unsettle
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C1 verb /ʌnˈsɛtl/

unsettle

Meaning
To disturb or make someone feel anxious or uneasy.
Example
The sudden news unsettled the entire community.
B2 noun ˈmɪdl klæs

middle-class

Meaning
The social group between the upper and working classes, typically consisting of well-educated people.
Example
The middle-class was largely affected by the decision.
C1 noun /ˈsɒl.ɪs/

Solace

Meaning
comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness
Example
She found solace in music after her loss.
C1 verb /ɡeɪp/

gape

Meaning
to stare with mouth wide open; to be wide open
Example
The crowd gaped at the amazing magic trick.
B1 verb /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/

calculate

Meaning
to determine by mathematical computation; to estimate
Example
I need to calculate the total cost.
C2 adjective /ˌdɒktrɪˈnɛər/

doctrinaire

Meaning
stubbornly devoted to a theory or doctrine without regard to practical considerations
Example
His doctrinaire approach to politics alienated many supporters.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkrɛpɪt/

decrepit

Meaning
worn out or weakened by age or neglect
Example
The decrepit old house was on the verge of collapse.
C1 noun /ˌsɑːrdʒənt ˈmeɪdʒər/

sergeant-major

Meaning
A senior non-commissioned officer in the army responsible for discipline and administration within a unit.
Example
The sergeant-major inspected the troops before the parade.
B1 noun /ˌvedʒəˈteəriən/

Vegetarian

Meaning
a person who does not eat meat or fish; relating to vegetarians or vegetarianism
Example
She became a vegetarian for health and environmental reasons.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsæn.ə.ti/

Insanity

Meaning
the state of being seriously mentally ill; extreme foolishness or irrationality
Example
The defense lawyer argued that his client was not guilty by reason of insanity.
C1 adjective /həˈred.ɪ.ter.i/

Hereditary

Meaning
passed down through family genes; inherited from ancestors
Example
The hereditary disease was passed down through generations.
A1 preposition, adverb /ˈoʊvər/

over

Meaning
across, on top of, or beyond
Example
The book is lying over the table.
B2 adjective aɪˈkɒnɪk

iconic

Meaning
Very famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time.
Example
The line "It was the best of times..." is iconic.
C2 noun /ˌperəˈreɪʃən/

peroration

Meaning
The concluding part of a speech, often intended to inspire or persuade.
Example
The politician's peroration left the audience applauding enthusiastically.
C1 noun, verb /ˈfɜːrloʊ/

furlough

Meaning
temporary leave of absence from work, especially that granted to an employee or soldier
Example
Many workers were placed on furlough during the crisis.
C2 adjective /ɜːrˈbeɪn/

urbane

Meaning
showing polished manners, refinement, and sophistication
Example
He was an urbane gentleman who charmed everyone at the party.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɛərmən/

chairman

Meaning
the leader or head of a meeting, committee, or organization
Example
The chairman opened the meeting with a short speech.
C1 noun /ˌluː.mɪˈnɒs.ɪ.ti/

luminosity

Meaning
The intrinsic brightness of a celestial object; the quality of emitting light.
Example
The luminosity of the star was measured with advanced instruments.
C2 adjective /ˈfæn.sɪ.ləs/

fanciless

Meaning
without imagination or creativity; plain or ordinary
Example
His drawings were simple and fanciless.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪsəti/

nicety

Meaning
a fine or subtle detail, or a refined, delicate aspect of something
Example
The lawyer explained the legal niceties of the case.
B2 noun /ˈprɛzɪdənsi/

presidency

Meaning
the office or position of being a president
Example
He was elected to the presidency in 2020.
B2 noun kjuːz

cues

Meaning
Signals or hints from conversation or environment that help understanding
Example
Facial expressions provide cues about a person's emotions.
C2 verb /ˈdiːɪfaɪ/

