tinker
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C1 verb /ˈtɪŋkər/

tinker

Meaning
to make small adjustments or repairs to something, often experimentally or imperfectly
Example
He likes to tinker with old radios in his garage.
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 noun /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/

trepidation

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

traverse

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

transitory

Meaning
Not permanent; temporary.
Example
The transitory nature of fame makes it difficult to maintain.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænziənt/

Transient

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

technicality

Meaning
A small detail of law, rule, or procedure; a minor point that affects an outcome.
Example
The case was dismissed on a technicality.
C1 adjective, noun, verb /ˈtrɛbəl/

treble

Meaning
triple; consisting of three parts; high-pitched sound in music
Example
The company's profits trebled in just two years.
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 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 /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 /ˈtrɪkəri/

trickery

Meaning
The use of dishonest methods to deceive or cheat someone.
Example
The politician was accused of winning the election through trickery.
C1 verb /θræʃ/

thrash

Meaning
to beat someone or something violently; to move wildly or violently
Example
The angry man threatened to thrash his opponent.
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 adjective /ˈtɪklɪʃ/

ticklish

Meaning
easily made to laugh by being touched lightly; easily upset or sensitive
Example
She is very ticklish and bursts into laughter when touched on her feet.
C1 noun /ˈtɪt.bɪt/

Titbit

Meaning
a small piece of tasty food; a small interesting piece of information
Example
She served delicious titbits at the party.
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 noun, verb /ˈtætər/

tatter

Meaning
A torn piece of cloth or clothing; to become ragged or torn.
Example
The old flag hung in tatters after the storm.
C1 noun ˈtær.ɪf

tariff

Meaning
A tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.
Example
The government imposed high tariffs on luxury goods.
C1 adjective /ˈtɪp.tɒp/

Tiptop

Meaning
of the highest quality; excellent; in perfect condition
Example
The car is in tiptop condition.
C1 noun /tɪˈmɪdəti/

timidity

Meaning
lack of courage or self-confidence
Example
His timidity kept him from speaking up during the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪŋkɪt/

trinket

Meaning
a small ornament or piece of jewelry that is not expensive
Example
She bought a little trinket from the beach market as a souvenir.
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 /tjuːˈmʌltʃuəs/

tumultuous

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

temporal

Meaning
Relating to worldly affairs or to time rather than spiritual matters.
Example
The monk gave up his temporal possessions to live a simple life.
C1 noun /treɪd fəˌsɪl.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/

trade facilitation

Meaning
The simplification, modernization and harmonization of export and import processes.
Example
Trade facilitation boosts economic growth.
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 adverb /ˌðɛrəˈbaʊt/

thereabout

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

tarantula

Meaning
A large hairy spider found in warm regions.
Example
The tarantula crawled across the desert floor.
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 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 verb /taʊt/

tout

Meaning
to promote, praise, or advertise aggressively
Example
The company touted its new product as a game-changer.
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 /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 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 /ˈtæk.taɪl/

tactile

Meaning
Connected with the sense of touch; perceptible by touch or giving a sensation when touched.
Example
The tactile experience of the fabric was soft and smooth.
C1 adjective /tɛk ˈdrɪv.ən/

tech-driven

Meaning
Powered or guided by technology; dependent on technological advancement for operation.
Example
The agricultural sector is becoming more tech-driven for higher efficiency.
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 ˌtrɪbjʊˈleɪʃən

tribulation

Meaning
A difficult time or suffering experience
Example
He endured many tribulations in his early years.
C1 noun /ˈtæn.ə.ri/

tannery

Meaning
A place where animal hides are processed into leather.
Example
The tannery produced high-quality leather for export.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛmpərd/

tempered

Meaning
having a specified temper or disposition; strengthened or moderated.
Example
She gave a tempered response to the criticism.
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 adjective /ˈtɜːrʃieri/

tertiary

Meaning
third in order, rank, or level
Example
He is pursuing his tertiary education at the university.
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 adjective ˈtæktɪkəl

tactical

Meaning
Relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military or political end.
Example
Tactical thinking is crucial in business negotiations.
C1 verb θwɔːt

thwart

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

tempter

Meaning
a person or thing that entices someone into doing something wrong
Example
The tempter whispered false promises into his ear.
C1 adjective /təˈren.ʃəl/

Torrential

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

tycoon

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

tipsy

Meaning
slightly drunk
Example
She felt tipsy after just one glass of wine.
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 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 noun /ˈtjuːmʌlt/

tumult

Meaning
A loud, confused noise, especially caused by a crowd; commotion or disorder.
Example
The protest created a tumult in the city square.
C1 adjective /taɪˈtænɪk/

titanic

Meaning
Of exceptional strength, size, or power.
Example
The company made titanic efforts to expand into new markets.
C1 adjective /ˈteɪn.tɪd/

