predilection
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C2 noun /ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən/

predilection

Meaning
A strong liking or preference for something.
Example
She has a predilection for classical music.
C2 noun /ˈplɔːdɪt/

plaudit

Meaning
an expression of praise or approval
Example
The actor received plaudit for his outstanding performance.
B2 noun /pʌls/

Pulse

Meaning
edible seeds of leguminous plants such as lentils, beans, and peas
Example
Pulses are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians.
B2 verb /prɪˈveɪl/

prevail

Meaning
To prove more powerful or superior; to be widespread or common.
Example
Justice will always prevail over injustice.
C2 noun /ˌprɒdɪˈɡæləti/

prodigality

Meaning
the quality of being wastefully extravagant
Example
His prodigality with money left him bankrupt.
C2 noun /ˈpælɪmpsɛst/

palimpsest

Meaning
a manuscript or document that has been written over but still bears traces of earlier writing; something reused or altered but still retaining traces of its earlier form
Example
The ancient manuscript was a palimpsest, showing faint traces of previous texts beneath the new writing.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrtnəs/

pertness

Meaning
boldness or forwardness in speech or behavior; sauciness
Example
Her pertness during the meeting surprised everyone.
C2 verb /prɪˈværɪkeɪt/

prevaricate

Meaning
to avoid telling the truth by not giving a direct answer
Example
The politician began to prevaricate when asked about the scandal.
C2 verb /ˈpɜː.fə.reɪt/

perforate

Meaning
to make a hole or holes through something
Example
The machine can perforate sheets of paper for easy tearing.
C1 noun, verb /pliːt/

pleat

Meaning
a fold in fabric made by doubling the material back upon itself
Example
She added a pleat to the skirt for extra volume.
C2 noun /prɪˈsɛntɪmənt/

presentiment

Meaning
An intuitive feeling about the future, especially of something bad about to happen.
Example
He had a strong presentiment that the plan would fail.
C1 verb /prəˈlɪf.ə.reɪt/

proliferate

Meaning
To increase rapidly in numbers; to grow or spread quickly and extensively.
Example
Startups tend to proliferate in a thriving economy.
C1 verb/noun /pərˈvɜːrt/

pervert

Meaning
As a verb: to distort the meaning or purpose of something; as a noun: a person with abnormal or immoral sexual behavior.
Example
He tried to pervert the truth to escape punishment.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

polymath

Meaning
a person with knowledge of many different subjects
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsənɪdʒ/

personage

Meaning
an important or famous person
Example
He is considered a great personage in the world of literature.
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.
B2 adjective /prəˈfaʊnd/

profound

Meaning
Very great or intense; having deep insight or understanding.
Example
The speech had a profound impact on the audience.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Pointed

Meaning
having a sharp end; direct and unambiguous
Example
She made a pointed remark about his behavior.
C2 noun /fɪˈlæt.əl.i/

philately

Meaning
the collection and study of postage stamps
Example
Philately is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages.
B2 noun /ˈpɒm.ɪˌɡræn.ɪt/

Pomegranate

Meaning
a round fruit with thick red skin containing many small red seeds with juice
Example
The pomegranate seeds were sweet and refreshing.
C2 noun /ˌpɛrəɡrɪˈneɪʃən/

peregrination

Meaning
A long journey or wandering, especially on foot.
Example
Their peregrination across Asia lasted two years.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlənt/

propellant

Meaning
A substance that drives or pushes something forward, especially fuel in rockets or engines.
Example
The rocket uses a liquid propellant to launch into space.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪl.hɑːrˈmɒn.ɪk/

philharmonic

Meaning
relating to a symphony orchestra or its music
Example
The philharmonic orchestra performed a stunning rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
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.
B1 verb /peɪst/

paste

Meaning
to stick something onto a surface using glue or adhesive
Example
I paste the picture into my scrapbook.
B1 noun /piːtʃ/

