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All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 verb /pərˈtɜːrb/

perturb

Meaning
To disturb or unsettle greatly in mind.
Example
The sudden noise perturbed the students during the exam.
A1 noun /ˈfraɪ.deɪ/

friday

Meaning
the day of the week following Thursday and preceding Saturday
Example
We have a team meeting every Friday afternoon.
B2 noun fɪkst ˈɪnkʌm

fixed income

Meaning
Investment that provides a return in the form of fixed periodic payments.
Example
Fixed income investments provide reliable returns.
B2 adjective /ɪmˈpɪəriəl/

imperial

Meaning
Relating to an empire or emperor; having supreme authority.
Example
The imperial palace was a symbol of the emperor's power.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪdəˈluːviən/

antediluvian

Meaning
extremely old-fashioned; belonging to the time before the biblical flood
Example
His views on women are positively antediluvian.
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 adverb /əˈfrɛʃ/

afresh

Meaning
From the beginning, in a new way.
Example
After the failure, they started the project afresh.
C1 adjective ʌnɪnˈhæbɪtəbəl

uninhabitable

Meaning
Not suitable or safe for people to live in.
Example
Rapid urbanization can make cities uninhabitable.
C1 noun /ˈtriːkəl/

treacle

Meaning
A thick, sweet syrup; excessively sentimental speech or writing.
Example
She poured treacle over the pancakes.
C2 adjective /ˈneɪtl/

natal

Meaning
Relating to birth or the place of birth.
Example
She returned to her natal village after many years.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪlədʒi/

antilogy

Meaning
A contradiction in terms or ideas; inconsistency in speech or writing.
Example
The politician's statement was criticized for its antilogy.
B1 verb /ədˈmaɪər/

admire

Meaning
To respect, appreciate, or look up to someone or something.
Example
I really admire her dedication to education.
C1 adjective /ɪˈfɛm.ər.əl/

ephemeral

Meaning
Lasting for a very short time; temporary or transitory.
Example
The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral.
B1 noun /əˈsɛmbli/

assembly

Meaning
a group of people gathered together for a common purpose or the act of putting parts together to form something
Example
The school held an assembly to discuss the new rules.
C1 noun /tɒŋ/

tong

Meaning
a tool with two movable arms used to pick up and hold objects
Example
He used the tong to pick up the hot coal.
B1 noun ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz

Generations

Meaning
All of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.
Example
The family tree spans several generations.
C2 noun /ˈʃʊərəti/

surety

Meaning
a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as appearing in court or paying a debt
Example
The landlord required a surety before renting the apartment.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

Deficiency

Meaning
a lack or shortage of something; inadequacy or insufficiency
Example
The doctor diagnosed a vitamin D deficiency in the patient's blood test.
C1 adjective /ˈneɪm.ləs/

Nameless

Meaning
having no name; anonymous; unknown; unidentified
Example
The nameless fear haunted him throughout the night.
B2 adjective /ɪˈmjuːn/

immune

Meaning
protected from disease or from the effects of something
Example
Children who are vaccinated are immune to many diseases.
B1 adjective /ˈwɜːrldwaɪd/

worldwide

Meaning
extending or reaching throughout the whole world
Example
The company has achieved worldwide recognition for its products.
C1 noun məˈriːn ˈsɜː.veɪ

marine survey

Meaning
A systematic examination of the sea, seabed, and underwater features for the purpose of making maps or gathering other information.
Example
The marine survey identified the ideal cable routes.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

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

dispense

Meaning
To distribute or provide something, especially in portions.
Example
The machine dispenses clean drinking water.
C2 noun /ˌnɛɡlɪˈʒeɪ/

negligee

Meaning
A woman's light dressing gown, often made of thin or silky material.
Example
She wore a silk negligee before going to bed.
C2 verb /ˈpælpɪˌteɪt/

palpitate

Meaning
to beat rapidly and strongly, often because of fear, excitement, or illness
Example
Her heart began to palpitate with fear.
B2 noun, adjective /hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛəriən/

humanitarian

Meaning
A person who seeks to promote human welfare, or something relating to human welfare and compassion.
Example
The organization provides humanitarian aid to disaster victims.
B2 noun noʊˈbel praɪz

