B2 adjective prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nər.i

preliminary

Meaning

Denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.

Example

Preliminary steps are crucial before the main project.

B2 noun /ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən/

prosecution

Meaning

The act of bringing a criminal charge against someone and pursuing legal action in court.

Example

The prosecution presented strong evidence against the defendant.

B2 verb prəˈlɒŋ

prolong

Meaning

To extend the duration of something; to make something last longer.

Example

A healthy diet helps prolong life expectancy.

B2 noun /ˈpɪl.ɡrɪm/

Pilgrim

Meaning

a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons; a traveler

Example

The pilgrim walked for days to reach the holy shrine.

B2 noun /ˈpærɪʃ/

parish

Meaning

A local church community or the area served by a parish church.

Example

The parish gathered for Sunday service.

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.

B2 adjective /pəˈzes.ɪv/

Possessive

Meaning

showing a desire to own or control something; unwilling to share; jealously protective

Example

He is very possessive about his car.

B2 noun /ˈprɛmɪs/

premise

Meaning

a statement or idea on which reasoning or an argument is based; also a building or property

Example

His argument was based on a false premise.

B2 noun /ˈplæn.tɪn/

Plantain

Meaning

a large green banana-like fruit that is usually cooked before eating

Example

Plantain can be fried, boiled, or baked and is a staple food in many tropical countries.

B2 verb /ˈpɛrɪʃ/

perish

Meaning

To die, especially in a sudden or violent way.

Example

Many soldiers perished in the war.

B2 verb /pɔːˈtreɪ/

portray

Meaning

to describe or represent something or someone in a work of art or literature

Example

The novel portrays a vivid picture of life in the countryside.

B2 noun /ˈpɒp.i/

Poppy

Meaning

a bright red flower with black seeds, often used as a symbol of remembrance

Example

The red poppy bloomed beautifully in the garden.

B2 noun /ˈpɜr.mə.nəns/

Permanence

Meaning

the state or quality of lasting or remaining unchanged indefinitely; enduring nature

Example

The permanence of the stone monument impressed all visitors.

B2 noun ˈpɛs.tɪ.saɪdz

pesticides

Meaning

Substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.

Example

Excessive pesticides use can harm the environment.

B2 adjective /prəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Productive

Meaning

efficient; yielding good results; fruitful

Example

Working from home has made me more productive than ever before.

B2 verb /prɪˈskrʌɪb/

prescribe

Meaning

to recommend or authorize the use of something, especially medicine

Example

The doctor prescribed medication for my cold.

B2 adjective /ˈpɒlɪʃt/

polished

Meaning

refined, sophisticated, and elegant in appearance or behavior

Example

She gave a polished performance at the recital.

B2 adjective ˌpaɪəˈnɪə.rɪŋ

pioneering

Meaning

Involving new ideas or methods; innovative and original.

Example

Pioneering efforts often lead to success.

B2 verb /poʊk/

poke

Meaning

to push or prod with a finger or pointed object

Example

Don't poke me with your finger.

B2 noun, verb /pɪə(r)/

peer

Meaning

noun: a person of the same rank or status; verb: to look closely or with difficulty

Example

He tried to peer through the fog to see his peers on the other side.

B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.rət/

Pirate

Meaning

a person who attacks and robs ships at sea; someone who uses or reproduces copyrighted material illegally

Example

The pirate ship was spotted near the coast.

B2 noun /prɒp/

prop

Meaning

an object used on stage by actors during a performance; something that supports or holds up

Example

The actor forgot his prop on stage.

B2 noun pərˈsweɪ.ʒən

persuasion

Meaning

The act of convincing someone to change their viewpoint through reasoning or emotion.

Example

Effective persuasion is key to a successful speech.

B2 adjective /proʊn/

Prone

Meaning

having a tendency to; inclined; lying face down

Example

He is prone to making mistakes when he's tired.

B2 noun plɒt

plot

Meaning

The main story of a piece of writing, or the series of events that happen in it.

Example

The plot of A Tale of Two Cities is intense and gripping.

B2 adjective ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv

proactive

Meaning

Taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it happens.

Example

Proactive strategies are needed to combat scarcity.

B2 noun /pəˈsjuːt/

pursuit

Meaning

the act of chasing or trying to achieve something

Example

He dedicated his life to the pursuit of happiness.

