taboo
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C1 noun /təˈbuː/

taboo

Meaning
a social or cultural prohibition against certain practices or discussions
Example
Talking about money is considered a taboo in some cultures.
C1 verb /ˈpʌməl/

pummel

Meaning
To strike repeatedly with the fists; to beat or hit forcefully.
Example
The boxer pummeled his opponent in the final round.
C1 noun /ˈɒktɪv/

octave

Meaning
A series of eight musical notes, or the interval between one musical pitch and another with double its frequency.
Example
The singer's voice could easily reach the higher octave.
C1 noun /ˈmuːdi.nəs/

moodiness

Meaning
The state of being frequently subject to changes in mood, especially irritability or sadness.
Example
Her moodiness made it difficult to predict how she would react.
C1 noun /tiˈɑː.rə/

Tiara

Meaning
a jeweled ornamental crown worn on formal occasions
Example
The princess wore a sparkling diamond tiara at the royal ball.
C1 adjective /təˈrɛstriəl/

terrestrial

Meaning
Relating to the Earth or land as opposed to the sea or air; living or growing on land.
Example
Humans are terrestrial beings who live on land.
C1 noun sɜːrˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm

circadian rhythm

Meaning
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle that occurs within 24 hours
Example
Exposure to natural light regulates the circadian rhythm.
C1 noun /ˌæn.əˈnɪm.ə.ti/

anonymity

Meaning
The state of being anonymous; having one's identity kept secret or unknown.
Example
Online anonymity protects users from cyber threats.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈstɜː.lɪŋ/

sterling

Meaning
British money, especially pounds; of excellent quality.
Example
She was praised for her sterling work on the project.
C1 noun /ˈprɛljuːd/

prelude

Meaning
An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.
Example
The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/

misrepresent

Meaning
to give a false or misleading account of something
Example
The lawyer accused the witness of trying to misrepresent the facts.
C1 verb /ɡɔːr/

gore

Meaning
to pierce with horns or tusks; spilled blood
Example
The bull gored the matador during the fight.
C1 adjective /ˈɪɡ.ni.əs/

igneous

Meaning
Formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Example
Granite is an igneous rock commonly used in construction.
C1 noun

Kin

C1 adjective /hɪpˈnɒtɪk/

hypnotic

Meaning
Producing sleep or a trance-like state; mesmerizing.
Example
The music had a hypnotic effect on the audience.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər ˈtʃes.nʌt/

Water Chestnut

Meaning
aquatic plant with edible white crisp tubers
Example
Water chestnuts add a nice crunch to stir-fry dishes.
C1 noun /ˈeɪ.peks/

apex

Meaning
The highest point or peak of something; the top or summit.
Example
He reached the apex of his career.
C1 verb /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

inhibit

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

equestrian

Meaning
Relating to horse riding or horseback riders.
Example
She won several equestrian competitions.
C1 verb /bɪˈɡɛt/

beget

Meaning
to bring about or give rise to; to father or produce
Example
Violence begets more violence.
C1 noun /bɪz/

Biz

Meaning
business (informal); commercial enterprise or activity
Example
He's been in the restaurant biz for twenty years.
C1 noun /jɑːrn/

Yarn

Meaning
spun thread used for knitting, weaving, or sewing; a long or rambling story
Example
She bought colorful yarn for knitting a sweater.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪvstoʊn/

gravestone

Meaning
A stone that marks a grave, usually inscribed with the name of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone had her name carved beautifully.
C1 verb /ˈfɛdərət/

federate

Meaning
to unite in a league or federation; to form an alliance
Example
Several states federated to create a stronger union.
C1 adjective /ˌhɔːrtɪˈkʌltʃərəl/

horticultural

Meaning
Relating to the art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
Example
She studied horticultural science at the university.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/

compulsive

Meaning
Resulting from or acting on an irresistible urge, especially one that is against one's conscious wishes.
Example
He is a compulsive gambler who cannot stop placing bets.
C1 adjective /raɪ/

wry

Meaning
twisted or distorted in expression; showing dry, mocking humor
Example
He gave a wry smile after hearing the sarcastic remark.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

