taut
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C1 adjective /tɔːt/

taut

Meaning
stretched or pulled tight; tense
Example
The rope was pulled taut between the two poles.
C1 verb /dɪˈtrækt/

detract

Meaning
To reduce or take away the worth or value of something.
Example
His rude behavior will detract from his good reputation.
C1 noun kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈsɜːrvɪs aɪˈdiːəlz

community service ideals

Meaning
Principles and standards of serving the community for social good.
Example
Community service ideals must be taught in schools.
C1 noun /ˈrɛzɪn/

resin

Meaning
a sticky organic substance, usually secreted by plants, often used in varnishes or plastics
Example
The craftsman used natural resin to make the sculpture shine.
C1 adjective /rɪˈsɛptɪv/

receptive

Meaning
Willing to listen to or accept new ideas, suggestions, or experiences.
Example
She was receptive to feedback from her colleagues.
C1 adjective /əˈlʊr.ɪŋ/

Alluring

Meaning
attractive and tempting; fascinating
Example
The alluring fragrance of roses filled the garden.
C1 verb /ˈvɪktɪmaɪz/

victimize

Meaning
To make someone a victim, often by treating them unfairly or cruelly.
Example
The corrupt officials victimized the poor villagers.
C1 noun /hoʊks/

Hoax

Meaning
a humorous or malicious deception; something intended to trick or deceive people
Example
The news about aliens landing turned out to be an elaborate hoax created by pranksters.
C1 adjective /smʌɡ/

smug

Meaning
having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
Example
He wore a smug smile after winning the debate.
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 /ˈhɔːr.nət/

Hornet

Meaning
a large wasp that can sting and is often aggressive
Example
The hornet built its nest under the roof.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
C1 noun /ˈwɪzərdri/

wizardry

Meaning
The art or practice of magic; great skill or expertise in something.
Example
The programmer's wizardry amazed everyone in the room.
C1 noun /fjuːd/

feud

Meaning
a prolonged and bitter quarrel or conflict, often between families or groups
Example
The two families have been in a feud for generations.
C1 verb /riːl/

reel

Meaning
to lose balance and stagger; to wind or spin something onto a reel
Example
He reeled backward after being punched.
C1 adjective /moʊˈmentəs/

Momentous

Meaning
of great importance or significance; having far-reaching consequences
Example
The signing of the peace treaty was a momentous occasion for both countries.
C1 noun /dɪˈlɪriəm/

delirium

Meaning
An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
Example
The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication.
C1 noun /ˌɑːr.kəˈpɛl.əˌɡoʊ/

archipelago

Meaning
A group of islands clustered together in a body of water.
Example
Indonesia is an archipelago with thousands of islands.
C1 noun /ˈliːdʒən/

legion

Meaning
a large group of people, especially soldiers; a great number
Example
The Roman army was divided into legions.
C1 noun /ˈbuːt.stræp.ɪŋ/

bootstrapping

Meaning
Starting a business with personal resources or small investments without external funding or venture capital.
Example
Many entrepreneurs rely on bootstrapping to launch their businesses.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæsiəs/

gaseous

Meaning
Relating to or having the form of gas.
Example
Carbon dioxide is a gaseous substance.
C1 noun məˈriːn ˈsɜː.veɪ

marine survey

Meaning
A systematic examination of the sea, seabed, and underwater features for the purpose of making maps or gathering other information.
Example
The marine survey identified the ideal cable routes.
C1 noun /wæɡ/

