example
They bowed in obeisance to the king.
C2 noun /oʊd/

ode

Meaning
a lyrical poem, often expressing praise or strong emotions
Example
The poet wrote an ode to the beauty of nature.
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.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɒlədʒɪst/

ornithologist

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

orchestra

Meaning
a large group of musicians playing different instruments together
Example
The orchestra performed beautifully at the concert.
B1 noun /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/

operation

Meaning
an act or process of functioning or operating
Example
The hospital performed a successful operation.
C2 adjective /ˈɒsiəs/

osseous

Meaning
consisting of or turned into bone; bony
Example
The fossil showed osseous structures of the ancient creature.
B2 noun /ˈɔɪ.stər/

Oyster

Meaning
a type of shellfish that can be eaten and sometimes contains pearls
Example
She ordered fresh oysters at the seafood restaurant.
C1 noun /ˈɒstrəsɪzəm/

ostracism

Meaning
The act of excluding someone from a group or society.
Example
The student faced ostracism after breaking the rules.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.kən/

oaken

Meaning
made of or resembling oak wood
Example
The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall.
B2 noun /ˌaʊtˈsaɪdə(r)/

outsider

Meaning
a person who is not accepted as a member of a particular group or community
Example
As a new student, she often felt like an outsider at school.
C2 adjective /əˈrækjələr/

oracular

Meaning
Resembling an oracle; giving wise, mysterious, or prophetic statements
Example
Her oracular words left the audience deep in thought.
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.
C2 verb /ˈɑːbdʒərˌɡeɪt/

objurgate

Meaning
to scold or rebuke severely
Example
The teacher objurgated the student for being dishonest.
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.
B2 noun ˈaʊt.pʊt

output

Meaning
The amount of something produced by a person, machine, or industry.
Example
Climate change reduces agricultural output.
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.
C2 verb /ˈɔːreɪt/

orate

Meaning
To speak in a formal, often pompous manner
Example
He began to orate at the ceremony.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːrnəˈmɛntl/

ornamental

Meaning
Serving as decoration; decorative rather than functional.
Example
The garden was filled with ornamental plants.
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.
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.
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.
A2 noun /ˈɒm.lət/

Omelet

Meaning
a dish made from beaten eggs cooked in a frying pan and often folded around a filling
Example
She made a cheese omelet for breakfast.
A2 noun əˈlɪm.pɪk ɡeɪmz

Olympic Games

Meaning
The world's largest international sports competition held every four years, bringing together athletes from different countries to compete in various sports.
Example
The Olympic Games bring together the world's top athletes.
C1 adjective əˈblɪv.i.əs

oblivious

Meaning
Being completely unaware of surrounding events.
Example
He was oblivious to the noise around him while reading.
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.
B2 noun ˈɒksɪdʒən prəˈdʌkʃən

oxygen production

Meaning
The process of generating oxygen through photosynthesis or other means.
Example
Plants are vital for oxygen production and the maintenance of life.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrdɪˈneɪʃən/

ordination

Meaning
The ceremony of conferring holy orders or official religious authority.
Example
The church held a special service for the ordination of new priests.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪk/

optic

Meaning
Relating to the eye or vision.
Example
The optic nerve carries signals from the eye to the brain.
A2 modal verb /ɔːt/

ought

Meaning
Used to indicate duty, correctness, or moral obligation.
Example
You ought to respect your elders.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈneɪt/

ornate

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

ornithology

Meaning
the scientific study of birds
Example
She pursued ornithology to understand the migration patterns of birds.
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 adjective /aʊtˈmoʊdɪd/

outmoded

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