stratagem
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C2 noun /ˈstrætədʒəm/

stratagem

Meaning
a plan or scheme designed to achieve a particular goal, often by trickery
Example
The general devised a clever stratagem to outwit the enemy.
B2 noun /ˈlʊkɪŋ ɡlæs/

Looking glass

Meaning
a mirror; a piece of glass that reflects images
Example
She looked at herself in the looking glass.
C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

Meaning
Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.
Example
The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪ.haʊnd/

Greyhound

Meaning
a tall, thin dog with long legs that can run very fast
Example
The greyhound won the race at the dog track.
C1 noun /ˈmɪd.əl.mæn/

Middleman

Meaning
A person who acts as an intermediary between two parties in a business transaction
Example
They decided to cut out the middleman and sell directly to customers.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

unprepossessing

Meaning
not attractive or appealing in appearance
Example
Despite his unprepossessing looks, he was very kind and intelligent.
B2 adjective /ˈʃæl.oʊ/

Shallow

Meaning
not deep; superficial; lacking depth of knowledge
Example
The shallow water is perfect for children to play.
B2 noun /ˌmɛθəˈdɑlədʒi/

methodology

Meaning
A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.
Example
The research was conducted using a new methodology.
C2 adjective /ˈɪrˌsplɪtɪŋ/

earsplitting

Meaning
extremely loud or piercing sound
Example
The earsplitting noise of the fire alarm startled everyone.
B2 noun /ˌɑːr.kiˈɑː.lə.dʒi/

archeology

Meaning
the study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts and structures
Example
She decided to study archeology to learn about ancient civilizations.
C1 verb /trænˈzækt/

transact

Meaning
to conduct or carry out business, a deal, or activity
Example
Customers can transact their banking online.
B1 adverb /ˈber.li/

Barely

Meaning
scarcely; only just; almost not
Example
I barely passed the exam.
B2 adjective ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪd

integrated

Meaning
Combining or coordinating separate elements so as to provide a harmonious, interrelated whole.
Example
Integrated systems optimize efficiency.
C2 verb /ˈwɪni/

whinny

Meaning
to make the high-pitched sound a horse makes
Example
The horse whinnied when it saw its rider.
B2 noun /ˌprɒp.əˈɡæn.də/

Propaganda

Meaning
information spread to promote a particular political cause or point of view
Example
The government used propaganda to influence public opinion during the war.
C1 verb /rɪɡ/

rig

Meaning
to manipulate or control something dishonestly; to set up equipment
Example
The election was rigged by corrupt officials.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɔɪz/

equipoise

Meaning
A state of balance or equilibrium.
Example
Her calmness created an equipoise in the heated debate.
C1 preposition/adverb/conjunction /ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/

notwithstanding

Meaning
In spite of; despite
Example
Notwithstanding the challenges, the team completed the project.
B1 noun /ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf/

wildlife

Meaning
animals, birds, and plants living in their natural environment
Example
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
C2 adjective /ˌmɛtəˈlɜrdʒɪkəl/

metallurgical

Meaning
Relating to metallurgy or the branch of science concerned with the properties of metals and their production.
Example
He studied metallurgical engineering at the university.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.ərn.wʊd/

Ironwood

Meaning
a hard, dense wood from various trees; also the tree itself that produces small flowers
Example
The ironwood tree blooms with tiny white flowers.
C2 noun /ˈstiː.vəˌdɔːr/

stevedore

Meaning
A person employed to load and unload cargo from ships.
Example
The stevedores worked tirelessly to unload the cargo before dawn.
B2 noun /ˈmɪks.tʃər/

Mixture

Meaning
a combination of different substances or elements
Example
The cake batter is a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk.
B2 adjective, noun, verb /faʊl/

foul

Meaning
offensive to the senses; dirty or unpleasant; in sports, an unfair or illegal act
Example
The player was penalized for committing a foul.
B1 noun /pɑːm/

Palm

Meaning
a tropical tree with fan-shaped leaves; fruit of the palm tree
Example
The palm tree produces sweet fruit that we enjoy eating.
C1 adjective /ˈkɑːr.di.æk/

cardiac

Meaning
Relating to the heart.
Example
The patient was admitted with a cardiac condition.
B1 noun /ˌsɪvɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

civilization

Meaning
the stage of human social and cultural development and organization considered most advanced
Example
Ancient Egypt is known for its remarkable civilization.
B2 noun /fɪˈzɪʃən/

physician

Meaning
a person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor
Example
The physician prescribed some medicine to treat the condition.
C2 verb /aʊtˈraɪd/

outride

Meaning
to ride faster, farther, or better than someone else
Example
The young rider managed to outride his competitors in the race.
C2 adjective /ˈlæk.rɪ.moʊs/

lachrymose

Meaning
tearful or given to weeping; sad and mournful
Example
The movie's lachrymose ending left the audience in tears.
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.
A2 noun /ˈpækɪdʒ/

package

Meaning
a container or wrapping in which something is packed
Example
He received a package in the mail.
B2 noun /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/

reliability

Meaning
the quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well
Example
Customers value the reliability of our service.
B2 noun /liːk/

