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.
C1 adjective ləˈθɑːrdʒɪk

lethargic

Meaning
Being inactive due to lack of physical or mental energy
Example
After a heavy meal, he felt lethargic and sleepy.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtrɛntʃt/

entrenched

Meaning
Firmly established and unlikely to change.
Example
Corruption is deeply entrenched in the system.
C1 verb, noun /miˈændər/

meander

Meaning
to wander aimlessly or follow a winding course
Example
We meandered through the old streets of the city.
C1 verb /ɡloʊt/

gloat

Meaning
To take pleasure in someone else's misfortune or to show smug satisfaction.
Example
He couldn't help but gloat over his rival's failure.
C1 noun, verb, adjective /ˈæɡ.rɪ.ɡət/ (noun/adjective), /ˈæɡ.rɪ.ɡeɪt/ (verb)

aggregate

Meaning
A whole formed by combining several elements; to combine into a total.
Example
The data was aggregated to provide a clearer picture of the market.
C1 noun /ˈdiːvə/

diva

Meaning
a famous female singer; a woman who is admired or behaves like a star
Example
The pop diva performed her latest hit to a cheering crowd.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstiːmd/

Esteemed

Meaning
respected and admired; held in high regard
Example
He is an esteemed professor at the university.
C1 noun /ˈɡaɪ.zər/

geyser

Meaning
A natural hot spring that intermittently ejects a column of water and steam into the air.
Example
The geyser erupted, shooting water high into the sky.
C1 noun /ˈwɪndfɔːl/

windfall

Meaning
an unexpected piece of good fortune, typically a large amount of money
Example
The startup received a windfall when a major client paid for a full year in advance.
C1 adjective ˌmiː.ti.ər.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

meteorological

Meaning
Relating to weather conditions and atmospheric phenomena.
Example
Meteorological conditions affect farming cycles.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɪə.ləs/

Cheerless

Meaning
lacking happiness or comfort; gloomy; depressing; without cheer
Example
The old house looked cheerless and abandoned in the winter rain.
C1 noun ˈhaɪ.drə.dʒən ˈpaʊ.əd bʌsɪz

hydrogen-powered buses

Meaning
Buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells that produce only water vapor as emission.
Example
Hydrogen-powered buses reduce air pollution.
C1 noun /ˈhæŋ.ər/

Hangar

Meaning
a large building with extensive floor area, typically for housing aircraft; an aircraft shelter
Example
The airplane was stored safely in the hangar during the severe thunderstorm.
C1 adjective /ˈblaɪtɪd/

blighted

Meaning
Spoiled, damaged, or destroyed.
Example
The blighted neighborhood was abandoned by most residents.
C1 noun /dɪˈlɪriəm/

delirium

Meaning
An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
Example
The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication.
C1 verb /ˈtɑːrnɪʃ/

tarnish

Meaning
To lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to damage reputation.
Example
The silver jewelry tarnished quickly when left in the open air.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɛpt/

inept

Meaning
lacking skill or ability; clumsy or incompetent
Example
His inept handling of the situation made it worse.
C1 noun /dɪˈvaɪzər/

divisor

Meaning
A number by which another number is divided.
Example
In the equation 12 ÷ 3, the number 3 is the divisor.
C1 noun /rɪˈtriː.vəl/

retrieval

Meaning
The process of getting something back, especially from storage or memory.
Example
The brain's retrieval system helps recall past experiences.
C1 verb /smɜrk/

smirk

Meaning
to smile in a self-satisfied, smug, or silly way
Example
He smirked when he won the argument.
C1 noun ˈrez.ɪ.djuː

residue

Meaning
A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been removed.
Example
Soap residue affects appliance efficiency.
C1 verb /uːz/

ooze

Meaning
to slowly flow or leak out through small openings or pores
Example
Blood began to ooze from the small cut.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈpoʊz/

repose

Meaning
a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility; to rest or lie in a peaceful position
Example
After the long journey, she sought repose in the quiet garden.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
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 /ˈhaɪtən/

heighten

Meaning
to make or become greater in intensity or degree
Example
The announcement served to heighten the excitement in the room.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərət/

inconsiderate

Meaning
Thoughtless; showing a lack of concern for others.
Example
It was inconsiderate of him to play loud music late at night.
C1 adjective /ˈpent ʌp/

Pent-up

Meaning
suppressed; restrained; confined
Example
He had pent-up anger that finally exploded.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈedəbəl/

