scathing
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C1 adjective /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

scathing

Meaning
severely critical; harshly scornful
Example
The critic wrote a scathing review of the movie.
C2 noun /ˌdɪləˈtænt/

dilettante

Meaning
A person who takes up an art, activity, or subject merely for amusement, especially in a superficial way.
Example
He was dismissed as a dilettante in the art world because he lacked formal training.
B1 noun /ˈreɪlˌroʊd/

railroad

Meaning
a track or system of tracks made of steel rails along which trains run
Example
The railroad connects the city to several nearby towns.
B2 noun /ˈræp.ər/

Wrapper

Meaning
a loose garment worn around the body; covering material
Example
She put on a warm wrapper before going outside.
B2 noun /ɪnˈkluːʒən/

inclusion

Meaning
the action or state of including or being included within a group or structure
Example
Diversity and inclusion are key values in modern workplaces.
C1 verb/noun /ˈswæɡ.ər/

swagger

Meaning
To walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant way.
Example
He swaggered into the room as if he owned the place.
B1 adjective /ˈæn.ju.əl/

annual

Meaning
happening once every year
Example
The company holds an annual meeting for all its shareholders.
B2 noun ˈæp.ə.taɪt

appetite

Meaning
A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.
Example
Junk food increases appetite unnaturally.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtriːti/

entreaty

Meaning
An earnest or humble request or plea.
Example
She made an entreaty for peace during the heated argument.
B2 adjective /ˈmaɪnd.fəl/

Mindful

Meaning
being conscious or aware; paying attention to the present moment
Example
She is always mindful of her surroundings and pays attention to details.
B2 noun ˈæmbɪəns

ambience

Meaning
The character and atmosphere of a place.
Example
The restaurant's ambience was relaxed and inviting, perfect for a casual dinner.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrdɪnəl/

ordinal

Meaning
Relating to the order or position of something in a sequence (first, second, third, etc.).
Example
The ordinal number 'third' indicates position in a sequence.
B1 noun /ˈkɒnflɪkt/

conflict

Meaning
A serious disagreement or argument, often a prolonged one.
Example
The two countries are trying to resolve the conflict through negotiations.
C2 adjective /ˈmjuːtɪnəs/

mutinous

Meaning
refusing to obey authority; rebellious
Example
The soldiers grew mutinous after months without pay.
C2 adjective /ˈswɔːrði/

swarthy

Meaning
Having a dark complexion or skin tone.
Example
The sailor had a swarthy face from years under the sun.
B1 adjective /ˈprɛɡnənt/

pregnant

Meaning
having a child developing in the womb; also, full of meaning or significance
Example
She announced that she was three months pregnant.
C1 noun /peɪˈiː/

payee

Meaning
A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.
Example
The payee must sign the check before cashing it.
C2 adjective /ˈeɪ.li.ə.nə.bəl/

alienable

Meaning
Able to be transferred or surrendered, usually referring to rights or property.
Example
Property rights are alienable and can be sold or transferred.
B2 adjective /prəˈvɪʒənəl/

Provisional

Meaning
arranged for the present; temporary; subject to later confirmation
Example
The provisional agreement will be reviewed next month.
A2 noun /ɡreɪp/

grape

Meaning
a small, round fruit that grows in clusters on vines and is used to make wine or eaten as food
Example
She picked a bunch of grapes from the vine.
C1 adjective /ˈdeɪnti/

dainty

Meaning
Delicately small, pretty, and often considered elegant.
Example
She wore a dainty necklace made of pearls.
A2 verb /ˈriːəlaɪz/

realize

Meaning
to become aware of; to understand clearly; to achieve or make real
Example
I didn't realize how late it was until I checked the clock.
C2 adjective /ˈproʊtiən/

protean

Meaning
tending or able to change frequently or easily; versatile
Example
She is a protean artist who experiments with many styles.
C2 noun /ˌɪnjuːˈɛndəʊ/

innuendo

Meaning
An allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.
Example
The manager's innuendo was directed towards his competitor.
B1 noun /ɪnˈstrʌktər/

instructor

Meaning
A person who teaches a subject or skill.
Example
The driving instructor was very patient with new learners.
A1 noun, verb /wɪl/

will

Meaning
expressing future tense or intention; a legal document
Example
She will attend the meeting tomorrow.
C1 noun /ˈniːdəlwɜːrk/

needlework

Meaning
The craft of sewing, embroidery, or knitting done with a needle.
Example
Her grandmother taught her the art of needlework.
A1 adjective /smɔːl/

