saboteur
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
C1 noun /ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

saboteur

Meaning
A person who engages in sabotage.
Example
The saboteur was arrested before he could plant the bomb.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɜːrsəneɪt/

impersonate

Meaning
to pretend to be another person in order to entertain or deceive
Example
He was arrested for trying to impersonate a police officer.
C1 adjective /ˈlaɪf.laɪk/

lifelike

Meaning
Very similar to a real person, object, or scene; realistic.
Example
The wax figure was so lifelike that people thought it was a real person.
C1 noun ˌsæn.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

sanitization

Meaning
The process of cleaning and disinfecting to eliminate germs and bacteria.
Example
Regular sanitization keeps appliances germ-free.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɒl.ər.ə.bəl/

Intolerable

Meaning
unable to be endured; extremely unpleasant or painful
Example
The noise from the construction site was intolerable.
C1 noun /əˈpɒlədʒɪst/

apologist

Meaning
a person who defends or justifies something, often a controversial belief or institution
Example
He is known as an apologist for authoritarian regimes.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.trə.vɜːrt/

introvert

Meaning
A person who tends to be shy and prefers spending time alone rather than in groups.
Example
As an introvert, he preferred reading over attending parties.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːr.θən/

Earthen

Meaning
made of earth or clay; relating to pottery or ceramic materials
Example
The kitchen had beautiful earthen pots for storage.
C1 noun ˌoʊ.vɚˈɡreɪ.zɪŋ

overgrazing

Meaning
The practice of allowing livestock to graze to the point of damaging vegetation.
Example
Overgrazing leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvaɪzəbl/

inadvisable

Meaning
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences.
Example
It is inadvisable to drive in such heavy rain.
C1 noun /ˈpɛntəɡən/

pentagon

Meaning
A plane figure with five straight sides and five angles; also refers to the US Department of Defense building.
Example
The Pentagon is one of the most iconic government buildings in the United States.
C1 noun /ˌriː.pəˈkʌʃ.ən/

repercussion

Meaning
An unintended consequence occurring some time after an event or action.
Example
The economic crisis had severe repercussions on global trade.
C1 adjective /swɑːv/

suave

Meaning
charming, confident, and elegant, often in a smooth or polished way
Example
He was a suave gentleman who impressed everyone at the party.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv

introspective

Meaning
Characterized by or given to introspection; examining one's own thoughts and feelings.
Example
Writers tend to be highly introspective individuals.
C1 verb /ɔːˈθɛntɪkeɪt/

authenticate

Meaning
To prove or show that something is genuine or true.
Example
The bank uses advanced technology to authenticate online transactions.
C1 noun ˌrɛk.əˈlɛk.ʃən

Recollection

Meaning
Remembering past events or information
Example
His recollection of childhood memories was vivid.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/

counteract

Meaning
to act against something in order to reduce its effect
Example
The medicine helps counteract the side effects of the treatment.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈsleɪvəri/

antislavery

Meaning
Opposed to the practice or system of slavery.
Example
The antislavery movement gained momentum in the 19th century.
C1 noun /ˈdʒʌŋk.tʃər/

Juncture

Meaning
a particular point in events or time; a critical moment when important decisions must be made
Example
At this juncture, we need to make a crucial decision about our future.
C1 noun /njʊəˈrəʊ.sɪs/

neurosis

Meaning
A relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress.
Example
His neurosis made social interactions difficult.
C1 noun /ˈrɛspɪt/

respite

Meaning
A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
Example
The weekend provided a welcome respite from work.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
C1 noun /ˈseɪɑːns/

seance

Meaning
A meeting where people attempt to communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Example
They held a seance to contact their late grandmother.
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 /diːˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

detoxification

Meaning
The process of removing toxic substances from a living organism.
Example
Detoxification helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances.
C1 noun əˈrɪd.ɪ.ti

aridity

Meaning
The state of being extremely dry, especially having insufficient rainfall to support vegetation.
Example
The aridity of the land is increasing due to climate change.
C1 verb /ʌnˈɜːθ/

unearth

Meaning
To dig up from the ground or to discover something hidden.
Example
Archaeologists unearthed ancient artifacts at the site.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒbəl/

squabble

Meaning
To argue noisily over something small or unimportant.
Example
The children squabbled over the last piece of cake.
C1 noun /ˌɛks.həˈleɪ.ʃən/

exhalation

Meaning
The action of breathing out.
Example
Slow exhalation calms the nervous system.
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 /wɪk/

