Penance
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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.
B2 adjective /prəˈɡrɛsɪv/

progressive

Meaning
favoring or implementing new and modern ideas or policies; moving forward or improving
Example
She holds progressive views on social justice and equality.
C2 noun /ˌpaɪroʊˈmeɪniæk/

pyromaniac

Meaning
A person with an uncontrollable desire to set things on fire.
Example
The pyromaniac was arrested for setting several buildings ablaze.
B2 adjective /prɪˈpærəˌtɔːri/

Preparatory

Meaning
preliminary; introductory; intended as preparation
Example
She attended preparatory classes before the final exam.
A1 noun /ˈpɛərənt/

parent

Meaning
a mother or father of a person or animal
Example
Both of his parents are teachers.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊtəbl/

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfər/

proffer

Meaning
to offer something for acceptance; to present
Example
She proffered her hand as a sign of friendship.
C1 noun /ˌpɒməˈdɔːrəʊ/

pomodoro

Meaning
A time management technique that uses a timer to break down work into intervals.
Example
The Pomodoro technique improves productivity.
B2 noun prɪˈsɪʒ.ən

precision

Meaning
The quality of being exact and accurate.
Example
High precision instruments are used in surgery.
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.
B2 noun /ˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

Phobia

Meaning
an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
Example
She has a phobia of spiders.
B2 noun /ˌprɒp.əˈɡæn.də/

Propaganda

Meaning
information spread to promote a particular political cause or point of view
Example
The government used propaganda to influence public opinion during the war.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/

parenthetical

Meaning
Relating to or expressed in parentheses; a side remark or digression.
Example
He added a parenthetical comment during the lecture.
A2 noun /ˈpjuːpəl/

pupil

Meaning
a student, especially a young one; the central opening of the eye that lets in light
Example
The pupil listened carefully to the teacher during class.
B2 noun /ˈpɪl.ɡrɪm/

Pilgrim

Meaning
a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons; a traveler
Example
The pilgrim walked for days to reach the holy shrine.
A2 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.lər/

Popular

Meaning
liked or admired by many people; well-known and widely accepted
Example
This restaurant is very popular among young people.
C1 adjective /ˈfɒnɪk/

phonic

Meaning
relating to speech sounds or their production; connected to phonics
Example
Children learn phonic rules to read new words accurately.
B1 noun /pɑrˈtɪs.ə.pənt/

Participant

Meaning
a person who takes part in something; someone who participates in an activity or event
Example
Every participant in the marathon received a medal.
A1 noun /ˈpɪk.tʃər/

Picture

Meaning
a visual representation such as a painting, drawing, or photograph
Example
There is a beautiful picture hanging on the wall.
C1 adjective /pəˈtɜːrnəl/

paternal

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a father.
Example
He took a paternal interest in the boy’s education.
A1 noun ˈpɛrənts

Parents

Meaning
One's father and mother.
Example
The family tree starts with the child's parents.
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 adjective /pərˈmɪsəbl̩/

permissible

Meaning
allowed or permitted by rules or law
Example
It is permissible to park here after 6 p.m.
C1 adjective prəˈvɪnʃəl

provincial

Meaning
Of or concerning a province of a country or empire.
Example
Bengali was not just a provincial language.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

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

paregoric

Meaning
a medicine containing opium, once used to relieve pain and diarrhea
Example
Doctors once prescribed paregoric to treat diarrhea in children.
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.
B1 noun /ˈprəʊ.tiːnz/

proteins

Meaning
Large biomolecules consisting of amino acids that perform essential functions in living organisms, including building and repairing tissues.
Example
Lean meats and legumes provide high-quality proteins.
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.
C1 noun /poʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/

polarity

Meaning
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
Example
The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger.
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 /ˌpɛd.əˈɡɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

pedagogical

Meaning
Relating to teaching and education; concerned with the methods and practice of teaching.
Example
The school adopted new pedagogical techniques to improve learning.
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.
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 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.
B2 noun /ˈprɒbləm ˈsɒlvɪŋ/

problem-solving

Meaning
The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
Example
Problem-solving skills are key to leadership.
C2 noun /ˌfɪziˈɒnəmi/

physiognomy

Meaning
the study of facial features to judge character or personality
Example
He believed in physiognomy and tried to read people's personalities from their faces.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈpɑrtli/

Partly

Meaning
to some extent; not completely; in part
Example
The weather was partly cloudy today.
B1 noun /ˈfɑːrməsi/

pharmacy

Meaning
A place where medicinal drugs are prepared and sold.
Example
I went to the pharmacy to buy antibiotics.
C1 noun /ˌprɒpəˈɡeɪʃən/

propagation

Meaning
The action of spreading and promoting an idea, theory, etc.
Example
The propagation of ideas through social media is rapid.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
B1 noun /pɪl/

pill

Meaning
a small round piece of medicine to be swallowed
Example
He took a pill to relieve his headache.
A2 noun /peɪn/

