purblind
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C2 adjective /ˈpɜːˌblaɪnd/

purblind

Meaning
Having impaired or defective vision; lacking insight or understanding.
Example
The purblind approach to the problem led to many mistakes.
C1 verb /praɪ/

pry

Meaning
to look closely into something; to try to find out private information
Example
She tried to pry into her neighbor’s private life.
C1 adjective /ˈpent ʌp/

Pent-up

Meaning
suppressed; restrained; confined
Example
He had pent-up anger that finally exploded.
C1 noun prəˈpʌl.ʃən

propulsion

Meaning
The action of driving or pushing forward.
Example
Jet engines provide propulsion for aircraft to travel long distances.
A1 verb /pʊt/

put

Meaning
to place something in a particular position; to move to a location
Example
Please put the book on the table.
C2 noun /ˈpæk.ɪ.dɜːrm/

pachyderm

Meaning
a large mammal with thick skin, such as an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus
Example
The zoo had several pachyderms, including elephants and rhinos.
C2 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɔːri/

prohibitory

Meaning
Serving or tending to prohibit or forbid.
Example
The prohibitory laws were strictly enforced in the region.
B2 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

psychological

Meaning
relating to the mind or mental processes.
Example
She studied the psychological effects of trauma on children.
B2 noun /ˌpiːdiəˈtrɪʃən/

pediatrician

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

pioneering

Meaning
Involving new ideas or methods; innovative and original.
Example
Pioneering efforts often lead to success.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡæmɪst/

polygamist

Meaning
a person who has more than one spouse at the same time
Example
The polygamist had three wives living in different houses.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

Meaning
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
Example
The soil in this area is very permeable to water.
B1 adjective ˈpræktɪkəl

practical

Meaning
Concerned with actual use rather than theory; realistic and sensible.
Example
A practical approach is needed for solving complex problems.
B1 verb /pərˈsweɪd/

persuade

Meaning
to convince someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument
Example
He persuaded his friend to join the club.
C2 noun /prəˈfʌn.dɪ.ti/

profundity

Meaning
Deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought.
Example
The profundity of his words left a lasting impact.
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.
C1 noun /ˌpærəfəˈneɪliə/

paraphernalia

Meaning
Miscellaneous articles, especially equipment needed for a particular activity.
Example
The fisherman carried all his fishing paraphernalia in a large box.
C1 noun prɪˈdɪk.ə.mənt

predicament

Meaning
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example
Losing both jobs put him in a financial predicament.
A2 noun /ˈfəʊtəɡrɑːf/

photograph

Meaning
a picture made using a camera
Example
She took a photograph of the sunset.
B2 noun prəˈdʒɛk.ʃən

projection

Meaning
The strength and range of voice when speaking.
Example
Proper projection ensures that every listener hears clearly.
C2 adjective /ˈpruːdɪʃ/

prudish

Meaning
having or revealing a tendency to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity
Example
She was too prudish to watch the movie with her friends.
C2 noun /proʊˈsiː.ni.əm/

proscenium

Meaning
the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain; the arch framing the stage
Example
The actors bowed at the proscenium before leaving the stage.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrkəleɪtər/

percolator

Meaning
A device used for brewing coffee by continually cycling boiling water through coffee grounds.
Example
She made a fresh pot of coffee using the percolator.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
C2 verb /prɪˈpɒndəreɪt/

preponderate

Meaning
To be greater in influence, weight, or number.
Example
In the debate, logical arguments preponderated over emotional appeals.
B2 adjective /ˌprɒb.ləˈmæt.ɪk/

Problematic

Meaning
causing problems; troublesome; difficult to deal with
Example
The new policy changes are problematic and need to be reviewed.
C1 verb /prəˈlɪf.ə.reɪt/

proliferate

Meaning
To increase rapidly in numbers; to grow or spread quickly and extensively.
Example
Startups tend to proliferate in a thriving economy.
B2 verb /ˈpɪnpɔɪnt/

pinpoint

Meaning
to locate or identify something with precision
Example
The detective was able to pinpoint the exact location of the suspect.
B2 verb /prəˈkleɪm/

proclaim

Meaning
to announce something publicly or officially, especially something important
Example
The president proclaimed a national day of mourning.
B1 noun /paɪp/

pipe

Meaning
a tube used for conveying liquids or gases
Example
The plumber fixed the broken pipe.
B1 verb /prəˈpoʊz/

propose

Meaning
to suggest an idea or plan for consideration; to ask someone to marry you
Example
I propose we take a short break.
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.
C2 noun /pɪks/

pyx

Meaning
a small container, often used in Christian liturgy to carry the consecrated host
Example
The priest placed the consecrated host into the pyx before visiting the sick.
C2 noun /pɜːr bɔɪld raɪs/

