procrastinate
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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.
C2 noun /ˌfɑːsfəˈrɛsəns/

phosphorescence

Meaning
the property of emitting light without noticeable heat
Example
The deep-sea creatures displayed a beautiful phosphorescence.
B1 verb /pɔːr/

pour

Meaning
to flow or cause to flow in a steady stream; to rain heavily
Example
Please pour the water into the glass carefully.
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 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.
B2 noun prəˈɡreʃ.ən

progression

Meaning
The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.
Example
Progression in technology drives innovation.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

psychological

Meaning
relating to the mind or mental processes.
Example
She studied the psychological effects of trauma on children.
A1 noun /ˈprɒb.ləm/

Problem

Meaning
a situation that causes difficulties and needs to be dealt with or solved
Example
We need to solve this problem quickly.
C2 noun /ˌpætrəˈnɪmɪk/

patronymic

Meaning
a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor
Example
In many cultures, surnames are patronymic in origin.
C2 noun /ˈpær.əkˌsɪz.əm/

paroxysm

Meaning
A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or activity.
Example
She was seized by a paroxysm of laughter.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈpæθɪk/

psychopathic

Meaning
Relating to or affected by psychopathy; showing chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent behavior.
Example
The film portrayed a psychopathic killer with no sense of empathy.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrkəleɪt/

percolate

Meaning
To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to spread slowly.
Example
The rainwater percolated through the soil into the groundwater.
A2 adjective /ˈplɛzənt/

pleasant

Meaning
giving a sense of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction
Example
We had a pleasant evening at the park.
B1 noun prəˈpoʊzəl

proposal

Meaning
A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration or discussion by others.
Example
The proposal was not sustained.
B2 noun /ˈpen neɪm/

Pen-name

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name; a pseudonym
Example
Mark Twain was the pen-name of Samuel Clemens.
C1 noun /ˈpɪk.æks/

Pick-axe

Meaning
a tool with a heavy metal head and long handle used for breaking up hard ground or rock
Example
The miner used a pick-axe to break through the rocky surface.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpɜr.fjuːm/

Perfume

Meaning
a fragrant liquid made from essential oils and alcohol; a pleasant smell
Example
She wore her favorite perfume to the party.
C1 noun /ˈpiː.kɒk ˈflaʊ.ər/

Peacock flower

Meaning
a tropical tree with bright orange and red flowers that resemble a peacock's tail
Example
The peacock flower tree blooms with stunning orange flowers in summer.
B1 noun /pɔːrk/

pork

Meaning
the flesh of a pig used as food
Example
He doesn't eat pork for religious reasons.
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.
C1 adjective prɪˈkeə.ri.əs

precarious

Meaning
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Example
His financial situation is precarious.
C2 noun /ˈpɪərɪdʒ/

peerage

Meaning
the title or rank of a peer; the nobility as a group
Example
He was elevated to the peerage by the king.
C1 verb /prɪˈdɒmɪneɪt/

predominate

Meaning
To be the strongest, most common, or most influential element.
Example
Traditional values still predominate in the community.
C2 noun /ˌfəʊ.təʊ.sen.sɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/

photosensitivity

Meaning
Sensitivity to light, especially abnormal sensitivity that may cause discomfort or damage.
Example
Overrubbing can increase photosensitivity.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrlər/

parlor

Meaning
A sitting room in a private house, or a shop providing specified services.
Example
They welcomed the guests into the front parlor.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪər.ləs/

Peerless

Meaning
unequaled; having no match or equal; without rival
Example
Her peerless beauty captivated everyone.
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.
A2 noun /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/

painting

Meaning
a picture or design made using paint
Example
The painting on the wall was created by a famous artist.
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 /ˌpɪə.riˈɒd.ɪ.kəl/

periodical

Meaning
a magazine or journal published at regular intervals
Example
She subscribed to a science periodical.
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.
A2 noun /ˈpɑːtnər/

partner

Meaning
a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor
Example
She is my business partner in the new venture.
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.
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.
B2 noun ˌpʌŋkˈtʃʊəlɪti

punctuality

Meaning
The quality of being on time; the habit of arriving or doing things at the agreed or proper time.
Example
Punctuality is a valued trait in professional settings.
A1 noun /pəˈteɪ.toʊ/