Small

Meaning
little in size; not large; limited in extent or amount
Example
She lives in a small apartment near the university.
B1 noun, verb /ɡreɪd/

grade

Meaning
A level of quality, rank, or performance; to assign a score or mark to work or performance.
Example
The teacher graded all the papers by the weekend.
C1 noun dʒuːˈdɪʃ.ər.i

judiciary

Meaning
The judicial authorities of a country; the system of courts that interprets and applies the law.
Example
The judiciary ensures the rule of law.
B2 adjective /prɪˈpærəˌtɔːri/

Preparatory

Meaning
preliminary; introductory; intended as preparation
Example
She attended preparatory classes before the final exam.
A2 noun/verb /ˈsiːzən/

season

Meaning
One of the four periods of the year characterized by specific weather conditions; also, to add flavor to food.
Example
Spring is my favorite season of the year.
B1 noun ˈpeɪʃəns

patience

Meaning
The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious
Example
Patience is essential when chasing big goals.
B2 noun /sərˈvaɪvər/

Survivor

Meaning
a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died
Example
She is a cancer survivor who now helps other patients.
A2 noun /ˈplen.ti/

Plenty

Meaning
a large or sufficient amount; abundance
Example
There is plenty of food for everyone at the party.
C2 noun /əˈnækrəˌnɪzəm/

anachronism

Meaning
something that is out of its proper time period, especially something old-fashioned in a modern context
Example
Using a typewriter today feels like an anachronism.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrkɪtˌpleɪs/

marketplace

Meaning
a place where goods and services are bought and sold; an open area for trade
Example
The town's marketplace is crowded every Friday morning.
B2 noun /spɑːrk/

Spark

Meaning
a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire; a flash of light; something that triggers or initiates
Example
A spark from the campfire ignited the dry leaves.
C2 verb /ˈskærɪfaɪ/

scarify

Meaning
to make shallow cuts or scratches; to loosen the surface of soil
Example
The farmer scarified the soil before planting seeds.
A1 adjective/verb/adverb /friː/

free

Meaning
Not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes.
Example
The children are free to play outside.
C1 noun/verb /ˈhɛmərɪdʒ/

hemorrhage

Meaning
A significant loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, or to lose blood heavily.
Example
The patient suffered a severe brain hemorrhage.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈʃʊr/

unsure

Meaning
not certain or confident; feeling doubt
Example
She felt unsure about the decision.
C1 noun ˌɪm.pʌlˈsɪv.ɪ.ti

impulsivity

Meaning
The tendency to act quickly and without thought or care; lack of self-control.
Example
His impulsivity led him to make reckless choices.
C1 noun /ˈspɪnstər/

spinster

Meaning
An unmarried woman, often one who is older and considered unlikely to marry
Example
The novel featured a kind-hearted spinster who cared for the village children.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛdʒɪtətɪv/

vegetative

Meaning
relating to growth or the basic processes of life, often without conscious thought or activity
Example
The patient remained in a vegetative state after the accident.
A1 noun, adjective /hæf/

half

Meaning
one of two equal parts of something
Example
He ate half of the cake.
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.
B2 noun /ˈɡuːs.ber.i/

Gooseberry

Meaning
a small round green or red berry that grows on a thorny bush
Example
Gooseberries are rich in vitamin C and make excellent jams.
B2 noun /rɪˈsiː.vər/

Receiver

Meaning
a person or thing that receives something; the part of a telephone containing the earpiece and mouthpiece
Example
She picked up the receiver to answer the phone call.
B2 adjective /ˈbɒdɪli/

bodily

Meaning
relating to or concerning the body
Example
He suffered bodily harm in the accident.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɔːn.dɪs/

jaundice

Meaning
A medical condition in which the skin and eyes become yellow due to liver problems.
Example
The doctor diagnosed the baby with jaundice.
B1 adjective /ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/

artistic

Meaning
having or revealing natural creative skill
Example
She has an artistic sense of design.
B2 adverb /ˈvɜː.tʃu.ə.li/

Virtually

Meaning
nearly; almost; in effect though not in name
Example
The building was virtually destroyed in the earthquake.
A1 title /ˈmɪstər/

mr

Meaning
a title used before a man's name
Example
Mr. Rahman is our new teacher.
C2 verb /trænˈspoʊz/

transpose

Meaning
to change the order or position of something
Example
The editor transposed two paragraphs in the article.
B1 adverb /ˈkɒmənli/

commonly

Meaning
usually or by most people
Example
This phrase is commonly used in everyday speech.
B2 noun /ɡriːn ˈtʃɪl.i/

