parenthesis
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C1 noun /pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

parenthesis

Meaning
A pair of curved marks ( ) used to enclose words or numbers; also an interruption or digression in speech or writing.
Example
The explanation was given in a parenthesis within the text.
B2 verb /pəˈluːt/

pollute

Meaning
to make air, water, or land dirty and harmful to people, animals, and plants
Example
Factories pollute the environment with toxic chemicals.
B2 noun /pæd/

pad

Meaning
a small cushion or block of soft material; also a set of sheets of paper fastened together
Example
He wrote her phone number on a yellow pad.
A2 noun /peɪn/

Pain

Meaning
physical suffering or discomfort; mental or emotional distress
Example
The patient felt severe pain in his back.
C1 noun /ˌpɜː.mɪˈæbɪlɪti/

permeability

Meaning
The quality or state of being permeable; allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
Example
The permeability of the soil affects water retention.
C1 adjective /prɪˈzʌmp.tʃu.əs/

presumptuous

Meaning
Overconfident, rude, or taking liberties without permission.
Example
It was presumptuous of him to make that decision without consulting others.
C1 verb /ˈpʌlseɪt/

pulsate

Meaning
to expand and contract rhythmically; to throb or beat
Example
The neon lights pulsated with a steady rhythm.
C2 adjective /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/

pusillanimous

Meaning
showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
Example
The pusillanimous leader avoided making tough decisions.
B1 noun /prəʊ/

pro

Meaning
a professional, especially in sports; or a person who is in favor of something
Example
He plays tennis like a pro.
C2 verb /ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/

putrefy

Meaning
to decay or rot, producing a foul smell
Example
The meat began to putrefy in the heat.
B1 verb pres

press

Meaning
Exert force on (someone or something), typically with one's finger or hand, in order to move them away from oneself.
Example
Press firmly to operate the machine.
B2 verb /plaʊ/

plough

Meaning
to break up and turn over soil using a plough; to move through something with difficulty
Example
The farmer ploughs the field every spring.
B1 adjective /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/

Principal

Meaning
main; primary; most important; chief
Example
The principal reason for the meeting was to discuss the budget.
A2 adjective ˈpɒzətɪv

positive

Meaning
Having an electric charge opposite to that of an electron.
Example
Protons have a positive charge.
C2 adjective /pəˈlædʒ.ɪk/

pelagic

Meaning
Relating to the open sea or ocean water column, away from the shore.
Example
Pelagic fish like tuna are found far from the coast.
C2 noun /ˈpɜr.fɪ.di/

Perfidy

Meaning
deliberate breach of faith or trust; treachery; betrayal of trust
Example
His perfidy shocked all who had trusted him.
C2 noun /pʌɡˈnæsɪti/

pugnacity

Meaning
A natural disposition to be combative or aggressive.
Example
The coach admired the player's pugnacity on the field.
C1 verb /ˈpæri/

parry

Meaning
to ward off or deflect an attack, especially in fencing or conversation
Example
He managed to parry the opponent’s sword with quick reflexes.
C2 adjective /ˌpærəˈdɪɡmətɪk/

paradigmatic

Meaning
Serving as a typical example or model of something.
Example
Her success story is paradigmatic of the opportunities education can provide.
B2 adjective /prəˈpoʊzd/

proposed

Meaning
suggested or put forward for consideration or discussion
Example
The proposed changes will improve the system.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪzeɪʃən/

personalization

Meaning
The action of making something personal or individual; customization.
Example
Personalization in marketing improves customer engagement.
C2 noun /ˌpaɪrəˈmeɪniə/

pyromania

Meaning
An uncontrollable desire to set things on fire.
Example
The suspect was diagnosed with pyromania after repeated incidents of arson.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnsɪv/

pensive

Meaning
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
Example
She looked pensive as she stared out of the window.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈsaɪkɪk/

psychic

Meaning
relating to the mind or supernatural powers; a person claiming to have extrasensory abilities
Example
The psychic claimed she could predict the future.
B2 adverb /ˈpjʊərli/

purely

Meaning
only and completely; entirely
Example
The decision was purely based on economic factors.
C1 verb /plʌm/

plumb

Meaning
to measure the depth of water or examine closely
Example
They used a line to plumb the depth of the lake.
B2 noun /pʌŋk/

punk

Meaning
a type of popular music, or the culture associated with it, characterized by loud, fast rhythms and rebellious attitudes
Example
He’s always been into punk music and fashion.
C1 verb /prɪˈkluːd/

