prudery
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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.
C2 verb /trəˈdjuːs/

traduce

Meaning
To speak badly of someone or tell lies to damage their reputation.
Example
He was furious when he found out that his rivals had traduced him.
B2 noun /səˈspens/

Suspense

Meaning
a feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what will happen
Example
The movie kept us in suspense until the very end.
C2 verb /læmˈbeɪst/

lambaste

Meaning
to criticize someone or something harshly; to reprimand severely
Example
The teacher lambasted the students for not completing their homework.
C1 noun, verb /strænd/

strand

Meaning
Noun: A single thin length of thread, wire, or similar. Verb: To leave someone or something without a way of moving or leaving.
Example
The storm stranded many tourists on the island.
B2 noun /ˈsmɑːrt.nəs/

Smartness

Meaning
intelligence; cleverness; neat and fashionable appearance
Example
Her smartness in solving problems impressed everyone.
B2 noun /kənˈfɛkʃəneri/

confectionery

Meaning
sweets, candies, and other food items made with sugar
Example
The shop sells a wide variety of confectionery.
C2 adjective /ɔːrˈθɑːɡənl/

orthogonal

Meaning
at right angles; independent or unrelated
Example
In mathematics, two vectors are orthogonal if their dot product is zero.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

defensible

Meaning
Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.
Example
Her decision was legally defensible.
C2 adjective /ˈdæpər/

dapper

Meaning
Neat, stylish, and well-dressed in appearance.
Example
He looked very dapper in his new suit.
B1 noun /læk/

Lack

Meaning
the state of being without or not having enough of something; absence or shortage
Example
The lack of rain this summer has caused serious problems for farmers.
B2 verb /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/

indulge

Meaning
to allow oneself to enjoy something enjoyable, often excessively
Example
He indulged in a piece of chocolate cake after dinner.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ə.stər.i/

Monastery

Meaning
a building or group of buildings where monks live and worship
Example
The ancient monastery was built on a hilltop.
B2 noun /dɪˈtɜːrdʒənt/

detergent

Meaning
a substance used for cleaning, especially for washing clothes and dishes
Example
She bought a new brand of detergent for laundry.
B2 noun /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəri/

beneficiary

Meaning
a person who receives something, especially money or property, from a will or insurance policy
Example
She is the sole beneficiary of her father’s estate.
B1 adverb /ˈkɒnstəntli/

Constantly

Meaning
continuously over a period of time; always; without stopping
Example
The baby was constantly crying throughout the night.
C2 noun /ˈeɪ.pi.ə.rɪst/

apiarist

Meaning
a person who keeps and tends bees for honey production
Example
The apiarist collected fresh honey from the hives.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkɜrsɪv/

discursive

Meaning
Tending to digress or move from topic to topic; lengthy and rambling.
Example
His discursive style made the lecture hard to follow.
B1 adjective /kəmˈbaɪnd/

combined

Meaning
formed by bringing together separate parts or elements
Example
The combined effort of the team led to success.
C1 noun ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbl ˈdæmɪdʒ

irreversible damage

Meaning
Harm or injury that cannot be undone or repaired.
Example
Climate change causes irreversible damage to ecosystems.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪdʒ.ɪd/

Rigid

Meaning
hard and stiff; not able to bend; strict and unwilling to change
Example
The company has a rigid dress code that all employees must follow.
A2 adjective/noun /ˈɪndiən/

indian

Meaning
Relating to India, its people, or their culture.
Example
She loves Indian food, especially biryani.
B2 noun steɪks

stakes

Meaning
A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground.
Example
The stakes were high for the success of the project.
C1 adjective /ˈfɔːrmətɪv/

formative

Meaning
Having a lasting influence on a person's development or character.
Example
Childhood is often described as a formative stage in life.
C1 noun /fiːnd/

fiend

Meaning
an evil spirit or demon; a wicked or cruel person; someone obsessed with a particular thing
Example
He is a real fiend when it comes to solving puzzles.
A2 noun /ˈoʊpənɪŋ/

opening

Meaning
an act or instance of beginning something
Example
The opening of the new store was a huge success.
B1 adverb /ˈdaʊnwədz/