Green Chili

Meaning
unripe chili pepper that is green in color and has a spicy taste
Example
She added chopped green chili to the salad for extra heat.
B1 noun /ˈmaɪ.krəˌskoʊp/

microscope

Meaning
An optical instrument used for viewing very small objects, such as cells, by magnifying them.
Example
The scientist observed the bacteria under the microscope.
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.
B1 noun ˈklaɪ.mət tʃeɪndʒ

climate change

Meaning
A change in global or regional climate patterns, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
Example
Climate change is causing more natural disasters.
A1 noun /ˈswɪmɪŋ/

swimming

Meaning
the activity or sport of moving through water using the limbs
Example
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy.
C1 noun /ɡaɪz/

guise

Meaning
An external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, often hiding the true nature
Example
He approached in the guise of a friend.
C2 adjective /dɛˈspɒtɪk/

despotic

Meaning
exercising power in a cruel, oppressive, or authoritarian way
Example
The king’s despotic rule left the people in misery.
A2 noun /ˈlɔːndri/

laundry

Meaning
clothes or linens that need to be washed or have been washed
Example
She folded the clean laundry neatly.
B2 adjective /ˈstɪki/

sticky

Meaning
having the quality of adhering or clinging; difficult to remove or deal with
Example
The candy is too sticky to eat with your hands.
C1 adjective dɪ ˈskrɛʃ.ən.er.i

discretionary

Meaning
Available for use at the discretion of the user; not required or mandatory.
Example
He set aside some discretionary income for travel.
A1 adjective /ˈfrɛndli/

friendly

Meaning
Kind and pleasant; showing goodwill and affection.
Example
The shop owner is very friendly to new customers.
A2 noun /maɪl/

mile

Meaning
a unit of distance equal to 1,609.34 meters; a long distance figuratively
Example
She walked a mile to reach the bus stop.
B2 adjective /aɪˈrɒnɪk/

ironic

Meaning
happening in the opposite way to what is expected, often amusing or sarcastic
Example
It is ironic that the fire station burned down.
B1 verb /aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/

identify

Meaning
to recognize; to establish who someone is
Example
Can you identify the suspect?
A2 adjective ˈiːkwəl

equal

Meaning
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value; having the same status or treatment.
Example
Bose was regarded as Galileo's equal.
C1 verb /ˈsmʌðər/

smother

Meaning
to kill someone by covering their nose and mouth to prevent breathing; to cover something completely; to overwhelm with excessive attention or affection
Example
She smothered the fire with a blanket.
B2 verb /ˈɪl.ə.streɪt/

illustrate

Meaning
to explain or make something clear by using examples, pictures, or comparisons
Example
The teacher used diagrams to illustrate the concept.
C2 adjective /vəˈnɪəriəl/

venereal

Meaning
relating to sexual intercourse or sexually transmitted diseases
Example
Doctors warn about the dangers of venereal diseases.
C1 noun /ˈænərki/

anarchy

Meaning
a state of disorder due to the absence or failure of government or authority
Example
The collapse of the regime led to anarchy in the streets.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrmərənt/

cormorant

Meaning
a large black sea bird that catches fish by diving
Example
The cormorant perched on the rock, drying its wings after a dive.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrdəməm/

Cardamom

Meaning
aromatic seeds from a plant in the ginger family, used as a spice
Example
The recipe calls for a pinch of ground cardamom.
A2 noun /ˈwʌndər/

wonder

Meaning
a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar
Example
The view from the mountain was a true wonder.
C1 adjective /əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔː.ri/

obligatory

Meaning
Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.
Example
Wearing a seatbelt is obligatory in most countries.
C2 noun /ˈɡændər/

Gander

Meaning
male goose
Example
The gander protected his family from the approaching dog.
C2 noun /ˈlæn.sɪt/

lancet

Meaning
a small, sharp, two-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions
Example
The doctor used a lancet to prick the patient’s finger for a blood test.
A1 verb /ˈɡroʊ.ɪŋ/

growing

Meaning
continuously increasing or developing
Example
There is a growing demand for renewable energy.
A2 adjective /dʌtʃ/

dutch

Meaning
relating to the Netherlands, its people, or their language
Example
She enjoys Dutch paintings from the 17th century.
C1 noun /ˈkuːdɒs/

kudos

Meaning
Praise and honor received for an achievement.
Example
She received kudos for her excellent performance.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪfɪŋ/

chafing

Meaning
To make sore by rubbing; to become irritated.
Example
The rough shoes were chafing his heels.
C2 verb /kənˈtɔːrt/

contort

Meaning
to twist or bend out of the normal shape
Example
She contorted her face in pain after the injury.
C1 noun /ˈkɒləmnɪst/

columnist

Meaning
a journalist who regularly writes articles or opinions for a newspaper or magazine
Example
The columnist wrote an article about climate change.
C1 noun /ˈdɑːsieɪ/

dossier

Meaning
A collection of documents about a particular person, event, or subject.
Example
The lawyer presented a dossier of evidence to the court.
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.
B2 verb, noun /dɑːrt/

dart

Meaning
to move suddenly and quickly; a small pointed missile thrown at a target
Example
The cat darted across the street to avoid the car.
B1 adverb /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/

automatically

Meaning
without human control or intervention; done by itself
Example
The door closes automatically after you enter.
C2 adjective /səˈlɪsɪtəs/

solicitous

Meaning
showing concern or care for someone's health, happiness, or comfort
Example
She was always solicitous about the well-being of her students.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrkəleɪt/

percolate

Meaning
To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to spread slowly.
Example
The rainwater percolated through the soil into the groundwater.
A2 adjective /pəˈlaɪt/

