C1 noun
C1 adjective /ˈpiːkənt/
piquant
Meaning
having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste; interestingly provocative
Example
The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish to enhance its flavor.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndjələm/
pendulum
Meaning
A weight suspended from a pivot so that it swings freely, often used to regulate clocks.
Example
The pendulum swung back and forth inside the clock.
C1 adjective /ˈper.ɪ.ləs/
perilous
Meaning
Full of danger or risk; hazardous and threatening.
Example
The explorers took a perilous journey.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/
puny
Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrlər/
parlor
Meaning
A sitting room in a private house, or a shop providing specified services.
Example
They welcomed the guests into the front parlor.
C1 adjective /pæˈseɪ/
passe
Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt/
persecute
Meaning
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
Many people were persecuted for their faith during that time.
C1 verb pɚˈpɛtʃ.u.eɪt
perpetuate
Meaning
To keep something continuously running or maintain it for a long time.
Example
The media can sometimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.hən/
Peahen
Meaning
female peacock
Example
The peahen is less colorful than the male peacock.
C1 verb /ˈpʌməl/
pummel
Meaning
To strike repeatedly with the fists; to beat or hit forcefully.
Example
The boxer pummeled his opponent in the final round.
C1 verb /pɜːrdʒ/
purge
Meaning
To remove unwanted feelings, people, or things; to cleanse or purify.
Example
The new leader promised to purge corruption from the government.
C1 adjective /ˈpaɪ.əs/
Pious
Meaning
devoutly religious; showing reverence for God
Example
The pious monk spent hours in prayer every day.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪ.ɡən/
Pagan
Meaning
a person holding religious beliefs other than the main world religions; a heathen
Example
Ancient Romans considered early Christians to be pagans.
C1 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈmer.ɪ.kən/
Pan-American
Meaning
relating to all the countries of North, Central, and South America
Example
The Pan-American Games bring together athletes from across the continent.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/
panache
Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
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.
C1 noun /pɒmp/
pomp
Meaning
ceremonial display or splendor; grandeur
Example
The graduation ceremony was full of pomp and circumstance.
C1 verb /pɜːrtʃ/
perch
Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
C1 adjective /pərˈtɜːrbd/
perturbed
Meaning
feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed
Example
He looked perturbed after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /ˌprəʊ.baɪˈɒt.ɪks/
probiotics
Meaning
Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host, especially for digestive health.
Example
Probiotics improve digestion and enhance gut health.
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.
C1 adjective /pərˈvɜːrs/
perverse
Meaning
showing a deliberate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable, contrary, or unacceptable
Example
He took a perverse pleasure in upsetting his colleagues.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈpæθɪk/
psychopathic
Meaning
Relating to or affected by psychopathy; showing chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent behavior.
Example
The film portrayed a psychopathic killer with no sense of empathy.
C1 adjective + noun ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ ˈmɪʃən
pioneering mission
Meaning
A groundbreaking or innovative undertaking that leads the way in a particular field.
Example
Artemis is a pioneering mission in space exploration.
C1 verb /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪt/
premeditate
Meaning
to think about and plan something (especially a crime) beforehand
Example
The suspect was accused of premeditating the crime.
C1 noun prɪˌsɪp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən
precipitation
Meaning
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground.
Example
Annual precipitation levels are decreasing.
C1 verb /ˈpærəlaɪz/
paralyze
Meaning
to cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or function normally
Example
The sudden shock seemed to paralyze him.
C1 noun /ˈpæs.ɪ.fɪst/
pacifist
Meaning
a person who believes in peace and opposes war or violence
Example
She is a committed pacifist who campaigns against armed conflict.
C1 noun /ˈpædʒənt/
pageant
Meaning
A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in elaborate costumes, or a beauty contest.
Example
She won first place in the beauty pageant.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpærəbl/
parable
Meaning
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
Example
Jesus often taught using a parable to convey deeper truths.
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 /ˈpɪnəkəl/
pinnacle
Meaning
the highest point or peak of something, especially of success or achievement
Example
Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
C1 adjective prəˈtræk.tɪd
protracted
Meaning
Lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.
Example
The negotiations were protracted over months.
C1 noun ˌpriːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən
preoccupation
Meaning
The state of being absorbed in thought; mental distraction.
Example
His preoccupation with work led to neglecting his personal life.
C1 verb /pərˈsɑːnɪfaɪ/
personify
Meaning
To represent or embody a quality, idea, or concept in human form.
Example
She personifies kindness and generosity.
C1 noun /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
proliferation
Meaning
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something; rapid multiplication or growth.
Example
The proliferation of malware is a growing concern.
C1 verb /pərˈtɜːrb/
perturb
Meaning
To disturb or unsettle greatly in mind.
Example
The sudden noise perturbed the students during the exam.
C1 adjective /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
precipitous
Meaning
Extremely steep or sudden; done quickly without careful consideration.
Example
The hikers struggled to climb the precipitous slope.
