scuff
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C1 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
C1 noun/verb /ɡæʃ/

gash

Meaning
A long, deep cut or wound; to cut deeply or violently.
Example
He had a deep gash on his leg after the accident.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪhɛm/

mayhem

Meaning
Violent or extreme disorder; chaos and destruction.
Example
The protest turned into mayhem when the crowd clashed with the police.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪrmənt/

endearment

Meaning
A word or phrase expressing affection or love.
Example
She whispered a gentle endearment to her child.
C1 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Ceremonial

Meaning
relating to or used in ceremonies; formal and ritualistic
Example
The ceremonial dress was worn during the royal wedding.
C1 noun /ˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Piety

Meaning
the quality of being religious or reverent; devout religious belief and practice
Example
His piety was evident in his daily prayers.
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 /ˈmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl/

Marginal

Meaning
relating to or situated at the edge; minimal; slight
Example
The marginal improvement in sales was barely noticeable.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈʃeɪkən/

Unshaken

Meaning
not disturbed or affected; firm and steady; unwavering
Example
Her faith remained unshaken despite all the challenges.
C1 noun /truːp/

troupe

Meaning
A group of dancers, actors, or performers who work together.
Example
The theater troupe performed brilliantly on stage.
C1 noun /rɪt/

writ

Meaning
A formal written order issued by a court.
Example
The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.ə.ti/

deity

Meaning
a god or goddess
Example
The temple is dedicated to a Hindu deity.
C1 verb /əˈtjuːn/

attune

Meaning
to make someone or something aware of or responsive to something; to adjust or harmonize
Example
She quickly attuned herself to the needs of her new team.
C1 adjective /ˈhɛdˌstrɔŋ/

headstrong

Meaning
Determined to do what one wants, even if it is not sensible.
Example
The headstrong child refused to listen to anyone.
C1 adjective /ˈtæk.taɪl/

tactile

Meaning
Connected with the sense of touch; perceptible by touch or giving a sensation when touched.
Example
The tactile experience of the fabric was soft and smooth.
C1 noun /viˈoʊlə/ or /ˈvaɪələ/

viola

Meaning
A stringed instrument slightly larger than a violin, with a deeper and mellower tone.
Example
She chose to play the viola in the school orchestra.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtaɪs/

entice

Meaning
to attract or tempt someone by offering something appealing
Example
The advertisement was designed to entice customers into the store.
C1 verb bɪˈkwiːð

bequeath

Meaning
Leave something to someone in a will; pass down or hand down to the next generation.
Example
The scientist bequeathed his research papers to the university.
C1 noun /ˈbenɪˌfæktər/

Benefactor

Meaning
a person who gives money or other help to support a person or cause; a patron
Example
The anonymous benefactor donated millions to the hospital.
C1 verb /deɪz/

daze

Meaning
to stun or confuse someone temporarily with a shock or surprise
Example
The bright lights dazed the runners as they entered the stadium.
C1 adjective /stiːpt/

steeped

Meaning
Completely surrounded by or filled with a particular quality, influence, or experience.
Example
The town is steeped in history and tradition.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈprɒmp.tjuː/

impromptu

Meaning
Done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed; spontaneous.
Example
He gave an impromptu speech at the event.
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 /kənˈtraɪv/

contrive

Meaning
to plan or devise cleverly or skillfully
Example
She contrived a clever plan to surprise her friends.
C1 noun /ˈvɪstə/

vista

Meaning
A pleasing view, especially one seen through a long, narrow opening.
Example
From the mountain top, we admired the breathtaking vista of the valley below.
C1 noun/adjective ˈflɛdʒ.lɪŋ

fledgling

Meaning
New, inexperienced, newly established.
Example
The fledgling startup needs investment.
C1 verb /ˈlɛvi/

levy

Meaning
To impose or collect, especially a tax or fine.
Example
The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.
C1 noun /ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒɪst/

anthropologist

Meaning
a person who studies human societies, cultures, and their development
Example
The anthropologist spent years studying the tribal community.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛzənənt/

resonant

Meaning
Deep, clear, and continuing to sound or echo.
Example
The resonant voice of the speaker filled the hall.
C1 verb /fɔːrˈkloʊz/

foreclose

Meaning
to take possession of a property due to the owner's failure to keep up mortgage payments
Example
The bank decided to foreclose on the property after months of missed payments.
C1 noun /ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/

figurehead

Meaning
a nominal leader with no real power; a symbolic head
Example
The king was merely a figurehead with no real authority.
C1 verb /pləˈkeɪt/

placate

Meaning
to make someone less angry or hostile; to calm or soothe
Example
He tried to placate the angry customer with a refund.
C1 noun /ˈmɒnəʊˌkʌltʃər/