Downwards

Meaning
towards a lower place or position; in a downward direction
Example
The ball rolled downwards along the slope.
B2 noun ˈstɪmjələs

stimulus

Meaning
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Example
Plants respond to external stimulus.
C2 noun /kəˈnaɪ.vəns/

connivance

Meaning
the act of secretly allowing or being involved in wrongdoing
Example
The theft happened with the connivance of the security guard.
C2 verb /ˈhɛktər/

hector

Meaning
To talk to someone in a bullying or intimidating way.
Example
The manager hectored the staff into working overtime.
B1 adjective ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk

scientific

Meaning
Based on or characterized by the methods and principles of science.
Example
Scientific discoveries continue to shape our understanding of the world.
C2 noun /ˈfiːæt/

fiat

Meaning
an official order or decree; authoritative command
Example
The new policy was enacted by royal fiat.
B2 noun /ˈtɛrərɪst/

terrorist

Meaning
a person who uses violence or threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes
Example
The terrorist was arrested by the police after the attack.
A1 adjective /nɛkst/

next

Meaning
immediately following in time, order, or place
Example
The next train leaves at 9:00 AM.
B2 noun θrets

threats

Meaning
A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action.
Example
Threats to food security are rising globally.
B1 noun /əˈnaʊnsmənt/

announcement

Meaning
a public or formal statement giving information
Example
The principal made an important announcement about the new schedule.
C2 noun /ˈmæləprɒˌpɪzəm/

malapropism

Meaning
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with amusing effect
Example
He is famous for his malapropism when speaking in public.
B2 adjective trænsˈfɔːr.mə.tɪv

transformative

Meaning
Something that has a profound impact and creates something new.
Example
The new education system is highly transformative.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkleɪm/

disclaim

Meaning
to deny responsibility or connection with something
Example
The company disclaimed responsibility for the accident.
B2 verb /blʌʃ/

blush

Meaning
to become red in the face due to embarrassment or shyness
Example
She blushed when he complimented her.
C2 adjective /rɪˈflɛktɪbəl/

reflectible

Meaning
capable of being reflected, as light or an image
Example
The surface of the lake is highly reflectible in the morning sun.
C2 noun /viːˈnæləti/

venality

Meaning
the quality of being open to bribery or corruption
Example
The scandal revealed the venality of several senior officials.
C1 noun /mɒb/

Mob

Meaning
a large crowd of people; a group that acts in a violent way
Example
An angry mob gathered outside the building.
C1 verb /ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrs/

reimburse

Meaning
to pay back money to someone who has spent it or lost it
Example
The company reimbursed him for travel expenses.
C2 noun /rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/

renunciation

Meaning
the formal rejection or giving up of something, usually a belief, claim, or way of life
Example
His renunciation of worldly pleasures impressed the monks.
C2 noun /mɪf/

miff

Meaning
A petty quarrel or annoyance.
Example
They had a slight miff over the seating arrangement.
B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈveləpt/

Undeveloped

Meaning
not yet developed; immature or primitive
Example
The undeveloped land was later turned into a park.
B1 adjective, preposition, noun /mɪd/

mid

Meaning
being in the middle of something; the central part or point
Example
She joined the project in mid June.
C1 verb /ˈdʒepərdaɪz/

jeopardize

Meaning
to put something at risk of being damaged or destroyed
Example
His reckless behavior could jeopardize his career.
C1 noun /pɪˌdɛs.tri.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

pedestrianization

Meaning
Making areas pedestrian-friendly, closing any area to vehicle traffic and making it open only for pedestrians.
Example
The pedestrianization of city centers reduces pollution.
B1 adjective ˈsʌb.mə.riːn

submarine

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or used underwater, especially in relation to vessels or cables.
Example
Submarine cables facilitate international communication.
B2 adverb /ˈbrɔːdli/

broadly

Meaning
in a general or wide manner.
Example
The rules are broadly similar across all regions.
C1 noun /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

proliferation

Meaning
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something; rapid multiplication or growth.
Example
The proliferation of malware is a growing concern.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈloʊd/

overload

Meaning
to load with too much weight or cargo; to give too much work or information
Example
Don't overload the washing machine or it might break down.
B1 verb /ˈɒpəreɪt/

operate

Meaning
to function; to control or manage; to perform surgery
Example
The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
C2 verb /ˌɡeɪnˈseɪ/

gainsay

Meaning
To deny, contradict, or speak against.
Example
No one could gainsay the evidence presented in court.
C1 adjective ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs

unscrupulous

Meaning
Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.
Example
Unscrupulous peers can lead adolescents to delinquency.
B2 noun /ræntʃ/

ranch

Meaning
a large farm where animals such as cattle or sheep are raised
Example
They own a huge cattle ranch in Texas.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌteɪkər/

undertaker

Meaning
A person whose job is to prepare the dead for burial and arrange funerals.
Example
The undertaker prepared the body for the funeral service.
A2 verb /rɪˈkwaɪər/

require

Meaning
to need something; to demand or insist on
Example
This job requires excellent communication skills.
C2 noun /ˈɪnsələns/

insolence

Meaning
rude or disrespectful behavior
Example
The teacher was shocked by the student's insolence.
A1 noun /kiːp/

