pestle
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 noun /ˈpɛsəl/

pestle

Meaning
A heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing or grinding substances in a mortar.
Example
She used a pestle to grind the spices.
C1 noun /mɪsˈɡɪv.ɪŋ/

Misgiving

Meaning
A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something
Example
She had serious misgivings about accepting the job offer.
C1 noun /bɒmˈbɑːrdmənt/

bombardment

Meaning
a continuous attack with bombs or other projectiles
Example
The city endured a heavy bombardment during the war.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtæl.i.ə.tɔːr.i/

retaliatory

Meaning
Taking action in response to another's action, characterized as punitive, revengeful, or counteractive.
Example
The country imposed retaliatory tariffs in response to trade sanctions.
B1 noun /klɑːrk/

clerk

Meaning
A person employed in an office or bank to keep records, accounts, and undertake other routine administrative duties.
Example
The clerk helped me find the correct form.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈpɔːrtənt/

unimportant

Meaning
not having much value, significance, or influence
Example
The detail seemed unimportant compared to the main issue.
B2 noun rɪˈzɪl.i.əns

resilience

Meaning
The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Example
Testing the resilience of wood is crucial.
C1 noun /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/

anguish

Meaning
Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
Example
She was in deep anguish after hearing the tragic news.
C1 verb /ʌnˈmɑːsk/

unmask

Meaning
to remove a mask or covering; to reveal the true identity, nature, or intentions of someone or something
Example
The investigation helped unmask the real culprit behind the crime.
C2 adjective /hərˈmɛtɪk/

hermetic

Meaning
Completely sealed, especially so that no air can enter or escape.
Example
The medicine was kept in a hermetic container.
B1 verb /bæn/

ban

Meaning
to officially forbid something; to prohibit
Example
The government banned smoking in public places.
B1 verb /əˈtætʃ/

attach

Meaning
to join or fasten something to another thing
Example
Please attach the document to the email before sending.
B1 noun /ˈɔːtəmoʊbiːl/

automobile

Meaning
a road vehicle powered by an engine, typically with four wheels
Example
He bought a new automobile last week.
B2 adjective /ˈveɪ.kənt/

Vacant

Meaning
empty; not occupied; available
Example
There is a vacant apartment on the second floor.
B2 adjective /ˈspiː.di/

Speedy

Meaning
moving or happening quickly; fast
Example
The speedy delivery service arrived within an hour.
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 /frɪˈvɒləti/

frivolity

Meaning
Lack of seriousness; silly or trivial behavior.
Example
The teacher discouraged frivolity during the exam.
A2 noun /əˈbɪləti/

Ability

Meaning
the power or skill to do something; capacity
Example
She has the ability to solve complex problems.
B2 adjective /əbˈsɜːrd/

absurd

Meaning
wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate
Example
It is absurd to think that the earth is flat.
C2 noun /ˌɛmjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

emulation

Meaning
Reproducing something or following someone to achieve success.
Example
The software allows the emulation of old video games on modern devices.
C2 adjective /ˌjuːləˈdʒɪstɪk/

eulogistic

Meaning
Expressing praise or admiration, often formally.
Example
The speaker gave a eulogistic account of the leader’s achievements.
C2 verb /ˈmiːliəˌreɪt/

meliorate

Meaning
To make something better or improve a condition.
Example
The new policies aim to meliorate the living conditions of the poor.
B1 noun /ˈkæt.ər.pɪl.ər/

Caterpillar

Meaning
the larva of a butterfly or moth that feeds on plants
Example
The caterpillar ate all the leaves on the plant.
A2 adverb /ˈɒbviəsli/

obviously

Meaning
in a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly
Example
Obviously, he didn’t read the instructions.
A2 adjective /ˈrɪtən/

written

Meaning
expressed in writing rather than spoken; composed or recorded in written form
Example
The agreement must be in written form to be valid.
B1 noun /ˈpɒlɪtɪks/

politics

Meaning
activities related to the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power
Example
Politics often involves making difficult decisions.
C1 noun njuːˈtræl.ə.ti

neutrality

Meaning
The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartiality.
Example
Neutrality fosters trust in decision-making.
B2 noun ˈkɔːrəl ˈriːfs

