ridicule
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C1 verb /ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/

ridicule

Meaning
To make fun of someone or something in a cruel or dismissive way.
Example
He was ridiculed for his strange ideas.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkjʊˈbeɪʃən/

incubation

Meaning
the process of keeping eggs, cells, or organisms in the right conditions for development
Example
The incubation of the eggs lasted for three weeks.
C1 noun /ˌʌl.tɪˈmeɪ.təm/

Ultimatum

Meaning
a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation
Example
The boss gave him an ultimatum: improve or be fired.
C1 adjective /ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

preferential

Meaning
showing or giving advantage to one over others
Example
Members receive preferential treatment at the club.
C1 verb /əˈtjuːn/

attune

Meaning
to make someone or something aware of or responsive to something; to adjust or harmonize
Example
She quickly attuned herself to the needs of her new team.
C1 noun ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfek.ʃən

disinfection

Meaning
The process of destroying harmful microorganisms to prevent infection.
Example
Kitchen appliances require frequent disinfection.
C1 noun /ˈmɪmɪkri/

mimicry

Meaning
The act of imitating someone or something, often for humor or learning.
Example
The comedian’s mimicry of celebrities made the audience laugh.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒənt/

insurgent

Meaning
A person who rises in revolt against authority or government.
Example
The army arrested several insurgents after the attack.
C1 adjective /ˈdestatəʊt/

Destitute

Meaning
extremely poor; without money or possessions
Example
Many families became destitute after the economic collapse.
C1 noun ɪmˈpɛə(r)mənt

impairment

Meaning
The state of being damaged or weakened; a disability or handicap.
Example
Hearing impairment can be caused by long-term exposure to loud noise.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrdɪnəns/

ordinance

Meaning
An authoritative rule, law, or decree issued by a city, town, or authority.
Example
The city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public parks.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

indictment

Meaning
a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime
Example
The indictment accused the company of multiple violations.
C1 adjective /fəˈnætɪk/

Fanatic

Meaning
extremely passionate about something; showing excessive enthusiasm or devotion
Example
He is a fanatic supporter of his football team.
C1 verb /səˈplænt/

supplant

Meaning
To take the place of something or someone, often by force or strategy.
Example
Digital platforms have supplanted traditional newspapers.
C1 adjective /skænt/

Scant

Meaning
barely sufficient; inadequate; small in amount
Example
There was scant evidence to support his claim.
C1 noun /dɪˈmaɪz/

demise

Meaning
Death or end of something, especially the end of an institution or system.
Example
The sudden demise of the company shocked investors.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈstel.ər

interstellar

Meaning
Occurring or situated between stars.
Example
Scientists study interstellar travel possibilities.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf əbˈzɔːrbd/

self-absorbed

Meaning
Excessively preoccupied with oneself and one’s own thoughts, feelings, or interests.
Example
He was too self-absorbed to notice his friend's distress.
C1 adjective ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk

intrinsic

Meaning
Belonging naturally; essential. Existing as a natural or basic part of something.
Example
Creativity is an intrinsic quality of a great artist.
C1 noun /ˈnɛm.ə.sɪs/

nemesis

Meaning
A long-standing rival or an inescapable agent of downfall.
Example
For years, he considered his colleague to be his nemesis.
C1 adjective /pəˈnɪnsjələr/

peninsular

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a peninsula.
Example
The peninsular region is surrounded by water on three sides.
C1 noun /ˈleθ.ər.dʒi/

Lethargy

Meaning
a lack of energy and enthusiasm; tiredness and inactivity
Example
The hot weather caused a feeling of lethargy.
C1 noun /stɛlθ/

stealth

Meaning
The act of moving, doing, or achieving something quietly and secretly.
Example
The cat moved with stealth towards its prey.
C1 adjective /ˈdrɪəri/

dreary

Meaning
dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing
Example
The long, dreary winter made everyone feel gloomy.
C1 adverb /ˈvælɪdli/

validly

Meaning
in a legally, logically, or officially acceptable manner
Example
The contract was validly signed by both parties.
C1 noun /poʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/

polarity

Meaning
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
Example
The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger.
C1 noun /ˈrez.ɪ.dənt ˈkəʊ.ɔː.dɪ.neɪ.tər/

resident coordinator

Meaning
A local administrator or official who coordinates activities in a specific region.
Example
The resident coordinator welcomed all representatives.
C1 /ˈdʒɛtɪsən/

jettison

Meaning
to throw or drop something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle to lighten the load; to abandon something no longer wanted
Example
The crew had to jettison cargo to save the sinking ship.
C1 noun /rɪˈnaʊn/

Renown

Meaning
the condition of being known or talked about by many people; fame
Example
The scientist achieved international renown for her discoveries.
C1 noun /ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/

decimation

Meaning
The act of destroying or killing a large proportion of something.
Example
The decimation of the city left thousands homeless.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.rɔːr/

