populist
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C1 noun /ˈpɒpjʊlɪst/

populist

Meaning
A politician or person who seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are ignored by elites.
Example
The populist leader promised to put the needs of common citizens first.
C1 noun /ˈpreɪsiː/

precis

Meaning
A concise summary of a text or speech.
Example
The student submitted a précis of the long article.
C1 noun /pɪˌdɛs.tri.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

pedestrianization

Meaning
Making areas pedestrian-friendly, closing any area to vehicle traffic and making it open only for pedestrians.
Example
The pedestrianization of city centers reduces pollution.
C1 adjective /prəˈdɪdʒəs/

prodigious

Meaning
remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree
Example
The team made a prodigious effort to complete the project on time.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.ləs/

Populous

Meaning
having a large population; densely populated; crowded with people
Example
China is the most populous country in the world.
C1 verb /præns/

prance

Meaning
To move with high, springy steps, often to show off or attract attention.
Example
The horse pranced around the field gracefully.
C1 noun /pləˈsiːboʊ/

placebo

Meaning
a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs
Example
The patient was given a placebo to compare the effect of the real drug.
C1 noun /ˈfiː.nɪks/

phoenix

Meaning
a mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes; symbol of immortality or renewal
Example
The legend says the phoenix rises from its ashes every 500 years.
C1 noun prɪˈzɜː.və.tɪvz

preservatives

Meaning
A substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay.
Example
Many processed foods contain harmful preservatives.
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.
C1 verb /pləˈkeɪt/

placate

Meaning
to make someone less angry or hostile; to calm or soothe
Example
He tried to placate the angry customer with a refund.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈplæsɪd/

placid

Meaning
calm and peaceful, not easily disturbed
Example
She had a placid expression despite the chaos around her.
C1 adjective /ˈprɪvi/

privy

Meaning
having access to secret or private knowledge
Example
She was privy to the confidential discussions.
C1 noun /ˌpændəˈmoʊniəm/

pandemonium

Meaning
Wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar.
Example
When the concert was canceled, pandemonium broke out among the crowd.
C1 adjective /pəˈleɪ.ʃəl/

palatial

Meaning
resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid
Example
They stayed in a palatial hotel during their vacation.
C1 noun prəˈkjʊrmənt

procurement

Meaning
The action of obtaining or procuring something, especially for official purposes.
Example
The procurement of modern equipment has improved research accuracy.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːmieɪt/

permeate

Meaning
Spread throughout (something); pervade.
Example
The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire room.
C1 noun

Peck

C1 adjective /pəˈmɪs.ɪv/

permissive

Meaning
Allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior; very lenient or indulgent.
Example
Permissive parenting can sometimes lead to a lack of discipline in children.
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.
C1 adjective /priˈɛmptɪv/

preemptive

Meaning
Serving or intended to prevent something by taking action first.
Example
The government took preemptive measures to control inflation.
C1 verb /prɪˈzaɪd/

preside

Meaning
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
Example
She will preside over the meeting tomorrow.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvənəns/

provenance

Meaning
The origin or source of something.
Example
The museum verified the provenance of the ancient manuscript.
C1 noun /ˈpen.əns/

Penance

Meaning
punishment that you accept for doing something wrong; an act of showing that you are sorry for sin
Example
The monk performed penance for his past mistakes.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪdʒərɪzəm/

plagiarism

Meaning
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own
Example
The student was expelled for committing plagiarism in his essay.
C1 adjective /ˈplʌk.i/

plucky

Meaning
having or showing courage and determination
Example
The plucky child rescued the kitten from the tree.
C1 adverb /pɜːr ˈseɪ/

per se

Meaning
By or in itself; intrinsically.
Example
The idea is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.
C1 adjective prəˈtræk.tɪd

protracted

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.
Example
The negotiations were protracted over months.
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.
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 /pəˈvɪliən/

pavilion

Meaning
A large tent or temporary building, often used for events or exhibitions.
Example
The wedding reception was held in a decorated pavilion.
C1 verb /pɜːrdʒ/

purge

Meaning
To remove unwanted feelings, people, or things; to cleanse or purify.
Example
The new leader promised to purge corruption from the government.
C1 adjective /prəˈvɒkətɪv/

provocative

Meaning
Intended to make people angry, excited, or interested.
Example
She wore a provocative dress to the party.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɛrəntɪdʒ/

parentage

Meaning
The identity and origins of one's parents; descent or lineage.
Example
Her noble parentage gave her access to the royal court.
C1 noun /prɪˈdɒmɪnəns/

predominance

Meaning
The state of being greater in number, strength, or importance.
Example
The predominance of online shopping has changed retail forever.
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 verb /ˈpoʊ.lə.raɪz/

