refract
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C2 verb /rɪˈfrækt/

refract

Meaning
To bend light, sound, or heat as it passes through a medium.
Example
The water refracts light, making the straw look bent.
B2 adverb /ˈoʊpənli/

Openly

Meaning
in a frank and honest way; without concealment; publicly
Example
She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health.
B2 noun /ˈdʌklɪŋ/

duckling

Meaning
a young duck
Example
The mother duck led her ducklings to the pond.
C1 adjective /ˈstɪltɪd/

stilted

Meaning
Speech or writing that is stiff, unnatural, or overly formal.
Example
His speech sounded stilted and rehearsed.
B2 verb /ˌriːprəˈdjuːs/

reproduce

Meaning
To make a copy of something; to generate offspring.
Example
Many animals reproduce rapidly in favorable conditions.
C2 noun /ˈoʊ.kəm/

oakum

Meaning
loose fibers obtained by untwisting old ropes, used for caulking ships
Example
The shipbuilders used oakum to seal the gaps in the wooden planks.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈklaɪnd/

inclined

Meaning
having a tendency or disposition toward something
Example
He is inclined to help those in need.
C1 noun /ˌmæn.ɪ.fɛsˈteɪ.ʃən/

manifestation

Meaning
A visible form or expression of an idea, concept, or feeling; the action of displaying or showing.
Example
His generosity was a manifestation of his kind nature.
C1 noun /ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

saboteur

Meaning
A person who engages in sabotage.
Example
The saboteur was arrested before he could plant the bomb.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪnɪkjʊər/

sinecure

Meaning
a position requiring little or no work but giving financial benefit or status
Example
He was given a sinecure at the university as a reward for his loyalty.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/

exploitative

Meaning
making use of a situation or people unfairly and unethically for one's own advantage
Example
The workers protested against the exploitative practices of the factory.
C2 verb /lɔːd/

laud

Meaning
To praise someone or something highly, especially in public.
Example
The critic lauded the actor's performance as a masterpiece.
B1 noun /ʃɒk/

shock

Meaning
a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience
Example
The news of his sudden departure was a shock to everyone.
C2 noun /ˈæpəˌθɛm/

apothegm

Meaning
A short, witty, and instructive saying or maxim.
Example
His speech was filled with apothegms about life and success.
B2 adjective /ˈbʌmpi/

Bumpy

Meaning
having an uneven surface; rough; jolting
Example
The bumpy road made the car ride very uncomfortable.
B2 noun/verb /dɪˈpɑːzɪt/

deposit

Meaning
to place money in a bank account, or a sum paid in advance as security; a layer of material left naturally
Example
She deposited $500 into her savings account.
B2 noun /dʒɑːr/

Jar

Meaning
a wide-mouthed container made of glass or pottery; to have a harsh or unpleasant effect
Example
She stored homemade cookies in a large glass jar on the kitchen counter.
C1 noun /ˌdaɪəˈrɑːmə/

diorama

Meaning
a three-dimensional model representing a scene, often with miniature figures
Example
The museum displayed a diorama of an ancient village.
C1 noun /ˈɡeɪ.ə.ti/

Gaiety

Meaning
the state or quality of being light-hearted or cheerful; festive atmosphere
Example
The wedding reception was filled with gaiety, laughter, and joyful celebrations.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɛərˌwʊmən/

chairwoman

Meaning
a woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or organization; a female leader of a board or council
Example
She was elected chairwoman of the company after years of experience.
B1 noun /ˈmɑː.kɪ.tɪŋ/

Marketing

Meaning
The activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.
Example
Digital marketing has transformed business strategies.
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.
A2 noun /ˈdrɑː.mə/

drama

Meaning
a play for theater, radio, or television, or an exciting or emotional situation
Example
She loves watching historical drama series.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌbɛər/

forebear

Meaning
An ancestor, especially one who lived a long time ago.
Example
He often speaks of his forebears with great respect.
B2 noun /ˈfʌndˌreɪzɪŋ/

fundraising

Meaning
the process of collecting money for a cause or project
Example
The organization is organizing a fundraising event.
A2 noun /bɜːrθ/