Uproar

Meaning
a loud and emotional noise or disturbance; public outcry
Example
The announcement caused an uproar among the students.
C1 verb /ˈdiːmɑːrˌkeɪt/

demarcate

Meaning
to set the boundaries or limits of something
Example
The land was demarcated with fences to avoid disputes.
C1 verb /ˈtræmpəl/

trample

Meaning
to tread heavily on something and cause damage or injury
Example
The crowd trampled the flowers in the park.
C1 noun /ˈɛstjʊəri/

estuary

Meaning
the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream
Example
The city is located near the estuary of the river.
C1 adjective ˈsɒvrɪn

sovereign

Meaning
Possessing supreme or ultimate power; independent.
Example
The sovereign government has control over its currency.
C1 noun /ɡlɪtʃ/

glitch

Meaning
A sudden, usually temporary fault or malfunction in a system or device.
Example
The computer crashed due to a minor glitch in the software.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈveə.ri.ə.bəl/

Invariable

Meaning
never changing; constant; always the same
Example
His invariable routine includes morning exercise and coffee.
C1 adjective ˌkɑːr.sɪ.nəˈdʒen.ɪk

carcinogenic

Meaning
Having the potential to cause cancer in living tissue.
Example
Processed meat contains carcinogenic compounds.
C1 adjective /bɪˈmjuːzd/

bemused

Meaning
confused, puzzled, or lost in thought
Example
She looked bemused when he asked the strange question.
C1 noun /kəˈmændər ɪn tʃiːf/

Commander-in-chief

Meaning
the supreme leader of a nation's armed forces
Example
The president serves as the commander-in-chief of the military.
C1 verb /præns/

prance

Meaning
To move with high, springy steps, often to show off or attract attention.
Example
The horse pranced around the field gracefully.
C1 verb /ˈduːdəl/

doodle

Meaning
To draw or scribble absentmindedly, often while thinking about something else.
Example
She doodled flowers in the corner of her notebook during class.
C1 noun/verb /stæmˈpiːd/

stampede

Meaning
A sudden, uncontrolled rush of people or animals; to cause a mass movement.
Example
The loud noise caused a stampede of the crowd.
C1 noun /ˌæf.ɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/

affirmation

Meaning
The action or process of affirming something or being affirmed; emotional support or encouragement.
Example
Daily affirmation of self-worth boosts confidence.
C1 noun /ˈtraɪæd/

triad

Meaning
a group of three closely related people or things
Example
The project was managed by a triad of experts.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/

insurmountable

Meaning
Too great to be overcome.
Example
The explorers faced insurmountable odds in the desert.
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 noun dɪˈfleɪʃən

deflation

Meaning
Reduction of the general level of prices in an economy.
Example
Deflation often leads to decreased consumer spending.
C1 noun /ˈɛksɜːrpt/

excerpt

Meaning
A short portion taken from a text, film, or piece of music.
Example
The teacher read an excerpt from the novel.
C1 adjective /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/

grudging

Meaning
Reluctant or unwilling; given or allowed only with hesitation.
Example
She gave him a grudging smile after the argument.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɜːrvɪsəbəl/

Unserviceable

Meaning
not in working order; unable to be used; defective
Example
The old computer became unserviceable after the system crash.
C1 noun ˈæf.lu.əns

affluence

Meaning
The state of having a great deal of money; wealth.
Example
His affluence allowed him to travel the world.
C1 noun /zest/

Zest

Meaning
great enthusiasm and energy; excitement and vigor; the outer peel of a citrus fruit
Example
She approached the new job with tremendous zest.
C1 verb /səbˈsɪst/

subsist

Meaning
To maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level.
Example
Many villagers still subsist on fishing and farming.
C1 noun /wedʒ/

Wedge

Meaning
a triangular piece of wood or metal used for splitting or securing; a piece of cheese or cake
Example
He used a wooden wedge to split the log into smaller pieces.
C1 adjective /ˈfɛrəl/

feral

Meaning
existing in a wild or untamed state; not domesticated
Example
The feral cat roamed the streets at night.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/

inoffensive

Meaning
Not likely to offend or provoke; harmless.
Example
His inoffensive remarks kept the conversation friendly.
C1 noun /ˈbroʊkərɪdʒ/

brokerage

Meaning
A firm that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, often charging a fee.
Example
The real estate brokerage helped them find a new home.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːlsɪfaɪ/

falsify

Meaning
to make something false or to misrepresent
Example
He tried to falsify the documents to avoid taxes.
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.
C1 noun /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən wɔːr/