Polite

Meaning
having good manners; respectful; courteous
Example
He was very polite and respectful to everyone.
C1 verb /rɪˈtɔːrt/

retort

Meaning
To reply quickly or sharply, often in a witty or angry manner.
Example
He quickly retorted that he was not to blame.
C1 adjective /ˈstɒdʒi/

stodgy

Meaning
Dull, uninspired, or old-fashioned; also heavy and hard to digest when referring to food.
Example
The lecture was so stodgy that many students struggled to stay awake.
C2 noun /ˈsʌplɪkənt/

supplicant

Meaning
A person who humbly or earnestly asks for something, usually from a person of authority.
Example
The temple was filled with supplicants seeking blessings.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C2 adjective /ˌkloʊs ˈhɔːld/

close-hauled

Meaning
of a sailing ship, sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing.
Example
The yacht was close-hauled as it cut through the waves.
B1 noun /juːˈten.səlz/

Utensils

Meaning
tools or implements used for cooking, eating, or serving food
Example
Please wash all the cooking utensils after preparing dinner.
A2 noun /ˈpɪərɪəd/

period

Meaning
a length or portion of time
Example
The meeting will last for a period of two hours.
C1 noun /ˈhʌbʌb/

hubbub

Meaning
a loud noise caused by a crowd of people talking or shouting
Example
There was a hubbub in the market as the sale began.
B1 noun /kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən/

consideration

Meaning
careful thought or attention to something before making a decision
Example
After much consideration, she accepted the job offer.
A2 noun /sænd/

sand

Meaning
Small loose grains of crushed rock, found on beaches and deserts.
Example
Children built castles out of sand on the beach.
B1 verb /ˈdɪfər/

differ

Meaning
to be unlike or distinct from something else
Example
Opinions differ on this issue.
B2 verb /rɪˈzuːm/

resume

Meaning
to start again after a pause or interruption
Example
We will resume the meeting after lunch.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtənt/

inadvertent

Meaning
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
Example
Her inadvertent mistake caused a delay in the project.
C1 adjective /ˌkævəˈlɪər/

cavalier

Meaning
showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or offhand
Example
He had a cavalier attitude toward safety regulations.
B2 adjective dɪˈlɪbəreɪt

deliberate

Meaning
Done consciously and intentionally; carefully considered.
Example
His deliberate actions showed great care and thoughtfulness.
B1 verb /ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ/

operating

Meaning
to control or manage the functioning of something
Example
The company has been operating in this market for five years.
C2 verb /ˈnɪtˌpɪk/

nitpick

Meaning
To find and criticize small or unimportant faults in someone or something.
Example
She tends to nitpick about every little detail.
A2 adjective /ruːd/

Rude

Meaning
impolite; discourteous; lacking civility; rough or harsh in manner
Example
It was rude of him to interrupt the meeting.
B2 noun /ˈhæz.ərd/

Hazard

Meaning
a danger or risk; something that poses a threat to safety
Example
Smoking is a serious health hazard that can lead to lung cancer and heart disease.
B2 noun /ˈnuː.tri.ənt/

nutrient

Meaning
A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and health of plants or animals.
Example
Plants absorb nutrients from the soil for growth.
B2 noun pəˈspek.tɪvz

perspectives

Meaning
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example
New perspectives enhance understanding.
C2 noun /əˈluː.vi.əm/

alluvium

Meaning
Fertile soil deposited by flowing water, especially in riverbanks.
Example
The alluvium in riverbanks is highly fertile for agriculture.
B2 adjective /ˌpoʊstˈwɔːr/

post-war

Meaning
relating to the period after a war has ended
Example
The country experienced rapid economic growth in the post-war years.
C1 noun, verb /ɡliːm/

gleam

Meaning
a small or brief shining light; to shine softly
Example
A gleam of hope appeared in her eyes.
B2 verb /ˌdɪskəˈnɛkt/

disconnect

Meaning
to detach or separate from a connection or source
Example
Please disconnect the charger from the power outlet.
B2 noun /ˈsnoʊ.fɔːl/

Snowfall

Meaning
the process of snow falling from the sky; the amount of snow that falls
Example
The heavy snowfall blocked all the roads yesterday.
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.