Personality
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B1 noun /ˌpɜr.sənˈæl.ə.ti/

Personality

Meaning
the combination of characteristics that form an individual's distinctive character; a famous person
Example
She has a very outgoing and friendly personality.
B2 verb /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
B2 adjective /pɪˈkjuː.li.ər/

Peculiar

Meaning
strange or odd; unusual; belonging exclusively to
Example
She has a peculiar way of speaking.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /prɑːmpt/

prompt

Meaning
To cause someone to take action; done without delay.
Example
His speech prompted the audience to ask questions.
C1 verb /ˌpoʊstˈdeɪt/

postdate

Meaning
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
Example
She postdated the check to next month.
C2 noun /ˈpɪnəs/

pinnace

Meaning
a small boat, often carried by a larger ship
Example
The sailors used a pinnace to reach the shore.
C2 adjective /pɪˈdʒɒrətɪv/

pejorative

Meaning
Expressing contempt or disapproval.
Example
He used pejorative terms to insult his opponents.
C1 noun /pəˈvɪliən/

pavilion

Meaning
A large tent or temporary building, often used for events or exhibitions.
Example
The wedding reception was held in a decorated pavilion.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpɪs.təl/

Pistol

Meaning
a small gun that can be held and fired with one hand
Example
The officer drew his pistol from the holster.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
A2 noun /ˈpɪloʊ/

Pillow

Meaning
a soft cushion used to support the head while sleeping
Example
She rested her head on the soft pillow.
C2 verb /ˈproʊtjuːbəreɪt/

protuberate

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

pontificate

Meaning
to speak or act in a pompous or dogmatic way; to officiate as a pontiff
Example
He pontificated on the importance of education for over an hour.
B2 noun /pæd/

pad

Meaning
a small cushion or block of soft material; also a set of sheets of paper fastened together
Example
He wrote her phone number on a yellow pad.
C2 verb /ˈpælieɪt/

palliate

Meaning
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain.
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.
B2 noun /ˌpɪə.riˈɒd.ɪ.kəl/

periodical

Meaning
a magazine or journal published at regular intervals
Example
She subscribed to a science periodical.
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.
B2 noun /ˌpɜːrsəˈnel/

personnel

Meaning
People employed in an organization or engaged in an organized undertaking such as military service.
Example
The company is hiring more personnel for its new branch.
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.
C2 adjective, noun /pləˈbiːən/

plebeian

Meaning
common, ordinary, or belonging to the lower social classes
Example
The festival was enjoyed by both plebeian and noble citizens.
C2 noun /ˈpriːskrɪpt/

prescript

Meaning
An authoritative rule or direction; something laid down as a command.
Example
The prescript of the organization required strict punctuality.
B2 adverb /ˈprez.ənt.li/

Presently

Meaning
at the present time; soon; in a little while
Example
The doctor will see you presently.
B2 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.fəl/

pitiful

Meaning
deserving or arousing pity; very small or inadequate
Example
The team's performance was pitiful compared to last year.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndənt/

pendant

Meaning
a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck
Example
She wore a silver pendant around her neck.
C2 noun /ˈpʌndʒənsi/

pungency

Meaning
The quality of having a strong, sharp taste or smell.
Example
The pungency of garlic filled the kitchen.
A2 adjective /ˈpiːs.fəl/

Peaceful

Meaning
free from disturbance; calm and quiet; not involving war or violence
Example
The garden is a peaceful place to relax.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

peevish

Meaning
Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Example
The child grew peevish when denied candy.
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 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈpɜːrfɪkt/

Perfect

Meaning
flawless; excellent; without fault
Example
She delivered a perfect performance on stage.
C1 adjective /prəˈfɛtɪk/

prophetic

Meaning
accurately predicting or describing what will happen in the future
Example
His prophetic words came true after many years.
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.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.pɪˈtʃuː.ɪ.ti

perpetuity

Meaning
Permanence, eternity, continuity.
Example
The contract ensures payments in perpetuity.
B1 noun