Keep

Meaning
food and other things necessary for living; the strongest part of a castle
Example
He worked hard to earn his keep and support his family.
B2 adjective /ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl/

fundamental

Meaning
forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
Example
Honesty is a fundamental principle of good leadership.
C2 noun /ˈbɛlˌwɛðər/

bellwether

Meaning
A person or thing that leads or indicates a trend.
Example
The company is seen as a bellwether of the technology industry.
B2 adverb /ˈskeəs.li/

Scarcely

Meaning
hardly; barely; only just
Example
I could scarcely believe my eyes.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈvɪz.ə.bəl/

Invisible

Meaning
unable to be seen; not visible to the eye
Example
The bacteria are invisible without a microscope.
C2 verb /məˈlɪŋɡər/

malinger

Meaning
to exaggerate or fake illness in order to escape duty or work
Example
He tried to malinger to avoid going to school.
B1 adjective /aɪˈdiːəl/

ideal

Meaning
the best possible; perfect for a situation
Example
This place is ideal for a picnic.
C1 adjective /məˈtɜːrnəl/

Maternal

Meaning
relating to a mother; motherly
Example
She showed maternal care towards the orphan child.
C2 noun /bəˈlɛəroʊ/

bolero

Meaning
A Spanish dance in slow triple time, or a short jacket open at the front.
Example
The dancers performed a passionate bolero at the festival.
B2 noun /ˈmɪz.ər.i/

Misery

Meaning
Great mental or physical suffering; extreme unhappiness or distress
Example
The poor family lived in complete misery after losing their home.
C1 noun /pləˈsiːboʊ/

placebo

Meaning
a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs
Example
The patient was given a placebo to compare the effect of the real drug.
B2 verb /ˈfɜːrnɪʃ/

furnish

Meaning
to provide or supply with furniture or equipment
Example
They furnished the new house with modern furniture.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɑːr/

disbar

Meaning
to officially remove a lawyer from the legal profession
Example
The corrupt lawyer was disbarred for unethical conduct.
C2 noun /ˈeə.rəm/

Arum

Meaning
a plant with large arrow-shaped leaves and a white spathe, also known as taro
Example
Arum leaves are commonly used in Bengali cuisine for cooking.
C1 adjective /ˌɪməˈtɪəriəl/

immaterial

Meaning
Not important or relevant; lacking physical substance.
Example
The judge ruled that the argument was immaterial to the case.
B2 noun /ˈbærəl/

barrel

Meaning
a large cylindrical container used to hold liquids
Example
The wine was stored in a wooden barrel.
C2 noun /trʌs/

truss

Meaning
a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure
Example
The engineer designed a strong truss for the new bridge.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning
relating to mental illness or its treatment
Example
The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsɜːrkəl/

encircle

Meaning
to form a circle around something
Example
The protesters encircled the building in a human chain.
C1 noun ˈfæl.ə.si

fallacy

Meaning
False belief, misconception, false reasoning.
Example
The idea that success comes easy is a fallacy.
C1 verb /ɪnˈɡʌlf/

engulf

Meaning
to completely surround or cover something or someone
Example
The village was engulfed by floodwaters.
C1 noun /ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃənər/

executioner

Meaning
A person who carries out a death sentence by execution.
Example
The executioner prepared the gallows for the condemned prisoner.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæplɪn/

chaplain

Meaning
A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.
Example
The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle.
C1 verb /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt/

instigate

Meaning
To bring about or initiate an action, often something negative.
Example
He was accused of instigating the riot.
B1 noun /pɪl/

pill

Meaning
a small round piece of medicine to be swallowed
Example
He took a pill to relieve his headache.
A2 noun /tɪp/

tip

Meaning
a small but useful piece of advice
Example
I received a tip on how to improve my presentation.
B2 verb /əˈsend/

ascend

Meaning
to go up or climb to a higher position; to rise
Example
The climbers will ascend the mountain at dawn.
C1 adjective /ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/

riveting

Meaning
extremely interesting; holding the complete attention
Example
The movie was so riveting that nobody looked away.
C1 verb /skwɪnt/

squint

Meaning
to look with partly closed eyes
Example
She squinted at the bright sunlight.
B2 noun ˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ

critical thinking

Meaning
The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
Example
Critical thinking helps in making informed decisions.
A1 noun /piːˈɛm/

pm

Meaning
abbreviation for post meridiem; after midday
Example
The meeting is scheduled at 3 pm.
A2 noun/verb /ˈbætəl/

battle

Meaning
A fight between armed forces or a struggle to achieve or resist something.
Example
The soldiers prepared for the final battle.
B2 noun ˈsɛv.ən ˈwʌn.dərz