liberation war

Meaning
a war fought to gain freedom from foreign rule, occupation, or oppression; an armed struggle for national independence
Example
The liberation war reshaped the nation’s history and identity.
C1 noun /djuːn/

dune

Meaning
A hill or ridge of sand formed by the wind, usually found in deserts or near beaches.
Example
The children played on the sand dune by the beach.
C1 noun kəˈmɑːnd ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi

command economy

Meaning
An economic system where economic activities are controlled by the government.
Example
In a command economy, the government controls production and prices.
C1 noun /ˌsʌb.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən/

substitution

Meaning
the action of replacing someone or something with another
Example
The substitution of the old system with the new one was difficult.
C1 adjective ˈskruː.pjʊ.ləs

scrupulous

Meaning
Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; having moral integrity; acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper.
Example
He is known for being scrupulous in his work.
C1 adjective /sɪmˈfɒnɪk/

symphonic

Meaning
relating to or having the character of a symphony or symphony orchestra
Example
The concert featured a symphonic masterpiece.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

Meaning
to bend or hang downward; to become weak or tired
Example
The flowers began to droop in the heat.
C1 noun /ədˈhɪə.rəns/

adherence

Meaning
The practice of following or keeping to a rule, standard, or belief.
Example
Adherence to rules is crucial in any organization.
C1 adjective /ˈɡleɪʃəl/

glacial

Meaning
relating to ice or glaciers; extremely cold or unfriendly
Example
The mountains were covered in glacial ice.
C1 verb /smɛlt/

smelt

Meaning
to extract metal from its ore by heating and melting
Example
The workers smelt iron from its ore in the factory.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈʌv/

Thereof

Meaning
of that; from that
Example
The contract and all amendments thereof must be signed.
C1 noun /ˈredʒ.ɪ.mən/

regimen

Meaning
A prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health.
Example
A strict exercise regimen improves overall fitness.
C1 noun /ˈkrɛvɪs/

crevice

Meaning
a narrow crack or opening, especially in a rock or wall
Example
The lizard hid in a crevice between the stones.
C1 noun /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪtər/

instigator

Meaning
A person who brings about or initiates something, usually something bad.
Example
The police identified him as the instigator of the violence.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːrbɪd/

morbid

Meaning
Having an abnormal interest in disturbing or unpleasant subjects such as death or disease.
Example
She had a morbid fascination with crime stories.
C1 noun ˌeə.rəʊ.daɪˈnæm.ɪks

aerodynamics

Meaning
The study of the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it.
Example
The aerodynamics of an aircraft determines its speed and efficiency.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrlər/

parlor

Meaning
A sitting room in a private house, or a shop providing specified services.
Example
They welcomed the guests into the front parlor.
C1 verb /ɪˈnɔːɡjʊreɪt/

inaugurate

Meaning
To formally begin or introduce something, especially with a ceremony.
Example
The mayor will inaugurate the new bridge tomorrow.
C1 adjective /ˈdʒoʊ.vi.əl/

jovial

Meaning
cheerful and friendly in manner
Example
He was in a jovial mood during the family gathering.
C1 noun ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn

modification

Meaning
The action of making changes to something.
Example
The plan required modification.
C1 noun /bɑːrb/

barb

Meaning
a sharp projection such as on a fishhook; a cutting remark
Example
The fishhook has a small barb to keep the fish from escaping.
C1 noun /eb/

Ebb

Meaning
the receding tide; a gradual decline or reduction
Example
The fishermen waited for the ebb before returning to shore.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈleɪ.bərd/

labored

Meaning
done with great effort and difficulty; or past tense of labor
Example
He gave a labored explanation that confused the audience.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɪə.ləs/

Cheerless

Meaning
lacking happiness or comfort; gloomy; depressing; without cheer
Example
The old house looked cheerless and abandoned in the winter rain.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɛvərənt/

irreverent

Meaning
showing a lack of respect for people or things that are usually respected
Example
The comedian’s irreverent jokes offended some of the audience.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/

Continual

Meaning
happening repeatedly over a long period of time; constant and uninterrupted
Example
The continual noise from the construction site was very annoying.
C1 verb /ˈdɛsɪmeɪt/

decimate

Meaning
To destroy or kill a large proportion of something.
Example
The wildfire decimated the forest.
C1 noun ˌdiːˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

deregulation

Meaning
The removal or reduction of government regulations in an economic sector.
Example
Deregulation has increased competition in the telecommunications sector.
C1 noun /rʌsk/

Rusk

Meaning
a hard, dry biscuit or twice-baked bread; a type of crisp, sweet biscuit
Example
The baby enjoyed eating the soft rusk with milk.
C1 adjective /ˈliː.θəl/

