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A2 verb /pɪk/

pick

Meaning
to choose; to take or select from a group; to pluck or gather
Example
Please pick your favorite color from the palette.
C2 verb /ˈprætəl/

prattle

Meaning
to talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way
Example
The children would prattle on about their games.
B2 noun /ˈpæʃ.ən/

Passion

Meaning
strong enthusiasm or excitement for something; intense emotion or feeling
Example
Her passion for music led her to become a professional singer.
C2 noun /ˌfəʊ.təʊ.sen.sɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/

photosensitivity

Meaning
Sensitivity to light, especially abnormal sensitivity that may cause discomfort or damage.
Example
Overrubbing can increase photosensitivity.
C1 adjective pərˈnɪʃəs

pernicious

Meaning
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example
The pernicious effects of smoking are well-documented.
B1 noun pɔːrt

Port

Meaning
A town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload.
Example
Ports improve maritime trade.
C1 adjective /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkəl/

paradoxical

Meaning
Seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense, yet possibly true.
Example
It is paradoxical that standing is often more tiring than walking.
C2 noun /ˌprɛsiˈɒsɪti/

preciosity

Meaning
Excessive refinement or affected elegance in language, style, or behavior.
Example
The author's preciosity made the novel difficult to read for some audiences.
B1 adjective /ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.əl/

Punctual

Meaning
on time; prompt;
Example
She is always punctual for meetings.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

psychological

Meaning
relating to the mind or mental processes.
Example
She studied the psychological effects of trauma on children.
A1 noun /ˈpæstə/

pasta

Meaning
an Italian food made from flour and water, typically shaped into noodles or sheets
Example
We had creamy pasta for dinner last night.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
B1 noun /ˈpɔɪ.zən/

Poison

Meaning
a substance that is capable of causing death or illness
Example
The snake's bite contains deadly poison.
B1 noun pɑːˈtɪs.ɪ.pənts

participants

Meaning
People who take part in something; those involved in an activity or event.
Example
Participants will enjoy breathtaking views.
C2 noun /ˌpæliˈeɪʃən/

palliation

Meaning
relief of symptoms without curing the underlying disease or problem
Example
Palliation is often the focus of care for terminally ill patients.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
C2 adjective /ˈpliːnəri/

plenary

Meaning
complete in every way; fully attended or absolute
Example
The committee held a plenary session to discuss all matters of importance.
C2 verb /pɔːrˈtɛnd/

portend

Meaning
To be a sign or warning that something, especially something bad, is going to happen.
Example
Dark clouds portend a storm.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːr.dən.ə.bəl/

Pardonable

Meaning
able to be forgiven; excusable
Example
His mistake was pardonable given the difficult circumstances.
C2 noun /prəˈfjuːʒən/

profusion

Meaning
an abundance or large quantity of something
Example
Spring brought a profusion of wildflowers to the valley.
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 adjective /prɪˈkoʊʃəs/

precocious

Meaning
Showing advanced development or maturity at an unusually early age.
Example
The precocious child was reading novels at the age of five.
C1 adjective prɪˈkeə.ri.əs

precarious

Meaning
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Example
His financial situation is precarious.
C1 adjective /ˈplæsɪd/

placid

Meaning
calm and peaceful, not easily disturbed
Example
She had a placid expression despite the chaos around her.
A2 noun /prəˈdʌkʃən/

production

Meaning
the process of manufacturing or creating something
Example
The production of this film took over a year.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊdiətrɪst/

podiatrist

Meaning
a doctor specializing in foot care
Example
I have an appointment with the podiatrist for my ankle pain.
A2 noun /fəˈtɒɡrəfə/

photographer

Meaning
a person who takes photographs professionally
Example
The photographer captured the beauty of nature.
C2 noun /ˌprɒdɪˈɡæləti/

prodigality

Meaning
the quality of being wastefully extravagant
Example
His prodigality with money left him bankrupt.
A1 noun /ˈpɛərənt/

parent

Meaning
a mother or father of a person or animal
Example
Both of his parents are teachers.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnənt/