Potato

Meaning
a round white vegetable with a brown or red skin that grows underground
Example
She boiled potatoes for dinner.
C1 noun /pərˈvɜːrʒən/

perversion

Meaning
The act of distorting or corrupting the original meaning, purpose, or state of something.
Example
The regime’s censorship was seen as a perversion of free speech.
B2 adjective ˈpeɪn.ləs

painless

Meaning
Not causing pain; involving little effort or stress.
Example
Modern methods ensure painless treatment.
A2 noun /pəˈliːsmən/

policeman

Meaning
a man whose job is to enforce the law and keep public order
Example
The policeman directed the traffic at the intersection.
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 /ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪŋ ˈpaʊ.ɚ/

purchasing power

Meaning
The amount of goods and services that can be purchased with a unit of currency.
Example
Due to inflation, people's purchasing power has decreased.
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.
C2 noun /ˌpraɪmoʊˈdʒɛnɪtʃər/

primogeniture

Meaning
The right of the firstborn child to inherit the family estate or title.
Example
Under primogeniture, the eldest son inherited the entire estate.
C2 noun /ˈpjuː.pɪ.lɪdʒ/

pupilage

Meaning
The state of being a pupil or under instruction.
Example
During his pupilage, he studied law under a senior barrister.
B1 noun ˈplænɪŋ

planning

Meaning
The process of making plans for something; the control of urban development by a local government authority.
Example
Effective planning ensures better waste management.
B2 adjective /ˈpraɪs.ləs/

Priceless

Meaning
extremely valuable; invaluable; beyond price
Example
Her grandmother's antique jewelry is absolutely priceless.
A2 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.lər/

Popular

Meaning
liked or admired by many people; well-known and widely accepted
Example
This restaurant is very popular among young people.
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 /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 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 adjective /prəˈnaʊnst/

pronounced

Meaning
very noticeable or strongly marked
Example
There is a pronounced difference between the two styles.
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.
C2 noun /pʌɡˈnæsɪti/

pugnacity

Meaning
A natural disposition to be combative or aggressive.
Example
The coach admired the player's pugnacity on the field.
C1 noun /prəˈpraɪəti/

propriety

Meaning
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality.
Example
He always behaved with the utmost propriety in public.
A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.vət/

Private

Meaning
personal; confidential; not public; individual
Example
This is a private conversation between two friends.
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.
C2 noun /pæˈstiːʃ/

pastiche

Meaning
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
Example
The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies.
B2 verb /plʌk/

pluck

Meaning
to take hold of and quickly remove; to gather courage or determination
Example
She plucked a flower from the garden.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊ.ə.si/

poesy

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

pucker

Meaning
to tighten or contract into small folds or wrinkles
Example
She puckered her lips before kissing the child.
C2 noun /ˈpriːskrɪpt/

prescript

Meaning
An authoritative rule or direction; something laid down as a command.
Example
The prescript of the organization required strict punctuality.
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 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 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 adjective + noun ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ ˈmɪʃən

pioneering mission

Meaning
A groundbreaking or innovative undertaking that leads the way in a particular field.
Example
Artemis is a pioneering mission in space exploration.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɪfərəl/

peripheral

Meaning
Relating to or situated on the edge or outer parts of something.
Example
The town is located on the peripheral area of the city.
C2 noun /pɛlf/

pelf

Meaning
Money, especially when gained dishonorably.
Example
The corrupt official was motivated only by pelf.
C1 verb /piːv/

peeve

Meaning
To annoy or irritate someone.
Example
His constant interruptions really peeve me.
C2 noun /priˈɛmpʃən/

preemption

Meaning
The act of taking action before someone else; the right to purchase or act before others.
Example
The company exercised preemption to acquire the land before competitors.
B1 noun /ˈpɔːtrət/

portrait

Meaning
a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one showing the face
Example
The artist painted a beautiful portrait of his wife.
C1 noun /ˈpɛsəl/

pestle

Meaning
A heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing or grinding substances in a mortar.
Example
She used a pestle to grind the spices.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk/

pathogenic

Meaning
Capable of causing disease.
Example
Some bacteria are harmless, while others are highly pathogenic.
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.
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 adjective /ˈpɑːr.ʃəl/

Partial

Meaning
incomplete; showing bias or prejudice
Example
The judge gave a partial decision in favor of the defendant.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːrtli/

portly

Meaning
Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.
Example
The portly man entered the room with confidence.
C2 noun /prɪˈpɒndərəns/

preponderance

Meaning
The quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance.
Example
There was a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
B2 noun /ˈpɛbl/

pebble

Meaning
a small smooth stone found on beaches or rivers
Example
He threw a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples.
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 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.
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.
B2 noun /fɪˈzɪʃən/

physician

Meaning
a person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor
Example
The physician prescribed some medicine to treat the condition.
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.
A1 noun ˈpɛrənts

