sting
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B2 verb /stɪŋ/

sting

Meaning
to pierce with a sharp point; to cause sharp pain
Example
The bee stung him on his arm while he was gardening.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɛtərət/

inveterate

Meaning
having a long-established habit, activity, or interest that is unlikely to change
Example
He is an inveterate reader who spends hours in the library every day.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːr.dɪ.nəl/

cardinal

Meaning
As an adjective: of prime importance; as a noun: a high-ranking Catholic clergyman or a type of bird.
Example
Honesty is a cardinal virtue in life.
B2 noun trænˈspær.ən.si

transparency

Meaning
The quality of being easy to perceive or detect; openness, accountability, and honesty in governance or operations.
Example
Transparency fosters trust in governance.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪhɛm/

mayhem

Meaning
Violent or extreme disorder; chaos and destruction.
Example
The protest turned into mayhem when the crowd clashed with the police.
B1 adjective /dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ/

disgusting

Meaning
extremely unpleasant or offensive; causing strong dislike or revulsion
Example
The smell coming from the trash can was absolutely disgusting.
B2 adjective /ˈklʌm.zi/

clumsy

Meaning
awkward in movement or lacking skill
Example
He is so clumsy that he drops things all the time.
C2 adjective /ˌmækɪəˈvɛliən/

machiavellian

Meaning
cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career
Example
The politician was known for his Machiavellian tactics.
C2 noun /ˈnɑːstrəm/

nostrum

Meaning
a medicine or remedy, especially one that is not considered effective; a questionable solution
Example
The politician’s plan was dismissed as a mere nostrum for a complex problem.
B1 adjective /luːs/

loose

Meaning
not firmly or tightly fixed in place
Example
The screw is loose and needs tightening.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒŋɡruənt/

incongruent

Meaning
Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects.
Example
His casual outfit looked incongruent at the formal dinner.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪndsaɪt/

hindsight

Meaning
Understanding of a situation only after it has happened.
Example
With the benefit of hindsight, we realized the decision was a mistake.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈplɛzəntli/

unpleasantly

Meaning
in a way that causes discomfort, annoyance, or displeasure; in an unfriendly or disagreeable manner
Example
The room was unpleasantly hot during the afternoon.
B2 verb /dɪˈskrɪmɪˌneɪt/

discriminate

Meaning
To treat someone unfairly based on race, gender, or other differences; or to recognize a distinction.
Example
The law prohibits employers from discriminating against women.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒnˈtrɪviəl/

nontrivial

Meaning
Not simple or easy; requiring effort or significant thought.
Example
Solving the equation turned out to be a nontrivial task.
C2 noun /dɪˈkrɛpɪˌtjuːd/

decrepitude

Meaning
the state of being old, weak, and worn out
Example
The once-great empire fell into decrepitude.
B1 verb /dæm/

damn

Meaning
to condemn or criticize strongly; used as an expletive to express anger or emphasis
Example
He damned the unfair system in his speech.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈɪnstənt/

instant

Meaning
A very short period of time; happening immediately.
Example
He replied in an instant without hesitation.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkæni/

uncanny

Meaning
Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.
Example
She has an uncanny ability to predict the future.
C2 noun /bʊr/

Boor

Meaning
a rough and bad-mannered person; someone who lacks refinement or culture
Example
The wealthy businessman was actually a boor who showed no respect for others.
B2 adjective /esˈθet.ɪk/