pennant

Meaning
A tapering flag used for signaling or as an emblem of victory or achievement.
Example
The team raised the championship pennant proudly.
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.
C1 noun /pæŋ/

pang

Meaning
a sudden sharp feeling of pain or emotional distress
Example
She felt a pang of guilt after the argument.
C1 noun /ˈprɒspɛktər/

prospector

Meaning
a person who searches for mineral deposits, especially gold
Example
The prospector spent years in the mountains searching for gold.
B1 noun /ˌprezənˈteɪʃən/

presentation

Meaning
The manner or style in which something is given, offered, or displayed.
Example
The presentation of the new product was well received.
C1 noun /ˈprɒksi/

proxy

Meaning
A person authorized to act on behalf of another; a substitute.
Example
She voted by proxy at the meeting.
C2 verb /prəˈroʊɡ/

prorogue

Meaning
to discontinue a session of a parliament or assembly without dissolving it
Example
The president decided to prorogue parliament until the crisis was resolved.
B2 verb /prɪˈveɪl/

prevail

Meaning
To prove more powerful or superior; to be widespread or common.
Example
Justice will always prevail over injustice.
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 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 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.
B2 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/

phishing

Meaning
The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information.
Example
Phishing emails often trick people into revealing passwords.
B2 noun pəˈspek.tɪvz

perspectives

Meaning
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example
New perspectives enhance understanding.
A1 noun /ˈpɪk.tʃər/

Picture

Meaning
a visual representation such as a painting, drawing, or photograph
Example
There is a beautiful picture hanging on the wall.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
B2 adjective /pəˈzes.ɪv/

Possessive

Meaning
showing a desire to own or control something; unwilling to share; jealously protective
Example
He is very possessive about his car.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsɪflɑːʒ/

persiflage

Meaning
light and slightly contemptuous mockery or banter
Example
Their conversation was full of persiflage and jokes.
B2 noun /plænˈteɪʃən/

plantation

Meaning
a large area of land where crops are grown, often for commercial purposes
Example
The sugarcane plantation stretched for miles across the valley.
C1 noun /ˈpædʒənt/

pageant

Meaning
A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in elaborate costumes, or a beauty contest.
Example
She won first place in the beauty pageant.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrləns/

parlance

Meaning
a particular way of speaking or using words, common to a group
Example
In legal parlance, the term has a different meaning.
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 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.
C2 noun /prɪˈfɜːrmənt/

preferment

Meaning
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
Example
He hoped for preferment in the government office.
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 /ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/

promising

Meaning
showing signs of future success or potential
Example
She is a promising young scientist with great ideas.
C2 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɔːri/

prohibitory

Meaning
Serving or tending to prohibit or forbid.
Example
The prohibitory laws were strictly enforced in the region.
C2 noun /pʌntʃ ˈfoʊrən/

Panch Phoron

Meaning
a Bengali spice blend containing five whole spices: cumin, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, and mustard seeds
Example
The aroma filled the kitchen when she heated panch phoron in oil.
C1 noun /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl miːt/

Palatable meat

Meaning
Meat that is pleasant to taste; appetizing meat dish
Example
The chef prepared palatable meat dishes for the dinner party.
A1 noun /ˈpɑːti/

party

Meaning
a social gathering of people, typically for entertainment
Example
We had a great time at the birthday party.
B2 noun /ˈpɪm.pəl/

Pimple

Meaning
a small, inflamed elevation of the skin; a spot on the skin, especially on the face
Example
She was embarrassed about the pimple on her forehead.
A2 adjective, noun /ˈplæstɪk/

plastic

Meaning
a synthetic material that can be molded; flexible or easily shaped
Example
These containers are made of durable plastic.
B2 noun /fɪˈzɪʃən/

physician

Meaning
a person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor
Example
The physician prescribed some medicine to treat the condition.
B2 noun pərˈsweɪ.ʒən

persuasion

Meaning
The act of convincing someone to change their viewpoint through reasoning or emotion.
Example
Effective persuasion is key to a successful speech.
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 /ˈpraɪ.meɪt/