Birth

Meaning
the emergence of a baby or young from the body of its mother; the beginning or origin of something
Example
The birth of their first child was a joyful moment.
B1 verb /prəˈmoʊt/

promote

Meaning
to help something develop or increase; to advance someone to a higher position
Example
The company promotes environmental awareness.
A2 noun, verb /bɑːr/

bar

Meaning
a counter where drinks are served; to prevent or block
Example
They decided to meet at the bar after work.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈpæθɪk/

psychopathic

Meaning
Relating to or affected by psychopathy; showing chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent behavior.
Example
The film portrayed a psychopathic killer with no sense of empathy.
B1 verb /beɪð/

bathe

Meaning
to wash oneself; to clean the body with water
Example
I bathe every morning before going to work.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzuːbərənt/

exuberant

Meaning
full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness
Example
The children were exuberant after winning the game.
B2 noun daɪˈvɜːsɪti

diversity

Meaning
The state of being diverse; variety.
Example
Biodiversity promotes ecosystem stability and resilience.
B2 noun /ˈnek.taɪ/

Necktie

Meaning
a strip of cloth worn around the neck under a shirt collar and tied in front
Example
He adjusted his necktie before the important meeting.
C2 verb /ˈflʌməks/

flummox

Meaning
To confuse or bewilder someone completely.
Example
The complicated puzzle flummoxed the students.
C1 adjective /ləˈbɔːr.i.əs/

laborious

Meaning
requiring considerable effort and time; difficult and hard-working
Example
Writing the long report was a laborious task.
A2 verb /ɪkˈspres/

express

Meaning
to show or make known a feeling, thought, or opinion
Example
She expressed her gratitude for the help she received.
B1 adjective /ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪtɪd/

dedicated

Meaning
devoted to a cause, task, or purpose
Example
She is a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for her students.
C2 noun /ˈæn.oʊd/

anode

Meaning
The positive electrode in a device such as a battery, where current flows into a polarized electrical device.
Example
The anode of the battery was corroded after long use.
B2 adjective /ˈsændi/

Sandy

Meaning
covered with sand; containing sand; having the texture of sand
Example
The sandy beach stretched for miles along the coast.
C2 adjective /pərˈfɜrvɪd/

perfervid

Meaning
intensely passionate or fervent
Example
She gave a perfervid speech in defense of human rights.
C2 adjective /ˈnʌpʃəl/

nuptial

Meaning
Relating to marriage or weddings.
Example
The couple prepared for their nuptial ceremony with great joy.
B2 adjective /əˈfen.sɪv/

Offensive

Meaning
causing displeasure or resentment; insulting; aggressive
Example
His offensive remarks hurt everyone's feelings.
B1 noun /rɪsk/

Risk

Meaning
a situation involving exposure to danger; the possibility of something bad happening
Example
Taking this investment carries a high risk of losing money.
B1 adjective /ˈɔːkwəd/

awkward

Meaning
causing or feeling embarrassment; difficult to deal with
Example
There was an awkward silence after his joke.
C2 verb /bɪˈdræɡəl/

bedraggle

Meaning
to make something wet, dirty, and untidy by dragging it through mud or water
Example
The children came home bedraggled after playing in the rain.
B2 verb /ɪnˈsʌlt/

insult

Meaning
to speak or act in a way that hurts someone's feelings or shows disrespect
Example
He felt insulted by her rude comments.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzaɪərəbl/

desirable

Meaning
worth having or wanting; attractive
Example
The location of the house was highly desirable, with great views.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ɪ.bəl/