C1 adjective /ˈprevələnt/
Prevalent
Meaning
widespread; existing very commonly; generally occurring
Example
Smoking is still prevalent among teenagers despite health warnings.
C1 verb /priːn/
preen
Meaning
To groom or dress oneself with care; to show pride in one's appearance.
Example
She preened in front of the mirror before leaving for the party.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnɪtəns/
penitence
Meaning
The action or feeling of showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
His eyes were full of penitence after realizing his mistake.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːʃən/
Persian
Meaning
a native or inhabitant of Iran; the language spoken in Iran (Farsi)
Example
The Persian language has a rich literary history.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdəstəl/
pedestal
Meaning
the base or support on which a statue or object stands
Example
The statue was placed on a marble pedestal.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪər.ləs/
Peerless
Meaning
unequaled; having no match or equal; without rival
Example
Her peerless beauty captivated everyone.
C1 verb /plɒd/
plod
Meaning
to work slowly and steadily, often with effort or difficulty
Example
He plodded through his homework despite feeling tired.
C1 adjective pərˈnɪʃəs
pernicious
Meaning
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example
The pernicious effects of smoking are well-documented.
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.
C1 adjective prəˈvɪnʃəl
provincial
Meaning
Of or concerning a province of a country or empire.
Example
Bengali was not just a provincial language.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkoʊsəˈmætɪk/
psychosomatic
Meaning
Relating to a physical illness or condition caused or aggravated by mental factors such as stress.
Example
Her stomach pain was diagnosed as psychosomatic, linked to stress.
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 /ˈpɪntʃərz/
pinchers
Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 verb /ˈplʌm.ɪt/
plummet
Meaning
to fall straight down at high speed
Example
Stock prices plummeted after the sudden market crash.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrtʃmənt/
parchment
Meaning
a thin material made from animal skin, used in the past for writing
Example
The ancient manuscript was written on parchment.
C1 adjective /ˈpent ʌp/
Pent-up
Meaning
suppressed; restrained; confined
Example
He had pent-up anger that finally exploded.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
pathological
Meaning
Relating to disease; extreme or obsessive in a way that is abnormal.
Example
He has a pathological fear of failure.
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.
C1 verb ˈplʌmɪtɪŋ
plummeting
Meaning
Falling or dropping suddenly and steeply; decreasing rapidly
Example
The fertility rate in Bangladesh is plummeting.
C1 noun /pɛnˈtæθlɒn/
pentathlon
Meaning
An athletic contest featuring five different events.
Example
She trained hard to compete in the modern pentathlon.
C1 noun /pəˈzɛsər/
possessor
Meaning
A person who owns or holds something.
Example
The possessor of the land built a new house.
C1 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈræm.ɪk/
panoramic
Meaning
Giving a wide view of an extensive area in all directions.
Example
The hotel offers panoramic views of the ocean.
C1 noun /pəˈræl.ə.sɪs/
Paralysis
Meaning
the loss of the ability to move part or all of the body; complete inability to act or function
Example
The accident left him with paralysis in his legs.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/
plaintive
Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
C1 noun /ˈpræɡ.mə.tɪ.zəm/
pragmatism
Meaning
A practical approach to problems and affairs; dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
Example
His pragmatism helped solve the financial crisis.
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.
C1 noun /pəˈfjuː.mər.i/
perfumery
Meaning
the art, business, or products of making perfumes
Example
She works in a perfumery that creates luxury scents.
C1 verb /ˈpɛdəl/
peddle
Meaning
To sell goods, often by going from place to place; sometimes used negatively to mean promoting an idea or product in a pushy way.
Example
Street vendors peddle handmade jewelry to tourists.
C1 adjective /ˈpruː.dənt/
Prudent
Meaning
wise; careful; cautious;
Example
It's prudent to save money for the future.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊl.stɑːr/
Polestar
Meaning
a bright star that appears to stay in the same position in the sky and is used for navigation
Example
Sailors used the polestar to navigate across the ocean.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ə.bəl/
pitiable
Meaning
deserving sympathy or compassion
Example
The stray dog looked pitiable in the rain.
C1 noun /ˈpæstər/
pastor
Meaning
a minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation
Example
The pastor delivered a heartfelt sermon on compassion.
C1 noun /ˈprɒk.tər/
proctor
Meaning
a person who supervises students during an examination
Example
The proctor reminded students to keep their phones switched off.
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 /prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/
prerogative
Meaning
a special right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group
Example
It is the manager’s prerogative to make the final decision.
C1 adjective /pərˈpetʃuəl/
perpetual
Meaning
never-ending or continuous
Example
She lived in perpetual fear of being discovered.
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 /ˈprɛəri/
prairie
Meaning
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
Example
The bison roamed freely across the prairie.
C1 adverb /pɜːr ˈseɪ/
per se
Meaning
By or in itself; intrinsically.
Example
The idea is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.
C1 noun /ˈpluː.mɪdʒ/
plumage
Meaning
the feathers covering a bird's body
Example
The peacock's plumage was vibrant and eye-catching.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːndərəs/
ponderous
Meaning
slow and clumsy because of great weight; dull and labored
Example
The ponderous lecture made it hard for students to stay awake.