Wag

Meaning
a humorous or playful person; someone who enjoys joking around
Example
The class wag always made everyone laugh with his clever jokes.
C1 noun ˌmɛtə ˈmɔːfəsɪs

metamorphosis

Meaning
A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
Example
The company's metamorphosis from a small startup to a global leader was remarkable.
C1 noun /ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/

status quo

Meaning
The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.
Example
The government decided to maintain the status quo until further review.
C1 noun ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns

diligence

Meaning
Careful and persistent work or effort.
Example
Success requires patience and diligence.
C1 noun /prəˈtruːʒən/

protrusion

Meaning
Something that sticks out or projects from a surface.
Example
The protrusion on the wall made it difficult to move the furniture.
C1 noun ˈθɜː.məl stres

thermal stress

Meaning
Stress caused by excessive heat that affects plant growth and development.
Example
High thermal stress affects plant growth.
C1 noun /ˈtɒpˌsɔɪl/

topsoil

Meaning
the top layer of soil, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients
Example
Farmers rely on healthy topsoil for good crop yields.
C1 verb /ˈlɪbəreɪt/

liberate

Meaning
to set free from imprisonment, oppression, or restraint
Example
The army liberated the city from enemy control.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.mə.si/

Intimacy

Meaning
close familiarity or friendship; closeness; a private cozy atmosphere
Example
The couple valued the emotional intimacy they shared more than material possessions.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈʌv/

Thereof

Meaning
of that; from that
Example
The contract and all amendments thereof must be signed.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/

painstaking

Meaning
Done with great care and thoroughness.
Example
The artist completed the project with painstaking detail.
C1 adjective /ˌhæpi ɡoʊ ˈlʌki/

happy-go-lucky

Meaning
cheerfully unconcerned about the future; carefree
Example
She has a happy-go-lucky attitude and never worries about tomorrow.
C1 verb /ɪnˈterəˌɡeɪt/

interrogate

Meaning
to ask someone questions in a thorough and formal way; to question intensively
Example
The police interrogated the suspect for hours.
C1 noun /tækˈsɒnəmi/

taxonomy

Meaning
The science or practice of classifying things, especially organisms.
Example
Modern taxonomy helps scientists organize and study biodiversity.
C1 adjective /ˈhiːdləs/

heedless

Meaning
showing a reckless lack of care or attention
Example
He drove with heedless disregard for the rules.
C1 verb /əˈskraɪb/

ascribe

Meaning
To attribute something to a cause, source, or person.
Example
Many scholars ascribe the poem to an unknown author.
C1 noun lɪˈkwɪd.ə.ti

liquidity

Meaning
The availability of liquid assets to a market or company; the ability to convert assets into cash quickly.
Example
Maintaining liquidity is crucial for financial stability.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪsɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/

asymmetrical

Meaning
Having parts that are not the same in size, shape, or arrangement.
Example
She wore an asymmetrical dress that drew everyone’s attention.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæs.tɪ.ti/

Chastity

Meaning
the practice of refraining from extramarital or premarital sexual relations; sexual purity
Example
Many religious traditions value chastity as a virtue of moral purity.
C1 noun /ˈtɜː.mɔɪl/

turmoil

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

attache

Meaning
A person officially assigned to the staff of a diplomatic mission, often with a specific area of responsibility.
Example
The cultural attache organized an art exhibition in the embassy.
C1 noun /ˌjuːθəˈneɪʒə/

euthanasia

Meaning
The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.
Example
The debate about euthanasia raises difficult ethical questions.
C1 verb /ˌɪn.trəˈspekt/

introspect

Meaning
To examine one's own thoughts, feelings, or mental state.
Example
He often introspects before making important decisions.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnhɒˈspɪtəbl/

inhospitable

Meaning
Harsh and difficult to live in; unfriendly or unwelcoming to guests.
Example
The desert is an inhospitable environment for most plants.
C1 noun /sɪˈkluːʒən/

seclusion

Meaning
The state of being private, away from other people.
Example
She spent the weekend in complete seclusion in her cabin.
C1 noun ˈrəʊvə

rover

Meaning
A vehicle for driving over rough terrain, especially one driven by remote control over extraterrestrial terrain.
Example
The rover landed on Mars to begin its exploration.
C1 noun /ˈves.tɪdʒ/

