pessimism
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B2 noun /ˈpesɪˌmɪzəm/

pessimism

Meaning
A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe the worst will happen.
Example
Her constant pessimism made it hard to stay optimistic.
B2 adverb /ˈpʌb.lɪk.li/

Publicly

Meaning
in a public manner; openly; for everyone to see or know
Example
The company publicly announced their new policy.
B2 verb /pruːn/

prune

Meaning
to cut off unwanted parts of a plant or tree to help it grow better
Example
Gardeners prune the trees in spring to encourage growth.
B2 adjective /ˈplen.tɪ.fəl/

Plentiful

Meaning
abundant; existing in large quantity
Example
The harvest was plentiful this year due to good weather.
B2 noun /ˈpær.ə.daɪs/

Paradise

Meaning
heaven; a place or state of perfect happiness; an ideal or perfect place
Example
The tropical island was like paradise for the tourists.
B2 adjective /ˈpoʊ.lər/

polar

Meaning
relating to the North or South Pole; opposite in nature or character
Example
Penguins live in polar regions of the Earth.
B2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.ər/

Prior

Meaning
existing or coming before in time; previous; earlier
Example
You need prior approval before making any changes to the system.
B2 noun /fɪˈlɒs.ə.fi/

philosophy

Meaning
the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
Example
Her philosophy emphasizes kindness and empathy.
B2 verb /prɪˈsiːd/

precede

Meaning
to come before something in time, order, or position
Example
A brief introduction precedes each chapter.
B2 noun, verb /ˈpɛdəl/

pedal

Meaning
A foot-operated lever for powering or controlling a mechanism, especially on a bicycle.
Example
He pressed down hard on the bicycle pedal.
B2 verb /plʌndʒ/

plunge

Meaning
to jump or dive quickly; to fall sharply
Example
She plunged into the swimming pool.
B2 noun /prəˈfɪʃənsi/

proficiency

Meaning
Competency or skill; expertise.
Example
His proficiency in multiple languages is remarkable.
B2 noun /ˈpɪk.səl/

pixel

Meaning
the smallest unit of a digital image or display
Example
The image is blurry because some pixels are missing.
B2 noun, adjective /prɪˈmɪər/ or /ˈpriːmiər/

premier

Meaning
the head of government in some countries; first in importance or rank
Example
The French premier addressed the nation.
B2 adjective /ˈpɑːr.ʃəl/

Partial

Meaning
incomplete; showing bias or prejudice
Example
The judge gave a partial decision in favor of the defendant.
B2 verb /ˈpjʊərɪfaɪ/

purify

Meaning
to make clean or pure; to remove impurities
Example
This filter will purify the water effectively.
B2 adjective /ˈprɛsɪŋ/

pressing

Meaning
Requiring immediate attention or urgent action.
Example
The manager had to deal with several pressing issues at once.
B2 noun /ˌpiːdiəˈtrɪʃən/

pediatrician

Meaning
a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children
Example
The pediatrician examined the child carefully.
B2 adjective /ˈprɛf(ə)rəb(ə)l/

preferable

Meaning
more desirable or suitable; better than something else
Example
It is preferable to take the train rather than drive in heavy traffic.
B2 noun

Patriot

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.
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 adjective ˌpriːhɪˈstɒrɪk

prehistoric

Meaning
Belonging to the time before written records.
Example
The prehistoric era was marked by the rise of early humans.
B2 adjective /prɪˈdɪktəbəl/

predictable

Meaning
able to be predicted or foreseen
Example
His reactions were predictable based on his past behavior.
B2 noun /pərˈsɪstəns/

persistence

Meaning
the quality of continuing steadily despite problems or difficulties
Example
His persistence finally paid off when he got the job.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
B2 adverb /ˈpraɪ.vət.li/

Privately

Meaning
in a private manner; without others present; confidentially
Example
She spoke to him privately about the matter.
B2 noun prəˈdʒɛk.ʃən

projection

Meaning
The strength and range of voice when speaking.
Example
Proper projection ensures that every listener hears clearly.
B2 noun /prɪˈdɪk.ʃən/

