status quo
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
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 verb /əˈprɛs/

oppress

Meaning
to keep someone down by harsh and unfair use of authority; to suppress
Example
The dictator oppressed the people for decades.
C1 adjective /ˌnɒn ɪɡˈzɪstənt/

non-existent

Meaning
not real or not present; lacking existence
Example
The supposed evidence turned out to be non-existent.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːrθədɑːks/

orthodox

Meaning
conforming to traditional beliefs or practices
Example
He comes from a very orthodox family.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɡroʊst/

engrossed

Meaning
completely absorbed or deeply involved in something
Example
She was so engrossed in the book that she forgot the time.
C1 noun ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌktʃərəl dɪˈveləpmənt

infrastructural development

Meaning
The process of building and improving the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example
Infrastructural development is necessary for efficient recycling.
C1 adjective /əbˈdʒek.ʃən.ə.bəl/

Objectionable

Meaning
arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive
Example
His objectionable behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun, verb /slɜːr/

slur

Meaning
An insulting remark or suggestion; or to speak indistinctly.
Example
He made a slur against her character.
C1 noun /wɪk/

Wick

Meaning
a cord or strand of cotton that burns to provide light in a candle or lamp
Example
The candle wick needs to be trimmed for better burning.
C1 adverb /ˈkrɒswaɪz/

Crosswise

Meaning
in the form of a cross; diagonally across
Example
Place the logs crosswise to build a stable fire.
C1 adjective /nɪˈɡoʊ.ʃi.ə.bəl/

negotiable

Meaning
Open to discussion or modification; capable of being bargained for.
Example
The salary offered is negotiable.
C1 noun /əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən/

alliteration

Meaning
the occurrence of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in close succession
Example
She used alliteration in her poem to add musicality.
C1 verb /səbˈstænʃieɪt/

substantiate

Meaning
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.
Example
The lawyer worked to substantiate the claims with solid evidence.
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 /pərˈvɜːrʒən/

perversion

Meaning
The act of distorting or corrupting the original meaning, purpose, or state of something.
Example
The regime’s censorship was seen as a perversion of free speech.
C1 adjective əsˈtjuːt

astute

Meaning
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example
His astute observations helped solve the complex problem.
C1 adjective ɪˈneɪt

Innate

Meaning
Existing from birth or natural
Example
She has an innate talent for music.
C1 adjective /dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪtɪŋ/

discriminating

Meaning
Having refined taste or good judgment; able to recognize subtle differences.
Example
She is known for her discriminating taste in art.
C1 noun /ˈɪntərˌpleɪ/

interplay

Meaning
The way in which two or more things have an effect on each other.
Example
The interplay between culture and technology shapes modern life.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɛmbrəns/

remembrance

Meaning
the act of remembering or honoring someone or something
Example
A service was held in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.
C1 verb /ˌdiːˈbʌŋk/

debunk

Meaning
Expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).
Example
Scientists debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːsɪti/

paucity

Meaning
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities
Example
The project was delayed due to a paucity of funds.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

conflagration

Meaning
A large, destructive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property.
Example
The forest was devastated by a massive conflagration that lasted for days.
C1 adjective /ˈkoʊvərt/

covert

Meaning
hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged
Example
The spy conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines.
C1 verb /plɒd/

plod

Meaning
to work slowly and steadily, often with effort or difficulty
Example
He plodded through his homework despite feeling tired.
C1 adjective /ɪˈstreɪndʒd/

estranged

Meaning
no longer close or affectionate with someone; alienated
Example
She felt estranged from her family after the long dispute.
C1 noun /ˈpɛnənt/

pennant

Meaning
A tapering flag used for signaling or as an emblem of victory or achievement.
Example
The team raised the championship pennant proudly.
C1 noun ˈæltruɪzəm

altruism

Meaning
The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
His altruism motivated others to volunteer.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪbəl/

libel

Meaning
a published false statement that damages a person's reputation
Example
The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false claims.
C1 verb/noun /ˈsɒldər/

solder

Meaning
To join metal parts together by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint
Example
He soldered the broken wires back together.
C1 verb /ˈnʌrɪʃ/

nourish

Meaning
To provide with food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition
Example
Good books nourish the mind.
C1 noun /rʌsk/

