potpourri
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C2 noun /ˌpoʊpʊˈriː/

potpourri

Meaning
a mixture of dried flowers and spices kept in a bowl to perfume a room; a miscellaneous collection
Example
The living room was filled with the scent of potpourri.
A2 adjective ˈpɒzətɪv

positive

Meaning
Having an electric charge opposite to that of an electron.
Example
Protons have a positive charge.
C2 noun /ˈpɒntɪf/

pontiff

Meaning
the pope or a high-ranking bishop in the Christian church
Example
The pontiff addressed the nation in a televised speech.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnɪtəns/

penitence

Meaning
The action or feeling of showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
His eyes were full of penitence after realizing his mistake.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkoʊsəˈmætɪk/

psychosomatic

Meaning
Relating to a physical illness or condition caused or aggravated by mental factors such as stress.
Example
Her stomach pain was diagnosed as psychosomatic, linked to stress.
A2 noun /ˈpæs.ən.dʒər/

Passenger

Meaning
A person who travels in a vehicle but is not driving it
Example
The bus can carry thirty passengers.
C1 noun /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

proliferation

Meaning
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something; rapid multiplication or growth.
Example
The proliferation of malware is a growing concern.
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 /ˈpætwɑː/

patois

Meaning
a regional or social dialect, especially one considered nonstandard or informal
Example
The guide slipped into local patois when chatting with the fishermen.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɪʒən/

parisian

Meaning
relating to Paris or its people
Example
She wore a Parisian style dress at the party.
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 /ˈpəʊtəbl/

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
C2 noun /prɒɡˌnɒstɪˈkeɪʃən/

prognostication

Meaning
The act of foretelling or predicting future events.
Example
The astrologer's prognostication fascinated the audience.
B2 adjective /ˈpæsɪv/

passive

Meaning
not actively responding or participating; in grammar, denoting the voice in which the subject undergoes the action
Example
Instead of taking charge, he remained passive during the meeting.
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 noun /ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv ˈliː.də.ʃɪp/

proactive leadership

Meaning
Leadership that takes initiative and anticipates problems before they occur, rather than reacting to events.
Example
Proactive leadership ensures timely decisions.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpiː.lər/

Peeler

Meaning
a kitchen tool used to remove the outer skin or peel from fruits and vegetables
Example
Use a peeler to remove the potato skin.
A2 noun /ˈpɛpər/

pepper

Meaning
a pungent spice obtained from pepper plants, used to flavor food
Example
I like to add pepper to my soup.
C2 noun /fɪˈlɒl.ə.dʒi/

philology

Meaning
the study of language in written historical sources; linguistics
Example
She devoted her career to philology, researching ancient manuscripts.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪ.meɪt/

primate

Meaning
A member of the group of animals including humans, apes, and monkeys.
Example
Humans are classified as primates.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpɒlɪtɪks/

politics

Meaning
activities related to the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power
Example
Politics often involves making difficult decisions.
B2 noun /ˈprəʊsesə/

processor

Meaning
a machine or device that processes something, especially a computer's central processing unit (CPU)
Example
The new laptop has a faster processor.
B1 noun prɪˈven.ʃən

prevention

Meaning
The action of stopping something from happening or arising.
Example
Prevention of fascism ensures democracy.
C2 noun /ˈpælɪˌnoʊd/

palinode

Meaning
a poem or statement in which the writer retracts something said in an earlier work
Example
The poet wrote a palinode to apologize for his earlier harsh words.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜr.sən.ə.li/

Personally

Meaning
as a person; in one's own opinion; for oneself; in person
Example
Personally, I think the movie was excellent, though others disagree.
B2 noun /ˈpɒlən/

pollen

Meaning
fine powder produced by flowers, used in fertilization
Example
Bees collect pollen from flowers to make honey.
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.
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 /ˈprɑːtɪstənt/

protestant

Meaning
a member of the Christian church that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation
Example
Martin Luther was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.
A2 noun; adverb /pərˈsɛnt/

percent

Meaning
a proportion out of one hundred; by each hundred
Example
Sales increased by ten percent this year.
B2 noun /ˈpriː.tɛns/ or /prɪˈtɛns/

pretense

Meaning
A false appearance or claim; an act of pretending.
Example
His kindness was only a pretense to gain trust.
A2 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.lər/

Popular

Meaning
liked or admired by many people; well-known and widely accepted
Example
This restaurant is very popular among young people.
B2 adjective /ˈpæn.ɪ.ki/

Panicky

Meaning
feeling or showing panic; anxious and fearful
Example
The crowd became panicky when the fire alarm sounded.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɒtˌbɔɪlə/

potboiler

Meaning
a book, play, or film produced quickly to make money rather than for artistic value
Example
The novel was dismissed by critics as a mere potboiler.
C2 adjective /pəˈnjʊəriəs/

penurious

Meaning
extremely poor; poverty-stricken; miserly
Example
The penurious family struggled to buy food.
A2 adjective /pəˈlaɪt/