Coral Reefs

Meaning
Underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals, forming diverse marine ecosystems.
Example
Saint Martin's Island is known for its coral reefs.
C1 adjective /ˈædʒ.aɪl/

agile

Meaning
able to move quickly and easily; quick and adaptable in thinking or action
Example
The startup team was agile in responding to market changes.
A1 adjective /juːzd/

used

Meaning
having already been used
Example
This is a used car.
C1 noun əˈrɪd.ɪ.ti

aridity

Meaning
The state of being extremely dry, especially having insufficient rainfall to support vegetation.
Example
The aridity of the land is increasing due to climate change.
C2 verb /ˈflʌməks/

flummox

Meaning
To confuse or bewilder someone completely.
Example
The complicated puzzle flummoxed the students.
C1 adjective /ˈɡɔːri/

gory

Meaning
involving or showing a lot of bloodshed and violence
Example
The movie was too gory for children.
C1 verb /ˈæk.lɪ.meɪt/

acclimate

Meaning
To adapt or become accustomed to a new environment or situation
Example
It takes time to acclimate to a new climate.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪər.brænd/

firebrand

Meaning
a person who is passionate about a cause, often inciting change or action
Example
The activist was a true firebrand, inspiring everyone around him to join the protest.
B1 noun /ˈfɪkʃən/

fiction

Meaning
Literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact.
Example
She enjoys reading science fiction novels.
A1 noun /ˈbɔɪˌfrɛnd/

boyfriend

Meaning
a man or boy that someone is having a romantic or close relationship with
Example
She introduced her boyfriend to her parents.
C1 noun /lɪˈbiːdoʊ/

libido

Meaning
Sexual desire or drive.
Example
Stress can sometimes lower a person's libido.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.tər/

Orator

Meaning
a public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled in speaking
Example
The famous orator delivered an inspiring speech.
C1 adjective ˌɜː.ɡəˈnɒm.ɪk

ergonomic

Meaning
Designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment; user-friendly and reducing strain.
Example
The chair has an ergonomic design for better posture.
B1 noun /kruː/

crew

Meaning
A group of people working together, especially on a ship, aircraft, or project.
Example
The ship's crew worked tirelessly during the storm.
C1 adjective /ˌmer.ɪˈtɔː.ri.əs/

Meritorious

Meaning
deserving reward or praise; commendable; worthy of recognition
Example
His meritorious service to the community was recognized.
B2 adjective /beər/

Bare

Meaning
naked; uncovered; empty; minimal
Example
The bare walls of the room needed some decoration.
C2 verb /ʌnˈkloʊð/

unclothe

Meaning
to remove clothing from someone or something
Example
The nurse helped unclothe the patient for the examination.
C1 adjective /swɑːv/

suave

Meaning
charming, confident, and elegant, often in a smooth or polished way
Example
He was a suave gentleman who impressed everyone at the party.
B2 noun /meɪz/

Maize

Meaning
a tall cereal plant bearing large grains on a cob; corn
Example
Farmers in the region grow maize as their primary crop for both food and animal feed.
A2 adjective /sɪk/

Sick

Meaning
unwell; having a disease or illness; feeling nauseous
Example
She stayed home from work because she was feeling sick.
A2 noun /ˈweɪtrəs/

waitress

Meaning
a woman who serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant or café
Example
The waitress took our order with a friendly smile.
B2 noun /ˈnoʊ.ʃən/

Notion

Meaning
a conception or belief about something; an idea or opinion
Example
She had a strange notion that someone was following her.
B2 noun ˈrɛstɪŋ pleɪs

resting place

Meaning
A place where someone or something rests, especially a burial site.
Example
The resting place of the martyrs is near the river.
B2 noun /lɔːɡ/

Log

Meaning
a piece of a dead or felled tree trunk or branch, especially one stripped of bark
Example
They sat on a log by the campfire.
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.
C1 noun /səˈrɛn.ɪ.ti/

serenity

Meaning
The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Example
Meditation helps in achieving inner serenity.
C1 adjective /ˈpæl.ɪd/

Pallid

Meaning
pale, especially because of poor health; lacking substance or vitality
Example
His pallid complexion showed signs of illness.
B1 noun /əˈtæʧmənt/

attachment

Meaning
a strong feeling of affection or connection
Example
The attachment he felt to his hometown was undeniable.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɔːrs ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/

resource-efficient

Meaning
Using resources in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes productivity.
Example
Resource-efficient farming conserves water and energy.
C1 adjective /ˈmænɪfoʊld/

Manifold

Meaning
many and of several different types; multiple; various
Example
The project has manifold benefits for the community.
C2 verb /ˈmɒlikɒdl/

mollycoddle

Meaning
To treat someone in an overprotective and indulgent way.
Example
Parents should avoid mollycoddling their children too much.
C1 noun /ˈblɒk.ɪdʒ/

Blockage

Meaning
an obstruction that makes movement or flow difficult or impossible
Example
The drain blockage caused water to overflow in the kitchen.
B2 noun /ˈɛksələns/

excellence

Meaning
the quality of being outstanding or extremely good
Example
The school is known for its academic excellence.
A1 noun /fʊt/