Vestige

Meaning
a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
Example
No vestige of the ancient city remains.
C1 noun /mɪˈlɪʃə/

militia

Meaning
a group of ordinary people who are trained to act as soldiers in emergencies
Example
The village formed a militia to defend against attacks.
C1 noun /ˈvæɡ.ə.bɒnd/

Vagabond

Meaning
a person who has no home or job and travels from place to place
Example
The old vagabond wandered through the streets looking for food.
C1 /ʃrɛd/

shred

Meaning
to tear or cut something into small pieces
Example
She shredded the old documents before throwing them away.
C1 adjective /ˈsiː.di/

Seedy

Meaning
squalid and disreputable; shabby and run-down; full of seeds
Example
They avoided walking through the seedy part of town at night.
C1 adjective /ˈæv.ɪd/

avid

Meaning
having an eager desire or enthusiasm for something
Example
She is an avid reader of mystery novels.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈluːʃən/

dissolution

Meaning
the act of formally ending or breaking apart something, such as an organization or marriage
Example
The dissolution of the company was announced yesterday.
C1 verb /ˈrævɪdʒ/

ravage

Meaning
to cause severe and extensive damage or destruction
Example
The hurricane ravaged the coastal villages.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfjʊərieɪt/

infuriate

Meaning
To make someone extremely angry.
Example
His careless remarks infuriated the entire team.
C1 noun ˈiː.θɒs

ethos

Meaning
The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.
Example
The company's ethos is built on innovation and integrity.
C1 adjective /ɡɔːnt/

gaunt

Meaning
extremely thin, bony, and haggard in appearance, often due to hunger or illness
Example
After weeks of illness, he looked pale and gaunt.
C1 noun /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθɛtɪk ɪˈfɪʃənsi/

photosynthetic efficiency

Meaning
The measure of how effectively plants convert light energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis, directly affecting plant growth and crop yield.
Example
Improving photosynthetic efficiency can increase crop yields.
C1 noun /pəˈnæʃ/

panache

Meaning
Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; distinctive and stylish elegance.
Example
He delivered his speech with great panache.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

differential

Meaning
Relating to or showing a difference; involving a distinction.
Example
There is a differential treatment between the two groups.
C1 noun məˌtɪərɪəˈlɪstɪk ˈlaɪfstaɪl

materialistic lifestyle

Meaning
A way of living focused on acquiring material possessions and wealth.
Example
A materialistic lifestyle often leads to moral decline.
C1 verb /struː/

strew

Meaning
to scatter or spread things untidily over a surface or area
Example
Clothes were strewn across the floor.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪk.nəs/

Likeness

Meaning
the fact or quality of being alike; resemblance; a portrait or representation
Example
The portrait shows a strong likeness to her grandmother.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈstɪə/

austere

Meaning
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; plain and simple.
Example
The monk lived an austere life in the mountains.
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 noun /ˈhɒməˌfoʊn/

homophone

Meaning
A word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning, and often spelling.
Example
The words 'pair' and 'pear' are homophones.
C1 verb /səˈkʌm/

succumb

Meaning
To give in to pressure, temptation, or illness; to yield or fail to resist.
Example
He finally succumbed to his illness after a long struggle.
C1 noun /ʃəˈmiːz/

Chemise

Meaning
a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or dress hanging straight from the shoulders
Example
The vintage chemise was made of delicate lace and silk.
C1 adjective /əˌpɒk.əˈlɪp.tɪk/

apocalyptic

Meaning
Describing the end of the world, or something catastrophic and disastrous.
Example
The movie depicts an apocalyptic future after a nuclear war.
C1 adjective ˌɡæs.troʊ.ɪnˈtes.tɪ.nəl

gastrointestinal

Meaning
Relating to the stomach and intestines.
Example
Spicy food can cause gastrointestinal issues.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛlər/

stellar

Meaning
Relating to stars; outstanding or excellent.
Example
She gave a stellar performance in the play.
C1 adjective /ˈven.ə.məs/

