skulduggery
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C2 noun /skʌlˈdʌɡəri/

skulduggery

Meaning
underhanded or dishonest behavior
Example
The politician was accused of financial skulduggery.
C1 noun ˌiː.kəʊˈfrend.li ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

eco-friendly urbanization

Meaning
The development of cities in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
Example
Eco-friendly urbanization reduces environmental degradation.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪstri/

chemistry

Meaning
the branch of science that studies substances and their interactions; also the emotional connection between people
Example
They have great chemistry and work well together.
B2 noun ˈtrɪbjuːt

tribute

Meaning
An act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.
Example
They paid tribute to the brave freedom fighters.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtɜːr/

inter

Meaning
To bury a dead body in the ground.
Example
They decided to inter the soldier with full honors.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdetɪd/

Indebted

Meaning
owing money or gratitude to someone; obligated; grateful
Example
I am deeply indebted to my teacher for all her guidance.
B2 noun /skwɒd/

squad

Meaning
a small group of people organized for a specific purpose or task, often in the military or sports
Example
The football squad trained hard before the championship match.
C1 noun /dɪˈpɑːzətɔːri/

depository

Meaning
a place where things are stored or deposited, especially financial assets
Example
The national depository safeguards all government bonds.
B1 adverb /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/

Absolutely

Meaning
completely; totally; without exception
Example
I absolutely agree with your decision.
B1 noun /ˈlæbrətɔːri/

laboratory

Meaning
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching.
Example
The students conducted the experiment in the chemistry laboratory.
C2 noun /lɒx/ or /lɒk/

lough

Meaning
An Irish or Scottish word for a lake or sea inlet.
Example
The fishermen lived by the lough for generations.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɪʃən/

remission

Meaning
A temporary or permanent decrease or disappearance of disease symptoms; forgiveness of sins or debts.
Example
The patient’s cancer is in remission after the treatment.
C2 noun /kəˈliːdʒən/

collegian

Meaning
a student of a college
Example
The collegians were preparing for the cultural festival.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈsleɪvəri/

antislavery

Meaning
Opposed to the practice or system of slavery.
Example
The antislavery movement gained momentum in the 19th century.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsaɪd.laɪn/

sideline

Meaning
An activity done in addition to one's main job or area of work.
Example
The sideline discussions led to mutual understanding.
A1 noun/verb /deɪt/

date

Meaning
A particular day of the month or year; also, a social or romantic appointment.
Example
They decided to meet on the date of her birthday.
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 verb /beɪst/

baste

Meaning
to pour or brush melted fat, juices, or liquid over meat during cooking to keep it moist
Example
She basted the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it juicy.
B1 adverb /rɪˈpiː.tɪd.li/

Repeatedly

Meaning
again and again; many times over
Example
He repeatedly asked for help with his homework.
C2 noun /ˈspɒt.ɪd sneɪk hed/

Spotted snake head

Meaning
a type of freshwater fish with spotted markings and an elongated head resembling a snake
Example
The spotted snake head is a popular fish for aquaculture in South Asia.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌɡɑːrmənt/

undergarment

Meaning
a piece of clothing worn under outer clothes, usually next to the skin
Example
He bought new undergarments for the wedding.
B1 verb /ɡræb/

grab

Meaning
To seize something quickly and firmly.
Example
He tried to grab the ball before it rolled away.
C1 verb /ɡrʌnt/

grunt

Meaning
to make a low, rough sound, often when exerting effort or expressing annoyance
Example
He grunted as he lifted the heavy box.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊbər/

Sober

Meaning
not affected by alcohol; serious and thoughtful; moderate
Example
He remained sober throughout the celebration.
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.
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.
C2 noun /poʊˈzɜːr/

poseur

Meaning
A person who pretends to be something they are not, often to impress others.
Example
Many considered him a poseur because he exaggerated his accomplishments.
B2 adjective /ˈtrɪviəl/

trivial

Meaning
Of little value or importance.
Example
He often gets upset over the most trivial matters.
C1 adjective /prəˈfeɪn/

profane

Meaning
showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things; irreverent or vulgar
Example
His jokes were considered too profane for the ceremony.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːreɪ/

foray

Meaning
A sudden short attack or attempt, especially into new activity or territory.
Example
The company made its first foray into the international market.
C2 noun /ruːd/

rood

Meaning
a crucifix, especially one positioned above the entrance to the chancel of a church
Example
The old church displayed a carved rood above the altar.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ə.pi/

