paucity
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C1 noun /ˈpɔːsɪti/

paucity

Meaning
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities
Example
The project was delayed due to a paucity of funds.
C2 noun /blæk ˈkɑːr.də.məm/

Black Cardamom

Meaning
a large aromatic spice pod with a smoky flavor, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking
Example
Add black cardamom to the curry for a rich, smoky flavor.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃuəl/

sensual

Meaning
Relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical pleasure.
Example
The painting had a sensual quality that captivated viewers.
C2 noun /ˈvɔːdəvɪl/

vaudeville

Meaning
A type of entertainment popular in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of comedy, song, dance, and variety acts.
Example
The vaudeville show included comedians, magicians, and dancers.
C2 noun /ˈmoʊlə ˈkɑrplɪt/

Mola carplet

Meaning
a small freshwater fish of the carp family, commonly found in South Asian rivers and ponds
Example
The mola carplet is a popular small fish used in Bengali cuisine.
C1 adjective /pəˈleɪ.ʃəl/

palatial

Meaning
resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid
Example
They stayed in a palatial hotel during their vacation.
B2 noun, adjective /hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛəriən/

humanitarian

Meaning
A person who seeks to promote human welfare, or something relating to human welfare and compassion.
Example
The organization provides humanitarian aid to disaster victims.
C2 noun /ˈændaɪərn/

andiron

Meaning
a metal support used in a fireplace to hold logs
Example
The logs rested on the andirons in the old fireplace.
B2 noun /ˈkɒn.flɪkt ˌrez.əˈluː.ʃən/

conflict resolution

Meaning
The process of finding peaceful solutions to disputes or disagreements between parties.
Example
Conflict resolution is vital for global peace.
C1 verb /smɛlt/

smelt

Meaning
to extract metal from its ore by heating and melting
Example
The workers smelt iron from its ore in the factory.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbrɔɪdər/

embroider

Meaning
to decorate fabric with patterns using a needle and thread
Example
She embroidered flowers on the pillowcase.
C2 noun /ˈbaɪəˌɡræf/

biograph

Meaning
A written account of a person's life; an early motion-picture projector (historical use).
Example
The library holds an old biograph of the poet.
C2 verb /ˈmʌfəl/

muffle

Meaning
to make a sound quieter or less distinct; to cover or wrap something to reduce noise or warmth
Example
She tried to muffle her laughter with a scarf.
C2 verb /bɪˈhuːv/

behoove

Meaning
to be necessary, proper, or appropriate for someone to do
Example
It would behoove you to study before the exam.
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.
C2 noun /ˈklævɪkəl/

clavicle

Meaning
the collarbone, a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum
Example
He fractured his clavicle in the accident.
C1 noun ˌmɛməraɪˈzeɪʃən

memorization

Meaning
The process of learning or committing something to memory
Example
Memorization of important information is crucial for exams.
C1 adverb /əˈfrɛʃ/

afresh

Meaning
From the beginning, in a new way.
Example
After the failure, they started the project afresh.
B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/

superficial

Meaning
Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep.
Example
His understanding of the subject was rather superficial.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɪndl̩d/

brindled

Meaning
Having a brownish or tawny color with streaks or spots of another color.
Example
The farmer owned a brindled cow with distinctive stripes.
A2 noun /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/

painting

Meaning
a picture or design made using paint
Example
The painting on the wall was created by a famous artist.
B2 verb /skæn/

scan

Meaning
To look at something carefully or quickly; to digitally copy or capture an image or document.
Example
She scanned the document before sending it by email.
C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

Meaning
Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.
Example
The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.
C1 adverb /ˈhʌŋ.ɡrə.li/

Hungrily

Meaning
in a way that shows hunger; greedily; eagerly
Example
The dog ate hungrily after not eating for hours.
B2 adjective /ˈmɛtrɪk/

metric

Meaning
Relating to the metric system of measurement; also, a standard of measurement used to assess performance.
Example
The company tracks success using clear performance metrics.
B2 adjective /dɪˈtætʃt/

detached

Meaning
separate or disconnected; showing a lack of emotional involvement
Example
He lived in a detached house away from the city.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛdʒʊləs/

credulous

Meaning
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
Example
The credulous child believed every story she heard.
A2 noun /brænd/

brand

Meaning
a type of product manufactured by a company under a particular name
Example
Nike is a popular brand of sportswear.
B2 noun /waɪt ænt/

