taper
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C1 verb /ˈteɪpər/

taper

Meaning
To gradually decrease in width, thickness, or intensity.
Example
The road tapers off as it reaches the mountains.
C1 adverb /ˌðeərəˈpɒn/

Thereupon

Meaning
immediately after that; following that event
Example
He finished his speech and thereupon left the stage.
C1 noun /təˈlɛfəni/

telephony

Meaning
the technology and systems for transmitting voice over distances by telephone
Example
Modern telephony has evolved to include internet-based calls.
C1 noun /ˈtem.pər.ə.mənt/

Temperament

Meaning
a person's natural disposition or mood; characteristic behavior patterns
Example
She has a calm temperament that helps her handle stress well.
C1 noun /ˈtres.pæs.ər/

Trespasser

Meaning
a person who enters someone's property without permission
Example
The security guard caught the trespasser climbing over the fence.
C1 noun /ˈtrɛʒərər/

treasurer

Meaning
a person responsible for managing the financial affairs of an organization
Example
The treasurer presented the annual financial report.
C1 adjective /ˈtæŋ.i/

tangy

Meaning
Having a strong, sharp, and pleasantly biting flavor or taste.
Example
The sauce had a tangy flavor that brightened the dish.
C1 adjective /ˈtɔːrtʃuəs/

tortuous

Meaning
Full of twists and turns; excessively complex or complicated.
Example
The tortuous mountain road made driving very difficult.
C1 adjective /ˈteɪn.tɪd/

Tainted

Meaning
contaminated or affected by something bad or undesirable
Example
The water supply was tainted with harmful chemicals.
C1 verb /trəˈvɜːrs/

traverse

Meaning
To travel across or through something.
Example
They traversed the desert on camels.
C1 adjective /θiːˈmætɪk/

thematic

Meaning
Relating to or based on a theme.
Example
The book is organized into thematic chapters.
C1 verb /ˈtæn.tə.laɪz/

tantalize

Meaning
To tease or torment someone with the promise of something desirable but unattainable.
Example
The aroma of the bakery tantalized the hungry children.
C1 noun /ˈtræpɪŋz/

trappings

Meaning
the outward signs, features, or objects associated with a role, event, or status
Example
The king appeared with all the trappings of royalty.
C1 noun /ˌtɒləˈreɪʃən/

toleration

Meaning
The practice of allowing something that one does not necessarily agree with.
Example
The government promoted religious toleration.
C1 noun /ˈθɪk.ɪt/

Thicket

Meaning
a dense group of bushes or trees; a thick growth of shrubs
Example
The rabbit disappeared into the thicket.
C1 noun /ˈtrævɪsti/

travesty

Meaning
A false, absurd, or distorted representation of something.
Example
The trial was a travesty of justice.
C1 noun /ˌtes.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Testimonial

Meaning
a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications
Example
The professor wrote a glowing testimonial for her former student.
C1 noun /ˈtæbloʊ/

tableau

Meaning
a striking or artistic scene or arrangement of people or objects, often presented on stage or in art
Example
The actors froze in a tableau that captured the final moment of the play.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪb.jə.ter.i/

Tributary

Meaning
a river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake
Example
The tributary joins the main river near the city.
C1 adjective /trænˈsen.dənt/

transcendent

Meaning
Beyond or above the range of normal or merely physical human experience.
Example
His art has a transcendent quality.
C1 noun /ˈten.jər/

Tenure

Meaning
the period of time during which someone holds an office or position
Example
During his tenure as CEO, the company expanded globally.
C1 noun /ˈtɛnər/

tenor

Meaning
the general meaning, drift, or character of something; a male singing voice between baritone and alto
Example
The overall tenor of his speech was hopeful and reassuring.
C1 noun /ˈtraɪ.fəl/

Trifle

Meaning
something of little importance or value; a small amount
Example
Don't worry about such a trifle; it's not worth your time.
C1 noun /traɪˈbjuːnəl/

tribunal

Meaning
a court of justice or body established to settle disputes
Example
The case was heard in an international tribunal.
C1 noun /tɑːrˈpɔːlɪn/

tarpaulin

Meaning
A large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant material used for covering or protecting things.
Example
The workers used a tarpaulin to cover the construction materials from rain.
C1 noun /ˈtriːzən/

Treason

Meaning
the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government
Example
He was accused of treason against the state.
C1 adjective /traɪt/

trite

Meaning
Overused and lacking originality.
Example
The speech was full of trite phrases.
C1 adjective /ˌtaɪpəˈɡræfɪkəl/

typographical

Meaning
relating to the style, arrangement, or appearance of printed text
Example
There was a typographical error in the book.
C1 noun /ˈtæn.dəm/