Nobel Prize

Meaning
Any of six international prizes awarded annually for outstanding work in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economics, and the promotion of peace.
Example
Nobel Prize recognition evaded Bose's contributions.
C2 adjective /pəˈrɛmptəri/

peremptory

Meaning
Insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a commanding way.
Example
The officer gave a peremptory order to evacuate the building.
C2 adjective /ˈæpəˌleɪt/

appellate

Meaning
relating to appeals in a court of law
Example
The case was taken to an appellate court.
C2 verb /ˌæd ˈlɪb/

ad-lib

Meaning
to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise
Example
The comedian ad-libbed a joke when the microphone failed.
B2 verb /skriːtʃ/

screech

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched and unpleasant sound
Example
The car screeched to a halt.
C2 noun /ˌtɜːsənˈtɛnəri/

tercentenary

Meaning
The 300th anniversary of an event.
Example
The city celebrated its tercentenary with a grand festival.
C2 adjective /ˈpɑːmi/

palmy

Meaning
prosperous, flourishing, or relating to palm trees
Example
He often reminisced about the palmy days of his youth.
C2 verb /dɪˈfreɪ/

defray

Meaning
to provide money to pay the costs of something
Example
The grant will help defray the cost of education.
B1 noun /ˈvɪʒ.ən/

vision

Meaning
The faculty or state of being able to see.
Example
Excessive rubbing can damage vision.
C2 noun /səˈvɑːnt/

savant

Meaning
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist or scholar; sometimes used in the phrase ‘savant syndrome’ for someone with exceptional abilities alongside developmental differences
Example
The conference keynote was delivered by a linguistic savant who studies endangered languages.
B2 adjective /ˈlɒŋ ˈstændɪŋ/

long-standing

Meaning
having existed or continued for a long period of time
Example
They have a long-standing relationship with their suppliers.
A1 verb /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/

enjoy

Meaning
to take pleasure in; to have a good time
Example
I enjoy reading books in my free time.
C1 noun /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/

Sanction

Meaning
official permission or approval; a penalty for disobeying a rule
Example
The government imposed economic sanctions on the country.
B2 noun ˈlaɪf ɪkˌspek.tən.si

life expectancy

Meaning
The average period that a person may expect to live; the length of time for which something is expected to last or to continue being effective.
Example
Life expectancy depends on healthcare quality.
C1 adjective /ˈrʌɡ.ɪd/

Rugged

Meaning
rough and uneven; having a rough irregular surface; tough and strong
Example
The hikers crossed the rugged mountain terrain.
A2 noun /hoʊl/

Hole

Meaning
a hollow place in a solid body or surface; an opening through something
Example
The dog dug a deep hole in the backyard to bury its favorite bone.
C2 noun /ˌɡæskəˈneɪd/

gasconade

Meaning
Extravagant boasting or bragging.
Example
His endless gasconade made him unpopular among his peers.
A2 noun /klaʊn/

Clown

Meaning
a comic entertainer, especially one in a circus, wearing a traditional costume and exaggerated makeup
Example
The children laughed loudly at the funny clown's silly antics.
B2 adverb /ˈred.ɪ.li/

Readily

Meaning
willingly; easily; without hesitation
Example
She readily agreed to help with the project.
C1 noun /ˈstɪm.jʊ.laɪ/

stimuli

Meaning
Things that create reactions or provide motivation.
Example
Bright light and loud sounds are common stimuli for alertness.
B2 noun/verb /ˌoʊvərˈlæp/

overlap

Meaning
To extend over and cover partly; an area where things coincide.
Example
The two meetings overlap by an hour.
C1 noun /fɑːrs/

farce

Meaning
a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay, or a ridiculous situation
Example
The meeting turned into a complete farce with everyone arguing.
B2 adverb /ˈɑːɡjuːəbli/

arguably

Meaning
used to say that a statement is open to argument or is considered true by many people
Example
She is arguably the most talented player on the team.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈθroʊ/

overthrow

Meaning
To remove a leader or government from power, often by force.
Example
The rebels planned to overthrow the corrupt regime.
C2 noun /ˈsætræp/

satrap

Meaning
a governor of a province in ancient Persia; also used figuratively for a subordinate ruler
Example
The king appointed a satrap to oversee the distant province.
B2 noun /bɑnd/

Bond

Meaning
a close connection joining two or more people; a certificate of debt issued by a government or corporation
Example
The strong bond between the mother and child was evident.
C1 adjective /kəmˈplaɪənt/

compliant

Meaning
Willing to agree with or follow rules, requests, or demands.
Example
She was compliant with all the safety requirements.
C1 adjective /ˈstætʃətɔːri/

statutory

Meaning
Required, permitted, or enacted by law.
Example
The company must comply with all statutory regulations.
A2 adjective /breɪv/

brave

Meaning
showing courage in the face of danger or difficulty
Example
The brave firefighter rushed into the burning building.
C1 adjective ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv

counterproductive

Meaning
Having the opposite of the desired effect; tending to hinder rather than help.
Example
Counterproductive activities often stem from dissatisfaction.
A2 verb /ɪˈmædʒɪn/

imagine

Meaning
to form a mental image of; to believe something unreal to be true
Example
Can you imagine living in a different country?
A1 adjective /fɑːst/

Fast

Meaning
moving or happening quickly; rapid; swift
Example
She runs very fast in the morning.
C1 adjective /ˈteɪn.tɪd/

