scathing
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C1 adjective /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

scathing

Meaning
severely critical; harshly scornful
Example
The critic wrote a scathing review of the movie.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪ.nəs/

Highness

Meaning
a title given to a person of royal rank; the quality or state of being high or elevated
Example
Your Highness, the royal carriage is ready to take you to the state banquet this evening.
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.
C1 noun, verb /wɪf/

whiff

Meaning
A brief, faint smell or puff of air; to get a quick smell of something.
Example
I caught a whiff of perfume as she passed by.
C1 noun /ˈskaɪ.lɑːrk/

Sky-Lark

Meaning
a small brown bird known for singing while flying high in the sky
Example
The skylark sang beautifully as it soared above the meadow.
C1 adjective /ˌʌn.əˈdʌl.tə.reɪ.tɪd/

Unadulterated

Meaning
not mixed or diluted with any different or extra elements; pure
Example
She felt unadulterated joy when she heard the news.
C1 noun /ˈpærəbl/

parable

Meaning
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
Example
Jesus often taught using a parable to convey deeper truths.
C1 noun /hɪˈpɑː.krə.si/

Hypocrisy

Meaning
the practice of claiming to have moral standards that one does not actually possess; insincerity
Example
His hypocrisy was exposed when he criticized others for the same mistakes he had made.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ə.stər.i/

Monastery

Meaning
a building or group of buildings where monks live and worship
Example
The ancient monastery was built on a hilltop.
C1 adverb /əˈkjuːtli/

acutely

Meaning
in a sharp, intense, or severe way; with keen awareness
Example
She was acutely aware of the risks involved.
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.
C1 verb, noun /sæp/

sap

Meaning
As a noun: the vital fluid in plants; As a verb: to gradually weaken or drain strength.
Example
The long journey began to sap his energy.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.saɪt/

Parasite

Meaning
an organism that lives on or in another organism and benefits at its expense; a person who depends on others
Example
The dog was treated for intestinal parasites.
C1 noun /ˈpɪnəkəl/

pinnacle

Meaning
the highest point or peak of something, especially of success or achievement
Example
Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪoʊˌsfɪr/

Biosphere

Meaning
the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms
Example
Climate change is affecting the entire biosphere.
C1 adjective /frəˈnɛtɪk/

frenetic

Meaning
Fast and energetic in a wild or uncontrolled way.
Example
The stock market experienced frenetic trading after the announcement.
C1 verb /rɪŋ/

wring

Meaning
to squeeze and twist something to force liquid out; to extract with effort
Example
She had to wring the towel after washing it.
C1 noun /woʊz/

woes

Meaning
great sorrow or distress; troubles
Example
The company faced financial woes after the market crash.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvæljʊəbl/

invaluable

Meaning
Extremely useful or indispensable.
Example
Her advice proved invaluable to my success.
C1 verb /ˈpærəlaɪz/

paralyze

Meaning
to cause someone or something to lose the ability to move or function normally
Example
The sudden shock seemed to paralyze him.
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 /ɪˈvændʒəlɪst/

evangelist

Meaning
A person who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith, especially by public preaching.
Example
The evangelist traveled across the country spreading his message.
C1 adjective /kənˈsɛntrɪk/

concentric

Meaning
having a common center, as in circles or spheres
Example
The artist drew concentric circles on the canvas.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/

misinterpret

Meaning
to understand or explain something wrongly
Example
He misinterpreted her silence as agreement.
C1 noun /aɪl/

isle

Meaning
A small island or peninsula, often poetic or literary.
Example
They spent their honeymoon on a beautiful tropical isle.
C1 verb /səˈfɪstɪkeɪt/

sophisticate

Meaning
to make something more complex or refined; to educate or develop in taste and manners
Example
Traveling abroad helped sophisticate his worldview.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈɜːrθli/

unearthly

Meaning
Strange or unnatural in a way that seems not of this world
Example
The forest was filled with an unearthly glow.
C1 adjective /ˈstʌm.pi/