Venomous

Meaning
secreting venom; full of malice or spite; extremely hostile
Example
The venomous snake struck quickly at its prey.
C1 noun /əˈkʌmplɪs/

accomplice

Meaning
a person who helps another commit a crime
Example
The thief was arrested along with his accomplice.
C1 adjective ˈɪn.tər.ɪm

interim

Meaning
In or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary.
Example
Interim governments manage transitional phases.
C1 noun /woʊz/

woes

Meaning
great sorrow or distress; troubles
Example
The company faced financial woes after the market crash.
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 verb /dɪˈpriːʃieɪt/

depreciate

Meaning
to reduce in value over time
Example
Cars tend to depreciate quickly in their first few years.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
C1 noun /ˌɪməˈtjʊərəti/

immaturity

Meaning
the state of not being fully developed emotionally, mentally, or physically; lack of maturity
Example
His immaturity made it difficult for him to handle responsibility.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈbæntərɪŋ/

bantering

Meaning
characterized by good-humored teasing or joking
Example
They had a bantering conversation at the café.
C1 noun /dɪsˈɒn.ər/

Dishonour

Meaning
a state of shame or disgrace; lack of honor or integrity; failure to fulfill obligations
Example
Breaking his promise brought dishonour to his name and family legacy.
C1 adjective /ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/

Hypocritical

Meaning
behaving in a way that contradicts one's stated beliefs or values
Example
It's hypocritical to preach honesty while lying yourself.
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 vaɪˈtæləti

vitality

Meaning
The state of being strong and active; energy.
Example
The vitality of the team helped them succeed in the competition.
C1 verb /ˌmɪsˈkaʊnt/

miscount

Meaning
To count wrongly or inaccurately.
Example
He miscounted the number of chairs in the hall.
C1 noun /ˈælkəmi/

alchemy

Meaning
A medieval practice combining elements of chemistry and philosophy, aimed at transforming matter, especially turning base metals into gold.
Example
Medieval scientists devoted their lives to alchemy.
C1 noun /pʌn/

pun

Meaning
A humorous use of words that suggests different meanings or words that sound alike.
Example
He made a clever pun about the bakery's bread rising.
C1 verb /ˈoʊvərˌhɔːl/

overhaul

Meaning
to examine thoroughly and repair or improve something that is worn or ineffective
Example
The company decided to overhaul its outdated computer system.
C1 verb /ˈsɛvər/

sever

Meaning
to cut off or separate, especially by cutting; to end a connection or relationship
Example
He had to sever ties with the company after the dispute.
C1 noun ˈmɪl.ɪ.tər.i ɪnˈkɜː.ʃən

military incursion

Meaning
A sudden armed attack or invasion by military forces into a territory.
Example
The military incursion caused widespread devastation.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈspɛktɪv/

Irrespective

Meaning
without taking something into account; regardless of
Example
All students will be treated equally, irrespective of their background.
C1 noun /noʊˈteɪʃən/

notation

Meaning
A system of symbols or signs used to represent information, especially in mathematics or music.
Example
The teacher explained the notation used in the algebra equations.
C1 noun /ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ/

shrinkage

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value.
Example
The company reported a shrinkage in profits this quarter.
C1 adjective /ˈnɔɪz.ləs/

Noiseless

Meaning
making no sound; completely silent
Example
She moved through the house in noiseless steps so as not to wake the baby.
C1 adjective ˌmɒn.jʊˈmɛn.təl

monumental

Meaning
Great in importance, extent, or size; exceptionally great; forming or serving as a monument.
Example
The discovery of electricity was a monumental achievement.
C1 verb /ˈfɜːrmɛnt/

ferment

Meaning
to undergo a chemical process where sugars are converted to alcohol or acid; to incite or stir up change
Example
The grapes are left to ferment for several weeks.
C1 verb /ˈdʒʌmbəl/

jumble

Meaning
to mix things together in a confused or untidy way
Example
Don't jumble all the papers together in one pile.
C1 adjective ˌkɑːr.sɪ.nəˈdʒen.ɪk

carcinogenic

Meaning
Having the potential to cause cancer in living tissue.
Example
Processed meat contains carcinogenic compounds.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪm.zɪ.kəl/

