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.
C1 verb /prɪˈzaɪd/

preside

Meaning
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
Example
She will preside over the meeting tomorrow.
B2 noun ˈpeɪtriəˌtɪzəm

patriotism

Meaning
The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
Example
Victory Day reflects the patriotism of the entire nation.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/

parenthetical

Meaning
Relating to or expressed in parentheses; a side remark or digression.
Example
He added a parenthetical comment during the lecture.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti

pertinacity

Meaning
Firm determination and persistence in achieving something.
Example
His pertinacity in achieving his goals was inspiring.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒs.tʃə.məs/

Posthumous

Meaning
occurring or continuing after death; published after the author's death
Example
The author received a posthumous award for his last novel.
C2 adjective /ˈpɜːrviəs/

pervious

Meaning
Allowing water, air, or other substances to pass through; permeable.
Example
The soil here is pervious to rainwater.
C1 noun /pʌn/

pun

Meaning
A humorous use of words that suggests different meanings or words that sound alike.
Example
He made a clever pun about the bakery's bread rising.
C2 verb /ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/

putrefy

Meaning
to decay or rot, producing a foul smell
Example
The meat began to putrefy in the heat.
C1 noun /ˈpetɪkoʊt/

Petti-coat

Meaning
an undergarment worn by women under a dress or skirt
Example
She wore a white petticoat under her dress.
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.
C2 /ˈpæn.ə.pli/

panoply

Meaning
A complete or impressive collection of things; a full set of armor.
Example
The museum displayed a panoply of ancient weapons.
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 /ˈprɒdɪɡəl/

prodigal

Meaning
spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant
Example
The prodigal son returned home after wasting his inheritance.
C2 noun /ˌpɜːrspɪˈkjuːəti/

perspicuity

Meaning
Clarity and ease in speech or writing; the quality of being clearly expressed.
Example
The perspicuity of his lecture made it easy for students to understand complex topics.
A2 noun /ˈfəʊtəɡrɑːf/

photograph

Meaning
a picture made using a camera
Example
She took a photograph of the sunset.
B2 noun/verb /ˈpriːfɪks/

prefix

Meaning
a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else
Example
Developers often prefix variables with an underscore.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrljuː/

purlieu

Meaning
The area near or surrounding a place; an outlying or neighboring district.
Example
They spent the afternoon exploring the purlieus of the ancient city.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrsənəbl/

personable

Meaning
having a pleasant appearance and manner; attractive and friendly
Example
The new teacher is very personable and easy to talk to.
C1 verb pɚˈpɛtʃ.u.eɪt

perpetuate

Meaning
To keep something continuously running or maintain it for a long time.
Example
The media can sometimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
C1 noun ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
B1 noun /pɑːm/

Palm

Meaning
a tropical tree with fan-shaped leaves; fruit of the palm tree
Example
The palm tree produces sweet fruit that we enjoy eating.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊsiːdz/

proceeds

Meaning
money obtained from an event, activity, or sale
Example
The proceeds from the charity event were donated to the orphanage.
C2 adjective /pəˈnjʊəriəs/

penurious

Meaning
extremely poor; poverty-stricken; miserly
Example
The penurious family struggled to buy food.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/

psychiatric

Meaning
relating to mental illness or its treatment
Example
The psychiatric hospital provides care for those with severe conditions.
B1 verb /pɑːrtɪsɪˈpeɪtɪŋ/

participating

Meaning
Taking part in an activity or event.
Example
He is participating in the Antarctic expedition.
A2 adverb /ˈpɒs.ə.bli/

Possibly

Meaning
perhaps; maybe; it may be the case that
Example
It will possibly rain tomorrow.
C1 noun