Foot

Meaning
the lower extremity of the leg that is in direct contact with the ground in standing or walking
Example
She hurt her foot while running.
A2 noun /tuːl/

tool

Meaning
a device or implement used to carry out a particular function
Example
He used a hammer as a tool to fix the chair.
B2 noun ˈlɛvərɪdʒ

leverage

Meaning
The use of borrowed capital or resources to increase the potential return of an investment; using something to maximum advantage.
Example
Leverage amplifies your efforts and scales your work.
B2 noun /ˌrɛfəˈriː/

referee

Meaning
a person who oversees a game or match to ensure the rules are followed
Example
The referee stopped the game after a foul.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsteɪbəl/

instable

Meaning
not stable; liable to change, collapse, or fail; lacking firmness or reliability
Example
The instable political situation worried foreign investors.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːvənt/

servant

Meaning
a person who performs duties for others, especially in a household
Example
The servant opened the door for the guests.
A1 pronoun /wɪtʃ/

which

Meaning
used to ask about one or more items from a defined set
Example
Which one do you prefer, the red or the blue?
C2 verb /dɔːb/

daub

Meaning
to spread a thick or sticky substance carelessly on a surface
Example
The children daubed paint all over the walls.
C1 adjective /ˈæʃən/

ashen

Meaning
Very pale in appearance, often due to shock, fear, or illness.
Example
His face turned ashen when he heard the terrible news.
B1 verb /ˈsʌfər/

suffer

Meaning
to experience pain, distress, or hardship
Example
She suffered from a severe headache all day.
C1 adjective ˈfjuː.taɪl

futile

Meaning
Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
Example
His attempts to change the situation were futile.
C2 verb /məˈkadəˌmaɪz/

macadamize

Meaning
to construct or cover a road with broken stone
Example
The government decided to macadamize the old rural roads.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrθ.li/

Earthly

Meaning
relating to the earth or human life; worldly; material rather than spiritual
Example
He focused on earthly pleasures rather than spiritual growth.
B2 verb, adjective /ˈfɒstər/

foster

Meaning
to encourage the development of something; to raise a child that is not one's own
Example
The program aims to foster creativity in young students.
B1 noun əˈnæl.ə.sɪs

analysis

Meaning
Detailed examination and evaluation of data or information to understand its components and relationships.
Example
Data analysis is crucial for machine learning models.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

derogative

Meaning
Expressing a low opinion or showing lack of respect.
Example
He made a derogative remark about her work.
C1 adjective ɔːˈspɪʃ.əs

auspicious

Meaning
Favorable or bringing good luck and success
Example
The wedding was held on an auspicious day.
C2 noun /dɪˈdʒɛkʃən/

dejection

Meaning
a state of sadness, depression, or low spirits
Example
She sat in a state of dejection after hearing the bad news.
C1 adjective /ˌboʊnəˈfaɪdi/

Bonafide

Meaning
genuine; authentic; legitimate
Example
She is a bonafide expert in her field.
A1 noun /ˈmjuːzɪk/

music

Meaning
vocal or instrumental sounds combined to produce harmony, melody, or rhythm
Example
She loves listening to classical music.
B2 noun ˈtraɪəmf

triumph

Meaning
A great victory or achievement.
Example
The novel is considered one of Dickens' greatest triumphs.
C1 noun ɪˌlæˈstɪs.ə.ti

elasticity

Meaning
The responsiveness of demand or supply to changes in price.
Example
The elasticity of demand for luxury goods is high.
B1 adverb /ˈprɒpərli/

properly

Meaning
in the correct or suitable manner
Example
He performed the task properly to avoid mistakes.
C2 noun /ˈtʃɜː.nɪŋ stɪk/

Churning stick

Meaning
a wooden stick used for stirring and churning butter, milk, or other liquids
Example
Grandmother used a churning stick to make fresh butter.
C1 noun /ʃæˈtoʊ/

chateau

Meaning
a large French country house or castle
Example
They stayed in a beautiful chateau in France.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈlɒk/

interlock

Meaning
to fit or connect together securely so that two or more things are joined
Example
The gears interlock to ensure smooth movement of the machine.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
C2 verb /bɪˈhəʊv/

behove

Meaning
British spelling of 'behoove'; to be appropriate or necessary
Example
It would behove the company to listen to its customers.
C2 noun /feɪnt/

feint

Meaning
a deceptive or pretended movement, especially in fighting or sports
Example
The boxer made a feint to the left before striking to the right.
C1 noun /ˈlɔː.ləs.nəs/

