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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.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvənəns/

provenance

Meaning
The origin or source of something.
Example
The museum verified the provenance of the ancient manuscript.
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 adverb /pɜːr ˈseɪ/

per se

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

preclude

Meaning
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
Example
Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic.
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 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈmer.ɪ.kən/

Pan-American

Meaning
relating to all the countries of North, Central, and South America
Example
The Pan-American Games bring together athletes from across the continent.
C1 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/

polyglot

Meaning
a person who knows and can use several languages
Example
She is a polyglot, fluent in English, Spanish, and Bengali.
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/verb ˈpɪv.ət

pivot

Meaning
A significant change in business strategy or direction.
Example
The company decided to pivot its business strategy.
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 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.di/

Parody

Meaning
an imitation of a particular style for comic effect; a humorous exaggerated copy
Example
The comedy show featured a parody of famous politicians.
C1 noun ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdəstəl/

pedestal

Meaning
the base or support on which a statue or object stands
Example
The statue was placed on a marble pedestal.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪəbəl/

pliable

Meaning
easily bent or flexible; adaptable
Example
The metal is pliable enough to be shaped into jewelry.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
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 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈræm.ɪk/

panoramic

Meaning
Giving a wide view of an extensive area in all directions.
Example
The hotel offers panoramic views of the ocean.
C1 noun /pɔl/

Pall

Meaning
a cloth spread over a coffin; a dark covering that creates a gloomy atmosphere
Example
A pall of smoke hung over the burning building.
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 /ˈpluː.mɪdʒ/

plumage

Meaning
the feathers covering a bird's body
Example
The peacock's plumage was vibrant and eye-catching.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

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

panorama

Meaning
An unbroken view of the whole region surrounding an observer.
Example
From the hilltop, we enjoyed a breathtaking panorama of the 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 /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 adjective /prɪˈzʌmp.tʃu.əs/

presumptuous

Meaning
Overconfident, rude, or taking liberties without permission.
Example
It was presumptuous of him to make that decision without consulting others.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndjələm/

pendulum

Meaning
A weight suspended from a pivot so that it swings freely, often used to regulate clocks.
Example
The pendulum swung back and forth inside the clock.
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 /pərˈpɔːrtɪd/

purported

Meaning
alleged or claimed to be true, often without proof
Example
The purported evidence was later proven false.
C1 noun, verb /ˌprɒməˈneɪd/

promenade

Meaning
A leisurely walk or stroll, especially in a public place for pleasure or display.
Example
They went for a promenade along the seaside.
C1 noun /ˈpɒpjʊlɪst/

populist

Meaning
A politician or person who seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are ignored by elites.
Example
The populist leader promised to put the needs of common citizens first.
C1 noun ˈpɑː.sɪŋ

parsing

Meaning
The process of analyzing sentence structure to understand grammatical relationships.
Example
The AI model performs parsing to understand syntax.
C1 verb /prəˈkræs.tɪ.neɪt/

procrastinate

Meaning
To delay or postpone action; to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.
Example
He tends to procrastinate when facing difficult tasks.
C1 verb /ˈpoʊ.lə.raɪz/

polarize

Meaning
to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
Example
The controversial decision polarized public opinion.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
C1 adjective /ˈpɔːrəs/

porous

Meaning
Having tiny holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.
Example
The soil is very porous and drains quickly.
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 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 /ˌfɪziˈɑːlədʒi/

physiology

Meaning
the scientific study of the functions and mechanisms in a living system
Example
She is majoring in human physiology at the university.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːmieɪt/

permeate

Meaning
Spread throughout (something); pervade.
Example
The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire room.
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.
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 /ˈpæn.θi.ən/

pantheon

Meaning
All the gods of a religion collectively; a building dedicated to all gods.
Example
The Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
C1 adjective /ˈpærəmaʊnt/

paramount

Meaning
more important than anything else; supreme
Example
Safety is of paramount importance in this factory.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛndənt/

pendent

Meaning
hanging down or suspended
Example
The pendent branches touched the ground.
C1 noun /ˈprɛsɪdəns/ or /prɪˈsiːdəns/

precedence

Meaning
the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority
Example
Safety takes precedence over speed in this factory.
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.
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 noun /poʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/

polarity

Meaning
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
Example
The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger.
C1 adjective /pəˈmɪs.ɪv/

permissive

Meaning
Allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior; very lenient or indulgent.
Example
Permissive parenting can sometimes lead to a lack of discipline in children.
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.
C1 verb /piːk/

pique

Meaning
to stimulate interest or curiosity; to arouse resentment or anger
Example
Her remarks piqued his curiosity about the secret project.
C1 verb /priːn/

preen

Meaning
To groom or dress oneself with care; to show pride in one's appearance.
Example
She preened in front of the mirror before leaving for the party.
C1 adjective /fəˈnɛtɪk/

phonetic

Meaning
relating to the sounds of speech or pronunciation
Example
The teacher taught the students the phonetic spelling of difficult words.
C1 noun /ˈpɛs.tɪ.saɪd ˈrɛz.ɪ.djuː/

pesticide-residue

Meaning
Chemical remnants left over from pesticides used on crops or in soil.
Example
Excess pesticide-residue in food can be harmful to health.
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 /pərˈvɜr.sə.ti/