Aesthetic

Meaning
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Example
Good aesthetic design enhances product appeal.
C2 adjective /rəˈkoʊkoʊ/

rococo

Meaning
characterized by ornate detail and elaborate decoration, especially in art, architecture, and design
Example
The palace was decorated in a lavish rococo style.
B2 noun /ˈoʊvərpæs/

overpass

Meaning
A bridge that carries one road or railway over another.
Example
The new overpass reduced traffic congestion in the city.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌmpʃəs/

bumptious

Meaning
Arrogantly self-assertive or conceited.
Example
The bumptious student interrupted the teacher several times.
C2 verb /dɪˈtruːd/

detrude

Meaning
To thrust or force something downward or outward.
Example
The violent waves detruded rocks from the cliff.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈloʊd/

overload

Meaning
to load with too much weight or cargo; to give too much work or information
Example
Don't overload the washing machine or it might break down.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈfekʃəs/

infectious

Meaning
capable of causing infection or disease; spreading easily from one person to another; able to spread feelings or attitudes such as enthusiasm
Example
Her infectious laughter made everyone in the room smile.
B1 noun prəˈpoʊzəl

proposal

Meaning
A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration or discussion by others.
Example
The proposal was not sustained.
C2 noun /ˈænθrəsaɪt/

anthracite

Meaning
A hard, shiny form of coal that burns with little smoke and a high heat value.
Example
The factory used anthracite as its primary fuel source.
B2 adjective /ˈprɛdʒədɪst/

prejudiced

Meaning
having or showing a dislike or bias against a person or group without proper reason
Example
He was prejudiced against people from other regions.
B1 adjective /ɪnˈfɔːrməl/

Informal

Meaning
relaxed and friendly; not official or ceremonial; casual
Example
The meeting was informal and relaxed.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɜːrst/

dispersed

Meaning
Scattered or spread across a wide area.
Example
The dispersed population made it difficult to provide public services.
A2 adjective /ˈsuːpər/

super

Meaning
excellent; very good
Example
She did a super job on the project.
A2 verb /ˈɡæðər/

gather

Meaning
to come together or collect in one place; to assemble
Example
People gather in the park for the festival.
C1 adjective /ˈlæk.tɪk/

lactic

Meaning
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
Example
Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
B2 noun əˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən

appreciation

Meaning
An increase in the value of an asset over time.
Example
Real estate properties often experience appreciation over time.
B1 adverb /ˈɑːf.tə.wərdz/

Afterwards

Meaning
at a later time; after an event or time that has already been mentioned
Example
We had dinner and afterwards we watched a movie.
C2 noun /moʊt/

mote

Meaning
A tiny particle or speck, especially of dust.
Example
A mote of dust floated in the sunlight.
A2 adjective /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɒnɪk/

electronic

Meaning
Operating with or produced by the use of electronic devices.
Example
She bought an electronic keyboard for her music lessons.
C2 adjective /ˈfiːbəlˌmaɪndɪd/

feebleminded

Meaning
lacking intelligence or mental capacity; foolish or weak-minded
Example
The feebleminded man struggled to understand basic instructions.
B2 noun ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti

sensitivity

Meaning
The quality or condition of being sensitive; responsiveness to stimuli.
Example
Bose proved plant sensitivity through experiments.
C1 noun /ˌɪnɪkˈspɪəriəns/

inexperience

Meaning
Lack of knowledge or skill in a particular activity or field.
Example
His inexperience in handling negotiations was evident.
A2 adjective /duː/

Due

Meaning
owed as a debt; expected at a certain time; scheduled
Example
The assignment is due tomorrow.
C2 adjective /ˈrævənɪŋ/

ravening

Meaning
Extremely hungry and greedy; voracious.
Example
The ravening wolves circled the camp.
A2 noun /ˈʌndərweər/

underwear

Meaning
Clothing worn beneath outer clothes, typically next to the skin.
Example
He bought new underwear for the trip.
C1 adjective ʌnɪnˈhæbɪtəbəl

uninhabitable

Meaning
Not suitable or safe for people to live in.
Example
Rapid urbanization can make cities uninhabitable.
B2 verb rɪˈstɔːr

restore

Meaning
To bring back to a former or original state; to reinstate.
Example
Restoring the tradition of student politics is necessary.
C1 noun /fəˈrɒs.ə.ti/

