portentous
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C2 adjective /pɔːrˈtɛntəs/

portentous

Meaning
Giving a sign or warning that something, often bad or serious, is going to happen; or overly solemn and pompous.
Example
His portentous tone made everyone nervous about the news.
B2 noun prɛsˈtiːʒ

prestige

Meaning
Widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality.
Example
The university has gained international prestige for its research.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

Meaning
showing kindness that is perceived as condescending or superior
Example
His patronizing tone offended the audience.
B2 adjective /praɪm/

prime

Meaning
Of the best quality; most important; peak condition.
Example
She is in the prime of her career.
C1 adjective /prəˈfɛtɪk/

prophetic

Meaning
accurately predicting or describing what will happen in the future
Example
His prophetic words came true after many years.
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.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈpɑrʃəli/

Partially

Meaning
to some extent; not completely; incompletely
Example
The building was only partially destroyed in the fire.
B1 verb /prəˈmoʊt/

promote

Meaning
to help something develop or increase; to advance someone to a higher position
Example
The company promotes environmental awareness.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈpælpəbl̩/

palpable

Meaning
easily perceived or felt; so intense as to seem almost tangible
Example
There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room.
B1 noun /ˈpɑr.dən/

Pardon

Meaning
forgiveness; the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense
Example
I beg your pardon for interrupting the meeting.
C1 verb /ˈplʌm.ɪt/

plummet

Meaning
to fall straight down at high speed
Example
Stock prices plummeted after the sudden market crash.
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 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.
A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.mɛr.i/

primary

Meaning
Most important; main; happening first.
Example
Education is a primary factor in economic growth.
C2 noun /ˈper.ɪ.dʒiː/

perigee

Meaning
the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the Earth
Example
The moon appeared much larger during its perigee.
B1 noun /peɪs/

pace

Meaning
the speed at which something happens or is done
Example
She walked at a slow pace.
B2 verb /pərˈsiːv/

perceive

Meaning
to become aware of or understand something through the senses
Example
I perceive a change in his attitude.
C1 adjective /ˈpæs.ə.bəl/

passable

Meaning
good enough to be accepted, though not excellent
Example
The road is barely passable after the storm.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈpraɪ.vət.li/

Privately

Meaning
in a private manner; without others present; confidentially
Example
She spoke to him privately about the matter.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪθ.i/

pithy

Meaning
concise and meaningful; full of substance
Example
She gave a pithy comment that summarized the issue perfectly.
C1 verb /priːˈɛmpt/

preempt

Meaning
To take action in order to prevent something from happening; to take the place of something.
Example
The government acted quickly to preempt a financial crisis.
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.
B2 noun prəʊb

probe

Meaning
An unmanned exploratory spacecraft designed to transmit information about its environment.
Example
The probe collected data from the planet's surface.
B2 noun /ˈprɒbləm ˈsɒlvɪŋ/

problem-solving

Meaning
The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
Example
Problem-solving skills are key to leadership.
B2 noun pəˈluː.tənts

pollutants

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

pennate

Meaning
Having parts or structures arranged like a feather; feather-shaped.
Example
The fern has a pennate leaf structure.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/

politic

Meaning
shrewd, prudent, or tactful in practical matters
Example
It was politic of him to remain silent during the argument.
C2 adjective, noun /pləˈbiːən/

plebian

Meaning
alternate spelling of 'plebeian'; common or ordinary
Example
His tastes were rather plebian, favoring simple food and clothes.
C1 verb /pərˈteɪn/

pertain

Meaning
to relate or have reference to something
Example
The rules pertain to all students in the school.
A2 noun /ˈprəʊɡræm/

program

Meaning
a planned series of events or activities
Example
The program starts at 9 AM sharp.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A2 noun /ˈprɒd.ʌkt/

