sullen
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C1 adjective /ˈsʌlən/

sullen

Meaning
bad-tempered and gloomy; silently resentful
Example
She gave him a sullen look and walked away.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈbaɪ.ɡɒn/

bygone

Meaning
Something belonging to an earlier time; past and no longer existing.
Example
He often talks about the traditions of bygone days.
C1 adjective ˈfæʃ.ɪst

fascist

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of fascism; extremely authoritarian.
Example
Fascist governance undermines freedom.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfæləbl̩/

infallible

Meaning
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
Example
Her judgment seemed infallible in matters of finance.
C1 adjective /ˈɒptɪməm/

optimum

Meaning
Most conducive to a favorable outcome; best.
Example
To achieve optimum results, we need to improve efficiency.
C1 verb ˈsɪŋ.krə.naɪz

synchronize

Meaning
To coordinate in time; to cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
Example
The dancers need to synchronize their movements.
C1 verb /rɪˈtrækt/

retract

Meaning
to withdraw a statement, promise, or part of the body; to pull back
Example
The company retracted its earlier statement after realizing the error.
C1 verb /əˈfɪks/

affix

Meaning
to attach or stick something firmly to another thing
Example
Please affix the stamp to the envelope.
C1 noun /ˈbroʊkərɪdʒ/

brokerage

Meaning
A firm that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, often charging a fee.
Example
The real estate brokerage helped them find a new home.
C1 noun /ˈnoʊ.və/

Nova

Meaning
a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness
Example
Astronomers discovered a new nova in the constellation.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪ.biːz/

Scabies

Meaning
a contagious skin disease caused by mites that causes intense itching
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with scabies after examining the rash.
C1 noun /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt/

encroachment

Meaning
the act of gradually intruding or taking over someone’s rights, land, or space
Example
The villagers protested against the encroachment on their farmland.
C1 adjective /ˈfɪs.kəl/

fiscal

Meaning
Relating to government revenue, especially taxes, or public money management.
Example
The government introduced new fiscal policies to control inflation.
C1 noun /ˈliːdʒən/

legion

Meaning
a large group of people, especially soldiers; a great number
Example
The Roman army was divided into legions.
C1 verb /ˈnɔːrməlaɪz/

normalize

Meaning
to bring something back to a normal or standard condition; to make something conform to a standard
Example
The government took steps to normalize relations with neighboring countries.
C1 verb /ʌnˈkɔrk/

uncork

Meaning
To remove the cork from a bottle; to open a bottle, especially of wine
Example
He uncorked the wine and poured a glass for everyone.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnsɪkreɪt/

consecrate

Meaning
to make something sacred, usually through a religious ceremony
Example
The church was consecrated by the bishop.
C1 noun /ˈstreɪnər/

Strainer

Meaning
a device having holes punched in it or made of crossed wires for separating solid matter from a liquid
Example
Use a strainer to drain the pasta water.
C1 noun /θiˈɒlədʒi/

theology

Meaning
The study of the nature of God and religious beliefs.
Example
She is pursuing a degree in theology at the university.
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 noun /rɪˈpjuːt/

repute

Meaning
the opinion generally held of someone or something; reputation
Example
He is a scholar of great repute in his field.
C1 noun əˈpreɪ.zəl

appraisal

Meaning
An assessment or evaluation of performance or quality.
Example
The annual appraisal determines salary increments.
C1 adjective /ˈræspi/

raspy

Meaning
having a harsh, rough, or grating sound
Example
His raspy voice revealed years of smoking.
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.
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 /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 noun /slæɡ/

slag

Meaning
Stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting process.
Example
The factory dumped the slag near the river.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrfjuː/

curfew

Meaning
a rule requiring people to stay indoors after a certain time, usually at night
Example
The city imposed a curfew during the unrest.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɛktɪd/

unaffected

Meaning
Not influenced or touched by something; genuine and natural.
Example
He remained unaffected by the criticism and kept working hard.
C1 verb /ˈbrændɪʃ/

brandish

Meaning
to wave or flourish something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or showy way
Example
He brandished a sword to scare off the intruders.
C1 noun /ˈtɛknɪk/

technic

Meaning
A method, skill, or art in a particular field, especially in the arts or sciences.
Example
The artist’s technic in watercolor impressed the judges.
C1 verb /riːˈpeɪ.tri.eɪt/

repatriate

Meaning
To return someone to their own country, often after war or imprisonment.
Example
The government worked to repatriate the refugees safely.
C1 noun /ˈhaɪ.nəs/