Polite

Meaning
having good manners; respectful; courteous
Example
He was very polite and respectful to everyone.
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.
B2 noun /pɔːrtʃ/

porch

Meaning
a covered area at the entrance of a building, often with a roof and open sides
Example
We sat on the porch and enjoyed the evening breeze.
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 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
A1 noun /fəʊn/

phone

Meaning
a device for communication, typically used to make calls or send messages
Example
I need to charge my phone.
C2 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡæmɪst/

polygamist

Meaning
a person who has more than one spouse at the same time
Example
The polygamist had three wives living in different houses.
B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tɪ.klz/

particles

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

primal

Meaning
Relating to the earliest stage of development; essential or fundamental.
Example
Fear is one of the most primal emotions humans experience.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈpriː.vi.əs/

Previous

Meaning
occurring before in time or order; earlier; former
Example
I reviewed the previous chapter before starting the new one.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

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

provender

Meaning
food or provisions, especially for livestock
Example
The barn was filled with provender for the cattle.
B1 noun /pəˈsɪf.ɪk ˈoʊ.ʃən/

Pacific Ocean

Meaning
The largest and deepest ocean on Earth, stretching from Asia to the Americas.
Example
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth.
C2 verb /ˈpælieɪt/

palliate

Meaning
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːr.dən.ə.bəl/

Pardonable

Meaning
able to be forgiven; excusable
Example
His mistake was pardonable given the difficult circumstances.
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.
B1 noun /freɪz/

phrase

Meaning
a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit
Example
He gave a memorable phrase at the conference.
C2 noun /pɜːr bɔɪld raɪs/

Per boiled rice

Meaning
Rice that has been partially boiled in the husk before milling; parboiled rice
Example
Per boiled rice retains more nutrients than regular white rice.
C1 noun /pəˈzɛsər/

possessor

Meaning
A person who owns or holds something.
Example
The possessor of the land built a new house.
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 /ˌpɪɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/

pigmentation

Meaning
The natural coloring of animal or plant tissue.
Example
Excessive rubbing can cause pigmentation issues.
B2 noun ˈprɒs.pekt

prospect

Meaning
The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
Example
The project's success holds great prospect for the economy.
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.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

psychology

Meaning
the scientific study of the mind and behavior
Example
Psychology helps us understand how people think and act.
B1 noun ˈplæt.fɔːrmz

platforms

Meaning
Computing environments where software applications can be developed and run.
Example
Different platforms offer diverse digital solutions.
B2 adverb /pɪˈkju:.li.ə.li/

Peculiarly

Meaning
in a strange or unusual way; in a manner that is distinctive or characteristic
Example
She dressed peculiarly for the formal dinner, wearing bright colors and unusual patterns.
B2 noun /paʊtʃ/

pouch

Meaning
a small bag or pocket, often used to carry small items
Example
She kept her coins in a small leather pouch.
C2 noun /ˈpɒsi/

posse

Meaning
A group of people, often friends or a group organized to support or enforce the law.
Example
He arrived at the party with his posse of friends.
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 /ˈprevələnt/

Prevalent

Meaning
widespread; existing very commonly; generally occurring
Example
Smoking is still prevalent among teenagers despite health warnings.
B1 noun /prɪnt/

Print

Meaning
words, letters, or pictures produced on paper using a machine; a mark made by pressing something onto a surface
Example
The book is available in both digital and print versions.
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.
B2 noun, verb /ˈplɑːstər/

plaster

Meaning
a soft mixture applied to walls or used to cover wounds; or to cover or coat with plaster
Example
The workers plastered the walls to make them smooth.
C2 adjective /ˌpəʊstˈprændɪəl/

postprandial

Meaning
Occurring after a meal.
Example
He went for a postprandial walk after dinner.
B1 verb /peɪst/

paste

Meaning
to stick something onto a surface using glue or adhesive
Example
I paste the picture into my scrapbook.
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 /ˈpræɡ.mə.tɪ.zəm/

pragmatism

Meaning
A practical approach to problems and affairs; dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
Example
His pragmatism helped solve the financial crisis.
C2 noun /pruːd/

prude

Meaning
A person who is easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; someone overly modest.
Example
He was called a prude for blushing at the movie scenes.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdənt/

pedant

Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
Example
The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
A2 verb /prəˈduːs/

produce

Meaning
to make, create, or manufacture something
Example
The factory produces cars.
C1 noun /ˈpɒp.i siːdz/