canopy

Meaning
The upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of trees; overhead cover.
Example
The rainforest canopy provides shelter to many birds and insects.
B2 noun /ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən/

complication

Meaning
A problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with.
Example
His illness led to serious complications after surgery.
B1 noun /fæts/

fats

Meaning
Essential macronutrients that provide energy, support cell growth, and protect organs while helping absorb vitamins.
Example
Healthy fats from nuts and avocados support brain function.
C2 adjective /pərˈsɪpiənt/

percipient

Meaning
Having good understanding or insight; able to perceive things clearly.
Example
As a percipient critic, she recognized the deeper meaning of the play.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪkwɛri/

antiquary

Meaning
A person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or ancient objects.
Example
The antiquary spent years collecting rare manuscripts from the medieval period.
B1 noun /feɪθ/

Faith

Meaning
complete trust or confidence in someone or something; strong belief in religion
Example
She had unwavering faith in her team's ability to succeed.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspətɪzəm/

despotism

Meaning
absolute power exercised in a cruel and oppressive way
Example
The people revolted against the era of despotism.
A2 adverb /əˈhɛd/

ahead

Meaning
in front; in advance; before someone or something in position or progress
Example
She walked ahead of the group.
B1 verb /rɪˈliːs/

release

Meaning
to set free; to allow something to escape or go away
Example
The prisoner was released after ten years.
B2 noun /ˈteɪkˌɔːf/

takeoff

Meaning
The moment an aircraft leaves the ground and begins to fly; also a sudden rise or start in activity or success.
Example
The plane's takeoff was delayed due to bad weather.
B2 adjective /ˈkʌnɪŋ/

cunning

Meaning
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion; cleverness in a tricky way.
Example
The cunning fox tricked the farmer.
A1 pronoun /aɪ/

i

Meaning
used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself
Example
I am learning English every day.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.zəl/

causal

Meaning
relating to or acting as a cause
Example
There is a causal link between smoking and cancer.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːri/

Saree

Meaning
a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from South Asia
Example
She looked elegant in her red silk saree at the festival.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːmi/

seamy

Meaning
Morally degraded, unpleasant, or sordid.
Example
The novel reveals the seamy side of city life.
B1 verb, noun /klɪp/

clip

Meaning
to cut or trim something; a short extract from a film, broadcast, or recording
Example
She clipped the coupon from the newspaper.
B2 verb /ˈdɑːrkən/

darken

Meaning
to make or become dark; to reduce brightness or light
Example
The clouds began to darken the sky before the storm.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡlɔːriəs/

inglorious

Meaning
Causing shame or disgrace; not bringing honor or glory.
Example
The army suffered an inglorious defeat.
C1 phrasal verb /ɡlɒs ˈoʊ.vər/

gloss over

Meaning
to avoid discussing something unpleasant or make it seem less important
Example
The report glossed over the company's financial problems.
A2 adjective /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ.ə.bəl/

Enjoyable

Meaning
pleasant; giving satisfaction or pleasure
Example
The movie was very enjoyable and made everyone laugh.
C2 verb /dɔːb/

daub

Meaning
to spread a thick or sticky substance carelessly on a surface
Example
The children daubed paint all over the walls.
C2 noun /ˈɛərəˌstæt/

aerostat

Meaning
A lighter-than-air craft, such as a balloon, that is lifted by gas.
Example
The military used an aerostat for surveillance over the border.
B2 noun /ˈpæs.taɪm/

Pastime

Meaning
an activity done regularly for enjoyment; a hobby or recreational activity
Example
Reading books is her favorite pastime during weekends.
C1 adjective /ˈkæl.əs/

Callous

Meaning
showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others; emotionally hardened
Example
He showed a callous disregard for others' feelings.
B2 noun əˈmend.mənts

amendments

Meaning
Changes or additions made to improve a text, law, or constitution.
Example
Amendments reflect evolving public needs.
C1 noun /ˈrep.lɪ.kə/

Replica

Meaning
an exact copy or model of something, especially one on a smaller scale
Example
The museum displayed a perfect replica of the ancient statue.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːrsəlɪn/

porcelain

Meaning
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
Example
The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China.
C1 noun /ˈbɛd.rɒk/

bedrock

Meaning
the solid rock layer beneath the soil; the fundamental basis of something
Example
Trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship.
B2 noun /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/

reliability

Meaning
the quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well
Example
Customers value the reliability of our service.
B2 verb /soʊk/

soak

Meaning
to make something completely wet by immersing it in liquid
Example
She soaked the clothes in water before washing them.
B2 adjective /ˈhoʊl.səm/

