usury
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C2 noun /ˈjuːʒəri/

usury

Meaning
The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.
Example
The law strictly prohibits usury.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sangfroid

Meaning
Composure or coolness under pressure.
Example
She impressed everyone with her sangfroid during the interview.
B2 noun /ˌkwes.tʃəˈneər/

questionnaire

Meaning
a set of written questions used to collect information or opinions
Example
Participants filled out a detailed questionnaire about their habits.
B2 noun /əˈsaɪləm/

asylum

Meaning
Protection or shelter, especially given to refugees or the mentally ill.
Example
The refugees sought asylum in the neighboring country.
A1 noun /ˈmʌðər/

mother

Meaning
a female parent
Example
Her mother is a kind and caring person.
B2 noun /ˈbækdrɒp/

backdrop

Meaning
a painted cloth or other structure used behind a stage
Example
The backdrop for the play was a beautiful mountain scene.
C1 noun /rɪˈpjuːt/

repute

Meaning
the opinion generally held of someone or something; reputation
Example
He is a scholar of great repute in his field.
A2 noun /wɔːr/

War

Meaning
a state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country
Example
The war lasted for five years and caused great destruction.
C1 adjective /ˈhɑːrdi/

hardy

Meaning
Strong, robust, and capable of enduring difficult conditions.
Example
Hardy plants can survive the harsh winter.
C1 noun /pərˈvɜːrʒən/

perversion

Meaning
The act of distorting or corrupting the original meaning, purpose, or state of something.
Example
The regime’s censorship was seen as a perversion of free speech.
C2 noun ˈsaɪəns ˈdezət

science-desert

Meaning
A region or area lacking in scientific development, research facilities, or educational institutions.
Example
J.C. Bose thrived in a science-desert.
B2 verb /rɪˈstreɪn/

restrain

Meaning
to hold back or control; to limit or restrict
Example
Please restrain your dog.
A2 noun /ˈbɪljən/

billion

Meaning
the number 1,000,000,000 (one thousand million)
Example
The company is worth more than a billion dollars.
C1 noun /ˈtrɪlədʒi/

trilogy

Meaning
a set of three related works, usually books or films, that form a connected story
Example
The director finally released the third film to complete the sci-fi trilogy.
B1 noun /ˈmɛdəl/

medal

Meaning
a piece of metal given as an award for achievement
Example
She won a gold medal in the 100-meter race.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkɒm.prə.maɪ.zɪŋ/

Uncompromising

Meaning
unwilling to change one's views or to agree about something; showing an unwillingness to make concessions to others
Example
He was uncompromising in his demand for a full apology.
B2 noun /ˈpaɪ.θən/

Python

Meaning
a large non-venomous snake that kills prey by constriction
Example
The python wrapped around its prey tightly.
C1 noun /ˈpɪt.əns/

pittance

Meaning
a very small or inadequate amount of money
Example
She worked long hours for a mere pittance.
C2 adjective /koʊˈtɜːr.mɪ.nəs/

coterminous

Meaning
having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
Example
The two jurisdictions are coterminous, sharing the same borders.
C1 adverb /iːsˈθetɪkli/

aesthetically

Meaning
in a way that is concerned with beauty or visual appeal
Example
The building is aesthetically pleasing despite its simple design.
B2 verb /əˈbændən/

abandon

Meaning
to give up completely; to leave permanently
Example
They had to abandon their house due to flooding.
C2 adjective /bruːsk/ or /brʌsk/

brusque

Meaning
abrupt or blunt in manner or speech, often seen as rude
Example
His brusque reply ended the conversation.
C2 noun /krəˈdjuːlɪti/

credulity

Meaning
A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
Example
The scam succeeded because of the victim's credulity.
C1 noun əbˈzɔːrp.ʃən

absorption

Meaning
The process or action by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.
Example
Plants help in the absorption of carbon dioxide.
B2 adjective /senˈseɪʃənəl/

Sensational

Meaning
causing great excitement or shock; extremely impressive
Example
The sensational performance left the audience speechless.
C1 noun ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən ˈstrætədʒiz

mitigation strategies

Meaning
Plans and actions designed to reduce the severity or impact of problems or risks.
Example
Governments must adopt mitigation strategies for climate change.
C2 verb /ˈbɒtənaɪz/

botanize

Meaning
to study plants in their natural environment
Example
They went to the forest to botanize during their vacation.
C2 noun /ˈkɒkskoʊm/

Cockscomb

Meaning
a tropical plant with bright, velvety flowers that resemble a rooster's comb
Example
The bright red cockscomb flowers added vibrant color to the garden bed.
B1 adjective ˈriː.dʒən.əl

regional

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a region.
Example
Regional hubs support localized industries.
B2 adjective /əˈtɒm.ɪk/

