piquant
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C1 adjective /ˈpiːkənt/

piquant

Meaning
having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste; interestingly provocative
Example
The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish to enhance its flavor.
B2 noun /ˈpredʒ.ə.dɪs/

Prejudice

Meaning
preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
Example
We must fight against prejudice and discrimination in our society.
B2 adjective /ˈpleɪfəl/

playful

Meaning
full of fun and high spirits; lively
Example
The puppy was very playful, running around the garden.
C2 noun /ˈplɛntɪtjuːd/

plentitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant
Example
The garden offered a plentitude of flowers in spring.
B2 noun /ˈplæn.tɪn/

Plantain

Meaning
a large green banana-like fruit that is usually cooked before eating
Example
Plantain can be fried, boiled, or baked and is a staple food in many tropical countries.
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 /fɪˈlɒsəfə/

philosopher

Meaning
a person engaged in the study of philosophy or in serious thinking about fundamental questions
Example
Socrates was a famous philosopher of ancient Greece.
B1 noun /paɪl/

pile

Meaning
a large amount of something stacked or placed in a heap
Example
He placed the books in a pile on the table.
C1 verb /prɪˈkluːd/

preclude

Meaning
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
Example
Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic.
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.
A2 verb /pæs/

pass

Meaning
to move past or beyond something
Example
He passed the test with flying colors.
B1 noun /ˈprɪnsɪpl/

principle

Meaning
A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.
Example
Honesty is a key principle of leadership.
B2 noun /saɪˈkaɪətri/

psychiatry

Meaning
the branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of mental illness
Example
She decided to study psychiatry to help people with mental health issues.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
A2 adjective /ˈpiːs.fəl/

Peaceful

Meaning
free from disturbance; calm and quiet; not involving war or violence
Example
The garden is a peaceful place to relax.
C1 adjective /prəˈvɒkətɪv/

provocative

Meaning
Intended to make people angry, excited, or interested.
Example
She wore a provocative dress to the party.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/

pipeline

Meaning
a long tube through which liquids or gases are transported
Example
The company is building a new pipeline to transport natural gas.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.saɪt/

Parasite

Meaning
an organism that lives on or in another organism and benefits at its expense; a person who depends on others
Example
The dog was treated for intestinal parasites.
B1 noun /ˈprɛər/

prayer

Meaning
a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity
Example
She recited a prayer before the meal.
A2 verb /pɒp/

pop

Meaning
to make a short, sharp sound, or to burst or break with such a sound
Example
The balloon popped when I accidentally pricked it with a pin.
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.
C2 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈsɪl.ə.bəl/

polysyllable

Meaning
a word with more than one syllable
Example
The word 'elephant' is a polysyllable because it has three syllables.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛʃənt/ or /ˈpriːʃənt/

prescient

Meaning
having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
Example
The prescient investor sold his shares just before the market crashed.
C2 noun /ˈprɪvɪti/

privity

Meaning
A close, private, or special relationship; in law, the direct connection between parties to a contract.
Example
There was no privity of contract between the supplier and the customer.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
C2 noun /pɪks/

pyx

Meaning
a small container, often used in Christian liturgy to carry the consecrated host
Example
The priest placed the consecrated host into the pyx before visiting the sick.
B2 noun /ˈpɛbl/

pebble

Meaning
a small smooth stone found on beaches or rivers
Example
He threw a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples.
C2 verb /prɒɡˈnɒstɪkeɪt/

prognosticate

Meaning
To foretell or predict future events, especially based on current signs.
Example
Experts attempted to prognosticate the outcome of the election.
A2 noun /ˈprɪn.ses/

princess

Meaning
a female royal family member, especially the daughter of a king or queen; a woman regarded as noble, cherished, or elegant
Example
The princess waved to the crowd from the palace balcony.
B1 adjective /ˈprɛɡnənt/

pregnant

Meaning
having a child developing in the womb; also, full of meaning or significance
Example
She announced that she was three months pregnant.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtrəˌɡræf/

petrograph

Meaning
a description or representation of rocks, especially in detailed scientific writing
Example
The scientist studied the petrograph to understand the rock composition.
C1 noun /ˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Piety

Meaning
the quality of being religious or reverent; devout religious belief and practice
Example
His piety was evident in his daily prayers.
A2 noun /ˈpʊd.ɪŋ/

