strait
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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 adjective /ˈhæb.ɪ.tə.bəl/

Habitable

Meaning
suitable or good enough to live in
Example
The planet Mars may become habitable in the future.
C1 adjective ɪˈθɪə.ri.əl

ethereal

Meaning
Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
Example
Her voice had an ethereal quality.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsuːtər/

suitor

Meaning
a man who pursues a relationship with a woman, often with the intent to marry
Example
She had many suitors vying for her attention.
C1 noun ˌpraɪ.vɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

privatization

Meaning
The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control.
Example
The privatization of state-owned companies increased efficiency.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪɡrɪn/

Peregrine

Meaning
wandering; traveling; migratory
Example
The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed.
C1 noun /səˈvɪləti/

civility

Meaning
Polite and courteous behavior.
Example
He treated his opponent with civility despite their differences.
C1 adjective /əˈbliːk/

Oblique

Meaning
slanting; diagonal; indirect or evasive
Example
The artist drew an oblique line across the canvas.
C1 noun /raɪt/

rite

Meaning
a religious or ceremonial act
Example
The wedding rite was performed with great solemnity.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.kəl/

Oracle

Meaning
a person regarded as a source of wise counsel; in ancient times, a priest or priestess acting as a medium
Example
The ancient Greeks consulted the oracle at Delphi.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪzməl/

Dismal

Meaning
gloomy; depressing; causing sadness or despair
Example
The weather was dismal with heavy rain and dark clouds.
C1 adverb /ˈnɔːθwədz/

Northwards

Meaning
towards the north; in a northerly direction
Example
The birds migrate northwards in spring.
C1 noun /blɒˈkeɪd/

Blockade

Meaning
an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Example
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the port.
C1 noun /ˈɪntrɪkəsi/

intricacy

Meaning
the quality of being very detailed or complicated
Example
The intricacy of the design impressed everyone.
C1 verb/noun /ˈrɛlɪʃ/

relish

Meaning
to greatly enjoy; also a condiment or sauce
Example
She relished the opportunity to travel abroad.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪʃəbəl/

Perishable

Meaning
liable to decay quickly; short-lived
Example
Store perishable foods in the refrigerator.
C1 verb /ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/

denigrate

Meaning
to criticize unfairly; to belittle or disparage someone or something
Example
He was quick to denigrate the achievements of his colleagues.
C1 adjective kənˈkɝː.ənt

concurrent

Meaning
Existing, happening, or done at the same time.
Example
The conference had concurrent sessions on various topics.
C1 noun /draɪ fɪʃ/

Dry fish

Meaning
fish that has been preserved by drying in the sun or by other dehydration methods
Example
Dry fish is a popular preserved food in many coastal regions.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈspjuːtəbəl/

Indisputable

Meaning
impossible to deny or argue against; undeniable; certain
Example
The evidence against him was indisputable.
C1 adjective /ˈplɒd.ɪŋ/

plodding

Meaning
slow-moving and unexciting; showing steady effort
Example
The movie was entertaining but a bit plodding in the middle.
C1 verb /priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

preoccupy

Meaning
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
Example
Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly.
C1 verb ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪt

elucidate

Meaning
make (something) clear; explain.
Example
The professor elucidated the theory with simple examples.
C1 adjective /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/

apprehensive

Meaning
feeling anxious or fearful that something bad will happen
Example
He was apprehensive about starting a new job in a foreign country.
C1 verb /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

inhibit

Meaning
to prevent or restrain someone or something from acting freely; to hinder
Example
Fear can inhibit personal growth.
C1 noun /ˈfɔɪeɪr/

foyer

Meaning
An entrance hall or lobby in a building.
Example
The guests waited in the hotel foyer before checking in.
C1 verb /kwɑːʃ/

quash

Meaning
To reject or void something legally or to put an end to something forcefully.
Example
The court quashed the decision due to lack of evidence.
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 verb /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/

alleviate

Meaning
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe; to relieve or ease.
Example
Meditation can alleviate stress and improve focus.
C1 noun /pləˈsiːboʊ/

placebo

Meaning
a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs
Example
The patient was given a placebo to compare the effect of the real drug.
C1 noun /ˌhaɪ.roʊˈɡlɪf.ɪks/

hieroglyphics

Meaning
a system of writing using pictures or symbols, used especially by ancient Egyptians
Example
The tomb walls were covered with Egyptian hieroglyphics.
C1 adjective /snaɪd/

snide

Meaning
mocking or insulting in an indirect way
Example
He couldn’t resist making a snide comment about her dress.
C1 noun ˌsteɪbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən

stabilization

Meaning
The process of making or becoming stable.
Example
The stabilization of the structure was essential after the earthquake.
C1 adjective /ˌaʊtˈspoʊkən/