Whimsical

Meaning
playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way
Example
The artist created whimsical sculptures that delighted children.
C1 adjective /ˈmɪnəskjuːl/

minuscule

Meaning
extremely small in size or importance
Example
She made only a minuscule contribution to the project.
C1 noun /ɪˌreɡjəˈlærɪti/

irregularity

Meaning
lack of regularity or consistency; a deviation from what is normal, expected, or orderly
Example
The audit revealed several financial irregularities in the company’s records.
C1 adjective /rɪˈzɪdjuəl/

residual

Meaning
Remaining after the greater part has gone.
Example
The patient experienced residual pain after the surgery.
C1 adjective /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/

politic

Meaning
shrewd, prudent, or tactful in practical matters
Example
It was politic of him to remain silent during the argument.
C1 adjective /kənˈsɜːrtɪd/

concerted

Meaning
done with great effort, planned and performed together by multiple people
Example
The workers made a concerted effort to improve conditions.
C1 noun /ˌoʊvərprəˈdʌkʃən/

overproduction

Meaning
The act of producing more of something than is needed or can be consumed.
Example
The economic crisis was caused by the overproduction of goods.
C1 noun /ˈklɛmənsi/

clemency

Meaning
mercy, leniency, or forgiveness shown towards someone
Example
The judge showed clemency and reduced his sentence.
C1 verb /ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/

illuminate

Meaning
To light up or make something clearer.
Example
Streetlights illuminate the road at night.
C1 noun /ˌrɛkwɪˈzɪʃən/

requisition

Meaning
An official order laying claim to the use of property or materials; a formal demand or request.
Example
The manager submitted a requisition for new office supplies.
C1 noun /ˈrɒndɪvuː/

rendezvous

Meaning
a meeting or appointment at an agreed time and place
Example
They arranged a secret rendezvous at the café.
C1 noun/adjective /fɔːrˈboʊdɪŋ/

foreboding

Meaning
A feeling that something bad will happen; ominous.
Example
She felt a deep sense of foreboding as she entered the abandoned house.
C1 adjective /ˈdɔːr.mənt/

Dormant

Meaning
inactive; sleeping; temporarily suspended; not currently active
Example
The volcano has been dormant for over a century.
C1 noun əˈtrɒs.ɪ.tiz

atrocities

Meaning
Extremely wicked or cruel acts, typically involving physical violence or injury.
Example
The atrocities shocked the international community.
C1 noun /ˈmɛdli/

medley

Meaning
A mixture of different things, especially musical tunes combined together.
Example
The band played a medley of popular songs.
C1 adjective /kənˈɡrɛʃənl/

congressional

Meaning
relating to a congress, especially the US Congress
Example
The bill received strong congressional support.
C1 adjective /ɪkˈstɛnjueɪtɪŋ/

extenuating

Meaning
serving to make a fault or an offense seem less serious
Example
She asked for leniency due to extenuating circumstances.
C1 verb /ˈdʒʌɡəl/

juggle

Meaning
To continuously toss and catch objects in the air; to manage many tasks at the same time.
Example
He tried to juggle work, studies, and family responsibilities.
C1 noun /ˌsɪmbɪˈəʊsɪs/

symbiosis

Meaning
A mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups.
Example
The symbiosis between the two companies led to mutual growth.
C1 noun /ˈlɛk.sɪ.kɒn/

lexicon

Meaning
The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge; a collection of words and terms.
Example
A translator must have a vast lexicon of both languages.
C1 noun /ˈbɑːr.tər ˌsɪs.təm/

barter system

Meaning
A system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly without using money.
Example
Ancient civilizations used the barter system for trade.