timeworn
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C2 adjective /ˈtaɪmwɔːrn/

timeworn

Meaning
Worn or impaired by age; old and used many times.
Example
The timeworn house carried a sense of history and nostalgia.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɛntɪd/

demented

Meaning
behaving irrationally due to mental illness or extreme excitement
Example
He looked demented after hearing the shocking news.
B2 noun /əˈɡrɛʃən/

aggression

Meaning
hostile or violent behavior towards others
Example
His sudden aggression surprised everyone in the meeting.
C1 adjective /praɪˈmɔːrdiəl/

primordial

Meaning
Existing at or from the beginning of time; fundamental and original.
Example
Scientists study the primordial soup from which life emerged.
B1 adjective; verb (past and past participle of prepare) /prɪˈpɛrd/

prepared

Meaning
made ready in advance; having made plans or taken steps beforehand
Example
She was fully prepared for the final exam.
C1 verb /ˌriː.kənˈviːn/

reconvene

Meaning
to gather or assemble again, especially for a meeting
Example
The committee will reconvene after lunch.
C2 noun /əˈpɒθəˌkɛri/

apothecary

Meaning
A historical term for a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.
Example
The village apothecary provided remedies for many common illnesses.
C2 verb /lɪr/

leer

Meaning
To look at someone in an unpleasant, sly, or sexually suggestive way.
Example
He leered at her in a way that made her uncomfortable.
B2 verb əˈkwaɪər

acquire

Meaning
To gain or obtain something, especially knowledge or skills, through effort or experience.
Example
Volunteers acquire new skills through their experiences.
B1 noun zəʊn

zone

Meaning
An area or stretch of land having a particular characteristic, purpose, or use, or subject to particular restrictions.
Example
Industrial zones attract investments.
B2 noun /swiːt/

suite

Meaning
a set of rooms designated for one person's or family's use or for a particular purpose
Example
They stayed in the presidential suite at the hotel.
A2 noun /ˈloʊ.kəl/

Local

Meaning
belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood; a person living in a particular area
Example
The local people are very friendly.
C1 noun /ˈded.lɑk/

Dead-lock

Meaning
a situation in which no progress is possible; complete standstill
Example
The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise.
B2 adverb /ˈsiː.mɪŋ.li/

seemingly

Meaning
appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
Example
He was seemingly calm despite the chaos around him.
C2 noun /ˈsɪlvər kɑrp/

Silver carp

Meaning
a large freshwater fish with silvery scales, commonly farmed for food
Example
Silver carp is widely cultivated in fish farms across Asia.
C2 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər.ɪŋ/

hankering

Meaning
a strong desire or craving for something.
Example
She had a hankering for chocolate late at night.
C1 noun /ˈbæs.ti.ən/

bastion

Meaning
a stronghold or fortification; a place or institution strongly defending particular principles
Example
The castle stood as a bastion against enemy attacks.
C2 verb /dɪˈskraɪ/

descry

Meaning
to catch sight of something, especially something distant or obscure
Example
From the hilltop, they descried a small village in the distance.
C2 noun /ˈbɪbliəfaɪl/

bibliophile

Meaning
A person who loves or collects books.
Example
She is a true bibliophile who spends weekends at old bookstores.
A2 noun /ˈɒm.lət/

Omelet

Meaning
a dish made from beaten eggs cooked in a frying pan and often folded around a filling
Example
She made a cheese omelet for breakfast.
A2 verb /əkˈsɛpt/

accept

Meaning
to receive willingly; to believe or come to recognize
Example
She decided to accept the job offer.
B2 adjective /səˈraʊndɪŋ/

surrounding

Meaning
located all around a particular place or thing; nearby
Example
The surrounding hills were covered in mist.
C1 noun /djʊˈrɛs/

duress

Meaning
threats, violence, or pressure used to force someone to do something
Example
She signed the contract under duress.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈstrʌktɪv/

instructive

Meaning
useful and informative; providing knowledge or instruction
Example
The lecture was highly instructive and engaging.
C2 verb /ˈdɒɡmətaɪz/

dogmatize

Meaning
To state opinions or beliefs as if they were absolute truths.
Example
The professor tended to dogmatize on political issues.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːrkɪt/

circuit

Meaning
A roughly circular line, route, or movement that starts and ends at the same place; also an electrical pathway.
Example
The runners completed the circuit around the park.
B2 noun /ˈiː.ɡoʊ/

