Rival
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B2 noun /ˈraɪvəl/

Rival

Meaning
a person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field
Example
The two companies have been business rivals for decades.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈsprɛsəbl/

inexpressible

Meaning
Too strong or extreme to be expressed in words.
Example
She felt inexpressible joy at the news of her success.
C1 noun /maɪt/

mite

Meaning
a very small creature, often a tiny arachnid; also used to mean a very small amount
Example
The mattress was infested with dust mites.
C1 verb /ˈlʌmbər/

lumber

Meaning
to move in a slow, heavy, awkward way
Example
The bear lumbered through the forest in search of food.
C2 noun /ˈɛərəˌnɔːt/

aeronaut

Meaning
A person who travels in an airship, balloon, or other aircraft.
Example
The aeronaut skillfully guided the hot-air balloon across the valley.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnˌɑːpərˈtuːn/

inopportune

Meaning
Happening at a bad or inconvenient time.
Example
His call came at the most inopportune moment.
C2 adjective /ˈærənt/

arrant

Meaning
complete or utter (used negatively, e.g., 'arrant nonsense')
Example
His excuse was arrant nonsense.
C2 noun /ruːθ/

ruth

Meaning
A feeling of pity, compassion, or sorrow.
Example
He felt no ruth for the people he had betrayed.
C2 noun/verb /sluːs/

sluice

Meaning
A sliding gate for controlling the flow of water; to wash or rinse with water in large quantities.
Example
The workers sluiced the mud off the street after the heavy rain.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlieɪtɪd/

ciliated

Meaning
Having minute hairlike projections (cilia) on the surface of cells or organisms.
Example
The ciliated cells in the respiratory tract help move mucus out of the lungs.
C1 noun /ˈpɪt.əns/

pittance

Meaning
a very small or inadequate amount of money
Example
She worked long hours for a mere pittance.
C1 noun /əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/

observatory

Meaning
A building equipped for observing astronomical or meteorological events.
Example
The observatory is open to the public on weekends.
C1 adjective rɪsk-ədˈʤɛstɪd

risk-adjusted

Meaning
Modified or calibrated to account for risk factors in investment returns.
Example
Risk-adjusted returns consider both potential profit and loss.
C2 adjective /bruːsk/ or /brʌsk/

brusque

Meaning
abrupt or blunt in manner or speech, often seen as rude
Example
His brusque reply ended the conversation.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪt/

maculate

Meaning
To stain, spot, or pollute something.
Example
The white cloth was maculated by ink stains.
C2 noun /proʊˈskrɪp.ʃən/

proscription

Meaning
the act of forbidding something, especially by law
Example
The proscription of child labor is an important human rights achievement.
C1 verb /bɒtʃ/

botch

Meaning
to carry out a task badly or carelessly
Example
He completely botched the repair job.
B2 adverb /ˈʌt.ə.li/

Utterly

Meaning
completely; absolutely; totally
Example
The movie was utterly boring and I fell asleep.
C1 adjective /ˈtɜːrbjələnt/

turbulent

Meaning
Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.
Example
The country went through a turbulent period of political change.
B2 noun ˈlɛɡ.ə.si

legacy

Meaning
An amount of money or property left to someone in a will; something left or handed down by a predecessor.
Example
His contributions left a lasting legacy in the industry.
C2 noun /foʊ ˈpɑː/

faux pas

Meaning
a social blunder or mistake in etiquette
Example
He committed a major faux pas by forgetting her birthday.
B2 verb /ɪnˈveɪd/

invade

Meaning
to enter a place or country forcefully, especially as an enemy
Example
The army invaded the neighboring country.
C1 verb /ˈwɒloʊ/

wallow

Meaning
to roll about or indulge oneself in something excessively
Example
The buffalo likes to wallow in the mud on hot days.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪst/

preexist

Meaning
to exist beforehand or before something else
Example
These customs preexist the arrival of modern technology.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪk ə ˌbræk/

bric-a-brac

Meaning
Small decorative objects or ornaments, often of little value.
Example
The shelves were filled with old bric-a-brac from her travels.
B2 noun /ˈbætʃələr/

