periphery
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
C1 noun /pəˈrɪfəri/

periphery

Meaning
The outer edge or boundary of an area or object.
Example
The soldiers were stationed at the periphery of the camp.
C2 noun /pruːd/

prude

Meaning
A person who is easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; someone overly modest.
Example
He was called a prude for blushing at the movie scenes.
B1 noun pəˈten.ʃəl

potential

Meaning
Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
Example
The potential for innovation is immense.
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 /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.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈsaɪkɪk/

psychic

Meaning
relating to the mind or supernatural powers; a person claiming to have extrasensory abilities
Example
The psychic claimed she could predict the future.
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.
C2 adjective /pɔːrˈtɛntəs/

portentous

Meaning
Giving a sign or warning that something, often bad or serious, is going to happen; or overly solemn and pompous.
Example
His portentous tone made everyone nervous about the news.
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 ˈprɒdʒ.ə.ni

progeny

Meaning
A descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring.
Example
The philosopher's teachings have influenced many generations of progeny.
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.
C1 noun /saɪˈkoʊsɪs/

psychosis

Meaning
A severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are impaired, leading to a loss of contact with reality.
Example
The patient was diagnosed with psychosis after experiencing hallucinations.
B2 adverb /ˈpɑrʃəli/

Partially

Meaning
to some extent; not completely; incompletely
Example
The building was only partially destroyed in the fire.
B2 noun /fɪˈzɪʃən/

physician

Meaning
a person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor
Example
The physician prescribed some medicine to treat the condition.
C1 noun /ˌpɜː.mɪˈæbɪlɪti/

permeability

Meaning
The quality or state of being permeable; allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
Example
The permeability of the soil affects water retention.
C2 noun /ˈpær.əkˌsɪz.əm/

paroxysm

Meaning
A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or activity.
Example
She was seized by a paroxysm of laughter.
A2 verb /pʊl/

pull

Meaning
to exert force to move something toward oneself; to drag or tug
Example
Please pull the door to open it.
B2 verb /pəˈluːt/

pollute

Meaning
to make air, water, or land dirty and harmful to people, animals, and plants
Example
Factories pollute the environment with toxic chemicals.
C2 /ˈpæn.ə.pli/

panoply

Meaning
A complete or impressive collection of things; a full set of armor.
Example
The museum displayed a panoply of ancient weapons.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
A2 noun /ˈfəʊtəɡrɑːf/

photograph

Meaning
a picture made using a camera
Example
She took a photograph of the sunset.
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.
B1 noun /ˈproʊtiːn/

protein

Meaning
a molecule composed of amino acids essential for bodily functions
Example
Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
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.
C2 noun /proʊˈsiː.ni.əm/

proscenium

Meaning
the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain; the arch framing the stage
Example
The actors bowed at the proscenium before leaving the stage.
C2 adjective /pjuːˈtrɛsənt/

putrescent

Meaning
undergoing the process of decay; rotting
Example
The putrescent odor made everyone leave the room.
B2 adjective /ˈpen.dɪŋ/

Pending

Meaning
awaiting; not yet decided or settled; in the process of being completed
Example
The application is still pending approval.
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.
B2 verb prəˈlɔŋd

prolonged

Meaning
Extended in duration; made to last longer than usual.
Example
Modern medicine has prolonged life expectancy.
A2 noun ˈpraɪsɪz

prices

Meaning
The amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something.
Example
Rising prices are affecting consumer spending.
B2 adjective /pəˈθet.ɪk/

Pathetic

Meaning
arousing pity; extremely poor or inadequate
Example
His pathetic attempt to apologize made things worse.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pɪst/

philanthropist

Meaning
a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes
Example
The philanthropist donated millions to build schools in rural areas.
B1 adverb /pəˈlaɪt.li/

Politely

Meaning
in a respectful and considerate manner; courteously; with good manners
Example
She politely declined the invitation because she had other commitments.
C1 adjective /pərˈmɪsəbl̩/

permissible

Meaning
allowed or permitted by rules or law
Example
It is permissible to park here after 6 p.m.
C2 noun /pɪˈdɒl.ə.dʒi/

pedology

Meaning
The study of soils in their natural environment.
Example
Pedology helps scientists understand soil fertility.
B2 verb /pliːd/

plead

Meaning
to make an emotional appeal; to present a case in court
Example
She pleaded for mercy.
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 adjective /ˈprɒɡnəθəs/

prognathous

Meaning
Having jaws that project forward beyond the rest of the face.
Example
The fossil displayed a distinctly prognathous skull structure.
C1 noun /prəˈspɛktəs/

prospectus

Meaning
a printed document that advertises or describes a school, business, or investment offering
Example
The university sent out a prospectus to attract new students.
C2 noun /ˈpæntəˌskoʊp/

pantoscope

Meaning
An optical instrument that provides a wide or panoramic view.
Example
The scientist used a pantoscope to observe the entire horizon.
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/verb /ˈprɒstreɪt/

prostrate

Meaning
lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward, often as a sign of submission or exhaustion
Example
He lay prostrate on the ground after the long battle.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrkwɪzɪt raɪt/

perquisiteperquisiteright

Meaning
a legal right to certain benefits or privileges associated with a job or office
Example
The judge enjoyed certain perquisite rights attached to his position.
B2 noun /ˈpɪm.pəl/

