persecute
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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.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdənt/

pedant

Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
Example
The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details.
A2 verb /pɪk/

pick

Meaning
to choose; to take or select from a group; to pluck or gather
Example
Please pick your favorite color from the palette.
C2 noun /ˌsaɪ.kəʊˈɡræf.ɪks/

Psychographics

Meaning
The study and classification of people according to their attitudes, aspirations, and other psychological criteria.
Example
Psychographics reveal consumer buying motives.
C2 noun /ˌfoʊ.nəˈlɑː.dʒi/

phonology

Meaning
the study of the sound system of a language
Example
She is studying phonology to understand how sounds function in English.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛʃənt/ or /ˈpriːʃənt/

prescient

Meaning
having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
Example
The prescient investor sold his shares just before the market crashed.
B2 noun /saɪˈkaɪətri/

psychiatry

Meaning
the branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of mental illness
Example
She decided to study psychiatry to help people with mental health issues.
A1 noun /ˈpɛnsəl/

pencil

Meaning
an instrument for writing or drawing, typically made of wood with a graphite core
Example
He drew a picture with a pencil.
B2 noun ˈpeɪtriəˌtɪzəm

patriotism

Meaning
The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
Example
Victory Day reflects the patriotism of the entire nation.
B1 noun /ˈplʌm.ər/

plumber

Meaning
a person who installs or repairs water pipes
Example
The plumber fixed the leaking pipe in the kitchen.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning
relating to mental illness or its treatment
Example
The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.
A2 noun /pæθ/

path

Meaning
a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading
Example
She walked along the narrow path through the forest.
A2 verb /pʊʃ/

push

Meaning
to exert force to move something away from oneself; to press against
Example
Push the button to ring the bell.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒɪst/

psychologist

Meaning
a person who studies mental processes and behavior
Example
The psychologist helped him cope with his anxiety.
A2 noun /ˈpiːˈsi/

pc

Meaning
abbreviation for 'personal computer', a machine for performing digital operations
Example
I just bought a new PC for work.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪləm/

phylum

Meaning
a primary category in the biological classification of organisms, above class and below kingdom
Example
Humans belong to the phylum Chordata.
C2 adjective /ˈpɒndərəbl/

ponderable

Meaning
able to be considered or thought about
Example
The evidence was substantial and ponderable.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
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.
C2 verb /prɪˈværɪkeɪt/

prevaricate

Meaning
to avoid telling the truth by not giving a direct answer
Example
The politician began to prevaricate when asked about the scandal.
B2 verb /ˈpɛrɪʃ/

perish

Meaning
To die, especially in a sudden or violent way.
Example
Many soldiers perished in the war.
C2 adjective /pərˈfɜrvɪd/

perfervid

Meaning
intensely passionate or fervent
Example
She gave a perfervid speech in defense of human rights.
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.
C2 noun /ˌpɛrəɡrɪˈneɪʃən/

peregrination

Meaning
A long journey or wandering, especially on foot.
Example
Their peregrination across Asia lasted two years.
B2 verb /paɪn/

pine

Meaning
to long intensely for something or someone; to suffer from longing
Example
He pined for his hometown after moving abroad.
A2 noun ˈprɒdʒekt

project

Meaning
An individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim
Example
Working on two projects simultaneously is difficult.
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.
C1 verb /praʊl/

prowl

Meaning
To move around quietly and secretly, especially while hunting or searching.
Example
The cat prowled around the garden at night.
B1 noun /'pʌmp.kɪn/

Pumpkin

Meaning
a large round orange fruit with thick skin and edible flesh
Example
We carved a jack-o'-lantern from a big pumpkin.
B2 noun ˈpɛs.tɪ.saɪdz

pesticides

Meaning
Substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
Example
Excessive pesticides use can harm the environment.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.rət/

Pirate

Meaning
a person who attacks and robs ships at sea; someone who uses or reproduces copyrighted material illegally
Example
The pirate ship was spotted near the coast.
C1 noun /pʌn/

pun

Meaning
A humorous use of words that suggests different meanings or words that sound alike.
Example
He made a clever pun about the bakery's bread rising.
C2 noun /pɒmˈpɒsəti/

pomposity

Meaning
self-important behavior or exaggerated dignity
Example
His speech was full of pomposity and arrogance.
B1 verb /piːl/

peel

Meaning
to remove the outer covering or skin from a fruit or vegetable
Example
She peeled the mango before eating it.
B1 noun /ˈpiː.nʌt/