Cannibal

Meaning
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
Example
The explorer's journal described rumors of cannibals living on the remote island.
A2 verb /haɪd/

hide

Meaning
to put or keep out of sight; to conceal from view
Example
Children like to hide during games.
C2 noun /ˈvɪzɪdʒ/

visage

Meaning
A person's face or facial expression.
Example
Her stern visage intimidated the children.
B1 adverb /ˈɑːf.tə.wərdz/

Afterwards

Meaning
at a later time; after an event or time that has already been mentioned
Example
We had dinner and afterwards we watched a movie.
C2 noun /ˈstriːmlɪt/

streamlet

Meaning
a small stream; a tiny brook or rivulet
Example
A streamlet flowed through the meadow.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
C1 verb /ˈdʒʌmbəl/

jumble

Meaning
to mix things together in a confused or untidy way
Example
Don't jumble all the papers together in one pile.
C1 verb /kəmˈpjuːt/

compute

Meaning
To calculate or determine by using a computer or mathematical methods.
Example
The software can compute the total cost in seconds.
C1 verb /bɪˈhɛd/

behead

Meaning
to cut off a person's or animal's head; to remove the leader or most important part
Example
The historical account describes how the traitor was beheaded as punishment.
C2 noun /ˈfænˌtæzəm/

phantasm

Meaning
an illusion, ghost, or figment of the imagination
Example
The child claimed to see a phantasm in the old house.
B2 noun /ˈɡlɔː.ri/

Glory

Meaning
magnificent beauty or splendor; praise, honor, and distinction; a state of absolute happiness
Example
The athlete basked in the glory of winning the Olympic gold medal.
C2 noun /kwɪˈɛsəns/

quiescence

Meaning
A state of quietness, inactivity, or dormancy.
Example
The volcano has been in a state of quiescence for decades.
C2 adjective, adverb /əˈfʊt/

afoot

Meaning
In progress; happening or being prepared.
Example
There are several new projects afoot in the company.
B2 noun /ɪˈfɛktɪvnəs/

effectiveness

Meaning
the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.
Example
The effectiveness of the new policy is still being evaluated.
C1 noun /ʃɑːrd/

shard

Meaning
a broken piece of glass, metal, or pottery
Example
He cut his finger on a shard of glass.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkəˈməʊdiəs/

incommodious

Meaning
Uncomfortably small, cramped, or inconvenient.
Example
We had to stay in an incommodious room during the trip.
C1 noun /ˈtrævɪsti/

travesty

Meaning
A false, absurd, or distorted representation of something.
Example
The trial was a travesty of justice.
C1 adjective /ˈflʌstərd/

flustered

Meaning
in a state of confusion or agitation
Example
She appeared flustered after being asked so many questions.
C1 noun /ˈtem.pər.ə.mənt/

Temperament

Meaning
a person's natural disposition or mood; characteristic behavior patterns
Example
She has a calm temperament that helps her handle stress well.
A2 adverb /ˈen.i.weər/

Anywhere

Meaning
in or to any place; wherever
Example
You can sit anywhere you like in this restaurant.
C2 noun /ˈfɔːrˌseɪl/

foresail

Meaning
The principal sail set on the foremast of a sailing vessel.
Example
The crew adjusted the foresail to catch the wind.
C2 adjective /ˈkæp.ʃəs/

Captious

Meaning
tending to find fault or raise petty objections; fault-finding; critical
Example
His captious remarks about every small detail made the meeting very unpleasant.
B2 adverb /sɪˈvɪərli/

severely

Meaning
to a great degree; very seriously or harshly
Example
The patient was severely injured in the accident.
B2 noun /ˈhændlɪŋ/

handling

Meaning
the act of managing or dealing with something or someone
Example
His handling of the situation was impressive.
B2 noun /prækˈtɪʃ.ən.ər/

practitioner

Meaning
a person actively engaged in a profession, especially medicine or law
Example
She is a skilled medical practitioner.
C2 adjective /kəˈprɪʃəs/

capricious

Meaning
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Example
The stock market can be capricious, shifting dramatically without warning.
C2 noun /bel ˈæp.əl/