Parents

Meaning
One's father and mother.
Example
The family tree starts with the child's parents.
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 verb /prɒd/

prod

Meaning
to poke or push someone or something with a finger, foot, or pointed object
Example
She prodded him in the arm to get his attention.
A2 preposition/conjunction/noun/adjective /plʌs/

plus

Meaning
in addition to; a positive aspect or advantage
Example
She received an A plus on her exam.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒb.ə.bəl/

Probable

Meaning
likely to happen; expected; plausible
Example
It is probable that it will rain tomorrow according to the weather forecast.
C2 noun /pəˈveɪʒən/

pervasion

Meaning
the act of spreading through or being present everywhere in something
Example
There was a pervasion of hope throughout the community.
C1 verb /pɜːrtʃ/

perch

Meaning
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
Example
The bird perched on the fence.
B2 adjective /prɪˈzentəbl/

Presentable

Meaning
neat and suitable for being seen in public; acceptable in appearance
Example
Make sure you look presentable for the job interview.
C2 adverb /ˌpɛlˈmɛl/

pell-mell

Meaning
In a confused, rushed, or disorderly manner.
Example
The children ran pell-mell through the playground.
B1 noun pəˈten.ʃəl

potential

Meaning
Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
Example
The potential for innovation is immense.
B1 noun /ˈproʊˌfaɪl/

profile

Meaning
a description or representation of someone or something; an outline
Example
He updated his profile on the company website.
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.
C2 noun /prɔːŋ/

prong

Meaning
a projecting pointed part, such as one of the pointed ends of a fork
Example
The fork has four prongs.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti

pertinacity

Meaning
Firm determination and persistence in achieving something.
Example
His pertinacity in achieving his goals was inspiring.
B1 noun /praɪˈɔːr.ə.ti/

Priority

Meaning
something that is more important than other things and needs attention first
Example
Health should be our top priority.
B1 noun /ˈpɔːrʃən/

portion

Meaning
A part or share of something.
Example
She ate only a small portion of the meal.
B2 adjective /ˈpleɪfəl/

playful

Meaning
full of fun and high spirits; lively
Example
The puppy was very playful, running around the garden.
B2 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

Meaning
to institute legal proceedings against someone
Example
The lawyer decided to prosecute the case after gathering sufficient evidence.
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.
C2 noun /ˈproʊtoʊˌplæzəm/

protoplasm

Meaning
The living substance inside a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Example
Scientists observed the movement of protoplasm under the microscope.
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 noun /ˌpoʊpʊˈriː/

potpourri

Meaning
a mixture of dried flowers and spices kept in a bowl to perfume a room; a miscellaneous collection
Example
The living room was filled with the scent of potpourri.
B2 noun /ˈpærɪʃ/

parish

Meaning
A local church community or the area served by a parish church.
Example
The parish gathered for Sunday service.
C2 noun /ˌpænəˈdʒɪrɪk/

panegyric

Meaning
a formal speech or piece of writing in praise of someone or something
Example
The author wrote a panegyric on the bravery of the soldiers.
B1 adjective /ˈplʊrəl/

plural

Meaning
denoting more than one person or thing
Example
The word 'cats' is the plural of 'cat'.
C2 noun /ˈpeɪpəsi/

papacy

Meaning
The office or authority of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
The papacy played a significant role in medieval European politics.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈtek.nɪk/

polytechnic

Meaning
an educational institution offering practical and technical courses
Example
She studied engineering at a well-known polytechnic in her city.
B1 noun /ˈpɪkʌp/

pickup

Meaning
a small truck with an open back; the act of collecting or improving something
Example
The company scheduled a pickup for the returned goods.
C1 adjective /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

predisposed

Meaning
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
Example
She is predisposed to trust people easily.
B1 adjective /pleɪn/

plain

Meaning
simple or clear, without decoration or complexity
Example
She wore a plain white dress to the ceremony.
C1 adjective /præɡˈmæt.ɪk/

pragmatic

Meaning
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than idealistic considerations.
Example
He took a pragmatic approach to solving the financial crisis.
B1 adjective /ˈpeɪn.fəl/

painful

Meaning
causing physical or emotional pain
Example
The injury was very painful, and he needed immediate care.
A2 verb /prəˈtɛkt/

protect

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