Bachelor

Meaning
an unmarried man; a person who holds a first degree from a university
Example
He remained a bachelor all his life and earned a bachelor's degree in engineering.
C2 adjective /ˌɪmpɪˈkjuːniəs/

impecunious

Meaning
Having little or no money; poor.
Example
He grew up in an impecunious family.
C2 noun /ˌiː.mɛnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

emendation

Meaning
a correction or improvement made to a text
Example
The article required several emendations before it was ready for print.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪstri/

sophistry

Meaning
the use of clever but false arguments, often to deceive
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophistry.
B2 noun /feɪt/

Fate

Meaning
the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power
Example
Many people believe that fate determines the course of their lives.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/

impediment

Meaning
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; something that prevents progress.
Example
Lack of funds is a major impediment to the project.
A1 noun /ˈwɔːkɪŋ/

walking

Meaning
the activity of moving on foot at a moderate pace
Example
Walking every morning is good for your health.
C1 noun /ˌtɛknɪˈkæləti/

technicality

Meaning
A small detail of law, rule, or procedure; a minor point that affects an outcome.
Example
The case was dismissed on a technicality.
B1 noun /skɑːrf/

Scarf

Meaning
a length of fabric worn around the neck or head for warmth, protection, or fashion
Example
She wrapped a warm scarf around her neck in the cold weather.
C1 adjective /ˈwɜːrkəbəl/

Workable

Meaning
capable of being done or put into effect; practical
Example
We need a workable solution to solve this problem quickly.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.lət/

islet

Meaning
A very small island.
Example
The fishermen rested on a tiny islet before continuing their journey.
C2 verb /oʊˈpaɪn/

opine

Meaning
to express an opinion or belief
Example
The professor opined that the policy would fail.
C1 noun /ˌluː.brɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

lubrication

Meaning
The action of applying a substance to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact.
Example
Lubrication of the eyes is essential for well-being.
C2 noun /ˈkæm.fər/

Camphor

Meaning
a white crystalline substance with a strong aromatic smell, used in medicine and religious ceremonies
Example
The temple was filled with the fragrant smoke of burning camphor.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.səˌbɑːr/

isobar

Meaning
A line on a weather map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure.
Example
The meteorologist explained how isobars indicate wind speed and direction.
C2 noun /ˈneɪdɪər/

nadir

Meaning
The lowest point of a situation or condition.
Example
The company reached its nadir during the financial crisis.
C2 adjective /koʊˈtɜːr.mɪ.nəs/

coterminous

Meaning
having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
Example
The two jurisdictions are coterminous, sharing the same borders.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdaʊ.tə.bəl/

redoubtable

Meaning
formidable, especially as an opponent; inspiring fear or respect
Example
She was a redoubtable leader who commanded respect from all.
A2 noun /brænd/

brand

Meaning
a type of product manufactured by a company under a particular name
Example
Nike is a popular brand of sportswear.
C2 noun /ɡəˈruːlɪti/

garrulity

Meaning
Excessive talkativeness, especially about trivial matters.
Example
His garrulity made it hard to focus during the meeting.
C1 noun /ɪˈnɜː.ʃə/

Inertia

Meaning
a tendency to do nothing or remain unchanged; lack of activity or movement
Example
The team's inertia prevented them from adapting to the rapidly changing market conditions.
C1 noun dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɪv dɪˈzizɪz

degenerative diseases

Meaning
Medical conditions that involve the deterioration or progressive decline of tissues, organs, or functions
Example
Degenerative diseases are common in an aging population.
B1 noun /rɪˈsep.ʃən/