ferocity

Meaning
The state or quality of being ferocious; extreme fierceness or violence.
Example
The storm's ferocity was devastating.
B2 noun /vɜːrs/

verse

Meaning
A line of writing in poetry; a section of a song or poem.
Example
She wrote a beautiful verse for the wedding ceremony.
C2 verb /koʊˈhɪr/

cohere

Meaning
To stick together; to be united logically or physically.
Example
The ideas in his essay cohere well.
C1 verb /ɪnˈstɪl/

instill

Meaning
to gradually but firmly establish an idea, attitude, or habit in someone's mind
Example
Parents try to instill good values in their children.
C1 verb /ˈkæptɪveɪt/

captivate

Meaning
to attract and hold the interest of; to charm or fascinate
Example
Her beautiful voice captivated the audience.
C2 noun /ˌɪrɪˈdɛsəns/

iridescence

Meaning
a play of lustrous, changing colors like those of a rainbow
Example
The butterfly's wings shimmered with iridescence.
C1 verb /ˈsælvɪdʒ/

salvage

Meaning
To save something from loss, damage, or destruction.
Example
They managed to salvage some goods from the fire.
B2 adjective /ˈreɪʃəl/

racial

Meaning
relating to a race of people
Example
Racial equality is an important issue in many societies.
C2 verb, noun /ˈɡoʊld.brɪk/

goldbrick

Meaning
to avoid work or duty; a person who shirks responsibility
Example
He was accused of goldbricking while the rest of the team worked hard.
B1 verb ˈɪndɪkeɪts

indicates

Meaning
Point out; show; be a sign or symptom of; suggest as a desirable or necessary course of action.
Example
The rising trend indicates an urgent need for action.
C2 noun /ˈænsɛstrɪs/

ancestress

Meaning
a female ancestor; a woman from whom one is descended
Example
She discovered that her ancestress came from a small village in Bengal.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt/

Inefficient

Meaning
not achieving maximum productivity; wasteful of time or resources
Example
The old computer system was inefficient and wasted a lot of time.
C1 adjective /ˈdɔːr.mənt/

Dormant

Meaning
inactive; sleeping; temporarily suspended; not currently active
Example
The volcano has been dormant for over a century.
B2 verb /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/

persevere

Meaning
to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delay
Example
He persevered through many failures before succeeding.
B2 noun /pəˈnɪn.sjə.lə/

Peninsula

Meaning
a piece of land that is almost completely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland
Example
The Korean Peninsula is located in East Asia.
B1 adjective ɪˈfek.tɪv

effective

Meaning
Successful in producing a desired or intended result; having the power to influence or produce a result.
Example
Effective policies drive organizational success.
A1 noun /snoʊ/

Snow

Meaning
white frozen water that falls from clouds as soft flakes
Example
The children played happily in the fresh snow.
C1 verb /sʌlk/

sulk

Meaning
to be silent and bad-tempered because you are angry or disappointed
Example
She sulked in her room after the argument.
C1 verb /ˈstriːmlaɪnɪŋ/

streamlining

Meaning
The process of making an organization or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps
Example
Streamlining processes can significantly reduce operational costs.
A2 noun /ˌsɛlɪˈbreɪʃən/

celebration

Meaning
a festive event or activity to honor an occasion
Example
The city held a grand celebration on Independence Day.
C1 noun /ˈdʒækˌfruːt/

Jackfruit

Meaning
a large tropical fruit with a spiky exterior and sweet flesh inside
Example
The jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world.
B2 adjective /ˈmɛtrɪk/

metric

Meaning
Relating to the metric system of measurement; also, a standard of measurement used to assess performance.
Example
The company tracks success using clear performance metrics.
C2 adjective /ˈræŋ.kər.əs/

rancorous

Meaning
Characterized by bitterness or resentment.
Example
Their rancorous debate lasted for hours.
C2 noun /ˈmoʊlər/

molar

Meaning
A large tooth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
Example
The dentist had to extract his wisdom molar.
A1 preposition /ɒn/

on

Meaning
physically in contact with and supported by a surface
Example
The book is on the table.
C1 adverb /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bli/