Rusk

Meaning
a hard, dry biscuit or twice-baked bread; a type of crisp, sweet biscuit
Example
The baby enjoyed eating the soft rusk with milk.
C1 noun /ˈtɛnɪt/

tenet

Meaning
a principle, belief, or doctrine held to be true
Example
Honesty is a central tenet of their philosophy.
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 noun /ˈæntɪˌdoʊt/

antidote

Meaning
A substance that neutralizes the effects of a poison; something that relieves or counteracts.
Example
The doctor quickly administered an antidote to the snake venom.
C1 noun /ˈpɛsəl/

pestle

Meaning
A heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing or grinding substances in a mortar.
Example
She used a pestle to grind the spices.
C1 noun /ˈpen.əns/

Penance

Meaning
punishment that you accept for doing something wrong; an act of showing that you are sorry for sin
Example
The monk performed penance for his past mistakes.
C1 noun /ˈmoʊ.tər ˈlɔː.ri/

Motor lorry

Meaning
a large motor vehicle used for transporting goods; truck
Example
The motor lorry delivered fresh vegetables to the market.
C1 noun /drɑːft/ (UK), /dræft/ (US)

draught

Meaning
a current of cool air in a room or another confined space; also a portion of liquid, especially beer, served from a barrel or cask
Example
She closed the window to keep out the cold draught.
C1 noun /ˈlɪməˌziːn/

limousine

Meaning
a large, luxurious car driven by a chauffeur.
Example
The bride arrived in a white limousine.
C1 noun /ˌlaɪ.sənˈsiː/

Licensee

Meaning
a person or organization that holds a license to do something
Example
The licensee is responsible for following all regulations.
C1 noun /zest/

Zest

Meaning
great enthusiasm and energy; excitement and vigor; the outer peel of a citrus fruit
Example
She approached the new job with tremendous zest.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːl.tɪd fɪʃ/

Salted fish

Meaning
fish preserved with salt; dried and salted fish for storage
Example
Salted fish is a traditional way to preserve seafood.
C1 adjective /prɪˈtɛnʃəs/

pretentious

Meaning
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
Example
The restaurant was stylish but far too pretentious for my taste.
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 adjective /ˌeɪ.bəlˈbɒd.id/

able-bodied

Meaning
physically strong and healthy, not disabled
Example
The company is looking for able-bodied workers for the construction site.
C1 noun /ˌdʒiːniˈælədʒi/

genealogy

Meaning
The study and tracing of lines of descent or family history.
Example
She spent years researching her family's genealogy.
C1 noun, verb /ˈɔːtɒpsi/

autopsy

Meaning
a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease
Example
The autopsy revealed that the victim had died from poisoning.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌæntiˈsɛptɪk/

antiseptic

Meaning
A substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms; clean and free from germs.
Example
The nurse applied an antiseptic to the wound.
C1 noun /əˈbreɪʒən/

abrasion

Meaning
a scrape or wearing away of the skin or surface due to friction
Example
He suffered a minor abrasion on his knee after falling.
C1 adjective /ˈten.tə.tɪv/

Tentative

Meaning
not certain or fixed; provisional; hesitant or unsure
Example
We made tentative plans to meet next week.
C1 noun /ɡaɪz/

guise

Meaning
An external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, often hiding the true nature
Example
He approached in the guise of a friend.
C1 adjective /əˌpɒk.əˈlɪp.tɪk/

apocalyptic

Meaning
Describing the end of the world, or something catastrophic and disastrous.
Example
The movie depicts an apocalyptic future after a nuclear war.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈspiːdiənt/

expedient

Meaning
suitable or convenient for achieving a particular end, sometimes at the expense of morality
Example
It was expedient to take the shortcut despite the risks.
C1 noun /ˌriː.pəˈkʌʃ.ən/

repercussion

Meaning
An unintended consequence occurring some time after an event or action.
Example
The economic crisis had severe repercussions on global trade.
C1 verb /nəˈsɛsɪteɪt/

necessitate

Meaning
To make something necessary or unavoidable.
Example
The heavy rains necessitated the cancellation of the event.
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 verb /doʊt/

dote

Meaning
to show excessive love or fondness for someone or something
Example
She tends to dote on her grandchildren.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrksəm/

irksome

Meaning
annoying or irritating
Example
Waiting in a long line is one of the most irksome tasks.
C1 noun /ləˈɡuːn/

lagoon

Meaning
A shallow body of water separated from the sea by sandbars or reefs.
Example
We swam in the calm waters of the lagoon.
C1 adjective /ˈdʒiː.ni.əl/

