A1 noun ˈpɛrənts

Parents

Meaning

One's father and mother.

Example

The family tree starts with the child's parents.

My parents always encouraged me to study hard and pursue my dreams.

B2 verb /prɪˈskrʌɪb/

prescribe

Meaning

to recommend or authorize the use of something, especially medicine

Example

The doctor prescribed medication for my cold.

C1 noun /pəˈpaɪrəs/

papyrus

Meaning

An ancient writing material made from the pith of the papyrus plant; also refers to the plant itself.

Example

The ancient scroll was written on papyrus.

B1 noun /ˈpaɪ.lət/

Pilot

Meaning

a person who operates the controls of an aircraft

Example

The experienced pilot landed the plane safely during the storm.

B1 noun /ˈproʊtiːn/

protein

Meaning

a molecule composed of amino acids essential for bodily functions

Example

Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

B1 noun ˈpɒl.ə.si

policy

Meaning

A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual; a contract of insurance.

Example

Effective policies drive national development.

C2 noun, verb /ˈpɑːrli/

parley

Meaning

a discussion between opposing sides, especially to negotiate terms

Example

The generals met to parley over the terms of surrender.

C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

predetermine

Meaning

to establish or decide something in advance

Example

The outcome of the match seemed predetermined.

B2 adjective /prəˈnaʊnst/

pronounced

Meaning

very noticeable or strongly marked

Example

There is a pronounced difference between the two styles.

C2 noun /ˈpɛrɪstaɪl/

peristyle

Meaning

A continuous porch formed by a row of columns surrounding the perimeter of a building or courtyard.

Example

The Roman villa featured a beautiful peristyle garden.

C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpətreɪt/

perpetrate

Meaning

To commit or carry out, typically a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.

Example

The hackers perpetrated a massive cyber attack on the company.

C1 noun /ˈpɪt.əns/

pittance

Meaning

a very small or inadequate amount of money

Example

She worked long hours for a mere pittance.

B2 adjective /prəˈtɛktɪv/

protective

Meaning

giving or capable of giving protection; shielding from harm or danger

Example

She wore a protective helmet while riding her bike.

A1 noun /ˈfəʊtəʊ/

photo

Meaning

a picture or image captured by a camera

Example

I took a photo of the sunset.

A2 noun,verb /pleɪn/

plane

Meaning

a flat surface; an aircraft; to make smooth

Example

The carpenter used a tool to plane the wood.

C1 adjective /ˈpiːs.ə.bəl/

Peaceable

Meaning

peaceful; inclined to avoid conflict

Example

The peaceable protest ended without any violence.

C1 adjective /pəˈroʊkiəl/

parochial

Meaning

Having a limited or narrow outlook; relating to a parish.

Example

His parochial view prevented him from understanding global issues.

C1 noun prɪˈzɝː.və.tɪv

preservative

Meaning

A chemical substance that prevents decay, fermentation, or other natural processes that cause food deterioration.

Example

Artificial preservatives are harmful to health.

Salt and sugar are often used as natural preservatives in foods.

C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt

phytonutrient

Meaning

Chemical compounds produced by plants that are beneficial to human health but not essential nutrients.

Example

Broccoli is rich in phytonutrients that enhance immunity.

Eating a colourful array of vegetables ensures you get a wide variety of phytonutrients in your diet.

C1 noun /ˈpɔːr.kjə.paɪn/

Porcupine

Meaning

a large rodent with defensive spines or quills on its body

Example

The porcupine raised its quills when threatened.

B2 verb /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/

persevere

Meaning

to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delay

Example

He persevered through many failures before succeeding.

C2 adjective /ˌpɒliˈæn.ɪ.ɪʃ/

pollyannaish

Meaning

overly or blindly optimistic

Example

Her pollyannaish attitude ignored the obvious problems.

C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌkreɪsi/

polycracy

Meaning

rule by many; government by multiple authorities

Example

The nation experienced a polycracy after decentralization reforms.

C1 noun /ˈprɒspɛktər/

prospector

Meaning

a person who searches for mineral deposits, especially gold

Example

The prospector spent years in the mountains searching for gold.

C2 noun /ˈpoʊltɪs/

poultice

Meaning

a soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation

Example

The nurse applied a warm poultice to his injured leg.

C1 noun /prɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/

Presumption

Meaning

an idea that is taken to be true without proof

Example

There is a presumption of innocence in the legal system.

B1 noun /pɜːrs/

purse

Meaning

a small bag used by women to carry money and personal items

Example

She kept her wallet in her purse.

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.