Outspoken

Meaning
frank; speaking directly
Example
She is known for being outspoken about social issues.
C1 noun /kəˈres/

Caress

Meaning
a gentle or loving touch
Example
The mother's gentle caress calmed the crying baby.
C1 verb /ˌʌndəˈreɪt/

underrate

Meaning
to fail to recognize the full value or importance of something or someone
Example
Many people underrate the benefits of regular exercise.
C1 noun /ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.ləns/

vigilance

Meaning
The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
Example
Constant vigilance is required in cybersecurity.
C1 verb /rɪŋ/

wring

Meaning
to squeeze and twist something to force liquid out; to extract with effort
Example
She had to wring the towel after washing it.
C1 verb /rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪt/

reciprocate

Meaning
To respond to an action or gesture by making a corresponding one.
Example
She smiled at him, and he reciprocated with a warm hug.
C1 adjective ˈdɪs.pər.ət

disparate

Meaning
containing elements very different from one another.
Example
Their opinions were disparate, leading to debates.
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.
C1 verb /ˈɡrændstænd/

grandstand

Meaning
To seek attention or applause by behaving or speaking in a showy way.
Example
The actor was accused of grandstanding during the charity event.
C1 verb /ɡloʊt/

gloat

Meaning
To take pleasure in someone else's misfortune or to show smug satisfaction.
Example
He couldn't help but gloat over his rival's failure.
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 adjective /ˈsæŋɡwɪn/

sanguine

Meaning
Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.
Example
Despite the challenges, she remained sanguine about the future.
C1 noun /ɪnˈækjʊrəsi/

inaccuracy

Meaning
lack of accuracy or precision; an incorrect or wrong detail
Example
The report contained several factual inaccuracies.
C1 verb /vɪə(r)/

veer

Meaning
to change direction suddenly
Example
The car veered off the road to avoid the accident.
C1 noun /hɪm/

hymn

Meaning
A religious song or poem of praise to God or a deity.
Example
The congregation sang a hymn during the morning service.
C1 noun /kæʃ/

cache

Meaning
A hidden storage of items or a high-speed memory in computing.
Example
The hikers found a cache of supplies hidden under the rocks.
C1 adjective /ˈtæntəmaʊnt/

tantamount

Meaning
Equivalent in seriousness or effect; virtually the same as.
Example
His refusal to speak was tantamount to an admission of guilt.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænzvɜːrs/

transverse

Meaning
situated or lying across something
Example
The transverse road connects two highways.
C1 adjective /ˈwɜːrkəbəl/

Workable

Meaning
capable of being done or put into effect; practical
Example
We need a workable solution to solve this problem quickly.
C1 verb /səˈlɪdəˌfaɪ/

solidify

Meaning
To make something firm, strong, or more certain.
Example
The company solidified its position in the market.
C1 adjective /ˈen.vi.əs/

Envious

Meaning
feeling or showing envy; jealous
Example
She felt envious of her friend's new car.
C1 verb /ɪnˈskraɪb/

inscribe

Meaning
to write or carve words or symbols on a surface
Example
They inscribed her name on the trophy.
C1 noun /blɪs/

Bliss

Meaning
perfect happiness; great joy
Example
She felt pure bliss while watching the beautiful sunset.
C1 noun /pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

parenthesis

Meaning
A pair of curved marks ( ) used to enclose words or numbers; also an interruption or digression in speech or writing.
Example
The explanation was given in a parenthesis within the text.
C1 noun /ˈbrɛvɪti/

brevity

Meaning
Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.
Example
The brevity of the speech kept the audience engaged.
C1 noun /ˈblʌd.ʃed/

Bloodshed

Meaning
the killing or wounding of people, typically in large numbers during a conflict
Example
The peace treaty was signed to prevent further bloodshed.
C1 noun kənˈfɔː.mə.ti

conformity

Meaning
Compliance with standards, rules, or laws. Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions.
Example
Strict conformity to the rules ensures order in society.
C1 noun /ɪˌreɡjəˈlærɪti/

irregularity

Meaning
lack of regularity or consistency; a deviation from what is normal, expected, or orderly
Example
The audit revealed several financial irregularities in the company’s records.
C1 adjective /ˈriː.fleks/