Bell apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with a crisp texture and sweet taste, scientifically known as Syzygium malaccense
Example
The bell apple tree produces beautiful red fruits that are popular in tropical regions.
C2 noun /ˌprɒdɪˈɡæləti/

prodigality

Meaning
the quality of being wastefully extravagant
Example
His prodigality with money left him bankrupt.
C1 adverb /ˈpiːs.miːl/

Piecemeal

Meaning
done or made gradually, one piece at a time; fragmentary; unsystematic
Example
The renovation was done piecemeal over several years due to budget constraints.
B2 verb (phrasal) /ˈpæs ˌɔːf/

pass-off

Meaning
to present something or someone falsely as something else; to pretend or deceive
Example
He tried to pass off the fake watch as a luxury brand.
B2 verb /liːp/

leap

Meaning
to jump high or far; to move quickly with large steps
Example
The cat leaped onto the table.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/

dialectical

Meaning
Relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions.
Example
She took a dialectical approach to solve the complex issue.
B2 adverb /ˈnoʊtəbli/

notably

Meaning
used to indicate something worthy of attention or significant
Example
She is notably talented in painting.
C1 adjective /ˈpaɪ.əs/

Pious

Meaning
devoutly religious; showing reverence for God
Example
The pious monk spent hours in prayer every day.
B2 noun /ˈædvəkəsi/

advocacy

Meaning
public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy
Example
Her advocacy for children's rights earned her international recognition.
A1 preposition, conjunction, adverb /ˈæftər/

after

Meaning
in the time following an event or another action
Example
We went for ice cream after the movie.
C2 noun /dɪˈtraɪtəs/

detritus

Meaning
Waste or debris of any kind; fragments left from destruction or decay.
Example
The riverbank was covered with detritus after the flood.
B2 noun /ˈwɔːl.nʌt/

Walnut

Meaning
an edible nut with a hard shell and a wrinkled appearance
Example
I love to eat walnuts with honey for breakfast.
B2 noun /ˌsɛkʃuˈæləti/

sexuality

Meaning
a person's capacity for sexual feelings and orientation
Example
She spoke openly about her sexuality and identity.
C2 noun /ˈkwɪzlɪŋ/

quisling

Meaning
A traitor who collaborates with an enemy force occupying their country.
Example
During the war, he was branded a quisling for aiding the invaders.
B1 noun ɪɡˈzek.jə.tɪv

executive

Meaning
The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.
Example
The executive body enforces policies.
A1 noun /bæk/

Back

Meaning
the rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips; the spine
Example
She hurt her back while lifting heavy boxes.
C1 noun /ˈfɔː.nə/

fauna

Meaning
The animal life of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.
Example
The fauna of the African savannah includes lions and elephants.
B1 noun ɪˈkwɒl.ə.ti

equality

Meaning
The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.
Example
Equality in education is a key goal.
C2 noun /ˈʒɑːndɑːrm/

gendarme

Meaning
A French police officer, especially a member of a military-style police force.
Example
The gendarme stopped the car for a routine check.
C2 noun /ˈbɔːlsəm/

Balsam

Meaning
a flowering plant with colorful blooms that often open in the evening; also refers to aromatic resin
Example
The garden balsam flowers bloomed beautifully in various shades of pink and purple.
B1 noun /ɪnˈθjuː.zi.æz.əm/

Enthusiasm

Meaning
intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval
Example
Her enthusiasm for the project inspired the entire team.
C1 noun /ˌjuːθəˈneɪʒə/

euthanasia

Meaning
The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.
Example
The debate about euthanasia raises difficult ethical questions.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkæŋkər/

canker

Meaning
A fungal disease of plants; an ulcerous sore in the mouth; to corrupt or destroy slowly
Example
The tree was infected with a canker that damaged its bark.
A2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/

disagree

Meaning
to have a different opinion; to not agree
Example
I disagree with your assessment of the situation.
B1 noun /ˈtɔːr.təs/

