Taint
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C1 noun /teɪnt/

Taint

Meaning
a stain or mark that spoils something; corruption or contamination
Example
The scandal left a permanent taint on his reputation.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.mən/

Layman

Meaning
a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject
Example
The doctor explained the procedure in layman's terms.
C1 verb /eɪl/

ail

Meaning
to be ill or suffer from a physical or mental problem; to trouble or afflict
Example
She has been ailing since last winter.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.laɪt/

Limelight

Meaning
the focus of public attention; a bright light produced by heating a cylinder of lime
Example
The celebrity enjoyed being in the limelight.
C1 adjective /ˈtækt.ləs/

tactless

Meaning
showing a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others
Example
His tactless remark embarrassed everyone at the meeting.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspæns/

expanse

Meaning
a wide, open area of land, sea, or sky
Example
The desert is a vast expanse of sand and rock.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.tɜːn/

upturn

Meaning
An improvement or upward trend in a situation, especially in business or economy.
Example
The company experienced an upturn in sales last quarter.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪ.ɡən/

Pagan

Meaning
a person holding religious beliefs other than the main world religions; a heathen
Example
Ancient Romans considered early Christians to be pagans.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌldʒənt/

indulgent

Meaning
Having a tendency to be overly generous or lenient with someone.
Example
The indulgent mother allowed her child to stay up late.
C1 noun /ˈɡæloʊz/

gallows

Meaning
A structure used for hanging criminals who have been sentenced to death.
Example
The criminal was led to the gallows at dawn.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːrmjuˈteɪʃən/

permutation

Meaning
An arrangement or reordering of elements, often in mathematics or logic.
Example
The puzzle can be solved by trying all possible permutations of the tiles.
C1 noun /ˈrɛnɪˌɡeɪd/

renegade

Meaning
a person who deserts or betrays an organization, country, or principles
Example
He was labeled a renegade after leaving the party and criticizing its policies.
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 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 noun /krʌtʃ/

crutch

Meaning
a support used by someone injured to walk; also something relied upon for support or help
Example
He had to use crutches after breaking his leg.
C1 noun /ˈæb.stɪ.nəns/

abstinence

Meaning
the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol or sex
Example
His doctor advised abstinence from alcohol for better health.
C1 noun /ˈɛksədəs/

exodus

Meaning
A mass departure of people from a place.
Example
There was a sudden exodus of workers after the strike began.
C1 adjective /ˈfruːt.ləs/

Fruitless

Meaning
unsuccessful; futile; pointless;
Example
After hours of searching, their efforts proved fruitless.
C1 verb /əˈprɛs/

oppress

Meaning
to keep someone down by harsh and unfair use of authority; to suppress
Example
The dictator oppressed the people for decades.
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 /ˈpær.ə.kiːt/

Parakeet

Meaning
a small colorful parrot with a long tail, often kept as a pet
Example
The green parakeet learned to say hello.
C1 noun /ˈɛmbləm/

emblem

Meaning
A symbolic object, design, or figure representing an idea, group, or identity.
Example
The dove is an emblem of peace.
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 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 noun /ˈdʒækˌfruːt/

Jackfruit

Meaning
a large tropical fruit with a spiky exterior and sweet flesh inside
Example
The jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world.
C1 verb /ɪmˈbɛd/

imbed

Meaning
To fix firmly or deeply in a surrounding mass.
Example
The journalist imbedded himself with the troops to report firsthand.
C1 adjective /ˈkjʊərəbl/

curable

Meaning
Able to be cured or healed.
Example
The doctor assured her that the disease was curable.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈθrɔː.lɪŋ/

enthralling

Meaning
Captivating and holding one's attention completely; fascinating.
Example
The movie was enthralling, keeping the audience engaged till the end.
C1 noun ˈsɒl.vən.si

solvency

Meaning
The possession of assets in excess of liabilities; ability to pay debts.
Example
The company's solvency improved after restructuring.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪl.hɑːrˈmɒn.ɪk/

philharmonic

Meaning
relating to a symphony orchestra or its music
Example
The philharmonic orchestra performed a stunning rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
C1 verb prəˈpel

propel

Meaning
To drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forward.
Example
Lack of proper guidance can propel adolescents toward delinquency.
C1 verb /dɪˈpliːt/

deplete

Meaning
to reduce the quantity or supply of something
Example
The long war has depleted the country's resources.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈriːtʃ/

overreach

Meaning
to go beyond what is proper, acceptable, or achievable; to overextend
Example
The politician overreached by making promises he couldn't keep.
C1 noun /ˈruː.bi/