Leak

Meaning
a hole in a container or covering through which contents escape or enter accidentally
Example
There is a leak in the water pipe.
B2 noun /ˌkɒndɛnˈseɪʃən/

condensation

Meaning
The process of water vapor changing into liquid; also, the act of making something more concise.
Example
Condensation formed on the windows during the cold night.
C2 noun /ˈɪrˌʃɑːt/

earshot

Meaning
the range or distance within which a sound can be heard
Example
The children whispered secrets out of earshot of their parents.
B1 verb /juˈnaɪt/

unite

Meaning
to join together or combine; to bring people or things together
Example
The crisis helped unite the community.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfɛrɪt/

ferret

Meaning
a small domesticated animal used for hunting; to search or uncover something persistently
Example
He ferreted out the hidden documents.
A2 /ˈmaɪ.krəˌfoʊn/

microphone

Meaning
A device that converts sound into an electrical signal, typically used to amplify or record voices or music.
Example
She spoke into the microphone during the presentation.
C1 adjective /ˈtækt.ləs/

tactless

Meaning
showing a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others
Example
His tactless remark embarrassed everyone at the meeting.
B2 noun /ɪmˈpaʊə.mənt/

empowerment

Meaning
Authority or power given to someone to do something.
Example
Empowerment initiatives enhance confidence.
C1 noun əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən

Assimilation

Meaning
Connecting new information with existing knowledge
Example
Proper assimilation of knowledge leads to effective learning.
C1 noun /ˈɡeɪ.ə.ti/

Gaiety

Meaning
the state or quality of being light-hearted or cheerful; festive atmosphere
Example
The wedding reception was filled with gaiety, laughter, and joyful celebrations.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒŋ.kriːt/

Concrete

Meaning
solid; real; tangible; actual and specific
Example
We need concrete evidence to support our claims.
B2 noun /ˈprɒbləm ˈsɒlvɪŋ/

problem-solving

Meaning
The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
Example
Problem-solving skills are key to leadership.
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 adjective dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɔːri

discriminatory

Meaning
Making or showing an unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things.
Example
Discriminatory policies triggered protests.
C1 phrase ˈriː.dʒən.əl ˈfɔː.rəm

regional forum

Meaning
A meeting or conference where representatives from countries or organizations in a specific geographical area discuss issues of common interest.
Example
The Regional Forum discussed deforestation impacts.
B2 noun, verb /rɪˈzɔːrt/

resort

Meaning
A place for rest or recreation; to turn to something for help or solution.
Example
They stayed at a beach resort during their vacation.
B1 adjective /blɒnd/

blond

Meaning
having light-colored hair, typically pale yellow or golden.
Example
She has long blond hair that shines in the sunlight.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪɪˌlɪzəm/

nihilism

Meaning
The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
Example
The philosopher was criticized for promoting nihilism.
C2 noun /ˈmʌstərd ɔɪl/

Mustard Oil

Meaning
oil extracted from mustard seeds, commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes
Example
We use mustard oil for cooking vegetables in our kitchen.
C1 noun /ˈɪrˌplʌɡ/

earplug

Meaning
a device inserted into the ear to block out noise or water
Example
He wore earplugs to sleep during the noisy night.
C2 noun /hɑrˈmoʊniəm/

Harmonium

Meaning
a keyboard musical instrument similar to an organ, using air to produce sound
Example
She played devotional songs on the harmonium at the temple.
B1 verb /haɪər/

hire

Meaning
to employ someone for wages; to rent or engage services
Example
The company will hire new employees next month.
A2 noun /ˈtɜːrki/

turkey

Meaning
a large bird native to North America, often eaten at special occasions like Thanksgiving; also the meat of this bird.
Example
We roasted a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
C1 adjective /ænˈtɪriər/

anterior

Meaning
Situated at or toward the front; coming before in position or time.
Example
The anterior part of the brain controls logical thinking.
A2 noun dɪˈskʌʃ.ənz

discussions

Meaning
The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.
Example
Discussions promote collaboration.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊɡən/

brogan

Meaning
A heavy, sturdy shoe, often made of leather.
Example
The farmer wore old brogans while working in the field.
B2 verb /soʊ/

sow

Meaning
to plant seeds in the ground; to scatter seeds for growing
Example
The farmer will sow wheat seeds in the field tomorrow.
C1 noun /fjuːd/

feud

Meaning
a prolonged and bitter quarrel or conflict, often between families or groups
Example
The two families have been in a feud for generations.
C2 verb /ˈmɪlɪˌteɪt/

militate

Meaning
to have a strong effect against something; to work as a powerful factor in preventing or influencing an outcome
Example
His lack of experience will militate against his promotion.
C1 noun /əˈrɪs.tə.kræt/

