pastry
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
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 /ˈprɛsɪdəns/ or /prɪˈsiːdəns/

precedence

Meaning
the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority
Example
Safety takes precedence over speed in this factory.
C2 adjective /ˈpɑːrləs/

parlous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; precarious.
Example
The company is in a parlous financial state.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrkəleɪt/

percolate

Meaning
To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to spread slowly.
Example
The rainwater percolated through the soil into the groundwater.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
C2 verb /proʊˈskraɪb/

proscribe

Meaning
to forbid something by law or authority
Example
The new law will proscribe the use of harmful chemicals in farming.
B1 noun ˈproʊtest

protest

Meaning
A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
Example
Students organized a protest.
C1 adjective /prəˈsiːdʒərəl/

procedural

Meaning
Relating to an established or official way of doing something; concerned with procedure.
Example
The committee followed the procedural rules strictly.
A2 noun /pæn/

Pan

Meaning
a wide, flat-bottomed cooking utensil used for frying, searing, and browning foods
Example
Heat the oil in a large pan before adding the vegetables.
B1 verb /prɪˈdɪkt/

predict

Meaning
to say that something will happen in the future
Example
Scientists predict rain tomorrow.
C1 verb /prɒd/

prod

Meaning
to poke or push someone or something with a finger, foot, or pointed object
Example
She prodded him in the arm to get his attention.
B1 noun prəˈsiː.dʒər

procedure

Meaning
An established or official way of doing something.
Example
Follow the procedure for accuracy.
B2 noun /ˈpeɪtrən/

patron

Meaning
a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause
Example
The library is supported by generous patrons.
C1 verb /ˈpruːfˌriːd/

proofread

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

physique

Meaning
the form, size, and development of a person's body
Example
He has an athletic physique due to years of training.
B1 verb /piːl/

peel

Meaning
to remove the outer covering or skin from a fruit or vegetable
Example
She peeled the mango before eating it.
A2 noun /ˈpɜːr.pəl/

Purple

Meaning
a color intermediate between red and blue; violet color
Example
The purple flowers bloomed beautifully in the garden.
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.
C2 noun /ˈprɒsɪlaɪt/

proselyte

Meaning
A person who has converted from one belief, opinion, or religion to another.
Example
She became a proselyte after converting to a new faith.
C1 noun /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/

prodigy

Meaning
a person, especially a young one, with exceptional talents or abilities
Example
Mozart was a child prodigy in music.
B2 verb /pərˈsuː/

pursue

Meaning
to follow or chase with the intent to catch or achieve something
Example
She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛstɪˈlɛnʃəl/

pestilential

Meaning
Relating to or causing pestilence; very harmful, troublesome, or dangerous.
Example
The pestilential smell of the garbage filled the street.
C1 noun /ˈpreɪsiː/

precis

Meaning
A concise summary of a text or speech.
Example
The student submitted a précis of the long article.
C2 noun /pɪˈlɑːf/

Pillaw

Meaning
a dish of rice cooked in seasoned broth, often with meat and vegetables
Example
We enjoyed a delicious chicken pillaw for dinner.
C1 noun ˈpɜː.mə.kʌl.tʃər

permaculture

Meaning
The development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Example
Permaculture promotes self-sufficient farming systems.
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 noun /ˈpraɪəri/

priory

Meaning
a small monastery or convent governed by a prior or prioress
Example
The old priory was converted into a museum.
C2 noun /pəˈveɪʒən/

pervasion

Meaning
the act of spreading through or being present everywhere in something
Example
There was a pervasion of hope throughout the community.
B2 noun plɒt

plot

Meaning
The main story of a piece of writing, or the series of events that happen in it.
Example
The plot of A Tale of Two Cities is intense and gripping.
C2 noun /ˈpɪnjən/

pinion

Meaning
a small gear or the outer part of a bird's wing; to restrain or immobilize
Example
The bird's pinion was injured, preventing it from flying.
B1 verb /prəˈsiːd/

proceed

Meaning
to continue with a course of action; to move forward
Example
Let's proceed with the meeting as planned.
A2 adverb /ˈprɒb.ə.bli/