B2 verb (phrasal) /ˈpæs ˌɔːf/

pass-off

Meaning

to present something or someone falsely as something else; to pretend or deceive

Example

He tried to pass off the fake watch as a luxury brand.

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 noun /ˈprɒs.pekts/

prospects

Meaning

The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.

Example

The prospects for growth look promising.

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.

B2 adjective /ˈplɔː.zə.bəl/

plausible

Meaning

Seeming reasonable or probable; credible or believable.

Example

His excuse seemed plausible, but I had my doubts.

B2 noun/verb /preɪ/

prey

Meaning

an animal hunted by another for food; to hunt and feed on

Example

Lions prey on zebras in the wild.

B2 noun /ˌpɜːrsəˈnel/

personnel

Meaning

People employed in an organization or engaged in an organized undertaking such as military service.

Example

The company is hiring more personnel for its new branch.

B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/

promising

Meaning

showing signs of future success or potential

Example

She is a promising young scientist with great ideas.

B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.rə.si/

Piracy

Meaning

the practice of attacking and robbing ships at sea; the unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted material

Example

Software piracy costs companies billions of dollars annually.

B2 verb /ˈprɒspər/

prosper

Meaning

to succeed or flourish, especially in financial or business matters

Example

With hard work and determination, she managed to prosper in her career.

B2 noun prəˈsiːdɪŋz

proceedings

Meaning

An event or a series of activities involving a formal or set procedure.

Example

The proceedings discussed language issues.

B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tər/

Potter

Meaning

a person who makes pottery

Example

The potter shaped clay on the spinning wheel.

B2 adjective /prəˈspɛktɪv/

prospective

Meaning

likely or expected to happen in the future; potential

Example

The company is meeting with prospective clients next week.

B2 noun /ˌpʌɪ.əˈnɪr/

Pioneer

Meaning

a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area; someone who develops new ideas or methods

Example

She was a pioneer in the field of computer science.

B2 noun /ˈpetəl/

Petal

Meaning

One of the colored segments of a flower that forms the corolla

Example

Each petal of the daisy was white with a yellow center.

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.

B2 noun /ˌpiːdiəˈtrɪʃən/

pediatrician

Meaning

a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children

Example

The pediatrician examined the child carefully.

B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Pointed

Meaning

having a sharp end; direct and unambiguous

Example

She made a pointed remark about his behavior.

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.

B2 verb /pruːn/

prune

Meaning

to cut off unwanted parts of a plant or tree to help it grow better

Example

Gardeners prune the trees in spring to encourage growth.

B2 noun /ˈpeə.rən.tɪŋ/

parenting

Meaning

The care and training a child receives while growing up, involving the development of their mental, physical, and social aspects.

Example

Effective parenting helps children develop confidence and independence.

B2 verb /pərˈsuː/

pursue

Meaning

to follow or chase with the intent to catch or achieve something

Example

She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.

B2 noun /prɪˈtens/

Pretence

Meaning

an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true

Example

He made no pretence of being interested in the conversation.

B2 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/

phishing

Meaning

The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information.

Example

Phishing emails often trick people into revealing passwords.

B2 noun /pərˈsɪstəns/

persistence

Meaning

the quality of continuing steadily despite problems or difficulties

Example

His persistence finally paid off when he got the job.

B2 adjective /prəˈfɪʃ.ənt/

proficient

Meaning

Competent or skilled in doing or using something; having great knowledge or experience.

Example

She is highly proficient in multiple languages.

B2 adjective /ˈprɑːspərəs/

Prosperous

Meaning

successful in material terms; flourishing financially

Example

The company became very prosperous after launching their new product.

B2 noun /prɒkˈsɪmɪti/

proximity

Meaning

Nearness in space, time, or relationship.

Example

The proximity of the school to her house made it convenient.

B2 adverb /prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/

predominantly

Meaning

mainly; for the most part

Example

The population in the city is predominantly young.

B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tɪ.klz/

particles

Meaning

Minute portions of matter.

Example

PM2.5 particles harm respiratory health.

B2 verb /plʌndʒ/

plunge

Meaning

to jump or dive quickly; to fall sharply

Example

She plunged into the swimming pool.

B2 adjective /ˌfɪl.əˈsɒf.ɪ.kəl/

philosophical

Meaning

relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence

Example

She maintained a calm and philosophical attitude during the crisis.

B2 noun, adjective /prɪˈmɪər/ or /ˈpriːmiər/

premier

Meaning

the head of government in some countries; first in importance or rank

Example

The French premier addressed the nation.