Perversity

Meaning
deliberate determination to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; the quality of being contrary or obstinate
Example
His perversity in refusing help frustrated everyone.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪz.i.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

physiological

Meaning
Relating to bodily functions and activities.
Example
Exercise improves physiological functions of the body.
C1 noun /pʌnˈdʒɑː.bi/

Punjabi

Meaning
a traditional long shirt worn in South Asia, typically loose-fitting
Example
He wore a white punjabi for the festival celebration.
C1 adjective + noun ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ ˈmɪʃən

pioneering mission

Meaning
A groundbreaking or innovative undertaking that leads the way in a particular field.
Example
Artemis is a pioneering mission in space exploration.
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 /ˈpræɡ.mə.tɪ.zəm/

pragmatism

Meaning
A practical approach to problems and affairs; dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
Example
His pragmatism helped solve the financial crisis.
C1 adjective /pəˈdæntɪk/

pedantic

Meaning
Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic or bookish.
Example
Her pedantic explanations made the lecture dull.
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 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 /pəˈveɪd/

pervade

Meaning
to spread through and be present in every part of something
Example
The smell of fresh flowers pervaded the entire room.
C1 noun /prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

prerogative

Meaning
a special right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group
Example
It is the manager’s prerogative to make the final decision.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪʃəbəl/

Perishable

Meaning
liable to decay quickly; short-lived
Example
Store perishable foods in the refrigerator.
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.
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 pɔɪz

poise

Meaning
Natural confidence and composure maintained under pressure.
Example
A good speaker maintains poise under pressure.
C1 noun /ˈpæd.ək/

paddock

Meaning
a small enclosed field where horses or other animals are kept
Example
The horses were grazing in the paddock.
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 verb /prɪˈzaɪd/

preside

Meaning
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
Example
She will preside over the meeting tomorrow.
C1 verb /ˈpʌlseɪt/

pulsate

Meaning
to expand and contract rhythmically; to throb or beat
Example
The neon lights pulsated with a steady rhythm.
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.
C1 noun /plæsˈtɪsəti/

plasticity

Meaning
the quality of being easily shaped or molded; adaptability
Example
The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt after injury.
C1 verb /ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/

petrify

Meaning
to make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think; to turn into stone
Example
The loud noise petrified the little child.
C1 noun ˌprəʊ.baɪˈɒt.ɪk

probiotic

Meaning
Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
Example
Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics that aid digestion.
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 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 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

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

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
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 verb /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

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

pliant

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

perspire

Meaning
To give out sweat through the pores of the skin as a result of heat, physical exertion, or stress.
Example
He began to perspire after running for 10 minutes.
C1 verb /pɑːrs/

parse

Meaning
to analyze a sentence or text grammatically or logically
Example
The software can parse large amounts of text data efficiently.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.ləs/

Populous

Meaning
having a large population; densely populated; crowded with people
Example
China is the most populous country in the world.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈpreɪsiː/

precis

Meaning
A concise summary of a text or speech.
Example
The student submitted a précis of the long article.
C1 adjective /ˌpɛd.əˈɡɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

pedagogical

Meaning
Relating to teaching and education; concerned with the methods and practice of teaching.
Example
The school adopted new pedagogical techniques to improve learning.
C1 noun prəˈpɛn.sə.ti

propensity

Meaning
An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
Example
He has a propensity for taking risks in business.
C1 noun, verb /pliːt/

pleat

Meaning
a fold in fabric made by doubling the material back upon itself
Example
She added a pleat to the skirt for extra volume.
C1 noun /ˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Piety

Meaning
the quality of being religious or reverent; devout religious belief and practice
Example
His piety was evident in his daily prayers.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
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.
C1 noun /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən/

provocation

Meaning
An action or statement that is intended to make someone angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His rude comment was a clear provocation.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɛniəl/

perennial

Meaning
lasting or existing for a long time, or recurring continually
Example
Climate change is a perennial concern for scientists.
C1 noun /ˈpæl.ət/

Palate

Meaning
the roof of the mouth; a person's ability to distinguish between different flavors
Example
The chef created dishes to please every palate.
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 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 /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 adverb /ˈpiːs.miːl/

Piecemeal

Meaning
done or made gradually, one piece at a time; fragmentary; unsystematic
Example
The renovation was done piecemeal over several years due to budget constraints.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪər.ləs/

Peerless

Meaning
unequaled; having no match or equal; without rival
Example
Her peerless beauty captivated everyone.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

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

Persian

Meaning
a native or inhabitant of Iran; the language spoken in Iran (Farsi)
Example
The Persian language has a rich literary history.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
C1 noun /peɪˈiː/

payee

Meaning
A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.
Example
The payee must sign the check before cashing it.
C1 adjective /ˈpʌlməˌneri/

pulmonary

Meaning
relating to the lungs
Example
The patient suffered from a serious pulmonary infection.
C1 verb /ˈpɛdəl/

peddle

Meaning
To sell goods, often by going from place to place; sometimes used negatively to mean promoting an idea or product in a pushy way.
Example
Street vendors peddle handmade jewelry to tourists.
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 noun /ˌpɪɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/

pigmentation

Meaning
The natural coloring of animal or plant tissue.
Example
Excessive rubbing can cause pigmentation issues.
C1 verb /proʊˈtruːd/

protrude

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

pauper

Meaning
A very poor person.
Example
The pauper begged for food on the street corner.