Tandem

Meaning
a bicycle built for two riders, one behind the other
Example
The couple enjoyed riding their tandem bicycle through the park.
C1 noun/verb /ˈtʌtʃ.ʌp/

touch-up

Meaning
Small corrections or improvements made to something.
Example
The artist gave a quick touch-up to the painting.
C1 verb /trʌdʒ/

trudge

Meaning
To walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or harsh conditions.
Example
They had to trudge through the snow to reach the village.
C1 verb, noun /træmp/

tramp

Meaning
to walk heavily or noisily; a person who travels from place to place on foot, often homeless
Example
They tramped through the forest in heavy boots.
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 noun /ˈtʌɡboʊt/

tugboat

Meaning
a small, powerful boat used for towing or pushing ships
Example
The tugboat guided the massive ship safely into the harbor.
C1 adjective /ˈtæksɪŋ/

taxing

Meaning
Requiring a lot of effort; physically or mentally demanding.
Example
Preparing for the exam was a taxing experience.
C1 noun /twɪt/

Twit

Meaning
a silly or foolish person; to tease or make fun of someone
Example
Don't be such a twit and listen carefully.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛn.ju.əs/

tenuous

Meaning
Very weak, thin, or slight; lacking a strong basis.
Example
The evidence against him is quite tenuous.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænziənt/

Transient

Meaning
lasting for only a short time; temporary
Example
The beauty of spring flowers is transient.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪviə/

trivia

Meaning
Details or information that are considered unimportant or of little value.
Example
The quiz was filled with fun trivia about movies and music.
C1 adjective /ˈtækt.fəl/

Tactful

Meaning
showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or difficult situations
Example
He gave a tactful response to avoid hurting her feelings.
C1 noun /trænsˈɡrɛʃən/

transgression

Meaning
an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; a violation or sin
Example
The court forgave his first transgression but warned him not to repeat it.
C1 adjective /ˈtrɛtʃərəs/

treacherous

Meaning
Dangerously unstable or deceptive; likely to betray trust.
Example
The treacherous road made driving difficult.
C1 noun /ˈtɜː.mɔɪl/

turmoil

Meaning
A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
Example
The political turmoil led to mass protests.
C1 noun /ˈtrænsfərəns/

transference

Meaning
The act of moving something from one place, person, or situation to another.
Example
The transference of knowledge is essential in education.
C1 noun /ˈtɛnɪt/

tenet

Meaning
a principle, belief, or doctrine held to be true
Example
Honesty is a central tenet of their philosophy.
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 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 verb /ˈtɑːtər/

totter

Meaning
To move unsteadily, as if about to fall; to be on the point of collapse.
Example
The old man tottered across the street with a cane.
C1 adjective /tjuːˈmʌltʃuəs/

tumultuous

Meaning
Characterized by disorder, noisy excitement, or emotional agitation.
Example
They had a tumultuous relationship full of ups and downs.
C1 noun /təˈræntjʊlə/

tarantula

Meaning
A large hairy spider found in warm regions.
Example
The tarantula crawled across the desert floor.
C1 noun /trækt/

tract

Meaning
an area of land; a system of organs in the body; a written pamphlet
Example
The forest tract was preserved as a wildlife sanctuary.
C1 adjective /ˈtɔːrtʃərəs/

torturous

Meaning
Extremely painful or causing great suffering; relating to or involving torture.
Example
The journey through the desert was long and torturous.
C1 verb /trænsˈɡrɛs/

transgress

Meaning
to go beyond the limits of a moral law, command, or boundary; to sin
Example
He apologized after realizing he had transgressed the community's rules.
C1 verb trænˈsɛnd

transcend

Meaning
To go beyond the limits of something; to surpass or exceed
Example
His effort to transcend traditional methods was commendable.
C1 noun /tɪnt/

tint

Meaning
a slight shade or variation of a color
Example
The walls were painted white with a slight blue tint.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈʌv/

Thereof

Meaning
of that; from that
Example
The contract and all amendments thereof must be signed.
C1 noun/verb /θrɒŋ/

throng

Meaning
A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals; to fill or be present in a place in large numbers.
Example
Tourists thronged the streets during the festival.
C1 adjective /tɛmˈpɛstjuəs/

tempestuous

Meaning
Characterized by strong and turbulent emotions or stormy conditions.
Example
Their tempestuous relationship often swung between love and anger.
C1 verb /ˈtiːtər/

teeter

Meaning
to move or balance unsteadily; to wobble
Example
The glass began to teeter on the edge of the table.
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/verb /ˈtæm.pər.ɪŋ/

tampering

Meaning
The action of interfering with something in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations.
Example
Tampering with evidence is a criminal offense.
C1 verb/noun /ˈθrɒt.əl/

