spur
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C1 verb /spɜːr/

spur

Meaning
To encourage or motivate someone to take action.
Example
The teacher's praise spurred him to study harder.
C1 adjective /ˈhæloʊd/

hallowed

Meaning
regarded as holy or greatly respected
Example
They walked across the hallowed halls of the old university.
C1 noun /ˈbɑːr.tər ˌsɪs.təm/

barter system

Meaning
A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.
Example
Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade.
C1 noun /ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/

status quo

Meaning
The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.
Example
The government decided to maintain the status quo until further review.
C1 noun /læns/

Lance

Meaning
a long weapon with a sharp metal point, used by soldiers on horseback
Example
The knight charged forward with his lance ready.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːr.nɪst/

Earnest

Meaning
sincere; genuine; showing deep and serious conviction
Example
He made an earnest attempt to solve the problem.
C1 verb /səˈplænt/

supplant

Meaning
To take the place of something or someone, often by force or strategy.
Example
Digital platforms have supplanted traditional newspapers.
C1 adjective /ˈtrɛtʃərəs/

treacherous

Meaning
Dangerously unstable or deceptive; likely to betray trust.
Example
The treacherous road made driving difficult.
C1 adjective /prɪˈpɒstərəs/

preposterous

Meaning
completely ridiculous or absurd; contrary to reason or common sense
Example
The idea that pigs could fly is preposterous.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈmɒdɪfaɪd/

unmodified

Meaning
not changed from its original form or state
Example
The data was used in its unmodified form for analysis.
C1 adjective /ˈwer.i/

Wary

Meaning
cautious; careful to avoid danger or problems
Example
She was wary of strangers approaching her at night.
C1 verb /snʌb/

snub

Meaning
to insult or ignore someone by treating them rudely
Example
He felt hurt when his invitation was snubbed.
C1 noun /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

proliferation

Meaning
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something; rapid multiplication or growth.
Example
The proliferation of malware is a growing concern.
C1 noun /wæks ɡɔːrd/

Wax Gourd

Meaning
a large white or green gourd with waxy skin, commonly used in Asian cooking
Example
The wax gourd soup is very nutritious and helps with digestion.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛm.ɪ.neɪt/

disseminate

Meaning
To spread or give out something, especially news, information, ideas, etc., to a lot of people.
Example
Social media helps to disseminate information quickly.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛr.aɪl/

sterile

Meaning
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; incapable of producing offspring.
Example
The surgeon worked in a sterile environment to avoid infection.
C1 adjective /stiːpt/

steeped

Meaning
Completely surrounded by or filled with a particular quality, influence, or experience.
Example
The town is steeped in history and tradition.
C1 noun /ˈprɛljuːd/

prelude

Meaning
An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.
Example
The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict.
C1 noun /haɪˈeɪtəs/

hiatus

Meaning
A pause or break in continuity of a process or activity.
Example
The show returned after a long hiatus.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

peevish

Meaning
Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Example
The child grew peevish when denied candy.
C1 noun /rɪˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən/

Retaliation

Meaning
the action of returning a military attack; counterattack; revenge for an injury or wrong
Example
The country threatened retaliation against any act of aggression.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

diminutive

Meaning
extremely or unusually small
Example
Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader.
C1 noun /ɪmˈbɑː.ɡoʊ/

embargo

Meaning
A trade ban, restriction, or prohibition imposed by a government or international organization on a country.
Example
The UN imposed an embargo on arms exports.
C1 noun /diːˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

detoxification

Meaning
The process of removing toxic substances from a living organism.
Example
Detoxification helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances.
C1 noun /ˈænvɪl/

anvil

Meaning
A heavy iron block used by blacksmiths for hammering and shaping metal.
Example
The blacksmith placed the hot iron on the anvil.
C1 adjective /maɪˈkroʊ.bi.əl/

microbial

Meaning
Related to bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms.
Example
Microbial activity in the soil improves fertility.
C1 adjective + noun ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd ˈnɒlɪdʒ

unprecedented knowledge

Meaning
Information or understanding that has never been obtained or achieved before.
Example
Artemis will provide unprecedented knowledge about the solar system.
C1 noun rɪˈdʒɛn.ər.ə.tɪv ˈfɑːr.mɪŋ

regenerative farming

Meaning
Agricultural practices that improve soil health and biodiversity.
Example
Regenerative farming improves soil fertility and biodiversity.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈpoʊz/

repose

Meaning
a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility; to rest or lie in a peaceful position
Example
After the long journey, she sought repose in the quiet garden.
C1 adjective /ˈpent ʌp/

Pent-up

Meaning
suppressed; restrained; confined
Example
He had pent-up anger that finally exploded.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈlaɪ.tənd/