Peach

Meaning
a soft round fruit with fuzzy skin, sweet flesh, and a large pit in the center
Example
The peach was perfectly ripe and juicy when I bit into it.
C2 verb /ˈpælpɪˌteɪt/

palpitate

Meaning
to beat rapidly and strongly, often because of fear, excitement, or illness
Example
Her heart began to palpitate with fear.
C2 noun /ˈpɛd.ən.tri/

pedantry

Meaning
Excessive concern with minor details or rules.
Example
His pedantry made the meeting unnecessarily long.
C2 noun /proʊˈbɑːsɪs/

proboscis

Meaning
The long, flexible nose of some animals, especially an elephant, or a tubular feeding and sucking organ in insects.
Example
The elephant used its proboscis to grab food.
B1 noun /ˈprɛɡnənsi/

pregnancy

Meaning
the condition of being pregnant; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus
Example
Her pregnancy was carefully monitored by her doctor.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.nɪ.tɪv/

punitive

Meaning
Inflicting or intended as punishment.
Example
The company faced punitive measures for violating the law.
B1 noun /ˈpɪdʒ.ən/

Pigeon

Meaning
a grey and white bird with a fat body that is common in cities
Example
The pigeon pecked at breadcrumbs on the sidewalk.
C2 noun /ˈpʌndʒənsi/

pungency

Meaning
The quality of having a strong, sharp taste or smell.
Example
The pungency of garlic filled the kitchen.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

Meaning
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
Example
The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.
B2 noun /pætʃ/

Patch

Meaning
a small piece of material used to mend a hole; a small area of something different
Example
She sewed a patch over the hole in her jeans.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.kiːt/

Parakeet

Meaning
a small colorful parrot with a long tail, often kept as a pet
Example
The green parakeet learned to say hello.
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 verb /fɪˈlɒs.ə.faɪz/

philosophize

Meaning
to think or talk about the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
Example
He likes to philosophize about life and its meaning.
B2 verb /pəˈreɪd/

parade

Meaning
to march in a procession; to display publicly; to show off
Example
The soldiers paraded through the streets on Independence Day.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/

peripatetic

Meaning
Traveling from place to place, especially for work or based on lifestyle.
Example
He led a peripatetic life as a traveling teacher.
C1 noun /ˈprɛsɪdəns/ or /prɪˈsiːdəns/

precedence

Meaning
the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority
Example
Safety takes precedence over speed in this factory.
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.
C2 noun /pʌɡˈnæsɪti/

pugnacity

Meaning
A natural disposition to be combative or aggressive.
Example
The coach admired the player's pugnacity on the field.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt/

persecute

Meaning
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
Many people were persecuted for their faith during that time.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrkwɪzɪt raɪt/

perquisiteperquisiteright

Meaning
a legal right to certain benefits or privileges associated with a job or office
Example
The judge enjoyed certain perquisite rights attached to his position.
C1 adjective /pæˈseɪ/

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
A2 verb,noun /pæk/

pack

Meaning
to put things into a container for storage or transport; a collection of items kept together
Example
She packed her clothes into a suitcase for the trip.
B1 adverb /ˈpɑrtli/

Partly

Meaning
to some extent; not completely; in part
Example
The weather was partly cloudy today.
B2 verb /ˈpɛrɪʃ/

perish

Meaning
To die, especially in a sudden or violent way.
Example
Many soldiers perished in the war.
C2 noun /ˌpliːnɪpəˈtɛnʃəri/

plenipotentiary

Meaning
a person invested with full power to act on behalf of another, especially in diplomacy
Example
The ambassador was a plenipotentiary sent to negotiate the treaty.
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.
C2 adjective /pəˈlædʒ.ɪk/

pelagic

Meaning
Relating to the open sea or ocean water column, away from the shore.
Example
Pelagic fish like tuna are found far from the coast.
C2 noun /ˈfɪl.ɪ.staɪn/

philistine

Meaning
a person who is indifferent or hostile to culture and the arts
Example
He was criticized as a philistine for dismissing modern art.
C1 noun /ˈpæd.ək/

paddock

Meaning
a small enclosed field where horses or other animals are kept
Example
The horses were grazing in the paddock.
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.
C2 adjective /pɒnˈtɪfɪkəl/

pontifical

Meaning
relating to a pope or bishop; pompous or self-important
Example
His pontifical manner annoyed the other members of the committee.
C2 noun /ˈpɜr.kwɪ.zɪt/