preclude

Meaning
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
Example
Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic.
C2 noun /ˌpɑːrtjʊˈrɪʃən/

parturition

Meaning
The act of giving birth; childbirth.
Example
The doctor explained the stages of parturition to the students.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/

peripatetic

Meaning
Traveling from place to place, especially for work or based on lifestyle.
Example
He led a peripatetic life as a traveling teacher.
B2 noun /ˈpælət/

palette

Meaning
a thin board or surface on which an artist sets and mixes colors; also a range of colors used in art or design
Example
The artist mixed vibrant shades on her palette before starting the painting.
A2 verb /prəˈvaɪd/

provide

Meaning
to give or supply something that is needed or wanted
Example
The teacher will provide extra materials for the students.
C2 noun /proʊˈskrɪp.ʃən/

proscription

Meaning
the act of forbidding something, especially by law
Example
The proscription of child labor is an important human rights achievement.
C1 noun /ˈpriːsɪŋkt/

precinct

Meaning
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
Example
She went to vote at her local precinct.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛstɪlənt/

pestilent

Meaning
Causing or tending to cause death or destruction; harmful or pernicious.
Example
The pestilent atmosphere of the swamp made people sick.
C2 noun /ˈfoʊ.nə.ɡræm/

phonogram

Meaning
a written symbol representing a speech sound
Example
The teacher showed how each phonogram represents a particular sound.
C2 noun /prəˈlɪksɪti/

prolixity

Meaning
the quality of being tediously wordy and long
Example
The book’s prolixity made it difficult to read in one sitting.
C2 adjective /prɪˈhɛnsɪbəl/

prehensible

Meaning
capable of being grasped or seized
Example
The tool has a prehensible handle that improves safety.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
C1 noun /prəˈdʒɛktaɪl/

projectile

Meaning
An object fired, thrown, or propelled, especially from a weapon.
Example
The soldier dodged the incoming projectile.
A2 noun /fəˈtɒɡrəfi/

photography

Meaning
the art or practice of taking and processing photographs
Example
She studied photography in college.
C1 verb /ˈpruːfˌriːd/

proofread

Meaning
to read written material and mark any errors
Example
She proofread the report before submission.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɪʒən/

parisian

Meaning
relating to Paris or its people
Example
She wore a Parisian style dress at the party.
B2 noun pərˈsɛpʃən

perception

Meaning
The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses
Example
Our perception of the situation was shaped by our prior experiences.
B1 verb /pərˈfɔːrm/

perform

Meaning
to carry out an action or present entertainment; to function
Example
The orchestra will perform at the concert hall tonight.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊtənsi/

potency

Meaning
The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.
Example
The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors.
B2 verb /ˈpiːtər/

peter

Meaning
to diminish gradually and come to an end; to fade or dwindle away
Example
The excitement of the event began to peter out after a few hours.
C1 adjective /ˈpaɪ.əs/

Pious

Meaning
devoutly religious; showing reverence for God
Example
The pious monk spent hours in prayer every day.
B1 noun /ˌpɒp.jəˈlær.ə.ti/

Popularity

Meaning
the state of being liked, admired, or supported by many people
Example
The singer's popularity has grown rapidly this year.
C2 noun /prɪˈsɛntɪmənt/

presentiment

Meaning
An intuitive feeling about the future, especially of something bad about to happen.
Example
He had a strong presentiment that the plan would fail.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuːtrɪd/

putrid

Meaning
decayed and emitting a foul smell
Example
The garbage smelled putrid after days in the sun.
A2 noun /per/

pair

Meaning
two things of the same kind that are used together
Example
She wore a matching pair of shoes.
B2 noun /ˈpær.ə.daɪs/

Paradise

Meaning
heaven; a place or state of perfect happiness; an ideal or perfect place
Example
The tropical island was like paradise for the tourists.
A2 noun /ˈpaɪnˌæpəl/

pineapple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with a rough spiky skin, sweet yellow flesh, and a leafy crown
Example
She added fresh pineapple to the fruit salad.
B2 adjective /ˌpɑːrləˈmɛntri/

parliamentary

Meaning
relating to a parliament or its members; relating to a system of government with parliamentary authority
Example
The country follows a parliamentary form of government.
C2 noun ˈpær.ə.ɡən

paragon

Meaning
A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality; a model of excellence.
Example
Neom is a paragon of sustainable urban design.
B1 noun prɪˈven.ʃən

prevention

Meaning
The action of stopping something from happening or arising.
Example
Prevention of fascism ensures democracy.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
B2 noun pɑrˈtɪʃən