Pimple

Meaning
a small, inflamed elevation of the skin; a spot on the skin, especially on the face
Example
She was embarrassed about the pimple on her forehead.
A2 noun,verb /pleɪn/

plane

Meaning
a flat surface; an aircraft; to make smooth
Example
The carpenter used a tool to plane the wood.
C2 noun /ˈpɒm.əl/

pommel

Meaning
the rounded knob on the handle of a sword or saddle
Example
He gripped the sword firmly by the pommel.
B2 verb /pərˈsiːvd/

perceived

Meaning
to become aware of something through the senses or the mind; to understand or interpret
Example
She perceived a hint of sadness in his voice.
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.
B1 noun prəˈpoʊzəl

proposal

Meaning
A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration or discussion by others.
Example
The proposal was not sustained.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒfɪtəbl/

profitable

Meaning
yielding profit or financial gain
Example
The company has become highly profitable after the new strategy was implemented.
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 adjective /ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪk/

prophylactic

Meaning
intended to prevent disease or an unwanted outcome; protective
Example
The doctor prescribed a prophylactic treatment to prevent infection.
C2 noun/verb /ˈpɪləri/

pillory

Meaning
a device for publicly punishing someone / to expose to public ridicule
Example
The corrupt official was placed in the pillory for the town to jeer at.
B1 noun /praɪˈɔːr.ə.ti/

Priority

Meaning
something that is more important than other things and needs attention first
Example
Health should be our top priority.
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.
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 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
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 /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.
A2 noun /ˈpɑːtnər/

partner

Meaning
a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor
Example
She is my business partner in the new venture.
C2 verb /ˈpɔːltər/

palter

Meaning
to act insincerely or deceitfully; to equivocate or lie
Example
He paltered when asked about his involvement in the deal.
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 verb /plɒd/

plod

Meaning
to work slowly and steadily, often with effort or difficulty
Example
He plodded through his homework despite feeling tired.
C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt

phytonutrient

Meaning
Chemical compounds produced by plants that are beneficial to human health but not essential nutrients.
Example
Broccoli is rich in phytonutrients that enhance immunity.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
C2 adjective /ˈpɒndərəbl/

ponderable

Meaning
able to be considered or thought about
Example
The evidence was substantial and ponderable.
A1 verb /peɪ/

pay

Meaning
to give money in exchange for goods or services
Example
I need to pay my bills on time.
B1 verb /pəʊs(t)ˈpəʊn/

postpone

Meaning
to delay something to a later time
Example
The meeting was postponed until next week.
B1 noun /ˈpaɪn.æp.əl/

Pine Apple

Meaning
a large tropical fruit with a tough skin and sweet yellow flesh
Example
The pineapple has a crown of spiky leaves on top.
C2 adjective /ˈpɑːrləs/

parlous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; precarious.
Example
The company is in a parlous financial state.
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 adjective pəˈlɪtɪkəl

political

Meaning
Relating to the government or public affairs of a country; relating to politics or political parties.
Example
The political agenda included autonomy.
B2 verb /plaʊ/

plough

Meaning
to break up and turn over soil using a plough; to move through something with difficulty
Example
The farmer ploughs the field every spring.
B2 verb /piːp/

peep

Meaning
to look quickly or secretly; to make a short high sound
Example
The child tried to peep through the keyhole.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊltɪs/

poultice

Meaning
a soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation
Example
The nurse applied a warm poultice to his injured leg.
B1 verb /ˈpʌblɪʃ/

publish

Meaning
to print and distribute books, magazines, etc.; to make information available
Example
The author will publish her new novel next month.
C1 adjective /pərˈsɛptəbl̩/

perceptible

Meaning
Able to be noticed or recognized by the senses or the mind.
Example
There was a perceptible change in the atmosphere.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪl.ænˈθrɒp.ɪk/

philanthropic

Meaning
showing concern for the welfare of others; generous and charitable
Example
She is known for her philanthropic activities in the city.
C2 verb /prəˈpɪʃieɪt/

propitiate

Meaning
to win or regain the favor of someone by doing something that pleases them
Example
He offered gifts to propitiate the angry gods.
C1 noun /prɪˈtɛnʃən/

pretension

Meaning
A claim or assertion to something, often without justification; an attempt to impress by showing greater importance or talent than is actually possessed.
Example
His pretension to be an expert was quickly exposed.
C1 noun /pəˈzɛsər/

possessor

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

pittance

Meaning
a very small or inadequate amount of money
Example
She worked long hours for a mere pittance.
B1 noun /peɪs/

pace

Meaning
the speed at which something happens or is done
Example
She walked at a slow pace.
B2 noun /ˈpoʊ.di.əm/