Product

Meaning
something that is manufactured or produced; the result of a process
Example
The company launched a new product in the market.
C2 noun /ˈpæk.ɪ.dɜːrm/

pachyderm

Meaning
a large mammal with thick skin, such as an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus
Example
The zoo had several pachyderms, including elephants and rhinos.
B2 verb /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
B2 noun /plæˈtoʊ/

plateau

Meaning
an elevated flat area of land or a period of little change
Example
After months of growth, sales reached a plateau.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛktərəl/

pectoral

Meaning
Relating to the chest or breast.
Example
The athlete focused on strengthening his pectoral muscles.
C2 noun /ˌprɪnsɪˈpæləti/

principality

Meaning
a state ruled by a prince
Example
Monaco is a famous principality in Europe.
C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

Meaning
Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.
Example
The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.
C1 noun /ˈpʌntʃ laɪn/

punch line

Meaning
The final part of a joke or story that makes it funny.
Example
Everyone laughed loudly at the punch line of his joke.
A2 adjective /ˈpʌblɪk/

public

Meaning
relating to or affecting the people as a whole
Example
The public demanded action on the issue.
B2 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
A1 noun /ˈpeɪ.pər/

paper

Meaning
A material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing or printing on.
Example
The student submitted his research paper on artificial intelligence.
C2 verb /ˈprætəl/

prattle

Meaning
to talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way
Example
The children would prattle on about their games.
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.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜːfɪktli/

perfectly

Meaning
in a perfect manner; without flaws
Example
She performed the task perfectly.
B2 noun /ˌpɪə.riˈɒd.ɪ.kəl/

periodical

Meaning
a magazine or journal published at regular intervals
Example
She subscribed to a science periodical.
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.
C2 adjective /prəˈpɪʃəs/

propitious

Meaning
giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable
Example
The sunny weather was a propitious start to the picnic.
A1 verb /peɪnt/

paint

Meaning
to apply a colored substance to a surface
Example
She loves to paint landscapes in her free time.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/

Puzzling

Meaning
confusing; perplexing;
Example
The scientist found the results puzzling.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
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.
B1 noun prəˈtek.ʃən

protection

Meaning
The action of protecting someone or something, or the state of being protected.
Example
The movement focused on the protection of rights.
B2 adjective /ˈprɑːspərəs/

Prosperous

Meaning
successful in material terms; flourishing financially
Example
The company became very prosperous after launching their new product.
C2 noun /ˈpætrɪsaɪd/

patricide

Meaning
The act of killing one's own father.
Example
The ancient myth describes a son committing patricide to take the throne.
B1 noun /prəˈməʊ.ʃən/

Promotion

Meaning
the act of raising someone to a higher position; advertising to increase sales
Example
She received a promotion to manager after five years of hard work.
C1 adjective /pɑːrtʃt/

parched

Meaning
extremely dry, especially because of heat or thirst
Example
After walking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
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.
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.
C2 verb /ˈpɒntɪfɪkeɪt/

pontificate

Meaning
to speak or act in a pompous or dogmatic way; to officiate as a pontiff
Example
He pontificated on the importance of education for over an hour.
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 noun /plaɪt/

Plight

Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
C2 noun /ˌperəˈreɪʃən/

peroration

Meaning
The concluding part of a speech, often intended to inspire or persuade.
Example
The politician's peroration left the audience applauding enthusiastically.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
B1 noun /ˈpɔɪ.zən/

Poison

Meaning
a substance that is capable of causing death or illness
Example
The snake's bite contains deadly poison.
C2 noun /pɪˈdɒl.ə.dʒi/

pedology

Meaning
The study of soils in their natural environment.
Example
Pedology helps scientists understand soil fertility.
C1 noun /pluːm/

plume

Meaning
a large, soft feather or something resembling a feather
Example
The soldier wore a red plume on his helmet.
B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

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

profile

Meaning
a description or representation of someone or something; an outline
Example
He updated his profile on the company website.
C2 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ɪ.zəm/

pantheism

Meaning
The belief that God and the universe are identical, or that everything is a manifestation of God.
Example
Spinoza’s philosophy is often associated with pantheism.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

prepossessing

Meaning
Attractive or appealing in appearance or manner.
Example
She had a prepossessing smile that charmed everyone.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊtəbl/

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
B2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.ər/