Amicably

Meaning
in a friendly way without anger or resentment
Example
The divorce was settled amicably between both parties.
C1 verb /uːz/

ooze

Meaning
to slowly flow or leak out through small openings or pores
Example
Blood began to ooze from the small cut.
A1 adjective/verb/adverb /friː/

free

Meaning
Not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes.
Example
The children are free to play outside.
B2 adjective /ˈstæt.ɪk/

static

Meaning
Lacking in movement, action, or change; stationary.
Example
Static ideas hinder progress.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/

disillusionment

Meaning
A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.
Example
Many people experience disillusionment after unrealistic expectations.
A2 noun/verb /ˈbætəl/

battle

Meaning
A fight between armed forces or a struggle to achieve or resist something.
Example
The soldiers prepared for the final battle.
B2 adverb /əˈlɔːŋ.saɪd/

Alongside

Meaning
beside; next to; together with
Example
She walked alongside her friend through the park.
A2 noun /ʃɛlf/

shelf

Meaning
a flat surface used for storing or displaying things, typically fixed to a wall or inside a cabinet
Example
I placed the books on the shelf next to the window.
A2 noun /klɔːθ/

Cloth

Meaning
woven or felted fabric made from wool, cotton, or a similar fiber
Example
The tailor cut the cloth into precise pieces.
C2 verb /sʌbˈtɛnd/

subtend

Meaning
To extend across or form an angle at a particular point, often used in geometry.
Example
The arc subtends a 60-degree angle at the center of the circle.
B1 verb /haɪər/

hire

Meaning
to employ someone for wages; to rent or engage services
Example
The company will hire new employees next month.
B2 noun /prəˈmoʊ.tər/

promoter

Meaning
A person or organization that helps to organize or finance an event, business, or product launch.
Example
The promoter organized a concert for the new band.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

preengage

Meaning
To contract or engage beforehand; to arrange in advance.
Example
The workers were preengaged before the project officially started.
B2 noun /ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/

Failing

Meaning
a weakness, especially in a person's character; a fault
Example
His only failing is that he talks too much during meetings.
C1 adjective /ˈtɪklɪʃ/

ticklish

Meaning
easily made to laugh by being touched lightly; easily upset or sensitive
Example
She is very ticklish and bursts into laughter when touched on her feet.
B1 noun /ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/

Agency

Meaning
a business or organization that provides a particular service
Example
She works for a travel agency downtown.
C2 noun /ˈdoʊneɪtər/

donator

Meaning
A person who gives something, especially money or goods, as a donation.
Example
The donator wished to remain anonymous after contributing a large sum.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈseɪʃəbl̩/

insatiable

Meaning
impossible to satisfy; always wanting more
Example
Her insatiable curiosity drove her to read every book in the library.
C2 noun /ˌpɜːrspɪˈkjuːəti/

perspicuity

Meaning
Clarity and ease in speech or writing; the quality of being clearly expressed.
Example
The perspicuity of his lecture made it easy for students to understand complex topics.
A2 noun /brɪdʒ/

Bridge

Meaning
a structure carrying a road, path, railway, etc. across a river, road, or other obstacle
Example
The old stone bridge has connected the two towns for over a century.
C2 noun /ˌɑːrtʃˈdiːkən/

archdeacon

Meaning
A senior clergyman in the Christian Church ranking below a bishop.
Example
The archdeacon assisted the bishop in administrative duties.
B2 adjective /dɪsˈɡreɪsfəl/

Disgraceful

Meaning
shameful; bringing dishonor; worthy of condemnation
Example
His disgraceful behavior shocked everyone at the party.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnəmən/