Inedible

Meaning
not suitable or safe for eating; not edible
Example
The mushrooms were poisonous and completely inedible.
C1 verb /dɪsˈtrʌst/

distrust

Meaning
to have no confidence or trust in someone or something
Example
Many people distrust politicians.
C1 adjective /ˈspraɪtli/

sprightly

Meaning
full of energy and life; lively
Example
The sprightly old man danced with joy at the wedding.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvenʒ.fəl/

Revengeful

Meaning
seeking or desiring revenge; vindictive
Example
He became revengeful after being betrayed by his friend.
C1 noun ˌkɒn.əˈteɪ.ʃən

connotation

Meaning
The implied or suggested meaning of a word beyond its literal definition
Example
The word 'home' has a warm connotation of comfort and family.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkwaɪ.ət/

Unquiet

Meaning
restless; unable to remain still or quiet; anxious or troubled
Example
She spent an unquiet night worrying about the exam results.
C1 noun /ɪmˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti/

impossibility

Meaning
the state or fact of being impossible; something that cannot be done or achieved
Example
Finishing the project in one day was an impossibility.
C1 adverb /ˈɪnwərdli/

inwardly

Meaning
In the mind or spirit; not outwardly visible.
Example
She smiled outwardly but inwardly she was worried.
C1 noun ˌpraɪ.vɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

privatization

Meaning
The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control.
Example
The privatization of state-owned companies increased efficiency.
C1 adjective, noun /rɪˈsiːvəbl/

receivable

Meaning
Money that is owed to a company and is expected to be paid.
Example
The company's receivables increased significantly this quarter.
C1 noun ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən

mitigation

Meaning
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example
Mitigation of climate change requires collective effort.
C1 noun /ˈkɒt.ən ˈfæb.rɪk/

Cotton Fabric

Meaning
textile made from cotton fibers, known for being soft, breathable, and comfortable
Example
Cotton fabric is perfect for summer clothing.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɔɪd/

devoid

Meaning
Completely lacking or without something.
Example
His speech was devoid of any real emotion.
C1 noun /ˈiːkwɪnɒks/

equinox

Meaning
The time or date when day and night are of equal length, occurring twice a year.
Example
The spring equinox marks the beginning of longer days.
C1 noun /ˈiː.zi tʃeər/

Easy-chair

Meaning
a comfortable chair with arms and a back that reclines
Example
He relaxed in his favorite easy-chair after work.
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 adjective /ˌaʊtˈspoʊkən/

Outspoken

Meaning
frank; speaking directly
Example
She is known for being outspoken about social issues.
C1 verb əˈblɪt.ə.reɪt

obliterate

Meaning
To destroy utterly; wipe out completely, to erase or remove something completely.
Example
The storm obliterated entire villages.
C1 noun /ˈɡrɪd.əl/

Griddle

Meaning
a flat heating surface for cooking food, typically made of metal
Example
She cooked pancakes on the hot griddle.
C1 adjective dʒuːˈdɪʃ.əs

judicious

Meaning
Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense; wise and careful.
Example
A judicious decision can prevent future problems.
C1 noun /ˌrɛpəˈreɪʃən/

reparation

Meaning
the making of amends for a wrong done by paying money or helping those who were wronged
Example
The government offered reparations to the victims of the conflict.
C1 noun /ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/

detonation

Meaning
The act of exploding or causing something to explode.
Example
The sudden detonation shook the entire building.
C1 noun /ˈvæntɪdʒ/

vantage

Meaning
a position or situation that gives an advantage or a good view
Example
From this vantage, we could see the entire valley.
C1 noun /ˈfaɪərɑːm/

firearm

Meaning
a weapon capable of firing a projectile using gunpowder or other propellant
Example
The police found a hidden firearm during the investigation.
C1 noun, verb /tɪndʒ/

tinge

Meaning
a slight added color, flavor, or feeling; to add a slight amount of color or quality
Example
Her voice was tinged with sadness.
C1 noun /dɪˈkriː/

Decree

Meaning
an official order issued by a legal authority; a judicial decision or edict
Example
The king issued a decree that all citizens must pay additional taxes.
C1 adjective /sliːk/

sleek

Meaning
smooth, shiny, and stylish
Example
She drove a sleek black sports car.
C1 adjective /ˈloʊli/

lowly

Meaning
humble in status, position, or manner
Example
She rose from a lowly position to become the company's CEO.
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.
C1 noun /bruːˈtæləti/

brutality

Meaning
extreme cruelty or violence; savage or inhumane treatment
Example
The brutality of the attack shocked the entire community.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 noun /eb/