Wholesome

Meaning
conducive to or promoting moral or physical well-being; healthy
Example
Eating wholesome food is important for good health.
B2 adverb /ˈlaɪk.waɪz/

Likewise

Meaning
in the same way; also; similarly
Example
She studied hard for the exam, and her brother did likewise.
B1 adjective /ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.əl/

Punctual

Meaning
on time; prompt;
Example
She is always punctual for meetings.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

Meaning
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
Example
The new regulations could stymie small businesses.
A2 noun /ˈfɪʃ.ər.mən/

Fisherman

Meaning
a person who catches fish as a job or hobby
Example
The fisherman caught three large fish in the river today.
B2 adjective /ˈplɔː.zə.bəl/

plausible

Meaning
Seeming reasonable or probable; credible or believable.
Example
His excuse seemed plausible, but I had my doubts.
B2 noun /wɔːrd/

ward

Meaning
A separate room in a hospital for patients; also a division of a city or a person under guardianship.
Example
She was admitted to the children's ward.
C2 noun /əˈmʊr/

amour

Meaning
A secret or illicit love affair.
Example
The novel tells the story of a forbidden amour between two characters.
C2 adjective /ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən/

epicurean

Meaning
relating to the enjoyment of fine food, drink, and luxury
Example
The chef prepared an epicurean feast for the guests.
C1 noun ˌfiː.zəˈbɪl.ə.ti

feasibility

Meaning
The state or degree of being easily or conveniently done; possibility.
Example
The company conducted a feasibility study before launching the project.
A2 adjective /ˈnɔːti/

naughty

Meaning
Disobedient or mischievous, often in a playful or mildly bad way.
Example
The naughty child drew on the walls with crayons.
C2 noun /ˈɔːldər/

alder

Meaning
A type of tree from the birch family that typically grows in wet ground and has simple, serrated leaves.
Example
The alder trees grew thick along the riverbank.
A2 conjunction /ʌnˈlɛs/

unless

Meaning
except if
Example
We won't go unless it stops raining.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
C2 noun /tʃɜːrl/

churl

Meaning
A rude, boorish, or ill-mannered person.
Example
The waiter was such a churl that customers left unhappy.
C2 noun /traɪˈʌmvɪər/

triumvir

Meaning
One of a group of three men holding power in ancient Rome.
Example
Caesar was a triumvir in the first Roman triumvirate.
C2 noun /ˈæntiruːm/

anteroom

Meaning
A small room leading to a main one, often used as a waiting area.
Example
The guests waited in the anteroom before being called inside.
B1 noun /edʒ/

Edge

Meaning
the outside limit of an object or area; a sharp side of a blade
Example
Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edge of the knife.
B2 noun /ˈtrʌmpɪt/

Trumpet

Meaning
a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; military signal instrument
Example
The soldier played the trumpet to signal the troops.
B1 verb /fəʊld/

fold

Meaning
to bend something, especially paper or cloth, so that one part covers another
Example
She folded the letter neatly before placing it in the envelope.
C1 noun /ˈjuːnɪsən/

unison

Meaning
Simultaneous performance or utterance of action or speech.
Example
The choir sang in unison.
C2 adjective /ˈpaɪbɔːld/

piebald

Meaning
having irregular patches of two colors, especially black and white
Example
The farmer owns a piebald horse with black and white spots.
C1 adjective /ˌsʌbˈkɒn.ʃəs/

subconscious

Meaning
Of or concerning the part of the mind which one is not fully aware of but which influences actions and feelings.
Example
Fears often come from the subconscious mind.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/

impeach

Meaning
To charge a public official with misconduct while in office.
Example
The parliament voted to impeach the president.
A2 noun /fækt/

fact

Meaning
A thing that is known or proved to be true
Example
It is a fact that the Earth orbits the Sun.
C2 noun /lænˈtɑː.nə/

Lantana

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with clusters of small colorful flowers
Example
The lantana flowers attract butterflies to the garden.
B2 noun /truːp/

Troop

Meaning
a group of soldiers; military personnel organized as a unit
Example
The troop marched in formation across the parade ground.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈdʒʌŋktɪv/

disjunctive

Meaning
Serving to separate or divide; expressing a choice between alternatives.
Example
In grammar, 'or' is a disjunctive conjunction.
B2 verb /mɜːrdʒ/

merge

Meaning
to combine or join together; to blend into one
Example
The two companies decided to merge to increase their market share.
C1 noun /ˈkwæɡˌmaɪər/

quagmire

Meaning
a soft, wet area of land that gives way underfoot; a complex or dangerous situation
Example
The hikers were trapped in a political quagmire.
A2 noun /læmp/

