surprise
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A2 noun /səˈpraɪz/

surprise

Meaning
a sudden and unexpected event or situation
Example
His arrival was a pleasant surprise.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

Meaning
Childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
The child became petulant when denied more candy.
C2 noun /lʌɡˈʒʊəriəns/

luxuriance

Meaning
abundant growth, richness, or elegance
Example
The garden was filled with the luxuriance of tropical plants.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɛstɪməbl/

inestimable

Meaning
Too great or valuable to be measured or estimated.
Example
Her contribution to the project was of inestimable value.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəli/

Continually

Meaning
without stopping; repeatedly
Example
She continually checked her phone for messages.
C1 verb /dɪˈvɒlv/

devolve

Meaning
To pass power, responsibility, or duties to another person or group.
Example
The responsibility will devolve on the new manager.
C1 noun /əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃən/

assassination

Meaning
The act of killing someone important, often for political or ideological reasons.
Example
The assassination of the president shocked the nation.
C1 verb /ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz/

neutralize

Meaning
to make something ineffective or harmless
Example
The medicine helped neutralize the poison in his system.
B1 noun /striːm/

stream

Meaning
A small, narrow river; a continuous flow of something.
Example
The stream of life is unstoppable.
C1 verb /ˈʃækəl/

shackle

Meaning
to chain or restrain; to restrict someone’s actions or freedom
Example
Outdated regulations shackle small businesses and slow innovation.
C2 adjective /kænˈtæŋ.kər.əs/

cantankerous

Meaning
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
Example
The cantankerous old man complained about everything.
C2 noun /ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjʊəns/

discontinuance

Meaning
the act of stopping something, especially permanently
Example
The discontinuance of the service disappointed many customers.
C1 noun kəmˈpleɪ.sən.si

complacency

Meaning
Excessive self-satisfaction with one's achievements that can hinder progress.
Example
His complacency led to a decline in his performance.
C2 adjective /ˌrɒŋˈhɛd.ɪd/

wrongheaded

Meaning
Having or showing bad judgment or stubbornly holding to wrong ideas.
Example
The policy was considered wrongheaded and harmful.
C1 noun /ˌkɒrəˈneɪʃən/

coronation

Meaning
the act or ceremony of crowning a sovereign or monarch
Example
The coronation of the new king was attended by thousands of people.
B2 adverb /ruːˈtiːnli/

routinely

Meaning
as part of a regular procedure; habitually
Example
The staff routinely checks the equipment for safety.
A2 noun /ˈdɒŋ.ki/

Donkey

Meaning
a domesticated animal related to the horse, with long ears and a braying call
Example
The donkey carried heavy bags up the mountain.
A2 adjective /θɪk/

Thick

Meaning
having a large distance between opposite sides; dense; not thin
Example
The book has thick pages and a heavy cover.
B1 noun, verb /ˈbændɪdʒ/

bandage

Meaning
a strip of material used to cover or protect a wound; to cover or wrap a wound with such material
Example
The nurse carefully bandaged his injured arm.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfʌldʒənt/

refulgent

Meaning
Shining brightly; radiant.
Example
The refulgent sun lit up the entire valley.
C1 verb /ˈflɪk.ər/

flicker

Meaning
to shine unsteadily or waver between light and dark
Example
The candle flickered in the wind.
C2 noun /ˈpær.ɪ.saɪd/

parricide

Meaning
The act of killing one's father, mother, or other close relative.
Example
The court tried him for parricide after the tragic incident.
C1 verb /kənˈtraɪv/

contrive

Meaning
to plan or devise cleverly or skillfully
Example
She contrived a clever plan to surprise her friends.
B1 adjective /ˈkʌtɪŋ/

cutting

Meaning
sharp or severe, often used to describe remarks or actions
Example
Her cutting remarks made everyone feel uncomfortable.
C1 verb, noun /ˈmʌstər/

muster

Meaning
to gather people, especially soldiers; to summon courage or strength
Example
He mustered enough courage to face the challenge.
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 /kənˈdəʊl/

condole

Meaning
To express sympathy for someone who is suffering or grieving.
Example
Neighbors came to condole with the family after the tragedy.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsələr/

counsellor

Meaning
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems; an advisor
Example
She spoke to a counsellor to get advice about her career.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪst.fəl/

Wistful

Meaning
having a feeling of longing or yearning; melancholy
Example
She gave a wistful smile when remembering her childhood days.
B2 noun prɒsˈpɛr.ɪ.ti

prosperity

Meaning
The state of being prosperous; success or wealth.
Example
The country achieved great prosperity during the last decade.
C1 noun /pəˈraɪə/

pariah

Meaning
An outcast; someone who is rejected by society or a social group.
Example
After the scandal, he became a social pariah.
C2 verb /ˈɡlaʊ.ər/

glower

Meaning
To look at someone with an angry or sullen expression.
Example
He glowered at his rival across the room.
B1 noun /ˈseɪ.ɪŋ/