Atomic

Meaning
relating to atoms or atomic energy; extremely small
Example
The atomic structure of hydrogen is the simplest.
C2 noun /ˈlænjæp/

lagniappe

Meaning
A small gift or bonus given by a seller to a customer.
Example
The shopkeeper offered a piece of candy as a lagniappe.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndaɪn/

condign

Meaning
deserved, appropriate, and fitting (especially punishment)
Example
The criminal received condign punishment for his crimes.
C1 verb /riˈɪtəreɪt/

reiterate

Meaning
To say something again or repeatedly for emphasis or clarity.
Example
The teacher reiterated the importance of honesty.
A1 pronoun /jɔːrz/

yours

Meaning
belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing
Example
This pen is yours.
C2 noun /pɪˈlɑːf/

Pillaw

Meaning
a dish of rice cooked in seasoned broth, often with meat and vegetables
Example
We enjoyed a delicious chicken pillaw for dinner.
C1 verb /dɪˈmiːn/

demean

Meaning
to cause someone to lose dignity or respect
Example
The manager demeaned his employees with rude remarks.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈfrændʒɪbəl/

irrefrangible

Meaning
Not to be broken, violated, or infringed
Example
The constitution guarantees certain irrefrangible rights to every citizen.
B2 noun /kraɪˈtɪəriən/

criterion

Meaning
A standard or rule used to make a judgment or decision.
Example
Honesty is an important criterion for this job.
C2 adjective /ˌpɜːrtɪˈneɪʃəs/

pertinacious

Meaning
holding firmly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action; stubbornly persistent
Example
The pertinacious lawyer refused to give up the case.
B2 noun /ˈtɛkstʃər/

texture

Meaning
the way something feels when you touch it; the quality of a surface or substance
Example
The fabric has a soft and smooth texture.
B1 noun /prəˈməʊ.ʃən/

Promotion

Meaning
the act of raising someone to a higher position; advertising to increase sales
Example
She received a promotion to manager after five years of hard work.
B1 verb /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/

establish

Meaning
To set up, create, or bring into existence something on a firm basis.
Example
The company plans to establish a new office in Dhaka.
C1 noun /fəˈtæləti/

fatality

Meaning
An occurrence of death by accident, disaster, or violence.
Example
The accident resulted in one fatality.
C2 verb /fɔɪst/

foist

Meaning
To impose something unwelcome or unnecessary on someone.
Example
He tried to foist his old books onto his friends.
A1 preposition /tuː/

to

Meaning
used for expressing motion or direction
Example
She is going to the market.
C2 adjective /læŋk/

lank

Meaning
Tall, thin, and often awkward in appearance.
Example
The lank teenager towered over his classmates.
B2 noun /səbˈmɪʃən/

submission

Meaning
the act of yielding to authority or presenting something for consideration
Example
Her submission of the report was appreciated by the manager.
C1 noun /ˌdʒerənˈtɑːlədʒi/

gerontology

Meaning
The scientific study of old age and the process of aging.
Example
She chose to specialize in gerontology after completing medical school.
C2 verb /ɜːrk/

irk

Meaning
to annoy or irritate someone
Example
It irks me when people are late without calling.
B2 noun ˈsəʊ.lər ˈen.ə.dʒi

solar energy

Meaning
Energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.
Example
Solar energy is vital for reducing carbon emissions.
C1 adjective draʊt rɪˈzɪs.tənt

drought-resistant

Meaning
Able to survive and grow despite limited water availability or drought conditions.
Example
Drought-resistant crops can survive in arid conditions.
A1 noun /aɪs/

Ice

Meaning
water that has frozen and become solid
Example
The ice in my drink melted quickly in the hot weather.
B2 noun /ˈɪmɪɡrənt/

immigrant

Meaning
a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country
Example
The city has welcomed many new immigrants this year.
B1 adjective ˈʃɔːrt.tɜːrm

short-term

Meaning
Occurring over or involving a relatively short period of time.
Example
Investing in stocks can yield short-term profits.
B2 adjective /prɪˈventɪv/

Preventive

Meaning
designed to prevent something from happening; protective against disease
Example
Regular exercise is a preventive measure against heart disease.
B1 noun /ˈtaɪ.təl/

Title

Meaning
the name of a book, movie, or other work; a word used before someone's name to show rank or status
Example
The title of the book is very interesting.
C2 adjective fɔːˈtjuː.ɪ.təs

fortuitous

Meaning
Happening by accident or chance rather than design; lucky or fortunate.
Example
Their meeting was purely fortuitous.
C1 adjective /kənˈkluː.sɪv/