Podium

Meaning
a small platform on which a person may stand to be seen by an audience
Example
The winner stood on the podium to receive the gold medal.
B1 adverb /ˈpriːviəsli/

previously

Meaning
at an earlier time or before now
Example
She had previously worked at a bank before starting her own business.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpɪkʌp/

pickup

Meaning
a small truck with an open back; the act of collecting or improving something
Example
The company scheduled a pickup for the returned goods.
B2 noun /ˈpiː.lər/

Peeler

Meaning
a kitchen tool used to remove the outer skin or peel from fruits and vegetables
Example
Use a peeler to remove the potato skin.
C2 noun /pɪks/

pyx

Meaning
a small container, often used in Christian liturgy to carry the consecrated host
Example
The priest placed the consecrated host into the pyx before visiting the sick.
B1 noun /ˈpaɪ.lət/

Pilot

Meaning
a person who operates the controls of an aircraft
Example
The experienced pilot landed the plane safely during the storm.
C2 noun /ˈpɒntɪf/

pontiff

Meaning
the pope or a high-ranking bishop in the Christian church
Example
The pontiff addressed the nation in a televised speech.
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.
B2 verb /ˈpɑːlɪʃ/

polish

Meaning
to make smooth and shiny by rubbing; to improve or refine
Example
She needs to polish her shoes before the interview.
C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts

phytonutrients

Meaning
Bioactive compounds found in plants that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Example
Green tea contains powerful phytonutrients.
B2 adjective /prəˈfɪʃ.ənt/

proficient

Meaning
Competent or skilled in doing or using something; having great knowledge or experience.
Example
She is highly proficient in multiple languages.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːs.ə.bəl/

Peaceable

Meaning
peaceful; inclined to avoid conflict
Example
The peaceable protest ended without any violence.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/

painstaking

Meaning
Done with great care and thoroughness.
Example
The artist completed the project with painstaking detail.
B2 noun /ˈpjʊə.rɪ.ti/

Purity

Meaning
the state of being pure; cleanness or freedom from contamination
Example
The purity of the mountain water was remarkable.
B2 verb /ˈpɒndər/

ponder

Meaning
to think about something carefully
Example
She pondered over the meaning of the poem.
B2 noun /pəˈsjuːt/

pursuit

Meaning
the act of chasing or trying to achieve something
Example
He dedicated his life to the pursuit of happiness.
A2 noun /ˈprɪzən/

prison

Meaning
a building where people are kept as punishment for a crime or while waiting for trial
Example
He was sent to prison for his crimes.
C2 noun /ˌperəˈreɪʃən/

peroration

Meaning
The concluding part of a speech, often intended to inspire or persuade.
Example
The politician's peroration left the audience applauding enthusiastically.
B2 adjective /pælɛˈstɪnɪən/

palestinian

Meaning
relating to Palestine or its people
Example
The Palestinian people have a rich cultural heritage.
B2 noun /pænˈdɛmɪk/

pandemic

Meaning
An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale.
Example
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world dramatically.
C1 adjective prɪˈkeə.ri.əs

precarious

Meaning
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Example
His financial situation is precarious.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpoʊ.lər beər/

Polar Bear

Meaning
a large white bear that lives in the Arctic regions
Example
The polar bear swims in the icy Arctic waters.
C2 adjective /pərˈspɪkjuəs/

perspicuous

Meaning
Clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid.
Example
The teacher gave a perspicuous explanation of the theory.
B1 noun /ˈpɪ.ti/

Pity

Meaning
a feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone's misfortune; something that causes regret or disappointment
Example
I felt pity for the homeless man in the rain.
A2 noun /ˈpækɪdʒ/

package

Meaning
a container or wrapping in which something is packed
Example
He received a package in the mail.
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.
B2 noun prəˈɡreʃ.ən

progression

Meaning
The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.
Example
Progression in technology drives innovation.
C2 noun /ˈper.ɪ.dʒiː/

perigee

Meaning
the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the Earth
Example
The moon appeared much larger during its perigee.
B2 noun, verb /pɪə(r)/

peer

Meaning
noun: a person of the same rank or status; verb: to look closely or with difficulty
Example
He tried to peer through the fog to see his peers on the other side.
B2 noun/verb /pɜːrk/

perk

Meaning
A benefit or advantage associated with a job; or to become more lively or cheerful.
Example
One of the perks of working here is free lunch every Friday.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛkəbl/

peccable

Meaning
liable to sin or error; capable of doing wrong
Example
Humans are peccable, but they strive for goodness.
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.