Saying

Meaning
a well-known phrase that expresses something true about life; a proverb
Example
There's an old saying that practice makes perfect.
B2 verb /səbˈmɪt/

submit

Meaning
to present for consideration; to surrender; to yield
Example
Please submit your assignment by Friday.
C2 verb /ɪˈnæmər/

enamor

Meaning
to be filled with love or admiration for
Example
She was enamored with the beautiful scenery.
B1 noun /ˈsʌb.ɜːb/

Suburb

Meaning
a residential area outside the central part of a city; an outlying district of a city
Example
They moved to a quiet suburb to raise their children away from city noise.
C2 noun /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.rɪˌmiː.diˈeɪ.ʃən/

bioremediation

Meaning
The use of living organisms to neutralize or remove environmental contaminants.
Example
Bioremediation helps remove toxins from polluted soil.
C2 noun /ˈtrɛsəl/

trestle

Meaning
a frame or support consisting of a horizontal beam held up by two pairs of sloping legs, used especially for supporting a bridge or table
Example
The workers built a wooden trestle to support the temporary bridge.
C2 verb /ˈɛdɪfaɪ/

edify

Meaning
To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.
Example
Good books can both entertain and edify the reader.
A1 noun /ˈmʌn.deɪ/

monday

Meaning
the first day of the working week following Sunday
Example
I start my new job on Monday.
C2 noun /ˌeɪd də ˈkæmp/

aide-de-camp

Meaning
A military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.
Example
The general was accompanied by his aide-de-camp during the ceremony.
A2 verb /taɪp/

type

Meaning
to write using a keyboard or typewriter
Example
She can type very fast on the computer.
C1 verb /əˈpɛnd/

append

Meaning
to add something as an attachment or supplement, usually at the end of a document or list
Example
She decided to append a note to the end of the report.
C2 verb /ˌmɪsˈleɪ/

mislay

Meaning
to lose something temporarily by putting it in the wrong place
Example
I must have mislaid my keys somewhere in the house.
B2 verb /stɪə(r)/

steer

Meaning
to guide or control the movement of a vehicle, vessel, or person
Example
He steered the car carefully through the narrow street.
A2 noun /ɪŋk/

Ink

Meaning
a colored fluid used for writing, drawing, or printing; a dark liquid ejected by cuttlefish
Example
The old fountain pen leaked ink all over his white shirt during the meeting.
C2 noun /ˌfjuːzɪˈleɪd/

fusillade

Meaning
A series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.
Example
The soldiers advanced under a fusillade of bullets.
C1 adjective /kɑːrˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Carnivorous

Meaning
feeding on other animals; meat-eating
Example
Lions are carnivorous animals that hunt other animals for food.
C1 noun /nɪl/

Nil

Meaning
nothing; zero; no amount
Example
His chances of winning were nil after the scandal.
B2 noun /rɒd/

rod

Meaning
a thin straight bar, especially of metal or wood
Example
He used an iron rod to support the structure.
B1 verb /peɪst/

paste

Meaning
to stick something onto a surface using glue or adhesive
Example
I paste the picture into my scrapbook.
B2 adjective /ˈvɜːr.tʃu.əs/

Virtuous

Meaning
having high moral standards; righteous; morally excellent
Example
She is known for her virtuous character and honest dealings.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbl̩/

indefensible

Meaning
not able to be protected or justified
Example
The minister’s remarks were considered indefensible by the public.
C1 adjective /ˌruː.dɪˈmen.tər.i/

Rudimentary

Meaning
basic; elementary; undeveloped; in the earliest stage of development
Example
She has only rudimentary knowledge of French.
C1 noun /plaɪt/

Plight

Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
C1 noun /ədˈmɪtəns/

admittance

Meaning
the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter a place
Example
No admittance without a valid ticket.
B2 noun /siːdʒ/

siege

Meaning
A military operation in which a place is surrounded to force its surrender.
Example
The castle fell after a long siege.
A1 noun /wiːk/

week

Meaning
a period of seven days
Example
I will finish the project by the end of the week.
A1 verb /ɡroʊ/

grow

Meaning
to become larger or greater over a period of time; to develop
Example
Plants grow faster in spring.
C1 verb /dɪˈfaɪl/

defile

Meaning
to pollute, corrupt, or make dirty
Example
The river was defiled by industrial waste.
A1 adjective/adverb /lɛs/

less

Meaning
A smaller amount; not as much.
Example
She spends less money than her brother.
B2 adverb /ɪkˈskluːsɪvli/

exclusively

Meaning
only; not shared with others
Example
This service is available exclusively to premium members.
A2 adverb /ˈen.i.weər/