Pedestrian

B2 noun /pɪtʃ/

pitch

Meaning
the quality of a sound; the level or degree of intensity; a throw or toss
Example
The singer's pitch was perfect during the performance.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrkəleɪtər/

percolator

Meaning
A device used for brewing coffee by continually cycling boiling water through coffee grounds.
Example
She made a fresh pot of coffee using the percolator.
C1 adjective /proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

prosaic

Meaning
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
Example
The teacher’s explanation was accurate but rather prosaic.
B1 verb /pəʊs(t)ˈpəʊn/

postpone

Meaning
to delay something to a later time
Example
The meeting was postponed until next week.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrljuː/

purlieu

Meaning
The area near or surrounding a place; an outlying or neighboring district.
Example
They spent the afternoon exploring the purlieus of the ancient city.
B2 noun /præŋk/

prank

Meaning
A trick that is intended to be funny but not harmful.
Example
They played a harmless prank on their friend during the party.
A2 noun /pərˈmɪʃən/

permission

Meaning
the action of allowing or granting consent
Example
You need permission to enter the restricted area.
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 /ˌpæl.pɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Palpitation

Meaning
a noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation or medical condition
Example
She experienced palpitations before her job interview.
C1 noun /ˈpɛrəntɪdʒ/

parentage

Meaning
The identity and origins of one's parents; descent or lineage.
Example
Her noble parentage gave her access to the royal court.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːɪsənt/

puissant

Meaning
having great power or influence; mighty
Example
The king was a puissant ruler whose word was law.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌpɑːrləˈmɛntri/

parliamentary

Meaning
relating to a parliament or its members; relating to a system of government with parliamentary authority
Example
The country follows a parliamentary form of government.
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.
B2 verb /pɔːˈtreɪ/

portray

Meaning
to describe or represent something or someone in a work of art or literature
Example
The novel portrays a vivid picture of life in the countryside.
B2 adjective /ˌprɒb.ləˈmæt.ɪk/

Problematic

Meaning
causing problems; troublesome; difficult to deal with
Example
The new policy changes are problematic and need to be reviewed.
C2 noun /ˈpær.əkˌsɪz.əm/

paroxysm

Meaning
A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or activity.
Example
She was seized by a paroxysm of laughter.
B2 noun/verb /pəʊl/

poll

Meaning
a survey of public opinion or voting in an election
Example
The poll revealed that most people favored the new policy.
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 /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 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.
B1 verb /prəˈnaʊns/

pronounce

Meaning
to say words correctly; to declare officially
Example
She can pronounce French words perfectly.
C2 noun /ˈplɔːdɪts/

plaudits

Meaning
expressions of praise or approval
Example
The scientist received plaudits from the international community.
C2 noun /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪstəns/

preexistence

Meaning
the state of existing before something else
Example
Philosophers often debated the preexistence of the soul.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
C2 adjective /prəˈvaɪzəri/

provisory

Meaning
conditional; depending on certain terms being met
Example
The arrangement was only provisory until the final contract was signed.
B1 verb /preɪ/

pray

Meaning
to speak to God or a deity; to hope earnestly
Example
Many people pray for peace in the world.
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.
B2 adjective /prəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Productive

Meaning
efficient; yielding good results; fruitful
Example
Working from home has made me more productive than ever before.
B2 noun /ˈproʊtəkɔːl/

protocol

Meaning
an official procedure or system of rules
Example
The security team followed strict protocol during the event.
C2 verb /fɪˈlɒs.ə.faɪz/

philosophize

Meaning
to think or talk about the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
Example
He likes to philosophize about life and its meaning.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌpoʊstˈwɔːr/

post-war

Meaning
relating to the period after a war has ended
Example
The country experienced rapid economic growth in the post-war years.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrtnəs/

pertness

Meaning
boldness or forwardness in speech or behavior; sauciness
Example
Her pertness during the meeting surprised everyone.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
B2 noun /ˈpæd.i/

Paddy

Meaning
rice in its natural state before processing; a field where rice is grown
Example
The farmers worked hard in the paddy fields during harvest season.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːpərɪzəm/

pauperism

Meaning
The state of being extremely poor.
Example
The country struggled with rising pauperism in the 19th century.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtrəˌɡræf/

petrograph

Meaning
a description or representation of rocks, especially in detailed scientific writing
Example
The scientist studied the petrograph to understand the rock composition.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/

pugnacious

Meaning
Having a quarrelsome or combative nature; eager to fight.
Example
His pugnacious attitude often got him into trouble.
B1 noun /ˈplʌm.ər/

plumber

Meaning
a person who installs or repairs water pipes
Example
The plumber fixed the leaking pipe in the kitchen.
A2 verb /plænt/

plant

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

patronizing

Meaning
showing kindness that is perceived as condescending or superior
Example
His patronizing tone offended the audience.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
C2 noun /ˌpɛrəɡrɪˈneɪʃən/

peregrination

Meaning
A long journey or wandering, especially on foot.
Example
Their peregrination across Asia lasted two years.
C2 adjective /ˈpɜːrviəs/

pervious

Meaning
Allowing water, air, or other substances to pass through; permeable.
Example
The soil here is pervious to rainwater.
B2 noun /ˈpraɪ.vət ˈtuː.tər/

