potable
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C1 adjective /ˈpəʊtəbl/

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
C1 noun /ˌprɑːfɪˈtɪr/

profiteer

Meaning
a person who makes excessive profits, especially unfairly or illegally
Example
The government punished war profiteers.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːr.kjə.paɪn/

Porcupine

Meaning
a large rodent with defensive spines or quills on its body
Example
The porcupine raised its quills when threatened.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
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.
C1 adjective /prɪm/

prim

Meaning
stiffly formal and proper in appearance or behavior
Example
She looked prim in her neatly pressed dress.
C1 adjective /prəˈvɒkətɪv/

provocative

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

purveyor

Meaning
a person or business that supplies goods, services, or information
Example
He is a well-known purveyor of fine wines.
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 adjective /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

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

phonic

Meaning
relating to speech sounds or their production; connected to phonics
Example
Children learn phonic rules to read new words accurately.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnɪtənt/

penitent

Meaning
Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
She was penitent after shouting at her friend.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

Meaning
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
Example
The soil in this area is very permeable to water.
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 /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.
C1 adjective /ˈpɔːrəs/

porous

Meaning
Having tiny holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.
Example
The soil is very porous and drains quickly.
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 /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 /pərˈvɜr.sə.ti/

Perversity

Meaning
deliberate determination to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; the quality of being contrary or obstinate
Example
His perversity in refusing help frustrated everyone.
C1 adjective /ˈprɪs.tiːn/

pristine

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

prosaic

Meaning
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
Example
The teacher’s explanation was accurate but rather prosaic.
C1 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ən/

pantheon

Meaning
All the gods of a religion collectively; a building dedicated to all gods.
Example
The Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
C1 verb /ˈpʌlseɪt/

pulsate

Meaning
to expand and contract rhythmically; to throb or beat
Example
The neon lights pulsated with a steady rhythm.
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.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
C1 noun ˌprɒf.ɪ.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

profitability

Meaning
The degree to which a business or activity yields profit or financial gain.
Example
Increasing sales and reducing costs boosted profitability.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /pəˈtɜːrnəl/

paternal

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

procedural

Meaning
Relating to an established or official way of doing something; concerned with procedure.
Example
The committee followed the procedural rules strictly.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːs.ə.bəl/

Peaceable

Meaning
peaceful; inclined to avoid conflict
Example
The peaceable protest ended without any violence.
C1 noun /prəˈtruːʒən/

protrusion

Meaning
Something that sticks out or projects from a surface.
Example
The protrusion on the wall made it difficult to move the furniture.
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 ˈpɜː.mə.kʌl.tʃər

permaculture

Meaning
The development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Example
Permaculture promotes self-sufficient farming systems.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːrsəlɪn/

porcelain

Meaning
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
Example
The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China.
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.
C1 noun /pəˈzɛsər/

possessor

Meaning
A person who owns or holds something.
Example
The possessor of the land built a new house.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.hən/

Peahen

Meaning
female peacock
Example
The peahen is less colorful than the male peacock.
C1 noun ˈfeɪz.aʊt

phase-out

Meaning
A gradual reduction and eventual elimination of something.
Example
A phase-out of fossil fuels was agreed upon.
C1 noun /pʌn/

pun

Meaning
A humorous use of words that suggests different meanings or words that sound alike.
Example
He made a clever pun about the bakery's bread rising.
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 /priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

preoccupy

Meaning
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
Example
Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfəsaɪ/

prophesy

Meaning
to state or predict that something will happen in the future, especially as if divinely inspired
Example
The monk prophesied that peace would return to the land.
C1 noun /ˈsuːdənɪm/

pseudonym

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens.
C1 noun ˌprəʊ.baɪˈɒt.ɪk

probiotic

Meaning
Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
Example
Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics that aid digestion.
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.
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 /pɑːrtʃt/

parched

Meaning
extremely dry, especially because of heat or thirst
Example
After walking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
C1 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
C1 noun /pluːm/

plume

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

postmortem

Meaning
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
Example
The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body.
C1 noun /pəˈrɪfəri/

periphery

Meaning
The outer edge or boundary of an area or object.
Example
The soldiers were stationed at the periphery of the camp.
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 /ˈprɒv.ɜːb/

Proverb

Meaning
a short saying that expresses a general truth or gives advice
Example
The proverb 'Early to bed, early to rise' teaches us about good habits.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ə.bəl/

pitiable

Meaning
deserving sympathy or compassion
Example
The stray dog looked pitiable in the rain.
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.
C1 noun /ˌpɪɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/

pigmentation

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

pentagon

Meaning
A plane figure with five straight sides and five angles; also refers to the US Department of Defense building.
Example
The Pentagon is one of the most iconic government buildings in the United States.
C1 adjective /prɪˈkoʊʃəs/

precocious

Meaning
Showing advanced development or maturity at an unusually early age.
Example
The precocious child was reading novels at the age of five.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

