stonewall
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C1 verb /ˈstoʊnwɔːl/

stonewall

Meaning
To delay or block progress by refusing to cooperate or answer
Example
The witness tried to stonewall during the investigation.
C1 noun prɪˈdɪk.ə.mənt

predicament

Meaning
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example
Losing both jobs put him in a financial predicament.
C1 noun /ˈruːbrɪk/

rubric

Meaning
A set of instructions, rules, or a heading in a document, often used for grading criteria.
Example
The teacher provided a grading rubric for the assignment.
C1 adjective /ˈspɛərɪŋ/

sparing

Meaning
Using or giving only a little of something; economical.
Example
She is sparing in her use of words.
C1 adjective /ˈstæɡ.nənt/

Stagnant

Meaning
not moving or flowing; showing no activity or development
Example
The stagnant water in the pond was covered with algae.
C1 verb /sərˈmaʊnt/

surmount

Meaning
to overcome a difficulty or obstacle
Example
He surmounted all the challenges to achieve his dream.
C1 adjective /moʊˈmentəs/

Momentous

Meaning
of great importance or significance; having far-reaching consequences
Example
The signing of the peace treaty was a momentous occasion for both countries.
C1 noun /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃɪˈeɪʃən/

differentiation

Meaning
The action or process of differentiating or distinguishing between things.
Example
Differentiation from competitors can create a unique market position.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈteɪnəbl/

unattainable

Meaning
impossible to achieve, reach, or accomplish
Example
For many, becoming a professional athlete remains an unattainable dream.
C1 noun dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

dexterity

Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands; mental skill or adroitness.
Example
His dexterity in playing the piano amazed the audience.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/

politic

Meaning
shrewd, prudent, or tactful in practical matters
Example
It was politic of him to remain silent during the argument.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈmiːdiˌɛri/

intermediary

Meaning
A person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement; a mediator.
Example
The diplomat served as an intermediary between the two conflicting nations.
C1 adjective /ˈtɒrɪd/

torrid

Meaning
Very hot and dry; full of strong emotions or passion.
Example
The desert heat was torrid during the day.
C1 noun ˈsʌb.tɛkst

subtext

Meaning
Hidden meaning or message behind spoken or written words
Example
The subtext of his speech suggested disagreement.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɛfjʊtəbəl/

Irrefutable

Meaning
impossible to deny or disprove; undeniable
Example
The evidence against him was irrefutable.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛnəbl/

tenable

Meaning
able to be defended or maintained against attack or objection
Example
His argument was strong and tenable in court.
C1 noun /ˈkriː.dəns/

credence

Meaning
belief in or acceptance of something as true
Example
The witness gave credence to the defendant's alibi.
C1 noun /ˌjuːθəˈneɪʒə/

euthanasia

Meaning
The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.
Example
The debate about euthanasia raises difficult ethical questions.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːrɡjuəbl/

arguable

Meaning
open to debate or discussion; not certain and capable of being argued for or against
Example
It is arguable that technology has improved our quality of life.
C1 noun /ˈek.saɪl/

Exile

Meaning
the state of being barred from one's native country; enforced removal from one's homeland
Example
The political leader was forced into exile after the military coup.
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 noun /sɪlk klɔːθ/

Silk cloth

Meaning
fabric made from natural fibers produced by silkworms
Example
The bride wore a beautiful dress made of silk cloth.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt

intermittent

Meaning
Happening irregularly, not continuously.
Example
The rain was intermittent throughout the day.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪd.laɪn dɪˈskʌʃənz/

sideline discussions

Meaning
Informal or secondary conversations that occur outside the main agenda of a formal meeting.
Example
Sideline discussions often lead to agreements.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊmə/

coma

Meaning
A deep state of prolonged unconsciousness caused by illness or injury.
Example
The patient remained in a coma for several weeks.
C1 noun /ˈwɛlˌduːər/

well-doer

Meaning
A person who does good deeds; a benefactor.
Example
The community praised the well-doer for his charity.
C1 noun /əˈsem.bli ˈseʃ.ən/

assembly session

Meaning
A formal meeting where representatives gather to discuss and make decisions on important matters.
Example
The assembly session discussed global challenges.
C1 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə.weər/

China-ware

Meaning
dishes, plates, cups, and other tableware made of porcelain or fine ceramic
Example
The expensive china-ware was displayed in the cabinet.
C1 noun /ˌnjʊə.roʊ.plæˈstɪs.ɪ.ti/

neuroplasticity

Meaning
The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
Example
Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire itself after an injury.
C1 noun /lʌst/