throttle

Meaning
To choke or strangle; to control the flow of fuel or power in an engine.
Example
The driver throttled the engine to slow down the car.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛmpərət/

temperate

Meaning
showing moderation or self-restraint; also describing mild climate.
Example
He is known for his temperate behavior even in stressful situations.
C1 noun /taɪˈpɒɡrəfi/

typography

Meaning
the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible and visually appealing
Example
Good typography improves the readability of a website.
C1 noun /ˈtæntrəm/

tantrum

Meaning
An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.
Example
The child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get the toy.
C1 adjective /taɪˈtænɪk/

titanic

Meaning
Of exceptional strength, size, or power.
Example
The company made titanic efforts to expand into new markets.
C1 noun/verb /tæk/

tack

Meaning
a small sharp nail; or to change direction in sailing or approach something differently
Example
She used a tack to pin the paper on the wall.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænzɪtɔːri/

transitory

Meaning
Not permanent; temporary.
Example
The transitory nature of fame makes it difficult to maintain.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪp.lət/

triplet

Meaning
One of three children or animals born at the same time to the same mother.
Example
The family was surprised to have triplets instead of twins.
C1 noun /ˈtɛnəmənt/

tenement

Meaning
a large building divided into separate apartments, often in poor condition
Example
The family lived in a crowded tenement in the city.
C1 noun /tɒŋ/

tong

Meaning
a tool with two movable arms used to pick up and hold objects
Example
He used the tong to pick up the hot coal.
C1 noun /toʊm/

tome

Meaning
a large, heavy book, often scholarly or serious in nature
Example
She spent the afternoon reading an old tome on medieval history.
C1 noun /ˈtɜːrbjələns/

turbulence

Meaning
Violent or unsteady movement of air, water, or some other fluid; disorder or conflict.
Example
The plane experienced severe turbulence during the flight.
C1 noun /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/

trepidation

Meaning
a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen
Example
She opened the letter with some trepidation.
C1 verb /ˈθiːəraɪz/

theorize

Meaning
To form a theory or set of ideas to explain something.
Example
Scientists often theorize about the origins of the universe.
C1 noun trəˈdʒek.tər.i

trajectory

Meaning
The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
Example
The satellite followed its intended trajectory.
C1 adjective /təˈren.ʃəl/

Torrential

Meaning
falling rapidly in copious streams; extremely heavy rainfall
Example
The torrential rain flooded the streets within hours.
C1 noun /ˈθʌroʊˌfɛr/

thoroughfare

Meaning
a main road or public highway that goes through a place
Example
The new mall is located along the main thoroughfare.
C1 noun /trænsˈfjuːʒən/

transfusion

Meaning
the process of transferring blood or another fluid into a person's vein
Example
The patient received a blood transfusion after the accident.
C1 adjective /ˈθrɪfti/

thrifty

Meaning
using money and resources carefully and not wastefully
Example
She is very thrifty and always saves money for the future.
C1 noun /træns/

trance

Meaning
a half-conscious state like dreaming, often with loss of awareness of surroundings
Example
She stared out of the window as if in a trance.
C1 noun /ˈtiːdiəm/

tedium

Meaning
the state of being tedious; monotony or boredom
Example
The tedium of long meetings often drains motivation.
C1 noun /taɪˈkuːn/

tycoon

Meaning
a wealthy, powerful businessperson
Example
The real estate tycoon invested in several skyscrapers.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪnɪti/

trinity

Meaning
a group of three closely related things; in Christianity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Example
The museum’s exhibit focused on a trinity of themes: memory, identity, and power.
C1 noun /truːs/

truce

Meaning
An agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting for a certain time.
Example
The two countries agreed to a truce after weeks of intense fighting.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛsti/

testy

Meaning
Easily irritated or annoyed.
Example
He became testy when asked the same question repeatedly.
C1 verb /ˈtæmpər/

tamper

Meaning
To interfere with something in a harmful, unauthorized, or improper way.
Example
The evidence was tampered with before the trial.
C1 adjective /ˌθiːəˈlɒdʒɪkl/

theological

Meaning
Relating to the study of theology or religious belief.
Example
He wrote a theological paper on the concept of divine justice.
C1 adverb /ˈðɛərfɔːr/

therefor

Meaning
For that or for it.
Example
He received payment and gave a receipt therefor.
C1 verb /ˈtræŋ.kwɪ.laɪz/

tranquilize

Meaning
to make someone or something calm or less anxious, often by using drugs
Example
The veterinarian had to tranquilize the tiger before moving it.
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 verb /tiːm/

teem

Meaning
to be full of or swarming with
Example
The forest teems with wildlife.
C1 noun /twɪndʒ/