Stumpy

Meaning
short and thick; having a short, thick appearance
Example
The stumpy little dog wagged its tail enthusiastically.
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 noun /saɪˈteɪʃən/

citation

Meaning
a quotation from or reference to a book, paper, or author
Example
The research paper included a citation from Shakespeare.
C1 adjective ɪˈræt.ɪk

erratic

Meaning
Unpredictable and inconsistent; not even or regular in pattern or movement.
Example
His erratic behavior confused his colleagues.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌldʒənt/

indulgent

Meaning
Having a tendency to be overly generous or lenient with someone.
Example
The indulgent mother allowed her child to stay up late.
C1 adjective /ˈfæn.sɪ.fəl/

fanciful

Meaning
overimaginative, unrealistic, or whimsical
Example
The story was too fanciful to be true.
C1 adjective /ˈbaʊn.tɪ.fəl/

bountiful

Meaning
Large in quantity; abundant; generous in giving.
Example
The farmer was grateful for the bountiful harvest.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfəsaɪ/

prophesy

Meaning
to state or predict that something will happen in the future, especially as if divinely inspired
Example
The monk prophesied that peace would return to the land.
C1 noun /ˈkævərn/

cavern

Meaning
a large cave or chamber in a cave
Example
The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain.
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 /ˈbɒt.əl ɡriːn/

Bottle-green

Meaning
a dark green color similar to that of a green glass bottle
Example
She wore a beautiful bottle-green dress to the evening party.
C1 noun ˈɪm.pɪ.təs

impetus

Meaning
The force or motivation that drives something forward; momentum.
Example
The new policy provided an impetus for economic growth.
C1 verb /rɪˈnaʊns/

renounce

Meaning
to formally declare rejection of something, such as a claim, belief, or way of life
Example
She renounced her citizenship to move abroad permanently.
C1 noun /ˈstɪɡmə/

stigma

Meaning
a mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality
Example
There is still a stigma around mental health issues in many societies.
C1 noun /ˈsuːdənɪm/

pseudonym

Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens.
C1 noun /əˈrɪs.tə.kræt/

Aristocrat

Meaning
a member of the aristocracy; a person of noble rank or birth
Example
The aristocrat lived in a magnificent castle.
C1 verb /ɪˈnʌnsieɪt/

enunciate

Meaning
to pronounce words clearly; to express an idea clearly
Example
The teacher asked him to enunciate each word.
C1 noun /ɪkˈstrɛmɪti/

extremity

Meaning
The farthest point or limit of something; a severe or extreme condition.
Example
He was pushed to the extremity of his patience.
C1 noun ɪˈveɪ.ʒən

evasion

Meaning
The practice of avoiding or escaping from something, especially responsibility or duty.
Example
His evasion of responsibilities frustrated his colleagues.
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 /ˈskævɪndʒər/

scavenger

Meaning
an animal or person that feeds on dead or discarded material
Example
Vultures are natural scavengers that clean up the environment.
C1 verb /ˈpʌlseɪt/

pulsate

Meaning
to expand and contract rhythmically; to throb or beat
Example
The neon lights pulsated with a steady rhythm.
C1 noun /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

pediatrics

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children
Example
She decided to specialize in pediatrics after medical school.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈneɪtl/

antenatal

Meaning
Relating to the medical care and treatment given to a pregnant woman before the birth of her child.
Example
She attended regular antenatal checkups throughout her pregnancy.
C1 noun /pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/

Polygamy

Meaning
the practice of marrying multiple spouses at the same time
Example
Polygamy is illegal in many countries around the world.
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 ˌɪn.toʊˈneɪ.ʃən

intonation

Meaning
The rise and fall of tone in speech and pronunciation.
Example
Proper intonation enhances the clarity of a speech.
C1 adjective ˌɡæs.troʊ.ɪnˈtes.tɪ.nəl

gastrointestinal

Meaning
Relating to the stomach and intestines.
Example
Spicy food can cause gastrointestinal issues.
C1 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd siːdz/

Mustard seeds

Meaning
small round seeds from the mustard plant, used as a spice and for making mustard condiment
Example
Mustard seeds are often tempered in hot oil to release their nutty flavor before adding to dishes.
C1 noun /ədˈhɪərənt/

adherent

Meaning
a person who supports or follows a particular belief, cause, or leader
Example
He is a strong adherent of democratic values.
C1 noun ˈpɑː.sɪŋ

parsing

Meaning
The process of analyzing sentence structure to understand grammatical relationships.
Example
The AI model performs parsing to understand syntax.
C1 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈliːt/

obsolete

Meaning
No longer in use or out of date.
Example
Floppy disks are now completely obsolete.
C1 adverb /əˈraɪ/

awry

Meaning
away from the expected or proper direction; wrong or amiss
Example
The plan went awry when the weather suddenly changed.
C1 verb /jɜːrn/

yearn

Meaning
to have a deep longing or desire for something
Example
She yearned for her homeland after living abroad for years.
C1 noun /kɔːr/

