scourge
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C1 noun/verb /skɜːrdʒ/

scourge

Meaning
A source of great pain or punishment; to whip or inflict suffering on someone.
Example
Disease and poverty remain a scourge in many regions.
B2 verb /tɔɪl/

Toil

Meaning
to work extremely hard for long periods
Example
Farmers toil in the fields from dawn to dusk.
C2 verb /fɔɪst/

foist

Meaning
To impose something unwelcome or unnecessary on someone.
Example
He tried to foist his old books onto his friends.
B2 adjective /ˈlæstɪŋ/

Lasting

Meaning
enduring for a long time; permanent; durable
Example
Their friendship had a lasting impact on both their lives.
C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning
Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.
Example
The film ended with a climactic battle scene.
A2 noun /ˈpɜːpəs/

purpose

Meaning
the reason for which something is done or created
Example
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the new project.
B2 noun /əˈnætəmi/

anatomy

Meaning
the study of the structure of living things, especially the human body
Example
She is studying human anatomy at medical school.
B2 adjective /ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/

explosive

Meaning
able to cause an explosion; likely to burst out suddenly
Example
The situation became explosive after the argument.
B2 noun /ˈdʒʊəri/

jury

Meaning
a group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on the evidence
Example
The jury found him guilty of the crime.
C2 adjective /ˌfæntæzməˈɡɒrɪkəl/

phantasmagorical

Meaning
Having a fantastic, dreamlike, or surreal appearance, often shifting or illusory.
Example
The movie created a phantasmagorical vision of another world.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt/

incinerate

Meaning
to burn something completely until it is reduced to ashes
Example
The city decided to incinerate the medical waste for safety.
C2 noun /ˈæl.kə.laɪ ækt/

Alkali Act

Meaning
A British law passed in 1863 to regulate the emission of hydrochloric acid gas from alkali works, representing one of the first pieces of environmental legislation.
Example
The Alkali Act of 1863 was one of the first environmental laws.
B2 adjective /rɪˈstrɪk.tɪd/

Restricted

Meaning
limited or controlled; subject to restrictions
Example
Access to this area is restricted to authorized personnel only.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌlsɪt/

dulcet

Meaning
sweet and soothing (often used ironically)
Example
She was enchanted by his dulcet voice.
A2 preposition /sɪns/

since

Meaning
from a particular time in the past until now
Example
I have known her since childhood.
B1 noun, verb /ˈfaɪ.næns/ or /fəˈnæns/

finance

Meaning
the management of money and investments, or to provide funds for something
Example
The company secured finance from a major bank.
B2 adverb /ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəli/

fundamentally

Meaning
in a basic and important way; at the core
Example
The two theories are fundamentally different.
B2 verb /pərˈsuː/

pursue

Meaning
to follow or chase with the intent to catch or achieve something
Example
She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.
B2 noun /tɛkˈnɪʃən/

technician

Meaning
a person skilled in the practical aspects of a particular science, art, or job
Example
The technician repaired the computer within an hour.
C2 verb ɪmˈbaɪb

imbibe

Meaning
Absorb or assimilate ideas or knowledge. To drink or take in.
Example
He tried to imbibe the wisdom from his mentor.
C2 noun /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/

chiaroscuro

Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
C1 noun /ˈprɛljuːd/

prelude

Meaning
An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.
Example
The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict.
A2 adjective; noun; gerund /ˈwɪnɪŋ/

winning

Meaning
achieving victory or success; attractive or pleasing in a way that brings success
Example
She has a winning attitude that inspires the whole team.
B2 noun ˈsɜːrkjələr ɪˈkɒnəmi

circular economy

Meaning
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling.
Example
Adopting a circular economy can reduce waste.
A1 noun /pɑːrt/

part

Meaning
a piece or segment of something
Example
She gave me a part of her chocolate.
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 /jʌŋ/

Young

Meaning
having lived for a short time; not old; recent
Example
The young tree needs more water to grow.
A2 /ˈmaɪ.krəˌfoʊn/

microphone

Meaning
A device that converts sound into an electrical signal, typically used to amplify or record voices or music.
Example
She spoke into the microphone during the presentation.
B1 noun /ˈfeɪvər/

favor

Meaning
An act of kindness or approval.
Example
She asked him for a small favor.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈɡreɪt.fəl/

Ungrateful

Meaning
not feeling or showing thanks for something done or given; not appreciating kindness
Example
She felt he was ungrateful for all the help she had given him.
B1 noun /ˈɛdɪtər/

editor

Meaning
a person responsible for the final content of a newspaper, magazine, or book
Example
The editor approved the article before publication.
B2 noun /ˈprɛʃər ˈkʊkər/

