perfunctory
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C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
C1 noun /pɛnˈtæθlɒn/

pentathlon

Meaning
An athletic contest featuring five different events.
Example
She trained hard to compete in the modern pentathlon.
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.
C1 noun /ˌsaɪkoʊˈθɛrəpi/

psychotherapy

Meaning
The treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means.
Example
She attended weekly psychotherapy sessions to cope with her anxiety.
C1 adjective /ˈpæl.ɪd/

Pallid

Meaning
pale, especially because of poor health; lacking substance or vitality
Example
His pallid complexion showed signs of illness.
C1 noun /ˈprɒv.ɜːb/

Proverb

Meaning
a short saying that expresses a general truth or gives advice
Example
The proverb 'Early to bed, early to rise' teaches us about good habits.
C1 noun /pəˈzɛsər/

possessor

Meaning
A person who owns or holds something.
Example
The possessor of the land built a new house.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ət biːk/

Parrot Beak

Meaning
a climbing plant with curved red and orange flowers resembling a parrot's beak
Example
The parrot beak flower's unique curved shape makes it a fascinating addition to any garden.
C1 verb /pləˈkeɪt/

placate

Meaning
to make someone less angry or hostile; to calm or soothe
Example
He tried to placate the angry customer with a refund.
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 adjective /ˈpɔɪ.njənt/

poignant

Meaning
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply touching
Example
The movie's ending was so poignant that many in the audience were moved to tears.
C1 noun /pɜːrl drɒp/

Pearl drop

Meaning
a single pearl used as jewelry, often in earrings or pendants
Example
The elegant pearl drop earrings complemented her outfit perfectly.
C1 noun /ˈsuːdənɪm/

pseudonym

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈprɒdɪɡəl/

prodigal

Meaning
spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant
Example
The prodigal son returned home after wasting his inheritance.
C1 adjective /prəˈfeɪn/

profane

Meaning
showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things; irreverent or vulgar
Example
His jokes were considered too profane for the ceremony.
C1 adjective /praɪˈmɔːrdiəl/

primordial

Meaning
Existing at or from the beginning of time; fundamental and original.
Example
Scientists study the primordial soup from which life emerged.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊ.tənt/

Potent

Meaning
having great strength, power, or effect; influential
Example
The medicine is very potent and should be taken carefully.
C1 adjective /ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr/

perpendicular

Meaning
At an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface.
Example
The ladder was placed perpendicular to the ground for safety.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɪt.əns/

pittance

Meaning
a very small or inadequate amount of money
Example
She worked long hours for a mere pittance.
C1 verb /proʊˈtruːd/

protrude

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

precursor

Meaning
Something or someone that comes before another and indicates the approach of something else.
Example
The steam engine was a precursor to modern trains.
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.
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 adjective /ˈpraɪ.məl/

primal

Meaning
Relating to the earliest stage of development; essential or fundamental.
Example
Fear is one of the most primal emotions humans experience.
C1 noun /ˈpetɪkoʊt/

Petti-coat

Meaning
an undergarment worn by women under a dress or skirt
Example
She wore a white petticoat under her dress.
C1 verb /priːˈɛmpt/

preempt

Meaning
To take action in order to prevent something from happening; to take the place of something.
Example
The government acted quickly to preempt a financial crisis.
C1 adjective /prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/

Provoking

Meaning
causing anger or strong reaction; irritating; stimulating
Example
His provoking comments made everyone angry.
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 /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 noun /ˌpændəˈmoʊniəm/

pandemonium

Meaning
Wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar.
Example
When the concert was canceled, pandemonium broke out among the crowd.
C1 adjective /pərˈsweɪdəbl̩/

persuadable

Meaning
capable of being convinced or influenced to do something
Example
She was easily persuadable when it came to trying new foods.
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 /ˈprɒfəsi/

prophecy

Meaning
a prediction or message about the future, often believed to be divinely inspired
Example
The prophecy foretold the rise of a great leader.
C1 adjective /proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

prosaic

Meaning
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
Example
The teacher’s explanation was accurate but rather prosaic.
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 /plaɪt/

