refine
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
B2 verb /rɪˈfaɪn/

refine

Meaning
to improve by making small changes; to purify
Example
The chef refines the recipe to perfection.
B1 noun /ˈvɔɪ.ɪdʒ/

Voyage

Meaning
a long journey involving travel by sea or in space
Example
The ship's voyage across the Atlantic took two weeks.
A2 noun /flaʊər/

Flour

Meaning
fine powder made by grinding wheat or other grains; used for making bread, cakes, and pastry
Example
She mixed flour with water to make dough for bread.
C2 verb /dɪsˈteɪn/

distain

Meaning
to treat with scorn or contempt (archaic form of disdain)
Example
He would never distain those who had less fortune than him.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpensətɔːri/

compensatory

Meaning
serving to make up for a loss, damage, or injury
Example
The court awarded him compensatory damages.
C1 noun ˈtær.ɪf

tariff

Meaning
A tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.
Example
The government imposed high tariffs on luxury goods.
C1 verb/noun ˈfæð.əm

fathom

Meaning
To understand after much thought; to measure the depth of water; to comprehend.
Example
It is difficult to fathom the depths of the ocean.
C1 noun /ˌtɒləˈreɪʃən/

toleration

Meaning
The practice of allowing something that one does not necessarily agree with.
Example
The government promoted religious toleration.
C1 noun /ˈdiːviəns/

deviance

Meaning
Behavior that differs from accepted social or moral standards.
Example
The book studies deviance in urban youth culture.
B2 verb /ʃrɪŋk/

shrink

Meaning
to become smaller in size; to draw back in fear
Example
The sweater shrank after washing in hot water.
B2 adverb /ˈprez.ənt.li/

Presently

Meaning
at the present time; soon; in a little while
Example
The doctor will see you presently.
B2 adjective /ʌnˌkənˈfɜːmd/

Unconfirmed

Meaning
not confirmed as true or definite; not verified or substantiated
Example
The report remains unconfirmed until we receive official verification.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsəluːt/

dissolute

Meaning
lacking moral restraint; indulging excessively in sensual pleasures
Example
He led a dissolute life filled with parties and gambling.
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.
A2 noun /fəˈtɒɡrəfi/

photography

Meaning
the art or practice of taking and processing photographs
Example
She studied photography in college.
A1 noun /ˈpɛərənt/

parent

Meaning
a mother or father of a person or animal
Example
Both of his parents are teachers.
C2 noun /ˈdɪktəm/

dictum

Meaning
A formal pronouncement, authoritative statement, or maxim.
Example
The judge’s dictum clarified the principle of equality before the law.
A1 pronoun /ðɛər/

their

Meaning
belonging to or associated with the people or things previously mentioned
Example
Their house is on the corner.
B1 verb /əbˈzɜːrv/

observe

Meaning
to watch carefully; to notice or perceive something
Example
Scientists observe the behavior of animals in the wild.
B2 verb /ˈtaɪtən/

Tighten

Meaning
to make something more secure or less loose
Example
He tightened the screws to secure the shelf.
C2 noun /pəˈræm.bjə.leɪ.tər/

Perambulator

Meaning
a four-wheeled carriage for a baby; baby stroller or pram
Example
She pushed the perambulator through the park while the baby slept peacefully.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪərɪŋ/

Untiring

Meaning
continuing without stopping; persistent; tireless
Example
Her untiring efforts finally led to success.
C2 noun /ˈkænə/

Canna

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
Example
The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond.
B1 noun /ˈvɒl.juːm/

volume

Meaning
the amount of space that a substance or object occupies, or that is enclosed within a container
Example
The volume of water in the tank increased after the rain.
C1 verb /ˈmɒd.jʊ.leɪt/

modulate

Meaning
To change the strength, tone, or pitch of something; to adjust or regulate.
Example
A good speaker knows how to modulate their voice.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈbæləns/

Unbalanced

Meaning
not balanced; lacking stability or equilibrium; mentally unstable
Example
The unbalanced table kept wobbling.
C1 noun /rɪˈteɪnər/

retainer

Meaning
a fee paid in advance to secure someone's services, or a device that holds something in place
Example
The lawyer asked for a retainer before taking the case.
B2 verb /ˈsɪmpəθaɪz/

sympathize

Meaning
to feel sorry for someone; to understand and share someone's feelings
Example
I sympathize with your loss.
B2 verb /wiːv/

weave

Meaning
to make cloth by interlacing threads; to move in and out
Example
She learned to weave beautiful carpets.
B1 noun /ˈspæroʊ/

Sparrow

Meaning
small brown and grey bird commonly found in cities and towns
Example
The sparrow chirped cheerfully from the tree branch.
B2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒp.ər/