Tainted

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

topography

Meaning
the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area
Example
The topography of the region made construction very challenging.
C1 noun /ˈtrɛtʃəri/

treachery

Meaning
Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature.
Example
His treachery was revealed when he sided with the enemy.
C1 noun, verb /tɪndʒ/

tinge

Meaning
a slight added color, flavor, or feeling; to add a slight amount of color or quality
Example
Her voice was tinged with sadness.
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 adjective /ˈtɔːrtʃuəs/

tortuous

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

twosome

Meaning
A pair of people considered together, often in a romantic or competitive context.
Example
They entered the dance competition as a twosome.
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 noun /θiˈɒlədʒi/

theology

Meaning
The study of the nature of God and religious beliefs.
Example
She is pursuing a degree in theology at the university.
C1 verb /ˈtɒpl/

topple

Meaning
to fall or cause to fall over; to overthrow
Example
The earthquake caused the old building to topple.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈtu/

Thereto

Meaning
to that; in addition to that
Example
The house and the garden attached thereto were sold.
C1 noun /ˌtɛstɪˈməʊnɪəlz/

testimonials

Meaning
Written or spoken statements of praise or recommendation from clients or customers.
Example
Positive testimonials can enhance a company's reputation.
C1 verb /tɔːnt/

taunt

Meaning
to provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks
Example
The bully tried to taunt him with cruel words.
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 /ˈtæn.tə.laɪ.zɪŋ/

Tantalizing

Meaning
tempting and attractive but out of reach
Example
The tantalizing aroma of fresh bread filled the bakery.
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 adjective /ˌtræn.zətˈlæn.tɪk/

transatlantic

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

typify

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

taxing

Meaning
Requiring a lot of effort; physically or mentally demanding.
Example
Preparing for the exam was a taxing experience.
C1 adjective /ˈten.tə.tɪv/

Tentative

Meaning
not certain or fixed; provisional; hesitant or unsure
Example
We made tentative plans to meet next week.
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 /ˈtriːkəl/

treacle

Meaning
A thick, sweet syrup; excessively sentimental speech or writing.
Example
She poured treacle over the pancakes.
C1 adjective /tɛkˈtɑː.nɪk/

tectonic

Meaning
Relating to the structure of the earth's crust and the large-scale processes that take place within it.
Example
Tectonic movements cause earthquakes and mountain formation.
C1 adjective /ˈtɜːrbjələnt/

turbulent

Meaning
Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.
Example
The country went through a turbulent period of political change.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪkstər/

trickster

Meaning
A person who cheats or deceives people.
Example
The old man turned out to be a clever trickster who fooled everyone.
C1 verb /trænˈskraɪb/

transcribe

Meaning
to make a written copy of spoken words or notes
Example
The secretary transcribed the meeting minutes.
C1 noun /ˈtɛstəmənt/

testament

Meaning
a person's will; or strong evidence of something
Example
His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
C1 noun /ˈtaɪ.ɡrəs/

Tigress

Meaning
an adult female tiger
Example
The powerful tigress hunted silently through the jungle.
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 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 /trænsˈfɜːrər/

transferrer

Meaning
A person who transfers something, such as property, rights, or responsibilities, to another.
Example
The transferrer is responsible for ensuring the property is legally passed on.
C1 noun /truːp/

troupe

Meaning
A group of dancers, actors, or performers who work together.
Example
The theater troupe performed brilliantly on stage.
C1 verb /tiːm/

teem

Meaning
to be full of or swarming with
Example
The forest teems with wildlife.
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 /ˈtɜːrnkiː/

turnkey

Meaning
ready for immediate use; a complete product or solution
Example
The company provides turnkey solutions for small businesses.
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 /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 /ˈtreɪ.ki.ə/

Trachea

Meaning
the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs; windpipe
Example
The trachea is protected by cartilage rings that keep it open.
C1 noun /ˈtɒr.ənt/

Torrent

Meaning
a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid; a sudden, violent, and copious outpouring
Example
The heavy rain created a torrent of water rushing down the mountain.
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 verb /ˈtrɛspəs/

trespass

Meaning
to enter someone's land or property without permission
Example
He was fined for trespassing on private land.
C1 noun/verb /tɔːrˈpiːdoʊ/

torpedo

Meaning
A self-propelled underwater missile; to attack or destroy something suddenly and forcefully.
Example
The submarine launched a torpedo at the enemy ship.
C1 adjective /ˈtiːmɪŋ/

teeming

Meaning
full of or swarming with things or people
Example
The market was teeming with shoppers.
C1 verb /θrɒb/

throb

Meaning
to beat or pulse strongly, often with pain
Example
His head began to throb after the long day.
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 /ˈtrɛʒərər/

treasurer

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

taper

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

tact

Meaning
Adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
Example
He handled the situation with tact and professionalism.
C1 adjective /ˈtɪərfəl/

Tearful

Meaning
expressing or showing sadness and sorrow; inclined to weep
Example
She gave a tearful goodbye to her friends at the airport.
C1 noun /ˈtriːtɪs/

treatise

Meaning
a formal and systematic written work dealing with a subject in detail
Example
He wrote a treatise on modern economic theory.
C1 verb /trænˈspaɪər/

transpire

Meaning
to occur, happen, or become known
Example
It transpired that he had lied about his age.
C1 noun /ˈtiːdiəm/

tedium

Meaning
the state of being tedious; monotony or boredom
Example
The tedium of long meetings often drains motivation.
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 /təˈnæs.ə.ti/

tenacity

Meaning
Determination, persistence, and the quality of not giving up
Example
His tenacity in solving problems led to his success.