spearhead
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C1 verb /ˈspɪərˌhɛd/

spearhead

Meaning
to lead or initiate an action, project, or movement
Example
She spearheaded the campaign for environmental awareness.
C2 noun /ˈfrɛs.koʊ/

fresco

Meaning
A painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster so that the colors penetrate the surface
Example
The church walls were decorated with beautiful frescoes.
B2 noun /rɪˈsɪp.i.ənt/

Recipient

Meaning
a person who receives something
Example
She was the recipient of the prestigious award.
C2 adjective /ˈtriːkli/

treacly

Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental, like treacle.
Example
The movie was too treacly for my taste.
C1 noun /ˈtræpɪŋz/

trappings

Meaning
the outward signs, features, or objects associated with a role, event, or status
Example
The king appeared with all the trappings of royalty.
C2 verb /ˈɑːbdʒərˌɡeɪt/

objurgate

Meaning
to scold or rebuke severely
Example
The teacher objurgated the student for being dishonest.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.ərn.wʊd/

Ironwood

Meaning
a hard, dense wood from various trees; also the tree itself that produces small flowers
Example
The ironwood tree blooms with tiny white flowers.
B2 noun /ɪnˈtɜː.prə.tər/

Interpreter

Meaning
a person who translates orally from one language into another; someone who explains meaning
Example
The international conference hired professional interpreters to translate speeches in real time.
B1 adverb /ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/

Unfortunately

Meaning
used to express regret or disappointment about something
Example
Unfortunately, the weather was bad for our picnic.
B2 noun/verb jiːldz

yields

Meaning
The amount of agricultural produce harvested per unit of land area.
Example
Crop yields have declined due to extreme weather.
B2 noun/verb /ˌoʊvərˈlæp/

overlap

Meaning
To extend over and cover partly; an area where things coincide.
Example
The two meetings overlap by an hour.
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 /ˌbræɡəˈdoʊʃioʊ/

braggadocio

Meaning
boastful or arrogant behavior; empty boasting
Example
His endless braggadocio annoyed everyone at the party.
C1 noun /æɡˈnɒs.tɪk/

agnostic

Meaning
a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known about the existence of God; uncertain in belief
Example
He described himself as an agnostic rather than an atheist.
C2 noun /ˈplɛbɪsaɪt/

plebiscite

Meaning
a direct vote by the electorate on an important public question
Example
The government held a plebiscite to decide on the new constitution.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvɛstɪtʃər/

investiture

Meaning
the formal ceremony of conferring authority, rank, or office
Example
The king held an investiture ceremony for the new knight.
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 /əˈpɒsəl/

apostle

Meaning
A vigorous and pioneering advocate or supporter of a particular cause, often used for the early Christian disciples.
Example
He became an apostle of environmental protection.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/

Ineligible

Meaning
not qualified or entitled to participate or be chosen; unsuitable
Example
Students with poor grades are ineligible for the scholarship program.
C1 noun /ˈtrænsfərəns/

transference

Meaning
The act of moving something from one place, person, or situation to another.
Example
The transference of knowledge is essential in education.
B1 noun /ˈbɜː.nɪŋ/

burning

Meaning
The process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (typically) smoke.
Example
Burning garbage exacerbates air pollution.
A2 verb /rɪˈkwaɪər/

require

Meaning
to need something; to demand or insist on
Example
This job requires excellent communication skills.
B2 noun /ˈplænər/

planner

Meaning
a person who makes plans or a book used for organizing schedules and tasks
Example
She uses a daily planner to organize her meetings.
C2 adjective /bɪˈfʌdld/

befuddled

Meaning
confused, unable to think clearly
Example
He looked befuddled after hearing the complex instructions.
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 kənˈfɔː.mə.ti

conformity

Meaning
Compliance with standards, rules, or laws. Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions.
Example
Strict conformity to the rules ensures order in society.
B2 adjective /ʌnprəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Unproductive

Meaning
not achieving much; not producing good results
Example
The meeting was unproductive and wasted everyone's time.
C2 adjective /ˌnjuːmɪzˈmætɪk/

numismatic

Meaning
relating to the study or collection of coins, currency, and medals
Example
He has a numismatic collection of rare coins from around the world.
A2 noun /soʊp/