Tainted

Meaning
contaminated or affected by something bad or undesirable
Example
The water supply was tainted with harmful chemicals.
B2 noun /ˌsɛlf rɪˈspɛkt/

self-respect

Meaning
A feeling of pride and confidence in oneself; self-worth.
Example
She refused to compromise her self-respect by accepting unfair treatment.
C1 noun /ˈkɒntrəbænd/

contraband

Meaning
goods that are illegal to import, export, or possess
Example
The police seized a shipment of contraband cigarettes.
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 /ˈsaɪt.ləs/

Sightless

Meaning
unable to see; blind; lacking vision
Example
The sightless man navigated the street with his guide dog.
C2 noun /ˈmɛzməˌrɪzəm/

mesmerism

Meaning
A state of fascination or hypnotism.
Example
The magician held the audience in a state of mesmerism.
C1 adverb/noun /ˌhɪərˈæftər/

hereafter

Meaning
from now on; in the future; also refers to life after death.
Example
Hereafter, all reports must be submitted electronically.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəti/

impropriety

Meaning
Failure to observe standards of honesty or modesty; improper behavior.
Example
The politician was accused of financial impropriety.
C1 adjective /sɪər/

Sear

Meaning
withered; dried up; burned or scorched
Example
The sear leaves fell from the trees in autumn.
C1 noun ˌmɛtə ˈmɔːfəsɪs

metamorphosis

Meaning
A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
Example
The company's metamorphosis from a small startup to a global leader was remarkable.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/

imprecation

Meaning
A spoken curse or expression of strong condemnation.
Example
The angry crowd hurled imprecations at the corrupt official.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːrtərər/

barterer

Meaning
A person who trades goods or services without using money.
Example
The barterer exchanged fruits for some pottery.
B2 verb, noun /kəˈmjuːt/

commute

Meaning
Verb: to travel regularly between home and work; Noun: the journey to and from work.
Example
He commutes two hours every day to reach his office.
B2 adjective /rɪˈspɒn.sɪv/

Responsive

Meaning
reacting quickly and positively; readily reacting to suggestions or changes
Example
The website is very responsive and loads quickly on all devices.
B2 adjective /ˌben.ɪˈfɪʃ.əl/

beneficial

Meaning
Resulting in good; favorable or advantageous.
Example
Eye rubbing can be beneficial in moderation.
C2 noun (plural, informal) /skædz/

scads

Meaning
A large number or quantity of something (informal).
Example
She has scads of friends in the city.
C2 verb /næʃ/

gnash

Meaning
to grind or strike the teeth together, often in anger or frustration
Example
He began to gnash his teeth in rage.
A2 noun /ˈɛndʒɪn/

engine

Meaning
A machine designed to convert energy into mechanical power.
Example
The car's engine failed on the highway.
B2 noun /ˈstɑːrtər/

starter

Meaning
a person or thing that starts something; the first course of a meal
Example
The starter of the meal was a fresh salad.
C2 adjective /hɜːrˈbeɪʃəs/

herbaceous

Meaning
Relating to or resembling herbs; plants with soft, non-woody stems.
Example
The garden was filled with herbaceous plants that thrived in the summer.
B1 noun /fəˈsɪl.ɪ.ti/

facility

Meaning
A place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose.
Example
The facility was well-maintained.
C1 noun /slɪt/

Slit

Meaning
a long narrow opening or cut
Example
There was a small slit in the fabric.
C1 noun ˈoʊʃən əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

ocean acidification

Meaning
The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Example
Ocean acidification is caused by atmospheric CO2 absorption.
C2 verb /rɪˈkænt/

recant

Meaning
to withdraw or renounce a statement or belief formally
Example
He recanted his previous statement in court.
C1 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Ceremonial

Meaning
relating to or used in ceremonies; formal and ritualistic
Example
The ceremonial dress was worn during the royal wedding.
B2 adjective daɪˈdʒes.tɪv

digestive

Meaning
Relating to the digestion of food.
Example
Digestive enzymes help break down food.
B2 noun /ˈsɛktər/

sector

Meaning
a distinct part or area of an economy, society, or industry
Example
The technology sector is growing rapidly.
C1 adjective /ˈpʌn.dʒənt/

Pungent

Meaning
sharp; strong-smelling; acrid;
Example
The pungent smell of garlic filled the kitchen.
C1 adjective /frəˈnɛtɪk/

frenetic

Meaning
Fast and energetic in a wild or uncontrolled way.
Example
The stock market experienced frenetic trading after the announcement.
B1 adjective /draɪd/

dried

Meaning
without moisture; preserved by removing water
Example
She added some dried flowers to the vase for decoration.
B1 noun /ədˈvæns/