Peck

C2 noun, adjective /pəˈtrɪʃən/

patrician

Meaning
A person of noble rank or high social standing; relating to aristocracy.
Example
The patrician families of Rome wielded great power in politics.
C1 adjective /prəˈvɒkətɪv/

provocative

Meaning
Intended to make people angry, excited, or interested.
Example
She wore a provocative dress to the party.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/

peculation

Meaning
The act of embezzling or stealing money, especially from public funds.
Example
The minister resigned after being accused of peculation.
B1 noun /pruːf/

proof

Meaning
evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement
Example
The detective presented proof of the suspect's guilt.
C2 noun /ˈpɛntæd/

pentad

Meaning
A group or set of five things.
Example
The committee was divided into a pentad of working groups.
C2 noun /ˌprɒdɪˈɡæləti/

prodigality

Meaning
the quality of being wastefully extravagant
Example
His prodigality with money left him bankrupt.
A2 noun /ˈprɪn.ses/

princess

Meaning
a female royal family member, especially the daughter of a king or queen; a woman regarded as noble, cherished, or elegant
Example
The princess waved to the crowd from the palace balcony.
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 noun /ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən/

prosecution

Meaning
The act of bringing a criminal charge against someone and pursuing legal action in court.
Example
The prosecution presented strong evidence against the defendant.
C1 adjective /pɑːrtʃt/

parched

Meaning
extremely dry, especially because of heat or thirst
Example
After walking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
C1 verb /proʊˈtruːd/

protrude

Meaning
To stick out or extend beyond a surface.
Example
A nail was protruding from the wooden board.
C2 noun /ˈpæntəˌskoʊp/

pantoscope

Meaning
An optical instrument that provides a wide or panoramic view.
Example
The scientist used a pantoscope to observe the entire horizon.
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.
C2 noun/verb /ˈpɪləri/

pillory

Meaning
a device for publicly punishing someone / to expose to public ridicule
Example
The corrupt official was placed in the pillory for the town to jeer at.
C1 adjective /ˈpærəmaʊnt/

paramount

Meaning
more important than anything else; supreme
Example
Safety is of paramount importance in this factory.
B1 noun /ˈpænəl/

panel

Meaning
a group of people gathered to discuss, judge, or advise on a particular topic
Example
The panel of judges announced the winner of the competition.
C1 adjective /pləˈtɒnɪk/

platonic

Meaning
relating to a close relationship that is not romantic or sexual
Example
They have a platonic friendship that has lasted for years.
B1 noun, verb /praɪz/

prize

Meaning
something given as a reward for achievement; to value highly
Example
He won the first prize in the competition.
C2 noun /ˌpaɪroʊˈmeɪniæk/

pyromaniac

Meaning
A person with an uncontrollable desire to set things on fire.
Example
The pyromaniac was arrested for setting several buildings ablaze.
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.
B1 adjective; verb (past and past participle of prepare) /prɪˈpɛrd/

prepared

Meaning
made ready in advance; having made plans or taken steps beforehand
Example
She was fully prepared for the final exam.
A2 noun /paɪ/

Pie

Meaning
a baked dish of fruit, meat, or vegetables, typically with a top and base of pastry
Example
My grandmother makes the best apple pie in town.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːʃən/

Persian

Meaning
a native or inhabitant of Iran; the language spoken in Iran (Farsi)
Example
The Persian language has a rich literary history.
A1 noun ˈpɛrənts

Parents

Meaning
One's father and mother.
Example
The family tree starts with the child's parents.
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.
B1 noun prəˈtek.ʃən

protection

Meaning
The action of protecting someone or something, or the state of being protected.
Example
The movement focused on the protection of rights.
C1 verb /ˈpɒstʃʊleɪt/

postulate

Meaning
to suggest or assume that something is true as the basis for reasoning or discussion
Example
Scientists postulate that life exists on other planets.
C1 noun /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθɛtɪk ɪˈfɪʃənsi/

photosynthetic efficiency

Meaning
The measure of how effectively plants convert light energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis, directly affecting plant growth and crop yield.
Example
Improving photosynthetic efficiency can increase crop yields.
C2 noun /ˈpɒtˌbɔɪlə/