Pudding

Meaning
a sweet dessert typically made by boiling or steaming
Example
My grandmother makes delicious chocolate pudding for dessert.
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.
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 verb /ˈpʌzəl/

puzzle

Meaning
to confuse or perplex; to think hard about something
Example
The math problem will puzzle even the experts.
C2 adjective /pjuːˈtrɛsənt/

putrescent

Meaning
undergoing the process of decay; rotting
Example
The putrescent odor made everyone leave the room.
A1 noun /piːˈɛm/

pm

Meaning
abbreviation for post meridiem; after midday
Example
The meeting is scheduled at 3 pm.
A2 adjective ˈpɒzətɪv

positive

Meaning
Having an electric charge opposite to that of an electron.
Example
Protons have a positive charge.
B1 noun /ˈpeɪvmənt/

pavement

Meaning
a hard paved surface such as a road or sidewalk; the act or result of paving
Example
She walked along the pavement to reach the bus stop.
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 adjective /ˌfɪl.ænˈθrɒp.ɪk/

philanthropic

Meaning
showing concern for the welfare of others; generous and charitable
Example
She is known for her philanthropic activities in the city.
B2 verb /plʌndʒ/

plunge

Meaning
to jump or dive quickly; to fall sharply
Example
She plunged into the swimming pool.
C1 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈræm.ɪk/

panoramic

Meaning
Giving a wide view of an extensive area in all directions.
Example
The hotel offers panoramic views of the ocean.
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 adjective /ˌpriːməˈtjʊər/

premature

Meaning
Happening or done before the usual or proper time.
Example
His decision to quit the job was premature.
B2 verb /prɪˈskrʌɪb/

prescribe

Meaning
to recommend or authorize the use of something, especially medicine
Example
The doctor prescribed medication for my cold.
C1 noun /pɔl/

Pall

Meaning
a cloth spread over a coffin; a dark covering that creates a gloomy atmosphere
Example
A pall of smoke hung over the burning building.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

Meaning
A very poor person.
Example
The pauper begged for food on the street corner.
B2 adjective /ˈpraɪs.ləs/

Priceless

Meaning
extremely valuable; invaluable; beyond price
Example
Her grandmother's antique jewelry is absolutely priceless.
C2 noun /ˈproʊbɪti/

probity

Meaning
The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
Example
The judge was admired for his integrity and probity.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Pointed

Meaning
having a sharp end; direct and unambiguous
Example
She made a pointed remark about his behavior.
C1 noun prɪˈdɪk.ə.mənt

predicament

Meaning
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example
Losing both jobs put him in a financial predicament.
C2 noun /ˈpær.ɪ.saɪd/

parricide

Meaning
The act of killing one's father, mother, or other close relative.
Example
The court tried him for parricide after the tragic incident.
C1 noun /ˌplɔː.zəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

plausibility

Meaning
The quality of being reasonable or probable.
Example
The plausibility of his explanation convinced the jury.
A2 noun /ˈplænɪt/

Planet

Meaning
a celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit around a star
Example
Mars is the fourth planet from the sun.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.iˌθi.ɪz.əm/

polytheism

Meaning
the belief in or worship of multiple gods
Example
Ancient Greeks practiced polytheism, worshiping gods like Zeus and Athena.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪəbəl/

pliable

Meaning
easily bent or flexible; adaptable
Example
The metal is pliable enough to be shaped into jewelry.
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 noun /ˌpɛntəˈhiːdrən/

pentahedron

Meaning
A solid geometric figure with five faces.
Example
In geometry class, the teacher explained the structure of a pentahedron.
A2 noun /pəˈluː.ʃən/

pollution

Meaning
The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
Example
Industrial pollution harms marine life.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrmjuˈteɪʃən/

permutation

Meaning
An arrangement or reordering of elements, often in mathematics or logic.
Example
The puzzle can be solved by trying all possible permutations of the tiles.
C1 adjective /pəˈtɜːrnəl/

paternal

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a father.
Example
He took a paternal interest in the boy’s education.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpesɪˌmɪzəm/

pessimism

Meaning
A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe the worst will happen.
Example
Her constant pessimism made it hard to stay optimistic.
B2 noun /prækˈtɪʃ.ən.ər/

practitioner

Meaning
a person actively engaged in a profession, especially medicine or law
Example
She is a skilled medical practitioner.
B2 adjective /prəˈfaʊnd/

profound

Meaning
Very great or intense; having deep insight or understanding.
Example
The speech had a profound impact on the audience.
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.
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 verb /ˈpenɪtreɪt/

penetrate

Meaning
to go into or through something; to understand something deeply
Example
The bullet penetrated the wall.
C2 adjective /prɪˈhɛnsaɪl/

prehensile

Meaning
adapted for seizing or grasping, especially by wrapping around an object
Example
The monkey used its prehensile tail to hang from the branch.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
C2 verb /ˈpɜːrdʒər/

perjure

Meaning
To knowingly tell a lie in a court of law after swearing to tell the truth.
Example
He was accused of trying to perjure himself during the trial.
A2 noun /pleɪt/

Plate

Meaning
a flat, typically round dish used for serving or eating food
Example
Please put the rice on your plate.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrdʒəri/

perjury

Meaning
The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after taking an oath.
Example
She was convicted of perjury after giving false evidence.
B2 adjective /ˈpreɪz.wɜː.ði/