Private tutor

Meaning
a teacher who gives individual instruction to a student outside of regular school
Example
The private tutor helped the student improve his math skills.
B2 noun /prəˈmoʊ.tər/

promoter

Meaning
A person or organization that helps to organize or finance an event, business, or product launch.
Example
The promoter organized a concert for the new band.
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.
C2 noun /ˌpoʊpʊˈriː/

potpourri

Meaning
a mixture of dried flowers and spices kept in a bowl to perfume a room; a miscellaneous collection
Example
The living room was filled with the scent of potpourri.
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.
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.
B2 verb /ˈpɒndər/

ponder

Meaning
to think about something carefully
Example
She pondered over the meaning of the poem.
C1 adjective /ˈpaɪ.əs/

Pious

Meaning
devoutly religious; showing reverence for God
Example
The pious monk spent hours in prayer every day.
A2 noun /ˈpɜːpəs/

purpose

Meaning
the reason for which something is done or created
Example
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the new project.
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.
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.
B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

Meaning
arranged for the present; temporary; subject to later confirmation
Example
The provisional agreement will be reviewed next month.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜːfɪktli/

perfectly

Meaning
in a perfect manner; without flaws
Example
She performed the task perfectly.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
B1 verb /prɪˈdɪkt/

predict

Meaning
to say that something will happen in the future
Example
Scientists predict rain tomorrow.
B2 noun /ˈpʌŋk.tʃər/

Puncture

Meaning
a small hole in a tire that causes air to escape
Example
I had to fix a puncture in my bicycle tire this morning.
A1 noun /pəˈteɪ.toʊ/

Potato

Meaning
a round white vegetable with a brown or red skin that grows underground
Example
She boiled potatoes for dinner.
C1 verb /ˈpɒstʃʊleɪt/

postulate

Meaning
to suggest or assume that something is true as the basis for reasoning or discussion
Example
Scientists postulate that life exists on other planets.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti

pertinacity

Meaning
Firm determination and persistence in achieving something.
Example
His pertinacity in achieving his goals was inspiring.
B2 verb /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/

persevere

Meaning
to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delay
Example
He persevered through many failures before succeeding.
C2 noun /pərˈsɪpiəns/

percipience

Meaning
The ability to perceive, understand, or notice things quickly.
Example
His percipience in reading people made him a great negotiator.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/

partnership

Meaning
the state of being a partner or a group of partners
Example
Our partnership has helped both companies grow.
B2 noun /ˈpɛbl/

pebble

Meaning
a small smooth stone found on beaches or rivers
Example
He threw a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuːtrɪd/

putrid

Meaning
decayed and emitting a foul smell
Example
The garbage smelled putrid after days in the sun.
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.
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 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.
B1 noun /ˈfɑːrməsi/

pharmacy

Meaning
A place where medicinal drugs are prepared and sold.
Example
I went to the pharmacy to buy antibiotics.
B1 noun /pɜːrs/

purse

Meaning
a small bag used by women to carry money and personal items
Example
She kept her wallet in her purse.
A2 noun /ˈpeɪn.tər/

Painter

Meaning
a person who paints pictures or decorates buildings
Example
The painter created a beautiful landscape on canvas.
C1 adjective /ˈpæs.ə.bəl/

passable

Meaning
good enough to be accepted, though not excellent
Example
The road is barely passable after the storm.
C1 noun /ˈproʊbeɪt/

probate

Meaning
the official proving of a will in a court of law
Example
The family had to go through probate after his death.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

psychological

Meaning
relating to the mind or mental processes.
Example
She studied the psychological effects of trauma on children.
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 verb /ˈprɛsɪdʒ/

presage

Meaning
to be a sign or warning that something will happen; to foreshadow
Example
Dark clouds presage a storm.