Spongy
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C1 adjective /ˈspʌndʒi/

Spongy

Meaning
soft and full of holes like a sponge; porous
Example
The cake had a light and spongy texture.
C1 noun /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/

trepidation

Meaning
a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen
Example
She opened the letter with some trepidation.
C1 noun ˌɪn.tuˈɪʃ.ən

intuition

Meaning
The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.
Example
Her intuition told her something was wrong.
C1 noun /kɑːɡ/

cog

Meaning
A tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear; metaphorically, a minor but necessary part of a larger system.
Example
He felt like just a small cog in a big machine.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛtɪsənt/

reticent

Meaning
not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
Example
She was reticent about her personal life.
C1 adverb /əˈnjuː/

anew

Meaning
In a new or different way; once more.
Example
After the failure, she decided to start her life anew.
C1 adjective ˈkɒn.və.luː.tɪd

convoluted

Meaning
Extremely complex and difficult to follow; twisted or intricate.
Example
His argument was so convoluted that no one understood it.
C1 verb /ˈæn.ə.teɪt/

annotate

Meaning
to add notes or comments to a text, diagram, or document for explanation or clarification
Example
The teacher asked the students to annotate the poem with their interpretations.
C1 verb /fɔːrˈtɛl/

foretell

Meaning
to predict or announce something before it happens
Example
The old man claimed he could foretell the future.
C1 noun /juːˈfɔː.ri.ə/

euphoria

Meaning
A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness; elation.
Example
Winning the championship brought a sense of euphoria.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnɪtəns/

penitence

Meaning
The action or feeling of showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
His eyes were full of penitence after realizing his mistake.
C1 verb /ˈnʌlɪfaɪ/

nullify

Meaning
to make something legally invalid or ineffective
Example
The court decided to nullify the contract.
C1 verb /skʌlpt/

sculpt

Meaning
to create or shape something by carving or molding
Example
The artist sculpted a beautiful statue from marble.
C1 adjective ɪnˈsaɪ.sɪv

incisive

Meaning
Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important.
Example
His incisive comments revealed the core issues.
C1 noun/verb /vɔːlt/

vault

Meaning
A secure room for storing valuables; also to leap or spring over something.
Example
The bank kept its gold bars in a secure vault.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspɒt/

despot

Meaning
a ruler with absolute power, often ruling in a cruel or oppressive way
Example
The despot ruled the nation with fear and violence.
C1 verb /kənˈfaʊnd/

confound

Meaning
to confuse or surprise someone, often by acting against their expectations
Example
The magician's trick seemed to confound the entire audience.
C1 adjective /ˈkwiːzi/

queasy

Meaning
Feeling sick to one's stomach; nauseated.
Example
She felt queasy after the long boat ride.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

inexcusable

Meaning
Too bad to be justified or overlooked; unforgivable.
Example
His rude behavior was inexcusable.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpliːt/

replete

Meaning
Filled or well-supplied with something; abundantly full.
Example
The book is replete with fascinating historical details.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈvaɪəbl/

unviable

Meaning
Not capable of working successfully; not feasible or practical.
Example
The project was deemed unviable due to high costs.
C1 noun /ˈmɒd.ə.sti/

Modesty

Meaning
the quality of being humble and not boastful about achievements
Example
Despite his success, he showed great modesty.
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 /ˈmɔːrbɪd/

morbid

Meaning
Having an abnormal interest in disturbing or unpleasant subjects such as death or disease.
Example
She had a morbid fascination with crime stories.
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 noun /rɪˈpraɪ.zəl/

Reprisal

Meaning
an act of retaliation; revenge taken for an injury or wrong
Example
The attack was carried out as a reprisal for the earlier bombing.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈflæməˌtɔːri/

inflammatory

Meaning
causing inflammation in the body; arousing anger, hostility, or strong emotion
Example
His inflammatory speech triggered protests across the city.
C1 noun /ʃæˈtoʊ/

chateau

Meaning
a large French country house or castle
Example
They stayed in a beautiful chateau in France.
C1 noun /ˈʃæsi/

chassis

Meaning
the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine
Example
The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪv/

inconclusive

Meaning
Not leading to a definite result or decision.
Example
The investigation remained inconclusive due to a lack of evidence.
C1 verb /ˈɒp.tɪ.maɪz/

optimize

Meaning
To make the best or most effective use of a situation, opportunity, or resource.
Example
The company is working to optimize its supply chain.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒndər/

squander

Meaning
to waste money, time, or opportunities in a careless way
Example
He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
C1 noun /ˈmiːnnəs/