Probably

Meaning
almost certainly; very likely; in all likelihood
Example
He will probably arrive late tonight.
C2 noun /ˈpætwɑː/

patois

Meaning
a regional or social dialect, especially one considered nonstandard or informal
Example
The guide slipped into local patois when chatting with the fishermen.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

psychology

Meaning
the scientific study of the mind and behavior
Example
Psychology helps us understand how people think and act.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

Meaning
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
Example
The soil in this area is very permeable to water.
C1 noun /ˈpɪk.æks/

Pick-axe

Meaning
a tool with a heavy metal head and long handle used for breaking up hard ground or rock
Example
The miner used a pick-axe to break through the rocky surface.
C1 noun /pʌnˈdʒɑː.bi/

Punjabi

Meaning
a traditional long shirt worn in South Asia, typically loose-fitting
Example
He wore a white punjabi for the festival celebration.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

prepossessing

Meaning
Attractive or appealing in appearance or manner.
Example
She had a prepossessing smile that charmed everyone.
C1 verb /ˌpoʊstˈdeɪt/

postdate

Meaning
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
Example
She postdated the check to next month.
B2 adjective /ˈpær.ə.lel/

Parallel

Meaning
side by side and having the same distance continuously between them; similar or corresponding
Example
The two roads run parallel to each other for several miles.
A1 noun /pɔɪnt/

Point

Meaning
a particular detail, idea, or fact; the sharp end of something
Example
What's the point of arguing about this issue?
C1 noun/verb /ˈprɛdɪkət/ (noun), /ˈprɛdɪkeɪt/ (verb)

predicate

Meaning
noun: the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject; verb: to base or establish something on a particular idea
Example
His theory is predicated on sound research.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnsɪv/

pensive

Meaning
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
Example
She looked pensive as she stared out of the window.
B1 noun /ˈpʌb.lɪ.ʃər/

Publisher

Meaning
a person or company that produces and distributes books, magazines, or newspapers
Example
The publisher decided to print 10,000 copies of the new novel.
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 noun /fɪˈlɒl.ə.dʒi/

philology

Meaning
the study of language in written historical sources; linguistics
Example
She devoted her career to philology, researching ancient manuscripts.
B1 noun /ˈpɒlɪtɪks/

politics

Meaning
activities related to the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power
Example
Politics often involves making difficult decisions.
C2 noun /ˌfɪziˈɑːɡrəfi/

physiography

Meaning
the study of the physical features of the earth's surface
Example
He specialized in physiography to understand the landscape of the region.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfəsaɪ/

prophesy

Meaning
to state or predict that something will happen in the future, especially as if divinely inspired
Example
The monk prophesied that peace would return to the land.
C2 noun /prɪˈpɒndərəns/

preponderance

Meaning
The quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance.
Example
There was a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
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.
B1 noun /pəˈlɪtɪʃən/

politician

Meaning
a person who is involved in politics, especially as a profession
Example
The politician promised to improve the economy.
C1 verb /pərˈteɪn/

pertain

Meaning
to relate or have reference to something
Example
The rules pertain to all students in the school.
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.
B2 noun ˈpɛs.tɪ.saɪdz

pesticides

Meaning
Substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
Example
Excessive pesticides use can harm the environment.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
C1 noun /pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/

Polygamy

Meaning
the practice of marrying multiple spouses at the same time
Example
Polygamy is illegal in many countries around the world.
B2 verb /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
A2 verb /prɪˈtɛnd/

pretend

Meaning
To act as if something is true when it is not.
Example
The children pretended to be superheroes.
A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.mɛr.i/

primary

Meaning
Most important; main; happening first.
Example
Education is a primary factor in economic growth.
C2 noun /ˌsuːdəʊəˈpɒsəl/

pseudapostle

Meaning
a false or pretended apostle
Example
The preacher was condemned as a pseudapostle.
C1 verb /proʊˈtruːd/

protrude

Meaning
To stick out or extend beyond a surface.
Example
A nail was protruding from the wooden board.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪθ.i/

pithy

Meaning
concise and meaningful; full of substance
Example
She gave a pithy comment that summarized the issue perfectly.
C1 noun /ˈplæn.teɪn ˈflaʊ.ər/