Praiseworthy

Meaning
deserving praise; commendable; admirable
Example
Her charitable work is truly praiseworthy.
C2 noun /prəˈtɛktərət/

protectorate

Meaning
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
Example
The small country became a protectorate of the empire.
B2 noun pəˈluː.tənts

pollutants

Meaning
A substance that pollutes or contaminates the environment.
Example
Pollutants contribute to environmental degradation.
C2 adjective /ˈproʊtiən/

protean

Meaning
tending or able to change frequently or easily; versatile
Example
She is a protean artist who experiments with many styles.
C1 adjective /ˈpent ʌp/

Pent-up

Meaning
suppressed; restrained; confined
Example
He had pent-up anger that finally exploded.
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 verb /priːˈɛmpt/

pre-empt

Meaning
to act in advance to prevent an anticipated event from happening; forestall
Example
The government moved to pre-empt a crisis by introducing new policies.
C1 noun /pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

parenthesis

Meaning
A pair of curved marks ( ) used to enclose words or numbers; also an interruption or digression in speech or writing.
Example
The explanation was given in a parenthesis within the text.
C2 noun /praɪˈveɪʃən/

privation

Meaning
A state in which things essential for human well-being such as food and warmth are lacking.
Example
The refugees suffered great privation during the harsh winter.
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 ˈpɛd.ə.ɡɒ.dʒi

pedagogy

Meaning
The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
Example
Modern pedagogy focuses on student-centered learning.
B2 noun /ˌpɛnɪˈtreɪʃən/

penetration

Meaning
The act of piercing or entering into something.
Example
The company's market penetration grew rapidly.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
B2 adjective /ˈplen.tɪ.fəl/

Plentiful

Meaning
abundant; existing in large quantity
Example
The harvest was plentiful this year due to good weather.
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 /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
B1 noun

Pause

B2 verb /ˈpɒndər/

ponder

Meaning
to think about something carefully
Example
She pondered over the meaning of the poem.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːrtli/

portly

Meaning
Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.
Example
The portly man entered the room with confidence.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛnɪtrəbl/

penetrable

Meaning
Capable of being passed through or entered.
Example
The thin wall was easily penetrable.
C2 adverb /pəˈfɔːs/

perforce

Meaning
by necessity; inevitably
Example
He had to perforce accept the decision.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːr.dən.ə.bəl/

Pardonable

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

physiography

Meaning
the study of the physical features of the earth's surface
Example
He specialized in physiography to understand the landscape of the region.
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.
C1 noun /plʊəˈrælɪti/

plurality

Meaning
the state of being multiple; the greater part or majority
Example
In the election, she won by a plurality of votes.
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.
B1 verb /prəˈvaɪdɪd/

provided

Meaning
gave or supplied something that was needed
Example
The hotel provided free breakfast for all guests.
B2 noun /ˈplænər/

planner

Meaning
a person who makes plans or a book used for organizing schedules and tasks
Example
She uses a daily planner to organize her meetings.
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.
B1 verb /pɑːrˈtɪsɪpeɪt/

participate

Meaning
to take part in or become involved in an activity
Example
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
B1 adjective /pərˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/

particular

Meaning
specific or special; distinct from others
Example
He is very particular about his diet.
B2 noun /ˈpær.ə.daɪs/

Paradise

Meaning
heaven; a place or state of perfect happiness; an ideal or perfect place
Example
The tropical island was like paradise for the tourists.
B2 noun /pʌntʃ/

Punch

Meaning
a tool used for making holes or indentations in materials
Example
The carpenter used a punch to make holes in the leather.
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.
C2 noun /priˈɛmpʃən/

preemption

Meaning
The act of taking action before someone else; the right to purchase or act before others.
Example
The company exercised preemption to acquire the land before competitors.
A1 noun /ˈpiːpl/

people

Meaning
a group of human beings collectively
Example
The people in the town gathered for the festival.
B2 noun, adjective /prɪˈmɪər/ or /ˈpriːmiər/

premier

Meaning
the head of government in some countries; first in importance or rank
Example
The French premier addressed the nation.
C1 adjective /ˈpæs.ə.bəl/

passable

Meaning
good enough to be accepted, though not excellent
Example
The road is barely passable after the storm.
C2 noun /prɔːŋ/

prong

Meaning
a projecting pointed part, such as one of the pointed ends of a fork
Example
The fork has four prongs.
C2 noun /proʊˈdʒɛnɪtər/

progenitor

Meaning
a direct ancestor; a person or thing that originates something
Example
Researchers traced the custom back to a common progenitor.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈprɒs.pekts/

prospects

Meaning
The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
Example
The prospects for growth look promising.
B1 noun /ˈfɑːrməsi/

pharmacy

Meaning
A place where medicinal drugs are prepared and sold.
Example
I went to the pharmacy to buy antibiotics.
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.