Highness

Meaning
a title given to a person of royal rank; the quality or state of being high or elevated
Example
Your Highness, the royal carriage is ready to take you to the state banquet this evening.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkɑːrˈneɪʃən/

incarnation

Meaning
the embodiment of a deity, spirit, or quality in a physical form
Example
The monk was considered the incarnation of compassion.
C1 verb /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/

civilize

Meaning
to bring a society or group to a more developed, organized, or socially acceptable state; to educate and refine behavior
Example
Education can help civilize communities by promoting shared values and respect.
C1 noun /foʊ/

foe

Meaning
an enemy or opponent
Example
The knight fought bravely against his foe.
C1 noun/adjective /kənˈfɛdərət/

confederate

Meaning
a person, group, or state joined in an alliance or union; relating to a confederacy
Example
The confederate soldiers fought bravely in the war.
C1 noun /sɪlt/

silt

Meaning
Fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment.
Example
The river deposited layers of silt along its banks.
C1 verb /əˈbriːvieɪt/

abbreviate

Meaning
To shorten a word, phrase, or text by leaving out letters or parts.
Example
We often abbreviate 'Doctor' to 'Dr'.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/

inquisitive

Meaning
Curious or eager to learn and ask questions.
Example
The inquisitive child asked endless questions about the stars.
C1 noun ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃən

insulation

Meaning
Material used to prevent heat, sound, or electricity from being transmitted from one area to another.
Example
Insulation of food storage areas can prevent pests from entering.
C1 noun /ˈrɛt.ər.ɪk/

rhetoric

Meaning
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; skillful use of language to influence others.
Example
Political leaders often use rhetoric to influence people.
C1 noun /ˈnɪkəl/

nickel

Meaning
a small coin, typically worth five cents in the United States
Example
He found a nickel on the ground.
C1 verb /wɔːrp/

warp

Meaning
To twist or bend out of shape, often due to heat or moisture.
Example
The wooden door warped in the summer heat.
C1 adjective /rɪˈpres.ɪv/

Repressive

Meaning
restraining freedom or preventing self-expression; oppressive
Example
The repressive government banned all forms of protest.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/

demonstrative

Meaning
openly showing feelings, especially affection or emotion
Example
She was very demonstrative with her affection towards her friends.
C1 verb /əˈkleɪm/

acclaim

Meaning
to praise enthusiastically and publicly
Example
The audience acclaimed the actor for his outstanding performance.
C1 noun /ˈpæntəmaɪm/

pantomime

Meaning
A type of theatrical performance using gestures and movements without spoken words; in Britain, a musical comedy play for families performed at Christmas.
Example
The children enjoyed the Christmas pantomime at the local theater.
C1 noun /æbˈdʌk.ʃən/

abduction

Meaning
the act of taking someone away illegally by force; kidnapping
Example
The police are investigating the abduction of the child.
C1 noun /pəˈθɒlədʒi/

pathology

Meaning
the scientific study of diseases, their causes, processes, and effects on the body
Example
Advances in pathology helped the doctors identify the rare infection quickly.
C1 noun /jɛn/

yen

Meaning
A deep, strong desire or craving.
Example
She felt a strong yen to travel the world.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvaɪzəbl/

inadvisable

Meaning
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences.
Example
It is inadvisable to drive in such heavy rain.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrsɪˈkjuːʃn/

persecution

Meaning
the act of treating someone cruelly or unfairly because of their religion, race, or beliefs
Example
The persecution of minorities has been condemned worldwide.
C1 verb /ˈwɒb.l̩/

wobble

Meaning
to move unsteadily from side to side; to shake or tremble slightly
Example
The table began to wobble when he leaned on it.
C1 verb ɪˈnɔː.ɡjə.reɪ.tɪd

inaugurated

Meaning
Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) formally.
Example
The organization was inaugurated officially.
C1 noun ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti

sovereignty

Meaning
The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; supreme power or authority.
Example
Sovereignty is essential for a nation's identity.
C1 verb, noun /ˈɡrɪməs/

grimace

Meaning
to make an ugly, twisted expression on one's face, usually in disgust or pain
Example
He grimaced when he tasted the sour fruit.
C1 noun /ˈtrɛtʃəri/

treachery

Meaning
Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature.
Example
His treachery was revealed when he sided with the enemy.
C1 noun /ˈprɛəri/

prairie

Meaning
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
Example
The bison roamed freely across the prairie.
C1 noun /ˈdɪm.pəl/