deify

Meaning
to treat or worship someone or something as a god
Example
Some fans deify their favorite celebrities.
C1 noun ɪˈpɪf.ə.ni

epiphany

Meaning
A moment of sudden revelation or insight.
Example
He had an epiphany about his true purpose in life.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈæn.ju.eɪ.tɪd/

superannuated

Meaning
old and no longer useful or valid; retired due to age
Example
The factory was filled with superannuated machines that slowed production.
C2 verb /ˌkɒmənˈdɪə/

commandeer

Meaning
To take control or possession of something, often by force or authority.
Example
The soldiers commandeered the villagers’ homes during the war.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛdʒʊləs/

credulous

Meaning
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
Example
The credulous child believed every story she heard.
C2 noun ˈpɑː.stər.ə.lɪ.zəm

pastoralism

Meaning
A form of animal husbandry where domesticated animals are released onto large vegetated outdoor lands for grazing.
Example
Pastoralism is a traditional way of managing livestock.
C1 noun /kjʊˈreɪtər/

curator

Meaning
a person who is responsible for the care and management of a museum, gallery, or collection
Example
The curator organized a new exhibition of ancient artifacts.
C2 noun /ˌbluː ˈblʌd/

Blue-blood

Meaning
a person of noble birth; aristocrat
Example
She came from a family of blue-bloods with centuries of royal heritage.
C1 adjective /kɔɪ/

coy

Meaning
reluctant to give details or reveal feelings; shy or reserved
Example
She gave a coy smile when asked about her plans.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪʒən/

elysian

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of paradise; delightful and heavenly.
Example
They spent an elysian week on the quiet island.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪnsɪŋ/

mincing

Meaning
affectedly delicate, dainty, or refined in manner or movement
Example
He walked with mincing steps across the stage.
C1 noun

Longitude

C1 noun /əˈrɪs.tə.kræt/

Aristocrat

Meaning
a member of the aristocracy; a person of noble rank or birth
Example
The aristocrat lived in a magnificent castle.
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.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛsər/

intercessor

Meaning
a person who intervenes or pleads on behalf of another
Example
He acted as an intercessor to resolve the conflict between the two families.
C2 noun /əˈdɛndəm/

addendum

Meaning
an additional item or piece of information added at the end of a document or book
Example
The report included an addendum with updated statistics.
C1 verb, adjective, noun /spruːs/

spruce

Meaning
to make neat or tidy in appearance; also refers to an evergreen tree
Example
He spruced up his room before the guests arrived.
C2 noun /biˈætɪtjuːd/

beatitude

Meaning
supreme blessedness or happiness, often used in reference to the sayings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount
Example
She felt a state of beatitude after receiving the good news.
A2 noun /rɪˈzʌlt/

result

Meaning
a consequence, effect, or outcome of something
Example
The result of the test was excellent.
C1 adjective ˌɪm.pəˈsɛp.tɪ.bəl

imperceptible

Meaning
So subtle or gradual that it is difficult to notice or perceive
Example
The changes in his behavior were imperceptible at first.
C1 noun /ˈræp.tʃər/

rapture

Meaning
A feeling of intense joy, delight, or ecstasy.
Example
She listened to the music in rapture.
B2 adjective /ˌnɒnˈprɒfɪt/

nonprofit

Meaning
an organization that does not aim to make a profit, often serving a social or charitable purpose.
Example
She works for a nonprofit organization that helps children.
C2 adjective /ɑːlˈfæktəri/

olfactory

Meaning
Relating to the sense of smell.
Example
The perfume activated her olfactory nerves immediately.
B2 verb dɪsˈrʌpt

disrupt

Meaning
To interrupt or disturb the normal progress or activity of something.
Example
Individual pursuits disrupt social harmony.
A2 noun /dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/