Enlightened

Meaning
having or showing a rational, modern outlook; having spiritual knowledge or understanding
Example
The enlightened teacher shared wisdom with all her students.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnækˈsɛsəbl/

inaccessible

Meaning
unable to be reached, entered, or understood
Example
The remote village is almost inaccessible during the rainy season.
C1 noun /ˈpleɪˌraɪt/

playwright

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright of all time.
C1 adjective /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/

Miscellaneous

Meaning
various; diverse; mixed; assorted
Example
The box contained miscellaneous items from different periods.
C1 verb /ˈstɪp.jʊ.leɪt/

stipulate

Meaning
to demand or specify a condition in an agreement or contract
Example
The contract stipulates that payment must be made within 30 days.
C1 noun /ˈtruː.ənt/

Truant

Meaning
a student who stays away from school without permission; a person who shirks duty
Example
The principal called the parents when their child was caught playing truant.
C1 verb /ˈmedɪkeɪt/

medicate

Meaning
to treat with medicine; to give drugs to someone for medical purposes
Example
The doctor will medicate the patient to reduce inflammation.
C1 adjective /ˈflæʃi/

flashy

Meaning
ostentatious or showy in a way that attracts attention
Example
He drove a flashy sports car through the city streets.
C1 noun, verb /ˈmæn.deɪt/

mandate

Meaning
an official order or command; to give someone authority to act in a certain way
Example
The government issued a mandate to reduce carbon emissions.
C1 verb /riːk/

wreak

Meaning
to cause or inflict something, especially damage or harm
Example
The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal villages.
C1 adjective /ʌlˈtɪəriər/

ulterior

Meaning
hidden or secret, often with a selfish motive
Example
He invited her with an ulterior motive.
C1 noun /rɪˈtriː.vəl/

retrieval

Meaning
The process of getting something back, especially from storage or memory.
Example
The brain's retrieval system helps recall past experiences.
C1 noun /ˌsɛnsɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən/

sensitization

Meaning
The process of becoming sensitive to a substance, situation, or influence.
Example
The doctor warned about the sensitization caused by repeated exposure to chemicals.
C1 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ət/

bigot

Meaning
A person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions or beliefs.
Example
He was called a bigot for refusing to listen to others' views.
C1 adverb /iːsˈθetɪkli/

aesthetically

Meaning
in a way that is concerned with beauty or visual appeal
Example
The building is aesthetically pleasing despite its simple design.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.stɪdʒ/

Hostage

Meaning
a person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition; captive
Example
The police negotiated carefully to secure the release of all hostages unharmed.
C1 adjective /ˈluːdɪkrəs/

ludicrous

Meaning
so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing
Example
It is ludicrous to think the Earth is flat.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən/

consternation

Meaning
A feeling of anxiety, dismay, or confusion, often caused by something unexpected.
Example
The sudden announcement caused widespread consternation among the employees.
C1 adjective /ˈæv.ɪd/

avid

Meaning
having an eager desire or enthusiasm for something
Example
She is an avid reader of mystery novels.
C1 adjective ˌɪdiəsɪnˈkrætɪk

idiosyncratic

Meaning
Relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual.
Example
His idiosyncratic behavior set him apart from his colleagues.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

scathing

Meaning
severely critical; harshly scornful
Example
The critic wrote a scathing review of the movie.
C1 noun /kənˈfɔːrməns/

conformance

Meaning
The act of conforming to a rule, standard, or law.
Example
The product was tested for conformance with safety standards.
C1 noun /ˈmelənkəli/

Melancholy

Meaning
A feeling of pensive sadness; thoughtful or gentle sadness
Example
A deep melancholy settled over him after reading the old letters.
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 /kwɔːrˈtɛt/

quartet

Meaning
A group of four people playing music or singing together.
Example
The string quartet performed beautifully at the concert.
C1 noun /ˈnɔː.zi.ə/

Nausea

Meaning
a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit
Example
The motion of the boat caused severe nausea.
C1 noun /spɛk/

speck

Meaning
A very small spot, mark, or particle.
Example
There was a tiny speck of dust on the glass table.
C1 noun /nɔːrm/

Norm

Meaning
a standard of behavior; what is typical or expected
Example
Working late has become the norm in this company.
C1 noun /bəˈnæn.zə/

Bonanza

Meaning
a situation or event that creates a sudden increase in wealth, good fortune, or profits
Example
The oil discovery was a bonanza for the small country.
C1 adjective /praɪˈmɔːrdiəl/

primordial

Meaning
Existing at or from the beginning of time; fundamental and original.
Example
Scientists study the primordial soup from which life emerged.
C1 noun /səˈprɛʃən/

suppression

Meaning
the act of forcibly stopping something or holding back feelings or actions
Example
The suppression of free speech led to protests.
C1 verb /rɪˈtɔːrt/

retort

Meaning
To reply quickly or sharply, often in a witty or angry manner.
Example
He quickly retorted that he was not to blame.
C1 adjective /ˈheɪt.fəl/