C2 noun /ˌprɒdɪˈɡæləti/

prodigality

Meaning

the quality of being wastefully extravagant

Example

His prodigality with money left him bankrupt.

C2 noun /ˈprɒvəndər/

provender

Meaning

food or provisions, especially for livestock

Example

The barn was filled with provender for the cattle.

C2 noun /fɪˈlɒl.ə.dʒɪst/

philologist

Meaning

a person who studies languages and their history

Example

The philologist analyzed ancient texts to understand language evolution.

C2 noun /pruːd/

prude

Meaning

A person who is easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; someone overly modest.

Example

He was called a prude for blushing at the movie scenes.

C1 verb /ˈprɪkəl/

prickle

Meaning

to cause a slight stinging or tingling sensation on the skin

Example

Her skin began to prickle in the cold wind.

B2 noun /ˈpriːmiəm/

premium

Meaning

an amount of money paid regularly for an insurance policy; something of superior quality or value

Example

You need to pay your insurance premium every year.

C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

Meaning

Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.

Example

The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.

B2 noun /feɪz/

Phase

Meaning

a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development

Example

The project is now in its final phase.

B2 verb /pɪəs/

pierce

Meaning

to make a hole through something; to penetrate with a sharp object

Example

The arrow will pierce through the target.

C2 noun /ˈprɪvɪti/

privity

Meaning

A close, private, or special relationship; in law, the direct connection between parties to a contract.

Example

There was no privity of contract between the supplier and the customer.

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.

C2 adjective /pəˈrɛmptəri/

peremptory

Meaning

Insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a commanding way.

Example

The officer gave a peremptory order to evacuate the building.

B1 noun /ˌprezənˈteɪʃən/

presentation

Meaning

The manner or style in which something is given, offered, or displayed.

Example

The presentation of the new product was well received.

For her science project, Maya gave a wonderful presentation, using a colorful poster and a working volcano model to show the class how eruptions happen.

C1 adjective /pləˈtɒnɪk/

platonic

Meaning

relating to a close relationship that is not romantic or sexual

Example

They have a platonic friendship that has lasted for years.

C2 verb /fɪˈlændər/

philander

Meaning

to engage in casual or frivolous romantic or sexual relationships

Example

He was known to philander with many women in town.

B2 noun /prəˈseʃ.ən/

Procession

Meaning

a group of people or vehicles moving forward in an organized way, especially as part of a ceremony

Example

The wedding procession walked slowly to the church.

C1 noun /ˌpɑːrʃiˈæləti/

partiality

Meaning

an unfair preference or bias toward one side or person

Example

The judge was criticized for showing partiality in the case.

C1 noun /ˌpærəfəˈneɪliə/

paraphernalia

Meaning

Miscellaneous articles, especially equipment needed for a particular activity.

Example

The fisherman carried all his fishing paraphernalia in a large box.

B2 noun /ˈplænər/

planner

Meaning

a person who makes plans or a book used for organizing schedules and tasks

Example

She uses a daily planner to organize her meetings.

B2 noun ˌpʌŋkˈtʃʊəlɪti

punctuality

Meaning

The quality of being on time; the habit of arriving or doing things at the agreed or proper time.

Example

Punctuality is a valued trait in professional settings.

The principal praised the student's punctuality because she arrived at school early every single day and was never late to class.

C1 noun /ˈpɔː.pəs/

Porpoise

Meaning

a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout

Example

The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water.

C2 adjective /ˌprɛsɪˈdɛnʃəl/

precedential

Meaning

Relating to, or serving as, a precedent; having authority as an example.

Example

The court’s decision has precedential value.

B2 noun /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/

prescription

Meaning

A written order from a doctor for the preparation and administration of a medicine; also, a recommendation or authoritative rule.

Example

The doctor gave her a prescription for antibiotics.

B2 noun /ˈpæd.i/

Paddy

Meaning

rice in its natural state before processing; a field where rice is grown

Example

The farmers worked hard in the paddy fields during harvest season.

B2 adverb /ˈpjʊərli/

purely

Meaning

only and completely; entirely

Example

The decision was purely based on economic factors.

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 /plʊəˈrælɪti/

plurality

Meaning

the state of being multiple; the greater part or majority

Example

In the election, she won by a plurality of votes.

C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

Meaning

a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act

Example

The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.

C2 verb /ˌpriːɪˈstæblɪʃ/

preestablish

Meaning

To establish or set up beforehand.

Example

Certain rules were preestablished before the meeting.

C1 noun /ˈpæd.ək/

paddock

Meaning

a small enclosed field where horses or other animals are kept

Example

The horses were grazing in the paddock.