Meanness

Meaning
The quality of being unkind, spiteful, or unfair; stinginess
Example
His meanness towards the poor children shocked everyone in the neighborhood.
C1 noun /ˈkælkjʊləs/

calculus

Meaning
A branch of mathematics concerned with rates of change and accumulation; also a hard mineral deposit in the body such as on teeth.
Example
Calculus is essential for advanced studies in physics and engineering.
C1 verb /ˈɡrændstænd/

grandstand

Meaning
To seek attention or applause by behaving or speaking in a showy way.
Example
The actor was accused of grandstanding during the charity event.
C1 verb /slɪŋ/

sling

Meaning
to throw or hang something roughly or carelessly
Example
He slung his bag over his shoulder before leaving.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdəstəl/

pedestal

Meaning
the base or support on which a statue or object stands
Example
The statue was placed on a marble pedestal.
C1 noun əbˈzɔːrp.ʃən

absorption

Meaning
The process or action by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.
Example
Plants help in the absorption of carbon dioxide.
C1 noun /ɡeɪl/

Gale

Meaning
a very strong wind; a wind of force 7 to 10 on the Beaufort scale
Example
The fishing boats returned to harbor early due to the approaching gale.
C1 adjective /ˈædʒ.aɪl/

agile

Meaning
able to move quickly and easily; quick and adaptable in thinking or action
Example
The startup team was agile in responding to market changes.
C1 noun ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv

revolutionary initiative

Meaning
A groundbreaking action or plan that brings about significant change or transformation.
Example
The revolutionary initiative promotes sustainable energy.
C1 adjective ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk

intrinsic

Meaning
Belonging naturally; essential. Existing as a natural or basic part of something.
Example
Creativity is an intrinsic quality of a great artist.
C1 adjective /məˈroʊs/

morose

Meaning
sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered
Example
He became morose after losing his job.
C1 verb ɪˈræd.ɪ.keɪt

eradicate

Meaning
To destroy completely; to put an end to something undesirable.
Example
Vaccination programs help eradicate infectious diseases.
C1 noun /ˈaɪsətəʊp/

isotope

Meaning
Atoms of the same element with equal number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Example
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in dating fossils.
C1 noun ˌɪm.pʌlˈsɪv.ɪ.ti

impulsivity

Meaning
The tendency to act quickly and without thought or care; lack of self-control.
Example
His impulsivity led him to make reckless choices.
C1 noun /pəˈrɪm.ɪ.tər/

perimeter

Meaning
the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or area
Example
The soldiers guarded the perimeter of the camp.
C1 noun ˌɒp.tɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

optimization

Meaning
Improving processes to increase performance and efficiency.
Example
SEO optimization helps websites rank higher on search engines.
C1 noun /ˌhoʊmiˈɑːpəθi/

homeopathy

Meaning
a system of alternative medicine based on treating diseases with highly diluted substances
Example
He believes in homeopathy for treating common colds.
C1 noun rɪˈfaɪnmənt

refinement

Meaning
The process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.
Example
His manners showed a refinement that made him stand out in any crowd.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪst.fəl/

Wistful

Meaning
having a feeling of longing or yearning; melancholy
Example
She gave a wistful smile when remembering her childhood days.
C1 adjective /ˈluː.mɪ.nəs/

Luminous

Meaning
bright; shining; emitting light; radiant
Example
The luminous stars filled the dark night sky.
C1 adjective /sɑːrˈdɒnɪk/

sardonic

Meaning
Grimly mocking or cynical.
Example
She gave him a sardonic smile after hearing his excuse.
C1 adjective /ˈkʌlpəbl̩/

culpable

Meaning
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
Example
The judge found him culpable for the accident.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkəmˈpliːtnəs/

incompleteness

Meaning
the state of not being complete or whole; lack of necessary parts or fullness
Example
The incompleteness of the report caused delays in the project.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrdʒəri/

perjury

Meaning
The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after taking an oath.
Example
She was convicted of perjury after giving false evidence.
C1 verb /wɑːft/

waft

Meaning
to move gently through the air, carried by a breeze
Example
The smell of fresh bread wafted through the kitchen.
C1 noun/verb mælˈfʌŋk.ʃən

malfunction

Meaning
A failure to function normally or satisfactorily; a defect or breakdown.
Example
The engine malfunctioned due to overheating.
C1 noun /liˈeɪzɒn/

liaison

Meaning
communication or cooperation between people or groups for a smooth working relationship
Example
She works as a liaison between the company and its clients.
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 verb /bɔːl/