Ebb

Meaning
the receding tide; a gradual decline or reduction
Example
The fishermen waited for the ebb before returning to shore.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɪt.əns/

Remittance

Meaning
A sum of money sent in payment or as a gift.
Example
The country's economy benefits from expatriate remittance.
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.
C1 verb /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/

alleviate

Meaning
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe; to relieve or ease.
Example
Meditation can alleviate stress and improve focus.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɪvəl/

Uncivil

Meaning
not polite or courteous; rude and discourteous in behavior
Example
His uncivil remarks during the meeting offended everyone present.
C1 noun /ˈnjuːɑːns/

nuance

Meaning
A subtle difference in shade of meaning, appearance, or sound.
Example
He noticed the subtle nuance in her expression.
C1 noun /pəˈtɜːrnəti/

paternity

Meaning
The state of being someone's father.
Example
He demanded a paternity test to confirm his relationship with the child.
C1 verb /slɪŋk/

slink

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed
Example
The cat slunk into the room without making a sound.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/

riveting

Meaning
extremely interesting; holding the complete attention
Example
The movie was so riveting that nobody looked away.
C1 adjective /həˈred.ɪ.ter.i/

Hereditary

Meaning
passed down through family genes; inherited from ancestors
Example
The hereditary disease was passed down through generations.
C1 adjective /dʒuːˈdɪʃ.əl/

judicial

Meaning
relating to judges, courts, or the administration of justice
Example
The new law faced strong judicial review before implementation.
C1 noun ɪnˈdaʊmənt

endowment

Meaning
An income or form of property given or bequeathed to someone.
Example
The university received a large endowment for research.
C1 verb /ˈfʌmbəl/

fumble

Meaning
to handle something clumsily or to make mistakes while doing something
Example
He fumbled with the keys and dropped them on the floor.
C1 noun /ˈæntənɪm/

antonym

Meaning
A word opposite in meaning to another.
Example
‘Hot’ is the antonym of ‘cold’.
C1 verb /ˈprɒpəɡeɪt/

propagate

Meaning
To spread or transmit an idea, belief, or information widely; also to reproduce in plants or animals.
Example
Scientists work to propagate the species in captivity.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlfsəˈfɪʃənsi/

Self-sufficiency

Meaning
the ability to supply one's own needs without external assistance; independence
Example
The farm achieved complete self-sufficiency in food production.
C1 noun /ˈrɛpərˌtɔːri/

repertory

Meaning
A collection of works that a company, performer, or institution regularly performs; also a storehouse of information or skills.
Example
The theater has a repertory of classic plays.
C1 noun /liːs/

Lease

Meaning
a contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc. to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment
Example
They signed a two-year lease for the apartment.
C1 adjective /tɪˈrænɪkəl/

tyrannical

Meaning
exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way
Example
The tyrannical ruler silenced all opposition.
C1 noun /jiːld ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃən/

yield optimization

Meaning
The process of maximizing the productivity or efficiency of crop production through various agricultural techniques and practices.
Example
Yield optimization techniques can significantly improve crop production.
C1 adjective /rɪˈkʌr.ənt/

Recurrent

Meaning
happening repeatedly; occurring again and again; periodic;
Example
She has been suffering from recurrent headaches for months.
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 /ˈɔːstrəˌsaɪz/

ostracize

Meaning
to exclude someone from a group or society; to banish or shun
Example
After the scandal, he was ostracized by his former colleagues.
C1 noun/verb /smʌdʒ/

smudge

Meaning
a dirty mark or smear; to make something dirty or unclear by rubbing or touching
Example
She accidentally smudged her lipstick on the napkin.
C1 verb; noun /beltʃ/

belch

Meaning
to expel air noisily from the stomach through the mouth; to emit or pour out suddenly and forcefully
Example
After drinking the soda, he belched loudly.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.li.ənt/

salient

Meaning
Most important, prominent, or noticeable
Example
The report highlighted the salient points of the discussion.
C1 noun/verb /ˈoʊvərˌhæŋ/

overhang

Meaning
To extend outward and hang over something; a projecting part.
Example
The roof overhang provides shade in the summer.
C1 adjective /ˈnɔːrmətɪv/

normative

Meaning
relating to rules, standards, or norms that govern behavior or beliefs
Example
The study focused on the normative aspects of cultural behavior.
C1 noun ˌrɛk.əˈlɛk.ʃən