Pressure cooker

Meaning
a sealed cooking pot that uses steam pressure to cook food faster
Example
Using a pressure cooker reduces cooking time by more than half.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛmbəl/

dissemble

Meaning
to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to pretend
Example
He tried to dissemble his anger with a forced smile.
C2 noun /lɑːrˈʒes/

largess

Meaning
Generosity in giving gifts or money.
Example
The foundation survived thanks to the largess of wealthy donors.
B2 noun ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən

environmental degradation

Meaning
The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
Example
Environmental degradation threatens biodiversity.
C1 adjective /nɪˈɡoʊ.ʃi.ə.bəl/

negotiable

Meaning
Open to discussion or modification; capable of being bargained for.
Example
The salary offered is negotiable.
B2 verb /ˈʃʌfəl/

shuffle

Meaning
to walk by dragging one's feet along or without lifting them fully; to mix or rearrange
Example
He shuffled the cards before dealing them.
C1 adjective /ˈlaʊzi/

lousy

Meaning
of very poor quality; bad or unpleasant
Example
He felt lousy after catching the flu.
B2 noun /tɔːrˈneɪdoʊ/

tornado

Meaning
a rapidly rotating column of air in contact with the ground and clouds, often destructive
Example
The tornado destroyed several houses in the village.
B1 noun /biːst/

Beast

Meaning
a large or dangerous animal; a cruel or unpleasant person
Example
The lion is a fierce beast of the jungle.
A1 noun /lʌntʃ/

Lunch

Meaning
a meal eaten in the middle of the day, typically one that is lighter or less formal than an evening meal
Example
We had lunch at a nice restaurant downtown.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊldɪŋ/

molding

Meaning
A decorative strip or design, often used on walls, ceilings, or furniture.
Example
The wooden molding gave the room a classic look.
C2 verb /ˈlæs.ə.reɪt/

lacerate

Meaning
to tear or cut deeply in the skin or flesh
Example
The broken glass lacerated his hand.
A2 verb /blɒk/

block

Meaning
to obstruct; to prevent passage or progress
Example
The fallen tree blocks the road.
C2 noun /ˈkjuːbeb ˈpepər/

Cubeb Pepper

Meaning
aromatic spice with a slightly bitter taste and cooling aftertaste
Example
Cubeb pepper is used in traditional Indonesian cuisine.
C2 noun /ˈænʒənuː/

ingenue

Meaning
an innocent, naïve young woman, especially as represented in literature or theater
Example
She played the role of the ingénue in the play with great charm.
B1 noun /ˈɪnpʊt/

input

Meaning
information, advice, or data that is put into a system, device, or process
Example
The manager asked for everyone's input on the new project.
A2 verb (past tense / past participle) /əˈtræktɪd/

attracted

Meaning
felt interest or liking toward someone or something; was drawn by appeal or force
Example
She was attracted to the idea of studying abroad.
B2 verb /ɪmˈprɪzən/

imprison

Meaning
to put someone in prison; to confine or restrict someone's freedom
Example
The judge imprisoned the criminal for five years.
B1 verb /briːð/

breathe

Meaning
To take air into the lungs and send it out again.
Example
It was hard to breathe in the smoky room.
C2 noun /ɛnˈsɪklɪkəl/

encyclical

Meaning
a formal letter sent by the Pope to Catholic churches, usually addressing important issues
Example
The Pope issued an encyclical on climate change and moral responsibility.
B1 verb /kənˈsuːm/

consume

Meaning
to eat or drink; to use up; to destroy completely
Example
We consume a lot of water during summer.
C1 noun /ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.ləns/

vigilance

Meaning
The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
Example
Constant vigilance is required in cybersecurity.
C1 adjective /ˌɛk.spəˈnɛn.ʃəl/

exponential

Meaning
Rapid growth or expansion at an increasing rate
Example
Technology is advancing at an exponential rate.
B1 adverb /ˈpɜːfɪktli/

perfectly

Meaning
in a perfect manner; without flaws
Example
She performed the task perfectly.
C1 verb /dɪsˈoʊn/

disown

Meaning
to refuse to acknowledge or accept responsibility for someone or something
Example
He decided to disown his reckless brother.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbl̩/

reconcilable

Meaning
Capable of being resolved or made consistent.
Example
Their differences are reconcilable with honest communication.
A2 noun ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃər

temperature

Meaning
The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object.
Example
Rising temperatures affect agricultural output.
A2 adjective ˈkʌmftəbəl

comfortable

Meaning
Giving a feeling of physical ease and relaxation; free from hardship or unpleasant conditions.
Example
Urban planning aims to make cities more comfortable.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ət biːk/