Per boiled rice

Meaning
Rice that has been partially boiled in the husk before milling; parboiled rice
Example
Per boiled rice retains more nutrients than regular white rice.
C2 noun /ˌfɪziˈɑːɡrəfi/

physiography

Meaning
the study of the physical features of the earth's surface
Example
He specialized in physiography to understand the landscape of the region.
B1 noun /ˈplæt.fɔːm/

platform

Meaning
A raised level surface on which people or things can stand.
Example
The platform was used to discuss collaboration.
A2 verb /ˈpræktɪs/

practise

Meaning
to do something repeatedly to improve skill; to work in a profession
Example
She practises piano for two hours daily.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːrtli/

portly

Meaning
Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.
Example
The portly man entered the room with confidence.
C1 adjective /pərˈtɜːrbd/

perturbed

Meaning
feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed
Example
He looked perturbed after hearing the bad news.
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 /ˈpæθweɪ/

pathway

Meaning
a route or course along which something travels or progresses
Example
The narrow pathway led to the hidden garden.
C1 verb /ˈpeɪtrənaɪz/

patronize

Meaning
to treat someone in a condescending way; to be a regular customer of a business
Example
Don't patronize me with your fake sympathy.
B1 noun /ˈpoʊni/

Pony

Meaning
a small horse, typically under 14.2 hands high
Example
The children enjoyed riding the gentle pony at the farm.
C1 adjective /fəˈnɛtɪk/

phonetic

Meaning
relating to the sounds of speech or pronunciation
Example
The teacher taught the students the phonetic spelling of difficult words.
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.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrvjuː/

purview

Meaning
the scope or range of authority, responsibility, or knowledge
Example
The case does not fall within the purview of this court.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
C1 noun /ˈpɔɪ.nən.si/

poignancy

Meaning
the quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
Example
The poignancy of the farewell brought tears to everyone's eyes.
C1 noun /ˈpɔː.pəs/

Porpoise

Meaning
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
Example
The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water.
A2 noun /pæn/

Pan

Meaning
a wide, flat-bottomed cooking utensil used for frying, searing, and browning foods
Example
Heat the oil in a large pan before adding the vegetables.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
C2 verb /priːˈdɛstɪn/

predestine

Meaning
to determine or decide something in advance, often regarded as being fixed by fate or divine will
Example
They believed their paths were predestined by fate.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrspəˈreɪʃn/

perspiration

Meaning
The process of sweating.
Example
Heavy exercise causes perspiration.
C1 adjective /ˈfɒnɪk/

phonic

Meaning
relating to speech sounds or their production; connected to phonics
Example
Children learn phonic rules to read new words accurately.
C1 noun /prɒɡˈnoʊsɪs/

prognosis

Meaning
A forecast of the likely outcome of a disease or situation.
Example
The doctor gave a positive prognosis for the patient's recovery.
C1 noun /pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

parenthesis

Meaning
A pair of curved marks ( ) used to enclose words or numbers; also an interruption or digression in speech or writing.
Example
The explanation was given in a parenthesis within the text.
C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
C2 adjective /pərˈspɪkjuəs/

perspicuous

Meaning
Clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid.
Example
The teacher gave a perspicuous explanation of the theory.
B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Pointed

Meaning
having a sharp end; direct and unambiguous
Example
She made a pointed remark about his behavior.
C2 noun /ˈpɪnəs/

pinnace

Meaning
a small boat, often carried by a larger ship
Example
The sailors used a pinnace to reach the shore.
A2 noun /ˈpɜːpəs/

purpose

Meaning
the reason for which something is done or created
Example
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the new project.
A2 adjective /praʊd/

Proud

Meaning
feeling deep pleasure from one's achievements; having high self-respect
Example
She was proud of her daughter's academic achievements.
B2 noun /ˈpen.ʃən/

Pension

Meaning
a regular payment made to someone who is no longer working because of age or disability
Example
After retirement, he receives a monthly pension from the company.
B1 noun /ˈprɛər/

prayer

Meaning
a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity
Example
She recited a prayer before the meal.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːmieɪt/

permeate

Meaning
Spread throughout (something); pervade.
Example
The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire room.
C2 noun /pɪθ/

pith

Meaning
the essential or central part of something
Example
The pith of his argument was that honesty matters most.
B1 noun /ˈprɪzənər/

prisoner

Meaning
a person who is in prison
Example
The prisoner was granted parole after serving 10 years.
A2 noun /ˈplænɪt/

Planet

Meaning
a celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit around a star
Example
Mars is the fourth planet from the sun.
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.
B1 verb /piːl/

peel

Meaning
to remove the outer covering or skin from a fruit or vegetable
Example
She peeled the mango before eating it.
C2 noun /prɪˈpɒndərəns/

preponderance

Meaning
The quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance.
Example
There was a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
B2 noun /ˈpʌŋk.tʃər/

Puncture

Meaning
a small hole in a tire that causes air to escape
Example
I had to fix a puncture in my bicycle tire this morning.
C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌkreɪsi/

polycracy

Meaning
rule by many; government by multiple authorities
Example
The nation experienced a polycracy after decentralization reforms.
B1 noun, verb /paʊnd/

pound

Meaning
a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces or a unit of currency
Example
The price of the book is five pounds.
B1 verb /pəʊs(t)ˈpəʊn/

postpone

Meaning
to delay something to a later time
Example
The meeting was postponed until next week.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdənt/

pedant

Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
Example
The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details.
C1 verb /prɪˈdɒmɪneɪt/

predominate

Meaning
To be the strongest, most common, or most influential element.
Example
Traditional values still predominate in the community.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
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 adjective /ˈpliːnəri/

plenary

Meaning
complete in every way; fully attended or absolute
Example
The committee held a plenary session to discuss all matters of importance.
B2 adjective /prɪˈzentəbl/