Anywhere

Meaning
in or to any place; wherever
Example
You can sit anywhere you like in this restaurant.
C1 verb /ˈræʃənəlaɪz/

rationalize

Meaning
to attempt to explain or justify behavior or decisions with logical reasons, even if they are not true or appropriate
Example
She tried to rationalize her lateness by blaming the traffic.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈlæps/

relapse

Meaning
to return to a worse condition, especially after improvement; a deterioration after recovery
Example
After months of progress, he suffered a relapse.
A2 noun ɪˈvɛnts

events

Meaning
A thing that happens, especially one of importance.
Example
Several events were held across the country.
A2 noun /ˈkælɪndər/

calendar

Meaning
a system for organizing days, months, and years; a chart showing days of the year
Example
She marked her birthday on the calendar.
A1 pronoun /ðæt/

that

Meaning
used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard
Example
That is my book on the table.
C1 noun /ˈfoʊ.kəs ˈtræk.ɪŋ/

focus tracking

Meaning
A technique of monitoring and maintaining attention on specific tasks or goals.
Example
Proper focus tracking improves productivity.
B2 noun /stɪŋk/

Stink

Meaning
a strong unpleasant smell; bad odor
Example
The garbage created a terrible stink in the kitchen.
B2 verb /slæʃ/

slash

Meaning
to cut with a sharp blade; to reduce drastically
Example
The company slashed prices to attract more customers.
B2 verb /dɪsˈkloʊz/

disclose

Meaning
to reveal or make information known; to expose
Example
The company must disclose all financial information.
C1 adjective /ˈkræfti/

crafty

Meaning
skilled at achieving goals through cunning or deceit; sly
Example
The crafty fox evaded the hunters again.
B2 verb /poʊk/

poke

Meaning
to push or prod with a finger or pointed object
Example
Don't poke me with your finger.
A1 verb, adjective /oʊn/

own

Meaning
to possess something; belonging to oneself
Example
She owns a beautiful house in the city.
B1 noun /ʃɒk/

shock

Meaning
a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience
Example
The news of his sudden departure was a shock to everyone.
A1 preposition, adverb /bɪˈtwiːn/

between

Meaning
at, into, or across the space separating two objects or regions
Example
She sat between her two friends.
A2 noun /ˈvɪzɪtər/

visitor

Meaning
a person who goes to see a place or someone for a short time
Example
The museum had many visitors last weekend.
C2 noun /kænˈtoʊnmənt/

Cantonment

Meaning
a military base or permanent military station
Example
The soldiers lived in the cantonment outside the city.
A2 adjective /ˈfæstɪst/

fastest

Meaning
moving or capable of moving at the highest speed
Example
Usain Bolt is the fastest runner in the world.
C1 noun /noʊˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Nobility

Meaning
the quality of being noble in character; people of noble rank
Example
He showed great nobility in forgiving his enemies.
B1 noun /ˈætməsˌfɪər/

Atmosphere

Meaning
the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet; the pervading tone or mood of a place
Example
The atmosphere protects us from harmful solar radiation.
B2 adjective rɪˈnaʊnd

renowned

Meaning
Known or talked about by many people; famous.
Example
The renowned scientist led the reform panel.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɪl.i/

Chilly/Chilli

Meaning
noticeably cold; a hot-tasting pod of a variety of capsicum, used as a spice
Example
The chef added red chilli to make the curry spicier.
B1 noun /paɪl/

pile

Meaning
a large amount of something stacked or placed in a heap
Example
He placed the books in a pile on the table.
B1 noun /dɪsk/

disc

Meaning
a flat, thin, round object or surface
Example
He inserted the music disc into the player.
C1 noun /səˈnɑːtə/

sonata

Meaning
A musical composition for one or more instruments, typically in several movements.
Example
She performed a beautiful Beethoven sonata on the piano.
B2 adjective /dɪˈvɔːrst/

divorced

Meaning
No longer married because the marriage has been legally dissolved.
Example
She has been divorced for five years.
B2 noun /pʌbˈlɪs.ɪ.ti/

Publicity

Meaning
public attention or notice given to someone or something; advertising or promotion
Example
The movie received a lot of publicity before its release.
B2 verb ˈɪmplɪmentɪd

implemented

Meaning
Put a decision or plan into effect; carried out or executed.
Example
The master plans were partially implemented.
C2 adjective /ˈfraʊzi/

frowzy

Meaning
Unkempt, messy, or having a musty, unpleasant smell.
Example
He entered the room with a frowzy appearance after sleeping on the couch.
B2 adjective /ˌsen.tɪˈmen.təl/

