spruce
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C1 verb, adjective, noun /spruːs/

spruce

Meaning
to make neat or tidy in appearance; also refers to an evergreen tree
Example
He spruced up his room before the guests arrived.
B2 adjective, noun, verb /ˈæb.strækt/

abstract

Meaning
existing in thought or as an idea but not having physical or concrete existence; a summary of a text
Example
The artist is known for her abstract paintings.
B1 noun /tɔːrtʃ/

Torch

Meaning
a portable electric lamp powered by batteries; a flaming stick used for light
Example
Use the torch to find your way in the dark.
C1 noun /ˈpærəbl/

parable

Meaning
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
Example
Jesus often taught using a parable to convey deeper truths.
B2 adverb /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəli/

Artificially

Meaning
by artificial means; not naturally; in a fake manner
Example
The lake was artificially created for irrigation purposes.
B1 adjective /ˈfæʃənəbəl/

fashionable

Meaning
Following the latest styles or trends in clothing, behavior, or ideas
Example
She always wears fashionable clothes to every party.
B1 verb /əˈsoʊsiˌeɪt/

associate

Meaning
to connect or link things together; to spend time with someone
Example
I associate this song with summer.
A2 noun /ˈriːdər/

reader

Meaning
a person who reads or who is capable of reading
Example
She is a fast reader, finishing books in a day.
C2 noun /rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns/

recognizance

Meaning
A legal obligation or bond entered into before a court, especially to ensure future appearance.
Example
He was released on his own recognizance.
C1 adverb /ˈfeɪ.təl.i/

Fatally

Meaning
in a way that causes death; with deadly consequences; critically
Example
The accident fatally injured two passengers.
B2 noun (plural) /skræps/

scraps

Meaning
Small pieces left over from something; also small fights or quarrels.
Example
The dog ate the scraps from the table.
B2 noun ˈəʊ.və.hed

overhead

Meaning
Ongoing business expenses not directly attributable to creating a product or service.
Example
The company reduced its overhead to increase profits.
B2 adjective /ˈθʌroʊ/

thorough

Meaning
complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial
Example
The report was thorough and well-researched.
C1 noun /mjuːˈteɪʃn/

mutation

Meaning
A change in form, structure, or nature, especially in genetics.
Example
Scientists discovered a genetic mutation that caused the disorder.
C1 noun /ˈhɛzɪtəns/

hesitance

Meaning
The quality or state of being reluctant or uncertain.
Example
Her hesitance to speak up delayed the decision.
B2 adjective /ˈvɜːrtɪkl/

vertical

Meaning
Standing or pointing straight up; perpendicular to the ground.
Example
The skyscraper has a perfectly vertical design.
A2 noun /ˈneɪbər/

neighbor

Meaning
a person living next door or nearby
Example
My neighbor lent me some sugar when I ran out.
B2 verb /ɜːrdʒ/

urge

Meaning
to strongly encourage or try to persuade someone to do something
Example
Doctors urge patients to exercise regularly.
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.
C2 noun /ˈɡlæsi fɪʃ/

Glassy fish

Meaning
a transparent freshwater fish with a glassy appearance, popular in aquariums
Example
The glassy fish is known for its transparent body and peaceful nature.
A2 verb /ɪkˈspekt/

expect

Meaning
to think something will happen; to anticipate
Example
I expect the meeting to start at 9 AM.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈskɪtɪʃ/

skittish

Meaning
easily frightened or nervous; unpredictable
Example
The horse was too skittish to ride.
C2 noun /hoʊ/

Hoe

Meaning
a gardening tool with a thin metal blade used for breaking up soil and removing weeds
Example
The farmer used a hoe to remove weeds from his vegetable garden.
C2 adjective /æmˈbroʊʒiəl/

ambrosial

Meaning
Exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; divine.
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread was simply ambrosial.
C2 noun /ˈhʌstɪŋz/

hustings

Meaning
the political campaigning and speeches before an election
Example
The candidate gained popularity during the hustings.
C1 noun /ˈbaɪoʊˌsfɪr/