monoculture

Meaning
The agricultural practice of growing only one type of crop over a large area and for many consecutive years, which can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Example
Monoculture can lead to soil depletion and increased pest vulnerability.
C1 verb /riːl/

reel

Meaning
to lose balance and stagger; to wind or spin something onto a reel
Example
He reeled backward after being punched.
C1 verb /reɪv/

rave

Meaning
to speak or write about something with great enthusiasm or admiration
Example
Critics rave about the new movie.
C1 noun /ˌɛkstrəˈdɪʃən/

extradition

Meaning
the official process of sending someone accused of a crime to another country or state
Example
The extradition of the suspect was delayed due to legal issues.
C1 adjective ˌæv.ɒ̃ˈɡɑːd

avant-garde

Meaning
New and experimental; characterized by departure from or rejection of accepted standards.
Example
Avant-garde designs redefine the dining experience.
C1 noun ˈæk.si.əm

axiom

Meaning
A statement or principle that is considered true and does not require proof.
Example
Actions speak louder than words is a well-known axiom.
C1 adjective ˌsəʊsɪəʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl

sociopolitical

Meaning
Combining social and political factors.
Example
Sociopolitical factors often influence public policy decisions.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndɪmənts/

condiments

Meaning
Seasonings or sauces used to add flavor to food.
Example
Ketchup and mustard are popular condiments for burgers.
C1 noun /ˈlʌstər/

luster

Meaning
a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially from a polished surface
Example
The diamond had a brilliant luster.
C1 noun /ˈpriːsɪŋkt/

precinct

Meaning
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
Example
She went to vote at her local precinct.
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 /ˈstaɪpend/

Stipend

Meaning
a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance
Example
The research student receives a monthly stipend for living expenses.
C1 verb /ɪkˈskriːt/

excrete

Meaning
to eliminate waste matter from the body
Example
Humans excrete carbon dioxide through breathing.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːmənˌwɛlθ/

commonwealth

Meaning
an independent community or state, especially one founded for the common good; also an association of nations
Example
Australia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
C1 noun /ˈvɜːrtɛks/

vertex

Meaning
The highest point; the top or the apex.
Example
The climber reached the vertex of the mountain.
C1 adjective /ˈɒm.ɪ.nəs/

Ominous

Meaning
giving the impression that something bad will happen; threatening; foreboding
Example
The dark clouds looked ominous before the storm.
C1 verb /rɪˈsʌsɪteɪt/

resuscitate

Meaning
to revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death
Example
The doctors tried to resuscitate the patient after the heart attack.
C1 noun/verb /ɪˈstiːm/

esteem

Meaning
Respect and admiration, typically for a person.
Example
She is held in high esteem by her colleagues.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsns/

convalescence

Meaning
the period of time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
His convalescence lasted for almost two months after the accident.
C1 adjective /həˈbɪtʃuəl/

habitual

Meaning
Done or doing constantly or as a habit; customary.
Example
He was a habitual latecomer to class.
C1 noun /təˈbuː/

taboo

Meaning
a social or cultural prohibition against certain practices or discussions
Example
Talking about money is considered a taboo in some cultures.
C1 noun /ˈtrɛmər/

tremor

Meaning
a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or in the ground
Example
A small tremor was felt before the earthquake.
C1 verb /ˈstæmər/

stammer

Meaning
To speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words.
Example
The nervous student began to stammer during his speech.
C1 noun /ˈwɒrənt/

Warrant

Meaning
a legal document that gives police the authority to do something; justification or authority for an action
Example
The police obtained a search warrant before entering the building.
C1 adjective /ˈdʒeɪ.dɪd/

jaded

Meaning
Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.
Example
After years of traveling, she felt jaded by the constant movement.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmoʊbəl/

immobile

Meaning
unable to move or be moved
Example
After the accident, he was immobile for weeks.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfleɪt/

inflate

Meaning
to fill with air or gas so it expands; to increase excessively or artificially
Example
The mechanic inflated the tire to the correct pressure.
C1 adjective /ˈsiːzənəbəl/

Seasonable

Meaning
occurring at the right time; appropriate for the season; timely
Example
The seasonable rain helped the farmers with their crops.
C1 adjective /læks/

lax

Meaning
Not strict, severe, or careful; negligent or careless.
Example
The security at the airport was surprisingly lax.
C1 adjective /əˈbreɪsɪv/

abrasive

Meaning
harsh, rough, or capable of wearing down by rubbing
Example
His abrasive tone made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 adjective /ˈpæs.ə.bəl/

passable

Meaning
good enough to be accepted, though not excellent
Example
The road is barely passable after the storm.
C1 adjective /ɪˈkwɛstriən/

equestrian

Meaning
Relating to horse riding or horseback riders.
Example
She won several equestrian competitions.
C1 adjective/adverb /əˈmɪs/

amiss

Meaning
Not quite right; inappropriate or out of place.
Example
Something seems amiss with the car's engine.
C1 noun /ˈmɔː.tər ænd ˈpes.əl/