Sentimental

Meaning
having tender feelings; being emotional about memories or experiences
Example
She became sentimental when looking at old family photographs.
B2 verb /bleɪz/

blaze

Meaning
to burn brightly or powerfully
Example
The fire blazed for hours before it was brought under control.
C1 noun /wɪk/

Wick

Meaning
a cord or strand of cotton that burns to provide light in a candle or lamp
Example
The candle wick needs to be trimmed for better burning.
B2 noun /ˈɑːrkaɪvz/

archives

Meaning
A place or collection where historical records and documents are stored.
Example
She visited the national archives to research her family history.
C2 verb /bɪˈfaʊl/

befoul

Meaning
to make dirty or polluted; to disgrace or corrupt
Example
The factory waste befouled the river.
A2 noun /ˈbɪznəsˌwʊmən/

businesswoman

Meaning
a woman who works in business, especially one who owns or manages a company
Example
The businesswoman expanded her company into international markets.
C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌkreɪsi/

polycracy

Meaning
rule by many; government by multiple authorities
Example
The nation experienced a polycracy after decentralization reforms.
B2 noun /rɪˈsiː.vər/

Receiver

Meaning
a person or thing that receives something; the part of a telephone containing the earpiece and mouthpiece
Example
She picked up the receiver to answer the phone call.
B1 noun /ˈvɔɪ.ɪdʒ/

Voyage

Meaning
a long journey involving travel by sea or in space
Example
The ship's voyage across the Atlantic took two weeks.
C2 adjective /prəˈpʌlsɪv/

propulsive

Meaning
Having the power to drive or push something forward.
Example
The propulsive force of the rocket lifted it off the ground.
C2 verb /ɪˈfjuːz/

effuse

Meaning
To pour out or express feelings freely and openly.
Example
She effused gratitude for the help she received.
C1 noun /ˈnɪkəl/

nickel

Meaning
a small coin, typically worth five cents in the United States
Example
He found a nickel on the ground.
A2 noun /spiːd/

Speed

Meaning
the rate at which someone or something moves or operates
Example
The car reached a speed of 100 miles per hour.
B2 noun /tækˈseɪʃən/

taxation

Meaning
The system of imposing and collecting taxes.
Example
Taxation is necessary for funding public services.
B2 noun /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/

diabetes

Meaning
a medical condition in which the body cannot properly control the level of sugar in the blood
Example
He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year.
A2 verb /ˈɑːrɡjuː/

argue

Meaning
to have a disagreement; to present reasons for or against
Example
They often argue about politics.
A2 noun /fluː/

flu

Meaning
a contagious viral illness causing fever, aches, and respiratory symptoms; influenza
Example
She stayed home because she had the flu.
C1 verb /sluː/

slew

Meaning
To turn or slide violently in a particular direction.
Example
The car slewed across the icy road.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɒkjələr/

jocular

Meaning
fond of or characterized by joking; humorous
Example
His jocular nature made him popular among colleagues.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪz.mə/

charisma

Meaning
Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Example
His charisma helped him become a great leader.
A1 adjective /red/

Red

Meaning
having the color of blood or fire; of the color red
Example
She wore a beautiful red dress to the party.
C1 noun, verb /strænd/

strand

Meaning
Noun: A single thin length of thread, wire, or similar. Verb: To leave someone or something without a way of moving or leaving.
Example
The storm stranded many tourists on the island.
C2 noun /ˌmjuːtəˈbɪləti/

mutability

Meaning
The quality of being changeable or capable of change.
Example
The mutability of fashion trends makes it hard to keep up.
C1 noun /ˈɒptɪks/

optics

Meaning
The branch of physics dealing with light and vision.
Example
She studied optics to understand how lenses work.
C1 noun /ˈmʌltɪtuːd/

multitude

Meaning
A large number of people or things.
Example
A multitude of fans gathered at the stadium.
B1 adjective /dɪˈlaɪtɪd/

delighted

Meaning
feeling or showing great pleasure and happiness
Example
She was delighted with the surprise gift.
C2 noun /fɔːn/

faun

Meaning
a mythological creature that is half human and half goat
Example
The sculpture depicted a playful faun dancing in the forest.
B1 adjective /ˈvɪz.ə.bəl/

Visible

Meaning
able to be seen; noticeable; apparent
Example
The mountain peak was clearly visible from our hotel room.
A2 noun wʊd

wood

Meaning
The hard fibrous material that forms the main substance of the trunk or branches of a tree or shrub.
Example
Wood is being tested for its resilience in space.
C1 noun /ˈɒn.slɔːt/

onslaught

Meaning
A fierce or destructive attack.
Example
The village faced an onslaught of enemy forces.