Soap

Meaning
a cleaning agent made from fats or oils and used for washing
Example
Please wash your hands with soap and water.
B2 noun ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən

consultation

Meaning
The action of consulting or discussing; a meeting with an expert or professional to seek advice.
Example
Consultation was essential.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstɜː.bɪŋ/

disturbing

Meaning
causing anxiety, worry, or emotional distress
Example
The news about the accident was deeply disturbing.
C2 noun ˈtɪl.ɪdʒ

tillage

Meaning
The preparation of land for growing crops.
Example
Excessive tillage can lead to soil erosion.
C1 verb /mæʃ/

mash

Meaning
to crush or mix food into a soft mass, usually by pressing or beating
Example
She mashed the potatoes before serving dinner.
A2 adjective /ˈkreɪzi/

Crazy

Meaning
mentally ill; extremely foolish; wildly enthusiastic about something
Example
That's a crazy idea, but it might just work.
C2 noun /ˌvɛrɪsɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd/

verisimilitude

Meaning
the appearance of being true or real
Example
The movie was praised for its verisimilitude to actual events.
B1 adjective /ɪˈnɪʃəl/

initial

Meaning
Existing or occurring at the beginning.
Example
Her initial reaction was one of surprise.
A2 adjective ˈiːkwəl

equal

Meaning
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value; having the same status or treatment.
Example
Bose was regarded as Galileo's equal.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
B2 noun /ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪŋ ˈpaʊ.ɚ/

purchasing power

Meaning
The amount of goods and services that can be purchased with a unit of currency.
Example
Due to inflation, people's purchasing power has decreased.
C2 noun /ˈʃaɪstər/

shyster

Meaning
a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous or dishonest methods
Example
The businessman was exposed as a shyster who cheated clients.
C1 noun /fəˈnætɪsɪzəm/

fanaticism

Meaning
the quality of being fanatical; extreme zeal or obsession
Example
Religious fanaticism can lead to intolerance and conflict.
B2 verb /ˈvælɪdeɪt/

validate

Meaning
To check or prove the accuracy, truth, or legality of something.
Example
The scientist worked hard to validate the experiment's results.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

compound

Meaning
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
Example
The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab.
C1 verb /ˌsuːpərˈsiːd/

supersede

Meaning
To replace or take the place of something because it is more modern or effective.
Example
This new law will supersede the old regulations.
C1 noun /ˈhɪp.ə.krɪt/

Hypocrite

Meaning
a person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings; a pretender
Example
Don't be a hypocrite by demanding honesty from others while lying yourself.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ/

overweening

Meaning
excessively arrogant or prideful
Example
His overweening pride cost him many friends.
B1 noun /ədˌmɪn.ɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/

Administration

Meaning
the process of managing or organizing something; a government or organization
Example
The university administration announced new policies.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəmˌsaɪˈkoʊsɪs/

metempsychosis

Meaning
The supposed transmigration of the soul, especially its reincarnation after death.
Example
Ancient philosophers often debated the idea of metempsychosis.
C1 noun /vərˈnækjələr/

vernacular

Meaning
the language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in a particular region
Example
He gave his speech in the local vernacular so everyone could understand.
C1 adjective /skəˈlæstɪk/

scholastic

Meaning
Relating to schools, education, or academic learning.
Example
The school organizes scholastic competitions every year.
B2 adjective /ˌmænˈmeɪd/

manmade

Meaning
something created or built by humans rather than occurring naturally
Example
This lake is manmade, not natural.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnsəs/

census

Meaning
An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Example
The government conducted a census to update demographic data.
C1 noun /ˈfæm.ɪn/

Famine

Meaning
extreme scarcity of food; a period when food is extremely scarce
Example
The severe drought led to widespread famine in the region.
C2 noun /ˈmæl.kənˌtɛnt/

malcontent

Meaning
A person who is dissatisfied or rebellious; one who is not content.
Example
The malcontent voiced his grievances against the government.
C2 noun /ˌædjʊˈleɪʃən/

adulation

Meaning
excessive admiration or flattery
Example
The singer enjoyed the adulation of her fans.
B2 noun /mʌŋk/

Monk

Meaning
a man who is a member of a religious community living under vows
Example
The monk spent hours in meditation each day.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/

counterpoint

Meaning
an argument, idea, or theme contrasting with another; also a musical term for independent melody
Example
Her calm attitude was a counterpoint to his anger.
B2 noun /ˈlɒbstər/

Lobster

Meaning
a large marine crustacean with claws and a hard shell
Example
The lobster was served with melted butter and lemon.
B2 noun /treɪˈniː/

Trainee

Meaning
a person undergoing training for a particular job or profession; a novice learner
Example
The medical trainee worked long hours to gain practical experience.
C1 noun /fɪˈziːk/

physique

Meaning
the form, size, and development of a person's body
Example
He has an athletic physique due to years of training.
A2 noun /nek/