Conclusive

Meaning
final; decisive; settling a matter completely
Example
The evidence was conclusive and left no room for doubt.
B1 noun /ˈvæk.juːm/

vacuum

Meaning
A space entirely devoid of matter; an absence of atmosphere or content.
Example
The scientist created a vacuum chamber for the experiment.
B2 noun /ˈdoʊnər/

donor

Meaning
A person who gives something, especially to a charity or cause.
Example
The donor contributed generously to the hospital’s new wing.
B2 noun/verb /skræp/

scrap

Meaning
A small piece of something; to discard or get rid of something.
Example
He used a scrap of paper to jot down the number.
C1 adjective /ˈneɡ.lɪ.dʒə.bəl/

Negligible

Meaning
so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant
Example
The side effects of this medicine are negligible.
B2 verb /ˈtrɛmbəl/

tremble

Meaning
To shake slightly, often because of fear, cold, or nervousness.
Example
She began to tremble with fear before speaking.
A1 noun /ˈmjuːzɪk/

music

Meaning
vocal or instrumental sounds combined to produce harmony, melody, or rhythm
Example
She loves listening to classical music.
C2 noun /ˈbɒnəmi/

bonhomie

Meaning
Cheerful friendliness and geniality.
Example
The meeting was filled with laughter and bonhomie.
B1 adjective /ˈvaɪə.lənt/

Violent

Meaning
using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill; very forceful or powerful
Example
The violent storm caused significant damage to the coastal areas.
C1 verb /səˈlɪdəˌfaɪ/

solidify

Meaning
To make something firm, strong, or more certain.
Example
The company solidified its position in the market.
B2 noun /ˈloʊ.təs/

Lotus

Meaning
a large water flower that floats on the surface of ponds and lakes
Example
The lotus flower blooms beautifully in the quiet pond.
C2 adjective /ˈnɒmɪk/

nomic

Meaning
Relating to laws, rules, or systems.
Example
The philosopher discussed the nomic necessity of natural laws.
B2 noun pɛsts

pests

Meaning
Harmful or troublesome creatures, especially insects or small animals that damage crops, food, or living spaces.
Example
Pests can damage crops and cause diseases.
B2 verb /ˈtʃɛrɪʃ/

cherish

Meaning
To hold something dear, to love and protect, or to keep a hope or memory alive.
Example
She cherishes the memories of her childhood home.
C2 noun /ˈriːdʒənt/

regent

Meaning
a person who rules in place of a monarch when the monarch is absent or too young
Example
The prince acted as regent until the king came of age.
B1 noun wɛlθ

wealth

Meaning
The state of being rich; material prosperity; an abundance of valuable possessions or money.
Example
Wealth creation involves building assets that earn while you sleep.
A1 preposition /θruː/

through

Meaning
moving in one side and out the other side of something
Example
The train passed through the tunnel.
B1 adjective /aɪˈdiːəl/

ideal

Meaning
the best possible; perfect for a situation
Example
This place is ideal for a picnic.
C1 adjective /ˌæntiˈneɪtl/

antenatal

Meaning
Relating to the medical care and treatment given to a pregnant woman before the birth of her child.
Example
She attended regular antenatal checkups throughout her pregnancy.
B2 noun /ˈleɪaʊt/

layout

Meaning
the arrangement or design of something, especially the arrangement of elements in a book, webpage, or room
Example
The designer presented a new layout for the website that was much more user-friendly.
B1 adjective /ˈflek.sə.bəl/

Flexible

Meaning
able to bend easily; adaptable to change; not rigid
Example
She has a flexible work schedule that allows her to work from home.
C1 noun /ˌnoʊtəˈraɪəti/

notoriety

Meaning
The state of being famous or well-known for something bad.
Example
The criminal gained notoriety for his daring escapes.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskriːt/

discreet

Meaning
careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to keep something confidential or avoid embarrassment
Example
She was discreet about the details of their conversation.
A1 verb /riːd/

read

Meaning
to look at written words and understand their meaning
Example
I read books before going to bed.
B1 verb /kənˈvɜːrt/

convert

Meaning
to change from one form to another; to transform
Example
We can convert this room into an office.
B2 adjective /ˈnjuː.mər.əs/

Numerous

Meaning
existing in large numbers; many; abundant
Example
There are numerous benefits to exercising regularly.
A2 verb /heɪt/

hate

Meaning
to feel intense dislike or aversion for someone or something
Example
I hate waiting in long lines.
C1 noun /ˈɡreɪ.tər/