White-Ant

Meaning
a small social insect that lives in colonies and feeds on wood and plant matter
Example
White ants damaged the wooden furniture in our house.
A2 verb /laɪ/

lie

Meaning
to be in a horizontal position; to tell an untruth
Example
The book lies on the table.
C2 adjective, adverb /ˈsaɪdlɔːŋ/

sidelong

Meaning
Directed to the side; indirect, furtive, or not straightforward.
Example
She gave him a sidelong glance across the room.
C2 adjective /ˌhɑːrdˈbɪtn̩/

hard-bitten

Meaning
tough and experienced, not easily affected by emotions or hardship
Example
The hard-bitten detective showed no sign of surprise at the crime scene.
B2 adjective /ænˈdʒelɪk/

angelic

Meaning
Like or characteristic of an angel; pure, kind, or innocent.
Example
The child had an angelic smile.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbɪləns/

sibilance

Meaning
A hissing or hushing sound, especially in speech with 's' or 'sh'.
Example
The poet used sibilance to create a soft, hissing effect in the verse.
C1 verb /dɪsˈtrʌst/

distrust

Meaning
to have no confidence or trust in someone or something
Example
Many people distrust politicians.
C2 adjective /sæŋˈɡwɪniəs/

sanguineous

Meaning
Relating to blood; bloody.
Example
The surgeon examined the sanguineous discharge from the wound.
C1 verb /ˈrʌf.l̩/

ruffle

Meaning
to disturb the smoothness of something; to annoy or upset someone
Example
The wind ruffled her hair.
C1 adjective /ˈskɪtɪʃ/

skittish

Meaning
easily frightened or nervous; unpredictable
Example
The horse was too skittish to ride.
A1 adjective/noun /fɔːrθ/

fourth

Meaning
Constituting number four in a sequence; coming after the third in position.
Example
He finished in fourth place in the race.
A1 adjective /sæd/

sad

Meaning
feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy
Example
She felt sad after hearing the bad news.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpliːt/

replete

Meaning
Filled or well-supplied with something; abundantly full.
Example
The book is replete with fascinating historical details.
C1 verb /ˈlʌmbər/

lumber

Meaning
to move in a slow, heavy, awkward way
Example
The bear lumbered through the forest in search of food.
C1 noun ˈfæl.ə.si

fallacy

Meaning
False belief, misconception, false reasoning.
Example
The idea that success comes easy is a fallacy.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
C1 verb ˈdwɪn.dl

dwindle

Meaning
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength; to become progressively smaller.
Example
His savings dwindled due to unexpected expenses.
A2 noun /ˈtʊərɪst/

tourist

Meaning
a person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure
Example
The city attracts many tourists every year.
C1 noun /dɪˌsem.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

dissemination

Meaning
The action or fact of spreading something, especially information, widely.
Example
The dissemination of false information is a major issue.
B1 noun /ɡuːs/

Goose

Meaning
large waterbird with a long neck and webbed feet
Example
The goose swam gracefully across the pond.
B2 noun daɪˈmen.ʃən

dimension

Meaning
An aspect or feature of a situation, problem, or thing; a measurable extent.
Example
Renewable projects add a new dimension to urban planning.
A1 adverb /ˈjuː.ʒu.ə.li/

Usually

Meaning
in most cases; generally; as a rule
Example
I usually wake up at 7 AM every morning.
C1 adjective /pərˈveɪsɪv/

pervasive

Meaning
Existing in or spreading through every part of something
Example
Pervasive technology has become a fundamental part of daily life.
B2 noun /haɪv/

Hive

Meaning
a structure in which bees live and produce honey; a place full of busy activity
Example
The garden was buzzing with activity as bees flew back and forth from their hive.
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 verb /sʌlk/

sulk

Meaning
to be silent and bad-tempered because you are angry or disappointed
Example
She sulked in her room after the argument.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈkaɪnd/

Unkind

Meaning
cruel; not nice or caring toward others
Example
It was unkind of him to make fun of her appearance.
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.
C2 noun /ˈækəlaɪt/

acolyte

Meaning
a follower or assistant, especially in a religious service or as a devoted supporter of a leader
Example
The senator arrived with a small group of acolytes who handled the press.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌpl/

supple

Meaning
Easily bending or moving without breaking; flexible and adaptable.
Example
The gymnast’s body was remarkably supple.
B2 noun /ˈlænd.lɔːrd/

