overture
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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.
C2 noun /ˌɑːbdʒərˈɡeɪʃən/

objurgation

Meaning
a harsh scolding or strong rebuke
Example
His misconduct earned him a severe objurgation from the manager.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌɑːpərˈtuːn/

opportune

Meaning
Happening at a suitable or convenient time.
Example
She arrived at an opportune moment to help.
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 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.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.vɔɪd/

ovoid

Meaning
egg-shaped; resembling an oval or ellipse
Example
The artist painted an ovoid shape in the center of the canvas.
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.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈpeɪ/

overpay

Meaning
To pay more than is necessary or reasonable.
Example
She realized she had overpaid for the concert tickets.
C1 adjective /əˈbliːk/

Oblique

Meaning
slanting; diagonal; indirect or evasive
Example
The artist drew an oblique line across the canvas.
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.
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.
A2 noun /ɔɪl/

Oil

Meaning
a viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, used for cooking or fuel
Example
Heat the oil in a pan before adding the vegetables.
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.
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.
B1 noun ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz

opportunities

Meaning
A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something; chances for advancement or success.
Example
Opportunities for jobs decreased.
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 /ˈaʊtˌkraɪ/

outcry

Meaning
A strong expression of public anger or disapproval.
Example
The decision sparked an outcry among the citizens.
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.
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.
A1 preposition /ɒn/

on

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

outset

Meaning
the beginning or start of something
Example
From the outset, the project seemed ambitious but achievable.
B2 adjective /aʊtˈstændɪŋ/

outstanding

Meaning
extremely good or impressive; not yet resolved or paid
Example
She received an award for her outstanding performance.
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.
B1 noun /əˈpɪn.jən/

Opinion

Meaning
a view or judgment formed about something; a belief or assessment based on grounds short of proof
Example
In my opinion, this is the best solution.
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 verb ˈɑːb.fə.skeɪt

obfuscate

Meaning
Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
Politicians often obfuscate facts to mislead people.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈsiː/

oversee

Meaning
to supervise or watch over something; to manage and direct
Example
The manager will oversee the entire construction project.
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 adjective /ˈoʊdiəs/

odious

Meaning
extremely unpleasant or repulsive
Example
The dictator was remembered for his odious crimes.
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 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.
B2 adjective ˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən.əl

operational

Meaning
In working order; ready for use.
Example
The space project will be operational by 2025.
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.
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 /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.
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 /oʊˈveɪʃən/

ovation

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

ornament

Meaning
A decorative object that adds beauty to something.
Example
The Christmas tree was decorated with colorful ornaments.
C2 adjective /ˈəʊ.dər.əs/

Odorous

Meaning
having a strong smell; fragrant; aromatic
Example
The garden was filled with odorous flowers.
C1 noun /ˈɒktəɡən/

octagon

Meaning
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Example
The stop sign is shaped like an octagon.
B2 adjective + noun ˈɒptɪməl ˈtempərətʃər

optimal temperature

Meaning
The best or most favorable temperature for a particular purpose
Example
Winter provides optimal temperature for farming.
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 /ɔːrˈθɑːɡənl/

orthogonal

Meaning
at right angles; independent or unrelated
Example
In mathematics, two vectors are orthogonal if their dot product is zero.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.breɪk/

Out-break

Meaning
a sudden occurrence or eruption of something, especially disease or violence
Example
The outbreak of flu affected many students in the school.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪməm/

optimum

Meaning
Most conducive to a favorable outcome; best.
Example
To achieve optimum results, we need to improve efficiency.
B1 noun ˌɔː.ɡən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃənz

organizations

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

orate

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

outstretch

Meaning
To extend or stretch something outward.
Example
He outstretched his hand to help her up.
A2 noun /əˈlɪmpɪks/

olympics

Meaning
an international sports competition held every four years with athletes from many countries
Example
The Olympics bring athletes from all over the world together.
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.
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.
C1 adverb /ˈaʊtwədli/

Outwardly

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

ongoing

Meaning
continuing; still in progress
Example
The ongoing project will finish next month.
B1 verb অকার্স

occurs

Meaning
Happens or takes place, especially as a result of something.
Example
Snowfall occurs in regions with freezing temperatures.
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.
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 noun /oʊf/

Oaf

Meaning
a clumsy, stupid, or insensitive person
Example
Don't be such an oaf - handle the dishes carefully!
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.
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.
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 /ˌɑːsɪˈleɪʃən/

oscillation

Meaning
The movement back and forth at a regular speed.
Example
The oscillation of the pendulum controls the clock.
B2 noun /ˈɒpəreɪtər/

operator

Meaning
a person who operates equipment, a business, or controls something
Example
The machine operator ensured that everything ran smoothly.
B2 adjective /ˈɔː.rəl/