Improper

Meaning
inappropriate; incorrect; not suitable
Example
It would be improper to discuss personal matters in a business meeting.
C2 noun /brəˈkeɪd/

brocade

Meaning
a rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, often in gold or silver thread
Example
She wore a beautiful brocade dress to the wedding.
B2 verb /ˈtɪkəl/

Tickle

Meaning
to touch someone lightly to make them laugh; to amuse or please
Example
The feather tickles when it touches your skin.
B2 noun /ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃən/

moderation

Meaning
The avoidance of excess or extremes; keeping balance or within reasonable limits.
Example
He drinks wine in moderation.
B1 verb /ˈreskjuː/

rescue

Meaning
to save someone or something from danger or harm
Example
The firefighters rescued the cat from the tree.
A2 noun /ˈθiːətər/

theater

Meaning
a building or area for dramatic performances
Example
We are going to the theater tonight.
C1 verb /ˈskruː.tɪ.naɪz/

scrutinize

Meaning
Examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Example
The scientist scrutinized the data before publishing his findings.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈseɪf/

Unsafe

Meaning
involving or causing danger or risk; not protected from harm
Example
It is unsafe to walk alone in this neighborhood at night.
B2 adjective /ˈrɪski/

risky

Meaning
Involving the possibility of danger, harm, or loss
Example
Investing in that startup is risky but could bring high rewards.
C2 verb /ˌækwiˈɛs/

acquiesce

Meaning
to accept something reluctantly but without protest
Example
She decided to acquiesce to her parents’ wishes.
C2 noun /əˈmʊr/

amour

Meaning
A secret or illicit love affair.
Example
The novel tells the story of a forbidden amour between two characters.
C1 noun /ˈpæŋkriəs/

pancreas

Meaning
A gland in the abdomen that produces insulin and digestive enzymes.
Example
The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
C2 adjective /ˌɪmpəˈmɪsəbl/

impermissible

Meaning
Not permitted or allowed.
Example
Such behavior is impermissible in the workplace.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛrid/

serried

Meaning
pressed or crowded together, often in rows or ranks
Example
The soldiers stood in serried ranks, ready for inspection.
B2 verb /ˈkeɪtər/

cater

Meaning
To provide food, drinks, or services, usually for an event or group.
Example
The company catered the wedding reception.
A2 verb /tʃɪər/

cheer

Meaning
to shout in encouragement or support; to make someone feel happier
Example
The fans cheered loudly when their team scored a goal.
C1 verb /trænˈskraɪb/

transcribe

Meaning
to make a written copy of spoken words or notes
Example
The secretary transcribed the meeting minutes.
B2 noun sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒən

soil erosion

Meaning
The wearing away of topsoil by water, wind, or other natural forces.
Example
Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile land.
B2 noun /kɒd fɪʃ/

Cod fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with white flesh, commonly used for food
Example
The fisherman caught a large cod fish in the North Atlantic.
B2 noun /hʌb/

hub

Meaning
the central part of a place or activity where things converge
Example
The city is the hub of the country's trade network.
B1 noun /tʃɑːrt/

chart

Meaning
a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram
Example
The teacher used a chart to explain the statistics.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪstri/

chemistry

Meaning
the branch of science that studies substances and their interactions; also the emotional connection between people
Example
They have great chemistry and work well together.
C1 noun /ˈtæntrəm/

tantrum

Meaning
An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.
Example
The child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get the toy.
C1 noun/verb /ˈɪnsɛns/

incense

Meaning
a substance burned for its sweet smell (noun); to make very angry (verb)
Example
The smell of incense filled the temple, but his rude words incensed her.
B2 noun /ˌdɒkjʊmɛnˈteɪʃən/

documentation

Meaning
material that provides official information or evidence
Example
The documentation for the project is available for review.
C1 adjective /prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/

Provoking

Meaning
causing anger or strong reaction; irritating; stimulating
Example
His provoking comments made everyone angry.
B1 adjective /ˈsætɪsfaɪd/

satisfied

Meaning
Pleased or content with what has been achieved or received.
Example
He felt satisfied after finishing his project.
A1 verb /ˈvɪzɪt/

visit

Meaning
to go and see someone or somewhere; to pay a call
Example
We plan to visit the museum this weekend.
C1 verb /klæsp/

clasp

Meaning
to grasp or hold tightly; also a device for fastening
Example
She clasped her hands together in prayer.
C2 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ə.mɪst/

bigamist

Meaning
A person who commits the crime of marrying someone while already married to another.
Example
The man was arrested for being a bigamist.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪbərəl/

illiberal

Meaning
Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
Example
The government was criticized for its illiberal policies.
C2 adjective /njuːˈmætɪk/

pneumatic

Meaning
operated by air or gas under pressure
Example
The factory uses pneumatic tools for assembly.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛd.ələnt/

redolent

Meaning
having a strong pleasant smell; strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something
Example
The kitchen was redolent of spices and fresh herbs.
A1 adverb /bɪˈhaɪnd/