Grater

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a rough surface for grating food into small pieces
Example
Use the grater to grate cheese for the pizza.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/

damaging

Meaning
causing harm or injury
Example
The storm caused damaging effects to the crops.
C2 adjective /ˈprəʊ.lɪks/

prolix

Meaning
using too many words; tediously lengthy
Example
The professor’s prolix lecture put many students to sleep.
B1 verb /hiːl/

heal

Meaning
to cure; to become healthy again
Example
Time will heal all wounds.
C1 verb /ˈkaʊər/

cower

Meaning
to crouch down in fear
Example
The child cowered behind the sofa during the thunderstorm.
B1 noun /peɪs/

pace

Meaning
the speed at which something happens or is done
Example
She walked at a slow pace.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈlɛtəd/

unlettered

Meaning
lacking education or the ability to read and write; illiterate
Example
The unlettered villagers relied on oral traditions to preserve their history.
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.
C2 noun /ˈpɛd.ən.tri/

pedantry

Meaning
Excessive concern with minor details or rules.
Example
His pedantry made the meeting unnecessarily long.
C2 noun /ˈsɪmpəltən/

simpleton

Meaning
a foolish or gullible person
Example
They treated him like a simpleton who could not understand anything complex.
B2 noun /jel/

Yell

Meaning
a loud, sharp cry of pain, surprise, or delight; to shout loudly
Example
He let out a yell when he saw the spider.
C1 noun /ˈmɒn.ɑːk/

Monarch

Meaning
a sovereign ruler, especially a king or queen
Example
The monarch addressed the nation on television.
C2 verb /ˈtæri/

tarry

Meaning
To delay or linger; to stay longer than intended.
Example
Do not tarry, or you will miss the train.
C1 noun /dɪˈlɪriəm/

delirium

Meaning
An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
Example
The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
C1 adjective /pərˈvɜːrs/

perverse

Meaning
showing a deliberate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable, contrary, or unacceptable
Example
He took a perverse pleasure in upsetting his colleagues.
B2 noun /ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

allocation

Meaning
The action or process of distributing resources or duties for a particular purpose.
Example
Budget allocation for education must be increased.
A2 noun /ˈpoʊst ˌɒfɪs/

post office

Meaning
a public building or agency where mail is sent, received, and other postal services are provided
Example
I went to the post office to mail a package.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkætˌkɔːl/

catcall

Meaning
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval or sexual harassment directed at someone.
Example
The actress ignored the catcalls from the crowd.
B2 noun /ɡriːnz/

Greens

Meaning
Leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and cabbage
Example
Eating greens is important for good health.
A2 noun /ˈwɒʃ.ɪŋ məˌʃiːn/

Washing machine

Meaning
a machine for washing clothes and other textiles
Example
The washing machine broke down and needs repair.
C2 noun /ˈdɛftnəs/

deftness

Meaning
Skillfulness and quickness in action or thought.
Example
Her deftness with words impressed the audience.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
C2 noun /rɪˈdʒɔɪndər/

rejoinder

Meaning
a quick or witty reply; a response to a remark or argument
Example
His sharp rejoinder silenced the crowd.
C2 verb əˈmiːljəreɪt

ameliorate

Meaning
To make better; improve or enhance something.
Example
The new policies are designed to ameliorate living conditions.
B1 adverb /ˌæbsəˈluːtli/

Absolutely

Meaning
completely; totally; without exception
Example
I absolutely agree with your decision.
A2 adjective, noun /ˈfeɪvərɪt/

favorite

Meaning
Preferred over all others; something or someone especially liked.
Example
Chocolate is my favorite ice cream flavor.
C2 adjective /ˈbʊərɪʃ/

boorish

Meaning
Rude, insensitive, and lacking manners or refinement.
Example
His boorish behavior ruined the dinner party.
B1 noun /ˈdez.ət/

Desert

Meaning
a barren area of landscape with little precipitation; an arid region with sparse vegetation
Example
The Sahara Desert is one of the largest hot deserts in the world.
A2 noun /ˈrʌnɪŋ/

running

Meaning
the action or sport of running
Example
Running every morning keeps me healthy.
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.
B2 verb /kəˈlæps/

collapse

Meaning
to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down completely
Example
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
B2 noun ɑːmd ˈkɒn.flɪkt

armed conflict

Meaning
A contest of armed forces; warfare between opposing military forces.
Example
Armed conflict resulted in widespread devastation.
C1 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈrɔt/

overwrought

Meaning
extremely agitated or nervous; excessively elaborate
Example
She was too overwrought to speak clearly after the accident.
B1 noun /ˈdɛkeɪd/

decade

Meaning
A period of ten years.
Example
The country has changed a lot in the past decade.
C2 noun /ˈprɒm.ən.tɔːr.i/

promontory

Meaning
A high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water.
Example
The lighthouse stood on a promontory overlooking the sea.