prima
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C1 adjective /ˈpriːmə/

prima

Meaning
first or most important; excellent
Example
She was treated as the prima ballerina of the troupe.
C1 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈræm.ɪk/

panoramic

Meaning
Giving a wide view of an extensive area in all directions.
Example
The hotel offers panoramic views of the ocean.
C1 adjective /prəˈfeɪn/

profane

Meaning
showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things; irreverent or vulgar
Example
His jokes were considered too profane for the ceremony.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪdʒərɪzəm/

plagiarism

Meaning
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own
Example
The student was expelled for committing plagiarism in his essay.
C1 verb /pərˈspaɪər/

perspire

Meaning
To give out sweat through the pores of the skin as a result of heat, physical exertion, or stress.
Example
He began to perspire after running for 10 minutes.
C1 noun /pəˈtɜːrnəti/

paternity

Meaning
The state of being someone's father.
Example
He demanded a paternity test to confirm his relationship with the child.
C1 adjective /prəˈsiːdʒərəl/

procedural

Meaning
Relating to an established or official way of doing something; concerned with procedure.
Example
The committee followed the procedural rules strictly.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ə.bəl/

pitiable

Meaning
deserving sympathy or compassion
Example
The stray dog looked pitiable in the rain.
C1 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/

polyglot

Meaning
a person who knows and can use several languages
Example
She is a polyglot, fluent in English, Spanish, and Bengali.
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 /fɪˈziːk/

physique

Meaning
the form, size, and development of a person's body
Example
He has an athletic physique due to years of training.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.saɪt/

Parasite

Meaning
an organism that lives on or in another organism and benefits at its expense; a person who depends on others
Example
The dog was treated for intestinal parasites.
C1 noun

Peck

C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
C1 verb /ˈpæmpər/

pamper

Meaning
to treat with excessive care and attention; to spoil
Example
Parents often pamper their first child.
C1 adjective /pɜːrt/

pert

Meaning
attractively lively or cheeky in manner or style
Example
She gave a pert reply that made everyone laugh.
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.
C1 noun prɪˈzɝː.və.tɪv

preservative

Meaning
A chemical substance that prevents decay, fermentation, or other natural processes that cause food deterioration.
Example
Artificial preservatives are harmful to health.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpriː.tekst/

Pretext

Meaning
a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason
Example
He used illness as a pretext to avoid the meeting.
C1 adjective /prəˈfɛtɪk/

prophetic

Meaning
accurately predicting or describing what will happen in the future
Example
His prophetic words came true after many years.
C1 noun, verb /ˌprɒməˈneɪd/

promenade

Meaning
A leisurely walk or stroll, especially in a public place for pleasure or display.
Example
They went for a promenade along the seaside.
C1 noun /pəˈræl.ə.sɪs/

Paralysis

Meaning
the loss of the ability to move part or all of the body; complete inability to act or function
Example
The accident left him with paralysis in his legs.
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 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 /ˈpeɪ.ɡən/

Pagan

Meaning
a person holding religious beliefs other than the main world religions; a heathen
Example
Ancient Romans considered early Christians to be pagans.
C1 noun /prəˈspɛktəs/

prospectus

Meaning
a printed document that advertises or describes a school, business, or investment offering
Example
The university sent out a prospectus to attract new students.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnsɪv/

pensive

Meaning
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
Example
She looked pensive as she stared out of the window.
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.
C1 adjective /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/

prolific

Meaning
Present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful; producing many works, results, or offspring.
Example
The author is prolific, having written over 30 books.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrtʃmənt/

parchment

Meaning
a thin material made from animal skin, used in the past for writing
Example
The ancient manuscript was written on parchment.
C1 noun /ˈproʊbeɪt/

probate

Meaning
the official proving of a will in a court of law
Example
The family had to go through probate after his death.
C1 noun /ˈpɪt.əns/

pittance

Meaning
a very small or inadequate amount of money
Example
She worked long hours for a mere pittance.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
C1 verb /ˈprɪkəl/

prickle

Meaning
to cause a slight stinging or tingling sensation on the skin
Example
Her skin began to prickle in the cold wind.
C1 verb /praʊl/

prowl

Meaning
To move around quietly and secretly, especially while hunting or searching.
Example
The cat prowled around the garden at night.
C1 noun /ˌpɪɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/

pigmentation

Meaning
The natural coloring of animal or plant tissue.
Example
Excessive rubbing can cause pigmentation issues.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
C1 noun /ˈpɪn.sərz/

Pincers

Meaning
a tool made of two curved or hinged pieces of metal used for gripping and pulling things
Example
The chef used pincers to remove the hot pot from the stove.
C1 noun /ˈpælɪt/

pallet

Meaning
a flat wooden platform used for moving or storing goods; also a makeshift bed
Example
The boxes were stacked on a wooden pallet for easy transport.
C1 adjective /pəˈleɪ.ʃəl/

palatial

Meaning
resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid
Example
They stayed in a palatial hotel during their vacation.
C1 noun /ˈpetɪkoʊt/