Perquisite

Meaning
an additional benefit or privilege given to an employee beyond their regular salary; a special right or advantage
Example
Company car was one of the perquisites of his executive position.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛndənt/

pendent

Meaning
hanging down or suspended
Example
The pendent branches touched the ground.
B1 noun prɪˈven.ʃən

prevention

Meaning
The action of stopping something from happening or arising.
Example
Prevention of fascism ensures democracy.
B1 adjective ˈpræktɪkəl

practical

Meaning
Concerned with actual use rather than theory; realistic and sensible.
Example
A practical approach is needed for solving complex problems.
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 ˌpɜː.tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti

pertinacity

Meaning
Firm determination and persistence in achieving something.
Example
His pertinacity in achieving his goals was inspiring.
B2 noun pəˈspek.tɪvz

perspectives

Meaning
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example
New perspectives enhance understanding.
A2 noun ˈpaʊ.ər

power

Meaning
The ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way; authority.
Example
Power distribution ensures efficiency.
B1 noun /ˈpɪkʌp/

pickup

Meaning
a small truck with an open back; the act of collecting or improving something
Example
The company scheduled a pickup for the returned goods.
B1 noun /ˈpaʊdər/

powder

Meaning
a fine, dry substance made of very tiny particles
Example
She sprinkled some powder on the cake.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

prepossessing

Meaning
Attractive or appealing in appearance or manner.
Example
She had a prepossessing smile that charmed everyone.
B1 noun ˈplæt.fɔːrmz

platforms

Meaning
Computing environments where software applications can be developed and run.
Example
Different platforms offer diverse digital solutions.
A2 verb /ˈprɒmɪs/

promise

Meaning
to assure someone that one will definitely do something; to give one's word
Example
I promise to help you with your homework.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːs.tʃər/

Posture

Meaning
the position in which someone holds their body; a particular attitude or approach
Example
Good posture is important for preventing back pain.
A2 preposition /pɜːr/

per

Meaning
for each, according to
Example
The tickets are priced at $20 per person.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪnənt/

prominent

Meaning
Important, famous, or easily noticeable.
Example
He is a prominent leader in the community.
B2 verb /pliːd/

plead

Meaning
to make an emotional appeal; to present a case in court
Example
She pleaded for mercy.
A2 noun /ˈpjuːpəl/

pupil

Meaning
a student, especially a young one; the central opening of the eye that lets in light
Example
The pupil listened carefully to the teacher during class.
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.
A2 adjective /praʊd/

Proud

Meaning
feeling deep pleasure from one's achievements; having high self-respect
Example
She was proud of her daughter's academic achievements.
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.
C2 noun /pʌntʃ ˈfoʊrən/

Panch Phoron

Meaning
a Bengali spice blend containing five whole spices: cumin, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, and mustard seeds
Example
The aroma filled the kitchen when she heated panch phoron in oil.
C1 noun ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/

parenthetical

Meaning
Relating to or expressed in parentheses; a side remark or digression.
Example
He added a parenthetical comment during the lecture.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

peevish

Meaning
Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Example
The child grew peevish when denied candy.
B2 verb /ˈpiːtər/

peter

Meaning
to diminish gradually and come to an end; to fade or dwindle away
Example
The excitement of the event began to peter out after a few hours.
C2 adjective /ˌpɒliˈæn.ɪ.ɪʃ/

pollyannaish

Meaning
overly or blindly optimistic
Example
Her pollyannaish attitude ignored the obvious problems.
B1 noun /pɜːrs/

purse

Meaning
a small bag used by women to carry money and personal items
Example
She kept her wallet in her purse.
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.
C1 verb /prɪˈdɒmɪneɪt/