tortoise

Meaning
A slow-moving land reptile with a hard shell.
Example
The tortoise slowly crossed the garden.
C1 noun /ˌpɪɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/

pigmentation

Meaning
The natural coloring of animal or plant tissue.
Example
Excessive rubbing can cause pigmentation issues.
C2 adjective /ˈbɪliəs/

bilious

Meaning
Relating to bile or an ill-tempered, irritable disposition.
Example
He became bilious after hearing the unfair criticism.
C2 adjective /əˈpɒ.krɪ.fəl/

apocryphal

Meaning
Of doubtful authenticity, though widely circulated as true.
Example
The story about him saving the village is probably apocryphal.
C2 noun /ˈnɒn.ɪʤ/

Nonage

Meaning
the period of being under the legal age of majority; youth or immaturity
Example
During his nonage, all legal decisions were made by his guardian.
B2 noun /ˈtʌndrə/

tundra

Meaning
A vast, flat, treeless Arctic region where the subsoil is permanently frozen.
Example
Polar bears roam across the icy tundra.
B2 adjective /ˈvoʊkəl/

vocal

Meaning
expressing opinions or feelings freely and loudly; relating to the voice
Example
She was very vocal about her dissatisfaction.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒnpəˈreɪl/

nonpareil

Meaning
Having no equal; unrivaled or matchless.
Example
Her beauty was considered nonpareil in the region.
C1 adjective /miːk/

Meek

Meaning
gentle and submissive; humble; patient
Example
Despite his power, he remained meek and humble.
B2 verb /reɪp/

rape

Meaning
to force someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent
Example
The law strictly punishes those who commit rape.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrmən/

foreman

Meaning
a person in charge of a group of workers, especially in a factory or construction site
Example
The foreman supervised the workers on the construction site.
C2 adjective /loʊˈkweɪʃəs/

loquacious

Meaning
tending to talk a great deal; very talkative
Example
The loquacious child entertained everyone with endless stories.
B2 verb /lɪk/

lick

Meaning
to pass the tongue over something; to defeat decisively
Example
The cat licked its paws clean.
C2 noun /ˈɛksplətɪv/

expletive

Meaning
a word or phrase used as an exclamation, often offensive or profane
Example
He shouted an expletive when he dropped the hammer on his foot.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndənt/

pendant

Meaning
a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck
Example
She wore a silver pendant around her neck.
B2 noun /ˈdʒel.ə.si/

Jealousy

Meaning
a feeling of envy of someone or their achievements; resentment against a rival
Example
His jealousy over his colleague's promotion led to tension in the workplace.
C1 verb /rɪˈbjuːk/

rebuke

Meaning
to criticize or scold sharply; to express disapproval
Example
The teacher had to rebuke the student for cheating.
B1 noun ɡreɪt wɔːl əv ˈtʃaɪ.nə

Great Wall of China

Meaning
A massive ancient fortification system in China, built to protect against invasions and considered one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Example
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
C2 noun, verb /əˈfrʌnt/

affront

Meaning
An action or remark that causes outrage or offense.
Example
He took her criticism as a personal affront.
B2 noun /ˈdes.tə.ni/

Destiny

Meaning
the events that will necessarily happen to someone in the future; fate or predetermined course
Example
She believed that meeting him was her destiny and meant to be.
C1 verb /əˈvɛndʒ/

avenge

Meaning
to inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong done to oneself or another
Example
He vowed to avenge his brother's death.
C1 noun /ˈhɪntərlænd/

hinterland

Meaning
The remote or less developed areas away from the coast or a city.
Example
The farmers came from the rural hinterland to sell their produce in the city.
C2 noun /əˌbɑː.məˈneɪ.ʃən/

abomination

Meaning
a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Example
Slavery was considered an abomination.
A2 interjection /mˈhm/

mm-hmm

Meaning
A sound used to express agreement or acknowledgment in conversation.
Example
‘Do you understand?’ ‘Mm-hmm.’