Hateful

Meaning
causing or deserving hatred; extremely unpleasant or offensive
Example
His hateful comments hurt everyone's feelings.
C1 noun /nɪərˈvɑːnə/

nirvana

Meaning
A state of perfect happiness, peace, and freedom from suffering; in Buddhism, the ultimate goal of liberation.
Example
Meditation helps some people seek nirvana in their lives.
C1 noun /ˌmɪdˈsʌm.ər/

midsummer

Meaning
The middle of summer, often around the summer solstice in June.
Example
We had a festival to celebrate midsummer.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛl/

impel

Meaning
to drive, force, or urge someone to do something
Example
Her curiosity impelled her to open the mysterious box.
C1 noun /ˈkleɪmənt/

claimant

Meaning
a person who makes a claim, especially in a legal or financial context
Example
The claimant filed for compensation after the accident.
C1 /skwɒt/

squat

Meaning
to crouch or sit with knees bent and body close to the ground
Example
He squatted down to tie his shoes.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkjʊˈbeɪʃən/

incubation

Meaning
the process of keeping eggs, cells, or organisms in the right conditions for development
Example
The incubation of the eggs lasted for three weeks.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/

impeach

Meaning
To charge a public official with misconduct while in office.
Example
The parliament voted to impeach the president.
C1 exclamation /juˈriːkə/

eureka

Meaning
An exclamation used to express a sudden discovery or realization.
Example
When the solution finally came to him, he shouted, 'Eureka!'
C1 adjective /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/

precipitous

Meaning
Extremely steep or sudden; done quickly without careful consideration.
Example
The hikers struggled to climb the precipitous slope.
C1 noun /sɪˈnɪləti/

senility

Meaning
The state of being old and showing the weaknesses of age, especially mental decline.
Example
His forgetfulness was attributed to senility.
C1 verb/noun /snɑːrl/

snarl

Meaning
to growl aggressively with bared teeth; a tangle or mess
Example
The dog snarled at the stranger near the gate.
C1 adjective /ˌbaɪˈlæt.ər.əl/

bilateral

Meaning
An agreement or relationship between two parties that is mutual, two-sided, or reciprocal.
Example
The two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement.
C1 adjective /koʊˈɪnsɪdənt/

coincident

Meaning
Occurring at the same time; occupying the same position in space or time.
Example
The festival was coincident with the national holiday.
C1 noun /ˈroʊdənt/

rodent

Meaning
a small mammal such as a mouse, rat, or squirrel, characterized by constantly growing incisors
Example
The farmer set traps to catch the rodents in his barn.
C1 noun /ˈsɪlk.wɜːrm/

Silk-worm

Meaning
the caterpillar of a moth that produces silk fibers used to make silk fabric
Example
Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves to produce silk.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvaɪzəbl/

inadvisable

Meaning
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences.
Example
It is inadvisable to drive in such heavy rain.
C1 noun/verb /ˈhɛrəld/

herald

Meaning
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something; to announce or signal.
Example
The blooming flowers herald the arrival of spring.
C1 noun /ɪmˈbɛzlmənt/

embezzlement

Meaning
The act of dishonestly taking money or property entrusted to one's care.
Example
The accountant was arrested for embezzlement of company funds.
C1 noun /ɛnˈdɔːr.fɪnz/

endorphins

Meaning
Chemical compounds produced by the brain that reduce pain and create feelings of happiness.
Example
Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and pain.
C1 noun /ˈraɪtʃəsnəs/

righteousness

Meaning
the quality of being morally right or justifiable
Example
His life was dedicated to righteousness and truth.
C1 verb /proʊˈtrækt/

protract

Meaning
To prolong or extend in time or duration.
Example
Negotiations were protracted for several months.
C1 adjective ɪˈluː.sər.i

illusory

Meaning
Based on illusion; not real although seeming to be.
Example
His sense of security was entirely illusory.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜːməri/

infirmary

Meaning
A hospital or place where the sick or injured are cared for.
Example
The school had an infirmary for minor injuries.
C1 noun /ˈʃoʊ.və.nɪst/

chauvinist

Meaning
A person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty to a group, cause, or gender.
Example
He was labeled a chauvinist after his remarks about women in the workplace.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒənt/

insurgent

Meaning
A person who rises in revolt against authority or government.
Example
The army arrested several insurgents after the attack.
C1 noun /ˈriːkɔːrs/

recourse

Meaning
a source of help or protection in a difficult situation
Example
The students had no recourse but to appeal to the principal.
C1 adjective /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnsəbl̩/

reprehensible

Meaning
Deserving strong criticism or blame.
Example
His dishonest actions were truly reprehensible.
C1 adjective /kɜːrt/

curt

Meaning
Rudely brief in speech or manner.
Example
His curt reply made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˌdʒʊə.rɪsˈdɪk.ʃən/