Lust

Meaning
very strong sexual desire; a passionate desire for something
Example
His lust for power corrupted him completely.
C1 adjective /rɪˈper.ə.bəl/

Repairable

Meaning
able to be fixed or mended; capable of being repaired
Example
The broken phone is repairable with the right parts.
C1 verb /bɪˈreɪt/

berate

Meaning
to scold or criticize angrily
Example
The teacher berated the student for being late.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.məs/

autonomous

Meaning
Acting independently or having the freedom to do so.
Example
Autonomous systems ensure greater precision.
C1 noun ˈprɛvələns

prevalence

Meaning
The fact or condition of being widespread; the extent to which something exists or occurs
Example
The prevalence of aging issues requires immediate attention.
C1 noun /ˌmiːdɪˈeɪʃən/

mediation

Meaning
Intervention between parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise.
Example
The mediation helped resolve the conflict between the two teams.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːr.dənt/

Ardent

Meaning
very enthusiastic; passionate; fervent
Example
She is an ardent supporter of environmental conservation.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪkəri/

trickery

Meaning
The use of dishonest methods to deceive or cheat someone.
Example
The politician was accused of winning the election through trickery.
C1 noun /ˌɪmpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

importation

Meaning
The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad
Example
The importation of luxury goods is strictly regulated.
C1 adjective /pəˈnʌltɪmət/

penultimate

Meaning
second to the last in a sequence or series
Example
She finished the penultimate chapter before going to sleep.
C1 verb /flaʊt/

flout

Meaning
To openly disregard or show contempt for a rule or law.
Example
The company was fined for flouting environmental regulations.
C1 verb /ˈhaɪtən/

heighten

Meaning
to make or become greater in intensity or degree
Example
The announcement served to heighten the excitement in the room.
C1 noun /ˈmæɡneɪt/

Magnate

Meaning
A wealthy and powerful businessperson or industrialist
Example
The oil magnate owned dozens of refineries across the country.
C1 noun /ˌædʒ.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

agitation

Meaning
a state of nervousness, excitement, or unrest; or action of stirring up public concern
Example
There was visible agitation among the crowd.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːʃənˌɛri/

cautionary

Meaning
serving as a warning; intended to prevent problems or mistakes by giving advice or examples
Example
The report offers a cautionary message about unchecked spending.
C1 noun /ˈdɪŋɡi/

dinghy

Meaning
a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat
Example
They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht.
C1 verb /ˈrɪvɪt/

rivet

Meaning
to fasten or secure with a rivet; to hold someone’s attention firmly
Example
The craftsman riveted the metal plates together.
C1 adjective /ˈræmpənt/

rampant

Meaning
existing or spreading unchecked, often in an undesirable way
Example
Corruption was rampant in the city administration.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈfɪɡərətɪv/

figurative

Meaning
not literal; using figures of speech or symbolic representation
Example
She used figurative language to describe her feelings.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/

engrained

Meaning
Firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
Example
Cultural practices are often deeply engrained in the fabric of society.
C1 verb /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪt/

instigate

Meaning
To bring about or initiate an action, often something negative.
Example
He was accused of instigating the riot.
C1 adjective ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəli sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt

agriculturally significant

Meaning
Important or crucial related to farming and agriculture
Example
Winter is agriculturally significant for crop production.
C1 noun /ˈliːvˌteɪ.kɪŋ/

leave-taking

Meaning
an act of saying goodbye; farewell
Example
His leave-taking from his friends was emotional.
C1 verb /ˈɑːrbɪtreɪt/

arbitrate

Meaning
to settle a dispute between two parties by acting as an impartial judge
Example
The committee agreed to arbitrate the contract dispute.
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 adjective, verb /ˈeɪlɪŋ/

ailing

Meaning
suffering from illness or poor health; experiencing problems or decline
Example
The ailing patient slowly began to recover after treatment.
C1 noun /ˈprɛsɪdəns/ or /prɪˈsiːdəns/

precedence

Meaning
the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority
Example
Safety takes precedence over speed in this factory.
C1 verb /ˈdʒɪtər/

jitter

Meaning
to shake or tremble slightly, often from fear, nervousness, or excitement
Example
He began to jitter nervously before giving his speech.
C1 adjective /ˈsɔːsi/

saucy

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

jolt

Meaning
to push or shake someone or something abruptly and roughly
Example
The sudden stop jolted all the passengers forward.
C1 verb /ˈrevəl/

revel

Meaning
to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way; to take great pleasure in
Example
They revel in their success.
C1 adjective /riˈæk.tɪv/