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

peddle

Meaning
To sell goods, often by going from place to place; sometimes used negatively to mean promoting an idea or product in a pushy way.
Example
Street vendors peddle handmade jewelry to tourists.
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 noun /ˈpleɪˌraɪt/

playwright

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright of all time.
C1 adjective /ˈplɒd.ɪŋ/

plodding

Meaning
slow-moving and unexciting; showing steady effort
Example
The movie was entertaining but a bit plodding in the middle.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊdiətrɪst/

podiatrist

Meaning
a doctor specializing in foot care
Example
I have an appointment with the podiatrist for my ankle pain.
C1 adjective /ˈpʊʃi/

pushy

Meaning
excessively assertive or aggressive, often annoyingly so
Example
The salesperson was too pushy, which drove customers away.
C1 adjective /ˈpʌlməˌneri/

pulmonary

Meaning
relating to the lungs
Example
The patient suffered from a serious pulmonary infection.
C1 noun /ˈpæstər/

pastor

Meaning
a minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation
Example
The pastor delivered a heartfelt sermon on compassion.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
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 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 adjective /ˈprevələnt/

Prevalent

Meaning
widespread; existing very commonly; generally occurring
Example
Smoking is still prevalent among teenagers despite health warnings.
C1 verb /pərˈspaɪər/

perspire

Meaning
To give out sweat through the pores of the skin as a result of heat, physical exertion, or stress.
Example
He began to perspire after running for 10 minutes.
C1 verb /pərˈteɪn/

pertain

Meaning
to relate or have reference to something
Example
The rules pertain to all students in the school.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdlər/

peddler

Meaning
a person who sells goods, often traveling from place to place
Example
The peddler walked through the village selling fresh fruits.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
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 adjective /ˈpɔɪ.njənt/

poignant

Meaning
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply touching
Example
The movie's ending was so poignant that many in the audience were moved to tears.
C1 noun /ˈpædʒənt/

pageant

Meaning
A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in elaborate costumes, or a beauty contest.
Example
She won first place in the beauty pageant.
C1 adjective পারসিভেবল

perceivable

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

paradoxical

Meaning
Seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense, yet possibly true.
Example
It is paradoxical that standing is often more tiring than walking.
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 noun ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
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 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
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.
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 /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 noun /ˌpɒməˈdɔːrəʊ/

pomodoro

Meaning
A time management technique that uses a timer to break down work into intervals.
Example
The Pomodoro technique improves productivity.
C1 verb /prɪˈdɒmɪneɪt/

predominate

Meaning
To be the strongest, most common, or most influential element.
Example
Traditional values still predominate in the community.
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 /ˌpæl.pɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Palpitation

Meaning
a noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation or medical condition
Example
She experienced palpitations before her job interview.
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 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

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

perceptive

Meaning
Having or showing keen insight, understanding, or awareness.
Example
She is very perceptive and quickly notices when something is wrong.
C1 noun /ˈplʌn.dər.ər/

Plunderer

Meaning
a person who steals goods, especially during war or civil disorder
Example
The plunderers ransacked the village after the battle.
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 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 ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃən

Pollination

Meaning
The process by which pollen is transferred from flowers, enabling plant reproduction.
Example
Butterflies play a vital role in pollination.
C1 adjective /prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/

Provoking

Meaning
causing anger or strong reaction; irritating; stimulating
Example
His provoking comments made everyone angry.
C1 noun /ˈplæz.mə/

Plasma

Meaning
the liquid part of blood; ionized gas; blood serum without clotting proteins
Example
Blood plasma contains various proteins and nutrients.
C1 noun /ˌpeɪ.li.ɒnˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/

paleontology

Meaning
the branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants
Example
She decided to study paleontology at university.
C1 noun/verb ˈpɪv.ət

pivot

Meaning
A significant change in business strategy or direction.
Example
The company decided to pivot its business strategy.
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 /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

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

prowl

Meaning
To move around quietly and secretly, especially while hunting or searching.
Example
The cat prowled around the garden at night.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːsɪti/

paucity

Meaning
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities
Example
The project was delayed due to a paucity of funds.
C1 noun prɪˌsɪp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən

precipitation

Meaning
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground.
Example
Annual precipitation levels are decreasing.
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 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 /plaɪt/

Plight

Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
C1 adjective /ˈpæl.ɪd/

Pallid

Meaning
pale, especially because of poor health; lacking substance or vitality
Example
His pallid complexion showed signs of illness.
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.