Cinnamon

Meaning
aromatic spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species
Example
Cinnamon is often used in baking and desserts.
C2 noun /ˈkriːməri/

creamery

Meaning
a place where milk and cream are processed and dairy products are made
Example
The local creamery produces fresh butter and cheese daily.
A1 noun wɜːrdz

words

Meaning
A single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others to form communication.
Example
Learning new words expands vocabulary.
A2 adjective /dʌtʃ/

dutch

Meaning
relating to the Netherlands, its people, or their language
Example
She enjoys Dutch paintings from the 17th century.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkwaɪətɪŋ/

disquieting

Meaning
Causing worry, unease, or anxiety.
Example
The news report was deeply disquieting to the public.
C1 noun /ˈɑːnkɔːr/

encore

Meaning
An additional performance demanded by an audience at the end of a show.
Example
The band returned to the stage for an encore.
C2 adjective /ˌhæɡ.i.əˈɡræf.ɪk/

hagiographic

Meaning
Excessively flattering or idealized, often in a biography or portrayal of someone.
Example
The documentary was criticized for its hagiographic portrayal of the leader.
C1 noun /səˈvɪləti/

civility

Meaning
Polite and courteous behavior.
Example
He treated his opponent with civility despite their differences.
B1 verb /sɪŋk/

sink

Meaning
to go down below the surface; to descend
Example
The ship sinks in the deep ocean.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈɒnəd/

unhonoured

Meaning
not respected or given the recognition that is deserved; treated without honor
Example
He felt unhonoured after his years of service were ignored.
B1 noun /bɑːm/

Bomb

Meaning
an explosive device designed to cause damage or destruction
Example
The bomb disposal unit carefully defused the explosive device.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/

impeach

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

engulf

Meaning
to completely surround or cover something or someone
Example
The village was engulfed by floodwaters.
B2 noun /ˈdʒuːələr/

jeweller

Meaning
a person who makes, repairs, or sells jewelry
Example
The jeweller crafted a beautiful gold ring.
C1 noun /ˌprɑːfɪˈtɪr/

profiteer

Meaning
a person who makes excessive profits, especially unfairly or illegally
Example
The government punished war profiteers.
B2 verb /dɪˈmɒlɪʃ/

demolish

Meaning
to destroy completely, especially a building or structure
Example
The city decided to demolish the old stadium to build a new one.
A2 adjective /streɪndʒ/

strange

Meaning
unusual or not normal
Example
It was strange to see him at the party after so long.
A2 noun ˈprəʊɡres

progress

Meaning
Forward or onward movement towards a destination or a more advanced state.
Example
Progress in recycling technologies can tackle pollution.
B2 verb /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/

enrich

Meaning
To improve or enhance the quality or value of something.
Example
Space exploration enriches human understanding.
C1 verb /ˈtɪpɪfaɪ/

typify

Meaning
to represent or be a typical example of something
Example
His leadership style typifies the new corporate culture.
C1 noun /ˈɑːr.tər.i/

Artery

Meaning
a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to other parts of the body
Example
The doctor checked the pulse in his artery.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/

insinuate

Meaning
To suggest or hint something indirectly and often unpleasantly.
Example
He insinuated that she had lied about her qualifications.
C1 adjective /ˌmaɪ.krəˈskɑː.pɪk/

microscopic

Meaning
Extremely small and only visible with a microscope.
Example
The sample contained microscopic particles.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈtraɪkʌlər/

tricolor

Meaning
A flag with three colors; consisting of three colors.
Example
The French tricolor is one of the most famous national flags in the world.
C1 noun /ˈɪŋ.krə.mənt/

Increment

Meaning
an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; a regular increase in salary
Example
He received an annual increment of five percent in his salary this year.
B2 noun /pænˈdɛmɪk/

pandemic

Meaning
An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale.
Example
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world dramatically.
B1 adjective /ɪnˈtɜːrnəl/

internal

Meaning
situated inside; relating to the inside or inner part of something
Example
The company is conducting an internal audit this month.