primate
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C1 noun /ˈpraɪ.meɪt/

primate

Meaning
A member of the group of animals including humans, apes, and monkeys.
Example
Humans are classified as primates.
C1 adjective /ˈpaɪ.əs/

Pious

Meaning
devoutly religious; showing reverence for God
Example
The pious monk spent hours in prayer every day.
C1 noun /plaɪt/

Plight

Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
C1 noun /ˈplʌn.dər.ər/

Plunderer

Meaning
a person who steals goods, especially during war or civil disorder
Example
The plunderers ransacked the village after the battle.
C1 verb /priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

preoccupy

Meaning
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
Example
Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly.
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 verb /ˈpæs.ɪ.faɪ/

pacify

Meaning
To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of someone.
Example
The mother tried to pacify her crying child.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

Meaning
to claim or profess something, often falsely
Example
The document purports to be an official government report.
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 /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

Meaning
showing kindness that is perceived as condescending or superior
Example
His patronizing tone offended the audience.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.di/

Parody

Meaning
an imitation of a particular style for comic effect; a humorous exaggerated copy
Example
The comedy show featured a parody of famous politicians.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
C1 noun /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən/

provocation

Meaning
An action or statement that is intended to make someone angry or to cause a reaction.
Example
His rude comment was a clear provocation.
C1 adjective /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl/

palatable

Meaning
pleasant or acceptable to the taste, mind, or feelings
Example
The meal was simple but quite palatable.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
C1 noun /plæsˈtɪsəti/

plasticity

Meaning
the quality of being easily shaped or molded; adaptability
Example
The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt after injury.
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 ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːrsəlɪn/

porcelain

Meaning
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
Example
The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China.
C1 verb /prəˈkjʊər/

procure

Meaning
to obtain something, especially with effort or difficulty
Example
They managed to procure enough supplies for the expedition.
C1 noun ˈprəʊses stəˈbɪlɪti

process stability

Meaning
The consistency and steadiness of biological or functional processes
Example
Cold air ensures process stability in plants.
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 /ˈpɪɡmənt/

pigment

Meaning
a natural or artificial substance used to give color to something
Example
The artist mixed different pigments to create the perfect shade of blue.
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 /pəˈrɪfəri/

periphery

Meaning
The outer edge or boundary of an area or object.
Example
The soldiers were stationed at the periphery of the camp.
C1 adjective /ˈpɔːltri/

paltry

Meaning
small or meager; lacking in value or importance
Example
They offered him a paltry sum for his work.
C1 noun /ˈpruːdəns/

prudence

Meaning
The quality of being cautious, wise, and exercising good judgment.
Example
She invested her money with great prudence.
C1 noun /pɒˈstɛrɪti/

posterity

Meaning
All future generations of people.
Example
The monument was built for the benefit of posterity.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊz/

predispose

Meaning
To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or be affected by something.
Example
His genetics may predispose him to diabetes.
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 noun /ˈpoʊʃən/

potion

Meaning
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
Example
The witch gave the hero a healing potion.
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 /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 noun ˈpɜː.mə.kʌl.tʃər

permaculture

Meaning
The development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Example
Permaculture promotes self-sufficient farming systems.
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.
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.
C1 noun /pɒmp/

pomp

Meaning
ceremonial display or splendor; grandeur
Example
The graduation ceremony was full of pomp and circumstance.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
C1 verb /prɪˈzaɪd/

preside

Meaning
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
Example
She will preside over the meeting tomorrow.
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 verb prəˈpel

propel

Meaning
To drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forward.
Example
Lack of proper guidance can propel adolescents toward delinquency.
C1 noun /pərˈvɜr.sə.ti/