potboiler

Meaning
a book, play, or film produced quickly to make money rather than for artistic value
Example
The novel was dismissed by critics as a mere potboiler.
C1 noun /ˈpluː.mɪdʒ/

plumage

Meaning
the feathers covering a bird's body
Example
The peacock's plumage was vibrant and eye-catching.
A2 verb /prəˈtɛkt/

protect

Meaning
To keep safe from harm or injury.
Example
Protect yourself from the negative effects of social media.
C2 noun /ˌpɒlɪˈhiːdrən/

polyhedron

Meaning
a solid object with flat polygonal faces, straight edges, and vertices
Example
The mathematician studied a complex polyhedron model.
C2 verb /prɒɡˈnɒstɪkeɪt/

prognosticate

Meaning
To foretell or predict future events, especially based on current signs.
Example
Experts attempted to prognosticate the outcome of the election.
C1 adjective /prɪˈpɒstərəs/

preposterous

Meaning
completely ridiculous or absurd; contrary to reason or common sense
Example
The idea that pigs could fly is preposterous.
B1 adverb /ˈprɒpərli/

properly

Meaning
in the correct or suitable manner
Example
He performed the task properly to avoid mistakes.
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.
B1 noun /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/

preparation

Meaning
The act of getting ready or making arrangements for something.
Example
The team made careful preparation for the presentation.
C2 noun ˈpær.ə.ɡən

paragon

Meaning
A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality; a model of excellence.
Example
Neom is a paragon of sustainable urban design.
B1 adverb /ˈpriːviəsli/

previously

Meaning
at an earlier time or before now
Example
She had previously worked at a bank before starting her own business.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdəˌɡɒɡ/

pedagogue

Meaning
a teacher, especially a strict or formal one
Example
The old pedagogue insisted on discipline in the classroom.
B2 noun /prɔːn/

Prawn

Meaning
a large marine crustacean similar to shrimp but typically bigger
Example
The chef prepared delicious prawn curry with coconut milk.
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 /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.
A2 noun /ˈpʌp.i/

Puppy

Meaning
a young dog
Example
The puppy wagged its tail when it saw its owner.
C2 noun /ˈpɑr.bəl/

Parbal

Meaning
A green vegetable also known as pointed gourd, commonly used in South Asian cuisine
Example
Mother prepared parbal curry with fish.
B2 adjective /ˈpeɪ.ə.bəl/

Payable

Meaning
required to be paid; owed as a debt
Example
The amount is payable within thirty days of the invoice date.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛʃənt/ or /ˈpriːʃənt/

prescient

Meaning
having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
Example
The prescient investor sold his shares just before the market crashed.
A2 noun /pɛt/

pet

Meaning
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or pleasure
Example
My dog is my favorite pet.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrləns/

parlance

Meaning
a particular way of speaking or using words, common to a group
Example
In legal parlance, the term has a different meaning.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pɪst/

philanthropist

Meaning
a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes
Example
The philanthropist donated millions to build schools in rural areas.
C2 adjective /ˈproʊtiən/

protean

Meaning
tending or able to change frequently or easily; versatile
Example
She is a protean artist who experiments with many styles.
C1 noun/verb /ˈprɛdɪkət/ (noun), /ˈprɛdɪkeɪt/ (verb)

predicate

Meaning
noun: the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject; verb: to base or establish something on a particular idea
Example
His theory is predicated on sound research.
C2 adjective /ˈpʌkɪʃ/

puckish

Meaning
playfully mischievous
Example
The child gave a puckish grin before hiding the toy.
A2 adjective /ˈpraɪ.mɛr.i/

primary

Meaning
Most important; main; happening first.
Example
Education is a primary factor in economic growth.
C1 noun /ˈpʌndɪt/

pundit

Meaning
An expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give opinions to the public.
Example
Political pundits debated the election results on television.
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 /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
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 /ˈpeɪstri/