Dimple

Meaning
a small depression in the flesh, either one that exists permanently or one that forms when smiling
Example
Her charming dimples appeared whenever she smiled at the children.
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 noun/adjective /ˈmɪriəd/

myriad

Meaning
a countless or extremely great number
Example
There are myriad stars in the night sky.
C1 noun /ˌdʒuː.bɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

jubilation

Meaning
a feeling or expression of great happiness and triumph
Example
There was jubilation in the streets after the victory.
C1 adjective /ɪˈklɛktɪk/

eclectic

Meaning
Selecting or deriving ideas, styles, or tastes from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Example
Her taste in music is eclectic, ranging from classical to hip-hop.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛnəˌreɪtɪd/

venerated

Meaning
respected and admired deeply
Example
The venerated professor was honored with an award.
C1 noun ˌhaɪ.pɚˈten.ʃən

hypertension

Meaning
Abnormally high blood pressure.
Example
High sodium intake leads to hypertension.
C1 noun /ˌæktʃuˈæləti/

actuality

Meaning
The state of existing in reality rather than in appearance or imagination.
Example
The movie was based on historical actuality.
C1 verb /wɪðˈhoʊld/

withhold

Meaning
to refuse to give or keep back something
Example
The company decided to withhold his bonus.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərəl/

corporal

Meaning
relating to the body; a low-ranking officer in the military
Example
He suffered a corporal punishment for his mistake.
C1 adjective /pəˈdæntɪk/

pedantic

Meaning
Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic or bookish.
Example
Her pedantic explanations made the lecture dull.
C1 verb /ɡraɪp/

gripe

Meaning
to complain about something in an annoying way
Example
He is always griping about the weather.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈsɛntənəri/ or /sɛnˈtɛnəri/

centenary

Meaning
The hundredth anniversary of a significant event; relating to a period of 100 years.
Example
The school celebrated its centenary with a grand event.
C1 noun /ˌæfəˈdeɪvɪt/

affidavit

Meaning
a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court
Example
The witness submitted an affidavit to the court.
C1 verb /raʊz/

rouse

Meaning
To awaken from sleep or to stir into action.
Example
The loud alarm roused him from his deep sleep.
C1 verb /bɪˈhoʊld/

behold

Meaning
to see or observe something, especially something remarkable or impressive
Example
She stood quietly to behold the sunrise over the hills.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːr.dən.ə.bəl/

Pardonable

Meaning
able to be forgiven; excusable
Example
His mistake was pardonable given the difficult circumstances.
C1 noun /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌklaɪmæt/

microclimate

Meaning
The climate of a small, specific area that may differ from the general climate of the surrounding region, often influenced by local factors like terrain, vegetation, or buildings.
Example
A microclimate can have a significant impact on plant growth.
C1 adjective /ˈbækˌhændɪd/

backhanded

Meaning
Indirect or sarcastic, often appearing as praise but actually insulting.
Example
She gave him a backhanded compliment about his work.
C1 noun /ˈiːɡoʊˌɪzəm/

egoism

Meaning
An ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality; also, excessive preoccupation with oneself.
Example
His decisions were often driven by egoism rather than concern for others.
C1 verb /per/

pare

Meaning
to cut away the outer covering or reduce something gradually
Example
She pared the apple before eating it.
C1 verb /ˈɪnfɪltreɪt/

infiltrate

Meaning
to secretly enter or gain access to a place or group
Example
The spies managed to infiltrate the enemy base.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/

debilitating

Meaning
Making someone or something weak and infirm.
Example
The disease had a debilitating effect on his health.
C1 adjective /ˈdiːviəs/

devious

Meaning
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
Example
He used a devious plan to gain control of the company.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
C1 noun /ˌpænəˈsiːə/

panacea

Meaning
A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
Example
Education is often seen as a panacea for social problems.
C1 noun /ˈroʊdənt/

rodent

Meaning
a small mammal such as a mouse, rat, or squirrel, characterized by constantly growing incisors
Example
The farmer set traps to catch the rodents in his barn.
C1 verb /ˈkæp.saɪz/

capsize

Meaning
to overturn in the water
Example
The small fishing boat capsized during the storm.
C1 adjective /ˈæntɪkweɪtɪd/

antiquated

Meaning
Old-fashioned or outdated.
Example
The office still uses an antiquated filing system.
C1 verb /ˈlɔːndər/

launder

Meaning
to wash clothes, linens, etc.; or to conceal the origins of money obtained illegally
Example
She laundered all the dirty clothes on Sunday.
C1 noun /nɪərˈvɑːnə/

nirvana

Meaning
A state of perfect happiness, peace, and freedom from suffering; in Buddhism, the ultimate goal of liberation.
Example
Meditation helps some people seek nirvana in their lives.
C1 adjective /vɪˈveɪʃəs/

vivacious

Meaning
Attractively lively and animated.
Example
She was admired for her vivacious personality.
C1 noun ˈtɑksɪk ɪˈmɪʃənz

toxic emissions

Meaning
Harmful or poisonous substances released into the environment, especially the atmosphere.
Example
Toxic emissions from vehicles pollute the atmosphere.
C1 noun /dɪˈkriː/