B2 noun /ˈprɛsɪdənt/

precedent

Meaning

An earlier event or decision that serves as a guide or example for future similar situations.

Example

The judge’s ruling set a new precedent for similar cases.

B2 noun /prəˈmoʊ.tər/

promoter

Meaning

A person or organization that helps to organize or finance an event, business, or product launch.

Example

The promoter organized a concert for the new band.

B2 noun /prəˈfɪʃənsi/

proficiency

Meaning

Competency or skill; expertise.

Example

His proficiency in multiple languages is remarkable.

B2 adjective /ˈpəʊstwɔːr/

postwar

Meaning

occurring or existing after a war

Example

The postwar period saw significant economic growth.

B2 noun /ˈpɪm.pəl/

Pimple

Meaning

a small, inflamed elevation of the skin; a spot on the skin, especially on the face

Example

She was embarrassed about the pimple on her forehead.

B2 adjective /ˈplen.tɪ.fəl/

Plentiful

Meaning

abundant; existing in large quantity

Example

The harvest was plentiful this year due to good weather.

B2 verb /pɪəs/

pierce

Meaning

to make a hole through something; to penetrate with a sharp object

Example

The arrow will pierce through the target.

B2 noun /ˌprɒb.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Probability

Meaning

the likelihood that something will happen; a mathematical measure of how likely something is to occur

Example

There is a high probability of rain tomorrow.

B2 verb /ˈpɪnpɔɪnt/

pinpoint

Meaning

to locate or identify something with precision

Example

The detective was able to pinpoint the exact location of the suspect.

B2 noun /pʌntʃ/

Punch

Meaning

a tool used for making holes or indentations in materials

Example

The carpenter used a punch to make holes in the leather.

B2 adverb /pəˈlɪtɪkəli/

politically

Meaning

in a way that relates to politics or government

Example

The country is politically divided between two major parties.

B2 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

Meaning

to institute legal proceedings against someone

Example

The lawyer decided to prosecute the case after gathering sufficient evidence.

B2 adjective /pəˈluː.tɪd/

polluted

Meaning

Contaminated with harmful or poisonous substances.

Example

Polluted air causes severe health problems.

B2 noun/verb /pɜːrk/

perk

Meaning

A benefit or advantage associated with a job; or to become more lively or cheerful.

Example

One of the perks of working here is free lunch every Friday.

B2 adjective /prəˈtɛktɪv/

protective

Meaning

giving or capable of giving protection; shielding from harm or danger

Example

She wore a protective helmet while riding her bike.

B2 verb /pəˈzɛs/

possess

Meaning

To have or own something; to hold a quality or characteristic.

Example

She possesses great talent in music.

B2 noun /pænt/

Pant

Meaning

a piece of clothing worn on the lower body covering each leg separately

Example

She bought a new pair of pants for the party.

B2 adjective /pælɛˈstɪnɪən/

palestinian

Meaning

relating to Palestine or its people

Example

The Palestinian people have a rich cultural heritage.

B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning

relating to mental illness or its treatment

Example

The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.

B2 noun /ˈpɪk.səl/

pixel

Meaning

the smallest unit of a digital image or display

Example

The image is blurry because some pixels are missing.

B2 noun prəˈvɪʒ.ənz

provisions

Meaning

A condition or requirement in a legal document; clauses or stipulations.

Example

Provisions must align with public aspirations.

B2 noun /pəˈtɪʃən/

petition

Meaning

a formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority about a cause

Example

They signed a petition to improve road safety in the area.

B2 noun

Patriot

B2 verb /prɪˈsiːd/

precede

Meaning

to come before something in time, order, or position

Example

A brief introduction precedes each chapter.

B2 noun /prɔːn/

Prawn

Meaning

a large marine crustacean similar to shrimp but typically bigger

Example

The chef prepared delicious prawn curry with coconut milk.

B2 noun /feɪz/

Phase

Meaning

a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development

Example

The project is now in its final phase.

B2 noun fəˈnɒm.ɪ.nə

phenomena

Meaning

Facts or situations that are observed to exist or happen, especially ones whose cause or explanation is in question.

Example

Phenomena like floods disrupt agricultural systems.

B2 adjective /prəˈnaʊnst/

pronounced

Meaning

very noticeable or strongly marked

Example

There is a pronounced difference between the two styles.