pastry

Meaning
a baked food product made from flour, fat, and water, often sweet or savory
Example
I bought a box of fresh pastries for breakfast.
C2 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈsɪl.ə.bəl/

polysyllable

Meaning
a word with more than one syllable
Example
The word 'elephant' is a polysyllable because it has three syllables.
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 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.
C1 adjective /pərˈmɪsəbl̩/

permissible

Meaning
allowed or permitted by rules or law
Example
It is permissible to park here after 6 p.m.
A2 noun /ˈpækɪdʒ/

package

Meaning
a container or wrapping in which something is packed
Example
He received a package in the mail.
B2 noun /ˈpæn.ɪk/

Panic

Meaning
sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety; a state of widespread fear and anxiety
Example
The fire alarm caused panic among the students.
C1 adjective /ˈprɛdəˌtɔri/

predatory

Meaning
Relating to animals that prey on others; exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.
Example
The predatory bird swooped down on its prey.
B2 adjective /prɛsˈtɪdʒəs/

prestigious

Meaning
having a high reputation; respected
Example
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
C2 noun /ˈplænɪsfɪr/

planisphere

Meaning
a rotating star chart used to display the visible stars for any time and date
Example
The astronomer used a planisphere to identify the constellations.
B2 noun /ˈprɛzɪdənsi/

presidency

Meaning
the office or position of being a president
Example
He was elected to the presidency in 2020.
B2 noun /ˈpɪt.ʃər/

Pitcher

Meaning
a large container with a handle and spout used for storing and pouring liquids
Example
The water pitcher on the table was filled with ice-cold lemonade.
C1 noun prəˈtɛk.ʃə.nɪ.zəm

protectionism

Meaning
The theory or practice of shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition by taxing imports.
Example
The government's protectionism helped local businesses grow.
B1 noun /pɑrˈtɪs.ə.pənt/

Participant

Meaning
a person who takes part in something; someone who participates in an activity or event
Example
Every participant in the marathon received a medal.
C1 noun /pluːm/

plume

Meaning
a large, soft feather or something resembling a feather
Example
The soldier wore a red plume on his helmet.
B2 noun /saɪˈkaɪətrɪst/

psychiatrist

Meaning
a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness
Example
The psychiatrist prescribed medication for the patient’s anxiety.
C2 noun /ˈfɪl.ɪ.staɪn/

philistine

Meaning
a person who is indifferent or hostile to culture and the arts
Example
He was criticized as a philistine for dismissing modern art.
C1 verb /ˈpærəfreɪz/

paraphrase

Meaning
To express the meaning of something using different words, often to make it clearer.
Example
The teacher asked the students to paraphrase the poem in their own words.
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.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

Meaning
A very poor person.
Example
The pauper begged for food on the street corner.
B2 adjective /prəˈɡrɛsɪv/

progressive

Meaning
favoring or implementing new and modern ideas or policies; moving forward or improving
Example
She holds progressive views on social justice and equality.
C1 verb /ˈpæs.ɪ.faɪ/

pacify

Meaning
To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of someone.
Example
The mother tried to pacify her crying child.
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.
B2 adjective /prɪˈdɒmɪnənt/

predominant

Meaning
Having superior strength, influence, or authority; most common or noticeable.
Example
The predominant color in the painting is blue.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.pɪˈtʃuː.ɪ.ti

perpetuity

Meaning
Permanence, eternity, continuity.
Example
The contract ensures payments in perpetuity.
C2 noun /ˈprɛʃəns/ or /ˈpriːʃəns/

prescience

Meaning
the ability to know or predict what will happen in the future
Example
Her prescience about market trends saved the company.
C2 noun /pʌɡˈnæsɪti/

pugnacity

Meaning
A natural disposition to be combative or aggressive.
Example
The coach admired the player's pugnacity on the field.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpætrɪˌmoʊni/

patrimony

Meaning
Property or inheritance passed down from one's father or ancestors.
Example
The castle was part of his patrimony from his noble ancestors.
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.