pretense
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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 noun /ˈpɑː.tɪ.klz/

particles

Meaning
Minute portions of matter.
Example
PM2.5 particles harm respiratory health.
B2 noun /ˈprɒbləm ˈsɒlvɪŋ/

problem-solving

Meaning
The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
Example
Problem-solving skills are key to leadership.
B2 noun /plæˈtoʊ/

plateau

Meaning
an elevated flat area of land or a period of little change
Example
After months of growth, sales reached a plateau.
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 /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 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 /ˈproʊtəkɔːl/

protocol

Meaning
an official procedure or system of rules
Example
The security team followed strict protocol during the event.
B2 noun prɪˈsɪʒ.ən

precision

Meaning
The quality of being exact and accurate.
Example
High precision instruments are used in surgery.
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 /pælɛˈstɪnɪən/

palestinian

Meaning
relating to Palestine or its people
Example
The Palestinian people have a rich cultural heritage.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/

pipeline

Meaning
a long tube through which liquids or gases are transported
Example
The company is building a new pipeline to transport natural gas.
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 adjective /prɪˈventɪv/

Preventive

Meaning
designed to prevent something from happening; protective against disease
Example
Regular exercise is a preventive measure against heart disease.
B2 adjective /ˈpəʊstwɔːr/

postwar

Meaning
occurring or existing after a war
Example
The postwar period saw significant economic growth.
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 /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.
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 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
B2 verb /plaʊ/

plough

Meaning
to break up and turn over soil using a plough; to move through something with difficulty
Example
The farmer ploughs the field every spring.
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.
B2 verb /paɪn/

pine

Meaning
to long intensely for something or someone; to suffer from longing
Example
He pined for his hometown after moving abroad.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪnənt/

prominent

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

proximity

Meaning
Nearness in space, time, or relationship.
Example
The proximity of the school to her house made it convenient.
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 /ˈpæm.flət/

pamphlet

Meaning
a small booklet or brochure containing information or arguments about a subject
Example
The health department distributed a pamphlet about nutrition.
B2 noun /fɪˈlɒsəfə/

philosopher

Meaning
a person engaged in the study of philosophy or in serious thinking about fundamental questions
Example
Socrates was a famous philosopher of ancient Greece.
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 /ˈpleɪsmənt/

placement

Meaning
the act of putting something or someone in a particular position or job
Example
The company arranged job placement for the graduates.
B2 noun /ˈpjʊə.rɪ.ti/

Purity

Meaning
the state of being pure; cleanness or freedom from contamination
Example
The purity of the mountain water was remarkable.
B2 noun /plʌɡ/

plug

Meaning
a device used to connect or block an opening
Example
She inserted the plug into the socket.
B2 adjective /ˌpeɪ.triˈɑː.tɪk/

Patriotic

Meaning
showing love for one's country
Example
The patriotic citizens celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm.
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, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈɡrædʒuət/

postgraduate

Meaning
A student who has completed a first degree and is studying for a further degree.
Example
She is doing postgraduate research in physics.
B2 adverb /ˈpraɪ.vət.li/

Privately

Meaning
in a private manner; without others present; confidentially
Example
She spoke to him privately about the matter.
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 /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 verb /prəˈvoʊk/

provoke

Meaning
To cause someone to become angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His words provoked a heated argument.
B2 noun /præŋk/

prank

Meaning
A trick that is intended to be funny but not harmful.
Example
They played a harmless prank on their friend during the party.
B2 noun pəˈluː.tənts

pollutants

Meaning
A substance that pollutes or contaminates the environment.
Example
Pollutants contribute to environmental degradation.
B2 noun /ˌpiːdiəˈtrɪʃən/

pediatrician

Meaning
a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children
Example
The pediatrician examined the child carefully.
B2 noun ˈpeɪtriəˌtɪzəm

patriotism

Meaning
The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
Example
Victory Day reflects the patriotism of the entire nation.
B2 adjective /prɪˈdɒmɪnənt/

predominant

Meaning
Having superior strength, influence, or authority; most common or noticeable.
Example
The predominant color in the painting is blue.
B2 verb /prɪˈzɜːv/

preserve

Meaning
to keep something in its original state; to protect from harm or decay
Example
We must preserve our natural environment.
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 /pəˈræmɪtər/

parameter

Meaning
a limit, boundary, or measurable factor that defines or determines something
Example
We need to set clear parameters for this project.
B2 noun