Reactive

Meaning
responding to situations rather than initiating them; chemically active
Example
The company took a reactive approach to customer complaints.
C1 adjective /ˈɔː.də.bəl/

Audible

Meaning
able to be heard; loud enough to hear
Example
The speaker's voice was barely audible from the back of the large hall.
C1 noun /ˈherən/

Heron

Meaning
large wading bird with long legs and neck that feeds on fish
Example
The heron stood motionless by the water's edge, waiting for fish.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspɛktənsi/

expectancy

Meaning
the state of expecting something; anticipation or likelihood
Example
There was a sense of expectancy in the room before the results were announced.
C1 adjective /hɔːrs/

Hoarse

Meaning
rough or harsh in sound; having a rough voice from shouting or illness
Example
His voice became hoarse after shouting at the concert.
C1 noun /ˌdev.əˈtiː/

Devotee

Meaning
a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
Example
As a devotee of classical music, she attended every concert in the city.
C1 noun /ˈjeloʊ oʊliˈændər/

Yellow oleander

Meaning
a tropical flowering shrub with bright yellow flowers; also known as lucky nut
Example
The yellow oleander blooms throughout the year in warm climates.
C1 verb /proʊˈtrækt/

protract

Meaning
To prolong or extend in time or duration.
Example
Negotiations were protracted for several months.
C1 noun /plɔɪ/

ploy

Meaning
a clever plan or action designed to gain an advantage
Example
She used a clever ploy to win the debate.
C1 adjective /ˈlaʊzi/

lousy

Meaning
of very poor quality; bad or unpleasant
Example
He felt lousy after catching the flu.
C1 noun /streɪt/

strait

Meaning
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water.
Example
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
C1 verb, noun /ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ/

brainwash

Meaning
to manipulate someone into adopting certain beliefs by repeated pressure or propaganda; the act or process of such manipulation
Example
The group tried to brainwash new members with constant propaganda.
C1 verb diːˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz

desensitize

Meaning
To make someone less sensitive or reactive to something through repeated exposure.
Example
Constant exposure to violence can desensitize people.
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 adjective /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪtəs/

serendipitous

Meaning
Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
Their meeting at the café was purely serendipitous.
C1 verb /pərˈtɜːrb/

perturb

Meaning
To disturb or unsettle greatly in mind.
Example
The sudden noise perturbed the students during the exam.
C1 noun /ˈnʌr.ɪʃ.mənt/

nourishment

Meaning
Food and nutrients necessary for the body's growth and development.
Example
Proper nourishment is essential for child development.
C1 verb /hiːd/

heed

Meaning
to pay attention to; to take notice of
Example
You should heed the teacher's advice.
C1 noun /ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/

detonation

Meaning
The act of exploding or causing something to explode.
Example
The sudden detonation shook the entire building.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsjuː/

ensue

Meaning
to happen as a result or consequence
Example
After the argument, silence ensued.
C1 noun /ˈprɒv.ɜːb/

Proverb

Meaning
a short saying that expresses a general truth or gives advice
Example
The proverb 'Early to bed, early to rise' teaches us about good habits.
C1 verb /ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/

mesmerize

Meaning
To capture complete attention; to hypnotize or fascinate.
Example
The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience.
C1 noun /ˌɪnflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti/

inflexibility

Meaning
the quality of being rigid or unwilling to change; lack of adaptability
Example
The inflexibility of the rules caused unnecessary delays.
C1 adjective /ˈfɜːr.vənt/

fervent

Meaning
having or showing intense passion or enthusiasm
Example
She gave a fervent speech about climate change.
C1 verb /ˈsmʌðər/

smother

Meaning
to kill someone by covering their nose and mouth to prevent breathing; to cover something completely; to overwhelm with excessive attention or affection
Example
She smothered the fire with a blanket.
C1 noun /ˈweɪs(t).koʊt/

waistcoat

Meaning
a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket
Example
He wore a black waistcoat with his suit.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæriət/