primate

Meaning
A member of the group of animals including humans, apes, and monkeys.
Example
Humans are classified as primates.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌprɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl/

presidential

Meaning
relating to a president or presidency
Example
The presidential election is scheduled for next month.
C2 noun /ˌpɒlɪˈhiːdrən/

polyhedron

Meaning
a solid object with flat polygonal faces, straight edges, and vertices
Example
The mathematician studied a complex polyhedron model.
C2 adjective /ˌfæntæzməˈɡɒrɪkəl/

phantasmagorical

Meaning
Having a fantastic, dreamlike, or surreal appearance, often shifting or illusory.
Example
The movie created a phantasmagorical vision of another world.
A2 noun /pərˈmɪʃən/

permission

Meaning
the action of allowing or granting consent
Example
You need permission to enter the restricted area.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈpæstərəl/

pastoral

Meaning
relating to the countryside, shepherds, or rural life; also relating to spiritual guidance by a pastor
Example
The painting had a calm pastoral scene with sheep grazing.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/

partnership

Meaning
the state of being a partner or a group of partners
Example
Our partnership has helped both companies grow.
C2 adjective /ˌpaɪroʊˈtɛknɪk/

pyrotechnic

Meaning
Relating to fireworks or spectacular displays involving fire.
Example
The city celebrated with a grand pyrotechnic display on New Year's Eve.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːrtɛnt/

portent

Meaning
A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.
Example
The sudden drop in stock prices was seen as a portent of economic trouble.
C2 noun /priːˈɛmɪnəns/

preeminence

Meaning
The fact of surpassing all others; superiority.
Example
The university has gained preeminence in medical research.
C2 noun /pəˈlɛmɪks/

polemics

Meaning
the art or practice of engaging in controversial debate or dispute
Example
The conference was full of polemics on economic reforms.
A2 verb /pʊʃ/

push

Meaning
to exert force to move something away from oneself; to press against
Example
Push the button to ring the bell.
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.
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 /pərˈvɜːrʒən/

perversion

Meaning
The act of distorting or corrupting the original meaning, purpose, or state of something.
Example
The regime’s censorship was seen as a perversion of free speech.
C2 adjective /ˌpɜːrtɪˈneɪʃəs/

pertinacious

Meaning
holding firmly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action; stubbornly persistent
Example
The pertinacious lawyer refused to give up the case.
B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

Meaning
arranged for the present; temporary; subject to later confirmation
Example
The provisional agreement will be reviewed next month.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜːfɪktli/

perfectly

Meaning
in a perfect manner; without flaws
Example
She performed the task perfectly.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /prɑːmpt/

prompt

Meaning
To cause someone to take action; done without delay.
Example
His speech prompted the audience to ask questions.
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 noun /ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

purgatory

Meaning
A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven; a temporary condition of torment or suffering.
Example
After the accident, the long recovery felt like a kind of purgatory.
A2 noun /per/

pair

Meaning
two things of the same kind that are used together
Example
She wore a matching pair of shoes.
B2 adjective ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv

proactive

Meaning
Taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it happens.
Example
Proactive strategies are needed to combat scarcity.
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 /ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/

pathological

Meaning
Relating to disease; extreme or obsessive in a way that is abnormal.
Example
He has a pathological fear of failure.
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 noun /ˈpɒp.i siːdz/

Poppy Seeds

Meaning
tiny round seeds from the poppy plant used as a spice or garnish in cooking
Example
Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of breads and used in Bengali curries.
C2 /ˈpæn.ə.pli/

panoply

Meaning
A complete or impressive collection of things; a full set of armor.
Example
The museum displayed a panoply of ancient weapons.
B1 noun ˈproʊtest

protest

Meaning
A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
Example
Students organized a protest.
B1 noun /ˈpæk.ɪt/

packet

Meaning
a small package or container holding items or information
Example
He bought a packet of biscuits from the shop.
B1 noun /prəˈfeʃ.ən/