partition

Meaning
The action of dividing or being divided into parts; separation.
Example
Partition caused unrest.
B2 noun /fɪˈzɪʃən/

physician

Meaning
a person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor
Example
The physician prescribed some medicine to treat the condition.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛfətɔːri/

prefatory

Meaning
serving as an introduction or preface
Example
He made some prefatory remarks before the lecture began.
B1 noun pɑːˈtɪs.ɪ.pənts

participants

Meaning
People who take part in something; those involved in an activity or event.
Example
Participants will enjoy breathtaking views.
C1 noun /plɔɪ/

ploy

Meaning
a clever plan or action designed to gain an advantage
Example
She used a clever ploy to win the debate.
C1 noun /ˈpɒpjʊləs/

populace

Meaning
the general public; the ordinary people living in a country or area
Example
The new law was welcomed by the local populace.
B1 noun

Pause

A1 noun /pəˈliːs/

police

Meaning
a body of officers representing the civil authority of government
Example
The police arrived quickly to investigate the scene.
B2 noun /prəˈfɪʃənsi/

proficiency

Meaning
Competency or skill; expertise.
Example
His proficiency in multiple languages is remarkable.
C1 verb /praʊl/

prowl

Meaning
To move around quietly and secretly, especially while hunting or searching.
Example
The cat prowled around the garden at night.
A2 noun /ˈplen.ti/

Plenty

Meaning
a large or sufficient amount; abundance
Example
There is plenty of food for everyone at the party.
C1 noun /ˈsuːdənɪm/

pseudonym

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens.
B2 noun /prɔːn/

Prawn

Meaning
a large marine crustacean similar to shrimp but typically bigger
Example
The chef prepared delicious prawn curry with coconut milk.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvɪdəns/

providence

Meaning
the protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power; foresight or prudence
Example
They believed their survival was due to divine providence.
C1 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/

prohibitive

Meaning
Too high or expensive to be affordable; serving to prevent or discourage action.
Example
The cost of the medication is prohibitive for many families.
C1 noun /ˈpæŋkriəs/

pancreas

Meaning
A gland in the abdomen that produces insulin and digestive enzymes.
Example
The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
A1 noun/verb /pɛn/

pen

Meaning
A writing instrument using ink; also, to write something.
Example
She used a pen to sign the document.
B2 adjective /ˈpaʊərləs/

powerless

Meaning
without ability, influence, or strength
Example
She felt powerless against the unfair system.
C2 noun /pəˈruːzl/

perusal

Meaning
The action of reading or examining something carefully.
Example
The contract was given to the lawyer for perusal.
A2 noun/verb /puːl/

pool

Meaning
a small body of still water, or a game played in a rectangular table with balls
Example
The children swam in the pool all afternoon.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊ.ə.si/

poesy

Meaning
poetry; the art or composition of poems
Example
The anthology was filled with romantic poesy.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊlstər/

pollster

Meaning
a person or organization that conducts surveys to gauge public opinion
Example
The pollster predicted a close election outcome.
C1 adjective /prəˈpɔːrʃənət/

proportionate

Meaning
Corresponding in size, degree, or intensity; balanced in relation.
Example
The punishment should be proportionate to the crime.
C1 noun /ˈpʌntʃ laɪn/

punch line

Meaning
The final part of a joke or story that makes it funny.
Example
Everyone laughed loudly at the punch line of his joke.
C1 noun /ˈpəʊstˌskrɪpt/

postscript

Meaning
an additional remark at the end of a letter or text, after the signature
Example
She added a brief postscript to thank him again.
A1 noun /ˈpɛnsəl/

pencil

Meaning
an instrument for writing or drawing, typically made of wood with a graphite core
Example
He drew a picture with a pencil.
B1 noun /ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/

processing

Meaning
the series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end, especially in data or food handling
Example
Data processing takes place in the server.
B2 noun pɪər ˈɪnfluəns

peer influence

Meaning
The effect that members of a peer group have on each other, especially in terms of behavior, attitudes, and decision-making.
Example
Peer influence can shape juvenile behavior significantly.
C2 adjective /ˈprʊəriənt/

prurient

Meaning
having or showing an excessive interest in sexual matters
Example
The magazine was criticized for its prurient content.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪəbəl/

pliable

Meaning
easily bent or flexible; adaptable
Example
The metal is pliable enough to be shaped into jewelry.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdəˌɡɒɡ/

pedagogue

Meaning
a teacher, especially a strict or formal one
Example
The old pedagogue insisted on discipline in the classroom.
A1 noun /ˈpɑːpə/

papa

Meaning
an informal or affectionate term for one’s father
Example
Papa is picking me up from school today.
C2 noun /ˌprɛsiˈɒsɪti/

preciosity

Meaning
Excessive refinement or affected elegance in language, style, or behavior.
Example
The author's preciosity made the novel difficult to read for some audiences.
C2 noun /ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən/

predilection

Meaning
A strong liking or preference for something.
Example
She has a predilection for classical music.
B2 noun /ˈpæʃ.ən/