Biosphere

Meaning
the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms
Example
Climate change is affecting the entire biosphere.
C2 adjective /woʊnt/ or /wɔːnt/

wont

Meaning
accustomed or used to doing something
Example
She rose early, as she was wont to do.
B2 noun /bækˈtɪəriəm/

bacterium

Meaning
A single microscopic organism belonging to the group of bacteria.
Example
The doctor explained that a single bacterium can multiply rapidly under the right conditions.
C2 noun /əˈkwɪtəns/

acquittance

Meaning
a written receipt acknowledging payment or discharge of a debt
Example
He demanded an acquittance after paying the loan.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnfəˈriː/

conferee

Meaning
a person who takes part in a conference
Example
Each conferee received a badge at the registration desk.
C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəs/

duteous

Meaning
dutiful; obedient and respectful
Example
The duteous child always followed her parents’ instructions.
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.
C1 noun /ˈæptɪˌtjuːd/

aptitude

Meaning
a natural ability or talent to do something well
Example
She has a strong aptitude for learning new languages.
C2 verb /ˈfrɪzəl/

frizzle

Meaning
to fry something until it becomes crisp and curled, or to make a sizzling noise
Example
The bacon began to frizzle in the pan.
C1 adjective, verb (past tense/participle of mire) /ˈmaɪərd/

mired

Meaning
Trapped or entangled in something, typically a difficult situation.
Example
The politician was mired in scandal.
B2 noun /ˈvæljuː ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/

value proposition

Meaning
A statement that explains the unique benefits or value that a product or service offers to customers.
Example
A clear value proposition attracts more customers.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtaɪtəld/

entitled

Meaning
having the right to do or have something; feeling deserving of special treatment
Example
Employees are entitled to paid leave.
C1 verb /dɪˈmɔrəˌlaɪz/

demoralize

Meaning
to cause someone to lose confidence or hope
Example
The constant criticism demoralized the young athlete.
B2 noun/verb /sɪˈmɛnt/

cement

Meaning
a powdery substance that binds materials together; to make something strong or permanent
Example
The treaty helped cement the relationship between the two countries.
C1 verb /riˈɪtəreɪt/

reiterate

Meaning
To say something again or repeatedly for emphasis or clarity.
Example
The teacher reiterated the importance of honesty.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
B2 noun /ˈfriːˌlænsər/

freelancer

Meaning
A person who works independently without being permanently employed by one organization.
Example
She works as a freelancer designing websites for different clients.
B2 adjective /ˈʌpˌraɪt/

Upright

Meaning
honest and morally correct; vertical or erect in position
Example
She is known for being an upright and honest businesswoman.
B2 noun /ˈruːdnəs/

Rudeness

Meaning
the quality of being impolite, discourteous, or offensive in behavior or speech
Example
His rudeness shocked everyone at the dinner party.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrdɪnəl/

ordinal

Meaning
Relating to the order or position of something in a sequence (first, second, third, etc.).
Example
The ordinal number 'third' indicates position in a sequence.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
C1 verb dɪˈsɜːn

discern

Meaning
To perceive or recognize something; to distinguish with difficulty by sight or with the other senses.
Example
He could barely discern the distant figure in the fog.
A2 noun /ˈtɜːrki/

turkey

Meaning
a large bird native to North America, often eaten at special occasions like Thanksgiving; also the meat of this bird.
Example
We roasted a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

Meaning
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
Example
The new regulations could stymie small businesses.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɪsəbl/

immiscible

Meaning
Describes liquids that do not mix together.
Example
Oil and water are immiscible liquids.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈrɛvərənd/

reverend

Meaning
A title of respect used for members of the clergy; deserving deep respect.
Example
The Reverend gave an inspiring sermon at the church.
C2 noun /ˈjɪərlɪŋ/

yearling

Meaning
an animal that is one year old, especially a horse
Example
The farmer sold the yearling at the livestock market.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈsiːzənd/

seasoned

Meaning
Experienced in a particular activity; also, flavored with spices.
Example
She is a seasoned teacher with over 20 years of experience.
B2 noun /ˈfæbrɪk/

fabric

Meaning
Cloth or material produced by weaving or knitting fibers.
Example
The tailor used silk fabric to make the dress.
C2 verb /əˈkɒst/

accost

Meaning
to approach and speak to someone boldly or aggressively
Example
The reporter was accosted by protesters outside the courthouse.
B2 noun /ˈsikwəl/

Sequel

Meaning
a published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one; something that takes place after or as a result of an earlier event
Example
The movie sequel was even more successful than the original.
C1 noun əˈrɪd.ɪ.ti

aridity

Meaning
The state of being extremely dry, especially having insufficient rainfall to support vegetation.
Example
The aridity of the land is increasing due to climate change.
B2 adjective /dɪsˈɡreɪsfəl/