Patriot

B2 noun /ˈpɑːrtɪkəl/

particle

Meaning
a very small piece or amount of something
Example
Dust particles floated in the air near the window.
B2 verb /pərˈsiːv/

perceive

Meaning
to become aware of or understand something through the senses
Example
I perceive a change in his attitude.
B2 adjective /pəˈrɛntəl/

parental

Meaning
relating to a parent or parents; characteristic of a mother or father
Example
Parental guidance is important for a child's development.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

psychology

Meaning
the scientific study of the mind and behavior
Example
Psychology helps us understand how people think and act.
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 /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 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.
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 /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 noun /prəˈtɛstər/

protester

Meaning
a person who takes part in a protest or demonstration
Example
The protester spoke passionately about the cause.
B2 noun /ˈprɛʃər ˈkʊkər/

Pressure cooker

Meaning
a sealed cooking pot that uses steam pressure to cook food faster
Example
Using a pressure cooker reduces cooking time by more than half.
B2 adjective /ˈpɛti/

petty

Meaning
Of little importance or trivial; also describes a person overly concerned with small or unimportant matters.
Example
She often gets upset over the most petty things.
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 adjective /pəˈluː.tɪd/

polluted

Meaning
Contaminated with harmful or poisonous substances.
Example
Polluted air causes severe health problems.
B2 adjective + noun ˈpraɪməri əbˈdʒektɪv

primary objective

Meaning
The main goal or chief aim of an activity, project, or endeavor.
Example
The primary objective of the event was to promote recycling.
B2 verb /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/

persevere

Meaning
to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delay
Example
He persevered through many failures before succeeding.
B2 adjective /ˈpoʊ.lər/

polar

Meaning
relating to the North or South Pole; opposite in nature or character
Example
Penguins live in polar regions of the Earth.
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 noun /ˈpleɪˌɔːf/

playoff

Meaning
a series of games played to determine a champion among top teams
Example
The team qualified for the playoffs after a strong season.
B2 noun /ˈpæθweɪ/

pathway

Meaning
a route or course along which something travels or progresses
Example
The narrow pathway led to the hidden garden.
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 /ˈprɒs.pekts/

prospects

Meaning
The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
Example
The prospects for growth look promising.
B2 verb /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
B2 noun /pərˈfek.ʃən/

Perfection

Meaning
the state of being complete and without flaws; the highest degree of excellence
Example
The artist spent years trying to achieve perfection in his paintings.
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 /ˈpriːfɪks/

prefix

Meaning
a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else
Example
Developers often prefix variables with an underscore.
B2 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

Meaning
to institute legal proceedings against someone
Example
The lawyer decided to prosecute the case after gathering sufficient evidence.
B2 noun ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd

pesticide

Meaning
A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
Example
The pesticide sprayed in the field killed the harmful insects.
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 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 adjective /ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/

Puzzling

Meaning
confusing; perplexing;
Example
The scientist found the results puzzling.
B2 verb prəˈlɔŋd

prolonged

Meaning
Extended in duration; made to last longer than usual.
Example
Modern medicine has prolonged life expectancy.
B2 adverb /ˈpɑrʃəli/

Partially

Meaning
to some extent; not completely; incompletely
Example
The building was only partially destroyed in the fire.
B2 noun /ˈpɪt.ʃər/