Poppy Seeds

Meaning
tiny round seeds from the poppy plant used as a spice or garnish in cooking
Example
Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of breads and used in Bengali curries.
B2 noun /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/

prescription

Meaning
A written order from a doctor for the preparation and administration of a medicine; also, a recommendation or authoritative rule.
Example
The doctor gave her a prescription for antibiotics.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈpaʊərləs/

powerless

Meaning
without ability, influence, or strength
Example
She felt powerless against the unfair system.
B1 verb /pərˈsweɪd/

persuade

Meaning
to convince someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument
Example
He persuaded his friend to join the club.
A2 verb /ˈpræktɪs/

practise

Meaning
to do something repeatedly to improve skill; to work in a profession
Example
She practises piano for two hours daily.
C2 noun, adjective /pəˈtrɪʃən/

patrician

Meaning
A person of noble rank or high social standing; relating to aristocracy.
Example
The patrician families of Rome wielded great power in politics.
B2 adjective /ˌpriːməˈtjʊər/

premature

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

promising

Meaning
showing signs of future success or potential
Example
She is a promising young scientist with great ideas.
A2 noun /fəˈtɒɡrəfə/

photographer

Meaning
a person who takes photographs professionally
Example
The photographer captured the beauty of nature.
B1 noun /prəʊ/

pro

Meaning
a professional, especially in sports; or a person who is in favor of something
Example
He plays tennis like a pro.
A2 noun /ˈpɒkɪt/

pocket

Meaning
a small, enclosed space in clothing for carrying items
Example
He put his phone in his pocket.
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.
C2 noun/adjective /prɪˈsɪpɪtənt/

precipitant

Meaning
As a noun: a substance that causes a substance to be deposited from a solution; as an adjective: acting hastily or impulsively.
Example
The chemist added a precipitant to the solution to observe the reaction.
C1 noun /ˈpɪk.æks/

Pick-axe

Meaning
a tool with a heavy metal head and long handle used for breaking up hard ground or rock
Example
The miner used a pick-axe to break through the rocky surface.
B2 adjective /ˈprɑːspərəs/

Prosperous

Meaning
successful in material terms; flourishing financially
Example
The company became very prosperous after launching their new product.
C1 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/

prohibitive

Meaning
Too high or expensive to be affordable; serving to prevent or discourage action.
Example
The cost of the medication is prohibitive for many families.
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.
C2 noun /ˌpɛdəˈɡɒdʒɪks/

pedagogics

Meaning
the science or art of teaching
Example
He studied pedagogics to become a better teacher.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈpʌkɪʃ/

puckish

Meaning
playfully mischievous
Example
The child gave a puckish grin before hiding the toy.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti

pertinacity

Meaning
Firm determination and persistence in achieving something.
Example
His pertinacity in achieving his goals was inspiring.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrləns/

parlance

Meaning
a particular way of speaking or using words, common to a group
Example
In legal parlance, the term has a different meaning.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
C2 adjective /ˈplændʒənt/

plangent

Meaning
having a loud, mournful sound; resonant
Example
The plangent toll of the church bell echoed through the village.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈpeɪ.ə.bəl/

Payable

Meaning
required to be paid; owed as a debt
Example
The amount is payable within thirty days of the invoice date.
B2 verb /pliːd/

plead

Meaning
to make an emotional appeal; to present a case in court
Example
She pleaded for mercy.
C2 adjective /ˈpeɪli/

paly

Meaning
striped with different colors, usually used in heraldry
Example
The knight’s shield was decorated with paly stripes of red and gold.
C1 verb /prɪˈkluːd/

preclude

Meaning
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
Example
Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic.
B1 verb /prəˈpoʊz/

propose

Meaning
to suggest an idea or plan for consideration; to ask someone to marry you
Example
I propose we take a short break.
A2 verb /pɪk/

pick

Meaning
to choose; to take or select from a group; to pluck or gather
Example
Please pick your favorite color from the palette.
C1 adjective /ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

preferential

Meaning
showing or giving advantage to one over others
Example
Members receive preferential treatment at the club.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrvjuː/

purview

Meaning
the scope or range of authority, responsibility, or knowledge
Example
The case does not fall within the purview of this court.
C1 verb /piːv/

peeve

Meaning
To annoy or irritate someone.
Example
His constant interruptions really peeve me.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
B2 adverb /ˈprez.ənt.li/

Presently

Meaning
at the present time; soon; in a little while
Example
The doctor will see you presently.
B2 noun /prɪˈdɪk.ʃən/

Prediction

Meaning
a statement about what will happen in the future; a forecast
Example
The weather prediction says it will rain tomorrow.
A2 noun ˈpraɪsɪz

prices

Meaning
The amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something.
Example
Rising prices are affecting consumer spending.