Peanut

Meaning
an edible seed that grows underground and is commonly eaten as a snack or used in cooking
Example
Roasted peanuts are a popular snack in many countries.
C1 noun /pəˈrɪm.ɪ.tər/

perimeter

Meaning
the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or area
Example
The soldiers guarded the perimeter of the camp.
C2 noun prɒkˈsiː.mɪks

proxemics

Meaning
The study of how people use space and distance to indicate relationships
Example
Understanding proxemics helps in improving interpersonal communication.
C2 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪæk/

paranoiac

Meaning
A person who suffers from paranoia or exhibits extreme, irrational distrust and suspicion.
Example
The paranoiac refused to leave his house, fearing everyone was against him.
A1 noun /plæn/

plan

Meaning
A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
Example
A good plan keeps you focused.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛstɪˈlɛnʃəl/

pestilential

Meaning
Relating to or causing pestilence; very harmful, troublesome, or dangerous.
Example
The pestilential smell of the garbage filled the street.
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 ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
B2 verb /pʌmp/

pump

Meaning
to force liquid or gas to move in a particular direction using a device
Example
They pumped water from the well into the tank.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜr.sən.ə.li/

Personally

Meaning
as a person; in one's own opinion; for oneself; in person
Example
Personally, I think the movie was excellent, though others disagree.
B2 adverb /prɪˈzjuːməbli/

presumably

Meaning
used to convey that something is assumed to be true though not known for certain
Example
Presumably, he forgot to send the email.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜːfɪktli/

perfectly

Meaning
in a perfect manner; without flaws
Example
She performed the task perfectly.
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.
B1 verb /peɪst/

paste

Meaning
to stick something onto a surface using glue or adhesive
Example
I paste the picture into my scrapbook.
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.
B2 adjective ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv

proactive

Meaning
Taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it happens.
Example
Proactive strategies are needed to combat scarcity.
B1 noun /paɪl/

pile

Meaning
a large amount of something stacked or placed in a heap
Example
He placed the books in a pile on the table.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈpent ʌp/

Pent-up

Meaning
suppressed; restrained; confined
Example
He had pent-up anger that finally exploded.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊtənˌteɪt/

potentate

Meaning
A monarch or ruler, especially one with absolute power.
Example
The ancient land was ruled by a powerful potentate.
C2 noun /ˌpɪəriəˈdɪsɪti/

periodicity

Meaning
The quality or state of being regular or recurring at intervals.
Example
The periodicity of the moon’s phases has fascinated humans for centuries.
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.
A2 verb /pɒp/

pop

Meaning
to make a short, sharp sound, or to burst or break with such a sound
Example
The balloon popped when I accidentally pricked it with a pin.
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.
A1 noun /fəʊn/

phone

Meaning
a device for communication, typically used to make calls or send messages
Example
I need to charge my phone.
B2 noun /ˈplænər/

planner

Meaning
a person who makes plans or a book used for organizing schedules and tasks
Example
She uses a daily planner to organize her meetings.
B2 adjective /prɛsˈtɪdʒəs/

prestigious

Meaning
having a high reputation; respected
Example
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
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.
C2 noun /fɪˈlændərər/

philanderer

Meaning
a man who habitually engages in casual romantic or sexual affairs
Example
The politician was exposed as a notorious philanderer.
A2 noun ˈpaʊ.ər

power

Meaning
The ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way; authority.
Example
Power distribution ensures efficiency.
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.
B2 noun prəʊb

probe

Meaning
An unmanned exploratory spacecraft designed to transmit information about its environment.
Example
The probe collected data from the planet's surface.
C2 noun /prɪˈfɜːrmənt/

preferment

Meaning
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
Example
He hoped for preferment in the government office.
C1 adjective /prəˈmɪskjuəs/

promiscuous

Meaning
Having or showing a casual and unselective approach, often used to describe indiscriminate sexual relationships.
Example
The novel depicts a character with a promiscuous lifestyle.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.θən/

Python

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The python wrapped around its prey tightly.
B2 noun /pʌntʃ/

Punch

Meaning
a tool used for making holes or indentations in materials
Example
The carpenter used a punch to make holes in the leather.
B1 noun /pərˈfɔːrmər/

performer

Meaning
a person who entertains an audience by acting, singing, dancing, or playing music
Example
The performer received a standing ovation for her song.
C1 adjective /prɪˈtɛnʃəs/

pretentious

Meaning
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
Example
The restaurant was stylish but far too pretentious for my taste.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

purgatory

Meaning
A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven; a temporary condition of torment or suffering.
Example
After the accident, the long recovery felt like a kind of purgatory.
B2 noun ˈprɒs.pekt

prospect

Meaning
The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
Example
The project's success holds great prospect for the economy.
B1 noun, verb /praɪz/

prize

Meaning
something given as a reward for achievement; to value highly
Example
He won the first prize in the competition.
B2 noun ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd

pesticide

Meaning
A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
Example
The pesticide sprayed in the field killed the harmful insects.
C2 verb /ˈpʌlvəraɪz/