C2 noun /ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

polymath

Meaning

a person with knowledge of many different subjects

Example

Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.

B1 noun /ˈprɪn.tər/

Printer

Meaning

a person whose job is printing books, newspapers, or other materials; a machine that prints documents

Example

The printer delivered the wedding invitations on time.

B2 noun /ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪŋ ˈpaʊ.ɚ/

purchasing power

Meaning

The amount of goods and services that can be purchased with a unit of currency.

Example

Due to inflation, people's purchasing power has decreased.

When inflation rises faster than wages, consumers' purchasing power decreases.

C2 noun /prɪˈzɛntmənt/

presentment

Meaning

The act of presenting something formally or officially; a formal statement or document.

Example

The lawyer made a presentment of the evidence to the court.

B2 verb /pərˈsiːv/

perceive

Meaning

to become aware of or understand something through the senses

Example

I perceive a change in his attitude.

C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning

Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.

Example

People are plagued by anxiety and depression.

C1 verb /prɪˈzaɪd/

preside

Meaning

to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization

Example

She will preside over the meeting tomorrow.

B2 verb /paɪn/

pine

Meaning

to long intensely for something or someone; to suffer from longing

Example

He pined for his hometown after moving abroad.

C2 adjective /flɛgˈmæt.ɪk/

phlegmatic

Meaning

having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition

Example

Despite the chaos, he remained phlegmatic and composed.

B2 noun /ˈpæs.taɪm/

Pastime

Meaning

an activity done regularly for enjoyment; a hobby or recreational activity

Example

Reading books is her favorite pastime during weekends.

C2 verb /prəˈpaʊnd/

propound

Meaning

To put forward an idea, theory, or point for consideration.

Example

The professor propounded a new theory on climate change.

B2 noun, verb /ˈplɑːstər/

plaster

Meaning

a soft mixture applied to walls or used to cover wounds; or to cover or coat with plaster

Example

The workers plastered the walls to make them smooth.

A2 noun /prɪns/

prince

Meaning

a male member of a royal family, especially the son of a king or queen; a ruler of a principality

Example

The prince addressed the nation on his birthday.

B1 noun /ˈpeɪstri/

pastry

Meaning

a baked food product made from flour, fat, and water, often sweet or savory

Example

I bought a box of fresh pastries for breakfast.

C1 noun /ˈpraɪməsi/

primacy

Meaning

the state of being first in importance or authority

Example

The primacy of education cannot be denied.

B2 adverb /ˈpɑrʃəli/

Partially

Meaning

to some extent; not completely; incompletely

Example

The building was only partially destroyed in the fire.

C1 adjective /ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/

painstaking

Meaning

Done with great care and thoroughness.

Example

The artist completed the project with painstaking detail.

B1 adjective /ˈpeɪn.fəl/

painful

Meaning

causing physical or emotional pain

Example

The injury was very painful, and he needed immediate care.

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.

C2 noun /ˈpɑːdreɪ/

padre

Meaning

A title for a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church; also used informally for 'father'.

Example

The soldiers attended mass led by the padre.

C1 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning

to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others

Example

The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.

A2 noun ˈpræktɪs

practice

Meaning

The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method; repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill.

Example

Daily practice improves fluency.

To get better at playing the piano, you need to practice for at least an hour every day.

B1 noun, verb /praɪz/

prize

Meaning

something given as a reward for achievement; to value highly

Example

He won the first prize in the competition.

C2 adjective /pərˈsuːənt/

pursuant

Meaning

in accordance with or following something, especially a law or rule

Example

The decision was made pursuant to the regulations.

A2 verb /ˈprɒmɪs/

promise

Meaning

to assure someone that one will definitely do something; to give one's word

Example

I promise to help you with your homework.

A2 noun /pərˈmɪʃən/

permission

Meaning

the action of allowing or granting consent

Example

You need permission to enter the restricted area.

C1 noun /ˈpɒpjʊlɪst/

populist

Meaning

A politician or person who seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are ignored by elites.

Example

The populist leader promised to put the needs of common citizens first.

B1 noun /ˈpɔːrʃən/

portion

Meaning

A part or share of something.

Example

She ate only a small portion of the meal.

B2 noun /pænˈdɛmɪk/

pandemic

Meaning

An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale.

Example

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world dramatically.

B2 noun /prəˈtɛktər/

protector

Meaning

a person or thing that protects someone or something

Example

The dog was seen as the family's protector.

C1 noun /ˈpɪɡmənt/

pigment

Meaning

a natural or artificial substance used to give color to something

Example

The artist mixed different pigments to create the perfect shade of blue.