Aristocrat

Meaning
a member of the aristocracy; a person of noble rank or birth
Example
The aristocrat lived in a magnificent castle.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlieɪtɪd/

ciliated

Meaning
Having minute hairlike projections (cilia) on the surface of cells or organisms.
Example
The ciliated cells in the respiratory tract help move mucus out of the lungs.
C2 noun /ˈluː.məˌnɛr.i/

luminary

Meaning
A person who inspires or influences others, especially in a particular field.
Example
He is considered a luminary in the world of science.
A2 modal verb /ɔːt/

ought

Meaning
Used to indicate duty, correctness, or moral obligation.
Example
You ought to respect your elders.
C1 noun /dɪˈsɜːn.mənt/

discernment

Meaning
The ability to judge well or understand something correctly; keen insight.
Example
His discernment in business decisions made him successful.
C1 adjective /ˌhaɪdroʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/

hydroelectric

Meaning
Relating to or denoting the generation of electricity using flowing water.
Example
The country invested heavily in hydroelectric power plants.
C1 noun /ˈpærɪti/

parity

Meaning
the state or condition of being equal, especially in status or pay
Example
The campaign aims to achieve pay parity between men and women.
B2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈpruːvəl/

disapproval

Meaning
The expression of an unfavorable opinion or judgment
Example
Her parents showed clear disapproval of her decision to drop out of college.
C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning
Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.
Example
His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.
C2 noun /ˌɛpɪˈsaɪklɔɪd/

epicycloid

Meaning
a curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls around the outside of another circle
Example
The mathematician demonstrated how to draw an epicycloid.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒs.ɪ.tɪd/

cosseted

Meaning
pampered, treated with excessive care and attention
Example
The cosseted child always got what he wanted.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌbɛər/

forebear

Meaning
An ancestor, especially one who lived a long time ago.
Example
He often speaks of his forebears with great respect.
A2 interjection /mˈhm/

mm-hmm

Meaning
A sound used to express agreement or acknowledgment in conversation.
Example
‘Do you understand?’ ‘Mm-hmm.’
B2 verb /suːð/

soothe

Meaning
to calm or comfort; to relieve pain or distress
Example
The mother soothed her crying baby with a gentle lullaby.
B2 noun /aɪˈdiː/

id

Meaning
identification; a document or number used to prove who someone is
Example
Please show your ID at the entrance.
C1 adjective /ˈfliː.tɪŋ/

fleeting

Meaning
Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly.
Example
Happiness can be fleeting, so cherish every moment.
C1 noun /ˌænɛkˈseɪʃən/

annexation

Meaning
the act of adding or taking control of territory or property, especially by a state
Example
The annexation of the region led to international condemnation.
B1 noun /kɔːr/

core

Meaning
the central or most important part of something
Example
Honesty is at the core of their values.
C1 verb /rɪˈtreɪs/

retrace

Meaning
to go back over a path or route; to recall and repeat steps taken earlier
Example
She retraced her steps to find her lost keys.
C1 adjective rɪˈsɛʃ.ən.er.i

recessionary

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by economic recession.
Example
Governments introduce policies to counter recessionary effects.
B1 adjective /drʌŋk/

drunk

Meaning
affected by alcohol to the point of losing control of one's faculties or behavior
Example
He was too drunk to walk straight.
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.
B2 noun, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈɡrædʒuət/

postgraduate

Meaning
A student who has completed a first degree and is studying for a further degree.
Example
She is doing postgraduate research in physics.
A1 noun /ˈmjuːzɪk/

music

Meaning
vocal or instrumental sounds combined to produce harmony, melody, or rhythm
Example
She loves listening to classical music.
C1 verb /ˈɛm.jʊˌleɪt/

emulate

Meaning
to imitate someone or something with the intent to equal or surpass
Example
Young athletes often emulate their idols.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːv/

conceive

Meaning
to form or imagine an idea in the mind; to become pregnant
Example
It is hard to conceive how such an idea could succeed.
C1 noun /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪst/

opportunist

Meaning
A person who takes advantage of situations for personal gain, often disregarding principles.
Example
He is seen as an opportunist who always puts his interests first.
A1 adjective /ˈtwɛnti/

twenty

Meaning
the number equivalent to 20
Example
He is twenty years old.
B1 noun ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən

inspiration

Meaning
The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Example
His journey to success became an inspiration for many.
B2 noun /ˈes.əns/