Deficiency

Meaning
a lack or shortage of something; inadequacy or insufficiency
Example
The doctor diagnosed a vitamin D deficiency in the patient's blood test.
C1 noun əˌkred.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən

accreditation

Meaning
The action or process of officially recognizing someone or something as having a particular status or being qualified to perform a particular activity.
Example
Accreditation ensures institutional credibility.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈɡʊrmeɪ/

gourmet

Meaning
A person who appreciates fine food and drink; also refers to high-quality food.
Example
They went to a gourmet restaurant to celebrate their anniversary.
C1 adjective /ˈmjuːtɪd/

muted

Meaning
softened in sound, color, or effect; subdued
Example
The room was painted in muted shades of blue and grey.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsoʊld/

unsold

Meaning
not sold; remaining without a buyer
Example
The unsold goods were returned to the warehouse.
C1 verb /kənˈsaɪn/

consign

Meaning
to deliver something to a person or place, often for selling or safekeeping
Example
He consigned the package to the shipping company.
C1 noun /ˈreɪdiəns/

radiance

Meaning
the quality of shining with bright light; a glowing or beaming quality
Example
Her face was filled with radiance after hearing the good news.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.krəˈmen.təl

incremental

Meaning
Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; proceeding in small stages.
Example
Incremental changes ensure sustainability.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛrɪl/

imperil

Meaning
To put in danger or at risk.
Example
Reckless driving can imperil the lives of others.
C1 noun /ˈspɔɪlˌspɔːrt/

spoilsport

Meaning
A person who ruins other people's enjoyment or fun.
Example
Don't be a spoilsport and let us enjoy the party.
C1 adjective /ˈmɒnstrəs/

Monstrous

Meaning
extremely large; shockingly evil or wrong; abnormal or unnatural
Example
The monstrous crime shocked the entire community.
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 noun /ˈblɛm.ɪʃ/

blemish

Meaning
A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.
Example
The mirror had a small blemish on the surface.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːr.nɪst/

Earnest

Meaning
sincere; genuine; showing deep and serious conviction
Example
He made an earnest attempt to solve the problem.
C1 adjective ˈpɪv.ə.təl

pivotal

Meaning
Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example
Renewable energy plays a pivotal role in sustainability.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
C1 noun /kwɪnˈtɛt/

quintet

Meaning
A group of five people or things, especially musicians.
Example
The jazz quintet performed beautifully.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛkt/

dissect

Meaning
to cut apart an animal, plant, or other organism to study its internal parts; to analyze something in detail
Example
In biology class, students had to dissect a frog to learn about its anatomy.
C1 noun /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/

demagogue

Meaning
A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
Example
The crowd was swayed by the fiery speeches of the demagogue.
C1 verb, noun /ˈbrɪsəl/

bristle

Meaning
to react angrily or defensively; a short stiff hair or fiber
Example
The cat bristled when it saw the dog.
C1 noun /ˈɔr.ə.tər/

Orator

Meaning
a public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled in speaking
Example
The famous orator delivered an inspiring speech.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊ.ər/

dour

Meaning
relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance
Example
His dour expression made the meeting uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˈniːdəlwɜːrk/

needlework

Meaning
The craft of sewing, embroidery, or knitting done with a needle.
Example
Her grandmother taught her the art of needlework.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tʃu.əl/

ineffectual

Meaning
Not producing any or the desired effect; lacking the ability or qualities to achieve a purpose.
Example
The manager’s ineffectual leadership caused the team to lose motivation.
C1 adjective /maɪˈɑːpɪk/

myopic

Meaning
lacking foresight or long-term perspective; also refers to nearsightedness
Example
The company’s myopic strategy led to long-term losses.
C1 adjective /əˈtjuːnd/

attuned

Meaning
Being receptive or sensitive to something; well adjusted or in harmony.
Example
She is attuned to the needs of her students.
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 adjective /ˈkwiːzi/

queasy

Meaning
Feeling sick to one's stomach; nauseated.
Example
She felt queasy after the long boat ride.
C1 verb /ˈɛm.ə.neɪt/

emanate

Meaning
To come out or spread from a source.
Example
A sweet fragrance emanated from the garden.
C1 verb /ˈluːbrɪkeɪt/

lubricate

Meaning
to apply oil or grease to reduce friction between surfaces
Example
The mechanic lubricated the car engine parts.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːls.hʊd/

