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.

C2 noun /əˈfleɪtəs/

afflatus

Meaning

a sudden divine inspiration or creative impulse

Example

The poet wrote the verses under a sudden afflatus of inspiration.

C2 noun /ˈsɪnjuː/

sinew

Meaning

A tendon; figuratively, the source of strength, power, or resilience.

Example

The sinews in his arms stood out as he lifted the heavy box.

A2 noun /kənˈtrəʊl/

control

Meaning

The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

Example

Proper control measures are necessary.

C1 noun /peɪˈiː/

payee

Meaning

A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.

Example

The payee must sign the check before cashing it.

C1 noun /rɪˈdʒɔɪsɪŋ/

rejoicing

Meaning

The action of showing great joy or happiness

Example

There was much rejoicing after the victory.

C2 adjective /ɪˈfʌldʒənt/

effulgent

Meaning

Shining brilliantly; radiant.

Example

Her effulgent smile brightened everyone's mood.

C1 adjective /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/

inquisitive

Meaning

Curious or eager to learn and ask questions.

Example

The inquisitive child asked endless questions about the stars.

C1 noun /ˈdɑː.mə.saɪl/

domicile

Meaning

A person's legal residence or permanent home.

Example

He declared Canada as his legal domicile.

A2 noun dɪˈskrɪpʃən

description

Meaning

A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event.

Example

His description was vivid.

B2 noun /ˈkɑn.trəˌvɜr.si/

Controversy

Meaning

prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion; a dispute or argument involving opposing viewpoints

Example

The new policy sparked a major controversy among the citizens.

B2 noun /ˈhaɪdrədʒən/

hydrogen

Meaning

a colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas that is the lightest and most abundant chemical element in the universe

Example

Hydrogen is used as a clean fuel in many energy systems.

C2 adjective /ˈlæm.ən.tə.bəl/

lamentable

Meaning

deserving to be criticized or regretted; unfortunate

Example

The team’s lamentable performance disappointed their fans.

A1 noun /breɪk/

break

Meaning

A pause in work or during an activity or event.

Example

Short breaks refresh your mind.

A2 noun /smɔːl boʊl/

Small bowl

Meaning

a round, shallow container of small size used for serving food or liquids

Example

She served the soup in a small bowl.

B1 verb /ˈveri/

vary

Meaning

to change or differ; to make different

Example

The weather conditions vary throughout the day.

C2 noun /sɪˈnɛrəsɪs/

syneresis

Meaning

The contraction of two adjacent vowels into a single syllable or the separation of liquid from a gel.

Example

The yogurt showed syneresis when liquid separated on top.

B2 noun /wʌn θɜːd/

one-third

Meaning

one part of something that is divided into three equal parts

Example

One-third of the class was absent today.

B1 noun/verb /hɪnt/

hint

Meaning

a small piece of advice or suggestion; to suggest something indirectly

Example

She gave me a hint about the surprise party.

B2 verb /ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ/

intensify

Meaning

To make something stronger, more extreme, or more forceful.

Example

The storm is expected to intensify overnight.

A1 noun /tʃiːz/

Cheese

Meaning

a food made from the pressed curds of milk; used for photography to make people smile

Example

She added grated cheese to the pasta for extra flavor.

A2 verb /ɪnˈvaɪtɪd/

invited

Meaning

asked someone formally or politely to go somewhere or do something

Example

She was invited to the party.

B2 verb /ˈɛmɪˌɡreɪt/

emigrate

Meaning

To leave one's own country in order to settle permanently in another.

Example

Many people emigrated from Europe to America in the 19th century.

C1 adjective /ˌjuːtɪlɪˈtɛəriən/

utilitarian

Meaning

Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive; relating to the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.

Example

The building had a simple utilitarian design.

C2 adjective /ˈvjuː.ləs/

Viewless

Meaning

invisible; having no views or opinions

Example

The ghost remained viewless to most people in the haunted house.

B1 noun rɪˈdʌk.ʃən

reduction

Meaning

The action or fact of making a specified thing smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Example

Greenhouse gas reduction is a primary global goal.

C1 noun /ˌdʒæm.bəˈriː/

Jamboree

Meaning

a large celebration or party; a gathering with entertainment; a festive event

Example

The scout jamboree brought together thousands of young people from around the world.

C2 adjective /ɪɡˈzɔːstɪbəl/

exhaustible

Meaning

able to be used up completely; not infinite

Example

Coal and oil are exhaustible resources.

B1 adjective /ɪˈliː.ɡəl/

illegal

Meaning

Not allowed by law; unlawful.

Example

It is illegal to drive without a valid license.

C1 verb /ˌmɪsɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/

misinterpret

Meaning

to understand or explain something wrongly

Example

He misinterpreted her silence as agreement.

