pillory
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C2 noun/verb /ˈpɪləri/

pillory

Meaning
a device for publicly punishing someone / to expose to public ridicule
Example
The corrupt official was placed in the pillory for the town to jeer at.
C1 noun /ˈplez.ən.tri/

Pleasantry

Meaning
a remark made in order to be polite or friendly; light conversation or jokes
Example
They exchanged pleasantries before the meeting began.
C2 adjective /prəˈpʌlsɪv/

propulsive

Meaning
Having the power to drive or push something forward.
Example
The propulsive force of the rocket lifted it off the ground.
C1 noun /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/

prodigy

Meaning
a person, especially a young one, with exceptional talents or abilities
Example
Mozart was a child prodigy in music.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpænəl/

panel

Meaning
a group of people gathered to discuss, judge, or advise on a particular topic
Example
The panel of judges announced the winner of the competition.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈpɑːrtɪzən/

partisan

Meaning
A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person; showing biased allegiance.
Example
The debate quickly turned partisan, with each side defending their own agenda.
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 /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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpiː.kɒk/

Peacock

Meaning
a large bird with beautiful colorful tail feathers that can spread out like a fan
Example
The magnificent peacock displayed its colorful feathers to attract attention.
B2 noun /prəˈvaɪdər/

provider

Meaning
a person or thing that provides something.
Example
The service provider ensures that all customers receive timely support.
B2 noun /ˈprɒvɪns/

province

Meaning
a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires.
Example
The province is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌkreɪsi/

polycracy

Meaning
rule by many; government by multiple authorities
Example
The nation experienced a polycracy after decentralization reforms.
B2 noun /ˈprɑsɪˌkjuːtər/

prosecutor

Meaning
a lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases
Example
The prosecutor argued that the defendant was guilty of the crime.
C1 noun /fɪˈziːk/

physique

Meaning
the form, size, and development of a person's body
Example
He has an athletic physique due to years of training.
C1 verb/noun /pərˈvɜːrt/

pervert

Meaning
As a verb: to distort the meaning or purpose of something; as a noun: a person with abnormal or immoral sexual behavior.
Example
He tried to pervert the truth to escape punishment.
C2 noun /proʊˈsiː.ni.əm/

proscenium

Meaning
the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain; the arch framing the stage
Example
The actors bowed at the proscenium before leaving the stage.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

Meaning
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
Example
The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.
C2 noun /ˈpɜr.fɪ.di/

Perfidy

Meaning
deliberate breach of faith or trust; treachery; betrayal of trust
Example
His perfidy shocked all who had trusted him.
B1 verb /pərˈfɔːrm/

perform

Meaning
to carry out an action or present entertainment; to function
Example
The orchestra will perform at the concert hall tonight.
C1 adjective prəˈvɪnʃəl

provincial

Meaning
Of or concerning a province of a country or empire.
Example
Bengali was not just a provincial language.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪəl/

phial

Meaning
a small glass container for liquids, especially medicines
Example
The doctor gave her a phial of medicine.
C1 adjective /ˈpærəmaʊnt/

paramount

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

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

preengage

Meaning
To contract or engage beforehand; to arrange in advance.
Example
The workers were preengaged before the project officially started.
A2 verb /prɪˈvent/

prevent

Meaning
to stop something from happening; to keep from occurring
Example
Vaccination helps prevent many diseases.
C1 noun /pəˈraɪə/

pariah

Meaning
An outcast; someone who is rejected by society or a social group.
Example
After the scandal, he became a social pariah.
C2 noun/adjective /prɪˈsɪpɪtənt/

precipitant

Meaning
As a noun: a substance that causes a substance to be deposited from a solution; as an adjective: acting hastily or impulsively.
Example
The chemist added a precipitant to the solution to observe the reaction.
C2 noun /pəˈnʌmbrə/

penumbra

Meaning
a partially shaded area around the shadow of an object, especially during an eclipse
Example
The moon’s penumbra created a dim shadow over the Earth.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
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 noun, verb, adjective /ˈpeɪtənt/ or /ˈpætənt/

patent

Meaning
a government license granting exclusive rights to an inventor; also to obtain such rights
Example
He patented his new invention to protect it from being copied.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/

promising

Meaning
showing signs of future success or potential
Example
She is a promising young scientist with great ideas.
B2 noun /ˈproʊtəˌtaɪp/

prototype

Meaning
The first model or version of something, used as a sample for testing or improvement.
Example
The company built a prototype of the new smartphone before mass production.
C1 noun /prəˈspɛktəs/

prospectus

Meaning
a printed document that advertises or describes a school, business, or investment offering
Example
The university sent out a prospectus to attract new students.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜr.sən.ə.li/

Personally

Meaning
as a person; in one's own opinion; for oneself; in person
Example
Personally, I think the movie was excellent, though others disagree.
C2 noun /ˈpɛntəˌɡræm/

pentagram

Meaning
A five-pointed star often used as a symbol in magic, mysticism, or religion.
Example
The wizard drew a pentagram on the floor as part of the ritual.
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 /ˈpælɪmpsɛst/

palimpsest

Meaning
a manuscript or document that has been written over but still bears traces of earlier writing; something reused or altered but still retaining traces of its earlier form
Example
The ancient manuscript was a palimpsest, showing faint traces of previous texts beneath the new writing.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪz.i.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

physiological

Meaning
Relating to bodily functions and activities.
Example
Exercise improves physiological functions of the body.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒs.tʃə.məs/

Posthumous

Meaning
occurring or continuing after death; published after the author's death
Example
The author received a posthumous award for his last novel.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkəˈdɪloʊ/

peccadillo

Meaning
a small or minor fault or sin
Example
Forgetting to call was just a small peccadillo, not a serious mistake.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːɪsənt/

puissant

Meaning
having great power or influence; mighty
Example
The king was a puissant ruler whose word was law.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪst/

preexist

Meaning
to exist beforehand or before something else
Example
These customs preexist the arrival of modern technology.
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 adjective /poʊˈɛt.ɪk/

poetic

Meaning
having qualities of poetry; expressive, beautiful, or imaginative
Example
Her speech had a poetic rhythm that captivated the audience.
B1 adverb /praɪˈmɛrɪli/

primarily

Meaning
for the most part; mainly
Example
She is primarily responsible for managing the finances.
C1 noun /ˈproʊbeɪt/

probate

Meaning
the official proving of a will in a court of law
Example
The family had to go through probate after his death.
C1 noun /ˈper.ɪ.wɪŋ.kəl/

Periwinkle

Meaning
a small trailing plant with violet-blue or white flowers
Example
Purple periwinkles covered the garden ground beautifully.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.kiːt/

Parakeet

Meaning
a small colorful parrot with a long tail, often kept as a pet
Example
The green parakeet learned to say hello.
B1 noun /pɔːrk/

pork

Meaning
the flesh of a pig used as food
Example
He doesn't eat pork for religious reasons.
C1 verb /plɒd/

plod

Meaning
to work slowly and steadily, often with effort or difficulty
Example
He plodded through his homework despite feeling tired.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpaʊdər/

powder

Meaning
a fine, dry substance made of very tiny particles
Example
She sprinkled some powder on the cake.
C1 adjective /pərˈtɜːrbd/

perturbed

Meaning
feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed
Example
He looked perturbed after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

Meaning
A very poor person.
Example
The pauper begged for food on the street corner.
C1 noun /pərˈkʌʃən/

percussion

Meaning
Musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping, such as drums or cymbals.
Example
The percussion section added rhythm and energy to the orchestra.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvɪdəns/

providence

Meaning
the protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power; foresight or prudence
Example
They believed their survival was due to divine providence.
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.
A1 noun /pəˈliːs/

police

Meaning
a body of officers representing the civil authority of government
Example
The police arrived quickly to investigate the scene.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

predetermine

Meaning
to establish or decide something in advance
Example
The outcome of the match seemed predetermined.
C2 noun /ˈprɛʃəns/ or /ˈpriːʃəns/

prescience

Meaning
the ability to know or predict what will happen in the future
Example
Her prescience about market trends saved the company.
A2 noun /ˈpɑːrkɪŋ/

parking

Meaning
the action or practice of leaving a vehicle in a particular place for a period of time
Example
There was no available parking near the restaurant.
B2 noun /fəˈnɒmɪnən/

phenomenon

Meaning
an observable event, fact, or occurrence, often unusual or remarkable
Example
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon.
C1 adjective /prəˈfɛtɪk/

prophetic

Meaning
accurately predicting or describing what will happen in the future
Example
His prophetic words came true after many years.
B1 noun pəˈten.ʃəl

potential

Meaning
Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
Example
The potential for innovation is immense.
B1 noun /plʌm/

Plum

Meaning
a small round fruit with smooth red or purple skin, sweet flesh, and a single large seed
Example
The purple plum was juicy and delicious.
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 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.
A2 noun ˈprəʊɡres

progress

Meaning
Forward or onward movement towards a destination or a more advanced state.
Example
Progress in recycling technologies can tackle pollution.
C1 adjective ˈpɪv.ə.təl

pivotal

Meaning
Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example
Renewable energy plays a pivotal role in sustainability.
C1 verb /praɪ/

pry

Meaning
to look closely into something; to try to find out private information
Example
She tried to pry into her neighbor’s private life.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛntəˈveɪlənt/

pentavalent

Meaning
Having a valence of five, especially in chemistry.
Example
Phosphorus can exist in a pentavalent state.
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 adjective /ˈpɜːrsənəbl/

personable

Meaning
having a pleasant appearance and manner; attractive and friendly
Example
The new teacher is very personable and easy to talk to.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛfətɔːri/

prefatory

Meaning
serving as an introduction or preface
Example
He made some prefatory remarks before the lecture began.
C2 adjective /ˈpɪd.lɪŋ/

Piddling

Meaning
trivial; insignificant; small in amount
Example
He was annoyed by the piddling amount of money he received.
C1 noun /ˈplæn.teɪn ˈflaʊ.ər/

Plantain flower

Meaning
The flower bud of a banana plant, used as a vegetable in cooking
Example
We cooked plantain flower curry for dinner.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpoʊ.lər beər/

Polar Bear

Meaning
a large white bear that lives in the Arctic regions
Example
The polar bear swims in the icy Arctic waters.
C2 noun /priːˈɛmɪnəns/

preeminence

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

pentahedron

Meaning
A solid geometric figure with five faces.
Example
In geometry class, the teacher explained the structure of a pentahedron.
B2 noun /feɪz/

Phase

Meaning
a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development
Example
The project is now in its final phase.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpruːdəns/

prudence

Meaning
The quality of being cautious, wise, and exercising good judgment.
Example
She invested her money with great prudence.
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 /ˈpreɪz.wɜː.ði/

Praiseworthy

Meaning
deserving praise; commendable; admirable
Example
Her charitable work is truly praiseworthy.
C1 verb /pəˈruːz/

peruse

Meaning
to read something carefully and thoroughly; sometimes used to mean to browse casually
Example
She sat down to peruse the contract before signing it.
C1 noun /pɪˈtaɪə/

Pitaya / Dragon fruit

Meaning
a tropical fruit with bright pink or red skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds
Example
The pitaya has a mild, sweet flavor and a unique appearance.
C2 noun /ˌfɪziˈɒnəmi/

physiognomy

Meaning
the study of facial features to judge character or personality
Example
He believed in physiognomy and tried to read people's personalities from their faces.
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.
B2 noun/verb /ˈpriːfɪks/

prefix

Meaning
a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else
Example
Developers often prefix variables with an underscore.
B2 verb praɪˈɒraɪtaɪz

prioritize

Meaning
To designate or treat something as more important than other things
Example
Prioritize your tasks to stay efficient.
C1 verb /ˈprɪkəl/

prickle

Meaning
to cause a slight stinging or tingling sensation on the skin
Example
Her skin began to prickle in the cold wind.
C2 noun ˈpær.ə.ɡən

paragon

Meaning
A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality; a model of excellence.
Example
Neom is a paragon of sustainable urban design.
A2 adjective /ˈplɛzənt/

pleasant

Meaning
giving a sense of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction
Example
We had a pleasant evening at the park.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈplʌk.i/

plucky

Meaning
having or showing courage and determination
Example
The plucky child rescued the kitten from the tree.
B2 verb /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/

persevere

Meaning
to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delay
Example
He persevered through many failures before succeeding.
C2 adjective /prɪˈskrɪptɪbəl/

prescriptible

Meaning
Capable of being prescribed or laid down as a rule or directive.
Example
Certain regulations are prescriptible under the law.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɪʒən/

parisian

Meaning
relating to Paris or its people
Example
She wore a Parisian style dress at the party.
C1 adjective /ˈprɛdəˌtɔri/

predatory

Meaning
Relating to animals that prey on others; exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.
Example
The predatory bird swooped down on its prey.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːtətɪv/

putative

Meaning
commonly accepted or supposed; generally regarded as such
Example
He is the putative father of the child.
B1 noun /pɪl/

pill

Meaning
a small round piece of medicine to be swallowed
Example
He took a pill to relieve his headache.
C2 noun /ˌpliːnɪpəˈtɛnʃəri/

plenipotentiary

Meaning
a person invested with full power to act on behalf of another, especially in diplomacy
Example
The ambassador was a plenipotentiary sent to negotiate the treaty.
C2 adjective /paɪd/

pied

Meaning
having two or more different colors, typically in blotches
Example
The pied cat had black and white patches all over its body.
B2 verb /pəˈtroʊl/

patrol

Meaning
to move around an area to watch or guard it
Example
The police patrol the streets at night to ensure safety.
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.
A2 adjective /pəˈlaɪt/

Polite

Meaning
having good manners; respectful; courteous
Example
He was very polite and respectful to everyone.
C2 noun /prəˈtɛktərət/

protectorate

Meaning
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
Example
The small country became a protectorate of the empire.
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.