protagonist
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B2 noun prəˈtæɡənɪst

protagonist

Meaning
The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.
Example
Charles Darnay is one of the protagonists of the story.
B2 verb /pʌmp/

pump

Meaning
to force liquid or gas to move in a particular direction using a device
Example
They pumped water from the well into the tank.
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 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 noun prəˈdʒɛk.ʃən

projection

Meaning
The strength and range of voice when speaking.
Example
Proper projection ensures that every listener hears clearly.
B2 noun /plʌɡ/

plug

Meaning
a device used to connect or block an opening
Example
She inserted the plug into the socket.
B2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/

promising

Meaning
showing signs of future success or potential
Example
She is a promising young scientist with great ideas.
B2 verb /pərˈsɪst/

persist

Meaning
to continue firmly in an action or opinion despite difficulty or opposition
Example
She decided to persist in her efforts to learn French.
B2 noun /prəˈtɛstər/

protester

Meaning
a person who takes part in a protest or demonstration
Example
The protester spoke passionately about the cause.
B2 noun /ˈprɒvɪns/

province

Meaning
a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires.
Example
The province is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
B2 noun /ˈpɑː.tɪ.klz/

particles

Meaning
Minute portions of matter.
Example
PM2.5 particles harm respiratory health.
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 /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 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 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 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 prəʊb

probe

Meaning
An unmanned exploratory spacecraft designed to transmit information about its environment.
Example
The probe collected data from the planet's surface.
B2 noun /ˌpiːdiəˈtrɪʃən/

pediatrician

Meaning
a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children
Example
The pediatrician examined the child carefully.
B2 adjective /pəˈluː.tɪd/

polluted

Meaning
Contaminated with harmful or poisonous substances.
Example
Polluted air causes severe health problems.
B2 adjective /ˈplen.tɪ.fəl/

Plentiful

Meaning
abundant; existing in large quantity
Example
The harvest was plentiful this year due to good weather.
B2 adjective /plʌmp/

plump

Meaning
having a full, rounded shape; pleasantly fat
Example
The cat was plump and well-fed.
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.
B2 noun /ˌpɪə.riˈɒd.ɪ.kəl/

periodical

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

preface

Meaning
an introduction to a book, speech, or other written work
Example
The author explained his motivation in the preface.
B2 noun /ˈpraɪ.vət ˈtuː.tər/

Private tutor

Meaning
a teacher who gives individual instruction to a student outside of regular school
Example
The private tutor helped the student improve his math skills.
B2 noun /ˈpæm.flət/

pamphlet

Meaning
a small booklet or brochure containing information or arguments about a subject
Example
The health department distributed a pamphlet about nutrition.
B2 noun /pɪtʃ/

pitch

Meaning
the quality of a sound; the level or degree of intensity; a throw or toss
Example
The singer's pitch was perfect during the performance.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.rə.si/

Piracy

Meaning
the practice of attacking and robbing ships at sea; the unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted material
Example
Software piracy costs companies billions of dollars annually.
B2 verb /pliːd/

plead

Meaning
to make an emotional appeal; to present a case in court
Example
She pleaded for mercy.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

psychology

Meaning
the scientific study of the mind and behavior
Example
Psychology helps us understand how people think and act.
B2 adjective /ˈpleɪfəl/

playful

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

passionate

Meaning
showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief
Example
He is passionate about environmental conservation.
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, 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 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 noun /ˌprɒb.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Probability

Meaning
the likelihood that something will happen; a mathematical measure of how likely something is to occur
Example
There is a high probability of rain tomorrow.
B2 adjective /prəˈnaʊnst/

pronounced

Meaning
very noticeable or strongly marked
Example
There is a pronounced difference between the two styles.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/

Primitive

Meaning
ancient; basic; crude; undeveloped; simple
Example
The tribe still uses primitive tools for hunting and farming.
B2 adjective /prɪˈpærəˌtɔːri/