Seven Wonders

Meaning
The seven most remarkable and famous structures in the world, representing architectural feats and cultural significance.
Example
The Seven Wonders of the world reflect human brilliance.
C2 verb /fɔɪst/

foist

Meaning
To impose something unwelcome or unnecessary on someone.
Example
He tried to foist his old books onto his friends.
C1 noun /ˈrʌmpəs/

Rumpus

Meaning
a noisy disturbance; an uproar or commotion
Example
The children caused quite a rumpus in the playground.
C2 verb /dɪˈmɜːr/

demur

Meaning
to raise doubts, objections, or show reluctance
Example
She agreed to help without demur.
B1 noun /ˈtreɪ.dər/

Trader

Meaning
a person who buys and sells goods or financial securities for profit
Example
The trader made a good profit from selling imported goods.
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 noun /rɪˈsɪp.i.ənt/

Recipient

Meaning
a person who receives something
Example
She was the recipient of the prestigious award.
B1 noun /swiːt pəˈteɪtoʊ/

Sweet potato

Meaning
A root vegetable with sweet flesh, typically orange or purple in color
Example
Roasted sweet potato makes a healthy and delicious side dish.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/

patronizing

Meaning
showing kindness that is perceived as condescending or superior
Example
His patronizing tone offended the audience.
B2 noun /daɪm/

dime

Meaning
a small coin, especially a U.S. coin worth ten cents
Example
He gave me a dime for the phone call.
C1 noun ˈkiː.stəʊn ˈspiː.ʃiːz

keystone species

Meaning
A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
Example
Wolves are a keystone species that regulate prey populations.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnɪkwɪtəs/

iniquitous

Meaning
grossly unfair and morally wrong
Example
Slavery was one of the most iniquitous practices in history.
C1 verb ɪkˈstræp.ə.leɪt

Extrapolate

Meaning
Making future estimates based on existing information
Example
Scientists extrapolate climate changes based on past data.
C1 verb kəˈrɒb.ə.reɪt

corroborate

Meaning
Confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.
Example
The witness corroborated the defendant's testimony.
C1 adjective /skəˈlæstɪk/

scholastic

Meaning
Relating to schools, education, or academic learning.
Example
The school organizes scholastic competitions every year.
C2 noun /ˈɡeɪm.stər/

gamester

Meaning
A person who plays games, especially one who plays them skillfully or professionally.
Example
The old tavern was filled with gamesters competing in cards and dice.
C1 noun /pəˈθɒlədʒi/

pathology

Meaning
the scientific study of diseases, their causes, processes, and effects on the body
Example
Advances in pathology helped the doctors identify the rare infection quickly.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɪvələs/

frivolous

Meaning
Not having any serious purpose or value; silly or unimportant.
Example
She dismissed the frivolous complaint quickly.
B2 noun ˌfʌŋk.ʃəˈnæl.ə.ti

functionality

Meaning
The quality of being functional; the ability to work or operate as intended.
Example
The new refrigerator has improved functionality.
B2 verb /dɪˈspaɪz/

despise

Meaning
to regard with contempt; to hate strongly
Example
She despises dishonesty in all its forms.
A2 noun; gerund /ˈwɒʃɪŋ/

washing

Meaning
the act of cleaning with water or other liquid; clothes or items that are being washed
Example
Washing clothes regularly helps maintain hygiene.
C1 verb /ɪˈkweɪt/

equate

Meaning
To consider as equal or equivalent.
Example
Many people equate wealth with success.
C2 noun /ˈboʊsən/

boatswain

Meaning
a ship's officer in charge of equipment and the crew
Example
The boatswain supervised the sailors on deck.
C2 noun /ˈmɪlk pɒt/

Milk-pot

Meaning
a container specifically used for storing or serving milk
Example
She poured fresh milk from the milk-pot into her glass.
C1 noun /prəʊˌkræs.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

procrastination

Meaning
The act of delaying or postponing tasks or activities.
Example
Procrastination is the enemy of success.
B2 noun /kənˈfɛʃən/

confession

Meaning
a statement admitting that one is guilty of a crime or has done something wrong
Example
The suspect made a full confession to the police.
B2 noun /ˌren.əˈveɪ.ʃən/

Renovation

Meaning
the act of renovating; restoration to a former better state
Example
The old house underwent a complete renovation last year.