Jurisdiction

Meaning
the official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the extent of this power
Example
This case falls under the jurisdiction of the federal court.
C1 adjective ˌæd.vɚˈser.i.əl

adversarial

Meaning
Involving or characterized by conflict or opposition.
Example
The two companies have an adversarial relationship in the market.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈmænɪdʒəbəl/

Unmanageable

Meaning
difficult or impossible to control or handle
Example
The large class became unmanageable without proper supervision.
C1 verb /mɔːl/

maul

Meaning
To wound or injure someone by scratching or tearing; to handle roughly.
Example
The bear mauled the camper in the forest.
C1 noun /ˈmɛrɪɡoʊld/

Marigold

Meaning
a bright orange or yellow flower of the daisy family, often used in gardens and ceremonies
Example
The vibrant marigold flowers added a splash of color to the festival decorations.
C1 noun /ˈpetɪkoʊt/

Petti-coat

Meaning
an undergarment worn by women under a dress or skirt
Example
She wore a white petticoat under her dress.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
C1 verb /deɪz/

daze

Meaning
to stun or confuse someone temporarily with a shock or surprise
Example
The bright lights dazed the runners as they entered the stadium.
C1 noun /ˈblɒk.ɪdʒ/

Blockage

Meaning
an obstruction that makes movement or flow difficult or impossible
Example
The drain blockage caused water to overflow in the kitchen.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɜːrnəbl/

discernible

Meaning
able to be seen, recognized, or understood
Example
There was a discernible change in his behavior.
C1 verb /dɪsˈoʊn/

disown

Meaning
to refuse to acknowledge or accept responsibility for someone or something
Example
He decided to disown his reckless brother.
C1 noun /ˈɒktəɡən/

octagon

Meaning
A polygon with eight sides and eight angles.
Example
The stop sign is shaped like an octagon.
C1 noun /prəˈvaɪzoʊ/

proviso

Meaning
a condition or stipulation attached to an agreement
Example
He accepted the job offer with the proviso that he could work remotely twice a week.
C1 verb /ʃɪə/

shear

Meaning
to cut the wool off a sheep or to cut something with sharp tools like scissors or shears
Example
The farmer will shear the sheep in the spring.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
C1 adjective /ˈdeɪnti/

dainty

Meaning
Delicately small, pretty, and often considered elegant.
Example
She wore a dainty necklace made of pearls.
C1 adjective /ˌwɛlˈbrɛd/

well-bred

Meaning
Having or showing good manners; properly raised.
Example
She is a well-bred young lady with excellent manners.
C1 noun ˈstræt.ə.sfɪər

stratosphere

Meaning
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
Example
The stratosphere provides a unique environment.
C1 noun /əˈlɒt.mənt/

allotment

Meaning
The distribution or allocation of something, especially resources or portions.
Example
Each department received an allotment of resources.
C1 noun dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɪv dɪˈzizɪz

degenerative diseases

Meaning
Medical conditions that involve the deterioration or progressive decline of tissues, organs, or functions
Example
Degenerative diseases are common in an aging population.
C1 adjective /ˈreɪdiənt/

radiant

Meaning
Shining brightly; expressing great happiness.
Example
She looked radiant in her wedding dress.
C1 noun /ˈbærɪstər/

barrister

Meaning
A type of lawyer in certain legal systems who specializes in courtroom advocacy and litigation.
Example
The barrister argued the case passionately before the judge.
C1 noun /ˈfɛtɪʃ/

fetish

Meaning
an excessive or irrational devotion to something
Example
He has a fetish for collecting rare stamps.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

Meaning
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
Example
The new regulations could stymie small businesses.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɑːlənˌtɛri/

involuntary

Meaning
done without will or conscious control
Example
He gave an involuntary shiver when he heard the loud noise.
C1 adjective,noun /kənˈtɪn.dʒənt/

contingent

Meaning
dependent on something else; a group of people representing an organization
Example
Attendance is contingent on prior registration. / A contingent of students attended the conference.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnprɪˈtɛnʃəs/

unpretentious

Meaning
modest; not attempting to impress others with appearance or importance
Example
She lives in an unpretentious home but is very happy.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɛkʃən/

defection

Meaning
The act of abandoning one’s country, cause, or group in favor of another.
Example
The politician’s defection shocked his supporters.
C1 noun /ˈɛksɜːrpt/

excerpt

Meaning
A short portion taken from a text, film, or piece of music.
Example
The teacher read an excerpt from the novel.
C1 noun /ˈhɛrəsi/

heresy

Meaning
belief or opinion that goes against established religious doctrine or accepted beliefs.
Example
In medieval times, heresy was often punished severely.