Passion

Meaning
strong enthusiasm or excitement for something; intense emotion or feeling
Example
Her passion for music led her to become a professional singer.
A2 noun /ˈpeɪmənt/

payment

Meaning
the action or process of paying money for something
Example
The payment for the order was received yesterday.
C1 adverb /ˈpiːs.miːl/

Piecemeal

Meaning
done or made gradually, one piece at a time; fragmentary; unsystematic
Example
The renovation was done piecemeal over several years due to budget constraints.
C2 noun /ˈpɒmfrɪt/

Pomfret

Meaning
A deep-bodied marine fish with silvery scales, popular in Asian cuisine
Example
The restaurant serves delicious pomfret curry with rice.
C1 adjective /pəˈnʌltɪmət/

penultimate

Meaning
second to the last in a sequence or series
Example
She finished the penultimate chapter before going to sleep.
A2 preposition/conjunction/noun/adjective /plʌs/

plus

Meaning
in addition to; a positive aspect or advantage
Example
She received an A plus on her exam.
C1 noun /ˈpærɪti/

parity

Meaning
the state or condition of being equal, especially in status or pay
Example
The campaign aims to achieve pay parity between men and women.
A2 noun, verb /pəʊst/

post

Meaning
a job or position, or to send something by mail
Example
She posted a letter to her friend yesterday.
C2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪsəri/

promissory

Meaning
Containing or conveying a promise, especially in writing.
Example
He signed a promissory note to repay the loan.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

Meaning
of little value or importance; trivial
Example
He complained about the picayune details of the contract.
C1 noun /pəˈrɪfəri/

periphery

Meaning
The outer edge or boundary of an area or object.
Example
The soldiers were stationed at the periphery of the camp.
B1 noun /freɪz/

phrase

Meaning
a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit
Example
He gave a memorable phrase at the conference.
A2 noun /pərˈmɪʃən/

permission

Meaning
the action of allowing or granting consent
Example
You need permission to enter the restricted area.
B2 verb /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

preceded

Meaning
came before something in time, order, or position
Example
Dark clouds preceded the heavy rainfall.
C1 noun /ˈpen.əns/

Penance

Meaning
punishment that you accept for doing something wrong; an act of showing that you are sorry for sin
Example
The monk performed penance for his past mistakes.
C1 noun ˌpriː.dɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən

predisposition

Meaning
A natural tendency or inclination toward a particular behavior or condition.
Example
Genetic factors can influence a person's predisposition to diseases.
C2 noun /ˌfoʊ.nəˈlɑː.dʒi/

phonology

Meaning
the study of the sound system of a language
Example
She is studying phonology to understand how sounds function in English.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
A2 noun /ˈprɛzɪdənt/

president

Meaning
the elected head of a republican state
Example
The president addressed the nation last night.
C1 noun /pɪˌdɛs.tri.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

pedestrianization

Meaning
Making areas pedestrian-friendly, closing any area to vehicle traffic and making it open only for pedestrians.
Example
The pedestrianization of city centers reduces pollution.
B2 verb /poʊz/

pose

Meaning
To assume a particular position, especially for a photograph or display; to present a problem or question.
Example
She posed for a picture in front of the monument.
B1 noun pəˈfɔː.məns

performance

Meaning
The action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function.
Example
Performance improvements boost confidence.
C1 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.kiːt/

Parakeet

Meaning
a small colorful parrot with a long tail, often kept as a pet
Example
The green parakeet learned to say hello.
B2 verb /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜr.sən.ə.li/

Personally

Meaning
as a person; in one's own opinion; for oneself; in person
Example
Personally, I think the movie was excellent, though others disagree.
C1 adjective /ˈper.ɪ.ləs/

perilous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; hazardous and threatening.
Example
The explorers took a perilous journey.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːɪsəns/

puissance

Meaning
Great power, strength, or influence.
Example
The empire showed its puissance through vast armies.