Disgraceful

Meaning
shameful; bringing dishonor; worthy of condemnation
Example
His disgraceful behavior shocked everyone at the party.
A2 noun /ˈbɪs.kɪt/

Biscuit

Meaning
a small, hard, dry cake; a cookie
Example
Children love to eat chocolate biscuits with milk.
C1 noun /əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃən/

assassination

Meaning
The act of killing someone important, often for political or ideological reasons.
Example
The assassination of the president shocked the nation.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdjuːsəbl̩/

reducible

Meaning
capable of being simplified, lessened, or made smaller
Example
The problem is complex but reducible to a few basic principles.
B1 adjective /dɪˈmændɪŋ/

demanding

Meaning
requiring much effort, skill, or attention; difficult to satisfy
Example
The job is very demanding and requires long hours of work.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrvɪsəbl/

serviceable

Meaning
fit for use; usable; in working order
Example
The old bicycle is still serviceable despite its age.
B1 verb /ʃɪft/

shift

Meaning
To move or change from one place, position, or situation to another.
Example
She had to shift her focus to the new project.
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 verb /ˈmɜːrmər/

murmur

Meaning
To say something in a low, soft, or indistinct voice.
Example
She murmured a prayer before going to sleep.
C1 noun /fɪˈnɛs/

finesse

Meaning
Subtlety and skill; refinement and delicacy in performance or artistry.
Example
The artist painted with great finesse.
C2 adjective /ˈdoʊlfəl/

Doleful

Meaning
sorrowful; mournful; expressing grief or sadness
Example
She gave him a doleful look when he left.
C1 noun /ˈmiːdieɪtər/

Mediator

Meaning
A person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict agree
Example
The United Nations often acts as a mediator in international disputes.
B2 verb, noun /sniːz/

sneeze

Meaning
to expel air involuntarily from the nose and mouth due to irritation; the act of sneezing
Example
I had to sneeze during the meeting.
B1 noun /əˈsaɪnmənt/

assignment

Meaning
a task or piece of work given to someone as part of their duties
Example
The students completed their homework assignment on time.
A2 adverb /pəˈhæps/

Perhaps

Meaning
possibly; maybe; used to express uncertainty or make a suggestion
Example
Perhaps we should call before visiting to make sure they're home.
A2 adjective /streɪt/

Straight

Meaning
extending or moving uniformly in one direction; not curved or bent; honest
Example
Draw a straight line from point A to point B.
B2 verb /ɪnˈfɜːr/

infer

Meaning
to conclude or deduce something from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements
Example
From his silence, I inferred that he was not happy with the decision.
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪəlɪst/

nihilist

Meaning
A person who rejects all religious and moral principles, often believing that life is meaningless.
Example
He was called a nihilist for rejecting all social norms.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈlaɪkli/

Unlikely

Meaning
not likely to happen; improbable
Example
It's unlikely to rain today with such clear skies.
B2 noun /ˈæŋk.lət/

Anklet

Meaning
a piece of jewelry worn around the ankle
Example
She wore a beautiful silver anklet on her left foot.
C2 noun /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/

zeitgeist

Meaning
The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
Example
The novel perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s.
C1 noun /pəˈræl.ə.sɪs/

Paralysis

Meaning
the loss of the ability to move part or all of the body; complete inability to act or function
Example
The accident left him with paralysis in his legs.
B2 adjective /ˌsʌp.lɪˈmen.tər.i/

Supplementary

Meaning
completing or making an addition to something; additional; extra
Example
Students need to buy supplementary books for the course.
C2 verb /ˈbæstərdaɪz/

bastardize

Meaning
to corrupt or debase something by altering it from its original form; to change in a way that reduces quality or purity
Example
Critics argue that the remake bastardized the original novel.
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.
C2 noun /ɪkˈskrɛsəns/

excrescence

Meaning
An abnormal outgrowth or lump, often considered unattractive.
Example
The building was considered an excrescence on the landscape.
B2 noun /ˈɑːrtɪˌfækt/

artifact

Meaning
an object made by humans, typically of historical or cultural interest
Example
The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Egypt.
B2 verb /ˈsʌmən/

summon

Meaning
To order someone to come or to gather courage or strength.
Example
The king summoned his advisors to the court.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
C2 noun /ˈʌn.dɚˌstɔː.ri/

understory

Meaning
The layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest.
Example
The understory of a rainforest is home to small mammals and insects.
A2 verb /ʃaɪn/

shine

Meaning
to give out a bright light or glow
Example
The sun will shine brightly tomorrow.
B2 verb /pɔːˈtreɪ/

portray

Meaning
to describe or represent something or someone in a work of art or literature
Example
The novel portrays a vivid picture of life in the countryside.
C1 adverb /suːˈpɜːb.li/