Plantain flower

Meaning
The flower bud of a banana plant, used as a vegetable in cooking
Example
We cooked plantain flower curry for dinner.
B1 verb /ˈpʌnɪʃ/

punish

Meaning
to give a penalty for wrongdoing; to discipline
Example
The teacher will punish students who cheat.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
A1 noun/adjective/preposition /pɑːst/

past

Meaning
the time before the present; gone by in time
Example
He often thinks about his past mistakes.
C2 adjective /ˈpjʊəraɪl/

puerile

Meaning
childishly silly or immature
Example
His puerile jokes annoyed the audience.
C2 noun /ˈpælɪmpsɛst/

palimpsest

Meaning
a manuscript or document that has been written over but still bears traces of earlier writing; something reused or altered but still retaining traces of its earlier form
Example
The ancient manuscript was a palimpsest, showing faint traces of previous texts beneath the new writing.
A2 noun /prəˈfɛsər/

professor

Meaning
a senior teacher or academic at a college or university
Example
The professor explained the theory clearly.
B1 verb /prəˈpoʊz/

propose

Meaning
to suggest an idea or plan for consideration; to ask someone to marry you
Example
I propose we take a short break.
A2 noun /piˈænoʊ/

Piano

Meaning
a large keyboard musical instrument with black and white keys that produces sound by striking strings with hammers
Example
The little girl practiced piano for one hour every day.
C2 noun /ˈplɛnɪtjuːd/

plenitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant; a great quantity
Example
The garden was a plenitude of flowers in spring.
B2 noun ˈprɒs.pekt

prospect

Meaning
The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
Example
The project's success holds great prospect for the economy.
B2 noun ˈpærəˌlɛlz

parallels

Meaning
Similarities or comparisons between two different things or situations
Example
There are parallels between Japan's aging issues and Bangladesh's situation.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌpɜːrtɪˈneɪʃəs/

pertinacious

Meaning
holding firmly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action; stubbornly persistent
Example
The pertinacious lawyer refused to give up the case.
A2 noun /ˈplɛʒər/

pleasure

Meaning
a feeling of happiness or enjoyment
Example
It was a pleasure to meet you.
B2 adverb /pəˈlɪtɪkəli/

politically

Meaning
in a way that relates to politics or government
Example
The country is politically divided between two major parties.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/

promising

Meaning
showing signs of future success or potential
Example
She is a promising young scientist with great ideas.
B1 noun /poʊl/

pole

Meaning
a long, slender, vertical object or structure, typically made of wood, metal, or another material
Example
They placed the flag on top of the pole.
C2 noun /ˈpʌlkrɪˌtjuːd/

pulchritude

Meaning
physical beauty
Example
The actress was admired for her pulchritude as well as her talent.
B1 adjective /pərˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/

particular

Meaning
specific or special; distinct from others
Example
He is very particular about his diet.
C2 noun /ˈpɪərɪdʒ/

peerage

Meaning
the title or rank of a peer; the nobility as a group
Example
He was elevated to the peerage by the king.
C2 verb /pərˈlɔɪn/

purloin

Meaning
to steal something, often in a sneaky or dishonest way
Example
He tried to purloin a book from the library without being noticed.
C2 noun /pəˈruːzl/

perusal

Meaning
The action of reading or examining something carefully.
Example
The contract was given to the lawyer for perusal.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/

peculation

Meaning
The act of embezzling or stealing money, especially from public funds.
Example
The minister resigned after being accused of peculation.
C1 noun /ˈprɒmɪnəns/

prominence

Meaning
The state of being important, famous, or easily noticed.
Example
Her work gained prominence after the award.
B2 noun /ˌpiːdiəˈtrɪʃən/

pediatrician

Meaning
a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children
Example
The pediatrician examined the child carefully.
C2 noun /ˈpɒlɪti/

polity

Meaning
an organized society or form of government
Example
The ancient Greek polity had a system of city-states.
B2 noun /ˈprəʊsesə/

processor

Meaning
a machine or device that processes something, especially a computer's central processing unit (CPU)
Example
The new laptop has a faster processor.
C1 noun prəˈfaʊnd ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