Oral

Meaning
spoken rather than written; relating to the mouth
Example
The oral examination will test your speaking skills.
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.
C2 verb /ˈɑːbdʒərˌɡeɪt/

objurgate

Meaning
to scold or rebuke severely
Example
The teacher objurgated the student for being dishonest.
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.
B1 adjective /ˌoʊld ˈfæʃənd/

old-fashioned

Meaning
not modern; belonging to an earlier time
Example
He still wears an old-fashioned hat.
A2 noun /ˈɒbdʒɪkt/

object

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

off-key

Meaning
out of tune; not in accordance with expected standards
Example
The singer was slightly off-key during the performance.
B1 adverb /ˈʌðərwaɪz/

Otherwise

Meaning
in a different way; if not; or else; apart from that
Example
Study hard, otherwise you will fail the exam.
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.
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 verb /ˌaʊtˈweɪ/

outweigh

Meaning
To be more important, valuable, or significant than something else.
Example
The benefits of the new policy outweigh the risks.
B1 noun /ˈɑp.ʃən/

Option

Meaning
a thing that is or may be chosen; an alternative course of action
Example
You have the option to work from home or office.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪkəl/

optical

Meaning
related to or used in seeing or sight
Example
The optical illusion fooled everyone at the exhibition.
A2 modal verb /ɔːt/

ought

Meaning
Used to indicate duty, correctness, or moral obligation.
Example
You ought to respect your elders.
C2 adjective /əbˈstrɛpərəs/

obstreperous

Meaning
Noisy and difficult to control.
Example
The obstreperous students disrupted the class.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈloʊd/

overload

Meaning
to load with too much weight or cargo; to give too much work or information
Example
Don't overload the washing machine or it might break down.
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.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.laɪn/

Outline

Meaning
a general description or plan showing the essential features of something; the main points
Example
The teacher provided an outline of the course syllabus.
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 verb /ˌoʊvərˈrʌn/

overrun

Meaning
to spread over or occupy completely; to exceed a limit or time
Example
The garden was overrun with weeds.
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.
B1 noun /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/

operation

Meaning
an act or process of functioning or operating
Example
The hospital performed a successful operation.
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/verb /ˈoʊvərˌhæŋ/

overhang

Meaning
To extend outward and hang over something; a projecting part.
Example
The roof overhang provides shade in the summer.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈɔːkɪstrə/

orchestra

Meaning
a large group of musicians playing different instruments together
Example
The orchestra performed beautifully at the concert.
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.
C2 adjective /ɒˈstɛnsɪv/

ostensive

Meaning
clearly demonstrative or pointing out; explicitly shown
Example
The teacher gave an ostensive example to clarify the concept.
C1 adjective /əbˈdʒek.ʃən.ə.bəl/

Objectionable

Meaning
arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive
Example
His objectionable behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.pən ˈhɑrt.ɪd/

Open-hearted

Meaning
Kind and generous; sincere and honest; warmly receptive;
Example
She welcomed the strangers with an open-hearted smile and invited them for dinner.
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.
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 adverb /ˈoʊpənli/

Openly

Meaning
in a frank and honest way; without concealment; publicly
Example
She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health.
C1 verb /ɔːrˈdeɪn/

ordain

Meaning
To officially make someone a priest or minister; to decree or order something officially.
Example
The bishop will ordain three new priests this Sunday.
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.
B2 noun /ˈaʊtbɜːrst/

outburst

Meaning
a sudden release of strong emotion or activity
Example
She had an angry outburst during the meeting.
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.
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 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.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɑːlədʒi/

ornithology

Meaning
the scientific study of birds
Example
She pursued ornithology to understand the migration patterns of birds.
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.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ/

overweening

Meaning
excessively arrogant or prideful
Example
His overweening pride cost him many friends.
A2 verb /oʊˈbeɪ/

obey

Meaning
to follow orders or instructions; to comply with rules
Example
Children should obey their parents and teachers.
B1 noun ˌɔː.ɡən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

organization

Meaning
An organized group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or government department.
Example
The organization was officially inaugurated in 2024.
B2 noun /ˌɒb.zəˈveɪ.ʃənz/

observations

Meaning
The action or process of observing something carefully.
Example
Observations of distant galaxies provide new insights.
A1 adjective /əʊˈkeɪ/

okay

Meaning
used to express agreement or acceptance
Example
It's okay to leave early today.
C2 verb /aʊtˈraɪd/

outride

Meaning
to ride faster, farther, or better than someone else
Example
The young rider managed to outride his competitors in the race.
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 /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.