Reception

Meaning
the action of receiving something or someone; a formal social occasion held to welcome someone
Example
The wedding reception was held at a beautiful hotel.
B2 noun ɑːmd ˈkɒn.flɪkt

armed conflict

Meaning
A contest of armed forces; warfare between opposing military forces.
Example
Armed conflict resulted in widespread devastation.
B2 noun /ˈledʒ.ənd/

Legend

Meaning
a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated; an extremely famous or notorious person
Example
The legend of King Arthur has inspired many books.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfʌldʒənt/

refulgent

Meaning
Shining brightly; radiant.
Example
The refulgent sun lit up the entire valley.
B2 adjective /ˌθɛr.əˈpjuː.tɪk/

therapeutic

Meaning
Having a healing or beneficial effect on the body or mind.
Example
Meditation is highly therapeutic for mental well-being.
B2 noun /ɡɪə(r)/

gear

Meaning
Equipment or apparatus for a particular purpose; also a toothed wheel in machinery.
Example
The climber packed all his gear before starting the journey.
C2 noun /ˈbɛlfri/

belfry

Meaning
A bell tower, especially one attached to a church or building.
Example
The church belfry housed a large bronze bell.
B1 adverb /ˈruːdli/

Rudely

Meaning
in an impolite or discourteous manner
Example
He rudely interrupted the speaker during the presentation.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmənˌtɛri/

commentary

Meaning
An expression of opinions or explanations about an event, situation, or text.
Example
The professor's commentary on the novel was insightful.
B2 adjective /suːˈpɪə.ri.ər/

Superior

Meaning
higher in rank, quality, or importance; better than average
Example
This product is superior to all others in the market.
C1 noun rɪˈdʌndənsi

redundancy

Meaning
The state of being not or no longer needed or useful; superfluousness.
Example
The redundancy in the company's workforce led to many layoffs.
B2 noun /ˈfɔːr.kæst/

Forecast

Meaning
a prediction or estimate of future events, especially coming weather conditions
Example
The weather forecast predicted heavy rain for the entire weekend.
C1 verb /ræsp/

rasp

Meaning
to speak in a rough, harsh voice or to scrape with a coarse sound
Example
He rasped out a warning before collapsing.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɔːni/

brawny

Meaning
Physically strong and muscular.
Example
The brawny man lifted the heavy box with ease.
A1 preposition/adverb/conjunction /bɪˈfɔːr/

before

Meaning
At an earlier time; in front of in order or place.
Example
She arrived before the meeting started.
C1 adjective /ˈθrɪfti/

thrifty

Meaning
using money and resources carefully and not wastefully
Example
She is very thrifty and always saves money for the future.
C2 noun /meɪs/

Mase

Meaning
spice obtained from the reddish seed covering of the nutmeg seed
Example
A pinch of mace adds warmth to the dessert.
B2 adjective /ˈræp.ɪd/

Rapid

Meaning
happening in a short time or at a fast pace
Example
The rapid growth of technology has changed our daily lives.
C2 verb /ɛmˈbɔs/

emboss

Meaning
to decorate a surface with a raised design or pattern
Example
The invitation card was embossed with golden letters.
C2 noun /dɪsˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

disjunction

Meaning
A lack of connection between things; separation or disunity.
Example
There is a clear disjunction between theory and practice.
C2 verb /ɪmˈbruː/

imbrue

Meaning
To stain, especially with blood.
Example
His hands were imbrued with blood after the battle.
C2 noun /ɪɡˈzækʃən/

exaction

Meaning
the act of demanding or obtaining something, especially unfairly
Example
The peasants suffered under the king's heavy exactions.
C1 adjective /ˈnjʊrəl/

neural

Meaning
Relating to nerves or the nervous system.
Example
Scientists study neural connections in the brain.
C1 noun /ˈɡraʊnd kruː/

ground crew

Meaning
a team of people who maintain and service aircraft on the ground
Example
The ground crew prepared the plane for takeoff.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnbɪˈliːvɪŋ/

unbelieving

Meaning
Not willing or able to believe; skeptical or doubtful
Example
She gave him an unbelieving look when he claimed to have met a celebrity.
C1 verb /klæsp/

clasp

Meaning
to grasp or hold tightly; also a device for fastening
Example
She clasped her hands together in prayer.
B2 adjective /ˈlɪb.ər.əl/