Prediction

Meaning
a statement about what will happen in the future; a forecast
Example
The weather prediction says it will rain tomorrow.
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.
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.
B2 noun pəˈspek.tɪvz

perspectives

Meaning
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example
New perspectives enhance understanding.
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 /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 noun /ˌpʌɪ.əˈnɪr/

Pioneer

Meaning
a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area; someone who develops new ideas or methods
Example
She was a pioneer in the field of computer science.
B2 adjective /poʊˈɛt.ɪk/

poetic

Meaning
having qualities of poetry; expressive, beautiful, or imaginative
Example
Her speech had a poetic rhythm that captivated the audience.
B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tər/

Potter

Meaning
a person who makes pottery
Example
The potter shaped clay on the spinning wheel.
B2 noun /prɒp/

prop

Meaning
an object used on stage by actors during a performance; something that supports or holds up
Example
The actor forgot his prop on stage.
B2 verb /ˈpɛrɪʃ/

perish

Meaning
To die, especially in a sudden or violent way.
Example
Many soldiers perished in the war.
B2 noun /pəˈtɪʃən/

petition

Meaning
a formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority about a cause
Example
They signed a petition to improve road safety in the area.
B2 noun /prəˈvɪʒ.ən/

Provision

Meaning
supplies of food and other necessary things; arrangement or preparation
Example
The government made provision for emergency supplies during the flood.
B2 noun /ˈpeə.rən.tɪŋ/

parenting

Meaning
The care and training a child receives while growing up, involving the development of their mental, physical, and social aspects.
Example
Effective parenting helps children develop confidence and independence.
B2 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

Meaning
to institute legal proceedings against someone
Example
The lawyer decided to prosecute the case after gathering sufficient evidence.
B2 adjective /prəˈpoʊzd/

proposed

Meaning
suggested or put forward for consideration or discussion
Example
The proposed changes will improve the system.
B2 verb /ˈprɒspər/

prosper

Meaning
to succeed or flourish, especially in financial or business matters
Example
With hard work and determination, she managed to prosper in her career.
B2 adjective /ˈpraɪs.ləs/

Priceless

Meaning
extremely valuable; invaluable; beyond price
Example
Her grandmother's antique jewelry is absolutely priceless.
B2 adjective /ˌfɪl.əˈsɒf.ɪ.kəl/

philosophical

Meaning
relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
Example
She maintained a calm and philosophical attitude during the crisis.
B2 noun /ˈplæn.tɪn/

Plantain

Meaning
a large green banana-like fruit that is usually cooked before eating
Example
Plantain can be fried, boiled, or baked and is a staple food in many tropical countries.
B2 adjective /ˌpeɪ.triˈɑː.tɪk/

Patriotic

Meaning
showing love for one's country
Example
The patriotic citizens celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm.
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.
B2 adjective + noun ˈpraɪməri əbˈdʒektɪv

primary objective

Meaning
The main goal or chief aim of an activity, project, or endeavor.
Example
The primary objective of the event was to promote recycling.
B2 noun /ˈpriːmiəm/

premium

Meaning
an amount of money paid regularly for an insurance policy; something of superior quality or value
Example
You need to pay your insurance premium every year.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpɔːt.fəʊ.li.əʊ/

portfolio

Meaning
A collection of work or samples demonstrating skills and expertise.
Example
His portfolio showcased his diverse range of skills.
B2 noun /ˈfɪzɪsɪst/

physicist

Meaning
a scientist who studies or specializes in physics
Example
The physicist explained the theory of relativity to the students.
B2 noun/verb /preɪ/

prey

Meaning
an animal hunted by another for food; to hunt and feed on
Example
Lions prey on zebras in the wild.
B2 adjective /pælɛˈstɪnɪən/

palestinian

Meaning
relating to Palestine or its people
Example
The Palestinian people have a rich cultural heritage.
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 verb /paɪn/

pine

Meaning
to long intensely for something or someone; to suffer from longing
Example
He pined for his hometown after moving abroad.
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.
B2 adjective /prɪˈdɒmɪnənt/

predominant

Meaning
Having superior strength, influence, or authority; most common or noticeable.
Example
The predominant color in the painting is blue.
B2 noun /ˈprɛzɪdənsi/

presidency

Meaning
the office or position of being a president
Example
He was elected to the presidency in 2020.
B2 noun /ˈpen.ʃən/