pulverize

Meaning
To crush or grind something into a fine powder; to completely defeat or destroy.
Example
The machine can pulverize stones into dust.
C2 noun /ˌfɑːsfəˈrɛsəns/

phosphorescence

Meaning
the property of emitting light without noticeable heat
Example
The deep-sea creatures displayed a beautiful phosphorescence.
C2 verb /prɒɡˈnɒstɪkeɪt/

prognosticate

Meaning
To foretell or predict future events, especially based on current signs.
Example
Experts attempted to prognosticate the outcome of the election.
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.
C2 noun /prəˈpɪŋkwɪti/

propinquity

Meaning
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity
Example
The propinquity of their houses made them close friends.
C1 noun,verb /pleɪt/

plait

Meaning
a braid of hair or straw; to braid
Example
She decided to plait her hair before the party.
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.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/

peculation

Meaning
The act of embezzling or stealing money, especially from public funds.
Example
The minister resigned after being accused of peculation.
C2 adverb /ˈprɒksɪmətli/

proximately

Meaning
In a near or close manner; nearly.
Example
The village lies proximately to the river.
B2 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/

phishing

Meaning
The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information.
Example
Phishing emails often trick people into revealing passwords.
B2 adjective /fəˈnɒmɪnəl/

phenomenal

Meaning
extraordinary, remarkable, or exceptional in a way that is very impressive
Example
The team achieved phenomenal success in the tournament.
B2 noun /pænt/

Pant

Meaning
a piece of clothing worn on the lower body covering each leg separately
Example
She bought a new pair of pants for the party.
C1 adjective /pɒˈstɪəriər/

posterior

Meaning
Situated at or toward the back; later in time.
Example
The posterior part of the brain controls vision.
C1 noun /ˈprɛəri/

prairie

Meaning
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
Example
The bison roamed freely across the prairie.
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.
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.
A1 noun /ˈprɒb.ləm/

Problem

Meaning
a situation that causes difficulties and needs to be dealt with or solved
Example
We need to solve this problem quickly.
C2 noun /ˈplɛdʒɔːr/

pledgeor

Meaning
a person who gives or offers a pledge or security
Example
The bank accepted the jewelry from the pledgeor as collateral for the loan.
C2 verb /ˈproʊtjuːbəreɪt/

protuberate

Meaning
To swell out or bulge.
Example
The roots began to protuberate from the ground.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪθ.i/

pithy

Meaning
concise and meaningful; full of substance
Example
She gave a pithy comment that summarized the issue perfectly.
B2 verb /pɪntʃ/

pinch

Meaning
to squeeze tightly between the fingers; to take a small amount
Example
She pinched a bit of salt into the soup.
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 noun /ˈpɑr.bəl/

Parbal

Meaning
A green vegetable also known as pointed gourd, commonly used in South Asian cuisine
Example
Mother prepared parbal curry with fish.
B2 noun /ˈpɒp.i/

Poppy

Meaning
a bright red flower with black seeds, often used as a symbol of remembrance
Example
The red poppy bloomed beautifully in the garden.
B2 noun, verb /ˈplɑːstər/

plaster

Meaning
a soft mixture applied to walls or used to cover wounds; or to cover or coat with plaster
Example
The workers plastered the walls to make them smooth.
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 /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.
B2 noun /ˈprɛzɪdənsi/

presidency

Meaning
the office or position of being a president
Example
He was elected to the presidency in 2020.
B1 noun /pruːf/

proof

Meaning
evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement
Example
The detective presented proof of the suspect's guilt.
C2 noun /pəˈtruːn/

poltroon

Meaning
a cowardly person
Example
He acted like a poltroon during the crisis.
C2 verb /ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/

putrefy

Meaning
to decay or rot, producing a foul smell
Example
The meat began to putrefy in the heat.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
B2 verb /prɪˈsiːd/

precede

Meaning
to come before something in time, order, or position
Example
A brief introduction precedes each chapter.
B2 noun ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən

preservation

Meaning
The action of maintaining something in its original or existing state; protection from harm or damage.
Example
Proper preservation extends the lifespan of machinery.
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

Peck

A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.mɛr.i/

primary

Meaning
Most important; main; happening first.
Example
Education is a primary factor in economic growth.
A2 noun /ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/

possibility

Meaning
something that may happen or be the case; a chance that something exists or might occur
Example
There is a strong possibility of rain tomorrow.
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.
A2 noun /ˈprɒd.ʌkt/

Product

Meaning
something that is manufactured or produced; the result of a process
Example
The company launched a new product in the market.
B2 noun /piːk/

Peak

Meaning
the highest point of a mountain or hill; the maximum level or intensity
Example
The climbers reached the peak of Mount Everest.
B2 adjective prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nər.i

preliminary

Meaning
Denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.
Example
Preliminary steps are crucial before the main project.