Falsehood

Meaning
the state of being untrue; a lie
Example
The politician was caught spreading falsehoods about his opponent.
C1 noun ˈremnənts

remnants

Meaning
A small remaining quantity of something; a surviving trace.
Example
The remnants of the wall are still visible.
C1 noun /ˈkuːdɒs/

kudos

Meaning
Praise and honor received for an achievement.
Example
She received kudos for her excellent performance.
C1 adjective ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv

counterproductive

Meaning
Having the opposite of the desired effect; tending to hinder rather than help.
Example
Counterproductive activities often stem from dissatisfaction.
C1 verb /ˈɔːstrəˌsaɪz/

ostracize

Meaning
to exclude someone from a group or society; to banish or shun
Example
After the scandal, he was ostracized by his former colleagues.
C1 noun /məˈleɪz/

malaise

Meaning
a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify
Example
After the long journey, she felt a general malaise.
C1 verb /ˈkʌvət/

covet

Meaning
to desire something belonging to someone else
Example
He coveted his neighbor's new car.
C1 adjective /ˈskrɔːni/

scrawny

Meaning
very thin and bony, often looking unhealthy
Example
The scrawny boy could barely lift the heavy bag.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɪzəbl/

divisible

Meaning
Capable of being divided by another number without leaving a remainder.
Example
Twelve is divisible by three and four.
C1 adverb /ˈpiːs.miːl/

Piecemeal

Meaning
done or made gradually, one piece at a time; fragmentary; unsystematic
Example
The renovation was done piecemeal over several years due to budget constraints.
C1 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈliːt/

obsolete

Meaning
No longer in use or out of date.
Example
Floppy disks are now completely obsolete.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbɛl.ɪʃ/

embellish

Meaning
To make something more attractive by adding decorative details or exaggerating.
Example
He tends to embellish stories to make them more interesting.
C1 noun /ˈhæv.ək/

Havoc

Meaning
widespread destruction; great confusion or disorder; chaos
Example
The hurricane wreaked havoc on the coastal towns, destroying homes and businesses.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈvaɪəbl/

unviable

Meaning
Not capable of working successfully; not feasible or practical.
Example
The project was deemed unviable due to high costs.
C1 adjective /ˈzɛsti/

zesty

Meaning
Having a strong, pleasant, and somewhat spicy flavor; full of energy and enthusiasm.
Example
The dish had a zesty flavor that everyone loved.
C1 verb /bɪˈɡrʌdʒ/

begrudge

Meaning
to resent someone for having something; to give reluctantly
Example
She did not begrudge him his success.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜː.mə.ti/

Infirmity

Meaning
physical or mental weakness; a disease or ailment; frailty
Example
Despite his advanced age and various infirmities, he remained mentally sharp and alert.
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.
C1 verb /fɔːˈbɛər/

forbear

Meaning
To refrain from doing something; to show patience or self-control.
Example
She forbore from commenting on his mistake.
C1 noun /ˈmʌltɪtuːd/

multitude

Meaning
A large number of people or things.
Example
A multitude of fans gathered at the stadium.
C1 adjective /dɪˈpreɪvd/

depraved

Meaning
morally corrupt or wicked
Example
The film depicts the life of a depraved criminal.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪtəm/ or /ˈdætəm/

datum

Meaning
a single piece of information; a fact used as a basis for reasoning or calculation
Example
Each datum in the survey was carefully analyzed.
C1 noun /hjuːˈmɪl.ɪ.ti/

humility

Meaning
The quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance.
Example
She accepted the award with grace and humility.
C1 noun /ˈhɒrəˌskoʊp/

horoscope

Meaning
A forecast of a person's future based on the positions of the stars and planets at their birth.
Example
She read her horoscope every morning to see what the stars predicted.
C1 verb /ˌpoʊstˈdeɪt/

postdate

Meaning
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
Example
She postdated the check to next month.
C1 adjective /əˈɡæst/

aghast

Meaning
filled with shock or horror
Example
The audience was aghast at the tragic scene.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɒtɪk/

erotic

Meaning
relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement
Example
The novel contained several erotic scenes.
C1 noun /kənˈveɪəns/

conveyance

Meaning
The action or process of transporting or carrying someone or something from one place to another.
Example
The conveyance of goods was delayed due to bad weather.
C1 verb /ˈræŋɡl̩/

wrangle

Meaning
to argue or dispute noisily or angrily
Example
The two neighbors wrangled over the property line for hours.
C1 adjective ˈkrɪp.tɪk

cryptic

Meaning
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; difficult to understand.
Example
The message was cryptic and hard to decipher.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnsjʊlət/

consulate

Meaning
the building or office where a consul works
Example
He went to the consulate to renew his visa.
C1 noun /əbˈdʒɛktər/

objector

Meaning
a person who expresses opposition or disapproval to something
Example
The objector raised his concerns during the town meeting.
C1 noun ˈsɪnədʒi

synergy

Meaning
The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Example
The synergy between the two companies led to a successful partnership.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.ʃɒt/