Ego

Meaning
a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance
Example
His big ego prevented him from accepting criticism from others.
B2 noun ˈzɪpərz

zippers

Meaning
A device consisting of two flexible strips of metal or plastic with interlocking projections closed or opened by pulling a slide along them.
Example
Zippers are used to fasten the opening of the jacket.
C1 noun /ˌmʌltɪˈplɪsɪti/

multiplicity

Meaning
A large number or variety of something.
Example
The project faced a multiplicity of challenges.
B2 verb /vaʊ/

vow

Meaning
to make a serious promise; to pledge solemnly
Example
They vowed to love each other forever.
C1 noun /ˈkwɪk.sænd/

Quick-sand

Meaning
loose wet sand that yields easily to pressure and sucks in anything on its surface
Example
The explorer got trapped in quicksand while crossing the desert.
B2 noun /ˈkəʊ.tɪŋ/

coating

Meaning
A protective or decorative layer applied to a surface.
Example
A protective coating prevents rust formation.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈkɪndrəd/

kindred

Meaning
A person's relatives or family; similar in nature or character.
Example
They discovered kindred spirits in each other.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmɒtɪk/

demotic

Meaning
relating to ordinary people or everyday language
Example
The poet used demotic language to connect with common readers.
C2 adjective /bɪˈnɪɡnənt/

benignant

Meaning
Kindly and benevolent in nature.
Example
The teacher’s benignant attitude made the students feel comfortable.
C2 noun /bɛl/

belle

Meaning
A beautiful woman, especially the most attractive woman at a gathering.
Example
She was the belle of the ball that evening.
B2 noun /ˌkɒn.tɪˈnjuː.ɪ.ti/

continuity

Meaning
the state of being continuous or connected; consistency over time
Example
Maintaining continuity in leadership is essential for organizational stability.
B1 noun /ˈrʌbɪʃ/

Rubbish

Meaning
waste material; refuse or litter; nonsense or worthless things
Example
Please throw the rubbish in the bin.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɜːrdʒɪk/

synergic

Meaning
Working together in a cooperative and effective manner.
Example
The two departments have a synergic relationship that boosts productivity.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfrədʒɪst/

suffragist

Meaning
a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women
Example
The suffragists organized rallies to demand voting rights for women.
A1 noun /naɪt/

night

Meaning
the time of darkness between one day and the next, when most people sleep
Example
She loves going for walks at night.
B1 adjective /ˈsætɪsfaɪd/

satisfied

Meaning
Pleased or content with what has been achieved or received.
Example
He felt satisfied after finishing his project.
C1 noun /vʌlˈɡær.ɪ.ti/

Vulgarity

Meaning
the quality of being rude, offensive, or indecent; lack of sophistication or good taste
Example
The comedian's jokes were criticized for their vulgarity.
B1 noun /əˈpɒlədʒi/

apology

Meaning
a statement expressing regret for something wrong or hurtful
Example
He offered an apology for being late to the meeting.
B1 noun /ˈmɒr.əl/