Advance

Meaning
progress or development; movement forward; money paid before it is due
Example
Technology has made great advances in recent years.
B2 noun /ˌref.jʊˈdʒiː/

Refugee

Meaning
a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster
Example
The refugee camp provided temporary shelter for thousands of displaced families.
A1 noun /koʊld drɪŋk/

Cold drink

Meaning
A chilled beverage; a refreshing drink served cold
Example
I ordered a cold drink to beat the summer heat.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbl̩/

reconcilable

Meaning
Capable of being resolved or made consistent.
Example
Their differences are reconcilable with honest communication.
B1 noun ˈkʌrənsi

currency

Meaning
A system of money in general use in a particular country; the fact or quality of being generally accepted or in use.
Example
Dual currency systems were proposed.
B2 noun /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/

diagnosis

Meaning
The identification of a disease, condition, or problem through examination of symptoms.
Example
The diagnosis confirmed that she had diabetes.
C1 adjective /ˈspɑːrtn/

spartan

Meaning
showing simplicity and lack of luxury; austere
Example
He lived in a spartan room with just a bed and a chair.
B1 noun /ɪkˈspens/

Expense

Meaning
the cost required for something; money spent on something
Example
The travel expense for the business trip was covered by the company.
C2 noun /əˈmʊr/

amour

Meaning
A secret or illicit love affair.
Example
The novel tells the story of a forbidden amour between two characters.
C1 noun ˈiː.θɒs

ethos

Meaning
The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.
Example
The company's ethos is built on innovation and integrity.
C1 noun ˌlɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

litigation

Meaning
The process of taking legal action; a lawsuit.
Example
The litigation accused the regime of human rights abuses.
A2 adjective /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl/

digital

Meaning
Relating to, using, or storing data or information in the form of digital signals; involving or relating to the use of computer technology.
Example
The world is shifting towards a digital economy.
C1 verb /ˈhɔːrɪfaɪ/

horrify

Meaning
to fill with horror; to shock or disgust greatly
Example
The violent scene horrified the audience.
B1 noun /pəˈlɪtɪʃən/

politician

Meaning
a person who is involved in politics, especially as a profession
Example
The politician promised to improve the economy.
B2 verb /tʃænt/

chant

Meaning
to sing or recite in a rhythmic way
Example
The monks chant prayers in the temple.
B2 adjective ˈkʌl.ɪ.nər.i

culinary

Meaning
Related to cooking or the preparation of food, especially in a sophisticated or professional manner.
Example
Culinary advancements enhance the dining experience.
B1 noun /ˌkænsəˈleɪʃən/

cancellation

Meaning
the act of stopping something that was planned or scheduled; the act of nullifying or invalidating something
Example
The airline announced the cancellation of several flights due to bad weather.
B1 noun /ˈrɛzɪdəns/

residence

Meaning
a place where someone lives; a home or dwelling
Example
He recently moved to a new residence near the city center.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɒksɪkənt/

intoxicant

Meaning
a substance, especially alcohol or a drug, that causes intoxication
Example
Alcohol is the most commonly used intoxicant in many cultures.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

Meaning
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
Example
The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate.
A1 verb /riːd/

read

Meaning
to look at written words and understand their meaning
Example
I read books before going to bed.
C1 noun ˈvɜːmɪn

vermin

Meaning
Small harmful animals or insects that are difficult to control and carry disease.
Example
The house was infested with vermin, requiring immediate action.
B2 adjective /juːˈnæn.ɪ.məs/

Unanimous

Meaning
fully in agreement; shared by all
Example
The committee reached a unanimous decision.
C1 noun /ˈmjʊr.əl/

Mural

Meaning
a painting or artwork applied directly on a wall or ceiling
Example
The artist painted a beautiful mural on the school wall.
A1 noun ˈfjuː.tʃər

future

Meaning
The time or a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come.
Example
Future projects depend on strategic planning.
C2 noun /ˈsækrɪsti/

sacristy

Meaning
a room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept
Example
The priest entered the sacristy before the mass began.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt/

inconsistent

Meaning
Not staying the same throughout; lacking harmony or regularity.
Example
His answers were inconsistent and confusing.
C2 noun /ˌiː.tiˈɒ.lə.dʒi/

etiology

Meaning
the cause or origin of a disease or condition
Example
Doctors are studying the etiology of the new virus.
B2 verb /sɑːb/

sob

Meaning
to cry noisily while taking short breaths
Example
She began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the news.
C1 adjective /ˈdʒen.ɪ.təl/

genital

Meaning
relating to the reproductive organs
Example
The doctor explained the importance of genital hygiene.
C2 noun /ˈreɪmənt/

raiment

Meaning
clothing, especially fine or formal wear
Example
The king wore royal raiment during the ceremony.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛkəbl/

peccable

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