genial

Meaning
friendly, cheerful, and pleasant
Example
She greeted us with a genial smile.
C1 noun /ˌɔːkʃəˈnɪər/

auctioneer

Meaning
a person who conducts auctions by calling out bids and selling items to the highest bidder
Example
The auctioneer quickly raised the price as bidders competed for the painting.
C1 noun /təˈnæs.ə.ti/

tenacity

Meaning
Determination, persistence, and the quality of not giving up
Example
His tenacity in solving problems led to his success.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/

encroach

Meaning
to gradually take over or intrude on someone’s rights, territory, or space
Example
The buildings began to encroach on the protected forest land.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
C1 verb /drɛntʃ/

drench

Meaning
to make someone or something completely wet
Example
The sudden rain drenched the players on the field.
C1 verb /ˈvɪktɪmaɪz/

victimize

Meaning
To make someone a victim, often by treating them unfairly or cruelly.
Example
The corrupt officials victimized the poor villagers.
C1 noun /fəˈnætɪsɪzəm/

fanaticism

Meaning
the quality of being fanatical; extreme zeal or obsession
Example
Religious fanaticism can lead to intolerance and conflict.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdʒen.dər/

engender

Meaning
To cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition.
Example
The speech engendered hope among the people.
C1 noun /deɪˈbɑː.kəl/

debacle

Meaning
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
Example
The company's poor management led to a financial debacle.
C1 noun /hɪˈpɑː.krə.si/

Hypocrisy

Meaning
the practice of claiming to have moral standards that one does not actually possess; insincerity
Example
His hypocrisy was exposed when he criticized others for the same mistakes he had made.
C1 noun /ˈneɡ.lɪ.dʒəns/

Negligence

Meaning
failure to take proper care in doing something; carelessness
Example
The accident was caused by driver negligence.
C1 adjective /ˈæmərəs/

amorous

Meaning
Showing, feeling, or relating to romantic love or desire.
Example
He sent her an amorous letter filled with declarations of love.
C1 noun /ɡəˈzet/

Gazette

Meaning
an official journal or newspaper, especially one published by an organization or government
Example
The promotion was officially announced in the government gazette last week.
C1 adjective daɪˈvɜː.dʒənt

divergent

Meaning
Tending to be different or develop in different directions
Example
Divergent policies create challenges in collaboration.
C1 noun /ˌmɑːr.kɪ.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/

marketability

Meaning
The possibility of commercial success for a product or service
Example
The new product's marketability depends on consumer demand.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntəˈrɑːɡətɪv/

interrogative

Meaning
Relating to or conveying a question; in grammar, used to form questions.
Example
She raised an interrogative eyebrow when she heard the news.
C1 noun /mɔːrˈfɑːlədʒi/

morphology

Meaning
the study of the form and structure of things, especially in language and biology
Example
Morphology studies the structure of words and how they are formed.
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 verb ɪˈræd.ɪ.keɪt

eradicate

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

incline

Meaning
to feel willing or favorably disposed toward something; to bend or tilt
Example
She is inclined to agree with the proposal.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
C1 noun/verb /ˈdiːkɔɪ/

decoy

Meaning
something or someone used to lure or mislead
Example
The hunters used a wooden duck as a decoy.
C1 verb /ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

equalize

Meaning
To make equal or level in status, value, or amount.
Example
The team equalized the score in the last minute.
C1 adjective sɪˈlɛstʃəl

celestial

Meaning
Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy.
Example
The celestial bodies in the sky were clearly visible last night.
C1 noun /dɜːrθ/

dearth

Meaning
A scarcity or lack of something.
Example
There was a dearth of food during the famine.
C1 noun /moʊˈzeɪɪk/

mosaic

Meaning
A picture or pattern produced by arranging together small pieces of stone, tile, or glass.
Example
The church ceiling was decorated with a beautiful mosaic.
C1 noun /ˌrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Ratification