Behind

Meaning
at the back of; following; lagging
Example
The car behind us was honking.
C2 noun /ˈfræŋkɪnsɛns/

frankincense

Meaning
An aromatic gum resin used in incense and perfumes, often in religious ceremonies.
Example
The temple was filled with the sweet smell of burning frankincense.
B2 noun /ˈdʒʊəri/

jury

Meaning
a group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on the evidence
Example
The jury found him guilty of the crime.
B1 noun ˈkʌrənsi

currency

Meaning
A system of money in general use in a particular country; the fact or quality of being generally accepted or in use.
Example
Dual currency systems were proposed.
C2 adjective /səˈluːtəˌtɔri/

salutatory

Meaning
Relating to or expressing a greeting or an address, especially at the beginning of a speech.
Example
She delivered a salutatory address at the graduation ceremony.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlfsəˈfɪʃənsi/

Self-sufficiency

Meaning
the ability to supply one's own needs without external assistance; independence
Example
The farm achieved complete self-sufficiency in food production.
C1 adjective /ˈnɪmbəl/

nimble

Meaning
Quick and light in movement or thought.
Example
The dancer’s nimble steps impressed the audience.
C2 noun /ˌsɪŋ.krəˈnɪs.ɪ.ti/

synchronicity

Meaning
The meaningful coincidence of two or more events that are not planned.
Example
The synchronicity of their thoughts amazed everyone.
A2 adjective /wiːk/

Weak

Meaning
lacking physical strength; not strong; fragile
Example
After the illness, he felt weak and tired.
B2 noun dɪˈveləpɪŋ ˈriːdʒənz

developing regions

Meaning
Areas or countries that are in the process of economic growth and development
Example
Pollution affects developing regions the most.
A1 pronoun /ðoʊz/

those

Meaning
used to refer to people or things that are far away or distant in space, time, or thought
Example
Those are the shoes I want.
C2 noun, verb /ɡəˈrɒt/

garrote

Meaning
A method of execution by strangulation, or to strangle someone with a cord or wire.
Example
The assassin attempted to garrote his target in the alley.
A2 noun /ˈsɪk.nəs/

Sickness

Meaning
the state of being ill; a disease or illness
Example
She took time off work due to sickness.
C1 noun /sɪv/

sieve

Meaning
a utensil with a mesh or perforated bottom, used for straining or sifting
Example
She used a sieve to strain the pasta.
B1 noun /əˈmjuːzmənt/

Amusement

Meaning
the state or experience of finding something funny; entertainment or recreational activities
Example
The children's laughter showed their amusement at the clown's performance.
C2 adjective /ˈmjuːtəbl/

mutable

Meaning
Capable of change or alteration.
Example
Human emotions are mutable and can shift rapidly.
B2 verb /ˈfæsən/

fasten

Meaning
To attach or secure something firmly in place
Example
Please fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off.
A2 adjective /ˈreɪ.ni/

Rainy

Meaning
characterized by rain; wet from rain; having much rain
Example
It was a rainy day, so we stayed indoors.
C2 adjective /ˈspaɪnəs/

spinous

Meaning
Having spines or thorn-like projections
Example
The spinous cactus was difficult to handle without gloves.
C1 adjective /ˈfiːbl/

feeble

Meaning
lacking physical strength or vigor; weak
Example
After the illness, she felt too feeble to stand.
A2 adjective /ˈleɪtɪst/

latest

Meaning
most recent in time; newest available
Example
She shared the latest updates with the team.
C2 noun /ˌæbsəˈluːʃən/

absolution

Meaning
formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment
Example
The priest granted him absolution for his sins.
B2 noun /ˈaɪ.dəl/

Idol

Meaning
an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship; a person who is greatly admired
Example
The singer became a teenage idol after her hit song topped the charts worldwide.
B2 verb /ɛksˈheɪl/

exhale

Meaning
to breathe out air from the lungs
Example
She slowly exhaled after holding her breath.
C2 adjective /ˈɡæŋ.ɡli/

gangly

Meaning
Tall, thin, and awkward in movement or appearance.
Example
The gangly teenager stumbled while trying to dance.
C2 verb /məˈkadəˌmaɪz/

macadamize

Meaning
to construct or cover a road with broken stone
Example
The government decided to macadamize the old rural roads.
C1 noun /ˈɑːnkɔːr/

encore

Meaning
An additional performance demanded by an audience at the end of a show.
Example
The band returned to the stage for an encore.
C2 noun /ˈaɪdlər/