Moral

Meaning
a lesson about right and wrong conduct; principles of right behavior
Example
The moral of the story is to always tell the truth.
C2 adjective /ˈhoʊm.spʌn/

homespun

Meaning
Simple and unsophisticated; made at home rather than in a factory.
Example
She wore a homespun dress to the village festival.
C2 adjective /ˌpəʊstˈprændɪəl/

postprandial

Meaning
Occurring after a meal.
Example
He went for a postprandial walk after dinner.
B2 noun ˌel.ɪ.dʒəˈbɪl.ə.ti

eligibility

Meaning
The state of having the right to do or obtain something through satisfaction of the appropriate conditions.
Example
Eligibility criteria maintain fairness.
C2 noun /ˌæk.rəˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

acrophobia

Meaning
An extreme or irrational fear of heights.
Example
Her acrophobia prevented her from climbing the tall building.
C1 adjective /məˈroʊs/

morose

Meaning
sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered
Example
He became morose after losing his job.
B2 noun /dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/

disruption

Meaning
Barrier or interruption, sudden disturbance in any process or service.
Example
The road construction caused major disruption in traffic flow.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈprɛɡnəbl̩/

impregnable

Meaning
Unable to be captured, broken into, or defeated.
Example
The fortress was considered impregnable by the enemy.
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 adjective /rɪˈtaɪərd/

Retired

Meaning
having left one's job and ceased to work; withdrawn from activity
Example
My retired grandfather enjoys gardening in his free time.
C2 noun /proʊˈskrɪp.ʃən/

proscription

Meaning
the act of forbidding something, especially by law
Example
The proscription of child labor is an important human rights achievement.
C2 noun /ˈpɑr.bəl/

Parbal

Meaning
A green vegetable also known as pointed gourd, commonly used in South Asian cuisine
Example
Mother prepared parbal curry with fish.
B2 verb /breɪd/

braid

Meaning
to weave together strands of hair or material
Example
She braided her hair before going to school.
C2 verb /ˈhæri/

harry

Meaning
to constantly attack, harass, or annoy
Example
The army harried the enemy with sudden raids.
C2 noun /ˈsweɪʒən/

suasion

Meaning
the act of persuading or influencing someone
Example
The leader used gentle suasion to win support for the plan.
A1 noun /ˈɛər.pɔːrt/

airport

Meaning
A place where airplanes take off and land, with buildings for passengers and cargo.
Example
We arrived at the airport two hours before the flight.
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.
B1 noun əˈreɪndʒmənt

arrangement

Meaning
The way things are organized, positioned, or structured.
Example
The arrangement of protons in the nucleus is critical.
A1 noun, verb /bʊk/

book

Meaning
A set of written, printed, or blank pages fastened together; to arrange for someone to have a seat, room, or ticket in advance.
Example
I booked a table at the restaurant for dinner.
C2 adjective /ˈɡlɑːbjələr/

globular

Meaning
Having the shape of a globe; spherical.
Example
The scientist studied the globular cluster of stars.
C2 noun /ˈtændʒənsi/

tangency

Meaning
the condition of touching but not intersecting, especially in geometry
Example
The circle and the line are in a state of tangency at one point.
C2 noun /rɪˈpoʊst/

riposte

Meaning
a quick and clever reply to criticism or an insult
Example
Her sharp riposte left everyone in silence.
C2 verb /pəˈræmbjʊˌleɪt/

perambulate

Meaning
To walk through or travel around, especially for leisure.
Example
They perambulated the old town, enjoying the sights.
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 verb /ˈpændər/

pander

Meaning
to indulge or exploit the weaknesses, desires, or immoral tendencies of others
Example
The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪˈliː/

bailee

Meaning
a person or party who temporarily receives possession of goods or property from another under a legal agreement
Example
The bailee must take reasonable care of the goods while they are in his possession.
C1 noun /mæɡˈnɪfɪsəns/

magnificence

Meaning
splendor, grandeur, or impressive beauty
Example
The magnificence of the palace left everyone speechless.
C1 noun /ˈpɪk.æks/