twinge

Meaning
a sudden, sharp pain or an emotional pang
Example
He felt a twinge of guilt after lying to his friend.
C1 adjective /ˌtræn.zətˈlæn.tɪk/

transatlantic

Meaning
crossing or spanning the Atlantic Ocean
Example
They took a transatlantic flight from New York to London.
C1 noun /ˈtæn.ər/

tanner

Meaning
A person whose job is to tan animal hides to make leather.
Example
The tanner worked long hours to produce fine leather.
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 adjective /ˈtrænzvɜːrs/

transverse

Meaning
situated or lying across something
Example
The transverse road connects two highways.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛlˌteɪl/

telltale

Meaning
Revealing something that is usually hidden; giving away a secret or clue.
Example
The telltale signs of fatigue were visible on his face.
C1 noun /ˈtæm.ər.ɪnd/

Tamarind

Meaning
a brown tropical fruit with a tangy, sour taste used in cooking and beverages
Example
Tamarind is commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines for its sour flavor.
C1 verb /taʊt/

tout

Meaning
to promote, praise, or advertise aggressively
Example
The company touted its new product as a game-changer.
C1 noun /ˈtem.pɪst/

Tempest

Meaning
a violent storm with strong winds; a state of great disturbance or tumult
Example
The sailors struggled to navigate through the fierce tempest.
C1 verb /ˈtɪpɪfaɪ/

typify

Meaning
to represent or be a typical example of something
Example
His leadership style typifies the new corporate culture.
C1 adjective /ˌtɒpsi ˈtɜːvi/

topsy-turvy

Meaning
in a state of confusion, disorder, or upside down
Example
The sudden announcement left the office in a topsy-turvy state.
C1 noun /trɔːf/

trough

Meaning
A long, narrow container from which animals eat or drink; also, a low point between waves or in business cycles.
Example
The cows drank water from the wooden trough.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛrəˈbaʊt/

thereabout

Meaning
Approximately or around that place, amount, or time.
Example
The repairs will cost five hundred dollars or thereabout.
C1 adjective /ˈtɜːrnkiː/

turnkey

Meaning
ready for immediate use; a complete product or solution
Example
The company provides turnkey solutions for small businesses.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈɪn/

Therein

Meaning
in that place; in that respect
Example
The box contains many treasures, and therein lies its value.
C1 verb /trænˈskraɪb/

transcribe

Meaning
to make a written copy of spoken words or notes
Example
The secretary transcribed the meeting minutes.
C1 noun ˌtraɪ.bjuˈnæl əv ˈdʒʌs.tɪs

tribunal of justice

Meaning
A court of justice or judicial body that settles disputes or tries offenses.
Example
The Tribunal of Justice started the hearings promptly.
C1 adjective /ˈtæntəmaʊnt/

tantamount

Meaning
Equivalent in seriousness or effect; virtually the same as.
Example
His refusal to speak was tantamount to an admission of guilt.
C1 noun /ˈtrɛmər/

tremor

Meaning
a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or in the ground
Example
A small tremor was felt before the earthquake.
C1 noun /ˈtæl.i/

Tally

Meaning
a count or record of a number or amount; a score or total
Example
Keep a tally of how many books you read this month.
C1 verb θwɔːt

thwart

Meaning
Prevent (someone) from accomplishing something; oppose successfully.
Example
His efforts to thwart the proposal were unsuccessful.
C1 noun /ˌtrænsˈpɪəreɪʃən/

transpiration

Meaning
The process by which plants lose water through their leaves, which plays a crucial role in plant cooling, nutrient transport, and the water cycle.
Example
Transpiration plays a key role in the water cycle and plant growth.
C1 noun /ˌtæm.bəˈriːn/

Tambourine

Meaning
a small drum with metal discs around the edge that jingle when shaken or hit
Example
She shook the tambourine to the rhythm of the music.
C1 noun /tiː ˈstreɪnər/

Tea-strainer

Meaning
a small perforated device used to strain tea leaves from brewed tea
Example
I always use a tea-strainer when pouring tea into cups.
C1 noun /ˈtruː.ənt/

Truant

Meaning
a student who stays away from school without permission; a person who shirks duty
Example
The principal called the parents when their child was caught playing truant.
C1 adjective /ˈtɪp.tɒp/

Tiptop

Meaning
of the highest quality; excellent; in perfect condition
Example
The car is in tiptop condition.
C1 adjective /ˌtræn.senˈdɛn.təl/

transcendental

Meaning
relating to the spiritual or non-physical realm; surpassing ordinary experience
Example
Meditation can lead to transcendental experiences.
C1 noun /təˈlɛpəθi/

telepathy

Meaning
the supposed communication of thoughts or ideas by means other than the known senses
Example
The twins claimed to share telepathy with each other.
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.