Wick

Meaning
a cord or strand of cotton that burns to provide light in a candle or lamp
Example
The candle wick needs to be trimmed for better burning.
C1 adjective /ˈretʃɪd/

Wretched

Meaning
very unhappy; miserable; of poor quality
Example
The refugees lived in wretched conditions.
C1 adjective liːst prɪˈpeərd

least prepared

Meaning
Having the minimum level of readiness or equipment to handle a situation.
Example
Bangladesh is among the least prepared for climate adaptation.
C1 noun /ˌfɪziˈɑːlədʒi/

physiology

Meaning
the scientific study of the functions and mechanisms in a living system
Example
She is majoring in human physiology at the university.
C1 noun /pɒˈstɛrɪti/

posterity

Meaning
All future generations of people.
Example
The monument was built for the benefit of posterity.
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 noun /ˈtem.pɚ.əns/

temperance

Meaning
Moderation in action, thought, or feeling; restraint.
Example
Temperance is essential for a balanced life.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪd/

exhilarated

Meaning
feeling very happy, animated, or elated
Example
She felt exhilarated after finishing the marathon.
C1 verb /dɪˈteɪn/

detain

Meaning
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
Example
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
C1 noun /ˈkʌvənənt/

covenant

Meaning
a formal agreement or promise, often legally binding
Example
The landlord and tenant signed a covenant to maintain the property.
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 /ˈliːdʒən/

legion

Meaning
a large group of people, especially soldiers; a great number
Example
The Roman army was divided into legions.
C1 noun, verb /slɜːr/

slur

Meaning
An insulting remark or suggestion; or to speak indistinctly.
Example
He made a slur against her character.
C1 noun /ɪˈmiːdiəsi/

immediacy

Meaning
The quality of bringing one into direct and instant involvement with something, giving rise to a sense of urgency or excitement.
Example
The immediacy of digital communication has reshaped business operations.
C1 noun /ˈkætərækt/

cataract

Meaning
A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's lens; also a large waterfall.
Example
The old man suffered from cataracts in both eyes.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔː.fəl/

Lawful

Meaning
legal; legitimate; valid; just
Example
The judge confirmed that their actions were lawful and proper.
C1 adjective ɛnˈdɛm.ɪk

endemic

Meaning
Native and restricted to a certain place.
Example
The Bengal tiger is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
C1 adjective/adverb /əˈmɪs/

amiss

Meaning
Not quite right; inappropriate or out of place.
Example
Something seems amiss with the car's engine.
C1 verb /rɪˈtælieɪt/

retaliate

Meaning
to make an attack in return for a similar attack
Example
The army retaliated after the enemy attack.
C1 verb /ɪnˈɡreɪv/

engrave

Meaning
to cut or carve a design, letter, or pattern into a hard surface
Example
The craftsman engraved her name on the silver ring.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪkiː/

psyche

Meaning
the human soul, mind, or spirit
Example
The novel explores the depths of the human psyche.
C1 adjective /tɛmˈpɛstjuəs/

tempestuous

Meaning
Characterized by strong and turbulent emotions or stormy conditions.
Example
Their tempestuous relationship often swung between love and anger.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnsɪv/

pensive

Meaning
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
Example
She looked pensive as she stared out of the window.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.i.ənt/

Orient

Meaning
the East, especially countries of eastern Asia; to determine one's position or direction
Example
Many spices come from the Orient.
C1 noun /ɪnˈtruː.ʒən/

intrusion

Meaning
Unauthorized entry into a system or place without permission
Example
The company detected an intrusion in its server.
C1 adjective /prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/

prohibitive

Meaning
Too high or expensive to be affordable; serving to prevent or discourage action.
Example
The cost of the medication is prohibitive for many families.
C1 verb /ˈvæŋkwɪʃ/

vanquish

Meaning
to defeat thoroughly, especially in battle or competition
Example
The army vanquished its enemies with superior strategy.
C1 adjective, noun, verb /ˈtrɛbəl/

treble

Meaning
triple; consisting of three parts; high-pitched sound in music
Example
The company's profits trebled in just two years.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

purgatory

Meaning
A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven; a temporary condition of torment or suffering.
Example
After the accident, the long recovery felt like a kind of purgatory.
C1 noun /ˈɡlædiˌeɪtər/

gladiator

Meaning
A man trained to fight in public contests in ancient Rome.
Example
The gladiator fought bravely in the arena.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈbæntərɪŋ/

bantering

Meaning
characterized by good-humored teasing or joking
Example
They had a bantering conversation at the café.
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 noun /ˈkæləs/