Meaning
the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement
Example
The treaty required ratification by both countries' parliaments.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsns/

convalescence

Meaning
the period of time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
His convalescence lasted for almost two months after the accident.
C1 verb /ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz/

neutralize

Meaning
to make something ineffective or harmless
Example
The medicine helped neutralize the poison in his system.
C1 noun ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm ˈsɜːvɪsɪz

ecosystem services

Meaning
The benefits people obtain from ecosystems.
Example
Forests provide valuable ecosystem services, such as purifying air and water.
C1 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/

contravene

Meaning
to go against or act in opposition to a law, rule, or agreement
Example
He contravened the safety regulations and was fined.
C1 verb /ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ/

outstretch

Meaning
To extend or stretch something outward.
Example
He outstretched his hand to help her up.
C1 noun /ɪˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/

elaboration

Meaning
the process of adding more detail or expanding on something
Example
The teacher appreciated the student's elaboration of the topic.
C1 noun /ˌɡræt.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

gratification

Meaning
Pleasure, especially when gained from the satisfaction of a desire.
Example
The instant gratification of social media affects patience.
C1 noun /trænsˈfjuːʒən/

transfusion

Meaning
the process of transferring blood or another fluid into a person's vein
Example
The patient received a blood transfusion after the accident.
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 verb ɪˈnɔː.ɡjə.reɪ.tɪd

inaugurated

Meaning
Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) formally.
Example
The organization was inaugurated officially.
C1 adverb /ˈvaɪtəli/

vitally

Meaning
in an extremely important or essential way; in a manner relating to life or vitality
Example
Access to clean water is vitally important for public health.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæplɪn/

chaplain

Meaning
A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.
Example
The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle.
C1 adjective ˌmiː.ti.ər.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

meteorological

Meaning
Relating to weather conditions and atmospheric phenomena.
Example
Meteorological conditions affect farming cycles.
C1 verb /raɪl/

rile

Meaning
to irritate or annoy someone
Example
His careless comments really riled her.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
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 /vəˈnɪər/

veneer

Meaning
A thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material; a superficially attractive appearance.
Example
The table was covered with a thin veneer of mahogany.
C1 noun /dɪˈvaɪzər/

divisor

Meaning
A number by which another number is divided.
Example
In the equation 12 ÷ 3, the number 3 is the divisor.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkʌlər/

discolor

Meaning
to change color, especially in a way that spoils the original appearance
Example
The fabric began to discolor after being left in the sun.
C1 adjective ˈɛl.ə.kwənt

eloquent

Meaning
Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; clearly expressing or indicating something.
Example
Her eloquent speech inspired the entire audience.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/

disobedience

Meaning
failure or refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority
Example
The child's disobedience worried his parents.
C1 noun ɔːrˈdiːl

ordeal

Meaning
A physical or mental painful experience that must be endured
Example
Surviving the wilderness was a tough ordeal for them.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈdɪs.ɪ.plɪ.nər.i

interdisciplinary

Meaning
Relating to more than one branch of knowledge.
Example
The interdisciplinary approach in education enhances problem-solving skills.
C1 noun /ɡrəˈtjuːɪti/

gratuity

Meaning
A sum of money given as a tip or a retirement benefit.
Example
The waiter received a generous gratuity for his excellent service.
C1 noun /ɪnˈɛk.wɪ.ti/

inequity

Meaning
Lack of fairness or justice; unequal distribution or treatment.
Example
Social inequity continues to be a global issue.
C1 adjective ʌnˈmætʃt

unmatched

Meaning
Not equaled or rivaled by any other; without equal.
Example
The freedom fighters showed unmatched bravery.
C1 noun /ˈʃɪvəlri/

chivalry

Meaning
The medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious code; courteous behavior, especially toward women.
Example
The knight lived by the code of chivalry.
C1 noun /truːp/

troupe

Meaning
A group of dancers, actors, or performers who work together.
Example
The theater troupe performed brilliantly on stage.
C1 adjective /ˈstɒdʒi/

stodgy

Meaning
Dull, uninspired, or old-fashioned; also heavy and hard to digest when referring to food.
Example
The lecture was so stodgy that many students struggled to stay awake.
C1 noun /brəˈzɪər/

Brassiere

Meaning
a woman's undergarment designed to support the breasts
Example
She bought a comfortable brassiere for daily wear.
C1 noun /ˈmævərɪk/

maverick

Meaning
An unorthodox or independent-minded person.
Example
The maverick scientist challenged established theories.
C1 noun /ˈɪmɪnəns/

imminence

Meaning
the state of being about to happen
Example
The imminence of the storm forced people to take shelter.
C1 verb /dɪˈbɑːr/

debar

Meaning
To officially prevent someone from doing something.
Example
He was debarred from entering the competition due to cheating.