Pick-axe

Meaning
a tool with a heavy metal head and long handle used for breaking up hard ground or rock
Example
The miner used a pick-axe to break through the rocky surface.
B1 adjective /ədˈvænst/

advanced

Meaning
highly developed or complex
Example
He is studying an advanced level of mathematics.
C2 noun /kjuːˈpɪdəti/

cupidity

Meaning
Excessive desire for wealth or possessions; greed.
Example
The king's downfall was caused by his cupidity.
C1 adjective /rɪˈmoʊtɪd/

remoted

Meaning
placed at a distance; made remote
Example
The system was remoted to a secure location.
C1 adjective /ˈnɪmbəl/

nimble

Meaning
Quick and light in movement or thought.
Example
The dancer’s nimble steps impressed the audience.
C2 noun /brɔːn/

brawn

Meaning
physical strength in contrast to intelligence
Example
He used his brawn to lift the heavy box.
C1 adjective /miːk/

Meek

Meaning
gentle and submissive; humble; patient
Example
Despite his power, he remained meek and humble.
C1 noun /ˈɒntreɪ/ (UK), /ˈɑːntreɪ/ (US)

entree

Meaning
The main course of a meal (US); the right to enter or access (formal).
Example
The restaurant’s signature steak was served as the main entree.
B2 noun ˈskruːtɪni

scrutiny

Meaning
Critical observation or examination
Example
The new law is under scrutiny by the legislative body.
C1 noun /ˈrɪpəl/

Ripple

Meaning
a small wave on the surface of water; a spreading effect or influence
Example
The stone created ripples across the calm pond.
C2 noun /ˈtɪl.ər/

Tiller

Meaning
a person who tills or cultivates land; a farmer
Example
The tiller worked hard in the fields every morning.
B2 noun /ˈʃeɪndʒ ˈmænɪdʒmənt/

change management

Meaning
The discipline that guides how we prepare, equip and support individuals, teams and organizations in making organizational change.
Example
Change management ensures smooth transitions.
A2 noun /ˈkæptɪn/

Captain

Meaning
a military officer of middle rank; the person in command of a ship or aircraft
Example
The captain ordered his troops to advance forward.
C1 noun ˌiː.kəʊˈfrend.li ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

eco-friendly urbanization

Meaning
The development of cities in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
Example
Eco-friendly urbanization reduces environmental degradation.
C1 noun /mɪsˈɡɪv.ɪŋ/

Misgiving

Meaning
A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something
Example
She had serious misgivings about accepting the job offer.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌlbəs/

bulbous

Meaning
Bulging, round, or swollen in shape; resembling a bulb.
Example
The frog had a bulbous nose and big eyes.
C2 noun /ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən/

predilection

Meaning
A strong liking or preference for something.
Example
She has a predilection for classical music.
B2 adjective /ˈɑːrbɪˌtrɛri/

arbitrary

Meaning
based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason or system
Example
The teacher's arbitrary grading upset many students.
B2 adverb /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

Considerably

Meaning
to a notably large degree; significantly; substantially
Example
The price has increased considerably over the past year.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈsɪmɪlər/

dissimilar

Meaning
Not alike; different.
Example
Though they are twins, their personalities are dissimilar.
B1 noun /ˌɪntərˈækʃən/

interaction

Meaning
The process of people or things acting upon or influencing each other.
Example
The teacher encouraged more interaction between students.
C1 noun /ˈsɛtərə/

cetera

Meaning
Latin for 'the rest' or 'others'; commonly used in the phrase 'et cetera' meaning 'and so on'.
Example
We need to buy pens, paper, notebooks, et cetera.
B2 noun ˈstɪmjələs

stimulus

Meaning
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Example
Plants respond to external stimulus.
B2 verb /ˈraɪpən/

ripen

Meaning
to become or make something ready to eat or fully developed
Example
The bananas ripened quickly in the warm weather.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈvɪzəbl/

indivisible

Meaning
Not able to be divided or separated.
Example
The country's unity was indivisible despite differences.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlrʌʃ/

bulrush

Meaning
A tall plant with long leaves that grows in or near water, also known as a cattail.
Example
The pond was surrounded by tall bulrushes swaying in the wind.
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.
C2 noun /səˈvɑːnt/

savant

Meaning
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist or scholar; sometimes used in the phrase ‘savant syndrome’ for someone with exceptional abilities alongside developmental differences
Example
The conference keynote was delivered by a linguistic savant who studies endangered languages.
C2 adjective /ˈviː.ni.əl/