corps

Meaning
a branch of the military or a group organized for a specific purpose
Example
He joined the army corps after graduation.
C1 adjective /ɔːˌθɒr.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/

authoritarian

Meaning
Demanding absolute obedience to authority; excessively controlling or strict in governance.
Example
Authoritarian parenting often limits a child's independence.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːdəˌtɔːri/

auditory

Meaning
Relating to the sense of hearing.
Example
The lecture was designed to enhance students' auditory learning skills.
C1 adjective /ˈrænsɪd/

rancid

Meaning
having a bad taste or smell due to being old or spoiled (especially fats or oils)
Example
The butter had gone rancid after being left out too long.
C1 noun /ˈθʌroʊˌfɛr/

thoroughfare

Meaning
a main road or public highway that goes through a place
Example
The new mall is located along the main thoroughfare.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈbʊrʒ.wɑː/

bourgeois

Meaning
Relating to the middle class, often with materialistic values or conventional attitudes.
Example
The novel criticizes the bourgeois lifestyle of the city dwellers.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌl.ki/

Sulky

Meaning
bad-tempered and sullen; moody
Example
The child became sulky when he couldn't get his favorite toy.
C1 noun ˈæŋkərɪdʒ

anchorage

Meaning
A secure holding place; a place where ships can anchor safely.
Example
The boat was anchored near the shore for safety.
C1 verb /siːd/

cede

Meaning
to give up power, territory, or rights to another
Example
The country ceded territory after losing the war.
C1 noun, verb /əˈsɛnt/

assent

Meaning
To agree to something, especially after careful consideration; an expression of approval.
Example
She nodded her head in silent assent.
C1 verb /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt/

instigate

Meaning
To bring about or initiate an action, often something negative.
Example
He was accused of instigating the riot.
C1 noun /rɪˈfɜːrər/

referrer

Meaning
a person who directs someone to another person or service
Example
The referrer earned a bonus for recommending a new client.
C1 adjective /dɪˈreɪndʒd/

deranged

Meaning
mentally disturbed or insane; behaving irrationally
Example
The deranged man shouted nonsense in the street.
C1 noun dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nənt

determinant

Meaning
A factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something.
Example
Education is a key determinant of success.
C1 adjective /ˈspaɪn.ləs/

Spineless

Meaning
lacking courage or determination; weak-willed
Example
He was too spineless to stand up for his beliefs.
C1 noun ɪˈpɪf.ə.ni

epiphany

Meaning
A moment of sudden revelation or insight.
Example
He had an epiphany about his true purpose in life.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

Meaning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example
The waiter gave us a surly look when we asked for more water.
C1 adjective /ˈvæljənt/

Valiant

Meaning
showing courage or determination; brave and heroic
Example
The valiant soldier fought bravely to protect his country.
C1 noun ˌɪnfɛsˈteɪʃən

infestation

Meaning
The presence of an unusually large number of insects or animals in a place, causing damage or disease.
Example
The infestation of ants in the kitchen led to immediate pest control measures.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C1 verb /əˈflɪkt/

afflict

Meaning
to cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something
Example
Many people are afflicted by seasonal allergies.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈskeɪðd/

unscathed

Meaning
Without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
Example
She escaped from the accident unscathed.
C1 noun /ˈprɒk.tər/

proctor

Meaning
a person who supervises students during an examination
Example
The proctor reminded students to keep their phones switched off.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtɛnəbl/

untenable

Meaning
not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
Example
The politician resigned when his position became untenable.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈlaɪ/

underlie

Meaning
to be the hidden cause or basis of something
Example
Strong cultural traditions underlie the community's practices.
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 /njʊˈrɑːlədʒi/

neurology

Meaning
The branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system.
Example
She specializes in neurology and treats patients with brain diseases.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈplɔːzəbl/

implausible

Meaning
Not seeming reasonable or probable; unlikely to be true.
Example
The story she told was so implausible that no one believed her.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪntri/

wintry

Meaning
Characteristic of or suitable for winter; cold and bleak.
Example
The wintry wind made everyone shiver as they walked outside.
C1 noun /drɑːft/ (UK), /dræft/ (US)

draught

Meaning
a current of cool air in a room or another confined space; also a portion of liquid, especially beer, served from a barrel or cask
Example
She closed the window to keep out the cold draught.
C1 noun /ˈpræɡ.mə.tɪ.zəm/

pragmatism

Meaning
A practical approach to problems and affairs; dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
Example
His pragmatism helped solve the financial crisis.
C1 verb /kənˈviːn/