Petti-coat

Meaning
an undergarment worn by women under a dress or skirt
Example
She wore a white petticoat under her dress.
C1 noun /poʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/

polarity

Meaning
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
Example
The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊtənsi/

potency

Meaning
The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.
Example
The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpətreɪt/

perpetrate

Meaning
To commit or carry out, typically a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.
Example
The hackers perpetrated a massive cyber attack on the company.
C1 adjective /pɒˈstɪəriər/

posterior

Meaning
Situated at or toward the back; later in time.
Example
The posterior part of the brain controls vision.
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 /pərˈpɔːrtɪd/

purported

Meaning
alleged or claimed to be true, often without proof
Example
The purported evidence was later proven false.
C1 adjective /prɪˈzʌmp.tʃu.əs/

presumptuous

Meaning
Overconfident, rude, or taking liberties without permission.
Example
It was presumptuous of him to make that decision without consulting others.
C1 noun /ˈpen.əns/

Penance

Meaning
punishment that you accept for doing something wrong; an act of showing that you are sorry for sin
Example
The monk performed penance for his past mistakes.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːr.dən.ə.bəl/

Pardonable

Meaning
able to be forgiven; excusable
Example
His mistake was pardonable given the difficult circumstances.
C1 noun /pɛnˈtæθlɒn/

pentathlon

Meaning
An athletic contest featuring five different events.
Example
She trained hard to compete in the modern pentathlon.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊtəbl/

potable

Meaning
safe to drink; drinkable
Example
The villagers did not have access to potable water.
C1 adjective /ˈpruː.dənt/

Prudent

Meaning
wise; careful; cautious;
Example
It's prudent to save money for the future.
C1 noun /pəˈsweɪsɪvnes/

persuasiveness

Meaning
The quality of being good at persuading someone to do or believe something.
Example
Her persuasiveness convinced the team to follow her suggestions.
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.
C1 verb /prəˈkræs.tɪ.neɪt/

procrastinate

Meaning
To delay or postpone action; to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.
Example
He tends to procrastinate when facing difficult tasks.
C1 verb /ˈplʌm.ɪt/

plummet

Meaning
to fall straight down at high speed
Example
Stock prices plummeted after the sudden market crash.
C1 noun /ˈprɛəri/

prairie

Meaning
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
Example
The bison roamed freely across the prairie.
C1 noun/verb ˈpɪv.ət

pivot

Meaning
A significant change in business strategy or direction.
Example
The company decided to pivot its business strategy.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

Meaning
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
Example
The soil in this area is very permeable to water.
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 noun ˌprɒf.ɪ.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

profitability

Meaning
The degree to which a business or activity yields profit or financial gain.
Example
Increasing sales and reducing costs boosted profitability.
C1 noun /pɒmp/

pomp

Meaning
ceremonial display or splendor; grandeur
Example
The graduation ceremony was full of pomp and circumstance.
C1 verb ˈplʌmɪtɪŋ

plummeting

Meaning
Falling or dropping suddenly and steeply; decreasing rapidly
Example
The fertility rate in Bangladesh is plummeting.
C1 noun /pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/

Polygamy

Meaning
the practice of marrying multiple spouses at the same time
Example
Polygamy is illegal in many countries around the world.
C1 noun /ˈfiː.nɪks/

phoenix

Meaning
a mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes; symbol of immortality or renewal
Example
The legend says the phoenix rises from its ashes every 500 years.
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.
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.
C1 noun /pəˈvɪliən/

pavilion

Meaning
A large tent or temporary building, often used for events or exhibitions.
Example
The wedding reception was held in a decorated pavilion.
C1 noun /ˈprɒk.tər/

proctor

Meaning
a person who supervises students during an examination
Example
The proctor reminded students to keep their phones switched off.
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 /ˌpæn.əˈmer.ɪ.kən/

Pan-American

Meaning
relating to all the countries of North, Central, and South America
Example
The Pan-American Games bring together athletes from across the continent.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuːtrɪd/

putrid

Meaning
decayed and emitting a foul smell
Example
The garbage smelled putrid after days in the sun.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈmɔːtəm/

postmortem

Meaning
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
Example
The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body.
C1 noun /ˈpɪnəkəl/

pinnacle

Meaning
the highest point or peak of something, especially of success or achievement
Example
Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
C1 noun ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃən

Pollination

Meaning
The process by which pollen is transferred from flowers, enabling plant reproduction.
Example
Butterflies play a vital role in pollination.
C1 verb /ˈpɒstʃʊleɪt/

postulate

Meaning
to suggest or assume that something is true as the basis for reasoning or discussion
Example
Scientists postulate that life exists on other planets.
C1 adjective /ˈpəʊ.tənt/

