phony
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B2 adjective /ˈfoʊni/

phony

Meaning
not genuine; fraudulent or insincere
Example
He gave a phony smile to hide his true feelings.
A2 noun /ˈpær.ət/

Parrot

Meaning
a tropical bird with a curved beak and often brightly colored feathers that can be taught to speak
Example
The colorful parrot repeated everything the children said.
A2 preposition/conjunction/noun/adjective /plʌs/

plus

Meaning
in addition to; a positive aspect or advantage
Example
She received an A plus on her exam.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

preengage

Meaning
To contract or engage beforehand; to arrange in advance.
Example
The workers were preengaged before the project officially started.
B2 noun /ˈprɛsɪdənt/

precedent

Meaning
An earlier event or decision that serves as a guide or example for future similar situations.
Example
The judge’s ruling set a new precedent for similar cases.
B1 noun /pərˈfɔːrmər/

performer

Meaning
a person who entertains an audience by acting, singing, dancing, or playing music
Example
The performer received a standing ovation for her song.
A2 noun /fəˈtɒɡrəfi/

photography

Meaning
the art or practice of taking and processing photographs
Example
She studied photography in college.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːmieɪt/

permeate

Meaning
Spread throughout (something); pervade.
Example
The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire room.
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.
B1 noun /paɪp/

pipe

Meaning
a tube used for conveying liquids or gases
Example
The plumber fixed the broken pipe.
C2 noun /ˈprɛləsi/

prelacy

Meaning
The office, dignity, or system of church government by prelates.
Example
The medieval church was dominated by prelacy and its traditions.
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 noun /ˈpærɪti/

parity

Meaning
the state or condition of being equal, especially in status or pay
Example
The campaign aims to achieve pay parity between men and women.
A2 noun ˌpɒpjuˈleɪʃən

population

Meaning
All the inhabitants of a particular place; the number of people living in a country or region.
Example
The population supported autonomy.
C2 noun /fɪˈlæt.əl.ɪst/

philatelist

Meaning
a person who collects or studies postage stamps
Example
The philatelist spent years building a rare stamp collection.
B1 adjective /prɪˈsaɪs/

precise

Meaning
Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
Example
She gave precise instructions for the experiment.
A2 noun /pɪn/

pin

Meaning
a small thin piece of metal used to fasten or hold things together
Example
She used a pin to attach the note to the board.
B2 noun prəʊb

probe

Meaning
An unmanned exploratory spacecraft designed to transmit information about its environment.
Example
The probe collected data from the planet's surface.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrspəˈreɪʃn/

perspiration

Meaning
The process of sweating.
Example
Heavy exercise causes perspiration.
C1 noun /ˈpɔː.pəs/

Porpoise

Meaning
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
Example
The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water.
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 /prɪˈsɛntɪmənt/

presentiment

Meaning
An intuitive feeling about the future, especially of something bad about to happen.
Example
He had a strong presentiment that the plan would fail.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 verb /ˈpleɪdʒəraɪz/

plagiarize

Meaning
to take someone else's work or ideas and present them as your own
Example
He was warned not to plagiarize his friend's essay.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊ.tənt/

Potent

Meaning
having great strength, power, or effect; influential
Example
The medicine is very potent and should be taken carefully.
A1 noun ˈpɛrənts

Parents

Meaning
One's father and mother.
Example
The family tree starts with the child's parents.
C2 noun /ˌpæl.ənˈkiːn/

Palanquin

Meaning
a covered chair or bed carried on poles by bearers
Example
The bride was carried to the wedding ceremony in an ornate palanquin.
C1 noun /ˈpriːsɪŋkt/

precinct

Meaning
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
Example
She went to vote at her local precinct.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛneɪt/

pennate

Meaning
Having parts or structures arranged like a feather; feather-shaped.
Example
The fern has a pennate leaf structure.
A2 adjective /ˈpɑːt taɪm/

part-time

Meaning
working for only part of the usual working day or week
Example
She works part-time as a waitress.
C2 noun /ˌfɑːrməkəˈpiːə/

pharmacopoeia

Meaning
An official book listing medicinal drugs, their effects, and directions for use.
Example
The doctor referred to the pharmacopoeia to check the drug's proper dosage.
B1 noun /pərˈsɛntɪdʒ/

percentage

Meaning
a proportion or share in relation to a whole
Example
The percentage of students who passed the exam was high.
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.
B1 verb /peɪst/

paste

Meaning
to stick something onto a surface using glue or adhesive
Example
I paste the picture into my scrapbook.
C2 noun /ˈplɛbɪsaɪt/

plebiscite

Meaning
a direct vote by the electorate on an important public question
Example
The government held a plebiscite to decide on the new constitution.
C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌɑːrki/

polyarchy

Meaning
government by many people
Example
Polyarchy allows multiple parties to share power.
A2 noun /ˈprəʊɡræm/

program

Meaning
a planned series of events or activities
Example
The program starts at 9 AM sharp.
B2 adjective /prɪˈventɪv/

