Pretence
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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.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

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

pandemic

Meaning
An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale.
Example
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world dramatically.
B2 noun /ˈpoʊ.di.əm/

Podium

Meaning
a small platform on which a person may stand to be seen by an audience
Example
The winner stood on the podium to receive the gold medal.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛstɪˈlɛnʃəl/

pestilential

Meaning
Relating to or causing pestilence; very harmful, troublesome, or dangerous.
Example
The pestilential smell of the garbage filled the street.
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.
B2 noun /ˌprɒp.əˈɡæn.də/

Propaganda

Meaning
information spread to promote a particular political cause or point of view
Example
The government used propaganda to influence public opinion during the war.
C2 noun /prɪˈsɛʃən/

precession

Meaning
The slow movement of the axis of a spinning body around another axis, often referring to Earth's rotation.
Example
Astronomers study the precession of the equinoxes.
A2 verb /pruːv/

prove

Meaning
to show that something is true; to demonstrate
Example
The evidence will prove his innocence.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpænəl/

panel

Meaning
a group of people gathered to discuss, judge, or advise on a particular topic
Example
The panel of judges announced the winner of the competition.
C2 noun /ˈplɛntɪtjuːd/

plentitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant
Example
The garden offered a plentitude of flowers in spring.
C1 adjective /pəˈroʊkiəl/

parochial

Meaning
Having a limited or narrow outlook; relating to a parish.
Example
His parochial view prevented him from understanding global issues.
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.
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 /ˈplætɪtjuːd/

platitude

Meaning
a remark or statement that is overused and unoriginal
Example
He kept repeating the same platitudes during the speech.
C2 adverb /ˈprɒksɪmətli/

proximately

Meaning
In a near or close manner; nearly.
Example
The village lies proximately to the river.
C2 noun /ˈfænˌtæzəm/

phantasm

Meaning
an illusion, ghost, or figment of the imagination
Example
The child claimed to see a phantasm in the old house.
C2 adjective /prɪˈhɛnsaɪl/

prehensile

Meaning
adapted for seizing or grasping, especially by wrapping around an object
Example
The monkey used its prehensile tail to hang from the branch.
C1 adjective ˌprɒb.ə.bɪˈlɪs.tɪk

probabilistic

Meaning
Based on probability; involving chance or statistical likelihood.
Example
The model follows a probabilistic approach to predictions.
B2 adjective /ˌprɒb.ləˈmæt.ɪk/

Problematic

Meaning
causing problems; troublesome; difficult to deal with
Example
The new policy changes are problematic and need to be reviewed.
C1 noun /plaɪt/

Plight

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

prefigure

Meaning
to represent, show, or foreshadow something in advance
Example
The economic reforms prefigure major social changes.
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 adverb /ˈpiːs.miːl/

Piecemeal

Meaning
done or made gradually, one piece at a time; fragmentary; unsystematic
Example
The renovation was done piecemeal over several years due to budget constraints.
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 /ˈplænɪsfɪr/

planisphere

Meaning
a rotating star chart used to display the visible stars for any time and date
Example
The astronomer used a planisphere to identify the constellations.
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.
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.
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 adjective /praɪˈmiːvəl/

primeval

Meaning
Relating to the earliest ages in history; ancient and primitive.
Example
The explorers ventured into the primeval forest untouched by humans.
B2 noun /ˈprɛfəs/

preface

Meaning
an introduction to a book, speech, or other written work
Example
The author explained his motivation in the preface.
B2 adjective /ˌpɑːrləˈmɛntri/

parliamentary

Meaning
relating to a parliament or its members; relating to a system of government with parliamentary authority
Example
The country follows a parliamentary form of government.
A2 noun /prəˈdʌkʃən/

production

Meaning
the process of manufacturing or creating something
Example
The production of this film took over a year.
C1 noun /pəˈraɪə/

pariah

Meaning
An outcast; someone who is rejected by society or a social group.
Example
After the scandal, he became a social pariah.
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.
B2 verb /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

preceded

Meaning
came before something in time, order, or position
Example
Dark clouds preceded the heavy rainfall.
C2 noun /ˈproʊbɪti/

probity

Meaning
The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
Example
The judge was admired for his integrity and probity.
C1 adjective /ˈpoʊləraɪzd/

polarized

Meaning
divided into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions
Example
The debate polarized the community on the issue of climate change.
C1 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡɒn/

polygon

Meaning
a flat shape with three or more straight sides
Example
The artist drew a colorful polygon on the canvas.
A1 adjective /ˈprɪti/