Liberal

Meaning
open-minded; tolerant; generous; progressive in thinking
Example
She has a liberal attitude towards different cultures and beliefs.
C1 adjective/noun /ˈkɜːrsɪv/

cursive

Meaning
Written with characters joined together in a flowing manner.
Example
The teacher asked students to write the essay in cursive handwriting.
C2 noun /ˌvɑːljəˈbɪləti/

volubility

Meaning
The quality of talking fluently, readily, or incessantly.
Example
His volubility made him a successful radio host.
C2 adjective /ˌæk.rɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

acrimonious

Meaning
Bitter and angry, often involving harsh words.
Example
The debate turned acrimonious after the controversial remark.
C2 noun /ɡreɪˈdeɪʃən/

gradation

Meaning
A gradual change from one stage, tone, or degree to another.
Example
The artist used subtle gradation of colors in her painting.
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 noun /tɪnt/

tint

Meaning
a slight shade or variation of a color
Example
The walls were painted white with a slight blue tint.
C2 adjective /kwɪkˈsɑː.t̬ɪk/

quixotic

Meaning
Extremely idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical.
Example
His quixotic dreams often led to disappointment.
C1 adjective /ˈljʊərɪd/

lurid

Meaning
shocking or sensational in a vivid way, often involving crime or violence
Example
The newspaper published a lurid account of the crime.
B2 preposition /kənˈsɜːnɪŋ/

concerning

Meaning
about or relating to something; causing worry or anxiety
Example
There are some reports concerning the new project.
C1 noun /ˈmaɪzər/

miser

Meaning
A person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible.
Example
The old miser refused to donate even a penny to charity.
C2 noun /ˈɛksplɪkeɪtər/

explicator

Meaning
a person who explains or interprets something in detail
Example
The critic served as an explicator of the poet’s complex works.
C2 adjective /ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪk/

prophylactic

Meaning
intended to prevent disease or an unwanted outcome; protective
Example
The doctor prescribed a prophylactic treatment to prevent infection.
B1 noun /lɔk/

Lock

Meaning
a mechanism for keeping a door, lid, etc., fastened, typically operated only by a key of a particular form
Example
Make sure you lock the door before leaving.
C2 noun /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪk/

ecclesiastic

Meaning
A member of the clergy or church official.
Example
The council was attended by several high-ranking ecclesiastics.
C2 noun /ˈpɛntæd/

pentad

Meaning
A group or set of five things.
Example
The committee was divided into a pentad of working groups.
B1 verb /weɪk/

wake

Meaning
to stop sleeping; to become alert
Example
I wake up at 7 AM every morning.
C1 noun /ˌpriːməˈnɪʃən/ or /ˌprɛm-/

premonition

Meaning
a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative
Example
She had a premonition of danger before the trip.
C2 adjective /aɪˈsɒ.krə.nəs/

isochronous

Meaning
Occurring at equal time intervals; in unison or synchrony.
Example
The pendulum swings are isochronous, repeating at equal intervals.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːreɪ/

foray

Meaning
A sudden short attack or attempt, especially into new activity or territory.
Example
The company made its first foray into the international market.
C1 adjective /ˈtɒrɪd/

torrid

Meaning
Very hot and dry; full of strong emotions or passion.
Example
The desert heat was torrid during the day.
C1 verb /kənˈstruː/

construe

Meaning
to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Example
His words could be construed as a threat.
C1 adverb /ˈæmpli/

amply

Meaning
more than sufficiently; generously
Example
She was amply rewarded for her hard work.
B2 noun, verb /skruː/

