totem
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C1 noun /ˈtoʊtəm/

totem

Meaning
A natural object, animal, or symbol that is revered as a spiritual emblem by a group or tribe.
Example
The eagle is considered a sacred totem in many cultures.
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 /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 /tɪˈrænɪkəl/

tyrannical

Meaning
exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way
Example
The tyrannical ruler silenced all opposition.
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 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 /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 /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 adverb /ˌðɛərˈʌv/

Thereof

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

testy

Meaning
Easily irritated or annoyed.
Example
He became testy when asked the same question repeatedly.
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 /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 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 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 /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 /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 /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 /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 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 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 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 /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 adjective /ˈtɛmpərd/

tempered

Meaning
having a specified temper or disposition; strengthened or moderated.
Example
She gave a tempered response to the criticism.
C1 noun /ˌtɒləˈreɪʃən/

toleration

Meaning
The practice of allowing something that one does not necessarily agree with.
Example
The government promoted religious toleration.
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 /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 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 adjective /ˈθɪŋ.kə.bəl/

thinkable

Meaning
Capable of being imagined or conceived; possible to consider or believe
Example
It is hard to believe that such an outcome is even thinkable.
C1 adjective /ˈtrænzvɜːrs/

transverse

Meaning
situated or lying across something
Example
The transverse road connects two highways.
C1 noun /ˈtaɪ.ɡrəs/

Tigress

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

treachery

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

tedium

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

tiff

Meaning
a small or petty quarrel or argument
Example
They had a little tiff over what movie to watch.
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 /təˈnæs.ə.ti/

tenacity

Meaning
Determination, persistence, and the quality of not giving up
Example
His tenacity in solving problems led to his success.
C1 noun /tækˈtɪʃ.ən/

tactician

Meaning
a person who is skilled at planning and achieving goals, especially in military or business
Example
Napoleon was a brilliant tactician.
C1 noun /tɪˈmɪdəti/

timidity

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

trespass

Meaning
to enter someone's land or property without permission
Example
He was fined for trespassing on private land.
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 /trænˈsen.dənt/

transcendent

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

twister

Meaning
A tornado or something that twists; also refers to a challenging tongue twister.
Example
The twister destroyed several houses in the village.
C1 verb /trænˈspaɪər/

transpire

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

typify

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

Touchy

Meaning
easily upset or offended; overly sensitive
Example
He's very touchy about his height.
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 /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 ˈtæs.ɪt

tacit

Meaning
Understood or implied without being openly expressed or stated
Example
Their mutual understanding was based on tacit agreement.
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 /ˈtɒpl/

topple

Meaning
to fall or cause to fall over; to overthrow
Example
The earthquake caused the old building to topple.
C1 adjective tɪˈneɪ.ʃəs

tenacious

Meaning
Not readily letting go of, giving up, or separated from an object that one holds, a position, or a principle; persistent.
Example
Her tenacious spirit helped her overcome hardships.
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 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 adjective /ˈtæti/

tatty

Meaning
Worn out, shabby, or in poor condition.
Example
The sofa looked old and tatty after years of use.
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 /ˈtoʊɡə/

toga

Meaning
A loose outer garment worn in ancient Rome, typically draped over the shoulders and body.
Example
The senator wore a white toga during the ceremony.
C1 noun /ˈtɜː.mɔɪl/

turmoil

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

terminus

Meaning
the final point or end of something, especially the final station on a railway line
Example
The train finally arrived at the terminus after a long journey.
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 /ˈtem.pɚ.əns/

temperance

Meaning
Moderation in action, thought, or feeling; restraint.
Example
Temperance is essential for a balanced life.
C1 adjective /ˈtɒp.məʊst/

Topmost

Meaning
highest in position or rank
Example
The flag was placed on the topmost branch of the tree.
C1 verb /tɔːnt/

taunt

Meaning
to provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks
Example
The bully tried to taunt him with cruel words.
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 verb /trænˈskraɪb/

transcribe

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

teeming

Meaning
full of or swarming with things or people
Example
The market was teeming with shoppers.
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 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 adverb /ˌðeərəˈpɒn/

Thereupon

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

transitory

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

thoroughbred

Meaning
a horse of pure and recognized breed; a person of good breeding or education
Example
The jockey rode a fast thoroughbred in the race.
C1 verb /ˈteɪpər/

taper

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

tether

Meaning
To tie an animal with a rope or chain so it cannot move far.
Example
The farmer tethered the goat to a post.
C1 adjective /ˈtep.ɪd/

Tepid

Meaning
only slightly warm; lukewarm; showing little enthusiasm
Example
The tea was tepid and unappetizing.
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 /ˌðɛrəˈbaʊt/

thereabout

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

turnkey

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

tertiary

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

tenable

Meaning
able to be defended or maintained against attack or objection
Example
His argument was strong and tenable in court.
C1 adverb /ˌðɛərˈtu/

Thereto

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

troupe

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

transcend

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

tangent

Meaning
a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not cross it
Example
The teacher drew a tangent to the circle on the board.
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 /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 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.