Superbly

Meaning
in an excellent or outstanding manner
Example
She performed superbly in the dance competition.
C2 noun /ɪˈluːmɪnənt/

illuminant

Meaning
A substance or device that produces light.
Example
The lamp acted as an illuminant in the dark cave.
C2 adjective /voʊˈsɪfərəs/

vociferous

Meaning
expressing feelings or opinions in a loud and forceful way
Example
The vociferous crowd demanded justice.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɔːrtmənt/

deportment

Meaning
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
Example
Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone.
C1 noun /ˈprɒvənəns/

provenance

Meaning
The origin or source of something.
Example
The museum verified the provenance of the ancient manuscript.
B2 noun /eɪk/

Ache

Meaning
a continuous or prolonged dull pain in a part of one's body
Example
He had a terrible headache after working late.
C2 noun /ˈjuːzjuːfrʌkt/

usufruct

Meaning
The legal right to use and enjoy the benefits of someone else’s property without owning it.
Example
The tenant had the usufruct of the land but not its ownership.
C2 noun /dɜːrdʒ/

dirge

Meaning
A mournful song, piece of music, or poem expressing grief, often for the dead.
Example
The choir sang a solemn dirge at the funeral.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɪŋɡoʊ/

jingo

Meaning
a person who strongly supports warlike or aggressive foreign policy; an extreme nationalist
Example
The leader was criticized as a reckless jingo.
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.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˈpleɪs/

misplace

Meaning
To put something in the wrong location and temporarily lose it.
Example
I often misplace my keys when I am in a hurry.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈdeɪ.ʃəs/

Audacious

Meaning
showing willingness to take bold risks; daring
Example
His audacious plan to climb the mountain without proper equipment shocked everyone.
C2 noun /ˈmæk.rəˌkɒz.əm/

macrocosm

Meaning
The whole universe considered as a large, complex system; a large-scale representation of something.
Example
The macrocosm of the universe reflects the microcosm of human life.
C1 noun /ˌrɛmɪˈnɪsəns/

reminiscence

Meaning
a story or memory about past events
Example
He shared a reminiscence of his childhood days in the village.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfæləbl̩/

infallible

Meaning
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
Example
Her judgment seemed infallible in matters of finance.
C1 noun ˌvɛn.əˈreɪ.ʃən

veneration

Meaning
Great respect; reverence; the action of regarding with great respect or reverence.
Example
Many cultures show veneration for their ancestors.
B1 noun /ˈɑː.lɪv/

Olive

Meaning
a small oval fruit with a hard pit, typically green or black, used for eating or making oil
Example
Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest cooking oils available.
C2 noun /pɪθ/

pith

Meaning
the essential or central part of something
Example
The pith of his argument was that honesty matters most.
C1 adjective /ˈsɔːsi/

saucy

Meaning
Boldly rude, cheeky, or playfully disrespectful.
Example
The child gave a saucy reply to his teacher.
C1 verb /blɜːrt/

blurt

Meaning
to say something suddenly without thinking
Example
He blurts out the secret accidentally.
A2 noun /læb/

lab

Meaning
a place equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
Example
The students conducted an experiment in the chemistry lab.
B2 noun /ɪnˈfek.ʃən/

Infection

Meaning
the process of infecting or the state of being infected; a disease caused by germs
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection in her throat.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈlɪdʒəs/

irreligious

Meaning
Indifferent or hostile to religion
Example
Some people in the community consider him irreligious because he never attends religious services.
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.
A1 verb /ˈhæpən/

happen

Meaning
to occur or take place; to come about by chance
Example
What happened at the meeting yesterday?
C2 adjective /ˈlɔːdəˌtɔːri/

laudatory

Meaning
Expressing praise or admiration.
Example
She wrote a laudatory review of the new book.
A1 verb /ɡɪv/

give

Meaning
to freely transfer something to someone
Example
I give gifts to my friends on their birthdays.
C1 adjective /ˈhɔː.ti/

Haughty

Meaning
arrogantly superior and disdainful; showing excessive pride
Example
She gave him a haughty look and walked away.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt/

incarcerate

Meaning
to imprison or confine someone
Example
The authorities incarcerated the criminal after the trial.