Chariot

Meaning
an ancient horse-drawn vehicle used in warfare and racing
Example
The warrior rode his chariot into battle with great courage.
C1 verb /ˈbæfəl/

baffle

Meaning
to confuse; to be too difficult to understand
Example
The math problem baffles me completely.
C1 noun /ˈkʌntrɪmən/

countryman

Meaning
a person from one's own country or rural area
Example
He was proud to meet a fellow countryman at the international conference.
C1 verb /əˈnʌl/

annul

Meaning
to declare something legally invalid or cancel it
Example
The court decided to annul the marriage due to fraud.
C1 adjective /ˈhæk.nid/

hackneyed

Meaning
Used too often and therefore lacking originality or freshness.
Example
The speech was filled with hackneyed phrases that failed to inspire the audience.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkoʊsəˈmætɪk/

psychosomatic

Meaning
Relating to a physical illness or condition caused or aggravated by mental factors such as stress.
Example
Her stomach pain was diagnosed as psychosomatic, linked to stress.
C1 noun /stæɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

stagnation

Meaning
A state of inactivity or lack of growth, especially in an economy.
Example
High unemployment led to economic stagnation.
C1 noun /stɪˈlɛtoʊ/

stiletto

Meaning
A small, thin, high-heeled shoe or a dagger with a slender blade.
Example
She wore elegant stiletto heels to the party.
C1 adjective /ˈwer.i/

Wary

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

bombardment

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

cohabit

Meaning
To live together, often as partners without being married.
Example
They decided to cohabit before getting married.
C1 noun /mælˈpræktɪs/

Malpractice

Meaning
Improper, illegal, or negligent professional behavior
Example
The surgeon was sued for malpractice after the failed operation.
C1 noun /ˈlænd.slaɪd/

Landslide

Meaning
a collapse of a mass of earth or rock from a mountain or cliff; an overwhelming victory in an election
Example
Heavy rains triggered a massive landslide that blocked the mountain highway.
C1 noun/verb /ˈhɛmərɪdʒ/

hemorrhage

Meaning
A significant loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, or to lose blood heavily.
Example
The patient suffered a severe brain hemorrhage.
C1 adjective /ɪˈkwɛstriən/

equestrian

Meaning
Relating to horse riding or horseback riders.
Example
She won several equestrian competitions.
C1 adjective ɪɡˈzɛmpləri

exemplary

Meaning
Serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
Example
She was praised for her exemplary work ethic and dedication.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊ.lɒɡ/

prologue

Meaning
an introduction to a book, play, or event
Example
The novel begins with a short prologue set in the past.
C1 noun /roʊz ˈber.i/

Rose berry

Meaning
a type of berry with rose-like characteristics or flavor
Example
The rose berry has a delicate floral taste that reminds me of roses.
C1 adjective /dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪtɪd/

dilapidated

Meaning
Fallen into disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.
Example
The family lived in a dilapidated house at the edge of town.
C1 noun /ˈbʊzəm/

bosom

Meaning
the human chest, especially a woman’s breast; also used metaphorically to refer to closeness or intimacy
Example
She kept the secret close to her bosom.
C1 adjective /ɪˈniː.bri.eɪ.tɪd/

inebriated

Meaning
under the influence of alcohol; drunk
Example
He stumbled into the room completely inebriated.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪərɪŋ/

Untiring

Meaning
continuing without stopping; persistent; tireless
Example
Her untiring efforts finally led to success.
C1 noun /tɒŋ/

tong

Meaning
a tool with two movable arms used to pick up and hold objects
Example
He used the tong to pick up the hot coal.
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 /ˈdʒɒsl/

jostle

Meaning
to push, elbow, or bump against someone roughly, typically in a crowd
Example
The fans jostled each other to get closer to the stage.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌwɜːrld/

underworld

Meaning
The criminal world of organized crime or the mythical world of the dead.
Example
The detective spent years studying the secrets of the underworld.
C1 adjective ˌɡæs.troʊ.ɪnˈtes.tɪ.nəl

gastrointestinal

Meaning
Relating to the stomach and intestines.
Example
Spicy food can cause gastrointestinal issues.
C1 adverb /ˈmerɪli/

Merrily

Meaning
in a cheerful and joyful manner
Example
The children played merrily in the garden.
C1 noun /ˌpæl.pɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Palpitation

Meaning
a noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation or medical condition
Example
She experienced palpitations before her job interview.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɪnsəbl/

invincible

Meaning
too powerful to be defeated or overcome
Example
The team seemed invincible after winning ten matches in a row.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/

inattentive

Meaning
not paying attention; lacking focus or concentration
Example
The inattentive student missed several important instructions.
C1 adjective + noun njuˈtrɪʃəs krɒps

nutritious crops

Meaning
Plants or vegetables that are rich in nutrients and beneficial for health
Example
Winter vegetables are considered nutritious crops.
C1 noun, verb /ˌprɒməˈneɪd/

promenade

Meaning
A leisurely walk or stroll, especially in a public place for pleasure or display.
Example
They went for a promenade along the seaside.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛtʃ.u.əs/

impetuous

Meaning
Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive.
Example
His impetuous decision led to unexpected consequences.