Pension

Meaning
a regular payment made to someone who is no longer working because of age or disability
Example
After retirement, he receives a monthly pension from the company.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːrtɪkəl/

particle

Meaning
a very small piece or amount of something
Example
Dust particles floated in the air near the window.
B2 verb /pərˈsiːv/

perceive

Meaning
to become aware of or understand something through the senses
Example
I perceive a change in his attitude.
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 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.
B2 verb /pɪəs/

pierce

Meaning
to make a hole through something; to penetrate with a sharp object
Example
The arrow will pierce through the target.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈpɛti/

petty

Meaning
Of little importance or trivial; also describes a person overly concerned with small or unimportant matters.
Example
She often gets upset over the most petty things.
B2 verb /poʊz/

pose

Meaning
To assume a particular position, especially for a photograph or display; to present a problem or question.
Example
She posed for a picture in front of the monument.
B2 verb /poʊk/

poke

Meaning
to push or prod with a finger or pointed object
Example
Don't poke me with your finger.
B2 noun /prɒkˈsɪmɪti/

proximity

Meaning
Nearness in space, time, or relationship.
Example
The proximity of the school to her house made it convenient.
B2 noun /pɔːrtʃ/

porch

Meaning
a covered area at the entrance of a building, often with a roof and open sides
Example
We sat on the porch and enjoyed the evening breeze.
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.
B2 adjective /prəˈspɛktɪv/

prospective

Meaning
likely or expected to happen in the future; potential
Example
The company is meeting with prospective clients next week.
B2 noun /pʌŋk/

punk

Meaning
a type of popular music, or the culture associated with it, characterized by loud, fast rhythms and rebellious attitudes
Example
He’s always been into punk music and fashion.
B2 verb /ˈpenɪtreɪt/

penetrate

Meaning
to go into or through something; to understand something deeply
Example
The bullet penetrated the wall.
B2 adjective /pɪˈkjuː.li.ər/

Peculiar

Meaning
strange or odd; unusual; belonging exclusively to
Example
She has a peculiar way of speaking.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːs.tʃər/

Posture

Meaning
the position in which someone holds their body; a particular attitude or approach
Example
Good posture is important for preventing back pain.
B2 adjective /pəˈsɪs.tənt/

persistent

Meaning
continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period
Example
Despite many setbacks, her persistent efforts led to success.
B2 adverb /ˈprez.ənt.li/

Presently

Meaning
at the present time; soon; in a little while
Example
The doctor will see you presently.
B2 noun /ˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

Phobia

Meaning
an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
Example
She has a phobia of spiders.
B2 noun /ˈpær.ə.dɒks/

paradox

Meaning
A seemingly contradictory statement or situation that may be true; an apparent inconsistency.
Example
The paradox of freedom is that it requires rules.
B2 noun /prəˈpɔːʃən/

proportion

Meaning
a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole
Example
The proportion of students passing the exam was high.
B2 noun /ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪŋ ˈpaʊ.ɚ/

purchasing power

Meaning
The amount of goods and services that can be purchased with a unit of currency.
Example
Due to inflation, people's purchasing power has decreased.
B2 adjective /ˈpær.ə.lel/

Parallel

Meaning
side by side and having the same distance continuously between them; similar or corresponding
Example
The two roads run parallel to each other for several miles.
B2 adjective /prɪˈventɪv/