Mortar and Pestle

Meaning
a bowl and grinding tool used to crush and grind spices, herbs, and other substances
Example
She ground the spices using a mortar and pestle.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɪndʒ/

impinge

Meaning
to have an effect or impact on something; to encroach or infringe
Example
The noise from the construction site impinges on our daily activities.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡneɪt/

Magnate

Meaning
A wealthy and powerful businessperson or industrialist
Example
The oil magnate owned dozens of refineries across the country.
C1 verb /ˈfɜːrmɛnt/

ferment

Meaning
to undergo a chemical process where sugars are converted to alcohol or acid; to incite or stir up change
Example
The grapes are left to ferment for several weeks.
C1 verb /kriːk/

creak

Meaning
to make a high-pitched, squeaking noise when moved
Example
The old door creaked as she opened it.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɛktɪd/

unaffected

Meaning
Not influenced or touched by something; genuine and natural.
Example
He remained unaffected by the criticism and kept working hard.
C1 noun /ˈstænzə/

stanza

Meaning
a group of lines forming a unit in a poem or song
Example
The poem begins with a stanza describing nature.
C1 noun /ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈniː/

Examinee

Meaning
a person who is being tested in an examination
Example
Each examinee was given two hours to complete the test.
C1 adjective /əˈɡrɛəriən/

agrarian

Meaning
Related to farming, agriculture, or rural land.
Example
The country’s economy is still largely agrarian.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
C1 adverb/adjective /vɜːˈbeɪ.tɪm/

verbatim

Meaning
In exactly the same words as were used originally; word for word repetition.
Example
She repeated his instructions verbatim to avoid errors.
C1 noun /ˈhed.weɪ/

Headway

Meaning
forward movement or progress, especially when this is slow or difficult
Example
Despite the challenges, the research team made significant headway in developing the new vaccine.
C1 verb trænˈsɛnd

transcend

Meaning
To go beyond the limits of something; to surpass or exceed
Example
His effort to transcend traditional methods was commendable.
C1 noun ˌriːˈstrʌk.tʃər.ɪŋ

restructuring

Meaning
The action of organizing something differently.
Example
The company underwent restructuring to improve efficiency.
C1 adverb /ˈaʊtwədli/

Outwardly

Meaning
on the surface; externally; in appearance
Example
Outwardly, he seemed calm, but inside he was nervous.
C1 noun /ˈreɪdiəns/

radiance

Meaning
the quality of shining with bright light; a glowing or beaming quality
Example
Her face was filled with radiance after hearing the good news.
C1 verb /ˈɛkstrɪkeɪt/

extricate

Meaning
To free someone or something from a constraint or difficulty.
Example
The firefighters extricated the passengers from the wrecked car.
C1 noun /ˈænti ˈeəkræft ɡʌn/

Anti-aircraft-gun

Meaning
a weapon designed to attack aircraft from the ground
Example
The anti-aircraft gun was positioned to defend the military base.
C1 verb /snɪp/

snip

Meaning
to cut something quickly with scissors or a sharp tool
Example
She snipped the loose thread from her dress.
C1 noun /ˌɡaɪnəˈkɒlədʒi/

gynecology

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with women's reproductive health
Example
She decided to specialize in gynecology after medical school.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɛfjʊtəbəl/

Irrefutable

Meaning
impossible to deny or disprove; undeniable
Example
The evidence against him was irrefutable.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkeɪnaɪn/

canine

Meaning
Relating to dogs; also refers to the pointed teeth in humans and animals
Example
The police trained a canine unit for search operations.
C1 adjective /ˌtaɪpəˈɡræfɪkəl/

typographical

Meaning
relating to the style, arrangement, or appearance of printed text
Example
There was a typographical error in the book.
C1 noun /əˈsɛnʃən/

ascension

Meaning
The act of rising or going up, often to an important position or a higher place.
Example
His rapid ascension in the company surprised everyone.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈstrɪp/

outstrip

Meaning
To go faster or do better than someone or something; to surpass.
Example
The company outstripped its competitors in sales last year.
C1 verb /ɡeɪp/

gape

Meaning
to stare with mouth wide open; to be wide open
Example
The crowd gaped at the amazing magic trick.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈmiːdiˌɛri/

intermediary

Meaning
A person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement; a mediator.
Example
The diplomat served as an intermediary between the two conflicting nations.
C1 preposition/adverb/conjunction /ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/

notwithstanding

Meaning
In spite of; despite
Example
Notwithstanding the challenges, the team completed the project.
C1 noun /ˈnɛktəriːn/

nectarine

Meaning
A smooth-skinned variety of peach.
Example
She bought a basket of fresh nectarines from the market.
C1 noun /ˈpɔː.pəs/

