pinpoint
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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 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.
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.
B1 noun ˈpɒl.ə.si

policy

Meaning
A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual; a contract of insurance.
Example
Effective policies drive national development.
A1 noun, verb /pleɪs/

place

Meaning
a particular position or location; to put something in a specific position
Example
She placed the books on the table.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
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.
C1 noun ˌpriː.dɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən

predisposition

Meaning
A natural tendency or inclination toward a particular behavior or condition.
Example
Genetic factors can influence a person's predisposition to diseases.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪ.mər/ (US), /ˈprɪm.ər/ (UK)

primer

Meaning
A basic introductory book or a substance used to prepare a surface for painting.
Example
He read a primer on programming before starting his course.
C1 noun /pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/

Polygamy

Meaning
the practice of marrying multiple spouses at the same time
Example
Polygamy is illegal in many countries around the world.
B1 noun /ˌpɜr.sənˈæl.ə.ti/

Personality

Meaning
the combination of characteristics that form an individual's distinctive character; a famous person
Example
She has a very outgoing and friendly personality.
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.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti

pertinacity

Meaning
Firm determination and persistence in achieving something.
Example
His pertinacity in achieving his goals was inspiring.
B2 adverb /pəˈtɛnʃəli/

potentially

Meaning
with the possibility of becoming something in the future
Example
This project is potentially a huge success.
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.
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 verb /ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/

petrify

Meaning
to make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think; to turn into stone
Example
The loud noise petrified the little child.
A2 adjective /ˈpʌblɪk/

public

Meaning
relating to or affecting the people as a whole
Example
The public demanded action on the issue.
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.
C2 verb /priːˈdɛstɪn/

predestine

Meaning
to determine or decide something in advance, often regarded as being fixed by fate or divine will
Example
They believed their paths were predestined by fate.
B2 noun /ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən/

prosecution

Meaning
The act of bringing a criminal charge against someone and pursuing legal action in court.
Example
The prosecution presented strong evidence against the defendant.
C2 noun /ˌprɒdɪˈɡæləti/

prodigality

Meaning
the quality of being wastefully extravagant
Example
His prodigality with money left him bankrupt.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛkəbl/

peccable

Meaning
liable to sin or error; capable of doing wrong
Example
Humans are peccable, but they strive for goodness.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛfətɔːri/

prefatory

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

planisphere

Meaning
a rotating star chart used to display the visible stars for any time and date
Example
The astronomer used a planisphere to identify the constellations.
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 adjective /pərˈfɜrvɪd/

perfervid

Meaning
intensely passionate or fervent
Example
She gave a perfervid speech in defense of human rights.
C2 noun /ˈpɔl.zi/

Palsy

Meaning
paralysis, especially that which is accompanied by involuntary tremors; loss of muscle control
Example
The elderly man suffered from palsy in his hands.
C2 adjective /flɛgˈmæt.ɪk/

phlegmatic

Meaning
having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition
Example
Despite the chaos, he remained phlegmatic and composed.
B2 verb (phrasal) /ˈpæs ˌɔːf/

pass-off

Meaning
to present something or someone falsely as something else; to pretend or deceive
Example
He tried to pass off the fake watch as a luxury brand.
A2 noun /ˈpɛni/

penny

Meaning
a small coin of low value; a very small amount of money
Example
He found a penny on the sidewalk and smiled.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛndənt/

pendent

Meaning
hanging down or suspended
Example
The pendent branches touched the ground.
B2 noun /ˈpæn.ɪk/

Panic

Meaning
sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety; a state of widespread fear and anxiety
Example
The fire alarm caused panic among the students.
B2 noun prəˈɡreʃ.ən

progression

Meaning
The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.
Example
Progression in technology drives innovation.
C1 noun /pəˈθɒlədʒi/

pathology

Meaning
the scientific study of diseases, their causes, processes, and effects on the body
Example
Advances in pathology helped the doctors identify the rare infection quickly.
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 adjective /pæˈseɪ/

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
B2 noun prəˈsiːdɪŋz

proceedings

Meaning
An event or a series of activities involving a formal or set procedure.
Example
The proceedings discussed language issues.
A1 noun /fəʊn/

phone

Meaning
a device for communication, typically used to make calls or send messages
Example
I need to charge my phone.
C1 adjective /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl/

palatable

Meaning
pleasant or acceptable to the taste, mind, or feelings
Example
The meal was simple but quite palatable.
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.
B1 verb /prəˈmoʊt/

promote

Meaning
to help something develop or increase; to advance someone to a higher position
Example
The company promotes environmental awareness.
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 adverb /pəˈlɪtɪkəli/

politically

Meaning
in a way that relates to politics or government
Example
The country is politically divided between two major parties.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