Landlord

Meaning
a man who rents out land, a building, or accommodation; a male property owner
Example
The landlord agreed to fix the broken heating system before winter arrived.
B1 noun, verb /spoʊk/

spoke

Meaning
As a noun, a bar connecting the center of a wheel to its rim; as the past tense of 'speak'.
Example
The bicycle's spoke was bent after the accident.
C1 verb /əˈlʊər/

allure

Meaning
to attract or tempt someone with something desirable; to entice
Example
The beautiful garden allured visitors from far away.
C2 adjective /ˈreə.rɪ.faɪd/

rarefied

Meaning
Of high moral, intellectual, or cultural value; distant from ordinary life.
Example
He works in the rarefied world of classical music.
B2 noun/verb /kjuː/

cue

Meaning
A signal or prompt for action; to give a signal.
Example
The actor waited for his cue before entering the stage.
C2 noun /əˈbaɪdəns/

abidance

Meaning
the act of following, accepting, or complying with something
Example
Her abidance by the rules impressed the committee.
C1 noun kənˈsɔː.ti.əm

consortium

Meaning
An association of several companies or organizations formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member.
Example
The consortium worked collaboratively to build the cable.
B1 verb /rɪˈtɜrnɪŋ/

returning

Meaning
Coming or going back to a place or person.
Example
The group is returning to the port on December 25th.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskʌr.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/

Discouraging

Meaning
making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
Example
The coach's discouraging words affected the team's morale.
C2 noun /səˈɡæs.ə.t̬i/

sagacity

Meaning
The quality of being sagacious; having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
Example
His sagacity made him a great leader.
C2 verb /bɪˈtaɪd/

betide

Meaning
to happen or occur, usually of something that befalls someone
Example
Woe betide anyone who breaks the rules.
C2 noun /ˈsɛntɔːr/

centaur

Meaning
A mythological creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
Example
The centaur is a well-known figure in Greek mythology.
C1 adjective ˌnɒnˈvɜːr.bəl

nonverbal

Meaning
Communication using body language, facial expressions, or gestures instead of words
Example
Nonverbal cues play a crucial role in effective communication.
C1 noun /ˌæɡ.rəˈveɪ.ʃən/

aggravation

Meaning
The act of making a situation worse or the state of being worsened.
Example
The delay caused great aggravation for the passengers.
B1 noun /biːst/

Beast

Meaning
a large or dangerous animal; a cruel or unpleasant person
Example
The lion is a fierce beast of the jungle.
C1 verb /ˈrɛlɪɡeɪt/

relegate

Meaning
to assign to a lower rank, position, or category
Example
The manager decided to relegate the player to the bench.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪ.bəlˈbɒd.id/

able-bodied

Meaning
physically strong and healthy, not disabled
Example
The company is looking for able-bodied workers for the construction site.
C1 adjective /məˈkɑː.brə/

Macabre

Meaning
disturbing because concerned with death; gruesome and horrifying
Example
The horror movie had a macabre atmosphere.
C2 noun /ˈjuːfəni/

euphony

Meaning
The quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through harmonious combination of words.
Example
The orator's speech was full of euphony and rhythm.
B2 adjective /rɪˈspɒn.sɪv/

Responsive

Meaning
reacting quickly and positively; readily reacting to suggestions or changes
Example
The website is very responsive and loads quickly on all devices.
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.
B2 verb /əˈsaɪn/

assign

Meaning
to give someone a task, duty, or responsibility
Example
The manager will assign tasks to the new employees.
C2 noun /ˈsɪnjuː/

sinew

Meaning
A tendon; figuratively, the source of strength, power, or resilience.
Example
The sinews in his arms stood out as he lifted the heavy box.
B2 verb /ˈflʌrɪʃ/

flourish

Meaning
To grow or develop in a healthy or successful way.
Example
Her business began to flourish after she introduced online sales.
B1 noun kəˈmɪt.mənt

commitment

Meaning
A promise or firm decision to do something; the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
Example
The president reaffirmed his commitment to environmental protection.
A2 noun/verb /ˈaɪən/ or /ˈaɪərn/

iron

Meaning
a strong, hard metal used in construction; also to press clothes with heat
Example
He used an iron to smooth his shirt.
C2 adjective ˌeə.rəʊˈstæt.ɪk

aerostatic

Meaning
Relating to or involving gases (especially air) in equilibrium and the equilibrium of balloons or aircraft under the influence of such gases.
Example
Aerostatic designs ensure stability at high altitudes.
B2 adjective /ˈneɪvəl/

naval

Meaning
relating to a country's navy or military ships
Example
The country invested heavily in naval defense.
C1 noun /ˈɑd.ɪ.ti/