Essence

Meaning
the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something
Example
The essence of good teaching is the ability to inspire students.
C2 verb /fɪltʃ/

filch

Meaning
to steal something in a sneaky or petty way
Example
He tried to filch a candy bar from the shop.
B2 noun /ˌpʌɪ.əˈnɪr/

Pioneer

Meaning
a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area; someone who develops new ideas or methods
Example
She was a pioneer in the field of computer science.
B2 noun ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti

sensitivity

Meaning
The quality or condition of being sensitive; responsiveness to stimuli.
Example
Bose proved plant sensitivity through experiments.
B1 noun /ɪnˈdʒɔɪmənt/

enjoyment

Meaning
the state or process of taking pleasure or satisfaction in something
Example
She felt great enjoyment while reading her favorite book.
C2 verb /ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt/

subjugate

Meaning
To bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
Example
The empire sought to subjugate the neighboring kingdoms.
B2 noun ˈmaɪnd.set

mindset

Meaning
The established set of attitudes held by someone.
Example
A growth mindset helps individuals embrace challenges.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪsəʊˈθɜːrməl/

isothermal

Meaning
Having or maintaining equal or constant temperature.
Example
The experiment was conducted under isothermal conditions.
A2 noun /ˈhæb.ɪt/

habit

Meaning
A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
Example
Eye rubbing is a harmful habit.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

compound

Meaning
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
Example
The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab.
B2 noun pɛsts

pests

Meaning
Harmful or troublesome creatures, especially insects or small animals that damage crops, food, or living spaces.
Example
Pests can damage crops and cause diseases.
C1 adjective /ˈdrɪəri/

dreary

Meaning
dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing
Example
The long, dreary winter made everyone feel gloomy.
A2 adverb /bɪˈsaɪdz/

Besides

Meaning
in addition to; moreover; furthermore
Example
Besides being smart, he is also kind.
A2 noun /jɑːrd/

Yard

Meaning
a unit of linear measure equal to 3 feet; an area of land immediately adjacent to a building
Example
The children played in the back yard.
C2 noun /ˈpʌlkrɪˌtjuːd/

pulchritude

Meaning
physical beauty
Example
The actress was admired for her pulchritude as well as her talent.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɪə.ləs/

Cheerless

Meaning
lacking happiness or comfort; gloomy; depressing; without cheer
Example
The old house looked cheerless and abandoned in the winter rain.
B2 verb /pəˈtroʊl/

patrol

Meaning
to move around an area to watch or guard it
Example
The police patrol the streets at night to ensure safety.
B2 noun /ɪmˈpɒlɪtnəs/

impoliteness

Meaning
lack of good manners or courtesy; rude behavior
Example
His impoliteness towards the guests shocked everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈneɪtl/

natal

Meaning
Relating to birth or the place of birth.
Example
She returned to her natal village after many years.
C1 noun /vərˈnækjələr/

vernacular

Meaning
the language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in a particular region
Example
He gave his speech in the local vernacular so everyone could understand.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛkənt/

peccant

Meaning
Guilty of a moral offense or wrongdoing; sinful.
Example
The judge declared the peccant official unfit for office.
B2 noun /əkˌsɛs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

accessibility

Meaning
Accessibility or availability, easy availability of any place or service.
Example
Improved accessibility helps people with disabilities.
C2 noun/verb /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/

recompense

Meaning
to compensate someone for loss or harm suffered; compensation given for damage or injury
Example
The company offered financial recompense to the injured worker.
C1 noun ˌdɛməˈɡræfɪk trænˈzɪʃən

demographic transition

Meaning
A shift in population patterns from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically
Example
The demographic transition indicates a shift towards an aging society.
C2 verb /məˈkadəˌmaɪz/

macadamize

Meaning
to construct or cover a road with broken stone
Example
The government decided to macadamize the old rural roads.
A2 adverb /ˈsɪm.pli/

Simply

Meaning
in a clear and easy way; merely; just
Example
I simply wanted to help you with your homework.
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.
B2 verb /ˈfæsən/

fasten

Meaning
To attach or secure something firmly in place
Example
Please fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off.
B1 noun /ˈdʒuː.ni.ər/

Junior

Meaning
a person who is younger or lower in rank than someone else; relating to young people
Example
The junior employee was eager to learn from senior colleagues.
C2 noun /kəˈnaɪ.vəns/

connivance

Meaning
the act of secretly allowing or being involved in wrongdoing
Example
The theft happened with the connivance of the security guard.