convene

Meaning
to come together or assemble, especially for a meeting or formal gathering
Example
The board will convene tomorrow to discuss the new policy.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈstɪŋk.tɪv/

instinctive

Meaning
Based on instinct; done without conscious thought; natural and automatic.
Example
His instinctive reaction saved his life.
C1 noun /wɪm/

whim

Meaning
a sudden or unpredictable idea, desire, or decision
Example
She bought the dress on a whim.
C1 noun ˈdaɪ.nə.sti

dynasty

Meaning
A line of hereditary rulers of a country; a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field.
Example
The Ming dynasty ruled China for centuries.
C1 noun ˌtraɪ.bjuˈnæl əv ˈdʒʌs.tɪs

tribunal of justice

Meaning
A court of justice or judicial body that settles disputes or tries offenses.
Example
The Tribunal of Justice started the hearings promptly.
C1 verb /ˌriːˈsiːt/

reseat

Meaning
to seat someone again or to fit something back into its place
Example
The usher had to reseat the guests after the interruption.
C1 noun, verb /səˈpiːnə/

subpoena

Meaning
a legal document ordering someone to attend court; to summon someone with such a document
Example
The witness received a subpoena to appear in court next week.
C1 noun prɪˈdɪk.ə.mənt

predicament

Meaning
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example
Losing both jobs put him in a financial predicament.
C1 adjective /ˈriː.fleks/

Reflex

Meaning
an action performed without conscious thought; relating to reflection
Example
The doctor tested her reflex response by tapping her knee.
C1 noun/verb /ˈslʌmbər/

slumber

Meaning
A state of sleep; to sleep lightly or rest.
Example
The child slumbered peacefully through the night.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪnəˌmoʊ/

dynamo

Meaning
A machine that generates electricity; a person with great energy and enthusiasm.
Example
She is the real dynamo behind the success of the company.
C1 noun /ˌmænɪˈfɛstoʊ/

manifesto

Meaning
a public declaration of policy and aims, especially by a political party
Example
The party released its manifesto before the election.
C1 noun /ˈhɛksəˌɡɒn/

hexagon

Meaning
A six-sided polygon.
Example
A honeycomb cell is shaped like a hexagon.
C1 verb ɪˈræd.ɪ.keɪt

eradicate

Meaning
To destroy completely; to put an end to something undesirable.
Example
Vaccination programs help eradicate infectious diseases.
C1 verb /reɪz/

raze

Meaning
To completely destroy or demolish something, especially a building.
Example
The old factory was razed to make way for new apartments.
C1 noun /ˈprɒspɛktər/

prospector

Meaning
a person who searches for mineral deposits, especially gold
Example
The prospector spent years in the mountains searching for gold.
C1 noun /kənˈveɪəns/

conveyance

Meaning
The action or process of transporting or carrying someone or something from one place to another.
Example
The conveyance of goods was delayed due to bad weather.
C1 noun, verb /ˈskʌf.əl/

scuffle

Meaning
a short, confused fight or struggle; to engage in such a fight
Example
Two players scuffled on the field after the foul.
C1 noun səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi

sustainable technology

Meaning
Technology designed to meet present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.
Example
Sustainable technology ensures a cleaner future.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərdɒɡ/

underdog

Meaning
a competitor thought to have little chance of winning; a weaker party in a contest
Example
The underdog team surprised everyone by winning the championship.
C1 noun ˌdʒiːəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈstrʌktʃər

geological structure

Meaning
The arrangement and composition of rocks, minerals, and landforms in the Earth's crust.
Example
Scientists will study the Moon's geological structure.
C1 adjective /kwɪər/

Queer

Meaning
strange; unusual; peculiar; odd
Example
The old house had a queer atmosphere that made visitors uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/

virtuoso

Meaning
A person highly skilled in music, art, or another artistic pursuit.
Example
The pianist is a true virtuoso, captivating audiences worldwide.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈdʒɛkʃən/

interjection

Meaning
a word or phrase used to express sudden emotion or reaction, often standing alone
Example
Words like 'wow' and 'ouch' are common interjections in English.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
C1 verb /proʊˈtrækt/

protract

Meaning
To prolong or extend in time or duration.
Example
Negotiations were protracted for several months.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsbɪˈliːvər/

disbeliever

Meaning
a person who does not believe in something, especially a religion or idea
Example
He was called a disbeliever for rejecting the traditional faith.
C1 verb /ˈpætər/

patter

Meaning
to make a repeated light tapping sound; to talk quickly in a rehearsed or mechanical way
Example
Rain pattered softly on the window.