Presentable

Meaning
neat and suitable for being seen in public; acceptable in appearance
Example
Make sure you look presentable for the job interview.
C1 noun ˈprəʊses stəˈbɪlɪti

process stability

Meaning
The consistency and steadiness of biological or functional processes
Example
Cold air ensures process stability in plants.
C1 noun ˈfeɪz.aʊt

phase-out

Meaning
A gradual reduction and eventual elimination of something.
Example
A phase-out of fossil fuels was agreed upon.
C2 adjective /ˈpʌdʒi/

pudgy

Meaning
slightly fat or chubby in a way that is often cute
Example
The baby had pudgy cheeks that everyone adored.
C1 noun pɔɪz

poise

Meaning
Natural confidence and composure maintained under pressure.
Example
A good speaker maintains poise under pressure.
C2 noun /ˈpaʊ.waʊ/

powwow

Meaning
an informal meeting or conference to discuss something
Example
The team held a quick powwow before the presentation.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊ.ə.si/

poesy

Meaning
poetry; the art or composition of poems
Example
The anthology was filled with romantic poesy.
B2 verb prəˈmoʊtɪŋ

promoting

Meaning
Supporting or actively encouraging; helping to develop or increase.
Example
Promoting practical education ensures skill development.
C1 noun /ˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Piety

Meaning
the quality of being religious or reverent; devout religious belief and practice
Example
His piety was evident in his daily prayers.
B2 adjective /ˈpoʊ.lər/

polar

Meaning
relating to the North or South Pole; opposite in nature or character
Example
Penguins live in polar regions of the Earth.
B1 adjective /pərˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/

particular

Meaning
specific or special; distinct from others
Example
He is very particular about his diet.
C1 noun /ˈpæd.ək/

paddock

Meaning
a small enclosed field where horses or other animals are kept
Example
The horses were grazing in the paddock.
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.
B2 verb /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

prosecute

Meaning
to institute legal proceedings against someone
Example
The lawyer decided to prosecute the case after gathering sufficient evidence.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ə.bəl/

pitiable

Meaning
deserving sympathy or compassion
Example
The stray dog looked pitiable in the rain.
B1 adverb /prɪˈsaɪs.li/

precisely

Meaning
In an exact and accurate manner, with attention to detail.
Example
The robotic arm performed the operation precisely.
C1 verb /plʌm/

plumb

Meaning
to measure the depth of water or examine closely
Example
They used a line to plumb the depth of the lake.
B1 noun /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/

preparation

Meaning
The act of getting ready or making arrangements for something.
Example
The team made careful preparation for the presentation.
B2 adjective /pɪˈkjuː.li.ər/

Peculiar

Meaning
strange or odd; unusual; belonging exclusively to
Example
She has a peculiar way of speaking.
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 verb /pərˈspaɪər/

perspire

Meaning
To give out sweat through the pores of the skin as a result of heat, physical exertion, or stress.
Example
He began to perspire after running for 10 minutes.
C1 adjective /ˈpleɪntɪv/

plaintive

Meaning
expressing sadness or sorrow
Example
He raised a plaintive cry for help.
B1 noun /ˈpɑr.səl/

Parcel

Meaning
an object or collection of objects wrapped in paper for carrying or sending by mail; a piece of land
Example
The postman delivered a parcel to our door.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈprɪv.ə.lɪdʒd/

Privileged

Meaning
having special advantages; favored; elite
Example
She comes from a privileged background with many opportunities.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlɪdʒ/

pillage

Meaning
to rob or plunder a place, especially during war
Example
The invading army pillaged the village and took all valuables.
C1 noun prɪˌsɪp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən

precipitation

Meaning
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground.
Example
Annual precipitation levels are decreasing.
C2 noun /prəˈtuːbərəns/

protuberance

Meaning
A rounded swelling or lump on a surface.
Example
The doctor examined the small protuberance on his arm.
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.
C2 noun /ˈfeɪlæŋks/

phalanx

Meaning
A group of people or things arranged in a compact, close formation; also an ancient Greek military formation.
Example
A phalanx of reporters waited outside the courthouse.
C2 noun /ˈpjuː.pɪ.lɪdʒ/

pupilage

Meaning
The state of being a pupil or under instruction.
Example
During his pupilage, he studied law under a senior barrister.
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.
B1 noun /ˈpɑr.dən/

Pardon

Meaning
forgiveness; the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense
Example
I beg your pardon for interrupting the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈpʊlpɪt/

pulpit

Meaning
a raised platform in a church from which the preacher delivers a sermon
Example
The pastor stood at the pulpit to address the congregation.
B1 adverb /ˈfɪzɪkəli/

physically

Meaning
in a physical manner; relating to the body
Example
She is physically strong and healthy.
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.