Parrot Beak

Meaning
a climbing plant with curved red and orange flowers resembling a parrot's beak
Example
The parrot beak flower's unique curved shape makes it a fascinating addition to any garden.
C1 noun /ˈmuːdi.nəs/

moodiness

Meaning
The state of being frequently subject to changes in mood, especially irritability or sadness.
Example
Her moodiness made it difficult to predict how she would react.
A1 noun /ˈsɪstər/

sister

Meaning
a female sibling; a girl or woman in relation to other children of her parents
Example
My sister is coming to visit us next week.
A2 verb /rɪˈlæks/

relax

Meaning
to make or become less tense or anxious; to rest
Example
After a long day, she likes to relax with a good book.
A2 noun /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/

Exchange

Meaning
an act of giving one thing and receiving another in return
Example
The exchange of gifts is a common tradition during the holidays.
B2 noun /ˈrɪk.ʃɔː/

Rickshaw

Meaning
a light two-wheeled passenger vehicle drawn by one or more people
Example
We took a rickshaw to reach the busy marketplace.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪn.tɪf/

Plaintiff

Meaning
a person who brings a case against another in a court of law; the person who initiates a lawsuit
Example
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the company.
C2 verb /ˈæktʃueɪt/

actuate

Meaning
to put into action or motion; to motivate or activate
Example
The engineer actuated the machine with a simple switch.
C1 adjective /frəˈnɛtɪk/

frenetic

Meaning
Fast and energetic in a wild or uncontrolled way.
Example
The stock market experienced frenetic trading after the announcement.
B2 adverb /ˈsmuːð.li/

Smoothly

Meaning
without problems or difficulties; in an even and regular way
Example
The car runs smoothly on the new highway.
C1 adjective /ˈsliːzi/

sleazy

Meaning
morally low, dirty, or cheap in quality
Example
He avoided the sleazy nightclub downtown.
B1 adjective /kənˈtroʊld/

controlled

Meaning
managed or regulated carefully; kept within limits
Example
The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment.
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.
C2 verb /kənˈvoʊk/

convoke

Meaning
to call together or summon a meeting or assembly
Example
The committee convoked an emergency session to discuss the crisis.
B2 adjective /ˈsiː.z ə n.əl/

Seasonal

Meaning
relating to or occurring in a particular season; changing according to the seasons
Example
Many businesses hire seasonal workers during the holidays.
B2 noun /kəˈlɛstərɒl/

cholesterol

Meaning
a fatty substance found in the blood, high levels of which can cause health problems
Example
High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
C2 noun /ˈtjuːtɪlɪdʒ/

tutelage

Meaning
The act of guarding, protecting, or guiding; instruction or teaching.
Example
She studied painting under the tutelage of a famous artist.
B2 adjective /ˈfruːt.fəl/

Fruitful

Meaning
productive; beneficial; successful;
Example
Our discussion was very fruitful and led to many new ideas.
C1 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ər/

fissure

Meaning
a long, narrow opening or crack in a surface or object
Example
The earthquake caused a deep fissure in the road.
B1 verb /θrɪl/

Thrill

Meaning
to cause someone to feel very excited and pleased
Example
The roller coaster ride thrills adventure seekers.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɪsəbl/

immiscible

Meaning
Describes liquids that do not mix together.
Example
Oil and water are immiscible liquids.
C1 verb /ˈæbdɪkeɪt/

abdicate

Meaning
To give up a position of power or responsibility, especially a throne.
Example
The king decided to abdicate the throne.
C2 noun /bɒmˈbeɪ dʌk/

Bombay duck

Meaning
a type of lizardfish found in coastal waters, commonly eaten dried and salted in South Asia
Example
Bombay duck is a popular delicacy when dried and fried.
B1 noun /ˈfaɪəˌfaɪtə/

firefighter

Meaning
a person whose job is to put out fires
Example
The firefighter saved the family from the burning building.
A2 verb /ʌpˈdeɪt/

update

Meaning
to make something more modern or current; to provide new information
Example
Please update your software regularly.
B2 verb /riːˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

reorganize

Meaning
to arrange something again in a different way for greater efficiency or order
Example
The manager decided to reorganize the team structure.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
C1 noun /ˈfeɪvərɪtɪzəm/

favoritism

Meaning
the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group
Example
The manager was accused of favoritism towards certain employees.
B1 noun səˈplaɪ

supply

Meaning
A stock or amount of something supplied or available for use.
Example
Supply chains ensure resource availability.
C2 verb /dɪˈkleɪm/

declaim

Meaning
to speak aloud in a formal, passionate, or theatrical way
Example
The actor declaimed his lines with great intensity.
B2 noun ˈəʊnəʃɪp

ownership

Meaning
The act, state, or right of possessing something; legal title to something.
Example
Ownership of resources was crucial.
C2 noun /ˌær.əˈbesk/

