refrain
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B2 verb /rɪˈfreɪn/

refrain

Meaning
To hold oneself back from doing something.
Example
Please refrain from smoking in this area.
B2 adjective /ˈhʌm.bəl/

Humble

Meaning
modest; not proud; unassuming;
Example
Despite his success, he remained humble and kind.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdɪɡriː/

pedigree

Meaning
the recorded ancestry or lineage of a person, family, or animal; the history or origin of something
Example
The dog has a pedigree that traces back several generations.
A1 verb /peɪnt/

paint

Meaning
to apply a colored substance to a surface
Example
She loves to paint landscapes in her free time.
B2 noun ˌrɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən

resignation

Meaning
The acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable; giving up.
Example
Her resignation from the position was unexpected.
C1 verb ˈsɪn.θə.saɪ.zɪŋ

synthesizing

Meaning
Combine (a number of things) into a coherent whole.
Example
He excels in synthesizing ideas from different sources.
A2 noun ˈprɒdʒekt

project

Meaning
An individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim
Example
Working on two projects simultaneously is difficult.
B2 noun /ˈfeð.ər/

Feather

Meaning
one of the light structures that cover a bird's body
Example
The peacock has beautiful colorful feathers.
C2 adjective /ˌpluːˈpɜːrfɪkt/

pluperfect

Meaning
a verb tense expressing an action completed before another past action
Example
By the time she arrived, he had finished his homework, showing the pluperfect tense.
C2 adjective /dɪˈdjuːsəbl/

deducible

Meaning
able to be deduced; possible to be inferred
Example
The solution is deducible from the data provided.
B2 noun /ˈspɔːrtsmən/

sportsman

Meaning
A person who is skilled in sports or enjoys participating in athletic activities.
Example
He is a true sportsman, always fair and respectful to his opponents.
A1 noun /breɪk/

break

Meaning
A pause in work or during an activity or event.
Example
Short breaks refresh your mind.
B1 noun ɪmˈpruːv.mənts

improvements

Meaning
The action of making or becoming better; an instance of something becoming or being made better.
Example
Continuous improvements increase productivity.
B1 adjective /ˈsætɪsfaɪd/

satisfied

Meaning
Pleased or content with what has been achieved or received.
Example
He felt satisfied after finishing his project.
C2 noun /ˌæprəˈbeɪʃən/

approbation

Meaning
approval or praise
Example
The plan won the approbation of the board members.
C1 noun /ˈæbsɛs/

abscess

Meaning
A swollen area within body tissue containing pus, usually caused by infection.
Example
The dentist treated the abscess in his tooth.
A2 noun /kəˈnɛkʃən/

connection

Meaning
a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else
Example
There is a strong connection between exercise and health.
B1 noun ˈmeʒ.ərz

measures

Meaning
A plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose.
Example
Mitigation measures focus on reducing emissions.
C1 noun /ɪkˈstrækʃən/

extraction

Meaning
the act of removing something, especially by pulling it out
Example
The extraction of oil from the ground requires special equipment.
C1 noun /ˈprɒfəsi/

prophecy

Meaning
a prediction or message about the future, often believed to be divinely inspired
Example
The prophecy foretold the rise of a great leader.
C2 verb /kəˈmɪŋɡəl/

commingle

Meaning
To mix or blend different things together.
Example
The charity does not commingle donations with operational funds.
B1 adjective /ɪkˈstendɪd/

extended

Meaning
longer or larger than usual; continuing for a longer time
Example
They took an extended vacation in Europe this summer.
B2 verb ˈstɪmjəleɪt

stimulate

Meaning
To encourage or promote the development or growth of something
Example
Proper sunlight stimulates plant growth.
C2 noun /ˌprɪnsɪˈpæləti/

principality

Meaning
a state ruled by a prince
Example
Monaco is a famous principality in Europe.
B2 noun /koʊˈɔːrdɪˌneɪtər/

coordinator

Meaning
a person who organizes people or activities so that they work well together
Example
The event coordinator managed everything perfectly.
A2 adverb /ˈlaʊdli/

loudly

Meaning
in a way that produces a lot of sound; with a high volume
Example
He spoke loudly so everyone in the room could hear him.
B2 verb /pruːn/

prune

Meaning
to cut off unwanted parts of a plant or tree to help it grow better
Example
Gardeners prune the trees in spring to encourage growth.
A2 adverb /ɪˈspeʃəli/