Lethal

Meaning
deadly; fatal; capable of causing death
Example
The snake's venom is lethal to humans if not treated immediately.
C1 noun /ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/

insignificance

Meaning
The quality of being unimportant or trivial.
Example
He felt a sense of insignificance in the vast universe.
C1 noun /ˈzoʊdiæk/

Zodiac

Meaning
a belt of the heavens within which lie the paths of the sun, moon, and planets; the twelve astrological signs
Example
What is your zodiac sign?
C1 noun /ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒi/

etymology

Meaning
The study of the origin of words and how their meanings and forms have evolved.
Example
The etymology of the word 'salary' comes from the Latin word for salt.
C1 noun /ˌdiː.viˈeɪ.ʃən/

Deviation

Meaning
the action of departing from an established course; a departure from usual standards
Example
Any deviation from the established procedure must be reported immediately.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɪfərəl/

peripheral

Meaning
Relating to or situated on the edge or outer parts of something.
Example
The town is located on the peripheral area of the city.
C1 noun /ˈæk.jʊ.mən/

acumen

Meaning
The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions; keenness and depth of perception.
Example
His business acumen helped the company grow rapidly.
C1 noun /ˈkiːpˌseɪk/

keepsake

Meaning
An object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
Example
She gave me a small locket as a keepsake of our friendship.
C1 verb /bɪˈwɪldər/

bewilder

Meaning
to cause someone to be confused or puzzled
Example
The complex instructions bewildered the students.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈsaɪtəbl̩/

excitable

Meaning
easily excited or emotionally aroused
Example
The child was excitable and laughed at every small thing.
C1 adjective /kɑːrˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Carnivorous

Meaning
feeding on other animals; meat-eating
Example
Lions are carnivorous animals that hunt other animals for food.
C1 verb /kɑːrp/

carp

Meaning
to complain or find fault continually, often about trivial matters
Example
She tends to carp about the smallest inconveniences.
C1 noun /ˈfɪʃˌmʌŋ.ɡər/

fishmonger

Meaning
a person or store that sells fish
Example
I bought fresh salmon from the local fishmonger.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

unbecoming

Meaning
Not proper or appropriate for a person; unsuitable.
Example
His rude behavior was unbecoming of a leader.
C1 verb /ˈɡlɪsən/

glisten

Meaning
To shine with a sparkling light, often when wet or polished.
Example
The grass glistened with morning dew.
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.
C1 noun nɪˈmɒnɪks

mnemonics

Meaning
A technique to aid memory; a device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations
Example
Mnemonics help in remembering complex concepts easily.
C1 noun /ˈtjuːmʌlt/

tumult

Meaning
A loud, confused noise, especially caused by a crowd; commotion or disorder.
Example
The protest created a tumult in the city square.
C1 noun ˌdaɪvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

diversification

Meaning
The practice of spreading investments across various assets or sectors to reduce risk.
Example
Diversification helps to reduce investment risk.
C1 noun /koʊˈɜː.ʃən/

coercion

Meaning
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
Example
Cybercriminals use coercion to extract information.
C1 noun /ˌfɜːrmənˈteɪʃən/

fermentation

Meaning
a chemical process by which substances like sugar are converted into alcohol or acids using microorganisms
Example
The fermentation of grapes produces wine.
C1 verb /ɪnˈlaɪvən/

enliven

Meaning
to make something more lively, interesting, or cheerful
Example
Her jokes helped enliven the dull meeting.
C1 noun ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌnjuː.tri.ənt

micronutrient

Meaning
Essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts, including vitamins and minerals.
Example
Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for growth.
C1 noun /ˈɪnˌmeɪt/

inmate

Meaning
a person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital
Example
The prison has over a thousand inmates.
C1 noun /ˌdep.rɪˈveɪ.ʃən/

deprivation

Meaning
The damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a society.
Example
Sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
C1 verb /kənˈtraɪv/

contrive

Meaning
to plan or devise cleverly or skillfully
Example
She contrived a clever plan to surprise her friends.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈmɪsəbl̩/

inadmissible

Meaning
Not allowed, especially as evidence in a court of law.
Example
The judge ruled the evidence inadmissible.
C1 noun /məˈrɑːl/

Morale

Meaning
the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group
Example
The team's morale improved after the victory.
C1 noun /ˈkɒmən kɑːp/

Common Carp

Meaning
A large freshwater fish widely cultivated for food
Example
Common carp is an important fish in aquaculture.
C1 noun /ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/

figurehead

Meaning
a nominal leader with no real power; a symbolic head
Example
The king was merely a figurehead with no real authority.
C1 verb /wɔːrp/

warp

Meaning
To twist or bend out of shape, often due to heat or moisture.
Example
The wooden door warped in the summer heat.
C1 noun /tɒŋ/

tong

Meaning
a tool with two movable arms used to pick up and hold objects
Example
He used the tong to pick up the hot coal.