predominate

Meaning
To be the strongest, most common, or most influential element.
Example
Traditional values still predominate in the community.
B2 noun pərˈsɛpʃən

perception

Meaning
The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses
Example
Our perception of the situation was shaped by our prior experiences.
C2 verb /pɔːrˈtɛnd/

portend

Meaning
To be a sign or warning that something, especially something bad, is going to happen.
Example
Dark clouds portend a storm.
C2 adjective /ˌfoʊtoʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/

photoelectric

Meaning
relating to the emission of electrons or other free carriers when light shines on a material
Example
The photoelectric effect is fundamental in solar panels.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃn/

persecution

Meaning
the act of treating someone cruelly or unfairly because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
The persecution of minorities has been condemned worldwide.
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.
B2 noun /pænˈdɛmɪk/

pandemic

Meaning
An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale.
Example
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world dramatically.
C2 noun /ˌpɛntəˈhiːdrən/

pentahedron

Meaning
A solid geometric figure with five faces.
Example
In geometry class, the teacher explained the structure of a pentahedron.
B2 adjective /ˈpɑːr.ʃəl/

Partial

Meaning
incomplete; showing bias or prejudice
Example
The judge gave a partial decision in favor of the defendant.
C1 verb /prəˈkjʊər/

procure

Meaning
to obtain something, especially with effort or difficulty
Example
They managed to procure enough supplies for the expedition.
B2 noun /ˈpælət/

palette

Meaning
a thin board or surface on which an artist sets and mixes colors; also a range of colors used in art or design
Example
The artist mixed vibrant shades on her palette before starting the painting.
B2 adverb /ˈpraɪ.vət.li/

Privately

Meaning
in a private manner; without others present; confidentially
Example
She spoke to him privately about the matter.
A2 noun /pen stænd/

Pen stand

Meaning
a container or holder designed to keep pens, pencils, and other writing instruments organized
Example
He organized his pens in the pen stand on his desk.
B1 noun /ˈprəʊ.tiːnz/

proteins

Meaning
Large biomolecules consisting of amino acids that perform essential functions in living organisms, including building and repairing tissues.
Example
Lean meats and legumes provide high-quality proteins.
C2 noun /prəˈtɛktərət/

protectorate

Meaning
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
Example
The small country became a protectorate of the empire.
C2 noun /ˌpætrəˈnɪmɪk/

patronymic

Meaning
a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor
Example
In many cultures, surnames are patronymic in origin.
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 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 adjective /pərˈpɔːrtɪd/

purported

Meaning
alleged or claimed to be true, often without proof
Example
The purported evidence was later proven false.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

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

propitiate

Meaning
to win or regain the favor of someone by doing something that pleases them
Example
He offered gifts to propitiate the angry gods.
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.
C2 adjective /pərˈspɪkjuəs/

perspicuous

Meaning
Clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid.
Example
The teacher gave a perspicuous explanation of the theory.
C2 adjective /pʌŋkˈtɪliəs/

punctilious

Meaning
Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior.
Example
She was punctilious in her attention to etiquette.
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 /piː/

Pea

Meaning
a small round green seed eaten as a vegetable
Example
The children enjoyed eating sweet peas with dinner.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/

Primitive

Meaning
ancient; basic; crude; undeveloped; simple
Example
The tribe still uses primitive tools for hunting and farming.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈpjʊərli/

purely

Meaning
only and completely; entirely
Example
The decision was purely based on economic factors.
A2 noun /prɪns/

prince

Meaning
a male member of a royal family, especially the son of a king or queen; a ruler of a principality
Example
The prince addressed the nation on his birthday.
C1 noun /pɒˈstɛrɪti/

posterity

Meaning
All future generations of people.
Example
The monument was built for the benefit of posterity.
B2 noun /pledʒ/

Pledge

Meaning
a solemn promise or undertaking; something given as security for a loan; a commitment or guarantee
Example
He made a pledge to donate money to charity.
B1 verb /prəˈsiːd/

proceed

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