profound initiative

Meaning
A deep, meaningful, and significant action or program designed to create change.
Example
A profound initiative can create sustainable changes.
C2 noun /ˌpraɪmoʊˈdʒɛnɪtʃər/

primogeniture

Meaning
The right of the firstborn child to inherit the family estate or title.
Example
Under primogeniture, the eldest son inherited the entire estate.
B2 noun /ˈprɛzɪdənsi/

presidency

Meaning
the office or position of being a president
Example
He was elected to the presidency in 2020.
B1 noun ˈplænɪŋ

planning

Meaning
The process of making plans for something; the control of urban development by a local government authority.
Example
Effective planning ensures better waste management.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪ.mər/ (US), /ˈprɪm.ər/ (UK)

primer

Meaning
A basic introductory book or a substance used to prepare a surface for painting.
Example
He read a primer on programming before starting his course.
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.
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 /pəˈnʌmbrə/

penumbra

Meaning
a partially shaded area around the shadow of an object, especially during an eclipse
Example
The moon’s penumbra created a dim shadow over the Earth.
B2 noun ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ɪ.ti

productivity

Meaning
The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
Example
Improved irrigation boosts productivity.
C2 verb /prɪˈpɒndəreɪt/

preponderate

Meaning
To be greater in influence, weight, or number.
Example
In the debate, logical arguments preponderated over emotional appeals.
C1 verb /ˈpeɪtrənaɪz/

patronize

Meaning
to treat someone in a condescending way; to be a regular customer of a business
Example
Don't patronize me with your fake sympathy.
A2 adjective ˈpɒzətɪv

positive

Meaning
Having an electric charge opposite to that of an electron.
Example
Protons have a positive charge.
C1 noun /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

pediatrics

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children
Example
She decided to specialize in pediatrics after medical school.
C2 noun /ˈpriːsɛpt/

precept

Meaning
A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
Example
Honesty is a fundamental precept in all religions.
B1 noun /ˈpʌblɪʃɪŋ/

publishing

Meaning
the business or activity of preparing and issuing books, journals, or other material for sale
Example
He works in the publishing industry as an editor.
C1 verb /ˈpʌlseɪt/

pulsate

Meaning
to expand and contract rhythmically; to throb or beat
Example
The neon lights pulsated with a steady rhythm.
C1 verb /ˈpæmpər/

pamper

Meaning
to treat with excessive care and attention; to spoil
Example
Parents often pamper their first child.
B2 noun prɒsˈpɛr.ɪ.ti

prosperity

Meaning
The state of being prosperous; success or wealth.
Example
The country achieved great prosperity during the last decade.
B2 verb /ˈprɒspər/

prosper

Meaning
to succeed or flourish, especially in financial or business matters
Example
With hard work and determination, she managed to prosper in her career.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpes.ə.mɪst/

Pessimist

Meaning
a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believes that the worst will happen; someone who lacks hope or confidence in the future
Example
Being a pessimist, he always expected the worst outcome.
B2 noun /ˈplæn.tɪn/

Plantain

Meaning
a large green banana-like fruit that is usually cooked before eating
Example
Plantain can be fried, boiled, or baked and is a staple food in many tropical countries.
B1 verb /preɪ/

pray

Meaning
to speak to God or a deity; to hope earnestly
Example
Many people pray for peace in the world.
B1 noun /peɪs/

pace

Meaning
the speed at which something happens or is done
Example
She walked at a slow pace.
C2 noun /fɪˈlæt.əl.i/

philately

Meaning
the collection and study of postage stamps
Example
Philately is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
B2 noun /pʌbˈlɪs.ɪ.ti/

Publicity

Meaning
public attention or notice given to someone or something; advertising or promotion
Example
The movie received a lot of publicity before its release.
B1 noun/verb /ˈprɛʃər/

pressure

Meaning
the force applied to something or the feeling of stress or tension
Example
The pressure of the situation made him nervous.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.pɪˈtʃuː.ɪ.ti

perpetuity

Meaning
Permanence, eternity, continuity.
Example
The contract ensures payments in perpetuity.
A2 noun /ˈpoʊɪt/

poet

Meaning
a person who writes poems
Example
The poet wrote about love and nature.