profound initiative
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
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.
B2 noun /ˈpɪs.təl/

Pistol

Meaning
a small gun that can be held and fired with one hand
Example
The officer drew his pistol from the holster.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪzəm/

pugilism

Meaning
The practice or sport of boxing.
Example
He studied the art of pugilism in his youth.
A2 adjective, noun /ˈplæstɪk/

plastic

Meaning
a synthetic material that can be molded; flexible or easily shaped
Example
These containers are made of durable plastic.
B2 adjective /ˈpəʊstwɔːr/

postwar

Meaning
occurring or existing after a war
Example
The postwar period saw significant economic growth.
B1 noun /ˈpʌn.ɪʃ.mənt/

Punishment

Meaning
penalty given for doing something wrong or breaking a rule
Example
The student received punishment for cheating on the exam.
C2 noun /ˈprɛlət/

prelate

Meaning
A high-ranking member of the clergy, especially a bishop or abbot.
Example
The prelate delivered a sermon to the congregation.
C2 noun /ˈprɒvəndər/

provender

Meaning
food or provisions, especially for livestock
Example
The barn was filled with provender for the cattle.
C2 noun /ˌfɑːsfəˈrɛsəns/

phosphorescence

Meaning
the property of emitting light without noticeable heat
Example
The deep-sea creatures displayed a beautiful phosphorescence.
B2 noun /ˈpɪk.səl/

pixel

Meaning
the smallest unit of a digital image or display
Example
The image is blurry because some pixels are missing.
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 /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.
B1 noun /prəʊ/

pro

Meaning
a professional, especially in sports; or a person who is in favor of something
Example
He plays tennis like a pro.
C2 verb /preɪt/

prate

Meaning
to talk foolishly or at tedious length about something
Example
He would prate endlessly about his minor achievements.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpaʊ.waʊ/

powwow

Meaning
an informal meeting or conference to discuss something
Example
The team held a quick powwow before the presentation.
C1 adjective /proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

prosaic

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

plug

Meaning
a device used to connect or block an opening
Example
She inserted the plug into the socket.
C1 noun /ˈpɪt.əns/

pittance

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

persecute

Meaning
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
Many people were persecuted for their faith during that time.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒfɪtəbl/

profitable

Meaning
yielding profit or financial gain
Example
The company has become highly profitable after the new strategy was implemented.
C1 noun /ˈprɛəri/

prairie

Meaning
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
Example
The bison roamed freely across the prairie.
A2 verb /ˈprɒmɪs/

promise

Meaning
to assure someone that one will definitely do something; to give one's word
Example
I promise to help you with your homework.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈplændʒənt/

plangent

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

providential

Meaning
occurring at a favorable or opportune time, as if guided by divine intervention
Example
Their timely rescue was considered providential.
C1 adjective /prəˈdɪdʒəs/

prodigious

Meaning
remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree
Example
The team made a prodigious effort to complete the project on time.
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.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈprɒstreɪt/

prostrate

Meaning
lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward, often as a sign of submission or exhaustion
Example
He lay prostrate on the ground after the long battle.
B1 noun/verb /ˈprɛʃər/

pressure

Meaning
the force applied to something or the feeling of stress or tension
Example
The pressure of the situation made him nervous.
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.
C2 noun /prəˈpɪŋkwɪti/

propinquity

Meaning
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity
Example
The propinquity of their houses made them close friends.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːpərɪzəm/

pauperism

Meaning
The state of being extremely poor.
Example
The country struggled with rising pauperism in the 19th century.
C2 adjective /pəˈlɛmɪkəl/

polemical

Meaning
relating to or involving strongly critical or controversial writing or speech
Example
She wrote a polemical article challenging traditional beliefs.
C1 noun /pluːm/

plume

Meaning
a large, soft feather or something resembling a feather
Example
The soldier wore a red plume on his helmet.
C2 noun /fɪˈlæt.əl.ɪst/

philatelist

Meaning
a person who collects or studies postage stamps
Example
The philatelist spent years building a rare stamp collection.
C2 noun /ˈpɛntəˌɡræm/

pentagram

Meaning
A five-pointed star often used as a symbol in magic, mysticism, or religion.
Example
The wizard drew a pentagram on the floor as part of the ritual.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnsɪv/

pensive

Meaning
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
Example
She looked pensive as she stared out of the window.
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 verb /prɪˈzɜːv/

preserve

Meaning
to keep something in its original state; to protect from harm or decay
Example
We must preserve our natural environment.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpælɪs/

palace

Meaning
a large and impressive building that is the official home of a king, queen, or other ruler
Example
The royal family lives in a magnificent palace.
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.
A2 verb /prəˈtɛkt/

protect

Meaning
To keep safe from harm or injury.
Example
Protect yourself from the negative effects of social media.
C1 adjective পারসিভেবল

perceivable

Meaning
Able to be seen, noticed, or detected.
Example
The changes in winter weather are perceivable in rural areas.
C1 noun /ˈpɒpjʊlɪst/

populist

Meaning
A politician or person who seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are ignored by elites.
Example
The populist leader promised to put the needs of common citizens first.
C2 adjective /pərˈfɪdiəs/

perfidious

Meaning
deceitful and untrustworthy
Example
The spy was executed for his perfidious actions.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/

pathological

Meaning
Relating to disease; extreme or obsessive in a way that is abnormal.
Example
He has a pathological fear of failure.
C1 adjective /prɪm/

prim

Meaning
stiffly formal and proper in appearance or behavior
Example
She looked prim in her neatly pressed dress.
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.
C2 verb /pɔːrˈtɛnd/

portend

Meaning
To be a sign or warning that something, especially something bad, is going to happen.
Example
Dark clouds portend a storm.
A2 noun /ˈpeɪn.tər/

Painter

Meaning
a person who paints pictures or decorates buildings
Example
The painter created a beautiful landscape on canvas.
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.
A2 noun /pleɪt/

Plate

Meaning
a flat, typically round dish used for serving or eating food
Example
Please put the rice on your plate.
C2 verb /ˈprɛsɪdʒ/

presage

Meaning
to be a sign or warning that something will happen; to foreshadow
Example
Dark clouds presage a storm.
C2 noun /prəˈtuːbərəns/

protuberance

Meaning
A rounded swelling or lump on a surface.
Example
The doctor examined the small protuberance on his arm.
B2 noun /ˈpæd.i/

Paddy

Meaning
rice in its natural state before processing; a field where rice is grown
Example
The farmers worked hard in the paddy fields during harvest season.
C2 noun /ˈpætwɑː/

patois

Meaning
a regional or social dialect, especially one considered nonstandard or informal
Example
The guide slipped into local patois when chatting with the fishermen.
C2 adjective /prɪˈmɒnɪtəri/ or /ˌpriːməˈnɪtəri/

premonitory

Meaning
giving a warning or prediction about something, especially something unpleasant
Example
He ignored the premonitory signs of illness.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɒlɪti/

polity

Meaning
an organized society or form of government
Example
The ancient Greek polity had a system of city-states.
B1 noun /ˈplʌm.ər/

plumber

Meaning
a person who installs or repairs water pipes
Example
The plumber fixed the leaking pipe in the kitchen.
B2 noun ˈprɑː.sest fuːdz

processed foods

Meaning
Foods that have been altered from their natural state through various methods such as canning, freezing, refrigeration, dehydration and aseptic processing.
Example
Excessive consumption of processed foods leads to health issues.
B2 noun /ˈproʊtəkɔːl/

protocol

Meaning
an official procedure or system of rules
Example
The security team followed strict protocol during the event.
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.
B2 noun, verb, adjective /ˈpeɪtənt/ or /ˈpætənt/

patent

Meaning
a government license granting exclusive rights to an inventor; also to obtain such rights
Example
He patented his new invention to protect it from being copied.
B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪ.zən.əs/

Poisonous

Meaning
containing poison; toxic; deadly
Example
The snake is highly poisonous and dangerous.
C2 verb /prəˈpaʊnd/

propound

Meaning
To put forward an idea, theory, or point for consideration.
Example
The professor propounded a new theory on climate change.
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 adjective /prɪˈpɒstərəs/

preposterous

Meaning
completely ridiculous or absurd; contrary to reason or common sense
Example
The idea that pigs could fly is preposterous.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsənɪdʒ/

personage

Meaning
an important or famous person
Example
He is considered a great personage in the world of literature.
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.
C2 adjective ˌpɜː.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs

perspicacious

Meaning
Having keen insight and understanding; showing acute mental discernment.
Example
The detective's perspicacious nature helped solve the mystery.
B2 adverb /pəˈtɛnʃəli/

potentially

Meaning
with the possibility of becoming something in the future
Example
This project is potentially a huge success.
C2 noun /proʊˈdʒɛnɪtər/

progenitor

Meaning
a direct ancestor; a person or thing that originates something
Example
Researchers traced the custom back to a common progenitor.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

Meaning
to claim or profess something, often falsely
Example
The document purports to be an official government report.
A2 noun ˈpræktɪs

practice

Meaning
The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method; repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill.
Example
Daily practice improves fluency.
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.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊdiətrɪst/

podiatrist

Meaning
a doctor specializing in foot care
Example
I have an appointment with the podiatrist for my ankle pain.
C2 adjective /pɔːrˈtɛntəs/

portentous

Meaning
Giving a sign or warning that something, often bad or serious, is going to happen; or overly solemn and pompous.
Example
His portentous tone made everyone nervous about the news.
B2 adverb /ˈpʌb.lɪk.li/

Publicly

Meaning
in a public manner; openly; for everyone to see or know
Example
The company publicly announced their new policy.
B2 noun ˈpærəˌlɛlz

parallels

Meaning
Similarities or comparisons between two different things or situations
Example
There are parallels between Japan's aging issues and Bangladesh's situation.
B2 verb /ˈpɒndər/

ponder

Meaning
to think about something carefully
Example
She pondered over the meaning of the poem.
C2 noun /ˌprɪnsɪˈpæləti/

principality

Meaning
a state ruled by a prince
Example
Monaco is a famous principality in Europe.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːr.keɪ/

parquet

Meaning
A floor made of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern.
Example
The old mansion had a beautiful parquet floor.
B2 noun /ˈplæn.tɪn/

Plantain

Meaning
a large green banana-like fruit that is usually cooked before eating
Example
Plantain can be fried, boiled, or baked and is a staple food in many tropical countries.
B1 adverb /ˈprɒpərli/

properly

Meaning
in the correct or suitable manner
Example
He performed the task properly to avoid mistakes.
B1 adjective /ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.əl/

Punctual

Meaning
on time; prompt;
Example
She is always punctual for meetings.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒp.jʊ.ləs/

Populous

Meaning
having a large population; densely populated; crowded with people
Example
China is the most populous country in the world.
C1 noun /pʌnˈdʒɑː.bi/

Punjabi

Meaning
a traditional long shirt worn in South Asia, typically loose-fitting
Example
He wore a white punjabi for the festival celebration.
B2 adjective /ˈprɛf(ə)rəb(ə)l/

preferable

Meaning
more desirable or suitable; better than something else
Example
It is preferable to take the train rather than drive in heavy traffic.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

polymath

Meaning
a person with knowledge of many different subjects
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuː.ni/

puny

Meaning
Small, weak, or insignificant.
Example
He felt puny compared to his stronger classmates.
C2 noun /ˈpruːdəri/

prudery

Meaning
the behavior or attitude of people who are too easily shocked or offended by sexual matters
Example
His prudery often made others uncomfortable during open discussions.
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 /ˈprɒksi/

proxy

Meaning
A person authorized to act on behalf of another; a substitute.
Example
She voted by proxy at the meeting.
C2 noun /ˌsaɪ.kəʊˈɡræf.ɪks/

Psychographics

Meaning
The study and classification of people according to their attitudes, aspirations, and other psychological criteria.
Example
Psychographics reveal consumer buying motives.
B1 noun /per/

Pear

Meaning
a sweet juicy fruit with a rounded shape that is wider at the bottom than the top
Example
She enjoyed a fresh pear from the orchard.
B2 adjective /prəˈnaʊnst/

pronounced

Meaning
very noticeable or strongly marked
Example
There is a pronounced difference between the two styles.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk/

pathogenic

Meaning
Capable of causing disease.
Example
Some bacteria are harmless, while others are highly pathogenic.
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.
C1 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning
to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others
Example
The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.
C2 noun /ˌpærəˈɡɔːrɪk/

paregoric

Meaning
a medicine containing opium, once used to relieve pain and diarrhea
Example
Doctors once prescribed paregoric to treat diarrhea in children.
C1 noun /ˈprɒmɪnəns/

prominence

Meaning
The state of being important, famous, or easily noticed.
Example
Her work gained prominence after the award.
C1 noun ˌpriː.dɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən

predisposition

Meaning
A natural tendency or inclination toward a particular behavior or condition.
Example
Genetic factors can influence a person's predisposition to diseases.
A2 noun ˈprɒdʒ.ekts

projects

Meaning
Individual or collaborative enterprises that are carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.
Example
These projects aim for technological breakthroughs.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrtnəs/

pertness

Meaning
boldness or forwardness in speech or behavior; sauciness
Example
Her pertness during the meeting surprised everyone.
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 adjective /ˈpɜːrfɪkt/

Perfect

Meaning
flawless; excellent; without fault
Example
She delivered a perfect performance on stage.
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.
B2 noun /prəˈtɛktər/

protector

Meaning
a person or thing that protects someone or something
Example
The dog was seen as the family's protector.
C2 noun /ˈpɛnjʊri/

penury

Meaning
extreme poverty or destitution
Example
He grew up in penury but became successful later in life.
C1 adverb /pɜːr ˈseɪ/

per se

Meaning
By or in itself; intrinsically.
Example
The idea is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.
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.
B1 verb /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/

purchase

Meaning
to buy something; to acquire by paying money
Example
I need to purchase groceries for the week.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈpæstərəl/

pastoral

Meaning
relating to the countryside, shepherds, or rural life; also relating to spiritual guidance by a pastor
Example
The painting had a calm pastoral scene with sheep grazing.
B2 adjective /ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/

Puzzling

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