Pitcher

Meaning
a large container with a handle and spout used for storing and pouring liquids
Example
The water pitcher on the table was filled with ice-cold lemonade.
B2 noun /ˌpɛnɪˈtreɪʃən/

penetration

Meaning
The act of piercing or entering into something.
Example
The company's market penetration grew rapidly.
B2 verb praɪˈɒraɪtaɪz

prioritize

Meaning
To designate or treat something as more important than other things
Example
Prioritize your tasks to stay efficient.
B2 noun /pʌŋk/

punk

Meaning
a type of popular music, or the culture associated with it, characterized by loud, fast rhythms and rebellious attitudes
Example
He’s always been into punk music and fashion.
B2 verb /pərˈsiːvd/

perceived

Meaning
to become aware of something through the senses or the mind; to understand or interpret
Example
She perceived a hint of sadness in his voice.
B2 noun /fəˈnɒmɪnən/

phenomenon

Meaning
an observable event, fact, or occurrence, often unusual or remarkable
Example
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /prɑːmpt/

prompt

Meaning
To cause someone to take action; done without delay.
Example
His speech prompted the audience to ask questions.
B2 adjective /ˈpæʃənət/

passionate

Meaning
showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief
Example
He is passionate about environmental conservation.
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.
B2 noun /fɪˈzɪʃən/

physician

Meaning
a person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor
Example
The physician prescribed some medicine to treat the condition.
B2 adjective /ˈpæn.ɪ.ki/

Panicky

Meaning
feeling or showing panic; anxious and fearful
Example
The crowd became panicky when the fire alarm sounded.
B2 noun /pərˈspek.tɪv/

Perspective

Meaning
a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view; the art of representing three-dimensional objects
Example
From his perspective, the decision was completely wrong.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpæntri/

pantry

Meaning
A small room or cupboard where food, dishes, and kitchen supplies are stored.
Example
She stocked the pantry with fresh groceries for the week.
B2 noun /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒ/

Privilege

Meaning
a special right or advantage that only one person or group has
Example
It's a privilege to work with such talented people.
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 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.
B2 adjective /pəˈθet.ɪk/

Pathetic

Meaning
arousing pity; extremely poor or inadequate
Example
His pathetic attempt to apologize made things worse.
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 verb /ˈpɑːlɪʃ/

polish

Meaning
to make smooth and shiny by rubbing; to improve or refine
Example
She needs to polish her shoes before the interview.
B2 noun /ˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

Phobia

Meaning
an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
Example
She has a phobia of spiders.
B2 adjective /ˈpreɪz.wɜː.ði/

Praiseworthy

Meaning
deserving praise; commendable; admirable
Example
Her charitable work is truly praiseworthy.
B2 verb /ˈpjʊərɪfaɪ/

purify

Meaning
to make clean or pure; to remove impurities
Example
This filter will purify the water effectively.
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 verb /prəˈkleɪm/

proclaim

Meaning
to announce something publicly or officially, especially something important
Example
The president proclaimed a national day of mourning.
B2 noun ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs

photosynthesis

Meaning
The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.
Example
Plants depend on photosynthesis for survival.
B2 noun /ˈpeɪtrən/

patron

Meaning
a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause
Example
The library is supported by generous patrons.
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 adjective /prəˈnaʊnst/

pronounced

Meaning
very noticeable or strongly marked
Example
There is a pronounced difference between the two styles.
B2 adjective /ˈpaʊərləs/

powerless

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

patrol

Meaning
to move around an area to watch or guard it
Example
The police patrol the streets at night to ensure safety.
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 verb /ˈpɒndər/

ponder

Meaning
to think about something carefully
Example
She pondered over the meaning of the poem.
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.
B2 verb /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

preceded

Meaning
came before something in time, order, or position
Example
Dark clouds preceded the heavy rainfall.
B2 verb /piːp/

peep

Meaning
to look quickly or secretly; to make a short high sound
Example
The child tried to peep through the keyhole.
B2 noun /ˈpɔːt.fəʊ.li.əʊ/

portfolio

Meaning
A collection of work or samples demonstrating skills and expertise.
Example
His portfolio showcased his diverse range of skills.
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 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.