Profession

Meaning
a type of job that requires special education, training, or skill
Example
Teaching is a noble profession that shapes future generations.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːɪsəns/

puissance

Meaning
Great power, strength, or influence.
Example
The empire showed its puissance through vast armies.
C2 verb /ˈpælieɪt/

palliate

Meaning
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain.
B1 noun ˈpɒdkɑːsts

podcasts

Meaning
A digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.
Example
Podcasts are great for improving listening.
B1 verb /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/

purchase

Meaning
to buy something; to acquire by paying money
Example
I need to purchase groceries for the week.
B1 noun /ˈpɜː.sən.əl ˈdeɪ.tə/

personal data

Meaning
Information that relates to an individual's private, sensitive, or identifiable data
Example
Protecting personal data is crucial in the digital age.
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.
C2 noun /pəˈtiːnə/

patina

Meaning
a surface film or sheen on metal, stone, or wood due to age or use; also, a superficial appearance
Example
The bronze statue developed a green patina after years in the sea air.
C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌkreɪsi/

polycracy

Meaning
rule by many; government by multiple authorities
Example
The nation experienced a polycracy after decentralization reforms.
A1 verb /peɪ/

pay

Meaning
to give money in exchange for goods or services
Example
I need to pay my bills on time.
C2 noun /ˈpɛstɪləns/

pestilence

Meaning
A deadly or virulent epidemic disease that spreads rapidly.
Example
The medieval city was devastated by a pestilence.
C1 noun /poʊˈɛt.ɪks/

poetics

Meaning
the study or theory of poetry and its principles
Example
He wrote a book on poetics explaining the art of verse.
C2 noun /ˌpɜːrspɪˈkjuːəti/

perspicuity

Meaning
Clarity and ease in speech or writing; the quality of being clearly expressed.
Example
The perspicuity of his lecture made it easy for students to understand complex topics.
C1 adjective /pɜːrt/

pert

Meaning
attractively lively or cheeky in manner or style
Example
She gave a pert reply that made everyone laugh.
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 /ˈpred.ə.ses.ər/

Predecessor

Meaning
a person who held a job or office before the current holder; something that came before another thing
Example
The new manager learned from his predecessor's mistakes.
C2 noun /ˈfeɪlæŋks/

phalanx

Meaning
A group of people or things arranged in a compact, close formation; also an ancient Greek military formation.
Example
A phalanx of reporters waited outside the courthouse.
C2 adjective /ˈprɑːflɪɡət/

profligate

Meaning
recklessly extravagant or wasteful in resources
Example
The king was known for his profligate lifestyle.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈsaɪkɪk/

psychic

Meaning
relating to the mind or supernatural powers; a person claiming to have extrasensory abilities
Example
The psychic claimed she could predict the future.
B1 adverb /ˈpraʊdli/

proudly

Meaning
in a way that shows pride or satisfaction; with a sense of honor or achievement
Example
She proudly displayed her achievements to her family.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnsɪv/

pensive

Meaning
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
Example
She looked pensive as she stared out of the window.
C2 noun /ˈpriːsɛpt/

precept

Meaning
A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
Example
Honesty is a fundamental precept in all religions.
B2 verb /ˈpɪnpɔɪnt/

pinpoint

Meaning
to locate or identify something with precision
Example
The detective was able to pinpoint the exact location of the suspect.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊ.tənt/

Potent

Meaning
having great strength, power, or effect; influential
Example
The medicine is very potent and should be taken carefully.
B2 noun /ˈpæd.i/

Paddy

Meaning
rice in its natural state before processing; a field where rice is grown
Example
The farmers worked hard in the paddy fields during harvest season.
B2 noun ˌpʌŋkˈtʃʊəlɪti

punctuality

Meaning
The quality of being on time; the habit of arriving or doing things at the agreed or proper time.
Example
Punctuality is a valued trait in professional settings.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒɪst/

psychologist

Meaning
a person who studies mental processes and behavior
Example
The psychologist helped him cope with his anxiety.