Perversity

Meaning
deliberate determination to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; the quality of being contrary or obstinate
Example
His perversity in refusing help frustrated everyone.
C1 noun /ˈpærɪti/

parity

Meaning
the state or condition of being equal, especially in status or pay
Example
The campaign aims to achieve pay parity between men and women.
C1 noun /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/

prodigy

Meaning
a person, especially a young one, with exceptional talents or abilities
Example
Mozart was a child prodigy in music.
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 noun /prəˈpoʊnənt/

proponent

Meaning
a person who advocates for or supports a particular idea, cause, or plan
Example
She is a strong proponent of renewable energy.
C1 adjective /praɪˈmɔːrdiəl/

primordial

Meaning
Existing at or from the beginning of time; fundamental and original.
Example
Scientists study the primordial soup from which life emerged.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪˌraɪt/

playwright

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright of all time.
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 verb /pərˈtɜːrb/

perturb

Meaning
To disturb or unsettle greatly in mind.
Example
The sudden noise perturbed the students during the exam.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdlər/

peddler

Meaning
a person who sells goods, often traveling from place to place
Example
The peddler walked through the village selling fresh fruits.
C1 adjective /ˈper.ɪ.ləs/

perilous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; hazardous and threatening.
Example
The explorers took a perilous journey.
C1 adjective /pɜːrt/

pert

Meaning
attractively lively or cheeky in manner or style
Example
She gave a pert reply that made everyone laugh.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pi/

philanthropy

Meaning
the desire to promote the welfare of others, often expressed by the generous donation of money to good causes
Example
Philanthropy has helped improve healthcare in many developing countries.
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 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 /pəˈrɪm.ɪ.tər/

perimeter

Meaning
the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or area
Example
The soldiers guarded the perimeter of the camp.
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 prəˈtræk.tɪd

protracted

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.
Example
The negotiations were protracted over months.
C1 noun ˈprɛvələns

prevalence

Meaning
The fact or condition of being widespread; the extent to which something exists or occurs
Example
The prevalence of aging issues requires immediate attention.
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 /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
C1 adjective /pərˈsɛptɪv/

perceptive

Meaning
Having or showing keen insight, understanding, or awareness.
Example
She is very perceptive and quickly notices when something is wrong.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːmieɪt/

permeate

Meaning
Spread throughout (something); pervade.
Example
The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire room.
C1 adjective /pərˈpetʃuəl/

perpetual

Meaning
never-ending or continuous
Example
She lived in perpetual fear of being discovered.
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 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ən/

pantheon

Meaning
All the gods of a religion collectively; a building dedicated to all gods.
Example
The Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
C1 noun /ˌprəʊˈæk.tɪv ˈliː.də.ʃɪp/

proactive leadership

Meaning
Leadership that takes initiative and anticipates problems before they occur, rather than reacting to events.
Example
Proactive leadership ensures timely decisions.
C1 adjective /prɪˈpɒstərəs/

preposterous

Meaning
completely ridiculous or absurd; contrary to reason or common sense
Example
The idea that pigs could fly is preposterous.
C1 verb /ˌpoʊstˈdeɪt/

postdate

Meaning
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
Example
She postdated the check to next month.
C1 noun /ˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Piety

Meaning
the quality of being religious or reverent; devout religious belief and practice
Example
His piety was evident in his daily prayers.
C1 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
C1 noun prəˈfaʊnd ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

profound initiative

Meaning
A deep, meaningful, and significant action or program designed to create change.
Example
A profound initiative can create sustainable changes.
C1 adjective /pəˈnɪnsjələr/

peninsular

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a peninsula.
Example
The peninsular region is surrounded by water on three sides.
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 noun /pərˈveɪər/

purveyor

Meaning
a person or business that supplies goods, services, or information
Example
He is a well-known purveyor of fine wines.
C1 noun /ˈprɒksi/

proxy

Meaning
A person authorized to act on behalf of another; a substitute.
Example
She voted by proxy at the meeting.
C1 verb /prɪˈkluːd/

preclude

Meaning
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
Example
Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic.
C1 noun /ˈpɔɪ.nən.si/

poignancy

Meaning
the quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
Example
The poignancy of the farewell brought tears to everyone's eyes.
C1 noun /pəˈpaɪrəs/

papyrus

Meaning
An ancient writing material made from the pith of the papyrus plant; also refers to the plant itself.
Example
The ancient scroll was written on papyrus.
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 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 noun /plɔɪ/

ploy

Meaning
a clever plan or action designed to gain an advantage
Example
She used a clever ploy to win the debate.
C1 adjective /pərˈsɛptəbl̩/

perceptible

Meaning
Able to be noticed or recognized by the senses or the mind.
Example
There was a perceptible change in the atmosphere.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ləs/

pitiless

Meaning
showing no pity or compassion; cruel
Example
The pitiless ruler ignored the suffering of his people.
C1 noun /ˈplæn.teɪn ˈflaʊ.ər/