Potent

Meaning
having great strength, power, or effect; influential
Example
The medicine is very potent and should be taken carefully.
C1 verb /ˈpruːfˌriːd/

proofread

Meaning
to read written material and mark any errors
Example
She proofread the report before submission.
C1 noun /ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃/

penchant

Meaning
a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something
Example
She has a penchant for collecting rare books.
C1 verb /priːˈɛmpt/

preempt

Meaning
To take action in order to prevent something from happening; to take the place of something.
Example
The government acted quickly to preempt a financial crisis.
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.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪzeɪʃən/

personalization

Meaning
The action of making something personal or individual; customization.
Example
Personalization in marketing improves customer engagement.
C1 noun /ˈprɒv.ɜːb/

Proverb

Meaning
a short saying that expresses a general truth or gives advice
Example
The proverb 'Early to bed, early to rise' teaches us about good habits.
C1 verb /priːn/

preen

Meaning
To groom or dress oneself with care; to show pride in one's appearance.
Example
She preened in front of the mirror before leaving for the party.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvɪdəns/

providence

Meaning
the protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power; foresight or prudence
Example
They believed their survival was due to divine providence.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pɪst/

philanthropist

Meaning
a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes
Example
The philanthropist donated millions to build schools in rural areas.
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.
C1 noun prəˈtɛk.ʃə.nɪ.zəm

protectionism

Meaning
The theory or practice of shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition by taxing imports.
Example
The government's protectionism helped local businesses grow.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪn.tɪf/

Plaintiff

Meaning
a person who brings a case against another in a court of law; the person who initiates a lawsuit
Example
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the company.
C1 noun /pɪˈtaɪə/

Pitaya / Dragon fruit

Meaning
a tropical fruit with bright pink or red skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds
Example
The pitaya has a mild, sweet flavor and a unique appearance.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈpɑːrtɪzən/

partisan

Meaning
A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person; showing biased allegiance.
Example
The debate quickly turned partisan, with each side defending their own agenda.
C1 noun prəˈkjʊrmənt

procurement

Meaning
The action of obtaining or procuring something, especially for official purposes.
Example
The procurement of modern equipment has improved research accuracy.
C1 adjective /pərˈsweɪdəbl̩/

persuadable

Meaning
capable of being convinced or influenced to do something
Example
She was easily persuadable when it came to trying new foods.
C1 noun /ˈprɛljuːd/

prelude

Meaning
An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.
Example
The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict.
C1 adjective /pɪˈkjuːniˌɛri/

pecuniary

Meaning
relating to money or financial matters
Example
They faced pecuniary difficulties after the business failed.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

Meaning
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
Example
The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪʃəbəl/

Perishable

Meaning
liable to decay quickly; short-lived
Example
Store perishable foods in the refrigerator.
C1 noun /prəˈpraɪəti/

propriety

Meaning
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality.
Example
He always behaved with the utmost propriety in public.
C1 adjective /pəˈdæntɪk/

pedantic

Meaning
Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic or bookish.
Example
Her pedantic explanations made the lecture dull.
C1 adjective /prɪˈtɛnʃəs/

pretentious

Meaning
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
Example
The restaurant was stylish but far too pretentious for my taste.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪər.ləs/

Peerless

Meaning
unequaled; having no match or equal; without rival
Example
Her peerless beauty captivated everyone.
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 verb /ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/

petrify

Meaning
to make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think; to turn into stone
Example
The loud noise petrified the little child.
C1 adjective /prəˈpɔːrʃənət/

proportionate

Meaning
Corresponding in size, degree, or intensity; balanced in relation.
Example
The punishment should be proportionate to the crime.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrspəˈreɪʃn/

perspiration

Meaning
The process of sweating.
Example
Heavy exercise causes perspiration.
C1 adjective /ˈpen.ɪ.ləs/

Penniless

Meaning
having no money; extremely poor; completely without funds
Example
After losing his job, he became penniless.
C1 noun /ˌpærəfəˈneɪliə/

paraphernalia

Meaning
Miscellaneous articles, especially equipment needed for a particular activity.
Example
The fisherman carried all his fishing paraphernalia in a large box.
C1 noun /ˈpæʃ.ən ˌflaʊ.ər/

Passion flower

Meaning
A climbing plant with intricate, colorful flowers; also refers to royal poinciana tree with red-orange blooms
Example
The passion flower vine covered the garden wall with beautiful blooms.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːs.ə.bəl/

Peaceable

Meaning
peaceful; inclined to avoid conflict
Example
The peaceable protest ended without any violence.
C1 noun /pɒˈstɛrɪti/

posterity

Meaning
All future generations of people.
Example
The monument was built for the benefit of posterity.
C1 noun ˈpær.ə.daɪm

paradigm

Meaning
A typical example or pattern of something; a model or framework for understanding or approaching something.
Example
The paradigm of education is changing with digital technology.
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.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvənəns/

provenance

Meaning
The origin or source of something.
Example
The museum verified the provenance of the ancient manuscript.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
C1 adjective /ˈpæs.ə.bəl/

passable

Meaning
good enough to be accepted, though not excellent
Example
The road is barely passable after the storm.