Plight

Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːmieɪt/

permeate

Meaning
Spread throughout (something); pervade.
Example
The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire room.
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 adjective /pəˈleɪ.ʃəl/

palatial

Meaning
resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid
Example
They stayed in a palatial hotel during their vacation.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪzeɪʃən/

personalization

Meaning
The action of making something personal or individual; customization.
Example
Personalization in marketing improves customer engagement.
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.
C1 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈtek.nɪk/

polytechnic

Meaning
an educational institution offering practical and technical courses
Example
She studied engineering at a well-known polytechnic in her city.
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 /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 adverb /pɜːr ˈseɪ/

per se

Meaning
By or in itself; intrinsically.
Example
The idea is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

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

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvənəns/

provenance

Meaning
The origin or source of something.
Example
The museum verified the provenance of the ancient manuscript.
C1 noun /ˈprɛsɪpɪs/

precipice

Meaning
A very steep cliff or a situation of great danger.
Example
The hikers stood at the edge of the precipice, gazing into the valley below.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːs.ə.bəl/

Peaceable

Meaning
peaceful; inclined to avoid conflict
Example
The peaceable protest ended without any violence.
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 /pluːm/

plume

Meaning
a large, soft feather or something resembling a feather
Example
The soldier wore a red plume on his helmet.
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 verb /ˈpæmpər/

pamper

Meaning
to treat with excessive care and attention; to spoil
Example
Parents often pamper their first child.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪˌteɪtɪd/

premeditated

Meaning
planned in advance; done deliberately
Example
The crime was clearly premeditated.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

Meaning
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
Example
The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.
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 /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθɛtɪk ɪˈfɪʃənsi/

photosynthetic efficiency

Meaning
The measure of how effectively plants convert light energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis, directly affecting plant growth and crop yield.
Example
Improving photosynthetic efficiency can increase crop yields.
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.
C1 noun /ˌpriːməˈnɪʃən/ or /ˌprɛm-/

premonition

Meaning
a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative
Example
She had a premonition of danger before the trip.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
C1 verb /priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

preoccupy

Meaning
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
Example
Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly.
C1 verb /pərˈtɜːrb/

perturb

Meaning
To disturb or unsettle greatly in mind.
Example
The sudden noise perturbed the students during the exam.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

Meaning
to claim or profess something, often falsely
Example
The document purports to be an official government report.
C1 noun /ˈpærɪti/

parity

Meaning
the state or condition of being equal, especially in status or pay
Example
The campaign aims to achieve pay parity between men and women.
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.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊ.lɒɡ/

prologue

Meaning
an introduction to a book, play, or event
Example
The novel begins with a short prologue set in the past.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈpɑːrtɪzən/

partisan

Meaning
A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person; showing biased allegiance.
Example
The debate quickly turned partisan, with each side defending their own agenda.
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 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.
C1 verb /ˈpæri/

parry

Meaning
to ward off or deflect an attack, especially in fencing or conversation
Example
He managed to parry the opponent’s sword with quick reflexes.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
C1 adjective /pəˈnʌltɪmət/

penultimate

Meaning
second to the last in a sequence or series
Example
She finished the penultimate chapter before going to sleep.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

peevish

Meaning
Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Example
The child grew peevish when denied candy.
C1 noun /ˈpriːˌæmbəl/

preamble

Meaning
a preliminary statement, especially the introduction to a formal document
Example
The preamble of the constitution outlines its guiding principles.
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 /ˈpəʊstˌskrɪpt/

postscript

Meaning
an additional remark at the end of a letter or text, after the signature
Example
She added a brief postscript to thank him again.
C1 noun /ˌtɛrəˈdæktɪl/

pterodactyl

Meaning
An extinct flying reptile of the Jurassic period, with a long slender head and wings formed by a membrane stretching along the body.
Example
The museum displayed a fossil of a giant pterodactyl.
C1 verb /prəˈkjʊər/