Ruby

Meaning
a precious red gemstone; a deep red variety of corundum
Example
The ruby ring was her most treasured possession.
C1 adjective /ˈstrɪndʒənt/

stringent

Meaning
strict, precise, and exacting
Example
The government imposed stringent measures during the crisis.
C1 verb /mɔːrf/

morph

Meaning
to change smoothly from one form, shape, or character into another
Example
The caterpillar will morph into a butterfly.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒnvɛks/

convex

Meaning
curved or rounded outward
Example
The lens has a convex shape to focus light.
C1 verb /ɪɡˈzɔːlt/

exalt

Meaning
to praise highly or raise in rank, honor, or power
Example
The community exalted the teacher for his dedication.
C1 adjective /trænsˈluːsənt/

translucent

Meaning
allowing light to pass through, but not clearly enough to see detailed images
Example
She placed the flower in a translucent vase.
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 noun /poʊˈlær.ɪ.ti/

polarity

Meaning
the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects
Example
The polarity between the two political parties is growing stronger.
C1 adjective /əˈblɪɡ.ə.tɔː.ri/

obligatory

Meaning
Required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.
Example
Wearing a seatbelt is obligatory in most countries.
C1 adjective ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs

unscrupulous

Meaning
Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.
Example
Unscrupulous peers can lead adolescents to delinquency.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈneɪtl/

antenatal

Meaning
Relating to the medical care and treatment given to a pregnant woman before the birth of her child.
Example
She attended regular antenatal checkups throughout her pregnancy.
C1 verb /ˈmɑːrʃəl/

marshal

Meaning
To arrange or organize people, events, or resources in an orderly way.
Example
The teacher marshaled the students for the field trip.
C1 noun rɪˈfaɪnmənt

refinement

Meaning
The process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.
Example
His manners showed a refinement that made him stand out in any crowd.
C1 noun /ˈɔːrkɪd/

Orchid

Meaning
a diverse family of flowering plants known for their exotic and often fragrant flowers
Example
The white orchid on the windowsill bloomed for months.
C1 adjective /məˈdʒen.tə/

Magenta

Meaning
a bright purplish-red color
Example
She wore a beautiful magenta dress to the party.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfjuːz/

infuse

Meaning
to fill or spread through something; to instill a quality, idea, or feeling
Example
The teacher tried to infuse her students with a love for reading.
C1 noun /ˈtraɪæd/

triad

Meaning
a group of three closely related people or things
Example
The project was managed by a triad of experts.
C1 noun ɪˌræd.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

eradication

Meaning
The complete destruction or elimination of something unwanted.
Example
Carbon eradication is a key goal of the project.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/

unwavering

Meaning
Steady or resolute; not wavering.
Example
He showed unwavering dedication to his goal.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
C1 noun /ˌkɑːr.diˈɒl.ə.dʒɪst/

cardiologist

Meaning
A doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating heart diseases.
Example
She made an appointment with a cardiologist for her chest pain.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˈpleɪs/

misplace

Meaning
To put something in the wrong location and temporarily lose it.
Example
I often misplace my keys when I am in a hurry.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɛn.zid/

frenzied

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

brine

Meaning
Water saturated with salt, often used for preserving food.
Example
The olives were stored in brine to keep them fresh.
C1 verb /ˈɛkstrɪkeɪt/

extricate

Meaning
To free someone or something from a constraint or difficulty.
Example
The firefighters extricated the passengers from the wrecked car.
C1 noun /ˌɪntərˈmɪʃən/

intermission

Meaning
A pause or break, especially during a performance or event.
Example
The play had a twenty-minute intermission.
C1 noun /ˈɑːrmfʊl/

armful

Meaning
As much as can be carried in one or both arms.
Example
She carried an armful of books into the library.
C1 noun /prəˈpraɪəti/

propriety

Meaning
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality.
Example
He always behaved with the utmost propriety in public.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːrəɡət/

surrogate

Meaning
A substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office.
Example
The surrogate mother gave birth to the child after carrying it for nine months.
C1 adjective səˈsaɪ.ə.təl

societal

Meaning
Relating to society or social relationships.
Example
Societal benefits of space tourism are under debate.
C1 verb /ˈkænvəs/