Neck

Meaning
the part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders
Example
She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck.
B2 noun /ˈfrʌn.tɪər/

frontier

Meaning
A new area of activity, knowledge, or development; the edge of knowledge or achievement.
Example
Robotic surgery is exploring a new frontier in medicine.
C2 adjective /dʒɛnˈtiːl/

genteel

Meaning
Polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or exaggerated way
Example
She spoke in a genteel manner that impressed the guests.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈplɔːzəbl/

implausible

Meaning
Not seeming reasonable or probable; unlikely to be true.
Example
The story she told was so implausible that no one believed her.
C2 noun /ˈɪnsələns/

insolence

Meaning
rude or disrespectful behavior
Example
The teacher was shocked by the student's insolence.
C1 verb /ˈhæɡəl/

haggle

Meaning
to argue about the price; to bargain persistently
Example
They haggled over the price for an hour.
C1 noun /ˌkɒndʒʊˈɡeɪʃən/

conjugation

Meaning
the variation of the form of a verb to indicate tense, person, and number
Example
French verbs have complex conjugations.
C2 adjective /ˈfraʊzi/

frowsy

Meaning
Scruffy and neglected in appearance; musty or stale in smell.
Example
He wore a frowsy old jacket that smelled of damp.
C1 noun /ˈɑː.kɪ.taɪp/

archetype

Meaning
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; an original model or prototype.
Example
This painting is the archetype of modern art.
B2 adverb /aɪˈrɒnɪkli/

ironically

Meaning
in a way that is contrary to what is expected or intended
Example
Ironically, the fire station burned down.
B2 noun ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈbæləns

ecological balance

Meaning
A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms.
Example
Maintaining ecological balance is essential for a sustainable planet.
C2 verb /ˈɡlaʊ.ər/

glower

Meaning
To look at someone with an angry or sullen expression.
Example
He glowered at his rival across the room.
B1 verb rɪˈdjuːst

reduced

Meaning
Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Example
Singapore has reduced plastic usage significantly.
C2 adjective /ˈlaɪbələs/

libelous

Meaning
containing or constituting a false published statement that damages a person's reputation
Example
The article was found to be libelous and had to be retracted.
B1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈsiːz/

overseas

Meaning
in or to a foreign country across the sea
Example
He went overseas for higher education.
B2 adverb /ˈpjʊərli/

purely

Meaning
only and completely; entirely
Example
The decision was purely based on economic factors.
C2 noun /ˌɔːskʌlˈteɪʃən/

auscultation

Meaning
The act of listening to internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope.
Example
The doctor performed auscultation to check the patient’s lungs.
B2 noun, verb /ˈfaɪlɪŋ/

filing

Meaning
the act of submitting documents; the process of organizing papers
Example
The lawyer handled the filing of all court documents.
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 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
C2 noun /ˈwɔːrˌmʌŋɡər/

warmonger

Meaning
A person who advocates or promotes war or conflict.
Example
The leader was criticized as a warmonger by his opponents.
C1 verb /ɪnˈlaɪvən/

enliven

Meaning
to make something more lively, interesting, or cheerful
Example
Her jokes helped enliven the dull meeting.
C2 noun /prɪˈzɛntmənt/

presentment

Meaning
The act of presenting something formally or officially; a formal statement or document.
Example
The lawyer made a presentment of the evidence to the court.
A1 pronoun /maɪˈsɛlf/

myself

Meaning
used for emphasis or to refer to oneself
Example
I will do it myself.
B2 noun /ˈlaɪ.kli.hʊd/

likelihood

Meaning
the chance or probability of something happening
Example
There is a strong likelihood of rain tomorrow.
C1 verb /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪt/

premeditate

Meaning
to think about and plan something (especially a crime) beforehand
Example
The suspect was accused of premeditating the crime.
B2 noun /ˌfæs.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Fascination

Meaning
the power to fascinate someone; the state of being intensely interested
Example
Her fascination with ancient history led her to become an archaeologist.
A2 adjective /ˈθɜːr.sti/

Thirsty

Meaning
feeling a need to drink; having a strong desire for something
Example
I am very thirsty after running in the heat.
B2 noun /ˈɡlæmər/

glamor

Meaning
An attractive or exciting quality that makes something or someone appealing.
Example
The glamor of city life attracts many young people.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfɛst/

infest

Meaning
to overrun in large numbers, especially so as to cause damage or discomfort
Example
The old house was infested with rats.
C2 noun /ˌɛləˈkjuːʃn/

elocution

Meaning
The skill of clear and expressive speech, especially in public speaking.
Example
She improved her elocution through constant practice.
C1 noun /ˈpæd.ək/

paddock

Meaning
a small enclosed field where horses or other animals are kept
Example
The horses were grazing in the paddock.
A1 noun /ʃɜːrt/