Decision

Meaning
a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration; the action of deciding
Example
Making the right decision required careful analysis of all available options.
B2 noun /ˈæməzɒn/

amazon

Meaning
A tall, strong, or powerful woman.
Example
She fought like an amazon in the competition.
C2 noun /ˈflætʃələns/

flatulence

Meaning
the accumulation of gas in the digestive system; excessive gas in the stomach or intestines
Example
Eating beans can sometimes cause flatulence.
B2 noun ˈlɪv.ɪŋ ˈstæn.dədz

living standards

Meaning
The degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community; quality of life.
Example
High living standards improve satisfaction.
A2 noun /frɒɡ/

Frog

Meaning
a small amphibian animal that lives both in water and on land
Example
The frog jumped from the lily pad into the pond.
B1 noun /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

Shadow

Meaning
a dark area where light is blocked by something; a person's silhouette
Example
The tree cast a long shadow across the garden in the evening.
C2 noun /əˈpɒstəsi/

apostasy

Meaning
The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
Example
His public apostasy shocked his followers.
C1 adverb /ˈiːstwədz/

Eastwards

Meaning
towards the east; in an eastern direction
Example
The river flows eastwards into the ocean.
C1 noun trəˈdʒek.tər.i

trajectory

Meaning
The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
Example
The satellite followed its intended trajectory.
C2 noun /ˈlɪtəni/

litany

Meaning
a long, repetitive, or tedious account or list; originally a form of prayer
Example
The politician gave a litany of promises during the campaign.
C1 noun /ˈmænəˌrɪzəm/

Mannerism

Meaning
A habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving; an idiosyncrasy
Example
His constant throat clearing had become an annoying mannerism.
B1 noun ˈkʌrənsi

currency

Meaning
A system of money in general use in a particular country; the fact or quality of being generally accepted or in use.
Example
Dual currency systems were proposed.
C2 noun /ˈævərɪs/

avarice

Meaning
extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Example
His avarice led him to exploit his workers.
B2 noun /ˈaʊt.saɪ.dər/

Out-sider

Meaning
a person who does not belong to a particular group; someone not accepted by a group
Example
As an outsider, he found it difficult to understand their traditions.
C1 adjective /əbˈdʒek.ʃən.ə.bəl/

Objectionable

Meaning
arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive
Example
His objectionable behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˈrep.lɪ.kə/

Replica

Meaning
an exact copy or model of something, especially one on a smaller scale
Example
The museum displayed a perfect replica of the ancient statue.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪt/

maculate

Meaning
To stain, spot, or pollute something.
Example
The white cloth was maculated by ink stains.
B2 noun /fiːst/

Feast

Meaning
a large meal, typically one in celebration of something; an annual religious celebration
Example
The wedding feast included traditional dishes from both families' cultures.
A1 verb /brɪŋ/

bring

Meaning
to carry or take something to a place; to come with something
Example
Please bring your books to class tomorrow.
C1 noun /ˈsæf.aɪər/

Saphire

Meaning
a precious stone that is typically blue in color
Example
The royal crown was adorned with a large sapphire.
C2 adjective /ˈvælərəs/

valorous

Meaning
showing great courage and bravery
Example
The valorous soldier led his troop into battle without hesitation.
C1 verb /ˌdiː.kəmˈprɛs/

decompress

Meaning
To relax and recover from stress or pressure.
Example
Taking deep breaths helps to decompress after a stressful day.
C2 adjective /əˈθɜːrst/

athirst

Meaning
Very eager or desirous for something.
Example
The explorer was athirst for adventure.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪlɪf/

bailiff

Meaning
An official who keeps order in a court, carries out court orders, or collects debts.
Example
The bailiff asked everyone to rise as the judge entered the courtroom.
C2 noun /ˈpʌlkrɪˌtjuːd/

pulchritude

Meaning
physical beauty
Example
The actress was admired for her pulchritude as well as her talent.
B1 adverb /rɪˈpiː.tɪd.li/