idler

Meaning
A person who avoids work or spends time lazily.
Example
He was known as an idler who wasted his days.
C2 noun /ˈɡævəl/

gavel

Meaning
A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge or an auctioneer to signal attention or mark a decision.
Example
The judge struck the gavel to call the court to order.
C2 adjective /ˌɪmpɪˈkjuːniəs/

impecunious

Meaning
Having little or no money; poor.
Example
He grew up in an impecunious family.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈsɪmɪlər/

dissimilar

Meaning
Not alike; different.
Example
Though they are twins, their personalities are dissimilar.
C2 noun /əˈdɛndəm/

addendum

Meaning
an additional item or piece of information added at the end of a document or book
Example
The report included an addendum with updated statistics.
B2 noun /ˈleɪaʊt/

layout

Meaning
the arrangement or design of something, especially the arrangement of elements in a book, webpage, or room
Example
The designer presented a new layout for the website that was much more user-friendly.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔɪl.səm/

toilsome

Meaning
Involving hard or exhausting work; laborious.
Example
The workers had a toilsome day in the hot sun.
C2 verb /ˈlɔɪtər/

loiter

Meaning
To stand or wait around idly without apparent purpose.
Example
The teenagers were told not to loiter outside the shop.
A2 adjective /ˈiː.stərn/

Eastern

Meaning
relating to or situated in the east; from or characteristic of the eastern part of the world
Example
She studied Eastern philosophy at the university.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvaɪələt/

inviolate

Meaning
free from violation, injury, or desecration; kept safe and untouched
Example
The ancient temple remained inviolate for centuries.
B2 noun ˈlɒŋ tɜːm ˈmɛm.ər.i

Long-term memory

Meaning
Such memory that remains stored in the brain for a long time
Example
Repeated practice helps transfer information into long-term memory.
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.
B1 noun ɪˈkɒnəmiːz

economies

Meaning
The wealth and resources of a country or region.
Example
Emerging economies have been growing rapidly over the past decade.
C1 noun /ˈaɪsətəʊp/

isotope

Meaning
Atoms of the same element with equal number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Example
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in dating fossils.
C2 verb /kənˈvɑːlv/

convolve

Meaning
to roll or twist together; to coil or entwine
Example
The vines convolve around the tree trunk.
B2 noun /ˈkʊk.uː/

Cuckoo

Meaning
a bird known for its distinctive call and for laying eggs in other birds' nests
Example
We heard the cuckoo calling from the forest early in the morning.
C2 noun məˌnɒp.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

monopolization

Meaning
The process by which a company gains exclusive control over a commercial activity.
Example
The monopolization of industries can limit consumer choices.
A1 noun /ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ/

drinking

Meaning
the act of consuming liquids, especially alcohol
Example
Drinking too much water at once can make you feel bloated.
C1 verb /əˈluːd/

allude

Meaning
To refer to something indirectly or casually.
Example
The professor alluded to Shakespeare during the lecture.
A2 noun /ˈsuːt.keɪs/

suitcase

Meaning
A portable rectangular container for carrying clothes and personal items when traveling
Example
She packed her clothes into a suitcase for the trip.
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.
C2 adjective /bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/

bewitching

Meaning
charming, enchanting, or captivating in a magical or irresistible way
Example
She wore a bewitching smile that captivated everyone in the room.
C1 adjective /prəˈfjuːs/

profuse

Meaning
existing or given in large amounts; abundant
Example
He offered profuse thanks for their timely help.
C2 adjective /ˈfraʊzi/

frowsy

Meaning
Scruffy and neglected in appearance; musty or stale in smell.
Example
He wore a frowsy old jacket that smelled of damp.
C2 adjective /ˈfrɛtfəl/

fretful

Meaning
Feeling or showing distress or irritation.
Example
The baby was fretful all night and could not sleep.
B2 verb ˈsiːlɪŋ

sealing

Meaning
The action of closing or blocking something to prevent entry or escape.
Example
Sealing cracks in the walls can prevent pests from entering.
C2 adjective /əˈsɛt.ɪk/

ascetic

Meaning
Practicing strict self-denial and abstaining from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.
Example
He lived an ascetic life in the mountains, far from worldly comforts.
A1 noun

Kind

C1 noun /pækt/

Pact

Meaning
a formal agreement between individuals or parties; a treaty or contract
Example
The two countries signed a peace pact to end the war.
B2 noun /ˈɑp.tə.mɪst/

Optimist

Meaning
a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future; someone who sees the good side of things
Example
As an optimist, she always believed things would improve.
C2 noun /ˈvɛləm/

vellum

Meaning
a fine parchment made originally from the skin of a calf, used for writing or printing
Example
The ancient manuscript was written on vellum.