Pretty

Meaning
attractive in a delicate way; fairly or moderately
Example
She wore a pretty dress to the party.
C1 verb /pɜːrdʒ/

purge

Meaning
To remove unwanted feelings, people, or things; to cleanse or purify.
Example
The new leader promised to purge corruption from the government.
C2 noun /ˈpær.ɪ.saɪd/

parricide

Meaning
The act of killing one's father, mother, or other close relative.
Example
The court tried him for parricide after the tragic incident.
B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tər/

Potter

Meaning
a person who makes pottery
Example
The potter shaped clay on the spinning wheel.
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 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
C2 adjective /ˈplændʒənt/

plangent

Meaning
having a loud, mournful sound; resonant
Example
The plangent toll of the church bell echoed through the village.
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.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɪnəs/

pinnace

Meaning
a small boat, often carried by a larger ship
Example
The sailors used a pinnace to reach the shore.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈprɒɡnəθəs/

prognathous

Meaning
Having jaws that project forward beyond the rest of the face.
Example
The fossil displayed a distinctly prognathous skull structure.
C2 noun /ˈplɛdʒɔːr/

pledgeor

Meaning
a person who gives or offers a pledge or security
Example
The bank accepted the jewelry from the pledgeor as collateral for the loan.
C2 verb /ˈpɛkjʊˌleɪt/

peculate

Meaning
To embezzle or steal money, especially public funds.
Example
The corrupt official was found guilty of peculating government funds.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːtərˈnætʃərəl/

preternatural

Meaning
Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary or supernatural.
Example
She had a preternatural ability to remain calm in any crisis.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪnənt/

prominent

Meaning
Important, famous, or easily noticeable.
Example
He is a prominent leader in the community.
C2 adjective /pərˈsuːənt/

pursuant

Meaning
in accordance with or following something, especially a law or rule
Example
The decision was made pursuant to the regulations.
C2 noun /praɪˈveɪʃən/

privation

Meaning
A state in which things essential for human well-being such as food and warmth are lacking.
Example
The refugees suffered great privation during the harsh winter.
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 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.
A2 adjective /ˈpaʊə.fəl/

powerful

Meaning
Having great power or strength.
Example
The James Webb Telescope is the most powerful space observatory.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈplɛzənt/

pleasant

Meaning
giving a sense of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction
Example
We had a pleasant evening at the park.
C1 noun /ˌpɪɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/

pigmentation

Meaning
The natural coloring of animal or plant tissue.
Example
Excessive rubbing can cause pigmentation issues.
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.
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.
C2 verb /ˈproʊtjuːbəreɪt/

protuberate

Meaning
To swell out or bulge.
Example
The roots began to protuberate from the ground.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈpɒlɪʃt/

polished

Meaning
refined, sophisticated, and elegant in appearance or behavior
Example
She gave a polished performance at the recital.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.θən/

Python

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The python wrapped around its prey tightly.
B1 noun /ˈpæsɪdʒ/

passage

Meaning
a narrow way through or between; a section of text or music; the process of moving from one state or place to another
Example
The narrow passage led from the courtyard to the library.
C1 noun /pækt/

Pact

Meaning
a formal agreement between individuals or parties; a treaty or contract
Example
The two countries signed a peace pact to end the war.
B2 adjective /ˈpreɪz.wɜː.ði/

Praiseworthy

Meaning
deserving praise; commendable; admirable
Example
Her charitable work is truly praiseworthy.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/

perseverance

Meaning
Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
Example
His perseverance helped him achieve his dreams.
B2 adjective /pəˈsɪs.tənt/

persistent

Meaning
continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period
Example
Despite many setbacks, her persistent efforts led to success.
B2 noun /ˈpes.ə.mɪst/

Pessimist

Meaning
a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believes that the worst will happen; someone who lacks hope or confidence in the future
Example
Being a pessimist, he always expected the worst outcome.
A2 noun /ˈpaɪnˌæpəl/

pineapple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with a rough spiky skin, sweet yellow flesh, and a leafy crown
Example
She added fresh pineapple to the fruit salad.
B1 adverb /ˈprɒpərli/

properly

Meaning
in the correct or suitable manner
Example
He performed the task properly to avoid mistakes.
B2 adjective /prəˈpoʊzd/

proposed

Meaning
suggested or put forward for consideration or discussion
Example
The proposed changes will improve the system.
A1 verb /pʊt/

put

Meaning
to place something in a particular position; to move to a location
Example
Please put the book on the table.
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 noun /ˈprɛsɪpɪs/

precipice

Meaning
A very steep cliff or a situation of great danger.
Example
The hikers stood at the edge of the precipice, gazing into the valley below.
A2 noun /ˈpʊd.ɪŋ/