Oddity

Meaning
something that is strange or unusual; a peculiar trait
Example
His habit of sleeping standing up was considered an oddity.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛlˌteɪl/

telltale

Meaning
Revealing something that is usually hidden; giving away a secret or clue.
Example
The telltale signs of fatigue were visible on his face.
C1 noun /ˈstætʃər/

stature

Meaning
A person's natural height or their reputation and importance.
Example
Her intellectual stature made her a respected figure in academia.
C2 adjective /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/

ubiquitious

Meaning
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Example
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.
C2 noun /ˈkjʊriˌoʊ/

curio

Meaning
a small unusual or interesting object, often collected for its rarity
Example
She bought a curio from the antique shop.
C1 noun /ˌdɜːrməˈtɑːlədʒɪst/

dermatologist

Meaning
A doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin diseases.
Example
She consulted a dermatologist for her skin allergy.
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.
A1 noun /lɒt/

lot

Meaning
A large number or amount; a group or portion.
Example
She bought a lot of books at the fair.
B2 noun /slɒt/

slot

Meaning
a narrow opening into which something fits or is placed
Example
Insert the card into the slot to open the door.
C1 noun (plural of fungus) /ˈfʌndʒaɪ/

fungi

Meaning
a group of spore-producing organisms such as mushrooms, molds, and yeasts
Example
Fungi play an important role in breaking down organic matter in nature.
C2 adjective /ɡoʊʃ/

gauche

Meaning
lacking social grace, sensitivity, or tact; awkward
Example
His gauche remarks embarrassed everyone at the dinner party.
B2 noun /ɪˈliːt/ or /eɪˈliːt/

elite

Meaning
A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities.
Example
Only the elite were invited to the exclusive event.
B2 adjective /ˈɪmɪnənt/

imminent

Meaning
About to happen; likely to occur very soon.
Example
Dark clouds signaled that a storm was imminent.
B1 noun /ˈleɪ.bər/

Labour

Meaning
work involving physical or mental effort; workers as a group
Example
The construction required months of hard labour to complete.
B2 noun /ˈɡʌv.ən.əns/

governance

Meaning
The action or manner of governing and controlling a state or organization.
Example
Effective governance ensures sustainable development.
C2 noun /ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə/

cornucopia

Meaning
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
Example
The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets.
C2 verb /ˈwɛltər/

welter

Meaning
to roll or toss about in a confused or disorderly way; to be in turmoil
Example
The city weltered in chaos after the sudden blackout.
A2 adjective /ˈklɛvər/

clever

Meaning
Quick to understand, learn, and devise ideas or solutions; intelligent.
Example
She is clever enough to solve the puzzle quickly.
B1 noun ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn

recognition

Meaning
Acknowledgment of the existence, validity, or legality of something; appreciation or acclaim for an achievement, service, or ability.
Example
He earned recognition after years of struggle.
C2 verb /æbˈdʒʊər/

abjure

Meaning
to formally renounce or give up a belief, cause, or claim
Example
He abjured his allegiance to the old regime.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɪdʒɪd/

Frigid

Meaning
extremely cold; freezing; icy
Example
The frigid weather made it difficult to go outside.
C1 verb/noun /pərˈvɜːrt/

pervert

Meaning
As a verb: to distort the meaning or purpose of something; as a noun: a person with abnormal or immoral sexual behavior.
Example
He tried to pervert the truth to escape punishment.
B2 noun /feɪt/

Fate

Meaning
the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power
Example
Many people believe that fate determines the course of their lives.
C2 noun /ˌpoʊpʊˈriː/

potpourri

Meaning
a mixture of dried flowers and spices kept in a bowl to perfume a room; a miscellaneous collection
Example
The living room was filled with the scent of potpourri.
B2 noun ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈbæləns

ecological balance

Meaning
A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms.
Example
Maintaining ecological balance is essential for a sustainable planet.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɔɪl/

despoil

Meaning
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
Example
The invaders despoiled the village during the war.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvaɪələbl/

inviolable

Meaning
never to be broken, dishonored, or violated
Example
Human rights are considered inviolable in modern democracies.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛntəˈveɪlənt/

pentavalent

Meaning
Having a valence of five, especially in chemistry.
Example
Phosphorus can exist in a pentavalent state.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌlsɪt/

dulcet

Meaning
sweet and soothing (often used ironically)
Example
She was enchanted by his dulcet voice.
B2 adjective /ˈjuːθfəl/

Youthful

Meaning
having the qualities of youth; energetic and fresh
Example
Her youthful energy impressed everyone at work.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnʃənt/

insentient

Meaning
Lacking perception, consciousness, or sensation.
Example
The rock is an insentient object with no awareness.
A1 noun /dʒuˈlaɪ/

July

Meaning
the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Example
July is often the hottest month of the year.
C1 adjective /ˈlæv.ɪʃ/

Lavish

Meaning
expensive; elaborate; extravagant; generous
Example
The wedding was a lavish celebration with hundreds of guests.
B2 noun /ɡoʊld fɪʃ/

Gold fish

Meaning
a small ornamental freshwater fish with golden or orange coloration, commonly kept as a pet
Example
The goldfish swam in circles around its glass bowl.
B1 noun /ˌdek.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

Decoration

Meaning
the process or art of decorating something; ornamental items used to beautify
Example
The Christmas decoration transformed the ordinary room into a festive wonderland.