procure

Meaning
to obtain something, especially with effort or difficulty
Example
They managed to procure enough supplies for the expedition.
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.
C1 adjective /prəˈpɔːrʃənət/

proportionate

Meaning
Corresponding in size, degree, or intensity; balanced in relation.
Example
The punishment should be proportionate to the crime.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlɪdʒ/

pillage

Meaning
to rob or plunder a place, especially during war
Example
The invading army pillaged the village and took all valuables.
C1 adjective /pɑːrtʃt/

parched

Meaning
extremely dry, especially because of heat or thirst
Example
After walking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
C1 verb /paʊt/

pout

Meaning
to push one's lips forward as an expression of annoyance or sulkiness
Example
The child began to pout when he didn’t get the toy.
C1 noun /prəˈvaɪzoʊ/

proviso

Meaning
a condition or stipulation attached to an agreement
Example
He accepted the job offer with the proviso that he could work remotely twice a week.
C1 noun /pəˈraɪə/

pariah

Meaning
An outcast; someone who is rejected by society or a social group.
Example
After the scandal, he became a social pariah.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛndənt/

pendent

Meaning
hanging down or suspended
Example
The pendent branches touched the ground.
C1 verb /pərˈplɛks/

perplex

Meaning
To confuse or puzzle someone.
Example
The complex instructions perplexed the students.
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.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
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 adjective /ˈper.ɪ.ləs/

perilous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; hazardous and threatening.
Example
The explorers took a perilous journey.
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 verb ˈplʌmɪtɪŋ

plummeting

Meaning
Falling or dropping suddenly and steeply; decreasing rapidly
Example
The fertility rate in Bangladesh is plummeting.
C1 noun /ˈpræɡmətɪst/

pragmatist

Meaning
A person who deals with things in a practical and realistic way.
Example
He is a true pragmatist who values results over ideals.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
C1 verb /piːv/

peeve

Meaning
To annoy or irritate someone.
Example
His constant interruptions really peeve me.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuːtrɪd/

putrid

Meaning
decayed and emitting a foul smell
Example
The garbage smelled putrid after days in the sun.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊsiːdz/

proceeds

Meaning
money obtained from an event, activity, or sale
Example
The proceeds from the charity event were donated to the orphanage.
C1 adjective /pɜːrt/

pert

Meaning
attractively lively or cheeky in manner or style
Example
She gave a pert reply that made everyone laugh.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊtənsi/

potency

Meaning
The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.
Example
The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors.
C1 noun /ˌplɔː.zəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

plausibility

Meaning
The quality of being reasonable or probable.
Example
The plausibility of his explanation convinced the jury.
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.
C1 adjective /pərˈtɜːrbd/

perturbed

Meaning
feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed
Example
He looked perturbed after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /ˈfiː.nɪks/

phoenix

Meaning
a mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes; symbol of immortality or renewal
Example
The legend says the phoenix rises from its ashes every 500 years.
C1 noun ˌpriː.dɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən

predisposition

Meaning
A natural tendency or inclination toward a particular behavior or condition.
Example
Genetic factors can influence a person's predisposition to diseases.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlənt/

propellant

Meaning
A substance that drives or pushes something forward, especially fuel in rockets or engines.
Example
The rocket uses a liquid propellant to launch into space.
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 /ˈprɛljuːd/

prelude

Meaning
An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.
Example
The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict.
C1 noun /ˈpɛntəɡən/

pentagon

Meaning
A plane figure with five straight sides and five angles; also refers to the US Department of Defense building.
Example
The Pentagon is one of the most iconic government buildings in the United States.
C1 noun /prəˈpraɪəti/

propriety

Meaning
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality.
Example
He always behaved with the utmost propriety in public.
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 /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.
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 /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 adjective /ˈpaɪ.əs/

Pious

Meaning
devoutly religious; showing reverence for God
Example
The pious monk spent hours in prayer every day.
C1 noun /ˈpʊlpɪt/

pulpit

Meaning
a raised platform in a church from which the preacher delivers a sermon
Example
The pastor stood at the pulpit to address the congregation.