Preparatory

Meaning
preliminary; introductory; intended as preparation
Example
She attended preparatory classes before the final exam.
B2 noun pəˈluː.tənts

pollutants

Meaning
A substance that pollutes or contaminates the environment.
Example
Pollutants contribute to environmental degradation.
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.
B2 adjective /praɪm/

prime

Meaning
Of the best quality; most important; peak condition.
Example
She is in the prime of her career.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpriːmiəm/

premium

Meaning
an amount of money paid regularly for an insurance policy; something of superior quality or value
Example
You need to pay your insurance premium every year.
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 verb /prəˈkleɪm/

proclaim

Meaning
to announce something publicly or officially, especially something important
Example
The president proclaimed a national day of mourning.
B2 verb /prɪˈveɪl/

prevail

Meaning
To prove more powerful or superior; to be widespread or common.
Example
Justice will always prevail over injustice.
B2 adverb /pəˈtɛnʃəli/

potentially

Meaning
with the possibility of becoming something in the future
Example
This project is potentially a huge success.
B2 noun /pʌls/

Pulse

Meaning
edible seeds of leguminous plants such as lentils, beans, and peas
Example
Pulses are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians.
B2 verb prəˈlɒŋ

prolong

Meaning
To extend the duration of something; to make something last longer.
Example
A healthy diet helps prolong life expectancy.
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 adjective /ˈpraɪ.ər/

Prior

Meaning
existing or coming before in time; previous; earlier
Example
You need prior approval before making any changes to the system.
B2 verb /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/

persevere

Meaning
to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delay
Example
He persevered through many failures before succeeding.
B2 verb /ˈpɒndər/

ponder

Meaning
to think about something carefully
Example
She pondered over the meaning of the poem.
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.
B2 adjective + noun ˈpraɪməri əbˈdʒektɪv

primary objective

Meaning
The main goal or chief aim of an activity, project, or endeavor.
Example
The primary objective of the event was to promote recycling.
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 noun /pəˈzeʃ.ən/

Possession

Meaning
something that belongs to someone; the state of having or owning something
Example
The house has been in their family's possession for generations.
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 adjective /pəˈzes.ɪv/

Possessive

Meaning
showing a desire to own or control something; unwilling to share; jealously protective
Example
He is very possessive about his car.
B2 noun /saɪˈkɒlədʒɪst/

psychologist

Meaning
a person who studies mental processes and behavior
Example
The psychologist helped him cope with his anxiety.
B2 verb /pərˈsiːv/

perceive

Meaning
to become aware of or understand something through the senses
Example
I perceive a change in his attitude.
B2 verb /prɪˈskrʌɪb/

prescribe

Meaning
to recommend or authorize the use of something, especially medicine
Example
The doctor prescribed medication for my cold.
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 /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 noun /ˈpæθweɪ/

pathway

Meaning
a route or course along which something travels or progresses
Example
The narrow pathway led to the hidden garden.
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.
B2 verb /ˈpiːtər/

peter

Meaning
to diminish gradually and come to an end; to fade or dwindle away
Example
The excitement of the event began to peter out after a few hours.
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 verb /piːp/

peep

Meaning
to look quickly or secretly; to make a short high sound
Example
The child tried to peep through the keyhole.
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 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 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 adjective /ˈprɒmɪnənt/

prominent

Meaning
Important, famous, or easily noticeable.
Example
He is a prominent leader in the community.
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 /fəˈnɒmɪnən/

phenomenon

Meaning
an observable event, fact, or occurrence, often unusual or remarkable
Example
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon.
B2 adjective /prəˈspɛktɪv/

prospective

Meaning
likely or expected to happen in the future; potential
Example
The company is meeting with prospective clients next week.
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 /feɪz/

Phase

Meaning
a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development
Example
The project is now in its final phase.
B2 adjective /proʊn/