callus

Meaning
A thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area subjected to friction.
Example
A callus formed on his palm from using tools every day.
C1 adjective /rɪˈtæl.i.ə.tɔːr.i/

retaliatory

Meaning
Taking action in response to another's action, characterized as punitive, revengeful, or counteractive.
Example
The country imposed retaliatory tariffs in response to trade sanctions.
C1 verb /ɪnˈskraɪb/

inscribe

Meaning
to write or carve words or symbols on a surface
Example
They inscribed her name on the trophy.
C1 verb /ɪˈmɔːrtəlaɪz/

immortalize

Meaning
to preserve the memory of someone or something forever
Example
The statue was built to immortalize the hero’s sacrifice.
C1 noun /ˈæmplɪtjuːd/

amplitude

Meaning
the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, or the size of something
Example
The amplitude of the earthquake was measured on the Richter scale.
C1 verb /ˈflɪk.ər/

flicker

Meaning
to shine unsteadily or waver between light and dark
Example
The candle flickered in the wind.
C1 noun /ˈhɪr.seɪ/

Hearsay

Meaning
information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor
Example
The accusations were based on hearsay rather than concrete evidence or eyewitness testimony.
C1 adjective /ˈrʌs.tɪk/

Rustic

Meaning
simple and unsophisticated; relating to rural areas
Example
The rustic cottage had wooden beams and a thatched roof.
C1 noun æmˈbɪvələns

ambivalence

Meaning
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something; uncertainty or confusion.
Example
She felt ambivalence about taking the job offer.
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 noun /ˌnoʊtəˈraɪəti/

notoriety

Meaning
The state of being famous or well-known for something bad.
Example
The criminal gained notoriety for his daring escapes.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɒlvənt/

insolvent

Meaning
unable to pay debts owed
Example
The insolvent firm could not meet its financial obligations.
C1 noun /ˌævɒ̃ˈɡɑːrd/

avantgarde

Meaning
people or works that are innovative, experimental, and ahead of their time
Example
The avantgarde of the 20th century reshaped modern art.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfɜːrloʊ/

furlough

Meaning
temporary leave of absence from work, especially that granted to an employee or soldier
Example
Many workers were placed on furlough during the crisis.
C1 noun /ˌdɛrɪˈveɪʃən/

derivation

Meaning
The origin or development of something from a source.
Example
The derivation of the word comes from Latin.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌstʌdi/

understudy

Meaning
An actor who learns another's role to act as a replacement if needed.
Example
The understudy performed when the lead actor fell ill.
C1 verb /əˈnʌl/

annul

Meaning
to declare something legally invalid or cancel it
Example
The court decided to annul the marriage due to fraud.
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 adjective /ˈræmʃækəl/

ramshackle

Meaning
poorly built or maintained; in a state of disrepair
Example
They lived in a ramshackle old house on the edge of town.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈdɪs.ɪ.plɪ.nər.i

interdisciplinary

Meaning
Relating to more than one branch of knowledge.
Example
The interdisciplinary approach in education enhances problem-solving skills.
C1 verb /ɡleɪz/

glaze

Meaning
to cover with a smooth, shiny surface; to coat with a glossy finish
Example
The chef glazed the cake with chocolate.
C1 noun /səˈprɑːnoʊ/

soprano

Meaning
the highest female or boy’s singing voice
Example
She sang beautifully in the soprano range during the concert.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt/

indistinct

Meaning
Not clear or sharply defined; vague or blurred.
Example
The sound of voices was indistinct in the distance.
C1 noun /ˈspɛktər/

specter

Meaning
A ghost or spirit; something that causes fear or dread.
Example
The specter of war still haunts the region.
C1 noun /mjuːˈteɪʃn/

mutation

Meaning
A change in form, structure, or nature, especially in genetics.
Example
Scientists discovered a genetic mutation that caused the disorder.
C1 adjective /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/

apprehensive

Meaning
feeling anxious or fearful that something bad will happen
Example
He was apprehensive about starting a new job in a foreign country.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːkənt/

piquant

Meaning
having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste; interestingly provocative
Example
The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish to enhance its flavor.
C1 noun /ˌsæl.jʊˈteɪ.ʃən/

Salutation

Meaning
a greeting; an expression of goodwill
Example
The letter began with a formal salutation.
C1 noun /ˌprɒk.ləˈmeɪ.ʃən/