Venial

Meaning
forgivable; not seriously wrong; minor
Example
His late arrival was considered a venial offense.
B1 adjective /ˈkɜːrli/

curly

Meaning
having curls or waves; shaped with bends or coils
Example
She has naturally curly hair.
B2 verb /buːm/

boom

Meaning
to make a loud deep sound; to grow or increase rapidly
Example
The thunder boomed across the sky.
B2 noun /ɒpˈtɪʃən/

optician

Meaning
A person who makes or sells glasses and contact lenses.
Example
The optician adjusted my new glasses to fit better.
B2 adjective /kræmpt/

cramped

Meaning
uncomfortably small or restricted
Example
The room was so cramped that we could barely move.
B2 verb /boʊlt/

bolt

Meaning
To move suddenly and quickly; also to fasten something with a bolt.
Example
The horse bolted from the stable after hearing a loud noise.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.stɪk/

caustic

Meaning
able to burn or corrode by chemical action; severely sarcastic
Example
Her caustic remarks hurt his feelings.
C1 noun /ˈrʌfiən/

Ruffian

Meaning
a violent person, especially one involved in crime; a brutal or lawless person
Example
The ruffian threatened the shopkeeper for money.
A2 adjective /loʊ/

low

Meaning
Small in amount, degree, or position; not high.
Example
The river is at its lowest level in years.
B2 adjective /ɪɡˈzɑːtɪk/

exotic

Meaning
Unusual and attractive because it is from a foreign place or culture.
Example
The garden was filled with exotic plants from tropical countries.
B1 noun, adjective, gerund /ˈæk.tɪŋ/

acting

Meaning
the art or profession of performing in plays, films, or television; temporary performance of duties; the process of performing an action
Example
She is studying acting to become a professional actress.
B2 noun /ˌhez.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

Hesitation

Meaning
the action of pausing or delaying; uncertainty or unwillingness to act
Example
After a moment of hesitation, she decided to accept the challenging job offer from the company.
C1 noun /ˈvɜːrtɛks/

vertex

Meaning
The highest point; the top or the apex.
Example
The climber reached the vertex of the mountain.
B2 noun ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən

preservation

Meaning
The action of maintaining something in its original or existing state; protection from harm or damage.
Example
Proper preservation extends the lifespan of machinery.
C2 adjective /ˌæf.əˈrɪs.tɪk/

aphoristic

Meaning
expressed in the style of a short, witty saying
Example
Her writing style is concise and aphoristic.
B2 adjective strəˈtiː.dʒɪk

strategic

Meaning
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Example
Strategic policies enhance competitiveness.
C2 noun /ˈmʌɡwʌmp/

mugwump

Meaning
a person who remains independent from party politics or remains aloof from disputes
Example
He was called a mugwump for refusing to join either political side.
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 /ˈkoʊhɔːrt/

cohort

Meaning
A group of people with a shared characteristic, usually of the same age or with a common experience.
Example
The study tracked a cohort of students over ten years.
C2 adjective /spæzˈmɒdɪk/

spasmodic

Meaning
occurring irregularly or in sudden bursts
Example
The patient experienced spasmodic coughing during the night.
C1 verb /ˈslækən/

slacken

Meaning
to make or become less tight, less active, or slower
Example
The driver slackened his speed as he approached the village.
C2 noun /ˈɛksplətɪv/

expletive

Meaning
a word or phrase used as an exclamation, often offensive or profane
Example
He shouted an expletive when he dropped the hammer on his foot.