B2 noun /ˈpæn.ɪk/

Panic

Meaning

sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety; a state of widespread fear and anxiety

Example

The fire alarm caused panic among the students.

B2 noun ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ɪ.ti

productivity

Meaning

The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.

Example

Improved irrigation boosts productivity.

B2 noun /pæd/

pad

Meaning

a small cushion or block of soft material; also a set of sheets of paper fastened together

Example

He wrote her phone number on a yellow pad.

B2 verb /priːtʃ/

preach

Meaning

to deliver a religious or moral talk, often in a church setting

Example

The pastor preached about forgiveness and kindness.

B2 noun /prəˈtɛktər/

protector

Meaning

a person or thing that protects someone or something

Example

The dog was seen as the family's protector.

B2 adjective /ˈprɒfɪtəbl/

profitable

Meaning

yielding profit or financial gain

Example

The company has become highly profitable after the new strategy was implemented.

B2 noun /prəˈseʃ.ən/

Procession

Meaning

a group of people or vehicles moving forward in an organized way, especially as part of a ceremony

Example

The wedding procession walked slowly to the church.

B2 adjective /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/

Primitive

Meaning

ancient; basic; crude; undeveloped; simple

Example

The tribe still uses primitive tools for hunting and farming.

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 verb /prəˈkleɪm/

proclaim

Meaning

to announce something publicly or officially, especially something important

Example

The president proclaimed a national day of mourning.

B2 noun prɒsˈpɛr.ɪ.ti

prosperity

Meaning

The state of being prosperous; success or wealth.

Example

The country achieved great prosperity during the last decade.

B2 noun /pɪt/

pit

Meaning

a large hole in the ground or a hollow area

Example

The workers dug a deep pit to build the foundation.

B2 noun /plænˈteɪʃən/

plantation

Meaning

a large area of land where crops are grown, often for commercial purposes

Example

The sugarcane plantation stretched for miles across the valley.

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.

B2 adjective /ˈplɛʒərəbl/

pleasurable

Meaning

giving pleasure or enjoyment

Example

Reading a good book is a pleasurable activity.

B2 verb /pəˈluːt/

pollute

Meaning

to make air, water, or land dirty and harmful to people, animals, and plants

Example

Factories pollute the environment with toxic chemicals.

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 noun /proʊˈbeɪʃən/

probation

Meaning

a period of testing or supervision, especially for offenders or new employees

Example

He was placed on probation for six months.

B2 noun /pliː/

Plea

Meaning

an urgent and emotional request; a defendant's formal response to a criminal charge; an excuse or justification

Example

She made a plea for help during the emergency.

B2 noun /ˈpesɪˌmɪzəm/

pessimism

Meaning

A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe the worst will happen.

Example

Her constant pessimism made it hard to stay optimistic.

B2 adverb /ˈpjʊərli/

purely

Meaning

only and completely; entirely

Example

The decision was purely based on economic factors.

B2 adverb /pəˈtɛnʃəli/

potentially

Meaning

with the possibility of becoming something in the future

Example

This project is potentially a huge success.

B2 noun /fɪˈlɒs.ə.fi/

philosophy

Meaning

the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence

Example

Her philosophy emphasizes kindness and empathy.

B2 adjective /plʌmp/

plump

Meaning

having a full, rounded shape; pleasantly fat

Example

The cat was plump and well-fed.

B2 adjective /ˈprɛf(ə)rəb(ə)l/

preferable

Meaning

more desirable or suitable; better than something else

Example

It is preferable to take the train rather than drive in heavy traffic.

B2 noun /ˈpæd.ɪŋ/

padding

Meaning

soft material added for comfort, protection, or to fill space

Example

The chair had extra padding for comfort.

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 noun prəˈdʒɛk.ʃən

projection

Meaning

The strength and range of voice when speaking.

Example

Proper projection ensures that every listener hears clearly.

B2 adjective ˌpriːhɪˈstɒrɪk

prehistoric

Meaning

Belonging to the time before written records.

Example

The prehistoric era was marked by the rise of early humans.

B2 noun /ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/

proposition

Meaning

A statement, idea, or plan put forward for consideration or discussion.

Example

The company made a business proposition to the investors.

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.

B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.θən/

Python

Meaning

a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction

Example

The python wrapped around its prey tightly.

B2 noun /prəˈvɪʒ.ən/

Provision

Meaning

supplies of food and other necessary things; arrangement or preparation

Example

The government made provision for emergency supplies during the flood.