Pain

Meaning
physical suffering or discomfort; mental or emotional distress
Example
The patient felt severe pain in his back.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpɛnəlti/

penalty

Meaning
A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.
Example
He had to pay a heavy penalty for breaking the traffic rules.
C2 noun /prɪˈfɜːrmənt/

preferment

Meaning
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
Example
He hoped for preferment in the government office.
C2 noun /ˌpriːpəˈzɛʃən/

prepossession

Meaning
An opinion or feeling formed beforehand; a prejudice or preoccupation.
Example
His prepossession in favor of tradition made him resist change.
B1 noun prɪˈven.ʃən

prevention

Meaning
The action of stopping something from happening or arising.
Example
Prevention of fascism ensures democracy.
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 adjective /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

Meaning
wandering; traveling; migratory
Example
The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed.
C1 noun /ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv ˈliː.də.ʃɪp/

proactive leadership

Meaning
Leadership that takes initiative and anticipates problems before they occur, rather than reacting to events.
Example
Proactive leadership ensures timely decisions.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrsɪmoʊni/

parsimony

Meaning
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
Example
His parsimony was evident in the way he avoided any unnecessary expenses.
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.
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?
B1 verb /pərˈmɪt/

permit

Meaning
to allow or give permission; to make possible
Example
The teacher permits students to use calculators during the exam.
C2 adjective /ˌprɒvɪˈdɛnʃəl/

providential

Meaning
occurring at a favorable or opportune time, as if guided by divine intervention
Example
Their timely rescue was considered providential.
C2 adjective /prəˈvaɪzəri/

provisory

Meaning
conditional; depending on certain terms being met
Example
The arrangement was only provisory until the final contract was signed.
B2 noun /ˈpen neɪm/

Pen-name

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name; a pseudonym
Example
Mark Twain was the pen-name of Samuel Clemens.
A2 noun /ˈpʊd.ɪŋ/

Pudding

Meaning
a sweet dessert typically made by boiling or steaming
Example
My grandmother makes delicious chocolate pudding for dessert.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːr.dən.ə.bəl/

Pardonable

Meaning
able to be forgiven; excusable
Example
His mistake was pardonable given the difficult circumstances.
C2 noun /ˌsuːdəˈnɪmɪti/

pseudonymity

Meaning
the practice or state of using a pseudonym
Example
The author maintained pseudonymity throughout her career.
C1 noun /ˌplɔː.zəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

plausibility

Meaning
The quality of being reasonable or probable.
Example
The plausibility of his explanation convinced the jury.
A2 adjective /ˈpriː.vi.əs/

Previous

Meaning
occurring before in time or order; earlier; former
Example
I reviewed the previous chapter before starting the new one.
A2 verb /plænt/

plant

Meaning
to put seeds or plants in the ground; to place something firmly
Example
She planted roses in her garden.
C1 adjective /ˈpriːmə/

prima

Meaning
first or most important; excellent
Example
She was treated as the prima ballerina of the troupe.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
C2 noun /pɛlf/

pelf

Meaning
Money, especially when gained dishonorably.
Example
The corrupt official was motivated only by pelf.
A1 noun /piːˈɛm/

pm

Meaning
abbreviation for post meridiem; after midday
Example
The meeting is scheduled at 3 pm.
A1 verb /pliːz/

please

Meaning
to make someone happy or satisfied; used as a polite request
Example
His performance pleased the audience.
B2 adjective /prɛsˈtɪdʒəs/

prestigious

Meaning
having a high reputation; respected
Example
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃/

penchant

Meaning
a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something
Example
She has a penchant for collecting rare books.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊʃən/

potion

Meaning
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
Example
The witch gave the hero a healing potion.
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.
B2 adjective ˌpriːhɪˈstɒrɪk

prehistoric

Meaning
Belonging to the time before written records.
Example
The prehistoric era was marked by the rise of early humans.
B2 verb /prɪˈzjuːm/

presume

Meaning
To suppose something is true without proof; to take for granted.
Example
I presume she has already left for the meeting.
C1 noun ˈpɛd.ə.ɡɒ.dʒi

pedagogy

Meaning
The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
Example
Modern pedagogy focuses on student-centered learning.
B1 noun /paɪp/

pipe

Meaning
a tube used for conveying liquids or gases
Example
The plumber fixed the broken pipe.
C2 adjective /ˈpliːnəri/

plenary

Meaning
complete in every way; fully attended or absolute
Example
The committee held a plenary session to discuss all matters of importance.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

Meaning
A very poor person.
Example
The pauper begged for food on the street corner.
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.
A2 noun /pen stænd/