Porpoise

Meaning
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
Example
The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɔːrs/

Remorse

Meaning
deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed; bitter regret for something done
Example
He felt deep remorse for his actions.
C1 adjective, noun /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri/

auxiliary

Meaning
(adjective) providing supplementary or additional help and support; (noun) a person or thing that provides auxiliary support
Example
The hospital has an auxiliary power generator in case of emergencies.
C1 adjective /ˌlaɪtˈhɑːrtɪd/

light-hearted

Meaning
cheerful, carefree, and not serious
Example
She gave a light-hearted speech at the party.
C1 noun /bəˈnæn.zə/

Bonanza

Meaning
a situation or event that creates a sudden increase in wealth, good fortune, or profits
Example
The oil discovery was a bonanza for the small country.
C1 noun /dɪˌnɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

denomination

Meaning
a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church; a unit of value or currency
Example
The church belongs to a Protestant denomination.
C1 adjective /ˈmɔːtəl/

Mortal

Meaning
subject to death; having a limited lifespan; human
Example
All human beings are mortal and will eventually die.
C1 adjective rɪˈsɛʃ.ən.er.i

recessionary

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by economic recession.
Example
Governments introduce policies to counter recessionary effects.
C1 noun /ɪmˈbæl.əns/

Imbalance

Meaning
lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things; unequal distribution
Example
The doctor said the patient's dizziness was caused by an inner ear imbalance.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnrɪˈfaɪnd/

unrefined

Meaning
not processed or purified; lacking polish or sophistication
Example
The unrefined oil must be processed before it can be used as fuel.
C1 noun /ˈkiːpˌseɪk/

keepsake

Meaning
An object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
Example
She gave me a small locket as a keepsake of our friendship.
C1 noun /vɪnˈjɛt/

vignette

Meaning
A short, descriptive piece of writing or a brief scene.
Example
The author included a poignant vignette in the introduction of the book.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsæn.ə.ti/

Insanity

Meaning
the state of being seriously mentally ill; extreme foolishness or irrationality
Example
The defense lawyer argued that his client was not guilty by reason of insanity.
C1 noun /ˈprɒmɪnəns/

prominence

Meaning
The state of being important, famous, or easily noticed.
Example
Her work gained prominence after the award.
C1 noun /ɔːr/

Oar

Meaning
a long pole with a flat blade used to row a boat
Example
He dipped the oar into the water and pulled the boat forward.
C1 noun /taɪˈpɒɡrəfi/

typography

Meaning
the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible and visually appealing
Example
Good typography improves the readability of a website.
C1 noun /ˌmælnuːˈtrɪʃən/

Malnutrition

Meaning
Lack of proper nutrition; poor nourishment
Example
Malnutrition among children is a serious public health concern.
C1 noun /ˈɡæm.ət/

gamut

Meaning
The complete range or scope of something.
Example
Her emotions ran the gamut from joy to sorrow in just a few minutes.
C1 noun /ˈweɪ.stɪdʒ/

Wastage

Meaning
the action of using or expending something carelessly or without purpose
Example
The company reduced food wastage by implementing better inventory management.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/

disobedience

Meaning
failure or refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority
Example
The child's disobedience worried his parents.
C1 adjective /ˌloʊ ˈspɪrɪtɪd/

low-spirited

Meaning
feeling sad, depressed, or lacking enthusiasm
Example
He felt low-spirited after hearing the bad news.
C1 verb /ˈblækən/

blacken

Meaning
to make something black or darker; to stain, soil, or tarnish
Example
Smoke from the fire began to blacken the walls.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈriːtʃ/

overreach

Meaning
to go beyond what is proper, acceptable, or achievable; to overextend
Example
The politician overreached by making promises he couldn't keep.
C1 noun /ɡeɪdʒ/

Gauge

Meaning
an instrument for measuring the magnitude, amount, or contents of something
Example
The pressure gauge showed the tank was full.
C1 verb /sleɪ/

slay

Meaning
to kill violently; informally, to impress greatly
Example
The hero vowed to slay the dragon.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪtriɑːrk/

patriarch

Meaning
a male head of a family or tribe; an older respected man who leads a group
Example
As the family patriarch, he mediated disputes and kept long traditions alive.
C1 noun /wɪsp/

wisp

Meaning
A small thin or twisted bunch, piece, or amount of something.
Example
A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney.