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C1 adjective /spɑːrs/

sparse

Meaning
thinly scattered or distributed; not dense or abundant
Example
Vegetation was sparse in the desert.
B2 adjective ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl

ethical

Meaning
Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
Example
Ethical considerations guide decisions.
C2 noun /ˈdəʊ.lər/

dolor

Meaning
A state of great sorrow or distress.
Example
The nation was in deep dolor after the tragedy.
C2 noun /ˈpætrɪˌmoʊni/

patrimony

Meaning
Property or inheritance passed down from one's father or ancestors.
Example
The castle was part of his patrimony from his noble ancestors.
B2 noun ˈkwɒlɪti sliːp

quality sleep

Meaning
Deep and healthy sleep that is adequate and restorative, ensuring physical and mental well-being
Example
Quality sleep improves cognitive function and overall health.
B1 noun, verb /toʊn/

tone

Meaning
the general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.
Example
The tone of the letter was very formal.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɛntri/

gentry

Meaning
People of good social position, usually of high birth or wealthy landowners
Example
The gentry of the town gathered for the annual ball.
B2 noun /ˈtrɔːmə/

trauma

Meaning
a deeply distressing or disturbing experience; physical injury or emotional shock
Example
The accident left her with lasting emotional trauma.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/

disillusionment

Meaning
A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.
Example
Many people experience disillusionment after unrealistic expectations.
B1 adjective /ˈfrʌstreɪtɪd/

frustrated

Meaning
feeling annoyed or upset because of inability to achieve something
Example
She felt frustrated after failing the exam.
B2 noun /ˌɪmpərˈfɛkʃən/

imperfection

Meaning
a flaw, defect, or weakness; the state of being imperfect
Example
She accepted her imperfection as part of being human.
B2 verb /rɪˈvɜːs/

reverse

Meaning
to change something to the opposite direction, position, or result
Example
She quickly reversed the car out of the driveway.
C2 adjective /ˈslæp.dæʃ/

slapdash

Meaning
done too quickly and carelessly; hasty and careless
Example
The report was written in a slapdash manner, full of errors.
C2 adjective /ˈɛkstənt/

extant

Meaning
Still in existence; surviving.
Example
Only a few manuscripts from the ancient library are extant.
B2 noun ˈɡeɪm.pleɪ

gameplay

Meaning
The tactical aspects of a game, such as its plot and the way it is played.
Example
The team's gameplay was innovative.
C1 noun /ˈlæd.i/

laddie

Meaning
A young boy or lad.
Example
The old man gave the young laddie a kind smile.
B2 noun /ˈhændlɪŋ/

handling

Meaning
the act of managing or dealing with something or someone
Example
His handling of the situation was impressive.
C2 noun /ˈkæn.toʊ/

canto

Meaning
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
Example
The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos.
C1 noun /dɪˈsɜːn.mənt/

discernment

Meaning
The ability to judge well or understand something correctly; keen insight.
Example
His discernment in business decisions made him successful.
B2 verb /kənˈstrʌkt/

construct

Meaning
to build or form something by putting parts together
Example
They plan to construct a new bridge over the river.
B2 noun /hɜːb/ (US) /hɜːb/ or /ɜːb/

herb

Meaning
a plant used for flavoring food, medicine, or perfume
Example
Basil is a popular herb used in Italian cuisine.
B2 noun /ˈnæp.kɪn/

Nap Kin

Meaning
a piece of cloth or paper used for wiping the mouth and hands while eating
Example
She placed the napkin on her lap before starting dinner.
B1 verb /dɪˈnaɪ/

deny

Meaning
to refuse to accept or admit something; to declare something untrue
Example
He denied stealing the money.
C2 adjective /saɪˈdɪəriəl/

sidereal

Meaning
Relating to the stars or constellations; measured relative to the stars.
Example
Astronomers use sidereal time to track the positions of stars.
C1 adjective /ˈfaɪə.ri/

Fiery

Meaning
burning; passionate; hot-tempered; showing strong emotion
Example
She has a fiery temper that flares up quickly.
A2 adjective /draɪ/

Dry

Meaning
free from moisture or liquid; not wet; lacking interest or excitement
Example
The desert has very dry climate.
C1 adjective /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtuːɪtɪv/

counterintuitive

Meaning
contrary to what one would intuitively expect
Example
His approach seems counterintuitive but it actually works.
C2 adjective /mæɡˈnɪləkwənt/

magniloquent

Meaning
using high-flown or pompous language
Example
The politician’s magniloquent speech impressed the crowd.
C1 noun /dʒɛˈsteɪʃən/

gestation

Meaning
the process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth; the development of an idea or plan
Example
The gestation period of an elephant is nearly two years.
C2 adjective /ɒmˈnɪʃ.ənt/

Omniscient

Meaning
having complete knowledge; all-knowing
Example
The narrator in the novel appears to be omniscient, knowing every character's thoughts.
C2 noun /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnʃən/

reprehension

Meaning
The act of rebuking or criticizing severely.
Example
The teacher’s reprehension of the student’s behavior was justified.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbl/

unaccountable

Meaning
Not able to be explained or justified.
Example
She felt an unaccountable fear as she entered the dark room.
B2 noun /ˈpæn.ɪk/

Panic

Meaning
sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety; a state of widespread fear and anxiety
Example
The fire alarm caused panic among the students.
C2 adjective /ˈkjʊərətɪv/

curative

Meaning
Able to cure disease or restore health.
Example
The doctor prescribed a curative treatment for the illness.
C1 adverb /əˈbrɛst/

abreast

Meaning
side by side and facing the same direction; informed about something
Example
The soldiers marched two abreast down the street.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərɪkˈspoʊzd/

underexposed

Meaning
insufficiently exposed to light (in photography) or not given enough attention
Example
The photo was underexposed and looked too dark.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪlɪf/

bailiff

Meaning
An official who keeps order in a court, carries out court orders, or collects debts.
Example
The bailiff asked everyone to rise as the judge entered the courtroom.
C2 noun /ˈbʊljən/

bullion

Meaning
Gold or silver in bulk before being coined or made into jewelry.
Example
The bank stores gold bullion in its vaults.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌf.i/

Stuffy

Meaning
lacking fresh air; poorly ventilated; formal and conservative in attitude
Example
The room was stuffy and needed fresh air.
B2 noun /ˈleɪbərər/

laborer

Meaning
a person who does physical work, especially work that requires strength rather than skill
Example
The laborer worked long hours at the construction site.
B2 adjective /bɪˈzɑːr/

bizarre

Meaning
very strange or unusual, especially so as to cause interest or amusement
Example
He told a bizarre story that no one could believe.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɒksɪkənt/

intoxicant

Meaning
a substance, especially alcohol or a drug, that causes intoxication
Example
Alcohol is the most commonly used intoxicant in many cultures.
C1 verb /ɡleɪz/

glaze

Meaning
to cover with a smooth, shiny surface; to coat with a glossy finish
Example
The chef glazed the cake with chocolate.
C1 verb /dɪˈfeɪs/

deface

Meaning
to spoil the surface or appearance of something, especially by writing or drawing on it
Example
The vandals defaced the wall with graffiti.
A2 adverb; noun /ˌaʊtˈdɔːrz/

outdoors

Meaning
outside a building; the natural environment outside
Example
We spent the whole afternoon outdoors enjoying the fresh air.
B2 verb ˈstɪmjəleɪt

stimulate

Meaning
To encourage or promote the development or growth of something
Example
Proper sunlight stimulates plant growth.
A2 adjective /ʌnˈhel.θi/

Unhealthy

Meaning
harmful to health; not in good health; detrimental to well-being
Example
Eating too much fast food is unhealthy for your body.
B1 verb /splɪt/

split

Meaning
to divide or separate into parts or groups
Example
He split the log in two with an axe.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛstˌfɔːlən/

crestfallen

Meaning
sad and disappointed
Example
He looked crestfallen after hearing the bad news.
C2 adjective /prəˈpʌlsɪv/

propulsive

Meaning
Having the power to drive or push something forward.
Example
The propulsive force of the rocket lifted it off the ground.
A2 verb /stɪk/

stick

Meaning
to adhere or attach something to a surface
Example
The glue will stick to the paper.
B1 noun /ˈhɛlθˌkɛər/

health-care

Meaning
the organized provision of medical services to maintain or improve health
Example
Access to quality health-care is essential for every citizen.
C1 verb /ˌrekəˈlekt/

recollect

Meaning
to remember something; to recall from memory
Example
I can't recollect where I put my keys.
B2 noun /ˌɛkspɜːˈtiːz/

expertise

Meaning
Expert knowledge or skill in a particular area.
Example
His expertise in graphic design is widely recognized.
C2 adjective /dɪˈstɛnsəbl̩/

distensible

Meaning
Capable of being stretched or expanded.
Example
The stomach is a distensible organ that can expand after eating.
C1 verb /əˈbriːvieɪt/

abbreviate

Meaning
To shorten a word, phrase, or text by leaving out letters or parts.
Example
We often abbreviate 'Doctor' to 'Dr'.
B2 noun ˈflaɪ.ɪŋ kɑːrz

flying cars

Meaning
Vehicles that can travel both on roads and in the air.
Example
Flying cars could soon solve urban traffic congestion.
B2 noun /ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/

storage

Meaning
the action or method of storing something for future use
Example
The warehouse offers plenty of storage space.
C2 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃuˌɛr.i/

sumptuary

Meaning
Relating to laws or regulations intended to limit personal spending on luxury goods.
Example
In medieval Europe, sumptuary laws restricted the wearing of expensive fabrics to the nobility.
C1 verb /dɪˈfaɪl/

defile

Meaning
to pollute, corrupt, or make dirty
Example
The river was defiled by industrial waste.
B2 noun /ˈwɜːrkˌfɔːrs/

workforce

Meaning
the people engaged in or available for work
Example
The company is looking to expand its workforce by 20%.
C2 adjective /sərˈkjuːɪtəs/

circuitous

Meaning
Longer than the most direct way; roundabout.
Example
He took a circuitous route to avoid traffic.
C2 verb /ˈʌndjʊleɪt/

undulate

Meaning
To move with a smooth, wave-like motion.
Example
The snake undulated across the sand.
C1 preposition /ˈbɑːrɪŋ/

barring

Meaning
except for; if not for
Example
Barring a miracle, the team will not win the championship.
B1 verb /dɪˈklaɪn/

decline

Meaning
To become smaller, fewer, or less; to decrease gradually.
Example
The unemployment rate continues to decline.
B1 noun /bend/

Bend

Meaning
a curved or angled part of something; a turning point in a road or river
Example
There is a sharp bend in the river ahead.
A2 noun /ˈwɛdɪŋ/

wedding

Meaning
a marriage ceremony, especially considered as including the associated celebrations
Example
They are planning a wedding in the summer.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛkənt/

peccant

Meaning
Guilty of a moral offense or wrongdoing; sinful.
Example
The judge declared the peccant official unfit for office.
C2 noun /praɪˈveɪʃən/

privation

Meaning
A state in which things essential for human well-being such as food and warmth are lacking.
Example
The refugees suffered great privation during the harsh winter.
B2 noun /ˌdɒkjʊmɛnˈteɪʃən/

documentation

Meaning
material that provides official information or evidence
Example
The documentation for the project is available for review.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstreɪndʒd/

estranged

Meaning
no longer close or affectionate with someone; alienated
Example
She felt estranged from her family after the long dispute.
C2 verb /ˈwiːdəl/

wheedle

Meaning
to persuade or coax someone by using flattery or smooth talk
Example
She managed to wheedle extra pocket money from her father.
B1 noun /ˈbæŋkər/

banker

Meaning
a person who works in or manages a bank
Example
The banker approved the loan after reviewing the documents.
B1 noun /ˈɛlɪmənt/

element

Meaning
A basic or essential part of something; a simple substance that cannot be broken down further.
Example
Trust is a key element of any strong relationship.
C1 noun /ˌædəˈreɪʃən/

adoration

Meaning
deep love and respect; worship
Example
The fans showed their adoration for the singer.
C1 verb /mɪns/

mince

Meaning
to cut into very small pieces; to walk with short quick steps
Example
She minced the garlic for the recipe.
C2 noun /ˈpɛstɪləns/

pestilence

Meaning
A deadly or virulent epidemic disease that spreads rapidly.
Example
The medieval city was devastated by a pestilence.
B1 noun /ˌrɛp.jʊˈteɪ.ʃən/

reputation

Meaning
The opinion generally held about someone or something; fame or prestige.
Example
A good reputation is essential for business success.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.kɔː.dæt/

concordat

Meaning
An agreement or treaty, especially between the Vatican and a secular government.
Example
The concordat established the rights of the church within the country.
C1 verb /ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪt/

alienate

Meaning
To make someone feel isolated or estranged; to cause someone to become unfriendly.
Example
His rude behavior alienated many of his friends.
A2 pronoun /hɜːrˈsɛlf/

herself

Meaning
used to refer to a female person as the object of a verb or preposition when she is the subject
Example
She prepared the meal all by herself.
B2 noun /məˈstɑːʃ/

Moustache

Meaning
hair that grows on the upper lip of men
Example
He grew a thick moustache for the play.
C1 noun /ˌætəˈʃeɪ/

attache

Meaning
A person officially assigned to the staff of a diplomatic mission, often with a specific area of responsibility.
Example
The cultural attache organized an art exhibition in the embassy.
C1 noun /ʃəˈmiːz/

Chemise

Meaning
a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or dress hanging straight from the shoulders
Example
The vintage chemise was made of delicate lace and silk.
C1 adjective /kənˈkluː.sɪv/

Conclusive

Meaning
final; decisive; settling a matter completely
Example
The evidence was conclusive and left no room for doubt.
A2 noun /ˈtaʊ.əl/

Towel

Meaning
a piece of absorbent cloth or paper used for wiping or drying
Example
She wrapped herself in a soft towel after the shower.
C1 noun /ˈzoʊdiæk/

Zodiac

Meaning
a belt of the heavens within which lie the paths of the sun, moon, and planets; the twelve astrological signs
Example
What is your zodiac sign?
B1 adjective /ʌnˈkaɪnd/

Unkind

Meaning
cruel; not nice or caring toward others
Example
It was unkind of him to make fun of her appearance.
C1 noun ˌoʊ.vɚˈɡreɪ.zɪŋ

overgrazing

Meaning
The practice of allowing livestock to graze to the point of damaging vegetation.
Example
Overgrazing leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
C1 noun /ˈlɪɡ.əmənt/

ligament

Meaning
A tough band of tissue that connects bones at a joint.
Example
He tore a ligament in his knee while playing football.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmjuː.tə.bəl/

immutable

Meaning
Unchangeable, permanent, or fixed
Example
The laws of physics are considered immutable.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈtɜːr/

disinter

Meaning
to dig up something buried, especially a body
Example
The archaeologists disinterred ancient remains from the site.
A2 adverb /ˈslaɪtli/

slightly

Meaning
to a small degree or extent
Example
The temperature has slightly increased today.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪnɪməm/

minimum

Meaning
The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attained, or required.
Example
This year saw a minimum unemployment rate.
B1 noun /kənˌfɜːˈmeɪʃən/

confirmation

Meaning
the action of confirming something or the state of being confirmed
Example
She received a confirmation email for her appointment.
A1 verb /treɪn/

Train

Meaning
to teach skills or prepare for a specific activity
Example
Athletes train hard for the Olympics.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪ.sən/

chasten

Meaning
to correct or discipline; to humble or subdue
Example
The coach chastened the team after their poor performance.
B1 noun ˈkæn.dɪ.deɪts

candidates

Meaning
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election; someone being considered for a position.
Example
Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process.
B1 verb /ˈpʌblɪʃ/

publish

Meaning
to print and distribute books, magazines, etc.; to make information available
Example
The author will publish her new novel next month.
C2 noun ˌɒbfəsˈkeɪʃən

obfuscation

Meaning
The action of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
The obfuscation of the data made it difficult to interpret.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dənt/

Dependent

Meaning
a person who relies on another for financial support; someone who depends on others
Example
As a tax dependent, she could not file her own tax return separately.
B1 noun /ˈsɛkrəteri/

secretary

Meaning
a person employed to handle correspondence and manage routine tasks for an individual or organization
Example
The secretary scheduled the meeting for tomorrow.
C2 noun /rɪˈpʌɡ.nəns/

repugnance

Meaning
intense disgust or strong aversion towards something
Example
She felt deep repugnance at the cruelty of the act.
C1 verb /ˈlɛdʒɪsˌleɪt/

legislate

Meaning
to make or enact laws
Example
The government plans to legislate new safety standards.
A2 noun /ˈkɪndərˌɡɑːrtn/

kindergarten

Meaning
a school or class for young children, typically between the ages of four and six
Example
She enrolled her child in kindergarten to prepare for elementary school.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæsiəs/

gaseous

Meaning
Relating to or having the form of gas.
Example
Carbon dioxide is a gaseous substance.
C1 noun ˈmiːdiə ˈdɒmɪnəns

media dominance

Meaning
The control and powerful influence that media has over communication and information distribution in society.
Example
The internet has enhanced media dominance globally.
C2 noun /liː/

lea

Meaning
An open area of grassy or arable land; a meadow.
Example
The cottage was surrounded by a quiet lea.
C1 adjective /ˈpruː.dənt/

Prudent

Meaning
wise; careful; cautious;
Example
It's prudent to save money for the future.
C2 noun /ˈfærɪsiː/

pharisee

Meaning
A member of an ancient Jewish sect; by extension, a self-righteous or hypocritical person.
Example
He acted like a pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkəmˌpætəˈbɪlɪti/

incompatibility

Meaning
the state of being unable to exist or work together harmoniously; lack of compatibility
Example
The project failed because of incompatibility between the two software systems.
B2 noun /əˈroʊmə/

aroma

Meaning
A pleasant, distinctive smell.
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌɡi/

muggy

Meaning
uncomfortably warm and humid
Example
It was a muggy afternoon in July.
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 adjective /əˈwɒʃ/

awash

Meaning
covered or flooded with water or something in large quantities
Example
The market was awash with cheap imported goods.
B1 noun /ˈlɛktʃərər/

lecturer

Meaning
a person who gives lectures, especially at a college or university
Example
The lecturer explained the theory with clear examples.
B2 noun /prəˈsiːdɪŋ/

proceeding

Meaning
a course of action; often used for a legal process or event
Example
The court proceedings lasted for several hours.
B1 adjective /fɒnd/

fond

Meaning
having a strong liking or affection for something or someone
Example
She is fond of painting and spends hours in front of her canvas.
B2 adjective /ˌmɛtrəˈpɑːlɪtən/

metropolitan

Meaning
Relating to a large city, its surrounding areas, or its lifestyle.
Example
She moved to a metropolitan area for better job opportunities.
C1 noun /ˈmʌf.lər/

Muffler

Meaning
a long strip of cloth worn around the neck for warmth
Example
She wrapped a warm muffler around her neck before going outside.
C2 noun /ˈfuːləri/

foolery

Meaning
Silly or foolish behavior or actions.
Example
His constant foolery made the meeting hard to take seriously.