Meaning
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
Example
The soil in this area is very permeable to water.
B1 verb /ˈpʌblɪʃ/

publish

Meaning
to print and distribute books, magazines, etc.; to make information available
Example
The author will publish her new novel next month.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuːtrɪd/

putrid

Meaning
decayed and emitting a foul smell
Example
The garbage smelled putrid after days in the sun.
C1 noun/verb /pɔːr/

pore

Meaning
As a noun: a tiny opening in the skin or surface. As a verb: to study something carefully.
Example
She pored over the documents for hours before making a decision.
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 noun /pliː/

Plea

Meaning
an urgent and emotional request; a defendant's formal response to a criminal charge; an excuse or justification
Example
She made a plea for help during the emergency.
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, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈɡrædʒuət/

postgraduate

Meaning
A student who has completed a first degree and is studying for a further degree.
Example
She is doing postgraduate research in physics.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛntəˈveɪlənt/

pentavalent

Meaning
Having a valence of five, especially in chemistry.
Example
Phosphorus can exist in a pentavalent state.
C1 adjective /pɒˈstɪəriər/

posterior

Meaning
Situated at or toward the back; later in time.
Example
The posterior part of the brain controls vision.
A2 verb /pʊl/

pull

Meaning
to exert force to move something toward oneself; to drag or tug
Example
Please pull the door to open it.
C2 noun /ˈpærəpɛt/

parapet

Meaning
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, balcony, or bridge.
Example
The soldier hid behind the parapet for protection.
B2 noun /ˌpɪə.riˈɒd.ɪ.kəl/

periodical

Meaning
a magazine or journal published at regular intervals
Example
She subscribed to a science periodical.
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.
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.
A2 noun /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/

painting

Meaning
a picture or design made using paint
Example
The painting on the wall was created by a famous artist.
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.
A2 verb /prəˈtɛkt/

protect

Meaning
To keep safe from harm or injury.
Example
Protect yourself from the negative effects of social media.
C2 adjective /ˈpɑːmi/

palmy

Meaning
prosperous, flourishing, or relating to palm trees
Example
He often reminisced about the palmy days of his youth.
C2 noun /ˌpɑːrtjʊˈrɪʃən/

parturition

Meaning
The act of giving birth; childbirth.
Example
The doctor explained the stages of parturition to the students.
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.
C1 noun ˈprɒdʒ.ə.ni

progeny

Meaning
A descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring.
Example
The philosopher's teachings have influenced many generations of progeny.
B2 noun /ˈpɪt.ʃər/

Pitcher

Meaning
a large container with a handle and spout used for storing and pouring liquids
Example
The water pitcher on the table was filled with ice-cold lemonade.
C2 adjective ˌpɜː.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs

perspicacious

Meaning
Having keen insight and understanding; showing acute mental discernment.
Example
The detective's perspicacious nature helped solve the mystery.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ləs/

pitiless

Meaning
showing no pity or compassion; cruel
Example
The pitiless ruler ignored the suffering of his people.
C1 verb /prəˈlɪf.ə.reɪt/

proliferate

Meaning
To increase rapidly in numbers; to grow or spread quickly and extensively.
Example
Startups tend to proliferate in a thriving economy.
B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪ.zən.əs/

Poisonous

Meaning
containing poison; toxic; deadly
Example
The snake is highly poisonous and dangerous.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tɪ.klz/

particles

Meaning
Minute portions of matter.
Example
PM2.5 particles harm respiratory health.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrljuː/

purlieu

Meaning
The area near or surrounding a place; an outlying or neighboring district.
Example
They spent the afternoon exploring the purlieus of the ancient city.
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.
A2 noun /pæn/

Pan

Meaning
a wide, flat-bottomed cooking utensil used for frying, searing, and browning foods
Example
Heat the oil in a large pan before adding the vegetables.
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.
C1 verb /ˈpeɪtrənaɪz/

patronize

Meaning
to treat someone in a condescending way; to be a regular customer of a business
Example
Don't patronize me with your fake sympathy.
B1 noun /ˈpeɪstri/

pastry

Meaning
a baked food product made from flour, fat, and water, often sweet or savory
Example
I bought a box of fresh pastries for breakfast.
C2 verb /prɪˈværɪkeɪt/

prevaricate

Meaning
to avoid telling the truth by not giving a direct answer
Example
The politician began to prevaricate when asked about the scandal.
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 /ˈpaɪ.rət/

Pirate

Meaning
a person who attacks and robs ships at sea; someone who uses or reproduces copyrighted material illegally
Example
The pirate ship was spotted near the coast.
B1 noun

Pedestrian

B2 noun /ˈfɪzɪsɪst/

physicist

Meaning
a scientist who studies or specializes in physics
Example
The physicist explained the theory of relativity to the students.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːr.kə.tri/

parquetry

Meaning
The art or technique of laying parquet floors.
Example
The craftsman specialized in parquetry for luxury homes.
C2 noun /poʊˈzɜːr/

poseur

Meaning
A person who pretends to be something they are not, often to impress others.
Example
Many considered him a poseur because he exaggerated his accomplishments.
C1 noun /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

pediatrics

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children
Example
She decided to specialize in pediatrics after medical school.
C1 noun proʊˈæktɪv ˈseɪvɪŋ

proactive saving

Meaning
Actively planning and setting aside money in advance to prepare for future financial needs
Example
Proactive saving ensures financial stability in old age.
C1 noun ˈprəʊses stəˈbɪlɪti

process stability

Meaning
The consistency and steadiness of biological or functional processes
Example
Cold air ensures process stability in plants.
A2 noun ˈpaʊ.ər

power

Meaning
The ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way; authority.
Example
Power distribution ensures efficiency.
C1 noun /poʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/

polarity

Meaning
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
Example
The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger.
C2 noun /ˈpærəmʊr/

paramour

Meaning
a lover, especially an illicit one
Example
The secret paramour was finally revealed.
A2 noun /ˈpoʊɪm/

poem

Meaning
a piece of writing that expresses ideas, feelings, or tells a story in a distinct form, often using rhyme or meter
Example
She wrote a beautiful poem for her mother.
C2 noun, verb /ˌpæm.fləˈtɪər/

pamphleteer

Meaning
a person who writes or distributes pamphlets, often to promote a political or social cause
Example
In the 18th century, many pamphleteers influenced public opinion.
B1 noun /ˈpɑːrləmənt/

parliament

Meaning
the highest legislative body in a country
Example
The bill was passed in parliament after a long debate.
A2 noun /ˈpleɪər/

player

Meaning
a person who participates in a game or sport
Example
The player scored the winning goal.
C2 verb /fɪˈlændər/

philander

Meaning
to engage in casual or frivolous romantic or sexual relationships
Example
He was known to philander with many women in town.
C2 noun /prɪˈpɒndərəns/

preponderance

Meaning
The quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance.
Example
There was a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
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.
A2 adverb /ˈprɒb.ə.bli/

Probably

Meaning
almost certainly; very likely; in all likelihood
Example
He will probably arrive late tonight.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪst/

pugilist

Meaning
A professional or skilled boxer.
Example
The pugilist entered the ring with confidence.
A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.vət/

Private

Meaning
personal; confidential; not public; individual
Example
This is a private conversation between two friends.
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.
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.
C2 noun /prəˈpɪŋkwɪti/

propinquity

Meaning
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity
Example
The propinquity of their houses made them close friends.
C2 verb /ˈpælpɪˌteɪt/

palpitate

Meaning
to beat rapidly and strongly, often because of fear, excitement, or illness
Example
Her heart began to palpitate with fear.
C2 adjective /ˈprɒvɪdənt/

provident

Meaning
making or indicative of timely preparation for the future
Example
She was provident in saving money for her children’s education.
B1 noun /pəˈpaɪə/

Papaya

Meaning
a large orange tropical fruit with sweet orange flesh and black seeds
Example
Papaya is rich in vitamins and very good for health.
B1 noun /ˈpʊl.oʊ.vər/

Pullover

Meaning
a knitted garment worn on the upper body, typically pulled on over the head
Example
She wore a warm pullover during the cold winter evening.
C1 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈmer.ɪ.kən/

Pan-American

Meaning
relating to all the countries of North, Central, and South America
Example
The Pan-American Games bring together athletes from across the continent.
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.
B2 verb praɪˈɒraɪtaɪz

prioritize

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

poke

Meaning
to push or prod with a finger or pointed object
Example
Don't poke me with your finger.
C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
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.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒɪst/

psychologist

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