Recollection

Meaning
Remembering past events or information
Example
His recollection of childhood memories was vivid.
C1 adjective /ˈhɔː.ti/

Haughty

Meaning
arrogantly superior and disdainful; showing excessive pride
Example
She gave him a haughty look and walked away.
C1 noun /ˈtæn.dəm/

Tandem

Meaning
a bicycle built for two riders, one behind the other
Example
The couple enjoyed riding their tandem bicycle through the park.
C1 verb /ˈkætəˌlaɪz/

catalyze

Meaning
To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.
Example
The new law catalyzed reforms across the sector.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊʃən/

potion

Meaning
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
Example
The witch gave the hero a healing potion.
C1 noun /ˈef.ɪ.dʒi/

Effigy

Meaning
a sculpture or model of a person, especially one made as a protest
Example
The protesters burned an effigy of the corrupt politician in the square.
C1 adjective /ˈmaɪzərli/

miserly

Meaning
Unwilling to spend money; stingy.
Example
She lived a miserly life, refusing to buy anything new.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊ.ɡɪʃ/

Roguish

Meaning
mischievous; playfully dishonest
Example
His roguish smile suggested he was up to some mischief.
C1 adjective /dɪˈraɪsɪv/

derisive

Meaning
Expressing contempt or ridicule.
Example
She gave a derisive laugh at his attempt to sing.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbl/

irreversible

Meaning
Not able to be undone, changed, or reversed.
Example
The damage caused by the fire was irreversible.
C1 noun /ˈdʒʌɡərˌnɔːt/

juggernaut

Meaning
A huge, powerful, and unstoppable force or institution.
Example
The new tech company has become a juggernaut in the industry.
C1 verb /ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt/

implicate

Meaning
To show someone’s involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence implicated several officials in the scandal.
C1 adjective /ˈærəbəl/

arable

Meaning
suitable for growing crops or farming
Example
The farmer purchased arable land to expand his crops.
C1 noun /ˈsɪlk.wɜːrm/

Silk-worm

Meaning
the caterpillar of a moth that produces silk fibers used to make silk fabric
Example
Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves to produce silk.
C1 noun ˈpɜː.mə.kʌl.tʃər

permaculture

Meaning
The development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Example
Permaculture promotes self-sufficient farming systems.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
C1 noun ɪˌræd.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

eradication

Meaning
The complete destruction or elimination of something unwanted.
Example
Carbon eradication is a key goal of the project.
C1 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/

contravene

Meaning
to go against or act in opposition to a law, rule, or agreement
Example
He contravened the safety regulations and was fined.
C1 noun /ˈblæs.fə.mi/

blasphemy

Meaning
the act of speaking disrespectfully about God or sacred things
Example
In some countries, blasphemy is a punishable offense.
C1 verb /ˌriːhəˈbɪlɪteɪt/

rehabilitate

Meaning
to restore someone to health, normal life, or a good condition after illness, injury, or imprisonment
Example
The clinic helps rehabilitate injured athletes.
C1 noun /kənˈsiːt/

conceit

Meaning
excessive pride in oneself; vanity
Example
His conceit made him unpopular among his colleagues.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪ.li/

Scaly

Meaning
covered with scales; having a rough surface like scales
Example
The fish has scaly skin.
C1 noun /ˈʃʊɡ.ər ˈkæn.di/

Sugar candy

Meaning
crystallized sugar formed into small pieces; rock candy made from sugar syrup
Example
The children enjoyed eating colorful sugar candy at the festival.
C1 noun /ˈdræm.ə.tɪst/

dramatist

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in history.
C1 phrase ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk rɛz.əˈluː.ʃən

diplomatic resolution

Meaning
A peaceful solution to conflicts through negotiation and diplomatic channels.
Example
A diplomatic resolution is necessary for peace.
C1 noun /pərˈkʌʃən/

percussion

Meaning
Musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping, such as drums or cymbals.
Example
The percussion section added rhythm and energy to the orchestra.
C1 noun /ˌdʒæm.bəˈriː/

Jamboree

Meaning
a large celebration or party; a gathering with entertainment; a festive event
Example
The scout jamboree brought together thousands of young people from around the world.
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 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 ˈælərdʒən

allergen

Meaning
A substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Example
Pollen is a common allergen that affects many people.
C1 noun kəmˈpleɪ.sən.si

complacency

Meaning
Excessive self-satisfaction with one's achievements that can hinder progress.
Example
His complacency led to a decline in his performance.