Prone

Meaning
having a tendency to; inclined; lying face down
Example
He is prone to making mistakes when he's tired.
B2 verb /ˈpjʊərɪfaɪ/

purify

Meaning
to make clean or pure; to remove impurities
Example
This filter will purify the water effectively.
B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪ.zən.əs/

Poisonous

Meaning
containing poison; toxic; deadly
Example
The snake is highly poisonous and dangerous.
B2 verb /pɪəs/

pierce

Meaning
to make a hole through something; to penetrate with a sharp object
Example
The arrow will pierce through the target.
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 verb /prɪˈzjuːm/

presume

Meaning
To suppose something is true without proof; to take for granted.
Example
I presume she has already left for the meeting.
B2 adjective /ˌprɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl/

presidential

Meaning
relating to a president or presidency
Example
The presidential election is scheduled for next month.
B2 noun /piːk/

Peak

Meaning
the highest point of a mountain or hill; the maximum level or intensity
Example
The climbers reached the peak of Mount Everest.
B2 adjective /ˈpɛti/

petty

Meaning
Of little importance or trivial; also describes a person overly concerned with small or unimportant matters.
Example
She often gets upset over the most petty things.
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 plɒt

plot

Meaning
The main story of a piece of writing, or the series of events that happen in it.
Example
The plot of A Tale of Two Cities is intense and gripping.
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 /ˈprɛʃər ˈkʊkər/

Pressure cooker

Meaning
a sealed cooking pot that uses steam pressure to cook food faster
Example
Using a pressure cooker reduces cooking time by more than half.
B2 verb /plʌndʒ/

plunge

Meaning
to jump or dive quickly; to fall sharply
Example
She plunged into the swimming pool.
B2 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/

phishing

Meaning
The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information.
Example
Phishing emails often trick people into revealing passwords.
B2 adjective /ˈplɔː.zə.bəl/

plausible

Meaning
Seeming reasonable or probable; credible or believable.
Example
His excuse seemed plausible, but I had my doubts.
B2 noun /ˈproʊtəkɔːl/

protocol

Meaning
an official procedure or system of rules
Example
The security team followed strict protocol during the event.
B2 noun /pəˈnɪn.sjə.lə/

Peninsula

Meaning
a piece of land that is almost completely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland
Example
The Korean Peninsula is located in East Asia.
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 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

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

precede

Meaning
to come before something in time, order, or position
Example
A brief introduction precedes each chapter.
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 /ˈpredʒ.ə.dɪs/

Prejudice

Meaning
preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
Example
We must fight against prejudice and discrimination in our society.
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 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.
B2 adjective /ˈfoʊni/

phony

Meaning
not genuine; fraudulent or insincere
Example
He gave a phony smile to hide his true feelings.
B2 adjective /ˈpɑːr.ʃəl/

Partial

Meaning
incomplete; showing bias or prejudice
Example
The judge gave a partial decision in favor of the defendant.
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.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/

pipeline

Meaning
a long tube through which liquids or gases are transported
Example
The company is building a new pipeline to transport natural gas.
B2 adjective /pælɛˈstɪnɪən/

palestinian

Meaning
relating to Palestine or its people
Example
The Palestinian people have a rich cultural heritage.
B2 noun, verb /pɪə(r)/

peer

Meaning
noun: a person of the same rank or status; verb: to look closely or with difficulty
Example
He tried to peer through the fog to see his peers on the other side.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning
relating to mental illness or its treatment
Example
The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.
B2 adverb /pəˈlɪtɪkəli/

politically

Meaning
in a way that relates to politics or government
Example
The country is politically divided between two major parties.
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 adjective /ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/

Puzzling

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

Partially

Meaning
to some extent; not completely; incompletely
Example
The building was only partially destroyed in the fire.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.rət/

Pirate

Meaning
a person who attacks and robs ships at sea; someone who uses or reproduces copyrighted material illegally
Example
The pirate ship was spotted near the coast.