Decree

Meaning
an official order issued by a legal authority; a judicial decision or edict
Example
The king issued a decree that all citizens must pay additional taxes.
C1 adjective /məˈləʊ.di.əs/

Melodious

Meaning
having a pleasant musical sound; tuneful
Example
Her melodious voice captivated the entire audience.
C1 noun /ˈdʒɒt.ər/

Jotter

Meaning
a small notebook for writing quick notes or reminders
Example
The student carried a jotter to write down important points during lectures.
C1 noun /ɡrəˈfiː.ti/

Graffiti

Meaning
writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place
Example
The subway walls were covered with colorful graffiti created by local street artists.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfəld/

stifled

Meaning
to suppress, hold back, or prevent something from happening
Example
He stifled a laugh during the serious meeting.
C1 noun ˌriːˈstrʌk.tʃər.ɪŋ

restructuring

Meaning
The action of organizing something differently.
Example
The company underwent restructuring to improve efficiency.
C1 adjective /ˈʌpərˌmoʊst/

uppermost

Meaning
situated at the highest place or most important
Example
Her family's safety was uppermost in her mind during the crisis.
C1 noun /ˈhed.weɪ/

Headway

Meaning
forward movement or progress, especially when this is slow or difficult
Example
Despite the challenges, the research team made significant headway in developing the new vaccine.
C1 noun ˈpraʊ.es

prowess

Meaning
Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example
Prowess in sports enhances team strength.
C1 noun /ˌpændəˈmoʊniəm/

pandemonium

Meaning
Wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar.
Example
When the concert was canceled, pandemonium broke out among the crowd.
C1 adjective /aɪˈdɪlɪk/

idyllic

Meaning
Like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.
Example
They enjoyed an idyllic vacation by the sea.
C1 verb /dɪˈluːd/

delude

Meaning
To mislead someone into believing something that is not true.
Example
He deluded himself into thinking he could win the race without training.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspoʊnənt/

exponent

Meaning
a person who supports, promotes, or explains an idea; in math, a symbol denoting power
Example
She is a leading exponent of modern dance.
C1 verb /dəˈmɛstɪkeɪt/

domesticate

Meaning
to tame an animal for use by humans; to adapt something for domestic use
Example
Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago.
C1 noun /ˈper.ɪ.wɪŋ.kəl/

Periwinkle

Meaning
a small trailing plant with violet-blue or white flowers
Example
Purple periwinkles covered the garden ground beautifully.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈsiːzənd/

seasoned

Meaning
Experienced in a particular activity; also, flavored with spices.
Example
She is a seasoned teacher with over 20 years of experience.
C1 noun /meər/

Mare

Meaning
an adult female horse
Example
The beautiful mare galloped across the meadow.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɜːrdʒənt/

resurgent

Meaning
Becoming strong, active, or popular again.
Example
The resurgent economy gave hope to many businesses.
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 noun /ˈsaɪkiː/

psyche

Meaning
the human soul, mind, or spirit
Example
The novel explores the depths of the human psyche.
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 verb /ɪˈlæps/

elapse

Meaning
to pass or go by, usually referring to time
Example
Several hours elapsed before he finally returned home.
C1 adjective /sər'pæs.ɪŋ/

Surpassing

Meaning
exceeding; going beyond; outstanding
Example
Her surpassing beauty made everyone stop and stare.
C1 noun ˈdʒen.ə.saɪd

genocide

Meaning
The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation.
Example
The allegations of genocide raised global concerns.
C1 adverb /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkli/

mathematically

Meaning
in a way that relates to mathematics; using numbers, formulas, or logical calculation
Example
The problem can be solved mathematically rather than by guesswork.
C1 noun /ˈmenəs/

Menace

Meaning
A person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat
Example
The reckless driver was a menace to everyone on the road.
C1 verb /ˈkɒr.ə.leɪt/

correlate

Meaning
To have a mutual relationship or connection; to establish a relationship between two or more things.
Example
Researchers found that diet and mental health correlate strongly.
C1 adjective /ˈpæs.ə.bəl/

passable

Meaning
good enough to be accepted, though not excellent
Example
The road is barely passable after the storm.
C1 noun /flæt fɪʃ/

Flat fish

Meaning
a type of fish with a flattened body that lives on the sea floor
Example
Flat fish like sole and flounder are excellent for grilling.