C2 verb /ˈprætəl/

prattle

Meaning

to talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way

Example

The children would prattle on about their games.

B2 verb /pruːn/

prune

Meaning

to cut off unwanted parts of a plant or tree to help it grow better

Example

Gardeners prune the trees in spring to encourage growth.

A2 adjective /ˈpeɪ.ʃənt/

Patient

Meaning

able to wait calmly; tolerant

Example

She was very patient with her young students.

A2 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.lər/

Peck

A2 adjective /ˈpiːs.fəl/

Peaceful

Meaning

free from disturbance; calm and quiet; not involving war or violence

Example

The garden is a peaceful place to relax.

C1 noun /ˈpærəˌlɛlɪzəm/

parallelism

Meaning

The state of being parallel or similar; in literature, the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in construction.

Example

The writer used parallelism to give rhythm to his prose.

B1 noun /ˈpʌn.ɪʃ.mənt/

Punishment

Meaning

penalty given for doing something wrong or breaking a rule

Example

The student received punishment for cheating on the exam.

B2 noun prəˈvɪʒ.ənz

provisions

Meaning

A condition or requirement in a legal document; clauses or stipulations.

Example

Provisions must align with public aspirations.

A1 noun /pɪɡ/

Pig

Meaning

a domestic farm animal with a short curly tail and a flat nose

Example

The farmer fed the pig in the pen.

B2 adjective /ˈpəʊstwɔːr/

postwar

Meaning

occurring or existing after a war

Example

The postwar period saw significant economic growth.

C2 noun /ˈprɛlət/

prelate

Meaning

A high-ranking member of the clergy, especially a bishop or abbot.

Example

The prelate delivered a sermon to the congregation.

A2 noun, verb, adjective /ˈprɛzənt/

present

Meaning

existing or happening now; to give something to someone in a formal way

Example

She presented her report to the team yesterday.

C2 noun /ˌfaɪ.təʊˈkem.ɪ.kəlz/

phytochemicals

Meaning

Natural chemical compounds produced by plants that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often having antioxidant properties.

Example

Phytochemicals in green tea help reduce inflammation.

C1 adjective /ˈplɒd.ɪŋ/

plodding

Meaning

slow-moving and unexciting; showing steady effort

Example

The movie was entertaining but a bit plodding in the middle.

C2 noun /ˈpɒntɪf/

pontiff

Meaning

the pope or a high-ranking bishop in the Christian church

Example

The pontiff addressed the nation in a televised speech.

C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning

A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.

Example

The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.

C2 adjective /ˌpriːtərˈnætʃərəl/

preternatural

Meaning

Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary or supernatural.

Example

She had a preternatural ability to remain calm in any crisis.

B1 noun /ˈpaʊdər/

powder

Meaning

a fine, dry substance made of very tiny particles

Example

She sprinkled some powder on the cake.

C1 adjective /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/

prolific

Meaning

Present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful; producing many works, results, or offspring.

Example

The author is prolific, having written over 30 books.

He was a prolific writer, publishing a book every year.

C1 verb /ˈprɒfər/

proffer

Meaning

to offer something for acceptance; to present

Example

She proffered her hand as a sign of friendship.

C1 adjective /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

Meaning

wandering; traveling; migratory

Example

The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed.

C1 adjective /pəˈdæntɪk/

pedantic

Meaning

Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic or bookish.

Example

Her pedantic explanations made the lecture dull.

C1 noun /plæsˈtɪsəti/

plasticity

Meaning

the quality of being easily shaped or molded; adaptability

Example

The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt after injury.

B2 adjective /ˈprɛdʒədɪst/

prejudiced

Meaning

having or showing a dislike or bias against a person or group without proper reason

Example

He was prejudiced against people from other regions.

A2 verb /prɪˈpɛər/

prepare

Meaning

to make ready; to get something ready for use

Example

She needs to prepare dinner for her family.

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.

A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.vət/

Private

Meaning

personal; confidential; not public; individual

Example

This is a private conversation between two friends.

C2 adjective /pərˈfɛktəbl/

perfectible

Meaning

capable of being made perfect or improved

Example

Human nature is imperfect but perfectible.

C1 noun /ˈpɛdɪɡriː/

pedigree

Meaning

the recorded ancestry or lineage of a person, family, or animal; the history or origin of something

Example

The dog has a pedigree that traces back several generations.

B2 noun pərˈsweɪ.ʒən

persuasion

Meaning

The act of convincing someone to change their viewpoint through reasoning or emotion.

Example

Effective persuasion is key to a successful speech.

After much persuasion from his friends, he finally agreed to go on the roller coaster.

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.