Reflex

Meaning
an action performed without conscious thought; relating to reflection
Example
The doctor tested her reflex response by tapping her knee.
C1 noun /ɡriːn ˈkəʊ.kə.nʌt/

Green Coconut

Meaning
a young coconut with green outer shell containing refreshing coconut water
Example
We drank fresh water from a green coconut on the beach.
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 noun /ˈmɒnəʊˌkʌltʃər/

monoculture

Meaning
The agricultural practice of growing only one type of crop over a large area and for many consecutive years, which can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Example
Monoculture can lead to soil depletion and increased pest vulnerability.
C1 verb /ˈɪnsjuleɪt/

insulate

Meaning
To protect something by covering it, especially to prevent heat, sound, or electricity from escaping or entering.
Example
The house was insulated to reduce heating costs.
C1 adjective /ˈpoʊləraɪzd/

polarized

Meaning
divided into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions
Example
The debate polarized the community on the issue of climate change.
C1 noun

Peck

C1 verb /ɪkˈstɔːrt/

extort

Meaning
to obtain something, especially money, by force, threats, or unfair means
Example
The gang attempted to extort money from local shopkeepers.
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 /dɜːrθ/

dearth

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

Weaver bird

Meaning
a small bird that builds elaborate woven nests from grass and twigs
Example
The weaver bird skillfully constructs its intricate nest.
C1 adjective /ˌkævəˈlɪər/

cavalier

Meaning
showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or offhand
Example
He had a cavalier attitude toward safety regulations.
C1 verb /ɪmˈplɔːr/

implore

Meaning
To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
Example
She implored him to stay with her.
C1 noun /ˈtoʊ.pæz/

Topaz

Meaning
a precious stone, typically colorless, yellow, or blue, used in jewelry
Example
The queen's crown was adorned with a magnificent blue topaz.
C1 noun /ˌɪməˈrælɪti/

immorality

Meaning
the quality of being immoral; behavior that violates accepted moral standards
Example
The community condemned the immorality of the corrupt officials.
C1 noun /bɜːrθ/

Berth

Meaning
a sleeping place in a ship, train, or other vehicle; a place where a ship can dock
Example
I booked an upper berth on the overnight train.
C1 verb /ˈrʌsl/

rustle

Meaning
To make a soft, light sound like leaves or paper moving.
Example
The leaves rustled gently in the evening breeze.
C1 adjective /ˌmel.ənˈkɒl.ɪk/

Melancholic

Meaning
sad and thoughtful; feeling or expressing sadness
Example
The melancholic music made everyone feel sad.
C1 adjective /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/

grudging

Meaning
Reluctant or unwilling; given or allowed only with hesitation.
Example
She gave him a grudging smile after the argument.
C1 noun /ˈiː.zi tʃeər/

Easy-chair

Meaning
a comfortable chair with arms and a back that reclines
Example
He relaxed in his favorite easy-chair after work.
C1 noun /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

pediatrics

Meaning
the branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children
Example
She decided to specialize in pediatrics after medical school.
C1 noun /ˈɒstrəsɪzəm/

ostracism

Meaning
The act of excluding someone from a group or society.
Example
The student faced ostracism after breaking the rules.
C1 adjective /ˈʃeɪm.ləs/

Shameless

Meaning
having no shame; bold and rude; impudent
Example
The shameless politician refused to apologize for his mistakes.
C1 adjective /taɪˈtænɪk/

titanic

Meaning
Of exceptional strength, size, or power.
Example
The company made titanic efforts to expand into new markets.
C1 noun /ˈbjuːɡəl/

Bugle

Meaning
a brass musical instrument similar to a trumpet but without valves, used especially for military calls
Example
The soldier played the bugle to signal the start of the ceremony.
C1 noun/verb /kroʊˈʃeɪ/

crochet

Meaning
Needlework made by interlocking loops of thread with a hooked needle; the act of making such items.
Example
She learned how to crochet a scarf for winter.
C1 verb /ɔːrˈdeɪn/

ordain

Meaning
To officially make someone a priest or minister; to decree or order something officially.
Example
The bishop will ordain three new priests this Sunday.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɛn.zid/

frenzied

Meaning
Wildly excited or uncontrolled
Example
The frenzied crowd cheered as the band took the stage.
C1 noun /ˈsɪləbəl/

syllable

Meaning
A unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants, forming the whole or part of a word.
Example
The word 'computer' has three syllables.
C1 noun /kənˈtentmənt/

contentment

Meaning
a state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has
Example
She felt a deep sense of contentment after helping others.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈedəbəl/

Inedible

Meaning
not suitable or safe for eating; not edible
Example
The mushrooms were poisonous and completely inedible.
C1 noun /sʌˈmeɪʃən/

summation

Meaning
The process of adding things together; a summary of points.
Example
The lawyer gave a powerful summation of the case.
C1 noun /ˌsæl.ɪ.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

salinization

Meaning
The process of increasing salt content in soil.
Example
Excessive irrigation can cause salinization of farmland.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɑːrt/

impart

Meaning
to make information known; to bestow or communicate
Example
The teacher imparted valuable knowledge to her students.
C1 verb /reɪz/

raze

Meaning
To completely destroy or demolish something, especially a building.
Example
The old factory was razed to make way for new apartments.
C1 noun /ˌædməˈnɪʃən/

admonition

Meaning
a firm warning or reprimand; gentle or earnest advice
Example
He received an admonition for his careless work.
C1 verb /kliːv/

cleave

Meaning
to split or divide; to cut through forcefully
Example
He used an axe to cleave the wood.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər hen/

Water hen

Meaning
a waterbird with dark plumage that lives near ponds and wetlands
Example
The water hen swam gracefully across the pond.
C1 adverb /ˌwɛr.əˈpɒn/

whereupon

Meaning
Immediately after which; as a result of which.
Example
He confessed his mistake, whereupon she forgave him.
C1 adjective /loʊθ/

loath

Meaning
reluctant or unwilling to do something
Example
She was loath to admit her mistake in front of everyone.
C1 adverb /ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəli/

unconventionally

Meaning
in a way that is not based on or conforming to accepted standards or norms
Example
She dresses unconventionally, mixing bold colors and patterns that surprise everyone.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːrdiəl/

Cordial

Meaning
warmly friendly; sincere; heartfelt
Example
She gave us a cordial welcome at the front door.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːrnəˈmɛntl/

ornamental

Meaning
Serving as decoration; decorative rather than functional.
Example
The garden was filled with ornamental plants.
C1 noun /ˌnɑm.əˈni/

Nominee

Meaning
a person who is nominated for an office, award, or honor
Example
She was the nominee for the Best Actress award.
C1 noun ˈpɜː.mə.kʌl.tʃər

permaculture

Meaning
The development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Example
Permaculture promotes self-sufficient farming systems.
C1 noun /ˈrem.nənt/

Remnant

Meaning
a small remaining quantity of something; a piece of cloth left over after the main piece has been used
Example
Only a remnant of the ancient wall remains.
C1 verb /kənˈkɒkt/

concoct

Meaning
to make something, especially food or a story, by mixing or inventing
Example
He concocted a story to explain his absence.
C1 noun /ˈθʌroʊˌbrɛd/

thoroughbred

Meaning
a horse of pure and recognized breed; a person of good breeding or education
Example
The jockey rode a fast thoroughbred in the race.
C1 noun /ˈprɒspɛktər/

prospector

Meaning
a person who searches for mineral deposits, especially gold
Example
The prospector spent years in the mountains searching for gold.
C1 noun /ˈtraɪ.fəl/

Trifle

Meaning
something of little importance or value; a small amount
Example
Don't worry about such a trifle; it's not worth your time.
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 verb /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

elicit

Meaning
To draw out a response, answer, or reaction from someone.
Example
The teacher’s question elicited thoughtful answers from the students.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnbɔːrn/

Inborn

Meaning
existing from birth; natural; inherent
Example
She has an inborn talent for music.
C1 verb /ʌnˈrævəl/

unravel

Meaning
To undo twisted or knitted threads; to solve or explain something complicated.
Example
The detective worked hard to unravel the mystery.
C1 noun /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθɛtɪk ɪˈfɪʃənsi/

photosynthetic efficiency

Meaning
The measure of how effectively plants convert light energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis, directly affecting plant growth and crop yield.
Example
Improving photosynthetic efficiency can increase crop yields.
C1 noun /ˈbænɪstər/

banister

Meaning
a railing supported by posts at the side of a staircase or balcony
Example
She held the banister tightly while going down the stairs.
C1 noun ˈpær.ə.daɪm

paradigm

Meaning
A typical example or pattern of something; a model or framework for understanding or approaching something.
Example
The paradigm of education is changing with digital technology.
C1 adjective ɪmˈpɛkəbl

impeccable

Meaning
In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
Example
His impeccable taste in fashion was admired by all his peers.
C1 verb /bruːd/

brood

Meaning
to think deeply about something that makes one unhappy; also, a group of young birds hatched at the same time
Example
He sat alone, brooding over his failures.