B1 noun /ˈrʌbər/

rubber

Meaning

a tough elastic substance made from the latex of tropical plants or synthetically, used for making tires, boots, and other products.

Example

The tires are made of natural rubber.

C2 verb /ˈdɔːd(ə)l/

dawdle

Meaning

to waste time by being slow or idle

Example

Stop dawdling and finish your homework.

C1 noun /ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

cynicism

Meaning

An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism.

Example

His cynicism made it hard for him to trust anyone.

A2 noun steɪt

state

Meaning

A nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.

Example

The state declared a new language policy.

C2 adjective /lɪˈbɪdənəs/

libidinous

Meaning

Showing excessive sexual drive; lustful.

Example

The play was criticized for its libidinous characters.

C2 adjective /woʊnt/ or /wɔːnt/

wont

Meaning

accustomed or used to doing something

Example

She rose early, as she was wont to do.

C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnseɪt/

insensate

Meaning

lacking physical sensation or empathy; without feeling or sensitivity

Example

The dictator's insensate cruelty shocked the world.

B1 adjective /ˈriː.zən.ə.bəl/

Reasonable

Meaning

fair and sensible; not too expensive; logical and practical

Example

The hotel offers reasonable prices for quality accommodation.

B2 noun /ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/

habitat

Meaning

The natural environment where an organism lives and meets its needs.

Example

The polar bear's natural habitat is the Arctic region.

A1 preposition/adverb/adjective/noun /ˌɪnˈsaɪd/

inside

Meaning

Situated within something; the inner part of something.

Example

She waited inside the house until the rain stopped.

B2 adjective /ˌpɑːrləˈmɛntri/

parliamentary

Meaning

relating to a parliament or its members; relating to a system of government with parliamentary authority

Example

The country follows a parliamentary form of government.

B1 noun /ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nə.ti/

opportunity

Meaning

A favorable chance or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.

Example

She seized the opportunity to study abroad.

C2 noun /əˈspɜːr.ʒən/

aspersion

Meaning

An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone.

Example

He cast an aspersion on her character.

C1 adjective /ˌiːvænˈdʒɛlɪkəl/

evangelical

Meaning

Relating to the Christian gospel, especially the teachings that emphasize personal faith and the authority of the Bible.

Example

She grew up in an evangelical church community.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/

underlying

Meaning

basic or hidden but important; forming the foundation of something

Example

The underlying reason for the conflict was never addressed.

C1 noun /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsi/

insufficiency

Meaning

The state of not being enough or not being adequate.

Example

The project failed due to the insufficiency of funds.

C2 adjective /rɪˈkʌmbənt/

recumbent

Meaning

lying down or in a resting position

Example

He was found recumbent on the sofa after a long day.

C2 noun /ˈvaɪkaʊnt/

viscount

Meaning

A British nobleman ranking below an earl and above a baron.

Example

The viscount inherited the estate from his father.

A2 adverb /ˈslaɪtli/

slightly

Meaning

to a small degree or extent

Example

The temperature has slightly increased today.

B1 noun /juːˈten.səlz/

Utensils

Meaning

tools or implements used for cooking, eating, or serving food

Example

Please wash all the cooking utensils after preparing dinner.

C1 verb /kəmˈpjuːt/

compute

Meaning

To calculate or determine by using a computer or mathematical methods.

Example

The software can compute the total cost in seconds.

C1 adjective /ɪnˈvæljʊəbl/

invaluable

Meaning

Extremely useful or indispensable.

Example

Her advice proved invaluable to my success.

C1 noun /ˈiːkwɪnɒks/

equinox

Meaning

The time or date when day and night are of equal length, occurring twice a year.

Example

The spring equinox marks the beginning of longer days.

B2 noun /ˌfer.ˈwel/

Farewell

Meaning

an act of parting or of marking someone's departure

Example

The company organized a farewell party for the retiring manager.

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.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈspɛərɪŋ/

unsparing

Meaning

Showing no mercy or generosity; harsh or severe.

Example

The critic was unsparing in his review of the play.

C1 verb /ˌriːˈtʌtʃ/

retouch

Meaning

To improve or repair a picture, photograph, or image by making small changes.

Example

The photographer retouched the image to remove blemishes.

C2 noun /pərˈsɪpiəns/

percipience

Meaning

The ability to perceive, understand, or notice things quickly.

Example

His percipience in reading people made him a great negotiator.

A1 adjective, adverb, pronoun /moʊst/

most

Meaning

the greatest in amount, degree, or number

Example

Most people like to relax on weekends.

C1 noun /daɪˈvɜː.ʃən/

Diversion

Meaning

the action of turning something aside from its course; an activity that diverts the mind

Example

The road closure forced a diversion through the countryside for all travelers.

C1 verb /ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrs/

reimburse

Meaning

to pay back money to someone who has spent it or lost it

Example

The company reimbursed him for travel expenses.