bawl

Meaning
to shout or cry loudly
Example
The baby bawled all night, keeping everyone awake.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈsaɪtəbl̩/

excitable

Meaning
easily excited or emotionally aroused
Example
The child was excitable and laughed at every small thing.
C1 verb /ˈpeɪtrənaɪz/

patronize

Meaning
to treat someone in a condescending way; to be a regular customer of a business
Example
Don't patronize me with your fake sympathy.
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 /ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəˌbɪləti/

unpredictability

Meaning
The quality of being impossible to predict or anticipate.
Example
The unpredictability of the weather made the trip uncertain.
C1 noun /bɒmˈbɑːrdmənt/

bombardment

Meaning
a continuous attack with bombs or other projectiles
Example
The city endured a heavy bombardment during the war.
C1 noun /siˈɛrə klʌb/

Sierra Club

Meaning
An American environmental organization founded in 1892 by John Muir, focused on promoting conservation of the natural environment by influencing public policy decisions.
Example
John Muir founded the Sierra Club in 1892 to protect wild areas.
C1 adjective /ˈmaɪ.ɡrə.tɔːr.i/

Migratory

Meaning
moving from one place to another; characterized by seasonal movement
Example
Many birds are migratory and travel thousands of miles each season.
C1 noun kɒɡˈnɪʃ.ən

cognition

Meaning
The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
Example
Cognition plays a key role in learning.
C1 adjective /ˌnɒnˈvɜː.bəl/

non-verbal

Meaning
Not involving or using words or speech; communicated through gestures, body language, or facial expressions.
Example
Non-verbal cues are just as important as words.
C1 adverb /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl.i/

optimally

Meaning
In the most effective or efficient way possible.
Example
Tasks should be allocated optimally for maximum output.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪrmənt/

endearment

Meaning
A word or phrase expressing affection or love.
Example
She whispered a gentle endearment to her child.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.tɜːn/

upturn

Meaning
An improvement or upward trend in a situation, especially in business or economy.
Example
The company experienced an upturn in sales last quarter.
C1 noun /ˈaʊtriːtʃ/

outreach

Meaning
The act of providing services or support to people who might not otherwise have access to them.
Example
The charity launched a new outreach program for the homeless.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
C1 noun /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdər/

Gunpowder

Meaning
explosive powder used in guns and fireworks
Example
Gunpowder was invented in ancient China.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/

inattentive

Meaning
not paying attention; lacking focus or concentration
Example
The inattentive student missed several important instructions.
C1 noun /faɪˈnælɪti/

finality

Meaning
the quality of being final or irreversible; a sense of conclusiveness
Example
The judge's decision gave the case a sense of finality.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
C1 noun /ˈɡɑːr.lənd/

Garland

Meaning
a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as decoration
Example
The bride wore a beautiful floral garland during the traditional ceremony.
C1 noun /ˌɪnfɪˈdɛləti/

infidelity

Meaning
the act of being unfaithful to a spouse or partner
Example
Their marriage ended due to his infidelity.
C1 noun /kənˈfɔːrmɪst/

conformist

Meaning
A person who uncritically conforms to established practices or standards.
Example
She was labeled a conformist for always following the crowd.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt/

persecute

Meaning
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
Many people were persecuted for their faith during that time.
C1 noun /sɔɪl ˈmæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/

soil management

Meaning
The application of operations, practices, and treatments to protect soil and enhance its performance.
Example
Proper soil management improves long-term agricultural productivity.
C1 noun /pɪˈtaɪə/

Pitaya / Dragon fruit

Meaning
a tropical fruit with bright pink or red skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds
Example
The pitaya has a mild, sweet flavor and a unique appearance.
C1 verb rɪˈpel

repel

Meaning
To push away or force apart due to similar charges or properties.
Example
Protons repel each other.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.trə.vɜːrt/

introvert

Meaning
A person who tends to be shy and prefers spending time alone rather than in groups.
Example
As an introvert, he preferred reading over attending parties.
C1 adjective /ɑːrˈkeɪn/

arcane

Meaning
understood by few; mysterious or secret
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of arcane details that only specialists could follow.
C1 noun ˌʌndərˈprɪvəlɪdʒd ɡruːps

underprivileged groups

Meaning
Groups of people who lack basic necessities or advantages that are available to other members of society.
Example
Underprivileged groups benefit from social initiatives.
C1 noun/verb /kwɪp/

quip

Meaning
A witty remark; to make a witty or clever comment.
Example
She quipped about the weather during the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈnɔɪz.ləs/