Upshot

Meaning
the final result or outcome of a series of events; conclusion
Example
The upshot of the meeting was a decision to postpone the project.
C1 verb /ˈplʌm.ɪt/

plummet

Meaning
to fall straight down at high speed
Example
Stock prices plummeted after the sudden market crash.
C1 adjective /ˌæl.ɡəˈrɪð.mɪk/

algorithmic

Meaning
Based on or using algorithms; relating to mathematical rules or procedures.
Example
Algorithmic processes power artificial intelligence systems.
C1 noun stɔːrm ɪnˌtensɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

storm intensification

Meaning
The process by which storms become stronger and more severe in intensity.
Example
Storm intensification is linked to climate change.
C1 noun /əˈlʌmnəs/

alumnus

Meaning
a former student or graduate of a school, college, or university
Example
He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
C1 noun /ˈælɪɡəri/

allegory

Meaning
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, often moral or political
Example
The novel is an allegory of the struggle between good and evil.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntɪˌliːtər/

centiliter

Meaning
A metric unit of capacity equal to one hundredth of a liter.
Example
The recipe calls for 20 centiliters of milk.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
C1 noun /ˈblʌdˌbæθ/

bloodbath

Meaning
an event in which a lot of people are killed or injured, especially in a violent conflict
Example
The war turned into a bloody bloodbath.
C1 noun /ʃeɪl/

shale

Meaning
a fine-grained sedimentary rock that can be split into thin layers
Example
The region is rich in shale and natural gas deposits.
C1 verb /ˈseɪ.vər/

savor

Meaning
To enjoy something completely, especially by dwelling on it.
Example
He savored every bite of the delicious cake.
C1 adjective /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/

subterranean

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.
Example
Subterranean water sources help sustain agriculture.
C1 noun əbˈzɔːrp.ʃən

absorption

Meaning
The process or action by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.
Example
Plants help in the absorption of carbon dioxide.
C1 verb /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrt/

disconcert

Meaning
To unsettle, confuse, or disturb the composure of someone.
Example
The sudden change of plans disconcerted the team.
C1 adjective /ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk/

apathetic

Meaning
showing or feeling little or no interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Example
He was apathetic about the outcome of the match.
C1 noun ˌriː.pɚˈkʌʃ.ənz

repercussions

Meaning
The unintended consequences or effects of an action or event.
Example
The new policy had unintended repercussions on the economy.
C1 noun /æbˈstrækʃən/

abstraction

Meaning
the process of forming general ideas by removing specific details; an abstract concept or idea
Example
Abstraction allows complex ideas to be represented in a simplified form.
C1 adjective, noun /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri/

auxiliary

Meaning
(adjective) providing supplementary or additional help and support; (noun) a person or thing that provides auxiliary support
Example
The hospital has an auxiliary power generator in case of emergencies.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ləs/

pitiless

Meaning
showing no pity or compassion; cruel
Example
The pitiless ruler ignored the suffering of his people.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪzeɪʃən/

personalization

Meaning
The action of making something personal or individual; customization.
Example
Personalization in marketing improves customer engagement.
C1 noun /ˈzeɪni/

Zany

Meaning
amusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic; a comical person; foolishly playful
Example
He has a zany sense of humor that makes everyone laugh.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːlsɪfaɪ/

falsify

Meaning
to make something false or to misrepresent
Example
He tried to falsify the documents to avoid taxes.
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 adjective /ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/

unassuming

Meaning
Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.
Example
Despite his success, he remained unassuming and humble.
C1 noun /ˈpɛdɪɡriː/

pedigree

Meaning
the recorded ancestry or lineage of a person, family, or animal; the history or origin of something
Example
The dog has a pedigree that traces back several generations.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːri/

Saree

Meaning
a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from South Asia
Example
She looked elegant in her red silk saree at the festival.
C1 noun /əˈluːʒən/

allusion

Meaning
An indirect reference to something without mentioning it explicitly.
Example
Her story contained an allusion to a famous myth.