Pen stand

Meaning
a container or holder designed to keep pens, pencils, and other writing instruments organized
Example
He organized his pens in the pen stand on his desk.
A2 adjective /ˈplɛzənt/

pleasant

Meaning
giving a sense of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction
Example
We had a pleasant evening at the park.
C2 noun /ˈpɛntəˌɡræm/

pentagram

Meaning
A five-pointed star often used as a symbol in magic, mysticism, or religion.
Example
The wizard drew a pentagram on the floor as part of the ritual.
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 verb /ˈpætər/

patter

Meaning
to make a repeated light tapping sound; to talk quickly in a rehearsed or mechanical way
Example
Rain pattered softly on the window.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪtriɑːrk/

patriarch

Meaning
a male head of a family or tribe; an older respected man who leads a group
Example
As the family patriarch, he mediated disputes and kept long traditions alive.
A2 noun /ˈprɪn.ses/

princess

Meaning
a female royal family member, especially the daughter of a king or queen; a woman regarded as noble, cherished, or elegant
Example
The princess waved to the crowd from the palace balcony.
B2 noun /ˈpleɪˌɔːf/

playoff

Meaning
a series of games played to determine a champion among top teams
Example
The team qualified for the playoffs after a strong season.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

Meaning
Childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
The child became petulant when denied more candy.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

Meaning
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
Example
The soil in this area is very permeable to water.
B2 adjective /ˈpæʃənət/

passionate

Meaning
showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief
Example
He is passionate about environmental conservation.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkəˈdɪloʊ/

peccadillo

Meaning
a small or minor fault or sin
Example
Forgetting to call was just a small peccadillo, not a serious mistake.
B2 noun /ˈpæn.ɪk/

Panic

Meaning
sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety; a state of widespread fear and anxiety
Example
The fire alarm caused panic among the students.
C2 noun /praɪˈveɪʃən/

privation

Meaning
A state in which things essential for human well-being such as food and warmth are lacking.
Example
The refugees suffered great privation during the harsh winter.
C1 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
C2 verb /ˈproʊtjuːbəreɪt/

protuberate

Meaning
To swell out or bulge.
Example
The roots began to protuberate from the ground.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪst/

pugilist

Meaning
A professional or skilled boxer.
Example
The pugilist entered the ring with confidence.
A1 noun /pəˈliːs/

police

Meaning
a body of officers representing the civil authority of government
Example
The police arrived quickly to investigate the scene.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl/

penitential

Meaning
Relating to or expressing penitence or penance.
Example
The priest delivered a penitential sermon on forgiveness.
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 noun prɒsˈpɛr.ɪ.ti

prosperity

Meaning
The state of being prosperous; success or wealth.
Example
The country achieved great prosperity during the last decade.
C2 adjective /flɛgˈmæt.ɪk/

phlegmatic

Meaning
having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition
Example
Despite the chaos, he remained phlegmatic and composed.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsɪflɑːʒ/

persiflage

Meaning
light and slightly contemptuous mockery or banter
Example
Their conversation was full of persiflage and jokes.
C2 noun /poʊˈzɜːr/

poseur

Meaning
A person who pretends to be something they are not, often to impress others.
Example
Many considered him a poseur because he exaggerated his accomplishments.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪz.i.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

physiological

Meaning
Relating to bodily functions and activities.
Example
Exercise improves physiological functions of the body.
C1 noun /poʊˈɛt.ɪks/

poetics

Meaning
the study or theory of poetry and its principles
Example
He wrote a book on poetics explaining the art of verse.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈmɔːtəm/

postmortem

Meaning
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
Example
The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body.
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.
C1 noun ˈfeɪz.aʊt

phase-out

Meaning
A gradual reduction and eventual elimination of something.
Example
A phase-out of fossil fuels was agreed upon.
B2 verb /priːtʃ/

preach

Meaning
to deliver a religious or moral talk, often in a church setting
Example
The pastor preached about forgiveness and kindness.
A2 noun /ˈplænɪt/

Planet

Meaning
a celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit around a star
Example
Mars is the fourth planet from the sun.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/

pusillanimous

Meaning
showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
Example
The pusillanimous leader avoided making tough decisions.
C1 adjective /ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

preferential

Meaning
showing or giving advantage to one over others
Example
Members receive preferential treatment at the club.
B2 noun /prɪˈdɪk.ʃən/

Prediction

Meaning
a statement about what will happen in the future; a forecast
Example
The weather prediction says it will rain tomorrow.
C1 noun /ˈpʌndɪt/

pundit

Meaning
An expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give opinions to the public.
Example
Political pundits debated the election results on television.
A2 noun ˌpɒpjuˈleɪʃən

population

Meaning
All the inhabitants of a particular place; the number of people living in a country or region.
Example
The population supported autonomy.