Outwardly
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C1 adverb /ˈaʊtwədli/

Outwardly

Meaning
on the surface; externally; in appearance
Example
Outwardly, he seemed calm, but inside he was nervous.
B2 verb /əbˈteɪn/

obtain

Meaning
to get or acquire something
Example
You need to obtain a visa before traveling abroad.
A2 pronoun /aʊərˈsɛlvz/

ourselves

Meaning
used by the speaker to refer to themselves and one or more others as the object of the verb
Example
We should help ourselves before helping others.
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.
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 /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.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtlet/

outlet

Meaning
a means by which something is released, expressed, or distributed
Example
Art is a great outlet for emotions.
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 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.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɑːlədʒi/

ornithology

Meaning
the scientific study of birds
Example
She pursued ornithology to understand the migration patterns of birds.
C1 noun /ˈɒktəɡən/

octagon

Meaning
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Example
The stop sign is shaped like an octagon.
B2 adverb /ˈəʊvəli/

overly

Meaning
to an excessive degree or extent
Example
She was overly concerned about the results.
B1 verb /əˈkɜːr/

occur

Meaning
to happen or take place; to be found or present
Example
The accident occurred at the intersection during rush hour.
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 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.
B2 noun /əbˈdʒek.ʃən/

Objection

Meaning
an expression of disagreement or disapproval; a reason for disagreeing
Example
The lawyer raised an objection during the trial.
C2 adjective /ˈɒfɪʃ/

offish

Meaning
Unfriendly, distant, or reserved in manner.
Example
He seemed offish at the party and avoided most conversations.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈɔːrdnəns/

ordnance

Meaning
Military supplies including weapons, ammunition, and combat equipment.
Example
The army stored ordnance in a secure facility outside the city.
A2 adjective /ˈɔː.dɪ.nər.i/

Ordinary

Meaning
normal; usual; not special
Example
It was just an ordinary day at the office.
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.
A2 noun /ˈɒbdʒɪkt/

object

Meaning
a thing that can be seen and touched
Example
The table is an object in the room.
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.
B1 noun /ˈɑː.lɪv/

Olive

Meaning
a small oval fruit with a hard pit, typically green or black, used for eating or making oil
Example
Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest cooking oils available.
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.
B2 noun /ˌɒb.zəˈveɪ.ʃənz/

observations

Meaning
The action or process of observing something carefully.
Example
Observations of distant galaxies provide new insights.
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 /ˌɒk.sɪ.dʒɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

oxygenation

Meaning
The process of supplying or treating with oxygen.
Example
Deep breathing exercises improve oxygenation of the body.
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 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.
C2 noun /ˈəʊpəs/

opus

Meaning
A creative work, especially a large and important piece of music or art.
Example
The composer considered the symphony his greatest opus.
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.
C2 adjective /ɒˈstɛnsɪv/

ostensive

Meaning
clearly demonstrative or pointing out; explicitly shown
Example
The teacher gave an ostensive example to clarify the concept.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtˌbreɪk/

outbreak

Meaning
a sudden start or occurrence of something unpleasant, like disease or violence
Example
There was an outbreak of flu in the city.
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 noun /əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/

observatory

Meaning
A building equipped for observing astronomical or meteorological events.
Example
The observatory is open to the public on weekends.
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.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈteɪk/

overtake

Meaning
to catch up with and pass someone or something; to surpass
Example
The runner managed to overtake his competitor in the final lap.
B2 noun ˈɔː.bɪt

orbit

Meaning
The curved path of a celestial object around a star, planet, or moon.
Example
The satellite maintains its orbit around Earth.
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 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.
C2 noun /ˈoʊ.kəm/

oakum

Meaning
loose fibers obtained by untwisting old ropes, used for caulking ships
Example
The shipbuilders used oakum to seal the gaps in the wooden planks.
C2 noun (plural) /ˈɔːrdʒiːz/

orgies

Meaning
Wild gatherings involving excessive indulgence in food, drink, or sexual activity.
Example
The ancient Romans were infamous for their lavish feasts and orgies.
A1 adjective/adverb /ˈoʊnli/

only

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

Outspoken

Meaning
frank; speaking directly
Example
She is known for being outspoken about social issues.
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 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 /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 noun /ˈoʊvərˌsiːər/

overseer

Meaning
a person who supervises work or workers; a manager
Example
The overseer made sure the workers followed safety rules.
B2 adjective /əˈpəʊzd/

opposed

Meaning
being against or in disagreement with something
Example
She is strongly opposed to animal testing.
B1 verb /oʊ/

owe

Meaning
to be under obligation to pay or repay; to be indebted
Example
I owe my success to my parents' support.
A1 adverb /ɔːf/

off

Meaning
away from a place, position, or time; not functioning
Example
He turned off the light before leaving the room.
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 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.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌfæʃ.ənd/

Outdated

Meaning
obsolete; no longer current
Example
This computer software is completely outdated.
B1 noun /əˈkeɪ.ʒən/

Occasion

Meaning
a particular time or instance of an event; a special celebration
Example
Their wedding was a joyous occasion.
B2 noun /ˈɔːɡən/

organ

Meaning
a part of the body that performs a specific function
Example
The heart is an important organ in the human body.
A2 adverb /ˈɒbviəsli/

obviously

Meaning
in a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly
Example
Obviously, he didn’t read the instructions.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwiːz/

obsequies

Meaning
Funeral rites or ceremonies.
Example
The obsequies for the late leader drew thousands of mourners.
A1 verb /ˈoʊpən/

open

Meaning
to move something so as to allow access; to begin
Example
Please open the door for me.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈɔː.rɪ.fɪs/

orifice

Meaning
an opening or hole, especially in the body or a device
Example
The medicine was applied through a small orifice in the device.
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.
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 /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.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtɪŋ/

outing

Meaning
a short trip or excursion, often for leisure or enjoyment
Example
They had a lovely outing at the beach last weekend.
B2 verb /əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/

originate

Meaning
to come into existence; to begin; to create or produce
Example
The tradition originated in ancient times.
A2 noun /ˈɔr.dər/

