overblown
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C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈbloʊn/

overblown

Meaning
excessively exaggerated or inflated
Example
The controversy was overblown by the media.
B1 noun /əˈkeɪ.ʒən/

Occasion

Meaning
a particular time or instance of an event; a special celebration
Example
Their wedding was a joyous occasion.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈrɔt/

overwrought

Meaning
extremely agitated or nervous; excessively elaborate
Example
She was too overwrought to speak clearly after the accident.
A1 adverb /ˈɔːfən/

often

Meaning
frequently, many times
Example
I often visit my grandparents on weekends.
C1 adjective /əbˈzɜːrvənt/

Observant

Meaning
quick to notice things; watchful; attentive
Example
The observant detective noticed every small detail at the crime scene.
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.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.saɪ.dər/

Out-sider

Meaning
a person who does not belong to a particular group; someone not accepted by a group
Example
As an outsider, he found it difficult to understand their traditions.
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 /əbˈsɛsɪv/

obsessive

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by an obsession; thinking about something too much.
Example
He has an obsessive interest in cleanliness.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtˌkraɪ/

outcry

Meaning
A strong expression of public anger or disapproval.
Example
The decision sparked an outcry among the citizens.
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.
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.
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.
B1 noun ˌɔː.ɡən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃənz

organizations

Meaning
Organized groups of people with a particular purpose
Example
Organizations play a key role in policymaking.
C2 noun /ˈoʊvərlɔːrd/

overlord

Meaning
A ruler, master, or person of great power and authority over others.
Example
The peasants were forced to pay taxes to their overlord.
C2 adjective /ˈɒfɪʃ/

offish

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

oration

Meaning
A formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion
Example
The president delivered an inspiring oration.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɒlədʒɪst/

ornithologist

Meaning
a scientist who studies birds
Example
The ornithologist spent years studying migratory birds.
B1 noun ˈɒk.sɪ.dʒən

oxygen

Meaning
A colorless, odorless reactive gas, the chemical element of atomic number 8 and the life-supporting component of the air.
Example
Oxygen is vital for life.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/

optimal

Meaning
Best or most favorable; the most effective under particular conditions.
Example
The optimal temperature for plant growth is around 25°C.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwi/

obsequy

Meaning
A funeral rite, usually used in plural form obsequies.
Example
The village gathered for the obsequy of their beloved teacher.
B1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈweɪt/

overweight

Meaning
heavier than is considered healthy or normal
Example
The doctor advised him to lose weight as he was overweight.
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.
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 /ˌɒpəˈzɪʃən/

opposition

Meaning
the action of opposing or resisting something
Example
The opposition to the new law was strong.
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 noun /ɑːks/

Ox

Meaning
a large strong animal used for pulling heavy loads or plowing fields
Example
The farmer used an ox to plow the field.
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.
B2 noun/verb /ˌoʊvərˈlæp/

overlap

Meaning
To extend over and cover partly; an area where things coincide.
Example
The two meetings overlap by an hour.
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 noun /əˈfen.dər/

Offender

Meaning
a person who commits an illegal act; someone who breaks the law
Example
The young offender was sentenced to community service.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.kən/

oaken

Meaning
made of or resembling oak wood
Example
The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall.
A1 adjective /ˈʌðər/

other

Meaning
used to refer to something different from the one already mentioned or known
Example
I don't want this one, I will take the other one.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrθədɑːks/

orthodox

Meaning
conforming to traditional beliefs or practices
Example
He comes from a very orthodox family.
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.
C1 verb /əˈfɪʃieɪt/

officiate

Meaning
To perform official duties, especially in a ceremony or as a referee.
Example
The priest will officiate the wedding ceremony.
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 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 /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 /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 verb /ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ/

outstretch

Meaning
To extend or stretch something outward.
Example
He outstretched his hand to help her up.
B2 noun /ˈɔr.fən/

Orphan

Meaning
a child whose parents are dead; someone without protective support
Example
The orphan was adopted by a loving family.
C2 noun /ˌɒn.əˌmæt.əˈpiː.ə/

onomatopoeia

Meaning
The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.
Example
The word 'buzz' is an example of onomatopoeia.
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.
B2 noun /ˈoʊ.dər/

Odour

Meaning
a distinctive smell, especially an unpleasant one
Example
The odour of fresh bread filled the kitchen.
C1 verb /aʊtˈwɪt/

outwit

Meaning
to defeat or gain an advantage over someone by being more clever or cunning
Example
The fox managed to outwit the hunters.
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.
B1 verb /ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ/

operating

Meaning
to control or manage the functioning of something
Example
The company has been operating in this market for five years.
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 verb /ˈɒfsɛt/

offset

Meaning
To counterbalance or compensate for something.
Example
The company's losses were offset by gains in other departments.
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.
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.
B2 noun ˈoʊzoʊn dɪˈpliʃən

ozone depletion

Meaning
The reduction in the amount of ozone in the Earth's stratosphere, leading to increased UV radiation.
Example
Ozone depletion increases UV radiation.
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 noun /ˈɑːdəsi/

odyssey

Meaning
a long, adventurous journey; a series of experiences
Example
Her career has been an odyssey of challenges and achievements.
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 verb ˈɑːb.fə.skeɪt

obfuscate

Meaning
Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
Politicians often obfuscate facts to mislead people.
C1 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈliːt/

obsolete

Meaning
No longer in use or out of date.
Example
Floppy disks are now completely obsolete.
B2 adverb /ˈaʊtraɪt/