Preventive

Meaning
designed to prevent something from happening; protective against disease
Example
Regular exercise is a preventive measure against heart disease.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /pɔːrˈtɛntəs/

portentous

Meaning
Giving a sign or warning that something, often bad or serious, is going to happen; or overly solemn and pompous.
Example
His portentous tone made everyone nervous about the news.
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 /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/

preparation

Meaning
The act of getting ready or making arrangements for something.
Example
The team made careful preparation for the presentation.
C2 noun /ˈpeɪpəsi/

papacy

Meaning
The office or authority of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
The papacy played a significant role in medieval European politics.
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.
C1 noun /saɪˈkoʊsɪs/

psychosis

Meaning
A severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are impaired, leading to a loss of contact with reality.
Example
The patient was diagnosed with psychosis after experiencing hallucinations.
C2 verb /ˈpɛkjʊˌleɪt/

peculate

Meaning
To embezzle or steal money, especially public funds.
Example
The corrupt official was found guilty of peculating government funds.
B2 noun /prəˈseʃ.ən/

Procession

Meaning
a group of people or vehicles moving forward in an organized way, especially as part of a ceremony
Example
The wedding procession walked slowly to the church.
B2 noun /pledʒ/

Pledge

Meaning
a solemn promise or undertaking; something given as security for a loan; a commitment or guarantee
Example
He made a pledge to donate money to charity.
B2 verb /pərˈsuː/

pursue

Meaning
to follow or chase with the intent to catch or achieve something
Example
She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.
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.
A1 noun /ˈpɛnsəl/

pencil

Meaning
an instrument for writing or drawing, typically made of wood with a graphite core
Example
He drew a picture with a pencil.
A2 adjective /ˈpɜːrsənl/

personal

Meaning
relating to a particular person rather than anyone else
Example
She shared some personal details about her family.
A2 noun /piˈænoʊ/

Piano

Meaning
a large keyboard musical instrument with black and white keys that produces sound by striking strings with hammers
Example
The little girl practiced piano for one hour every day.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪθɒs/

pathos

Meaning
a quality in speech, writing, or events that evokes pity or deep emotion
Example
The documentary balanced pathos with hope, making the audience both weep and think.
B2 adverb /ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.əl.i/

Punctually

Meaning
at the exact time arranged; on time; not late
Example
She always arrives punctually for meetings.
B2 verb /ˈpɛrɪʃ/

perish

Meaning
To die, especially in a sudden or violent way.
Example
Many soldiers perished in the war.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɛstɪləns/

pestilence

Meaning
A deadly or virulent epidemic disease that spreads rapidly.
Example
The medieval city was devastated by a pestilence.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/

partnership

Meaning
the state of being a partner or a group of partners
Example
Our partnership has helped both companies grow.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlənt/

propellant

Meaning
A substance that drives or pushes something forward, especially fuel in rockets or engines.
Example
The rocket uses a liquid propellant to launch into space.
C2 noun /pɒmˈpɒsəti/

pomposity

Meaning
self-important behavior or exaggerated dignity
Example
His speech was full of pomposity and arrogance.
B2 adjective /ˈpæn.ɪ.ki/

Panicky

Meaning
feeling or showing panic; anxious and fearful
Example
The crowd became panicky when the fire alarm sounded.
C2 verb /ˈpʌlvəraɪz/

pulverize

Meaning
To crush or grind something into a fine powder; to completely defeat or destroy.
Example
The machine can pulverize stones into dust.
B2 noun /plʌɡ/

plug

Meaning
a device used to connect or block an opening
Example
She inserted the plug into the socket.
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 /ˌpɒməˈdɔːrəʊ/

pomodoro

Meaning
A time management technique that uses a timer to break down work into intervals.
Example
The Pomodoro technique improves productivity.
B2 adjective ˈpeɪn.ləs

painless

Meaning
Not causing pain; involving little effort or stress.
Example
Modern methods ensure painless treatment.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

prepossessing

Meaning
Attractive or appealing in appearance or manner.
Example
She had a prepossessing smile that charmed everyone.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

Meaning
of little value or importance; trivial
Example
He complained about the picayune details of the contract.
C2 noun /ˌfaɪ.təʊˈkem.ɪ.kəlz/

phytochemicals

Meaning
Natural chemical compounds produced by plants that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often having antioxidant properties.
Example
Phytochemicals in green tea help reduce inflammation.
A1 noun /ˈpɛərənt/

parent

Meaning
a mother or father of a person or animal
Example
Both of his parents are teachers.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpɑr.səl/

Parcel

Meaning
an object or collection of objects wrapped in paper for carrying or sending by mail; a piece of land
Example
The postman delivered a parcel to our door.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈpoʊləraɪzd/

polarized

Meaning
divided into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions
Example
The debate polarized the community on the issue of climate change.
C1 noun /ˈpɔɪ.nən.si/

poignancy

Meaning
the quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
Example
The poignancy of the farewell brought tears to everyone's eyes.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.hən/