Preventive

Meaning
designed to prevent something from happening; protective against disease
Example
Regular exercise is a preventive measure against heart disease.
B2 noun /ˈprəʊsesə/

processor

Meaning
a machine or device that processes something, especially a computer's central processing unit (CPU)
Example
The new laptop has a faster processor.
B2 verb /pəˈreɪd/

parade

Meaning
to march in a procession; to display publicly; to show off
Example
The soldiers paraded through the streets on Independence Day.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpleɪˌɔːf/

playoff

Meaning
a series of games played to determine a champion among top teams
Example
The team qualified for the playoffs after a strong season.
B2 adjective /prɛsˈtɪdʒəs/

prestigious

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

Peninsula

Meaning
a piece of land that is almost completely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland
Example
The Korean Peninsula is located in East Asia.
B2 verb prəˈlɔŋd

prolonged

Meaning
Extended in duration; made to last longer than usual.
Example
Modern medicine has prolonged life expectancy.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpæm.flət/

pamphlet

Meaning
a small booklet or brochure containing information or arguments about a subject
Example
The health department distributed a pamphlet about nutrition.
B2 adjective /prɪˈpærəˌtɔːri/

Preparatory

Meaning
preliminary; introductory; intended as preparation
Example
She attended preparatory classes before the final exam.
B2 adjective /plʌmp/

plump

Meaning
having a full, rounded shape; pleasantly fat
Example
The cat was plump and well-fed.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
B2 noun fəˈnɒm.ɪ.nə

phenomena

Meaning
Facts or situations that are observed to exist or happen, especially ones whose cause or explanation is in question.
Example
Phenomena like floods disrupt agricultural systems.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning
relating to mental illness or its treatment
Example
The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.
B2 adjective /ˈfoʊni/

phony

Meaning
not genuine; fraudulent or insincere
Example
He gave a phony smile to hide his true feelings.
B2 adverb /pəˈtɛnʃəli/

potentially

Meaning
with the possibility of becoming something in the future
Example
This project is potentially a huge success.
B2 adjective /ˈpæsɪv/

passive

Meaning
not actively responding or participating; in grammar, denoting the voice in which the subject undergoes the action
Example
Instead of taking charge, he remained passive during the meeting.
B2 verb prəˈmoʊtɪŋ

promoting

Meaning
Supporting or actively encouraging; helping to develop or increase.
Example
Promoting practical education ensures skill development.
B2 noun prəˈtæɡənɪst

protagonist

Meaning
The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.
Example
Charles Darnay is one of the protagonists of the story.
B2 adjective /ˈplɔː.zə.bəl/

plausible

Meaning
Seeming reasonable or probable; credible or believable.
Example
His excuse seemed plausible, but I had my doubts.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪnənt/

prominent

Meaning
Important, famous, or easily noticeable.
Example
He is a prominent leader in the community.
B2 verb /pliːd/

plead

Meaning
to make an emotional appeal; to present a case in court
Example
She pleaded for mercy.
B2 noun pɪər ˈɪnfluəns

peer influence

Meaning
The effect that members of a peer group have on each other, especially in terms of behavior, attitudes, and decision-making.
Example
Peer influence can shape juvenile behavior significantly.
B2 verb /pəˈzɛs/

possess

Meaning
To have or own something; to hold a quality or characteristic.
Example
She possesses great talent in music.
B2 noun /ˈpɪlər/

pillar

Meaning
a strong vertical support or mainstay of a structure or system
Example
The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars.
B2 noun prɪˈsɪʒ.ən

precision

Meaning
The quality of being exact and accurate.
Example
High precision instruments are used in surgery.
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.
B2 adjective /prɪˈzentəbl/

Presentable

Meaning
neat and suitable for being seen in public; acceptable in appearance
Example
Make sure you look presentable for the job interview.
B2 adverb /pɪˈkju:.li.ə.li/

Peculiarly

Meaning
in a strange or unusual way; in a manner that is distinctive or characteristic
Example
She dressed peculiarly for the formal dinner, wearing bright colors and unusual patterns.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒfɪtəbl/

profitable

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