arabesque

Meaning
a complex, ornate design featuring intertwined flowing lines, often used in architecture or ballet poses
Example
The ceiling was decorated with delicate arabesque patterns.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪvən/

maven

Meaning
an expert or connoisseur in a particular field
Example
He is a tech maven who always knows the latest trends.
C2 verb /lʌɡ/

lug

Meaning
to carry or drag something heavy or cumbersome with effort
Example
He had to lug the suitcase up three flights of stairs.
A1 noun /breɪk/

break

Meaning
A pause in work or during an activity or event.
Example
Short breaks refresh your mind.
B2 noun /ɪmˈpeɪʃəns/

impatience

Meaning
The state of being quickly irritated or unable to wait calmly.
Example
His impatience grew as the meeting dragged on.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
C2 noun prəˈklɪv.ə.ti

proclivity

Meaning
A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing.
Example
She has a proclivity for learning new languages.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtərˌfjuːdʒ/

subterfuge

Meaning
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick or excuse to evade something.
Example
They used subterfuge to avoid paying taxes.
C2 noun /ˈeɪ.viˌɛr.i/

aviary

Meaning
a large enclosure for keeping birds
Example
The zoo built a new aviary for exotic parrots.
A1 noun /ˈaɪs kriːm/

Ice-cream

Meaning
a frozen sweet dessert made from dairy products, usually served cold
Example
Children love to eat ice-cream on hot summer days.
B1 noun /ˈpʊl.oʊ.vər/

Pullover

Meaning
a knitted garment worn on the upper body, typically pulled on over the head
Example
She wore a warm pullover during the cold winter evening.
A1 verb, noun /tʃɛk/

check

Meaning
To examine, inspect, or verify something; also a written order to a bank to pay money.
Example
Please check the report before submitting it.
C1 noun /ɪˈlɛk.trəʊ.laɪts/

electrolytes

Meaning
Minerals in body fluids that carry an electric charge and are essential for many bodily functions.
Example
Electrolytes help maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
C1 noun əˈɡrɛriən səˈsaɪətiz

agrarian societies

Meaning
Societies based on agriculture and farming as the primary economic activity.
Example
Agrarian societies emerged from a need for stable food sources.
C2 noun /kənˈtraɪ.vəns/

contrivance

Meaning
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
Example
The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.
B1 verb /ɪnˈfɔ:m/

inform

Meaning
to tell someone about something; to give information
Example
Please inform me when you arrive at the airport.
A2 verb /əˈfɔːrd/

afford

Meaning
to have enough money to buy; to be able to spare
Example
I can't afford a new car right now.
B1 noun /boʊ/

Bow

Meaning
a weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood
Example
The archer drew his bow and aimed at the target.
C1 noun /ˈmɛrɪɡoʊld/

Marigold

Meaning
a bright orange or yellow flower of the daisy family, often used in gardens and ceremonies
Example
The vibrant marigold flowers added a splash of color to the festival decorations.
C1 noun/verb /kroʊˈʃeɪ/

crochet

Meaning
Needlework made by interlocking loops of thread with a hooked needle; the act of making such items.
Example
She learned how to crochet a scarf for winter.
B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈsaɪdɪd/

Undecided

Meaning
not having made a decision; uncertain
Example
She was undecided about which college to attend.
C2 verb /ˈstjuːpɪˌfaɪ/

stupefy

Meaning
to make someone unable to think clearly, usually because of surprise or shock
Example
The magician's tricks stupefied the audience.
C1 verb /hɔːrd/

hoard

Meaning
to accumulate and hide away a large supply of something, often secretly
Example
During the crisis, many people began to hoard food and water.
B1 noun kəˈmɪt.i

committee

Meaning
A group of people appointed for a specific function by a larger group.
Example
A 65-member committee was formed.
B1 noun /ˈsɪt.ɪ.zənz/

citizens

Meaning
A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth.
Example
Citizens must follow pollution regulations.
A1 noun /ˈkʌl.ər/

Colour

Meaning
the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects light; hue, tint, shade
Example
What is your favorite colour for painting the bedroom walls?
B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɔːfl/

Unlawful

Meaning
not authorized by law; illegal
Example
The court declared the search unlawful.
A2 adjective ˈfɪz.ɪ.kəl

physical

Meaning
Relating to things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind; tangible or concrete.
Example
Physical components form the system's base.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌlbəs/

bulbous

Meaning
Bulging, round, or swollen in shape; resembling a bulb.
Example
The frog had a bulbous nose and big eyes.
B1 noun /rɪˈvɪʒ.ən/

Revision

Meaning
the action of revising; a revised edition or form of something; review of subject matter
Example
The students spent hours doing revision for their final exams.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːtətɪv/

putative

Meaning
commonly accepted or supposed; generally regarded as such
Example
He is the putative father of the child.