Outright

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

obtrusive

Meaning
noticeable in an unpleasant or unwelcome way; intrusive
Example
The advertisement was so obtrusive that it ruined the user’s experience.
C1 verb /ˈɔːstrəˌsaɪz/

ostracize

Meaning
to exclude someone from a group or society; to banish or shun
Example
After the scandal, he was ostracized by his former colleagues.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪməm/

optimum

Meaning
Most conducive to a favorable outcome; best.
Example
To achieve optimum results, we need to improve efficiency.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈkʌm/

overcome

Meaning
To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
Example
You can overcome procrastination with planning.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈəʊ.dər.əs/

Odorous

Meaning
having a strong smell; fragrant; aromatic
Example
The garden was filled with odorous flowers.
B2 adjective /ˌfæʃ.ənd/

Outdated

Meaning
obsolete; no longer current
Example
This computer software is completely outdated.
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 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.
C2 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsnt/

obsolescent

Meaning
Becoming outdated or on the way to becoming obsolete.
Example
The obsolescent technology could not compete with modern devices.
C1 noun /ˈɒptɪks/

optics

Meaning
The branch of physics dealing with light and vision.
Example
She studied optics to understand how lenses work.
C2 adjective /ˈɒpjʊlənt/

opulent

Meaning
Ostentatiously rich, luxurious, or lavish.
Example
They hosted an opulent wedding with gold decorations.
A1 preposition, adverb /ˈoʊvər/

over

Meaning
across, on top of, or beyond
Example
The book is lying over the table.
A1 adverb /aʊt/

out

Meaning
moving or appearing away from the inside or center; not at home or present
Example
He stepped out of the room quietly.
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.
A2 verb /ˈɔːfər/

offer

Meaning
to present something for acceptance or rejection; to propose
Example
She offered to help with the project.
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.
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 verb /əˈfend/

offend

Meaning
to cause displeasure or resentment; to hurt someone's feelings
Example
His rude comments offended many people at the meeting.
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 adjective /ˌɔːrnəˈmɛntl/

ornamental

Meaning
Serving as decoration; decorative rather than functional.
Example
The garden was filled with ornamental plants.
B2 noun ɔːˈɡæn.ɪk fuːdz

organic foods

Meaning
Food produced without the use of chemicals such as artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or other artificial agents.
Example
Organic foods are healthier than processed foods.
B1 noun /ˈɑb.stə.kəl/

Obstacle

Meaning
something that blocks or makes progress difficult; a barrier
Example
Bad weather was the main obstacle to our journey.
C2 adjective /əbˈsiːkwɪəs/

obsequious

Meaning
Excessively obedient or attentive in a servile way.
Example
The waiter gave an obsequious bow to every customer.
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 /uːz/

ooze

Meaning
to slowly flow or leak out through small openings or pores
Example
Blood began to ooze from the small cut.
B2 adjective /ˌɑːp.təˈmɪs.tɪk/

optimistic

Meaning
hopeful and confident about the future
Example
She is optimistic about the success of her new project.
C2 noun /ˈɑːbəlɪsk/

obelisk

Meaning
A tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument with a pyramid-shaped top.
Example
The ancient Egyptians built obelisks to honor their gods.
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.
B2 noun /ˈɔːrɡənaɪzər/

organizer

Meaning
a person who arranges or coordinates activities, events, or groups; a tool or item used to keep things in order
Example
She worked as the main organizer of the international conference.
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.
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 /ˈaʊtˌskɜːrt/

outskirt

Meaning
the outer edge or border of a town or city
Example
They built a new factory on the outskirts of the city.
C2 adjective /əˈrækjələr/

oracular

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

Oleander

Meaning
a poisonous evergreen shrub with clusters of white, pink, or red flowers
Example
The beautiful oleander flowers bloomed in the garden despite their toxic nature.
C2 noun /ɒmˈnɪpətəns/

omnipotence

Meaning
The quality of having unlimited power or authority.
Example
Many religions describe God’s omnipotence as absolute.
B1 adverb /əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/

originally

Meaning
in the beginning, at first
Example
Originally, she wanted to be a doctor.
B1 adverb /əˈkeɪʒənəli/

Occasionally

Meaning
sometimes; from time to time; not regularly
Example
I occasionally visit my grandmother on weekends.
A1 pronoun, noun, adjective /wʌn/

one

Meaning
the number equivalent to the sum of zero and one; a single person or thing
Example
Only one student answered the question.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.pən ˈhæn.dɪd/

Open-handed

Meaning
Generous; liberal; giving freely;
Example
He is very open-handed with his money and always helps those in need.
A1 conjunction /ɔːr/

or

Meaning
used to link alternatives
Example
You can have tea or coffee.
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.
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 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.
B2 verb əbˈzɜːrvd

observed

Meaning
To celebrate or keep a religious or other festival.
Example
The day is observed annually to raise awareness.
C2 noun /ˈɔːfəl/

offal

Meaning
the internal organs and entrails of an animal used as food; waste parts
Example
The butcher prepared sausages using pork offal.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈneɪt/

ornate

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

occident

Meaning
The countries of the West, especially Europe and America.
Example
The Occident has a long history of philosophical thought.
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.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtbɜːrst/

outburst

Meaning
a sudden release of strong emotion or activity
Example
She had an angry outburst during the meeting.
B2 noun /əˈfens/

Offence

Meaning
a breach of law or rule; an annoyance or resentment
Example
Stealing is a serious offence punishable by law.
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.
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.
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.
B2 verb /əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/

originate

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