canvass

Meaning
to solicit votes or opinions; to examine thoroughly; to discuss in detail
Example
They will canvass the neighborhood for votes.
C1 adjective /ɔːˌθɒr.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/

authoritarian

Meaning
Demanding absolute obedience to authority; excessively controlling or strict in governance.
Example
Authoritarian parenting often limits a child's independence.
C1 adjective /ɪˈledʒ.ə.bəl/

illegible

Meaning
Not clear enough to be read; unreadable.
Example
The doctor’s handwriting was almost illegible.
C1 noun /ədˈhɪə.rəns/

adherence

Meaning
The practice of following or keeping to a rule, standard, or belief.
Example
Adherence to rules is crucial in any organization.
C1 noun ˌfɜːr.tɪ.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

fertilization

Meaning
The process of adding nutrients to soil to increase crop productivity.
Example
Organic fertilization enhances soil health.
C1 noun prɪˈzɜː.və.tɪvz

preservatives

Meaning
A substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay.
Example
Many processed foods contain harmful preservatives.
C1 noun /ˌrɛspɪˈreɪʃən/

respiration

Meaning
The process of breathing or the exchange of gases in living organisms.
Example
Respiration is essential for all living beings.
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 adjective /ˈpʌlməˌneri/

pulmonary

Meaning
relating to the lungs
Example
The patient suffered from a serious pulmonary infection.
C1 noun /diːˈkrɪp.ʃən/

decryption

Meaning
The process of converting encrypted data back into its original form so it can be understood.
Example
Hackers attempted decryption of classified data.
C1 verb /ˈpæs.ɪ.faɪ/

pacify

Meaning
To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of someone.
Example
The mother tried to pacify her crying child.
C1 noun ˈmiːdiə ˈdɒmɪnəns

media dominance

Meaning
The control and powerful influence that media has over communication and information distribution in society.
Example
The internet has enhanced media dominance globally.
C1 noun /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
C1 adjective /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/

exhilarating

Meaning
Making someone feel very excited, happy, or thrilled.
Example
Skydiving was the most exhilarating experience of his life.
C1 verb /sərˈmaɪz/

surmise

Meaning
to suppose something is true without having evidence
Example
She surmised that he was not coming to the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərət/

inconsiderate

Meaning
Thoughtless; showing a lack of concern for others.
Example
It was inconsiderate of him to play loud music late at night.
C1 noun /rɪˈspɒnsɪvnəs/

responsiveness

Meaning
The quality of reacting quickly and positively
Example
The manager appreciated her responsiveness to customer feedback.
C1 noun /ˈnɒs.trɪl/

Nostril

Meaning
either of the two openings in the nose through which air passes
Example
The doctor checked each nostril for any blockage.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəkˈnɒlɪdʒd/

unacknowledged

Meaning
Not recognized, admitted, or accepted; ignored or unnoticed
Example
Her contributions to the project went unacknowledged.
C1 noun /kɑst/

Caste

Meaning
a social class system; a hereditary class of Hindu society
Example
The ancient caste system divided society into different social groups.
C1 noun /ˈtʌrɪt/

turret

Meaning
A small tower on top of a larger tower or building, often used in castles or fortifications.
Example
The castle was guarded by soldiers stationed in the turret.
C1 noun/verb /fliːs/

fleece

Meaning
The woolly covering of a sheep; as a verb, to swindle or cheat someone.
Example
The farmer sheared the sheep’s fleece carefully.
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 adjective /əˈɡrɛəriən/

agrarian

Meaning
Related to farming, agriculture, or rural land.
Example
The country’s economy is still largely agrarian.
C1 noun /ˌæbəˈrɪdʒəniːz/

aborigines

Meaning
The original inhabitants of a land, especially in Australia.
Example
The aborigines have preserved their traditions for thousands of years.
C1 adjective /ˈɑp.ər.ə.tɪv/

Operative

Meaning
Functioning; in effect; working; active;
Example
The new safety protocols became operative immediately after the accident.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌstʌdi/

understudy

Meaning
An actor who learns another's role to act as a replacement if needed.
Example
The understudy performed when the lead actor fell ill.
C1 noun /rɪˈnaʊn/

Renown

Meaning
the condition of being known or talked about by many people; fame
Example
The scientist achieved international renown for her discoveries.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdʌkt/

induct

Meaning
to formally admit someone into a position, organization, or office
Example
She was inducted into the university's honor society.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪlfəl/

willful

Meaning
Deliberate, intentional, or stubbornly determined to do as one wants.
Example
Her willful disregard for the rules got her into trouble.
C1 noun /rɪˈmɔːrs/