Proclamation

Meaning
an official public announcement, especially one made by someone in authority
Example
The king issued a proclamation declaring peace.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɛtərd/

unfettered

Meaning
not restricted or confined; free
Example
The artist enjoyed unfettered freedom of expression.
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 adjective /ˈsæljʊˌtɛri/

salutary

Meaning
Producing good effects; beneficial, especially after something unpleasant.
Example
The accident was a salutary reminder to drive carefully.
C1 verb /strʌt/

strut

Meaning
to walk with a stiff, proud, and confident gait, often to show off
Example
He strutted across the stage after winning the award.
C1 noun /ˈviːəməns/

Vehemence

Meaning
great forcefulness or intensity of feeling or expression; passionate conviction
Example
He argued with such vehemence that everyone was surprised.
C1 noun /ˌdiː.kɒmpəˈzɪʃən/

decomposition

Meaning
the process of decaying or breaking down into simpler parts
Example
The decomposition of leaves enriches the soil.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm/

conservatism

Meaning
A political or social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and resistance to change.
Example
Conservatism values tradition and gradual development.
C1 adjective /əˈɡæst/

aghast

Meaning
filled with shock or horror
Example
The audience was aghast at the tragic scene.
C1 adjective /ˈlɑːpˌsaɪdɪd/

lopsided

Meaning
with one side lower, larger, or different from the other; uneven or imbalanced
Example
The cake looked lopsided after being decorated in a hurry.
C1 adjective prəˈvɪnʃəl

provincial

Meaning
Of or concerning a province of a country or empire.
Example
Bengali was not just a provincial language.
C1 adjective ˌbjʊə.rəˈkræt.ɪk

bureaucratic

Meaning
Involving or characterized by complex rules and procedures that can delay the achievement of goals.
Example
Bureaucratic red tape often delays project approvals.
C1 adjective /ˈmærɪtəl/

marital

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife.
Example
They sought counseling to resolve their marital issues.
C1 adjective, verb /muːt/

moot

Meaning
Adjective: subject to debate or irrelevant. Verb: to suggest an idea for discussion.
Example
The issue of funding became a moot point after the project was canceled.
C1 noun /nɑːrˈkɒtɪk/

narcotic

Meaning
A drug that dulls the senses and relieves pain, often causing sleep and sometimes addiction.
Example
The police seized a large amount of narcotic substances.
C1 adjective /pərˈpɔːrtɪd/

purported

Meaning
alleged or claimed to be true, often without proof
Example
The purported evidence was later proven false.
C1 verb /ˈtɒpl/

topple

Meaning
to fall or cause to fall over; to overthrow
Example
The earthquake caused the old building to topple.
C1 noun /brɔːl/

brawl

Meaning
a noisy fight in a public place
Example
A brawl broke out outside the bar late at night.
C1 phrase ˌkæt.əˈɡɒr.ɪ.kəl.i rɪˈfjuː.tɪd

categorically refuted

Meaning
Completely and absolutely denied or disproved.
Example
The claims were categorically refuted by officials.
C1 noun /ˌfɪɡjʊˈriːn/

figurine

Meaning
a small ornamental statue or model of a human or animal
Example
She bought a porcelain figurine of a dancing ballerina.
C1 noun ˌlɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

litigation

Meaning
The process of taking legal action; a lawsuit.
Example
The litigation accused the regime of human rights abuses.
C1 noun /sɛˈseɪʃən/

cessation

Meaning
The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.
Example
There was a temporary cessation of hostilities.
C1 noun /ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/

magistrate

Meaning
A civil officer who administers the law, often with limited judicial authority.
Example
The magistrate presided over the minor criminal case.
C1 noun /tækˈtɪʃ.ən/

tactician

Meaning
a person who is skilled at planning and achieving goals, especially in military or business
Example
Napoleon was a brilliant tactician.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər ˈspɪn.ɪtʃ/

Water Spinach

Meaning
A semi-aquatic leafy vegetable with hollow stems, popular in Asian cuisine
Example
Water spinach grows well in wet soil.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪˈtɪpɪkəl/

atypical

Meaning
not representative of a type, group, or class; unusual or abnormal
Example
The doctor said it was an atypical case of the disease.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
C1 noun /dʒɛˈsteɪʃən/

gestation

Meaning
the process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth; the development of an idea or plan
Example
The gestation period of an elephant is nearly two years.
C1 verb /ˈræŋɡl̩/

wrangle

Meaning
to argue or dispute noisily or angrily
Example
The two neighbors wrangled over the property line for hours.
C1 noun /ˈɡɑːr.lənd/

Garland

Meaning
a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as decoration
Example
The bride wore a beautiful floral garland during the traditional ceremony.
C1 adjective /ˈprɒdɪɡəl/

prodigal

Meaning
spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant
Example
The prodigal son returned home after wasting his inheritance.