Prior

Meaning
existing or coming before in time; previous; earlier
Example
You need prior approval before making any changes to the system.
B2 verb /pæt/

pat

Meaning
to touch someone or something gently, often to show affection or approval
Example
She gently patted the dog on its head.
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 noun /ˌprəʊ.baɪˈɒt.ɪks/

probiotics

Meaning
Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host, especially for digestive health.
Example
Probiotics improve digestion and enhance gut health.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊ.lɒɡ/

prologue

Meaning
an introduction to a book, play, or event
Example
The novel begins with a short prologue set in the past.
A2 noun ˈprəʊ.ses

process

Meaning
A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
Example
Recruitment involves a three-stage process.
C1 verb /ˈpæs.ɪ.faɪ/

pacify

Meaning
To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of someone.
Example
The mother tried to pacify her crying child.
C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts

phytonutrients

Meaning
Bioactive compounds found in plants that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Example
Green tea contains powerful phytonutrients.
C2 adjective /pərˈfɜrvɪd/

perfervid

Meaning
intensely passionate or fervent
Example
She gave a perfervid speech in defense of human rights.
C1 verb /ˈprɒpəɡeɪt/

propagate

Meaning
To spread or transmit an idea, belief, or information widely; also to reproduce in plants or animals.
Example
Scientists work to propagate the species in captivity.
C1 verb /ˈpærəfreɪz/

paraphrase

Meaning
To express the meaning of something using different words, often to make it clearer.
Example
The teacher asked the students to paraphrase the poem in their own words.
B1 verb /prəˈsiːd/

proceed

Meaning
to continue with a course of action; to move forward
Example
Let's proceed with the meeting as planned.
B2 noun /pəˈzeʃ.ən/

Possession

Meaning
something that belongs to someone; the state of having or owning something
Example
The house has been in their family's possession for generations.
C2 noun /ˈpeɪpəsi/

papacy

Meaning
The office or authority of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
The papacy played a significant role in medieval European politics.
B1 noun /ˈpɪ.ti/

Pity

Meaning
a feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone's misfortune; something that causes regret or disappointment
Example
I felt pity for the homeless man in the rain.
C2 noun /pɪθ/

pith

Meaning
the essential or central part of something
Example
The pith of his argument was that honesty matters most.
C2 adjective /ˈplændʒənt/

plangent

Meaning
having a loud, mournful sound; resonant
Example
The plangent toll of the church bell echoed through the village.
A1 noun ˈfoʊtoʊz

Photos

Meaning
Photographs; pictures taken with a camera.
Example
Adding photos to a family tree makes it more personal.
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.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈprɒpər/

proper

Meaning
conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morality
Example
He made sure to wear proper attire for the interview.
A2 adjective /pəˈlaɪt/

Polite

Meaning
having good manners; respectful; courteous
Example
He was very polite and respectful to everyone.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
A2 noun /ˈpʌp.i/

Puppy

Meaning
a young dog
Example
The puppy wagged its tail when it saw its owner.
C2 noun /ˈfoʊ.nə.ɡræm/

phonogram

Meaning
a written symbol representing a speech sound
Example
The teacher showed how each phonogram represents a particular sound.
B2 adjective ˈpeɪn.ləs

painless

Meaning
Not causing pain; involving little effort or stress.
Example
Modern methods ensure painless treatment.
A1 noun /ˈprɒb.ləm/

Problem

Meaning
a situation that causes difficulties and needs to be dealt with or solved
Example
We need to solve this problem quickly.
B2 noun /prəˈtɛstər/

protester

Meaning
a person who takes part in a protest or demonstration
Example
The protester spoke passionately about the cause.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdɪɡriː/

pedigree

Meaning
the recorded ancestry or lineage of a person, family, or animal; the history or origin of something
Example
The dog has a pedigree that traces back several generations.
C1 noun /ˈpærəbl/

parable

Meaning
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
Example
Jesus often taught using a parable to convey deeper truths.
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 /pərˈveɪsɪv/

pervasive

Meaning
Existing in or spreading through every part of something
Example
Pervasive technology has become a fundamental part of daily life.
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 /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.
C2 noun /pæˈstiːʃ/

pastiche

Meaning
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
Example
The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies.
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.