polarize

Meaning
to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
Example
The controversial decision polarized public opinion.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrspəˈreɪʃn/

perspiration

Meaning
The process of sweating.
Example
Heavy exercise causes perspiration.
C1 adjective পারসিভেবল

perceivable

Meaning
Able to be seen, noticed, or detected.
Example
The changes in winter weather are perceivable in rural areas.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
C1 noun /ˌpæn.əˈræm.ə/

panorama

Meaning
An unbroken view of the whole region surrounding an observer.
Example
From the hilltop, we enjoyed a breathtaking panorama of the city.
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.
C1 noun, verb /ˌprɒməˈneɪd/

promenade

Meaning
A leisurely walk or stroll, especially in a public place for pleasure or display.
Example
They went for a promenade along the seaside.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
C1 noun ˈprɛvələns

prevalence

Meaning
The fact or condition of being widespread; the extent to which something exists or occurs
Example
The prevalence of aging issues requires immediate attention.
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.
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 adjective /pləˈtɒnɪk/

platonic

Meaning
relating to a close relationship that is not romantic or sexual
Example
They have a platonic friendship that has lasted for years.
C1 adjective /ˌpɛd.əˈɡɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

pedagogical

Meaning
Relating to teaching and education; concerned with the methods and practice of teaching.
Example
The school adopted new pedagogical techniques to improve learning.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːr.keɪ/

parquet

Meaning
A floor made of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern.
Example
The old mansion had a beautiful parquet floor.
C1 verb /prəˈkjʊər/

procure

Meaning
to obtain something, especially with effort or difficulty
Example
They managed to procure enough supplies for the expedition.
C1 adjective /ˈprɒdɪɡəl/

prodigal

Meaning
spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant
Example
The prodigal son returned home after wasting his inheritance.
C1 noun /ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃/

penchant

Meaning
a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something
Example
She has a penchant for collecting rare books.
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 ˌpraɪ.vɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

privatization

Meaning
The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control.
Example
The privatization of state-owned companies increased efficiency.
C1 verb /ˈpʌməl/

pummel

Meaning
To strike repeatedly with the fists; to beat or hit forcefully.
Example
The boxer pummeled his opponent in the final round.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

predetermine

Meaning
to establish or decide something in advance
Example
The outcome of the match seemed predetermined.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪˌteɪtɪd/

premeditated

Meaning
planned in advance; done deliberately
Example
The crime was clearly premeditated.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrlər/

parlor

Meaning
A sitting room in a private house, or a shop providing specified services.
Example
They welcomed the guests into the front parlor.
C1 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning
to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others
Example
The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.
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.
C1 noun /pəˈpaɪrəs/

papyrus

Meaning
An ancient writing material made from the pith of the papyrus plant; also refers to the plant itself.
Example
The ancient scroll was written on papyrus.
C1 noun /prəˈpraɪəti/

propriety

Meaning
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality.
Example
He always behaved with the utmost propriety in public.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

Meaning
to claim or profess something, often falsely
Example
The document purports to be an official government report.
C1 verb /ˈpætər/

patter

Meaning
to make a repeated light tapping sound; to talk quickly in a rehearsed or mechanical way
Example
Rain pattered softly on the window.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
C1 noun ˌpriːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən

preoccupation

Meaning
The state of being absorbed in thought; mental distraction.
Example
His preoccupation with work led to neglecting his personal life.
C1 adjective /præɡˈmæt.ɪk/

pragmatic

Meaning
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than idealistic considerations.
Example
He took a pragmatic approach to solving the financial crisis.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪn.tɪf/

Plaintiff

Meaning
a person who brings a case against another in a court of law; the person who initiates a lawsuit
Example
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the company.
C1 noun /ˈpəʊstˌskrɪpt/

postscript

Meaning
an additional remark at the end of a letter or text, after the signature
Example
She added a brief postscript to thank him again.
C1 noun /pəˈtɜːrnəti/

paternity

Meaning
The state of being someone's father.
Example
He demanded a paternity test to confirm his relationship with the child.
C1 noun /prɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/

Presumption

Meaning
an idea that is taken to be true without proof
Example
There is a presumption of innocence in the legal system.
C1 noun prəˈpʌl.ʃən

propulsion

Meaning
The action of driving or pushing forward.
Example
Jet engines provide propulsion for aircraft to travel long distances.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊl.stɑːr/

Polestar

Meaning
a bright star that appears to stay in the same position in the sky and is used for navigation
Example
Sailors used the polestar to navigate across the ocean.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ləs/

pitiless

Meaning
showing no pity or compassion; cruel
Example
The pitiless ruler ignored the suffering of his people.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːr.dən.ə.bəl/