Shirt

Meaning
a piece of clothing worn on the upper body with sleeves and buttons
Example
He wore a white shirt to the office.
A2 verb /kɪl/

kill

Meaning
to cause the death of; to end life
Example
The hunter killed the deer.
C2 adjective /ˌdɒktrɪˈnɛər/

doctrinaire

Meaning
stubbornly devoted to a theory or doctrine without regard to practical considerations
Example
His doctrinaire approach to politics alienated many supporters.
C1 verb /ˈnɛsəl/

nestle

Meaning
to settle or lie comfortably within or against something
Example
The child nestled into her mother's arms.
B2 verb /fɔːrˈsiː/

foresee

Meaning
To be aware of beforehand; to predict or expect.
Example
She could foresee the challenges ahead.
C2 noun /miːn/

mien

Meaning
A person's appearance or manner, especially as an indication of their character or mood.
Example
His serious mien made everyone fall silent.
B2 noun /ˈswɒl.oʊ/

Swallow

Meaning
a small migratory bird with long wings and a forked tail
Example
The swallow built its nest under the roof.
A2 noun /dɒl/

doll

Meaning
a small toy resembling a human figure, especially for children
Example
The little girl hugged her favorite doll tightly.
B2 adverb /prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/

predominantly

Meaning
mainly; for the most part
Example
The population in the city is predominantly young.
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.
A2 noun /biː/

Bee

Meaning
a flying insect that produces honey and can sting
Example
The bee collected nectar from the flower.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɜːrsəneɪt/

impersonate

Meaning
to pretend to be another person in order to entertain or deceive
Example
He was arrested for trying to impersonate a police officer.
B2 adjective /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.ləs/

Meaningless

Meaning
without purpose; having no significance; pointless
Example
The data became meaningless without proper context.
C2 noun /ˌʃæŋɡriˈlɑː/

shangri-la

Meaning
a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life is perfect and peaceful
Example
They described the island as a modern-day Shangri-La.
C2 verb /ˈmʌfəl/

muffle

Meaning
to make a sound quieter or less distinct; to cover or wrap something to reduce noise or warmth
Example
She tried to muffle her laughter with a scarf.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊlər/

solar

Meaning
Relating to or determined by the sun
Example
The house is powered by solar energy.
B2 adverb /ˈbəʊld.li/

Boldly

Meaning
in a confident and brave way; without fear
Example
She boldly stepped forward to face the challenge.
C1 noun /ˈrɛspɪt/

respite

Meaning
A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
Example
The weekend provided a welcome respite from work.
B2 verb /kənˈsoʊl/

console

Meaning
to comfort someone who is sad or disappointed; to provide solace
Example
She tried to console her friend after the loss.
C1 noun /ɪkˈstriː.mɪst/

Extremist

Meaning
a person who holds extreme political or religious views
Example
The government is taking measures to prevent extremist activities.
A2 verb /eɪm/

aim

Meaning
to direct a weapon, object, or effort at a target; to intend or plan
Example
He aimed the ball at the goal.
B1 adverb /ˈɔːfəli/

awfully

Meaning
in a very great degree; extremely; in a way that is very bad or unpleasant
Example
I am awfully glad to see you again.
B2 noun/verb /stʌnt/

stunt

Meaning
a daring or unusual action performed for entertainment or publicity; to hinder growth or development
Example
The actor performed a dangerous stunt in the movie.
C1 noun /blɒˈkeɪd/

Blockade

Meaning
an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Example
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the port.
C2 adjective, noun /səbˈmɜːrsəbl/

submersible

Meaning
capable of being submerged; a small underwater craft
Example
The scientists explored the deep ocean using a submersible.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkrʌˈsteɪʃən/

incrustation

Meaning
a crust or hard coating formed on the surface of something
Example
The old pipes were blocked due to heavy incrustation of minerals.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈnuːmərɛri/

supernumerary

Meaning
Exceeding the usual number; extra or unnecessary.
Example
The play included several supernumerary actors to fill the background scenes.
C1 verb /ˈswɪndl/

swindle

Meaning
to cheat someone out of money or possessions by deceit
Example
The con artist tried to swindle the old man out of his savings.