screw

Meaning
a metal fastener with a helical ridge; to fasten or tighten something with a screw
Example
He screwed the shelf to the wall tightly.
A1 preposition, adverb /əˈlɔːŋ/

along

Meaning
moving in a constant direction on (a road, path, or surface)
Example
We walked along the river.
C1 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈsɛljʊlər/

unicellular

Meaning
Consisting of a single cell.
Example
Amoebas are unicellular organisms.
C1 verb /ˈməʊbɪlaɪz/

mobilize

Meaning
to organize or prepare people or resources for action
Example
The leader worked hard to mobilize the community for the protest.
B2 adjective /ˈrændəm/

Random

Meaning
without pattern or predetermined order; happening by chance
Example
She selected a random book from the library shelf.
A2 adjective /ˈrɪtən/

written

Meaning
expressed in writing rather than spoken; composed or recorded in written form
Example
The agreement must be in written form to be valid.
B1 noun /ˈsæl.ər.i/

Salary

Meaning
a fixed regular payment, typically paid on a monthly basis
Example
She receives a good salary for her work as a teacher.
C1 verb /ˈfrɒlɪk/

frolic

Meaning
to play and move about cheerfully, energetically, or playfully
Example
The children frolicked in the garden all afternoon.
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.
A2 noun /ˈspiːkər/

speaker

Meaning
a person who speaks or talks, especially as an occupation
Example
The speaker delivered an inspiring speech at the conference.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪˈθɛtɪkəl/

antithetical

Meaning
Directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.
Example
His views were antithetical to the values of the organization.
A1 verb /kʌm/

come

Meaning
to move toward a place; to arrive at a place
Example
Please come to my birthday party.
C2 adjective /səˈræfɪk/

seraphic

Meaning
Of or like a seraph; angelic, pure, and blissful.
Example
She gave him a seraphic smile that calmed his fears.
B2 verb /nɪt/

knit

Meaning
To make clothes or fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
Example
She loves to knit scarves for her friends during the winter.
B2 noun ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃən

transformation

Meaning
A thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character; a complete alteration or evolution.
Example
Digital literacy leads to economic transformation.
B2 noun /ˈdʒɝː.nə.lɪŋ/

journaling

Meaning
The practice of writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences regularly.
Example
Journaling helps in organizing thoughts and reducing stress.
B2 adjective /ˈskɑː.lət/

Scarlet

Meaning
a bright red color with a slightly orange tinge
Example
The scarlet roses in the garden looked magnificent in the morning light.
C1 adjective /dræb/

drab

Meaning
Dull, lacking brightness or interest; monotonous.
Example
The room looked drab with its gray walls and dim lighting.
A1 noun /ˈrɛst(ə)rɒnt/

restaurant

Meaning
a place where meals are prepared and served to customers
Example
We went to the restaurant for dinner.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪnəri/

finery

Meaning
expensive or elaborate clothes, decorations, or accessories
Example
She attended the party in her finest finery.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪks/

metaphysics

Meaning
The branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter.
Example
She studied metaphysics to understand the principles of existence beyond physical science.
B1 noun /ˈflaʊər veɪs/

Flower-vase

Meaning
a decorative container used to hold cut flowers
Example
She placed beautiful roses in the flower vase on the table.
C1 noun /ˈmɔːrtər/

mortar

Meaning
a mixture used in building to bond bricks or stones together; also, a small cannon for firing shells
Example
The workers applied mortar between the bricks.
B2 noun /ˌæn.ɪˈmeɪ.ʃən/

Animation

Meaning
the technique of making inanimate objects appear to move; liveliness and enthusiasm
Example
The animation in this movie is incredibly detailed.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən/

inquisition

Meaning
A prolonged and intense questioning or investigation, often harsh in nature.
Example
The journalist faced an inquisition from the panel about his sources.