Plantain flower

Meaning
The flower bud of a banana plant, used as a vegetable in cooking
Example
We cooked plantain flower curry for dinner.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkoʊsəˈmætɪk/

psychosomatic

Meaning
Relating to a physical illness or condition caused or aggravated by mental factors such as stress.
Example
Her stomach pain was diagnosed as psychosomatic, linked to stress.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːr.kjə.paɪn/

Porcupine

Meaning
a large rodent with defensive spines or quills on its body
Example
The porcupine raised its quills when threatened.
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 /pəˈtɜːrnəl/

paternal

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a father.
Example
He took a paternal interest in the boy’s education.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɪʒən/

parisian

Meaning
relating to Paris or its people
Example
She wore a Parisian style dress at the party.
C1 noun /pəˈfjuː.mər.i/

perfumery

Meaning
the art, business, or products of making perfumes
Example
She works in a perfumery that creates luxury scents.
C1 verb /ˈpærəfreɪz/

paraphrase

Meaning
To express the meaning of something using different words, often to make it clearer.
Example
The teacher asked the students to paraphrase the poem in their own words.
C1 noun /ˈpəʊstˌskrɪpt/

postscript

Meaning
an additional remark at the end of a letter or text, after the signature
Example
She added a brief postscript to thank him again.
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 /prɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/

Presumption

Meaning
an idea that is taken to be true without proof
Example
There is a presumption of innocence in the legal system.
C1 adjective pərˈnɪʃəs

pernicious

Meaning
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example
The pernicious effects of smoking are well-documented.
C1 noun /ˈpɔː.pəs/

Porpoise

Meaning
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
Example
The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪəbəl/

pliable

Meaning
easily bent or flexible; adaptable
Example
The metal is pliable enough to be shaped into jewelry.
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 noun /ˈpɔːsɪti/

paucity

Meaning
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities
Example
The project was delayed due to a paucity of funds.
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 adjective /ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr/

perpendicular

Meaning
At an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface.
Example
The ladder was placed perpendicular to the ground for safety.
C1 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/

prohibitive

Meaning
Too high or expensive to be affordable; serving to prevent or discourage action.
Example
The cost of the medication is prohibitive for many families.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊsiːdz/

proceeds

Meaning
money obtained from an event, activity, or sale
Example
The proceeds from the charity event were donated to the orphanage.
C1 noun /ˈpriːsɪŋkt/

precinct

Meaning
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
Example
She went to vote at her local precinct.
C1 noun /pərˈkʌʃən/

percussion

Meaning
Musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping, such as drums or cymbals.
Example
The percussion section added rhythm and energy to the orchestra.
C1 verb /pəˈveɪd/

pervade

Meaning
to spread through and be present in every part of something
Example
The smell of fresh flowers pervaded the entire room.
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 verb /plɒd/

plod

Meaning
to work slowly and steadily, often with effort or difficulty
Example
He plodded through his homework despite feeling tired.
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.
C1 adjective /pæˈseɪ/

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
C1 verb /ˈprɒpəɡeɪt/

propagate

Meaning
To spread or transmit an idea, belief, or information widely; also to reproduce in plants or animals.
Example
Scientists work to propagate the species in captivity.
C1 noun ˈprɒdʒ.ə.ni

progeny

Meaning
A descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring.
Example
The philosopher's teachings have influenced many generations of progeny.
C1 noun /ˈprɒmɪnəns/

prominence

Meaning
The state of being important, famous, or easily noticed.
Example
Her work gained prominence after the award.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrkəleɪtər/

percolator

Meaning
A device used for brewing coffee by continually cycling boiling water through coffee grounds.
Example
She made a fresh pot of coffee using the percolator.
C1 noun /peɪˈiː/

payee

Meaning
A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.
Example
The payee must sign the check before cashing it.