Peahen

Meaning
female peacock
Example
The peahen is less colorful than the male peacock.
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.
C2 noun /proʊˈskrɪp.ʃən/

proscription

Meaning
the act of forbidding something, especially by law
Example
The proscription of child labor is an important human rights achievement.
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 /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
C1 adjective /prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/

Provoking

Meaning
causing anger or strong reaction; irritating; stimulating
Example
His provoking comments made everyone angry.
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 /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning
relating to mental illness or its treatment
Example
The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.
B1 noun pɔːrt

Port

Meaning
A town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload.
Example
Ports improve maritime trade.
C2 noun /paɪər/

pyre

Meaning
A heap of combustible material, especially one used for burning a corpse as part of a funeral ceremony.
Example
The villagers built a pyre to honor the deceased.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪməsi/

primacy

Meaning
the state of being first in importance or authority
Example
The primacy of education cannot be denied.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊʃən/

potion

Meaning
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
Example
The witch gave the hero a healing potion.
C2 noun ˈpɑː.stər.ə.lɪ.zəm

pastoralism

Meaning
A form of animal husbandry where domesticated animals are released onto large vegetated outdoor lands for grazing.
Example
Pastoralism is a traditional way of managing livestock.
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 noun prɪˈsɪʒ.ən

precision

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

politically

Meaning
in a way that relates to politics or government
Example
The country is politically divided between two major parties.
A1 verb pleɪ

play

Meaning
To have a role or function in a situation; to contribute to something.
Example
Artemis will play a crucial role in Mars exploration.
C2 noun /ˈprɒsədi/

prosody

Meaning
The patterns of rhythm and sound used in poetry and speech.
Example
The professor explained how prosody affects the mood of a poem.
C1 noun /ˈpɪɡmənt/

pigment

Meaning
a natural or artificial substance used to give color to something
Example
The artist mixed different pigments to create the perfect shade of blue.
C1 verb /ˈpɑːzɪt/

posit

Meaning
To assume or suggest something as a fact or basis for reasoning.
Example
The scientist posited a new theory to explain the phenomenon.
B1 noun pəˈfɔː.məns

performance

Meaning
The action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function.
Example
Performance improvements boost confidence.
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.
B1 noun /'pʌmp.kɪn/

Pumpkin

Meaning
a large round orange fruit with thick skin and edible flesh
Example
We carved a jack-o'-lantern from a big pumpkin.
C2 adjective /pəˈlɛmɪkəl/

polemical

Meaning
relating to or involving strongly critical or controversial writing or speech
Example
She wrote a polemical article challenging traditional beliefs.
B2 noun plɒt

plot

Meaning
The main story of a piece of writing, or the series of events that happen in it.
Example
The plot of A Tale of Two Cities is intense and gripping.
C1 noun /ˈpæntəmaɪm/

pantomime

Meaning
A type of theatrical performance using gestures and movements without spoken words; in Britain, a musical comedy play for families performed at Christmas.
Example
The children enjoyed the Christmas pantomime at the local theater.
B2 verb /piːp/

peep

Meaning
to look quickly or secretly; to make a short high sound
Example
The child tried to peep through the keyhole.
B2 noun /pəˈsjuːt/

pursuit

Meaning
the act of chasing or trying to achieve something
Example
He dedicated his life to the pursuit of happiness.
B1 noun /ˈpɪkʌp/

pickup

Meaning
a small truck with an open back; the act of collecting or improving something
Example
The company scheduled a pickup for the returned goods.
B1 verb /piːl/

peel

Meaning
to remove the outer covering or skin from a fruit or vegetable
Example
She peeled the mango before eating it.
B2 noun /ˈpeɪtrən/

patron

Meaning
a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause
Example
The library is supported by generous patrons.
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.
B2 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

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

placement

Meaning
the act of putting something or someone in a particular position or job
Example
The company arranged job placement for the graduates.
C1 noun ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃən

Pollination

Meaning
The process by which pollen is transferred from flowers, enabling plant reproduction.
Example
Butterflies play a vital role in pollination.
C1 adjective /ˈprɪs.tiːn/

pristine

Meaning
In its original condition; unspoiled, clean, and fresh.
Example
The forest remains in a pristine condition.
A2 noun; adverb /pərˈsɛnt/

percent

Meaning
a proportion out of one hundred; by each hundred
Example
Sales increased by ten percent this year.
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.
B2 adjective /prəˈtɛktɪv/

protective

Meaning
giving or capable of giving protection; shielding from harm or danger
Example
She wore a protective helmet while riding her bike.
C1 adjective /pərˈsweɪdəbl̩/

persuadable

Meaning
capable of being convinced or influenced to do something
Example
She was easily persuadable when it came to trying new foods.
C2 noun /pəˈlɛmɪk/

polemic

Meaning
a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something
Example
The article was a fierce polemic against the government's policies.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪst/

pugilist

Meaning
A professional or skilled boxer.
Example
The pugilist entered the ring with confidence.
C1 noun /prɪˈtɛnʃən/

pretension

Meaning
A claim or assertion to something, often without justification; an attempt to impress by showing greater importance or talent than is actually possessed.
Example
His pretension to be an expert was quickly exposed.