Repeatedly

Meaning
again and again; many times over
Example
He repeatedly asked for help with his homework.
B2 noun /ɑːrˈkeɪd/

arcade

Meaning
a covered passage with arches along one or both sides; also a place with coin-operated games
Example
The children spent the afternoon playing games at the arcade.
C1 noun /ˈen.mə.ti/

Enmity

Meaning
a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility
Example
The enmity between the two families lasted for generations.
C1 noun /ˈɡlædiˌeɪtər/

gladiator

Meaning
A man trained to fight in public contests in ancient Rome.
Example
The gladiator fought bravely in the arena.
B2 adjective ˈkʌtɪŋ ˌɛdʒ

cutting-edge

Meaning
The most advanced or innovative; at the forefront of development.
Example
This company develops cutting-edge technology.
B2 verb ˈel.ɪ.veɪt

elevate

Meaning
To lift to a higher position; to raise to a more important or impressive level.
Example
Good leadership can elevate team performance.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪst/

sophist

Meaning
a person who uses clever but misleading arguments
Example
He was dismissed as a sophist who twisted facts to win debates.
B2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈlʊk/

overlook

Meaning
to fail to notice or consider something; to have a view from above
Example
It's easy to overlook small details when you're in a hurry.
B2 noun /prəˈvaɪdər/

provider

Meaning
a person or thing that provides something.
Example
The service provider ensures that all customers receive timely support.
C1 noun ɪˌræʃ.ənˈæl.ɪ.ti

irrationality

Meaning
The quality of being illogical or unreasonable; lack of rational thought.
Example
His decision was driven by complete irrationality.
B2 noun /ˈɡreɪt.fəl.nəs/

Gratefulness

Meaning
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for kindness
Example
She expressed her gratefulness to the doctors who saved her life.
C1 noun /skwɔːl/

squall

Meaning
a sudden violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet
Example
A sudden squall caught the sailors off guard.
C2 verb /ˈnuːkliˌeɪt/

nucleate

Meaning
to form into a nucleus or bring together into a central part
Example
The droplets began to nucleate around tiny particles in the air.
B2 noun /ɡʌlf/

Gulf

Meaning
a deep inlet of the sea almost surrounded by land; a wide gap or difference between people or groups
Example
The Persian Gulf is an important waterway for international shipping and oil transport.
B2 adjective /ˌmiː.diˈiː.vəl/

medieval

Meaning
Relating to the Middle Ages, the period in European history from about the 5th to the 15th century.
Example
The castle is a famous medieval monument.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌnɪŋ/

stunning

Meaning
extremely impressive or attractive
Example
The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely stunning.
C1 noun /ˈævətɑːr/

avatar

Meaning
an icon or figure representing a person in digital contexts; in Hinduism, a divine incarnation
Example
She changed her social media avatar to a new cartoon image.
C2 noun /ˈlʊŋ.gi/

Lungi

Meaning
a traditional garment worn around the waist in South Asia
Example
He wore a comfortable lungi while relaxing at home.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːvɪŋ/

serving

Meaning
a portion of food for one person; the act of giving food or drink to someone
Example
He ate a large serving of rice and curry.
B1 noun /ˈfaɪ.tər/

Fighter

Meaning
a military aircraft designed for attacking other aircraft; a person who fights
Example
The fighter jet flew overhead during the military parade.
C1 adjective /ˈlʌʃəs/

luscious

Meaning
deliciously sweet or rich; highly appealing to the senses
Example
She served a luscious chocolate cake.
C1 verb /hɔːrd/

hoard

Meaning
to accumulate and hide away a large supply of something, often secretly
Example
During the crisis, many people began to hoard food and water.
C1 verb /diːˈfjuːz/

defuse

Meaning
To make a situation less dangerous, tense, or explosive; to remove a fuse from a bomb.
Example
The negotiator helped defuse the tense situation.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/ or /ˈrɛkəndaɪt/

recondite

Meaning
Little known or difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of recondite theories.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