Order

Meaning
a command or instruction; the arrangement of things following a particular sequence
Example
The teacher gave an order to sit down quietly.
C2 adjective /ɒmˈnɪp.ə.tənt/

omnipotent

Meaning
Having unlimited power; able to do anything; all-powerful.
Example
In many religions, God is considered omnipotent.
B2 noun /ˈɔr.fən.ɪʒ/

Orphanage

Meaning
an institution for the care and education of children who have lost their parents
Example
The charity built a new orphanage for homeless children.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈiːt/

overeat

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

obdurate

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

orotund

Meaning
full, rich, and clear in sound; pompous in style
Example
The actor's orotund voice filled the theater.
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 adjective /ˈɒb.vi.əs/

Obvious

Meaning
easily perceived or understood; clear and apparent to the mind
Example
It was obvious that she was upset about something.
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.
A1 adjective /oʊˈkeɪ/

ok

Meaning
used to indicate agreement, approval, or understanding
Example
Okay, let's go to the park.
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 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.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.kən/

oaken

Meaning
made of or resembling oak wood
Example
The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall.
C2 noun /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃən/

ostentation

Meaning
excessive display of wealth or knowledge intended to attract admiration or envy
Example
The billionaire’s party was full of ostentation and luxury.
C2 noun /əˈprəʊ.bri.əm/

opprobrium

Meaning
Harsh criticism or public disgrace.
Example
The scandal brought opprobrium on the politician.
C2 noun /oʊˈbeɪsəns/

obeisance

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

offbeat

Meaning
Unusual, unconventional, or different from the norm.
Example
She has a very offbeat sense of humor.
B2 adjective /ˈɔɪl.i/

Oily

Meaning
covered with oil; containing oil; greasy
Example
Her oily skin needs special care.
C2 noun /ˈɒn.rʌʃ/

onrush

Meaning
A sudden powerful forward or downward rush or flow.
Example
The onrush of water swept away the bridge.
C2 noun /ˈɔːrɪndʒfɪn ˈleɪbiːoʊ/

Orangefin labeo

Meaning
a freshwater fish species native to South Asian rivers, commonly found in Bangladesh and India
Example
The orangefin labeo is an important food fish in Bangladesh.
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 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.
C2 noun /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪzəm/

opportunism

Meaning
The practice of taking advantage of opportunities regardless of principles or ethics.
Example
His decision was driven by opportunism, not values.
B1 adjective /əˈbiː.di.ənt/

Obedient

Meaning
willing to comply with orders or instructions; submissive
Example
The obedient student always follows the teacher's instructions.
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.
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 adjective /ɑːlˈfæktəri/

olfactory

Meaning
Relating to the sense of smell.
Example
The perfume activated her olfactory nerves immediately.
B2 noun ˈaʊt.pʊt

output

Meaning
The amount of something produced by a person, machine, or industry.
Example
Climate change reduces agricultural output.
B1 verb /əbˈzɜːrv/

observe

Meaning
to watch carefully; to notice or perceive something
Example
Scientists observe the behavior of animals in the wild.
C2 noun /oʊˈbleɪʃən/

oblation

Meaning
a religious offering, especially of bread or wine to God
Example
The priest placed the oblation on the altar during the ceremony.
C2 noun /ɒkˈteɪvoʊ/

octavo

Meaning
A size of book page resulting from folding a sheet of paper into eight leaves (sixteen pages).
Example
The old library contained rare octavo editions of Shakespeare.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊpəˈlɛsənt/

opalescent

Meaning
showing or reflecting a milky, iridescent light like an opal
Example
The opalescent sky glowed with shades of pink and blue.
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.
B2 noun /əbˈzɜːvər/

observer

Meaning
a person who watches or notices something
Example
The observer took notes during the meeting.
B2 adjective /ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃənəl/

organizational

Meaning
relating to the structure or arrangement of a company or group
Example
He works on improving the organizational structure of the company.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊtraɪt/

Outright

Meaning
completely; directly; without reservation or concealment
Example
She rejected the proposal outright.
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.
C2 verb /ˈɑːbvieɪt/

obviate

Meaning
To remove a need or difficulty; to prevent or avoid something.
Example
This new system obviates the need for manual data entry.
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.
C2 verb /ˌaʊtməˈnuːvər/

outmaneuver

Meaning
to gain an advantage over an opponent by skillful or clever action
Example
The smaller company managed to outmaneuver its larger rival.
B1 adjective /əˈkeɪ.ʒən.əl/

Occasional

Meaning
occurring infrequently or irregularly; happening from time to time
Example
She enjoys occasional walks in the park.
C2 noun /ˈɒksɪdənt/

occident

Meaning
The countries of the West, especially Europe and America.
Example
The Occident has a long history of philosophical thought.
C2 verb ˈɑːb.fə.skeɪt

obfuscate

Meaning
Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
Politicians often obfuscate facts to mislead people.
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.
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 /əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔː.ri/

obligatory

Meaning
Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.
Example
Wearing a seatbelt is obligatory in most countries.
B2 noun /ˌoʊ.vɚˈkraʊ.dɪŋ/

overcrowding

Meaning
Excessive crowd or packed condition, having more people or vehicles in a place than the approved capacity.
Example
The subway system suffers from severe overcrowding during peak hours.
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.