Pudding

Meaning
a sweet dessert typically made by boiling or steaming
Example
My grandmother makes delicious chocolate pudding for dessert.
C2 verb /ˈprɛsɪdʒ/

presage

Meaning
to be a sign or warning that something will happen; to foreshadow
Example
Dark clouds presage a storm.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

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

Prevalent

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

pout

Meaning
to push one's lips forward as an expression of annoyance or sulkiness
Example
The child began to pout when he didn’t get the toy.
C1 noun /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl miːt/

Palatable meat

Meaning
Meat that is pleasant to taste; appetizing meat dish
Example
The chef prepared palatable meat dishes for the dinner party.
C2 adjective /pərˈfɜrvɪd/

perfervid

Meaning
intensely passionate or fervent
Example
She gave a perfervid speech in defense of human rights.
A1 adjective /pʊr/

Poor

Meaning
having little money; lacking resources; of low quality
Example
The poor family struggled to make ends meet.
B2 adjective /prəˈɡrɛsɪv/

progressive

Meaning
favoring or implementing new and modern ideas or policies; moving forward or improving
Example
She holds progressive views on social justice and equality.
B1 noun /pɒnd/

Pond

Meaning
a small body of still water formed naturally or by artificial means
Example
The children fed the ducks at the pond in the park.
C2 adjective /ˈpɪd.lɪŋ/

Piddling

Meaning
trivial; insignificant; small in amount
Example
He was annoyed by the piddling amount of money he received.
B2 noun prəˈvɪʒ.ənz

provisions

Meaning
A condition or requirement in a legal document; clauses or stipulations.
Example
Provisions must align with public aspirations.
C2 verb /prɪmp/

primp

Meaning
To spend time making minor adjustments to one's appearance.
Example
She primped in front of the mirror before the party.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

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

prosaic

Meaning
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
Example
The teacher’s explanation was accurate but rather prosaic.
B2 verb /prɪˈzjuːm/

presume

Meaning
To suppose something is true without proof; to take for granted.
Example
I presume she has already left for the meeting.
C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt

phytonutrient

Meaning
Chemical compounds produced by plants that are beneficial to human health but not essential nutrients.
Example
Broccoli is rich in phytonutrients that enhance immunity.
C1 verb /præns/

prance

Meaning
To move with high, springy steps, often to show off or attract attention.
Example
The horse pranced around the field gracefully.
B2 noun /pəˈræmɪtər/

parameter

Meaning
a limit, boundary, or measurable factor that defines or determines something
Example
We need to set clear parameters for this project.
A2 adjective ˈpɒzətɪv

positive

Meaning
Having an electric charge opposite to that of an electron.
Example
Protons have a positive charge.
C1 noun /pɔl/

Pall

Meaning
a cloth spread over a coffin; a dark covering that creates a gloomy atmosphere
Example
A pall of smoke hung over the burning building.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪtriɑːrk/

patriarch

Meaning
a male head of a family or tribe; an older respected man who leads a group
Example
As the family patriarch, he mediated disputes and kept long traditions alive.
C1 noun /ˈpæntəmaɪm/

pantomime

Meaning
A type of theatrical performance using gestures and movements without spoken words; in Britain, a musical comedy play for families performed at Christmas.
Example
The children enjoyed the Christmas pantomime at the local theater.
B2 adjective /ˈpaʊərləs/

powerless

Meaning
without ability, influence, or strength
Example
She felt powerless against the unfair system.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ləs/

pitiless

Meaning
showing no pity or compassion; cruel
Example
The pitiless ruler ignored the suffering of his people.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːdreɪ/

padre

Meaning
A title for a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church; also used informally for 'father'.
Example
The soldiers attended mass led by the padre.
C1 noun ˌpriːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən

preoccupation

Meaning
The state of being absorbed in thought; mental distraction.
Example
His preoccupation with work led to neglecting his personal life.
A2 verb /prəˈtɛkt/

protect

Meaning
To keep safe from harm or injury.
Example
Protect yourself from the negative effects of social media.
C2 noun /ˈplɛnɪtjuːd/

plenitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant; a great quantity
Example
The garden was a plenitude of flowers in spring.
B1 noun /ˈprɒp.ə.ti/

Property

Meaning
a building or land; something owned; a characteristic or quality
Example
They bought a beautiful property in the countryside.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊ.ə.si/

poesy

Meaning
poetry; the art or composition of poems
Example
The anthology was filled with romantic poesy.
C2 noun /pəˈruːzl/

perusal

Meaning
The action of reading or examining something carefully.
Example
The contract was given to the lawyer for perusal.
C2 adjective /ˌpærəˈdɪɡmətɪk/

paradigmatic

Meaning
Serving as a typical example or model of something.
Example
Her success story is paradigmatic of the opportunities education can provide.
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.
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.