Lamp

Meaning
a device for giving light, either one using electricity or burning gas or oil
Example
She turned on the reading lamp to illuminate her book.
C1 adjective /ˈprɪvi/

privy

Meaning
having access to secret or private knowledge
Example
She was privy to the confidential discussions.
C1 adjective /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/

Miscellaneous

Meaning
various; diverse; mixed; assorted
Example
The box contained miscellaneous items from different periods.
B1 verb /əˈdɔːr/

adore

Meaning
to love deeply and respect highly
Example
She adores her little sister.
B1 adverb /əˈperəntli/

Apparently

Meaning
seemingly; as far as one knows or can see; clearly; evidently
Example
Apparently, the meeting has been postponed to next week.
B1 noun sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti

security

Meaning
The state of being free from danger, threat, or loss.
Example
Food security is essential for human survival.
B2 noun /ˈkɒləni/

colony

Meaning
a territory or community controlled by another country or group of people
Example
India was once a British colony.
B1 noun /dɪˈbeɪts/

debates

Meaning
Formal discussions where different viewpoints are presented and argued.
Example
Debates on governance lasted throughout the session.
C2 verb /ʧeɪf/

chafe

Meaning
To make or become sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience.
Example
The tight shoes began to chafe his heels.
C1 adjective /dɪˈraɪsɪv/

derisive

Meaning
Expressing contempt or ridicule.
Example
She gave a derisive laugh at his attempt to sing.
C1 noun ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rə.ti

mediocrity

Meaning
Being average or ordinary, not particularly good.
Example
He refused to settle for mediocrity and aimed for greatness.
B2 noun /sɪnˈserɪti/

Sincerity

Meaning
the quality of being free from pretense or deceit; honesty
Example
His sincerity in apologizing was evident to everyone.
A2 verb /faɪt/

fight

Meaning
to engage in battle or combat; to struggle against
Example
The soldiers fight for their country.
B2 adjective /əˈvɔɪdəbl/

avoidable

Meaning
able to be prevented or avoided
Example
Most of the damage was avoidable with proper planning.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprəˈsɑːrioʊ/

impresario

Meaning
A person who organizes or finances concerts, plays, or operas.
Example
The impresario arranged a series of concerts for the rising star.
B2 noun /biːk/

Beak

Meaning
the hard pointed part of a bird's mouth
Example
The eagle has a sharp beak for tearing meat.
C1 noun ˌfræɡ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən

fragmentation

Meaning
The process or state of breaking or being broken into fragments.
Example
Habitat fragmentation threatens many species.
B1 noun /broʊˈʃʊr/

brochure

Meaning
a small booklet or pamphlet containing information or advertising
Example
The travel agent gave us a brochure about the holiday package.
A2 pronoun /huːm/

whom

Meaning
used to refer to the person or people that something is done to
Example
The man whom I met yesterday is my friend.
B1 noun ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃənz

examinations

Meaning
A detailed inspection or investigation; a formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency.
Example
BPSC conducts rigorous examinations.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪmˌstoʊn/

brimstone

Meaning
Sulfur, especially when considered as fiery and associated with hell or divine punishment.
Example
The preacher spoke of fire and brimstone to warn the congregation.
C2 noun /ˈkɒksweɪn/

coxswain

Meaning
the person in charge of navigating and steering a boat, especially a racing or small boat
Example
The coxswain shouted instructions to the rowing team.
B2 adjective /ˈskɑː.lət/

Scarlet

Meaning
a bright red color with a slightly orange tinge
Example
The scarlet roses in the garden looked magnificent in the morning light.
C1 noun/verb /θrɒŋ/

throng

Meaning
A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals; to fill or be present in a place in large numbers.
Example
Tourists thronged the streets during the festival.
A2 noun /ˈfɪŋ.ɡər/

Finger

Meaning
any of the four long thin parts of the hand (or five, if the thumb is included)
Example
She pointed with her finger to show the direction to the museum.
C1 noun /læps/

Lapse

Meaning
a temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment; the termination of a right or privilege
Example
There was a brief lapse in security that allowed the intruder to enter the building.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.rɔːr/

Uproar

Meaning
a loud and emotional noise or disturbance; public outcry
Example
The announcement caused an uproar among the students.
B2 noun /ˈfɪlmˌmeɪkər/

film-maker

Meaning
A person who directs or produces films
Example
The film-maker received an award for his latest documentary.