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 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

Meaning

to institute legal proceedings against someone

Example

The lawyer decided to prosecute the case after gathering sufficient evidence.

B2 adjective /pəˈθet.ɪk/

Pathetic

Meaning

arousing pity; extremely poor or inadequate

Example

His pathetic attempt to apologize made things worse.

B2 noun /ˈpɪlər/

pillar

Meaning

a strong vertical support or mainstay of a structure or system

Example

The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars.

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 noun /ˈprɒs.pekts/

prospects

Meaning

The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.

Example

The prospects for growth look promising.

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 /ˈprɛdətər/

predator

Meaning

An animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.

Example

Lions are powerful predators in the savannah.

B2 adjective /ˈpraɪs.ləs/

Priceless

Meaning

extremely valuable; invaluable; beyond price

Example

Her grandmother's antique jewelry is absolutely priceless.

B2 adverb /ˈpjʊərli/

purely

Meaning

only and completely; entirely

Example

The decision was purely based on economic factors.

B2 adjective /prɛsˈtɪdʒəs/

prestigious

Meaning

having a high reputation; respected

Example

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

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 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.

B2 noun /ˈproʊtəkɔːl/

protocol

Meaning

an official procedure or system of rules

Example

The security team followed strict protocol during the event.

B2 adjective ˈpeɪn.ləs

painless

Meaning

Not causing pain; involving little effort or stress.

Example

Modern methods ensure painless treatment.

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.

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 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 /ˈpen.dɪŋ/

Pending

Meaning

awaiting; not yet decided or settled; in the process of being completed

Example

The application is still pending approval.

B2 adjective ˌpaɪəˈnɪə.rɪŋ

pioneering

Meaning

Involving new ideas or methods; innovative and original.

Example

Pioneering efforts often lead to success.

B2 adjective /ˈpɒlɪʃt/

polished

Meaning

refined, sophisticated, and elegant in appearance or behavior

Example

She gave a polished performance at the recital.

B2 noun /ˈpɔːrɪdʒ/

porridge

Meaning

A soft food made by boiling oats or other grains in milk or water.

Example

She had a bowl of porridge for breakfast.

B2 adjective /prɪˈpærəˌtɔːri/

Preparatory

Meaning

preliminary; introductory; intended as preparation

Example

She attended preparatory classes before the final exam.

B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

Meaning

arranged for the present; temporary; subject to later confirmation

Example

The provisional agreement will be reviewed next month.

B2 noun /ˈprɛzɪdənsi/

presidency

Meaning

the office or position of being a president

Example

He was elected to the presidency in 2020.

B2 noun /ˌpɛnɪˈtreɪʃən/

penetration

Meaning

The act of piercing or entering into something.

Example

The company's market penetration grew rapidly.

B2 noun /ˈpes.ə.mɪst/

Pessimist

Meaning

a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believes that the worst will happen; someone who lacks hope or confidence in the future

Example

Being a pessimist, he always expected the worst outcome.

B2 adjective /ˈprɒfɪtəbl/

profitable

Meaning

yielding profit or financial gain

Example

The company has become highly profitable after the new strategy was implemented.

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 /ˈfoʊni/

phony

Meaning

not genuine; fraudulent or insincere

Example

He gave a phony smile to hide his true feelings.

B2 noun /ˈpæs.taɪm/

Pastime

Meaning

an activity done regularly for enjoyment; a hobby or recreational activity

Example

Reading books is her favorite pastime during weekends.

B2 adjective /prəˈnaʊnst/

pronounced

Meaning

very noticeable or strongly marked

Example

There is a pronounced difference between the two styles.

B2 noun /ˈpær.ə.daɪs/

Paradise

Meaning

heaven; a place or state of perfect happiness; an ideal or perfect place

Example

The tropical island was like paradise for the tourists.

B2 adjective /fəˈnɒmɪnəl/

phenomenal

Meaning

extraordinary, remarkable, or exceptional in a way that is very impressive

Example

The team achieved phenomenal success in the tournament.

B2 noun, verb /ˈpɛdəl/

pedal

Meaning

A foot-operated lever for powering or controlling a mechanism, especially on a bicycle.

Example

He pressed down hard on the bicycle pedal.

B2 noun

Patriot

B2 adjective /poʊˈɛt.ɪk/

poetic

Meaning

having qualities of poetry; expressive, beautiful, or imaginative

Example

Her speech had a poetic rhythm that captivated the audience.

B2 noun /ˈprɛsɪdənt/

precedent

Meaning

An earlier event or decision that serves as a guide or example for future similar situations.

Example

The judge’s ruling set a new precedent for similar cases.

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 /prəˈtɛktər/

protector

Meaning

a person or thing that protects someone or something

Example

The dog was seen as the family's protector.

B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

psychological

Meaning

relating to the mind or mental processes.

Example

She studied the psychological effects of trauma on children.

B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tər/

Potter

Meaning

a person who makes pottery

Example

The potter shaped clay on the spinning wheel.

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 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 adjective /ˈpleɪfəl/

playful

Meaning

full of fun and high spirits; lively

Example

The puppy was very playful, running around the garden.

B2 verb /ˈprɒspər/

prosper

Meaning

to succeed or flourish, especially in financial or business matters

Example

With hard work and determination, she managed to prosper in her career.

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 /ˈpɑː.tɪ.klz/

particles

Meaning

Minute portions of matter.

Example

PM2.5 particles harm respiratory health.

B2 adjective /prəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Productive

Meaning

efficient; yielding good results; fruitful

Example

Working from home has made me more productive than ever before.

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 /ˈprɑsɪˌkjuːtər/

prosecutor

Meaning

a lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases

Example

The prosecutor argued that the defendant was guilty of the crime.

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.

B2 adjective /prəˈfɪʃ.ənt/

proficient

Meaning

Competent or skilled in doing or using something; having great knowledge or experience.

Example

She is highly proficient in multiple languages.

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.

B2 noun /plʌɡ/

plug

Meaning

a device used to connect or block an opening

Example

She inserted the plug into the socket.

B2 noun /ˌprɒp.əˈɡæn.də/

Propaganda

Meaning

information spread to promote a particular political cause or point of view

Example

The government used propaganda to influence public opinion during the war.

B2 noun /ˈpæd.ɪŋ/

padding

Meaning

soft material added for comfort, protection, or to fill space

Example

The chair had extra padding for comfort.

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 /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 adjective /prəˈtɛktɪv/

protective

Meaning

giving or capable of giving protection; shielding from harm or danger

Example

She wore a protective helmet while riding her bike.

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 noun pɪər ˈɪnfluəns

peer influence

Meaning

The effect that members of a peer group have on each other, especially in terms of behavior, attitudes, and decision-making.

Example

Peer influence can shape juvenile behavior significantly.

B2 noun pɑrˈtɪʃən

partition

Meaning

The action of dividing or being divided into parts; separation.

Example

Partition caused unrest.

B2 noun /pəˈtɪʃən/

petition

Meaning

a formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority about a cause

Example

They signed a petition to improve road safety in the area.

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 /ˈpref.ər.əns/

Preference

Meaning

a greater liking for one alternative over another or others

Example

She has a preference for classical music over pop music.

B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Pointed

Meaning

having a sharp end; direct and unambiguous

Example

She made a pointed remark about his behavior.

B2 noun pəˈluː.tənts

pollutants

Meaning

A substance that pollutes or contaminates the environment.

Example

Pollutants contribute to environmental degradation.

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 prəˈvɪʒ.ənz

provisions

Meaning

A condition or requirement in a legal document; clauses or stipulations.

Example

Provisions must align with public aspirations.

B2 adjective /pælɛˈstɪnɪən/

palestinian

Meaning

relating to Palestine or its people

Example

The Palestinian people have a rich cultural heritage.

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 /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 verb /ˈpenɪtreɪt/

penetrate

Meaning

to go into or through something; to understand something deeply

Example

The bullet penetrated the wall.

B2 adjective /ˈpreɪz.wɜː.ði/

Praiseworthy

Meaning

deserving praise; commendable; admirable

Example

Her charitable work is truly praiseworthy.

B2 verb /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/

persevere

Meaning

to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delay

Example

He persevered through many failures before succeeding.

B2 noun /plænˈteɪʃən/

plantation

Meaning

a large area of land where crops are grown, often for commercial purposes

Example

The sugarcane plantation stretched for miles across the valley.

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 /prɒkˈsɪmɪti/

proximity

Meaning

Nearness in space, time, or relationship.

Example

The proximity of the school to her house made it convenient.

B2 noun /prəˈpɔːʃən/

proportion

Meaning

a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole

Example

The proportion of students passing the exam was high.

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.

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 verb /ˈpɛrɪʃ/

perish

Meaning

To die, especially in a sudden or violent way.

Example

Many soldiers perished in the war.

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 verb /ˈpjʊərɪfaɪ/

purify

Meaning

to make clean or pure; to remove impurities

Example

This filter will purify the water effectively.

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 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 verb /prɪˈveɪl/

prevail

Meaning

To prove more powerful or superior; to be widespread or common.

Example

Justice will always prevail over injustice.

B2 noun ˈprɒs.pekt

prospect

Meaning

The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.

Example

The project's success holds great prospect for the economy.

B2 verb prəˈlɔŋd

prolonged

Meaning

Extended in duration; made to last longer than usual.

Example

Modern medicine has prolonged life expectancy.

B2 noun/verb /pəʊl/

poll

Meaning

a survey of public opinion or voting in an election

Example

The poll revealed that most people favored the new policy.

B2 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.fəl/

pitiful

Meaning

deserving or arousing pity; very small or inadequate

Example

The team's performance was pitiful compared to last year.

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, 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 verb /plʌndʒ/

plunge

Meaning

to jump or dive quickly; to fall sharply

Example

She plunged into the swimming pool.

B2 adverb /prɪˈzjuːməbli/

presumably

Meaning

used to convey that something is assumed to be true though not known for certain

Example

Presumably, he forgot to send the email.

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 /fɪˈlɒs.ə.fi/

philosophy

Meaning

the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence

Example

Her philosophy emphasizes kindness and empathy.

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.

B2 noun /ˌproʊɪˈbɪʃən/

prohibition

Meaning

The act of forbidding something by law or authority.

Example

The government announced the prohibition of smoking in public places.

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.

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 adjective /ˈpaʊərləs/

powerless

Meaning

without ability, influence, or strength

Example

She felt powerless against the unfair system.

B2 noun /paʊtʃ/

pouch

Meaning

a small bag or pocket, often used to carry small items

Example

She kept her coins in a small leather pouch.

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.

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 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 noun pərˈsɛpʃən

perception

Meaning

The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses

Example

Our perception of the situation was shaped by our prior experiences.

B2 verb /pæt/

pat

Meaning

to touch someone or something gently, often to show affection or approval

Example

She gently patted the dog on its head.

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 noun /prɪˈdɪk.ʃən/

Prediction

Meaning

a statement about what will happen in the future; a forecast

Example

The weather prediction says it will rain tomorrow.

B2 adjective /plʌmp/

plump

Meaning

having a full, rounded shape; pleasantly fat

Example

The cat was plump and well-fed.

B2 adjective /ˌfɪl.əˈsɒf.ɪ.kəl/

philosophical

Meaning

relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence

Example

She maintained a calm and philosophical attitude during the crisis.

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 noun /pænt/

Pant

Meaning

a piece of clothing worn on the lower body covering each leg separately

Example

She bought a new pair of pants for the party.

B2 adjective /ˌpoʊstˈwɔːr/

post-war

Meaning

relating to the period after a war has ended

Example

The country experienced rapid economic growth in the post-war years.

B2 noun /pɪt/

pit

Meaning

a large hole in the ground or a hollow area

Example

The workers dug a deep pit to build the foundation.

B2 noun /ˈpæʃ.ən/

Passion

Meaning

strong enthusiasm or excitement for something; intense emotion or feeling

Example

Her passion for music led her to become a professional singer.

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 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 /ˈpær.ə.dɒks/

paradox

Meaning

A seemingly contradictory statement or situation that may be true; an apparent inconsistency.

Example

The paradox of freedom is that it requires rules.