Especially

Meaning
particularly; in particular; above all
Example
I love all fruits, especially mangoes.
C1 noun /ɪɡˈzuːbərəns/

exuberance

Meaning
the quality of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness
Example
Her exuberance made the whole team feel motivated.
C1 noun /ˈstoʊəˌweɪ/

stowaway

Meaning
A person who hides on a ship, plane, or other vehicle in order to travel secretly without paying.
Example
The crew discovered a stowaway hiding in the cargo hold.
B2 noun /ˈklær.ɪ.ti/

clarity

Meaning
The quality of being coherent and intelligible; transparency or lucidity.
Example
The speaker's clarity made the concept easy to understand.
B2 noun /djʊˈreɪʃən/

duration

Meaning
the length of time that something continues
Example
The meeting lasted for the duration of two hours.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnstənsi/

constancy

Meaning
the quality of being faithful and dependable
Example
Her constancy in friendship is admirable.
B1 noun /ˈkɒntɛkst/

context

Meaning
the circumstances or background relevant to an event, statement, or idea
Example
To understand the quote, you need to know the context in which it was said.
B2 verb /rɪˈɡeɪn/

regain

Meaning
to get back something that was lost; to recover
Example
He regains his strength after the illness.
A2 adjective /ˈpɑːt taɪm/

part-time

Meaning
working for only part of the usual working day or week
Example
She works part-time as a waitress.
B2 verb /slæm/

slam

Meaning
to close or hit something with great force
Example
He slammed the door angrily after the argument.
C2 verb /foʊˈmɛnt/

foment

Meaning
To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).
Example
The rebel leader tried to foment unrest among the people.
A2 noun /sɔːs/

Sauce

Meaning
a liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moisture and flavor
Example
She added tomato sauce to her pasta.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl/

conjectural

Meaning
based on guesswork or incomplete evidence rather than certain knowledge
Example
His explanation was purely conjectural and lacked proof.
B1 adverb /ˈbriːf.li/

Briefly

Meaning
in a short and clear way; for a short time
Example
Please explain the problem briefly.
C1 noun /dɪˌnɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

denomination

Meaning
a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church; a unit of value or currency
Example
The church belongs to a Protestant denomination.
C1 noun /ˈsɪndɪkət/

syndicate

Meaning
A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest or carry out a business venture.
Example
A syndicate of investors bought the struggling company.
C2 adjective /tʃeɪst/

Chaste

Meaning
pure and morally good; abstaining from sexual activity
Example
She lived a chaste and virtuous life.
C1 noun /ˈprɒmɪnəns/

prominence

Meaning
The state of being important, famous, or easily noticed.
Example
Her work gained prominence after the award.
B1 noun /dɪsk/

disk

Meaning
a flat, circular object, often used to store data electronically
Example
All the data is saved on a hard disk.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
A2 adjective /ˈɪntrəstɪd/

interested

Meaning
Showing curiosity or concern about something.
Example
She is very interested in learning new languages.
B2 adjective /ˌɑːp.təˈmɪs.tɪk/

optimistic

Meaning
hopeful and confident about the future
Example
She is optimistic about the success of her new project.
A2 noun /ˈɡʊdnəs/

goodness

Meaning
the quality of being morally good or virtuous
Example
Her goodness was evident in the way she treated others.
C2 noun /tɛkˈnɒɡrəfi/

technography

Meaning
the descriptive study or writing about the practical arts, technologies, or technical methods of a society
Example
The anthropologist specialized in technography to understand indigenous tool-making traditions.
C1 noun /rɪˌdʒuːvəˈneɪʃən/

rejuvenation

Meaning
The process of restoring something to a former better state, especially referring to renewing soil fertility or revitalizing agricultural land through various restoration practices.
Example
Rejuvenation of soil is necessary for sustainable agriculture.
A2 noun /saɪt/

sight

Meaning
the ability to see or something that is seen
Example
The sight of the sunset took her breath away.
A2 noun /ˈmɛnjuː/

menu

Meaning
A list of food and drinks available at a restaurant or offered at a meal.
Example
The restaurant updated its menu with new dishes.
C1 adjective /əˈluːf/

aloof

Meaning
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
Example
He remained aloof during the entire discussion.
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.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈspiːkəbl/

unspeakable

Meaning
too bad or shocking to be expressed in words
Example
The survivors endured unspeakable horrors during the war.
A1 verb, adjective /kloʊz/ (verb), /kloʊs/ (adjective)

close

Meaning
To shut something (verb); near in space or relationship (adjective).
Example
Please close the door when you leave.
B2 adjective /ˈmʌd.i/

muddy

Meaning
covered in or full of mud; unclear or confused
Example
The children came back with muddy shoes after playing outside.
B2 noun /diːd/

Deed

Meaning
an action that is performed intentionally or consciously; a legal document showing ownership
Example
His heroic deed saved the child from drowning in the river.
C2 noun /ˌsaɪ.kəʊˈɡræf.ɪks/

Psychographics

Meaning
The study and classification of people according to their attitudes, aspirations, and other psychological criteria.
Example
Psychographics reveal consumer buying motives.
C2 adjective /daɪˈæfənəs/

diaphanous

Meaning
Light, delicate, and translucent.
Example
She wore a diaphanous dress that shimmered in the sunlight.
B2 noun prɛsˈtiːʒ

prestige

Meaning
Widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality.
Example
The university has gained international prestige for its research.
B2 adverb /ˈfɔ:rmoast/

Foremost

Meaning
most importantly; above all; in the first place
Example
First and foremost, we need to ensure safety.
B2 adjective /ɪˈreɡjələr/

irregular

Meaning
not even or consistent in shape, pattern, time, or behavior; not following normal rules
Example
His attendance at work has been irregular this month.
B2 noun səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

sustainability

Meaning
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance.
Example
Sustainability ensures long-term environmental health.
C1 noun /ˈæmfɪˌθiətər/

amphitheater

Meaning
A large open circular or oval building with rising tiers of seats, used for public events.
Example
The concert was held in an ancient amphitheater.
C2 verb /bɪˈfuːl/

befool

Meaning
to deceive or trick someone into believing something false; to make someone appear foolish
Example
The scammer tried to befool innocent people with fake promises.
A1 preposition /æt/

at

Meaning
used to indicate a specific time, place, or direction
Example
She arrived at the airport on time.
C2 verb /ˈdɛsɪkreɪt/

desecrate

Meaning
to treat a sacred place or object with disrespect or violation
Example
The vandals desecrated the ancient temple walls with graffiti.
C1 noun /kənˈfɔːrməns/

conformance

Meaning
The act of conforming to a rule, standard, or law.
Example
The product was tested for conformance with safety standards.
A1 adverb /ˈɔːl.weɪz/

Always

Meaning
at all times; on all occasions; forever
Example
She always arrives early to work.
A2 noun /dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/

Decision

Meaning
a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration; the action of deciding
Example
Making the right decision required careful analysis of all available options.
B2 verb /ˈrɛnəˌveɪt/

renovate

Meaning
to restore something old to a good state or to improve it
Example
They decided to renovate the old house before moving in.
C1 noun /kəˈloʊkwiəˌlɪzəm/

colloquialism

Meaning
a word or phrase used in informal speech or writing
Example
The novel is full of regional colloquialisms.
B2 adjective /pəˈsɪs.tənt/

persistent

Meaning
continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period
Example
Despite many setbacks, her persistent efforts led to success.
C1 noun /ˈvænɡɑːrd/

vanguard

Meaning
the forefront of an action, movement, or military force
Example
The company is at the vanguard of technological innovation.
B1 adjective /ˈvælɪd/

Valid

Meaning
legally or officially acceptable; having a sound basis in logic or fact
Example
The passport is valid for ten years.
C1 adjective /vɜːrˈboʊs/

verbose

Meaning
Using or expressed in more words than are needed; wordy.
Example
His verbose explanation confused the audience instead of clarifying the issue.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪtʃuː/

Catechu

Meaning
an extract from a tropical Asian plant, used in tanning and dyeing
Example
Catechu extract is commonly used in traditional medicine.
B1 noun ruːlz ənd ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃənz

rules and regulations

Meaning
Official orders and laws that control how something is done.
Example
Rules and regulations alone cannot change attitudes.
A2 noun /ˈtraɪ.sɪ.kəl/

Tricycle

Meaning
a three-wheeled vehicle, especially one for children
Example
The child rode his tricycle in the park.
B2 adjective /ˈfʌŋkʃənl/

functional

Meaning
designed to be practical and useful, rather than just decorative
Example
The design of the chair is simple but highly functional.
A1 noun /tʃeər/

Chair

Meaning
a separate seat for one person, typically with a back and four legs
Example
Please sit on the chair.
B2 verb /ˈsʌmən/

summon

Meaning
To order someone to come or to gather courage or strength.
Example
The king summoned his advisors to the court.
C1 verb /ɡrʌnt/

grunt

Meaning
to make a low, rough sound, often when exerting effort or expressing annoyance
Example
He grunted as he lifted the heavy box.
C1 adjective /hɔːrs/

Hoarse

Meaning
rough or harsh in sound; having a rough voice from shouting or illness
Example
His voice became hoarse after shouting at the concert.
C1 phrase ˌhjuː.məˈnɪt.ər.i.kəˈtæs.trə.fi

humanitarian catastrophe

Meaning
A widespread disaster affecting human life, health, and well-being on a large scale.
Example
The war created a humanitarian catastrophe.
C1 adjective /ˌfʊl ˈbɒd.id/

full-bodied

Meaning
Having a strong, rich, and robust quality, especially of wine, coffee, or voice.
Example
He prefers a full-bodied red wine with his dinner.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsəʊʃəl/

unsocial

Meaning
not enjoying the company of others; avoiding social interaction; contrary to social norms
Example
He prefers unsocial hours so he can work alone without interruptions.
C1 adjective /ˌɪməˈtɪəriəl/

immaterial

Meaning
Not important or relevant; lacking physical substance.
Example
The judge ruled that the argument was immaterial to the case.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːrɡjuəbl/

arguable

Meaning
open to debate or discussion; not certain and capable of being argued for or against
Example
It is arguable that technology has improved our quality of life.
B2 noun /dwɔːrf/

dwarf

Meaning
a person, animal, or plant much smaller than average
Example
Snow White lived with seven dwarfs.
C2 adjective /ˈslɪpʃɒd/

slipshod

Meaning
done in a careless, sloppy, or untidy way
Example
The project failed due to slipshod planning.
C1 noun /ˈkæv.əl.ri/

Cavalry

Meaning
soldiers who fight on horseback; the part of an army formerly composed of troops on horseback
Example
The cavalry charged across the field with great speed.
C2 noun /sɒp/

sop

Meaning
a concession or appeasement to pacify someone; also a piece of bread dipped in liquid
Example
The manager offered a bonus as a sop to the unhappy employees.
B2 noun /swɪŋ/

Swing

Meaning
move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side while suspended or on an axis
Example
The children love to swing in the park.
B2 adjective /ˈfɔːlti/

faulty

Meaning
Having defects or imperfections; not working properly
Example
The device stopped working because it was faulty.
B1 noun, verb /ˈdɪskaʊnt/

discount

Meaning
A reduction in the usual price of something; to reduce the price of something.
Example
The store offered a 20% discount on all electronics.
B2 noun ˈruθləs ˌkɑmpəˈtɪʃən

ruthless competition

Meaning
Fierce and merciless rivalry or contest, without pity or compassion.
Example
Ruthless competition for power leads to societal issues.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːrfəri/

porphyry

Meaning
A hard igneous rock containing crystals, often used for decorative or building purposes.
Example
The ancient Romans used porphyry to make columns and statues.
C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning
a person or group who has captured someone or something
Example
The hostage managed to escape from his captors.
C2 adjective /ˈnjuː.trɪ.tɪv/

nutritive

Meaning
Relating to nutrition; having nourishing qualities.
Example
The nutritive value of the fruit is very high.
B2 noun /paʊtʃ/

pouch

Meaning
a small bag or pocket, often used to carry small items
Example
She kept her coins in a small leather pouch.
B2 verb /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/

contemplate

Meaning
to think deeply and carefully about something; to consider thoughtfully
Example
She sat quietly to contemplate her future plans.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrɡoʊ/

argot

Meaning
the specialized vocabulary or jargon of a particular group, especially one with a common interest or occupation
Example
The thieves communicated in an argot that outsiders could not understand.
B2 adjective /ɪˈmens/

Immense

Meaning
extremely large or great; huge
Example
The immense mountain range stretched across the horizon.
C2 noun /tʃɜːrl/

churl

Meaning
A rude, boorish, or ill-mannered person.
Example
The waiter was such a churl that customers left unhappy.
B1 adjective /aɪˈdiːəl/

ideal

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

unpretentious

Meaning
modest; not attempting to impress others with appearance or importance
Example
She lives in an unpretentious home but is very happy.
A2 noun /jɑːrd/

Yard

Meaning
a unit of linear measure equal to 3 feet; an area of land immediately adjacent to a building
Example
The children played in the back yard.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsæf.rən/

Saffron

Meaning
a deep yellow-orange color; an expensive spice derived from crocus flowers
Example
The saffron fabric looked beautiful in the sunlight.
B2 adjective /aʊtˈstændɪŋ/

outstanding

Meaning
extremely good or impressive; not yet resolved or paid
Example
She received an award for her outstanding performance.
C1 adjective /ˈræɡ.ɪd/

Ragged

Meaning
torn; tattered; frayed; shabby
Example
The homeless man wore ragged clothes.
B1 noun raɪts

rights

Meaning
A moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way.
Example
The rights of people were prioritized.
C2 noun ˈvaɪ.və ˈvəʊs

viva voce

Meaning
An oral examination, typically for an academic qualification.
Example
Viva Voce tests communication skills.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /baʊnd/

bound

Meaning
To move with large strides or jumps; also refers to being tied, limited, or certain.
Example
The dog bounded across the field with joy.
B2 verb /bɑːrk/

bark

Meaning
to make a sharp sound like a dog; to speak angrily
Example
The dog barks at strangers.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl/

Untouchable

Meaning
not able to be touched or affected; beyond criticism or attack
Example
The CEO seemed untouchable despite the scandal.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈɡʊrmeɪ/

gourmet

Meaning
A person who appreciates fine food and drink; also refers to high-quality food.
Example
They went to a gourmet restaurant to celebrate their anniversary.