Pardonable

Meaning
able to be forgiven; excusable
Example
His mistake was pardonable given the difficult circumstances.
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.
C1 noun /ˌpɪɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/

pigmentation

Meaning
The natural coloring of animal or plant tissue.
Example
Excessive rubbing can cause pigmentation issues.
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 /ˌpɑːrʃiˈæləti/

partiality

Meaning
an unfair preference or bias toward one side or person
Example
The judge was criticized for showing partiality in the case.
C1 noun /ˌtɛrəˈdæktɪl/

pterodactyl

Meaning
An extinct flying reptile of the Jurassic period, with a long slender head and wings formed by a membrane stretching along the body.
Example
The museum displayed a fossil of a giant pterodactyl.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.di/

Parody

Meaning
an imitation of a particular style for comic effect; a humorous exaggerated copy
Example
The comedy show featured a parody of famous politicians.
C1 noun /prəˈvaɪzoʊ/

proviso

Meaning
a condition or stipulation attached to an agreement
Example
He accepted the job offer with the proviso that he could work remotely twice a week.
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 /ˈprɪs.tiːn/

pristine

Meaning
In its original condition; unspoiled, clean, and fresh.
Example
The forest remains in a pristine condition.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

Meaning
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
Example
The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
C1 noun /plɔɪ/

ploy

Meaning
a clever plan or action designed to gain an advantage
Example
She used a clever ploy to win the debate.
C1 noun /ˈprɒfəsi/

prophecy

Meaning
a prediction or message about the future, often believed to be divinely inspired
Example
The prophecy foretold the rise of a great leader.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
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.
C1 noun /peɪˈiː/

payee

Meaning
A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.
Example
The payee must sign the check before cashing it.
C1 verb /ˈpærəlaɪz/

paralyze

Meaning
to cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or function normally
Example
The sudden shock seemed to paralyze him.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
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 /ˈpæmpər/

pamper

Meaning
to treat with excessive care and attention; to spoil
Example
Parents often pamper their first child.
C1 noun /plæsˈtɪsəti/

plasticity

Meaning
the quality of being easily shaped or molded; adaptability
Example
The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt after injury.
C1 verb /priːn/

preen

Meaning
To groom or dress oneself with care; to show pride in one's appearance.
Example
She preened in front of the mirror before leaving for the party.
C1 adjective /pɒˈstɪəriər/

posterior

Meaning
Situated at or toward the back; later in time.
Example
The posterior part of the brain controls vision.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪz.i.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

physiological

Meaning
Relating to bodily functions and activities.
Example
Exercise improves physiological functions of the body.
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.
C1 adjective /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/

prolific

Meaning
Present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful; producing many works, results, or offspring.
Example
The author is prolific, having written over 30 books.
C1 noun /ˈprɛəri/

prairie

Meaning
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
Example
The bison roamed freely across the prairie.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.kɒk ˈflaʊ.ər/

Peacock flower

Meaning
a tropical tree with bright orange and red flowers that resemble a peacock's tail
Example
The peacock flower tree blooms with stunning orange flowers in summer.
C1 verb /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪt/

premeditate

Meaning
to think about and plan something (especially a crime) beforehand
Example
The suspect was accused of premeditating the crime.
C1 noun /ˈpæs.ɪ.fɪst/

pacifist

Meaning
a person who believes in peace and opposes war or violence
Example
She is a committed pacifist who campaigns against armed conflict.
C1 adjective /ˈper.ɪ.ləs/

perilous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; hazardous and threatening.
Example
The explorers took a perilous journey.
C1 adjective /pərˈsɛptəbl̩/

perceptible

Meaning
Able to be noticed or recognized by the senses or the mind.
Example
There was a perceptible change in the atmosphere.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

Meaning
Childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
The child became petulant when denied more candy.
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 /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

Meaning
wandering; traveling; migratory
Example
The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed.
C1 noun /prəˈdʒɛktaɪl/

projectile

Meaning
An object fired, thrown, or propelled, especially from a weapon.
Example
The soldier dodged the incoming projectile.
C1 noun pɔɪz

poise

Meaning
Natural confidence and composure maintained under pressure.
Example
A good speaker maintains poise under pressure.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊlstər/

pollster

Meaning
a person or organization that conducts surveys to gauge public opinion
Example
The pollster predicted a close election outcome.
C1 noun ˌpraɪɔːrɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən

prioritization

Meaning
The action or process of deciding the relative importance or urgency of things.
Example
Effective prioritization ensures resources are used efficiently.
C1 noun /ˈpriːˌkɜrsər/

precursor

Meaning
Something or someone that comes before another and indicates the approach of something else.
Example
The steam engine was a precursor to modern trains.