C1 verb /ˈprɒpəɡeɪt/
propagate
Meaning
To spread or transmit an idea, belief, or information widely; also to reproduce in plants or animals.
Example
Scientists work to propagate the species in captivity.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.saɪt/
Parasite
Meaning
an organism that lives on or in another organism and benefits at its expense; a person who depends on others
Example
The dog was treated for intestinal parasites.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːr.keɪ/
parquet
Meaning
A floor made of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern.
Example
The old mansion had a beautiful parquet floor.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːrsəlɪn/
porcelain
Meaning
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
Example
The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China.
C1 verb /proʊˈtrækt/
protract
Meaning
To prolong or extend in time or duration.
Example
Negotiations were protracted for several months.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrdʒəri/
perjury
Meaning
The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after taking an oath.
Example
She was convicted of perjury after giving false evidence.
C1 noun ˌpraɪɔːrɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən
prioritization
Meaning
The action or process of deciding the relative importance or urgency of things.
Example
Effective prioritization ensures resources are used efficiently.
C1 adjective /ˈpen.ɪ.ləs/
Penniless
Meaning
having no money; extremely poor; completely without funds
Example
After losing his job, he became penniless.
C1 verb /ˈpruːfˌriːd/
proofread
Meaning
to read written material and mark any errors
Example
She proofread the report before submission.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/
painstaking
Meaning
Done with great care and thoroughness.
Example
The artist completed the project with painstaking detail.
C1 noun /prəˈpoʊnənt/
proponent
Meaning
a person who advocates for or supports a particular idea, cause, or plan
Example
She is a strong proponent of renewable energy.
C1 verb /prəˈkjʊər/
procure
Meaning
to obtain something, especially with effort or difficulty
Example
They managed to procure enough supplies for the expedition.
C1 adjective /pəˈnɪnsjələr/
peninsular
Meaning
Relating to or resembling a peninsula.
Example
The peninsular region is surrounded by water on three sides.
C1 noun /ˌpænəˈsiːə/
panacea
Meaning
A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
Example
Education is often seen as a panacea for social problems.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃn/
persecution
Meaning
the act of treating someone cruelly or unfairly because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
The persecution of minorities has been condemned worldwide.
C1 noun /ˈpreɪsiː/
precis
Meaning
A concise summary of a text or speech.
Example
The student submitted a précis of the long article.
C1 noun /ˈplez.ən.tri/
Pleasantry
Meaning
a remark made in order to be polite or friendly; light conversation or jokes
Example
They exchanged pleasantries before the meeting began.
C1 noun /ˈplæz.mə/
Plasma
Meaning
the liquid part of blood; ionized gas; blood serum without clotting proteins
Example
Blood plasma contains various proteins and nutrients.
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.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈpæstərəl/
pastoral
Meaning
relating to the countryside, shepherds, or rural life; also relating to spiritual guidance by a pastor
Example
The painting had a calm pastoral scene with sheep grazing.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfər/
proffer
Meaning
to offer something for acceptance; to present
Example
She proffered her hand as a sign of friendship.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/
pilfer
Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɪt.əns/
pittance
Meaning
a very small or inadequate amount of money
Example
She worked long hours for a mere pittance.
C1 adjective prɪˈkeə.ri.əs
precarious
Meaning
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Example
His financial situation is precarious.
C1 noun ˈprəʊses stəˈbɪlɪti
process stability
Meaning
The consistency and steadiness of biological or functional processes
Example
Cold air ensures process stability in plants.
C1 noun /ˈpɔɪ.nən.si/
poignancy
Meaning
the quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
Example
The poignancy of the farewell brought tears to everyone's eyes.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊz/
predispose
Meaning
To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or be affected by something.
Example
His genetics may predispose him to diabetes.
C1 adjective /ˈpælpəbl̩/
palpable
Meaning
easily perceived or felt; so intense as to seem almost tangible
Example
There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room.
C1 verb /praɪ/
pry
Meaning
to look closely into something; to try to find out private information
Example
She tried to pry into her neighbor’s private life.
C1 noun /ˌpeɪ.li.ɒnˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/
paleontology
Meaning
the branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants
Example
She decided to study paleontology at university.
C1 verb /prəˈfes/
profess
Meaning
to declare or claim openly; to state one's belief
Example
He professes his love for classical music.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.əs/
Piteous
Meaning
deserving pity; arousing compassion
Example
The piteous cries of the injured animal moved everyone to tears.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/
predetermine
Meaning
to establish or decide something in advance
Example
The outcome of the match seemed predetermined.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪ.meɪt/
primate
Meaning
A member of the group of animals including humans, apes, and monkeys.
Example
Humans are classified as primates.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.kɒk ˈflaʊ.ər/
Peacock flower
Meaning
a tropical tree with bright orange and red flowers that resemble a peacock's tail
Example
The peacock flower tree blooms with stunning orange flowers in summer.