Meaning
to offset or balance the effect of something
Example
Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress.
C1 noun /ˈbʊl.ək/

Bullock

Meaning
a young bull; a castrated bull used for farm work
Example
The farmer used a bullock to plow the field.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈdɔːrnd/

unadorned

Meaning
Plain and simple; not decorated.
Example
The room was unadorned, with only a table and a chair.
C1 noun /ˈleɪˌpɜːrsən/

layperson

Meaning
A person who is not a member of the clergy or does not have specialized knowledge in a subject.
Example
The judge explained the law so that the layperson could understand.
C1 noun /deɪˈbɑː.kəl/

debacle

Meaning
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
Example
The company's poor management led to a financial debacle.
B2 noun /ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/

exploration

Meaning
the action of traveling through or studying an area to learn more about it
Example
Space exploration has expanded our understanding of the universe.
A2 adjective /swiːt/

Sweet

Meaning
having a pleasant taste; kind and gentle; pleasing
Example
She has a sweet voice that everyone loves to hear.
B2 noun /ˈdʒæn.ɪ.tər/

Janitor

Meaning
a person employed to clean and maintain a building; a caretaker
Example
The school janitor worked late every evening to ensure the classrooms were spotless.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːrpɔːrt/

purport

Meaning
to claim or profess something, often falsely
Example
The document purports to be an official government report.
A2 noun /ˈʌndərweər/

underwear

Meaning
Clothing worn beneath outer clothes, typically next to the skin.
Example
He bought new underwear for the trip.
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.
C2 verb /ˈsnɪvəl/

snivel

Meaning
to cry or complain in a weak or annoying way
Example
He began to snivel when he didn’t get his way.
C1 noun /raɪt/

rite

Meaning
a religious or ceremonial act
Example
The wedding rite was performed with great solemnity.
C2 noun /ˈkrɪptəɡræm/

cryptogram

Meaning
a text written in code or cipher
Example
The detective solved the cryptogram hidden in the letter.
B2 noun/verb /ˈwɒf.əl/

waffle

Meaning
as noun: a crisp cake with a pattern of deep squares; as verb: to speak or write vaguely without making a clear decision
Example
He kept waffling instead of making a decision.
C2 adverb /əˈbæk/

Aback

Meaning
by surprise; unexpectedly
Example
I was taken aback by his sudden announcement.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈfraɪəbl/

friable

Meaning
Easily crumbled or reduced to powder.
Example
The old brick wall was friable and broke apart at a touch.
B2 noun /dɪˈvoʊ.ʃən/

Devotion

Meaning
love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause
Example
Her devotion to helping others made her a beloved figure in the community.
B2 noun /ˈkʊriər/

courier

Meaning
a person or company that delivers messages, packages, or mail
Example
The courier delivered the documents on time.
C1 noun ˌvɒl.əˈtɪl.ɪ.ti

volatility

Meaning
Liability to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse; instability.
Example
The stock market's volatility makes investment risky.
B2 adjective ˈræd.ɪ.kəl

radical

Meaning
Capable of bringing fundamental changes opposite to conventional beliefs or systems.
Example
The leader proposed radical economic reforms.
B2 verb /əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/

originate

Meaning
to come into existence; to begin; to create or produce
Example
The tradition originated in ancient times.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrɡər/

burgher

Meaning
A citizen of a town, typically a member of the wealthy middle class.
Example
The burgher was respected as a prosperous merchant in the city.
B2 noun /ˈkoʊ.brə/

Cobra

Meaning
a venomous snake with a hood that can be spread when threatened
Example
The cobra raised its hood and hissed at the intruder.
C1 noun səˈsteɪnəbəl ænd kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈproʊtʃ

sustainable and collaborative approach

Meaning
A method of working together that can be maintained over time without depleting resources or causing harm.
Example
A sustainable and collaborative approach is crucial for solving environmental problems.