A2 noun /ˈɪər.ɪŋ/

Ear-ring

Meaning

a piece of jewelry worn on the earlobe or ear

Example

Her diamond earrings caught everyone's attention.

C2 noun /ˌdaɪələˈtɪʃən/

dialectician

Meaning

A person skilled in dialectic or logical argument.

Example

Socrates is often considered the greatest dialectician in history.

B2 verb /pəˈtroʊl/

patrol

Meaning

to move around an area to watch or guard it

Example

The police patrol the streets at night to ensure safety.

A2 noun /skɪn/

Skin

Meaning

the outer covering of the body; the natural outer covering of a fruit or vegetable

Example

Her skin was soft and smooth.

B2 noun /ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/

representation

Meaning

the action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something

Example

Her representation of the team was impeccable.

B2 noun ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti

integrity

Meaning

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

Example

Teachers' integrity fosters a positive learning environment.

C1 noun /ˈʃʊɡ.ər ˈkæn.di/

Sugar candy

Meaning

crystallized sugar formed into small pieces; rock candy made from sugar syrup

Example

The children enjoyed eating colorful sugar candy at the festival.

B1 noun /ˈsɜːvənt/

servant

Meaning

a person who performs duties for others, especially in a household

Example

The servant opened the door for the guests.

B2 noun/verb /bʌst/

bust

Meaning

As a noun: A sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest; As a verb: To break, smash, or arrest.

Example

The police busted the gang last night.

B2 noun /ˈweə(r)haʊs/

warehouse

Meaning

a large building where goods are stored before being sold or distributed

Example

The company stores all its products in a big warehouse.

C2 noun /ˈkwɔːrtoʊ/

quarto

Meaning

A book size resulting from folding each printed sheet into four leaves (eight pages).

Example

The library has rare Shakespeare quartos.

C1 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.bəʊn/

Collar-bone

Meaning

either of the pair of bones joining the breastbone to the shoulder blades; clavicle

Example

He broke his collar-bone in the accident.

B2 verb /ˈpɒndər/

ponder

Meaning

to think about something carefully

Example

She pondered over the meaning of the poem.

C1 verb /ʌnˈkɔrk/

uncork

Meaning

To remove the cork from a bottle; to open a bottle, especially of wine

Example

He uncorked the wine and poured a glass for everyone.

B2 noun ˈbluː.prɪnt

blueprint

Meaning

A detailed plan or framework for a work or project, a pre-planned structure.

Example

The architect presented a blueprint for the new building.

C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsɒljʊbl/

indissoluble

Meaning

Unable to be destroyed, broken, or dissolved.

Example

Marriage was once considered an indissoluble bond.

C2 noun /ˈsɑːrdʒənt ət ɑːrmz/

sergeant-at-arms

Meaning

An officer responsible for maintaining order during meetings or legislative sessions.

Example

The sergeant-at-arms escorted the disruptive member out of the hall.

B2 adjective /flɔːd/

flawed

Meaning

having a mistake or fault that reduces its value or quality

Example

The flawed design of the car led to a recall.

B1 adjective /ˈɡɔːr.dʒəs/

Gorgeous

Meaning

extremely beautiful; attractive; visually stunning

Example

The bride looked absolutely gorgeous.

B1 noun /ˈmɑː.kɪ.tɪŋ/

Marketing

Meaning

The activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.

Example

Digital marketing has transformed business strategies.

B2 adjective /ˈlɔːŋtaɪm/

longtime

Meaning

having existed or continued for a long time

Example

They are longtime friends who met in college.

B2 adjective /ˈsʌt.əl/

subtle

Meaning

So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods.

Example

The artist's use of color was subtle yet powerful.

C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈpoʊz/

discompose

Meaning

To disturb the order or calmness of something or someone.

Example

The unexpected question seemed to discompose her.

C1 verb /ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

equalize

Meaning

To make equal or level in status, value, or amount.

Example

The team equalized the score in the last minute.

C2 adjective /ˈleɪ.baɪl/ or /ˈlæb.aɪl/

labile

Meaning

easily altered or unstable; prone to change

Example

Her mood was so labile that it changed several times in an hour.

B1 noun /ˈpæsɪŋ/

passing

Meaning

the act of moving past something or the end of someone's life

Example

The passing of the leader was a great loss for the nation.

C2 noun /ˌtrænsfəˈriː/

transferee

Meaning

A person to whom a right, property, or responsibility is transferred.

Example

The transferee must sign the contract before taking ownership.

C2 noun /ˈæntɪkwɛri/

antiquary

Meaning

A person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or ancient objects.

Example

The antiquary spent years collecting rare manuscripts from the medieval period.

A1 noun /sɔːŋ/

song

Meaning

a short piece of music with words that are sung

Example

She sang a beautiful song at the concert.