Lawlessness

Meaning
absence of law and order; a state where laws do not exist or are not enforced
Example
The city descended into lawlessness after the government collapsed.
B1 noun /ˈwɔːdrəʊb/

wardrobe

Meaning
A large cupboard where clothes are stored; also the collection of clothes someone owns.
Example
Her wardrobe is full of colorful dresses.
C2 adjective /ˈmiː.di.eɪ.tɪv/

mediative

Meaning
Related to mediation, helping to resolve conflicts through diplomatic means.
Example
His mediative skills helped resolve the conflict.
C1 noun ˈmiːdiə ˈdɒmɪnəns

media dominance

Meaning
The control and powerful influence that media has over communication and information distribution in society.
Example
The internet has enhanced media dominance globally.
B2 noun ˈɪndɪkeɪtə

indicator

Meaning
A thing that indicates the state or level of something.
Example
The unemployment rate is a key indicator of economic health.
C1 verb θwɔːt

thwart

Meaning
Prevent (someone) from accomplishing something; oppose successfully.
Example
His efforts to thwart the proposal were unsuccessful.
B2 noun /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/

Literacy

Meaning
the ability to read and write; competence or knowledge in a specified area
Example
Adult literacy programs help people learn to read.
C1 noun /rʌsk/

Rusk

Meaning
a hard, dry biscuit or twice-baked bread; a type of crisp, sweet biscuit
Example
The baby enjoyed eating the soft rusk with milk.
B2 noun ˈhæb.ɪt fɔːrˌmeɪ.ʃən

habit formation

Meaning
The process of creating a habit through regular practice and repetition.
Example
Habit formation requires consistency and discipline.
B2 noun /ˈspɛk.tə.kəl/

spectacle

Meaning
An impressive display or performance for viewers.
Example
The fireworks created a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky.
B2 adjective ˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

logical

Meaning
Of or according to the rules of logic or formal argument.
Example
Logical circuits ensure effective computation.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈstɛnjueɪtɪŋ/

extenuating

Meaning
serving to make a fault or an offense seem less serious
Example
She asked for leniency due to extenuating circumstances.
C1 adverb, adjective /ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtoʊ/

incognito

Meaning
In disguise or with one's identity concealed.
Example
The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid the paparazzi.
B1 noun /pɜːrl/

Pearl

Meaning
a hard, lustrous object produced within the soft tissue of a shelled mollusk; used in jewelry
Example
She wore a beautiful pearl necklace to the wedding.
A1 noun /dɛsk/

desk

Meaning
a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing or working
Example
The books are on the desk.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tʃu.əl/

ineffectual

Meaning
Not producing any or the desired effect; lacking the ability or qualities to achieve a purpose.
Example
The manager’s ineffectual leadership caused the team to lose motivation.
C2 verb /sleɪk/

slake

Meaning
To satisfy thirst or desire.
Example
She drank cold water to slake her thirst.
B2 noun /ˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃən/

termination

Meaning
the act of ending something or the state of being ended
Example
The termination of the contract caused financial loss.
C1 adjective /səˈdɪs.tɪk/

sadistic

Meaning
Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others.
Example
The villain had a sadistic smile while hurting his enemies.
C1 noun /ˈkliː.vər/

Cleaver

Meaning
a heavy knife with a broad blade used for chopping meat or vegetables
Example
The chef used a cleaver to chop the chicken bones.
B2 verb /ɪnˈkwaɪər/

inquire

Meaning
to ask; to investigate
Example
She inquired about the job opening.
C1 adjective /tɔːt/

taut

Meaning
stretched or pulled tight; tense
Example
The rope was pulled taut between the two poles.
B2 noun /ˈɒt.ər/

Otter

Meaning
a mammal with webbed feet that lives near water and feeds on fish
Example
The playful otter swam gracefully in the river.
C1 noun /ˈɡæloʊz/

gallows

Meaning
A structure used for hanging criminals who have been sentenced to death.
Example
The criminal was led to the gallows at dawn.
B1 noun /ˈdɪstrɪkt/

district

Meaning
a specific area of a country, city, or town, often with official boundaries
Example
She lives in the northern district of the city.
B2 adjective, noun /ɪzˈreɪli/

israeli

Meaning
relating to Israel or its people; a person from Israel
Example
She works for an Israeli company.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈwɒn.tɪd/

Unwanted

Meaning
not desired or welcome; not wanted
Example
He felt like an unwanted guest at the meeting.
C1 adverb /ˈvaɪtəli/

vitally

Meaning
in an extremely important or essential way; in a manner relating to life or vitality
Example
Access to clean water is vitally important for public health.
B2 noun /ˈdʌmi/

dummy

Meaning
a model or replica of a human used for practice, display, or testing; also a term for a foolish person
Example
The tailor used a dummy to display the dress.
C1 verb /ˈdaʊn.pleɪ/

downplay

Meaning
to make something seem less important than it really is
Example
The company tried to downplay the risks of the new product.
C1 adjective deft

deft

Meaning
Neatly skillful and quick in one's movements; dexterous and adroit.
Example
The artist's deft hands created a masterpiece.
B1 noun /ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/

processing

Meaning
the series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end, especially in data or food handling
Example
Data processing takes place in the server.