Remorse

Meaning
deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed; bitter regret for something done
Example
He felt deep remorse for his actions.
C1 adjective prəˈvɪnʃəl

provincial

Meaning
Of or concerning a province of a country or empire.
Example
Bengali was not just a provincial language.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.dɚ/

candor

Meaning
The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.
Example
She spoke with candor about the challenges she faced.
C1 noun /ˈɒn.slɔːt/

onslaught

Meaning
A fierce or destructive attack.
Example
The village faced an onslaught of enemy forces.
C1 verb /blɜːrt/

blurt

Meaning
to say something suddenly without thinking
Example
He blurts out the secret accidentally.
C1 noun /ˈtaɪ.rənt/

Tyrant

Meaning
a cruel and oppressive ruler; a person who exercises power in a harsh manner
Example
The people rebelled against the cruel tyrant.
C1 verb ˌkəʊ.əˈles

coalesce

Meaning
Come together and form one mass or whole; unite to form one organization or group.
Example
The different theories coalesced into one unified idea.
C1 noun /kɔːr/

corps

Meaning
a branch of the military or a group organized for a specific purpose
Example
He joined the army corps after graduation.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/

impediment

Meaning
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; something that prevents progress.
Example
Lack of funds is a major impediment to the project.
C1 noun /ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

cynicism

Meaning
An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism.
Example
His cynicism made it hard for him to trust anyone.
C1 verb /ˈɡlɒs.oʊ.vər/

glossover

Meaning
an informal or non-standard variant of 'gloss over', meaning to ignore or minimize something
Example
He tried to glossover his mistakes during the meeting.
C1 verb bɪˈkwiːð

bequeath

Meaning
Leave something to someone in a will; pass down or hand down to the next generation.
Example
The scientist bequeathed his research papers to the university.
C1 noun /ˈkæv.əl.ri/

Cavalry

Meaning
soldiers who fight on horseback; the part of an army formerly composed of troops on horseback
Example
The cavalry charged across the field with great speed.
C1 noun /ˈraɪtʃəsnəs/

righteousness

Meaning
the quality of being morally right or justifiable
Example
His life was dedicated to righteousness and truth.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜːrnoʊ/

inferno

Meaning
a large, intense fire that is dangerously out of control
Example
The building turned into an inferno within minutes.
C1 noun /koʊˈhɪr.əns/

coherence

Meaning
The quality of being logical and consistent; forming a unified whole.
Example
The essay lacked coherence, making it hard to follow.
C1 adjective /ɡrəˈtjuːɪtəs/

gratuitous

Meaning
Unnecessary, unwarranted, or given freely without reason or cause.
Example
The movie was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
C1 noun /ɒpˈtɒmətri/

optometry

Meaning
The practice or profession of examining the eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Example
She studied optometry at the university to become an eye specialist.
C1 verb /kənˈtɛkstʃuəlaɪz/

contextualize

Meaning
to place something in a context or interpret it in relation to its surroundings
Example
The teacher contextualized the historical event to make it more relevant for students.
C1 adjective /trænsˈfɜːrəbəl/

Transferable

Meaning
able to be moved from one place to another; able to be given to someone else
Example
The skills you learn here are transferable to other jobs.
C1 adverb /əˈfrɛʃ/

afresh

Meaning
From the beginning, in a new way.
Example
After the failure, they started the project afresh.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnˈpɑr.də.nə.bəl/

Unpardonable

Meaning
too bad to be forgiven; inexcusable
Example
His betrayal of trust was an unpardonable offense.
C1 verb /ˈmedɪkeɪt/

medicate

Meaning
to treat with medicine; to give drugs to someone for medical purposes
Example
The doctor will medicate the patient to reduce inflammation.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈmɑːrʃən/

martian

Meaning
Related to the planet Mars; or an imaginary being from Mars.
Example
The movie showed a Martian visiting Earth.
C1 verb /rɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/

regenerate

Meaning
to grow or produce again; to renew or restore
Example
The lizard can regenerate its lost tail.
C1 noun /ˈlɔː.meɪ.kər/

Lawmaker

Meaning
a person who writes and passes laws, especially a member of a legislative body
Example
The lawmakers voted on the new education bill.
C1 adjective /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/

Trifling

Meaning
of little importance; trivial; insignificant
Example
Don't worry about such trifling matters.