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 /æmˈfɪb.i.əs/

Amphibious

Meaning

able to live both on land and in water; suitable for both land and water operations

Example

The amphibious vehicle can travel on both land and water.

C2 noun /flɔːˈrɛsəns/

florescence

Meaning

The process, state, or period of flowering.

Example

The garden reached its peak florescence in spring.

C1 verb /ˈpʌməl/

pummel

Meaning

To strike repeatedly with the fists; to beat or hit forcefully.

Example

The boxer pummeled his opponent in the final round.

C1 noun /ˌkɒnfɪˈdɑːnt/

confidante

Meaning

A woman with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting her not to repeat it.

Example

The queen’s maid became her most trusted confidante.

B2 noun /ˈkæriər/

carrier

Meaning

A person or thing that carries, transports, or conveys something; also an organization that provides transport services.

Example

The airline is the largest carrier in the country.

B1 adjective /ɪmˈbær.ə.sɪŋ/

Embarrassing

Meaning

causing shame or awkwardness; uncomfortable; humiliating

Example

It was embarrassing when I forgot her name.

B2 adjective /ˈkwɑː.lɪ.teɪ.tɪv/

Qualitative

Meaning

relating to quality or character rather than quantity; descriptive rather than numerical

Example

The research focuses on qualitative analysis rather than numbers.

A2 noun /ɡlʌv/

glove

Meaning

A covering for the hand with separate parts for the fingers and thumb.

Example

She wore gloves to protect her hands from the cold.

C1 verb /ˈflaʊndər/

flounder

Meaning

To struggle or stagger clumsily; to experience difficulty or confusion.

Example

He floundered in the interview when asked difficult questions.

B2 adjective /ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/

Charitable

Meaning

generous in giving to those in need; showing kindness

Example

She is known for her charitable work in the community.

C2 verb /pərˈtɪkjələrˌaɪz/

particularize

Meaning

to mention or describe something in detail

Example

The witness was asked to particularize the events of that night.

B1 noun ˈwɔː.mɪŋ

warming

Meaning

The process of becoming warmer; an increase in temperature.

Example

Warming is accelerating due to greenhouse gases.

C2 noun /ˈbɑːrbərɪzəm/

Barbarism

Meaning

extreme cruelty or brutality; absence of culture and civilization

Example

The barbarism of the war crimes shocked the entire international community.

B2 noun /ˌɛvəˈluːʃən/

evolution

Meaning

the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form

Example

The theory of evolution explains how species change over time.

C1 verb /rɪˈtælieɪt/

retaliate

Meaning

to make an attack in return for a similar attack

Example

The army retaliated after the enemy attack.

C1 adjective /ˈmæn.li/

Manly

Meaning

having qualities traditionally associated with men; brave; courageous

Example

He showed manly courage during the crisis.

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.

A2 noun /ˈfiːvər/

fever

Meaning

a medical condition in which the body temperature is higher than normal

Example

He couldn’t go to work because he had a high fever.

C1 noun ˌmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

marginalization

Meaning

The treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.

Example

Economic policies should address the marginalization of the poor.

B2 noun /ˈreɪ.zər/

Razor

Meaning

a sharp-edged instrument used for shaving hair from the skin

Example

He shaved his beard with a sharp razor.

C2 adjective /ɪˈbʊliənt/

ebullient

Meaning

cheerful and full of energy

Example

She was ebullient after receiving the good news.

B2 noun /ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪtər/

investigator

Meaning

a person who carries out a formal inquiry or investigation

Example

The investigator gathered evidence from the crime scene.

C1 adjective /ˈluː.krə.tɪv/

lucrative

Meaning

Producing a great deal of profit; highly profitable or financially rewarding.

Example

The real estate business is highly lucrative in urban areas.

C1 verb /ʃʌnt/

shunt

Meaning

to move or turn aside; to push or divert from one track to another

Example

The train was shunted onto a different track.

B2 verb /ˈreɪn.dʒɪŋ/

ranging

Meaning

Extending or varying between limits.

Example

The temperatures are ranging from 15 to 30 degrees this week.

B1 noun /ˈɝːθ.kweɪk/

earthquake

Meaning

A sudden and violent shaking of the ground as a result of movements within the earth's crust.

Example

A powerful earthquake struck Japan last night.

C2 noun /ˌkɒntrəpəˈzɪʃən/

contraposition

Meaning

the act of placing two things in opposition for contrast or comparison

Example

The contraposition of the two theories highlighted their differences.

A2 verb /ˈkænsəl/

cancel

Meaning

to decide that something planned will not take place

Example

The flight was canceled due to heavy rain.

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 /əˈlʌmnəs/

alumnus

Meaning

a former student or graduate of a school, college, or university

Example

He is an alumnus of Harvard University.