Noiseless

Meaning
making no sound; completely silent
Example
She moved through the house in noiseless steps so as not to wake the baby.
C1 noun /ʌpˈhiːvəl/

upheaval

Meaning
a violent or sudden change or disruption to something
Example
The company faced a major upheaval after the sudden resignation of its CEO.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛrɪl/

imperil

Meaning
To put in danger or at risk.
Example
Reckless driving can imperil the lives of others.
C1 verb /kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

converge

Meaning
to come together from different directions; to meet at a point
Example
The roads converge at the city center.
C1 adjective /ˈtɔːrtʃuəs/

tortuous

Meaning
Full of twists and turns; excessively complex or complicated.
Example
The tortuous mountain road made driving very difficult.
C1 adjective /ˈed.jʊ.keɪ.tɪv/

Educative

Meaning
providing education; instructive; informative
Example
The documentary was highly educative and informative.
C1 adjective /kənˈstreɪnd/

constrained

Meaning
appearing forced, unnatural, or restricted
Example
He gave a constrained smile during the awkward meeting.
C1 noun ˈprɒdʒ.ə.ni

progeny

Meaning
A descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring.
Example
The philosopher's teachings have influenced many generations of progeny.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsʌf.ər.ə.bəl/

insufferable

Meaning
Too extreme to bear; intolerable.
Example
The heat during the summer was insufferable.
C1 noun /ˈhæm.lət/

Hamlet

Meaning
a small rural settlement, smaller than a village; a small community
Example
The tiny hamlet nestled in the valley had only a dozen houses and one small church.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɔːdjʊlənt/

fraudulent

Meaning
Involving or using deceit, especially criminal deception.
Example
He was arrested for making fraudulent insurance claims.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsaɪtli/

unsightly

Meaning
Unpleasant to look at; ugly.
Example
The garbage pile created an unsightly view in the park.
C1 verb /ˈhjuːmənaɪz/

humanize

Meaning
To make something more humane, kind, or relatable.
Example
The teacher tried to humanize the lesson with personal stories.
C1 adjective /ˈtʌtʃi/

Touchy

Meaning
easily upset or offended; overly sensitive
Example
He's very touchy about his height.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪk/

satiric

Meaning
Relating to or using satire.
Example
The novel takes a satiric view of urban life.
C1 noun /ˈmæn.juˌskrɪpt/

manuscript

Meaning
a handwritten or typed document, especially a writer’s draft before publication
Example
The author submitted her manuscript to the publisher.
C1 noun /ˌpæn.əˈræm.ə/

panorama

Meaning
An unbroken view of the whole region surrounding an observer.
Example
From the hilltop, we enjoyed a breathtaking panorama of the city.
C1 adjective /ˈspel.baʊnd/

Spellbound

Meaning
completely fascinated and unable to move or think about anything else; enchanted
Example
The children sat spellbound as the magician performed his tricks.
C1 noun/verb /ˈsuː.tʃər/

suture

Meaning
A stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.
Example
The doctor used a suture to close the wound.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
C1 adjective /ˈaɪərnˌklæd/

ironclad

Meaning
impossible to change, break, or dispute; very strong and firm
Example
The company had an ironclad contract with its suppliers.
C1 adjective /daɪər/

Dire

Meaning
extremely serious; urgent; terrible
Example
The country is facing a dire economic crisis.
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.
C1 noun /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən wɔːr/

liberation war

Meaning
a war fought to gain freedom from foreign rule, occupation, or oppression; an armed struggle for national independence
Example
The liberation war reshaped the nation’s history and identity.
C1 verb /feɪn/

feign

Meaning
to pretend or fake; to give a false appearance of
Example
She feigned illness to avoid going to work.
C1 noun /prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

prerogative

Meaning
a special right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group
Example
It is the manager’s prerogative to make the final decision.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪktəˈtɔːriəl/

dictatorial

Meaning
Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.
Example
His dictatorial style made him unpopular among colleagues.
C1 noun /ˈɪd.i.əm/

idiom

Meaning
A group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words.
Example
The idiom 'break the ice' means to start a conversation in a friendly way.
C1 verb /flɪntʃ/

flinch

Meaning
to suddenly move back or away due to fear or pain
Example
He didn’t flinch when the doctor gave him the injection.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/

impulsive

Meaning
acting suddenly without careful thought
Example
She made an impulsive decision to buy the car.
C1 adjective /vəˈluː.mə.nəs/

voluminous

Meaning
Occupying or containing much space; large in volume, in particular.
Example
The library contained a voluminous collection of books.