varnish
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C1 noun/verb /ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/

varnish

Meaning
A liquid that is applied to wood or other materials to form a hard, shiny surface; also to apply such a liquid.
Example
The carpenter varnished the table to give it a glossy finish.
C1 noun /ˈmelənkəli/

Melancholy

Meaning
A feeling of pensive sadness; thoughtful or gentle sadness
Example
A deep melancholy settled over him after reading the old letters.
C1 verb /ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊ/

overshadow

Meaning
to appear more important or significant than something else, reducing its impact
Example
The scandal overshadowed his achievements.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsaɪt/

incite

Meaning
to provoke; to stir up
Example
His speech incited the crowd to violence.
C1 noun /ˈmiːknəs/

Meekness

Meaning
The quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive
Example
His meekness was often mistaken for weakness by his colleagues.
C1 adverb /ˈɪnwərdli/

inwardly

Meaning
In the mind or spirit; not outwardly visible.
Example
She smiled outwardly but inwardly she was worried.
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.
C1 noun /nɪˈɡeɪʃən/

negation

Meaning
The act of denying something; the contradiction or absence of something.
Example
The theory is built on the negation of traditional beliefs.
C1 adjective /ˈɒm.ɪ.nəs/

Ominous

Meaning
giving the impression that something bad will happen; threatening; foreboding
Example
The dark clouds looked ominous before the storm.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈkɒn.sə.mət/

consummate

Meaning
To complete or perfect something with great skill
Example
He is a consummate artist with years of experience.
C1 noun /səˈprɑːnoʊ/

soprano

Meaning
the highest female or boy’s singing voice
Example
She sang beautifully in the soprano range during the concert.
C1 noun ˈæk.si.əm

axiom

Meaning
A statement or principle that is considered true and does not require proof.
Example
Actions speak louder than words is a well-known axiom.
C1 adjective ˌprɒb.ə.bɪˈlɪs.tɪk

probabilistic

Meaning
Based on probability; involving chance or statistical likelihood.
Example
The model follows a probabilistic approach to predictions.
C1 verb /ˈtiːtər/

teeter

Meaning
to move or balance unsteadily; to wobble
Example
The glass began to teeter on the edge of the table.
C1 adjective /ˈfɜːr.vənt/

fervent

Meaning
having or showing intense passion or enthusiasm
Example
She gave a fervent speech about climate change.
C1 noun/verb /ɪˈstiːm/

esteem

Meaning
Respect and admiration, typically for a person.
Example
She is held in high esteem by her colleagues.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈpæstərəl/

pastoral

Meaning
relating to the countryside, shepherds, or rural life; also relating to spiritual guidance by a pastor
Example
The painting had a calm pastoral scene with sheep grazing.
C1 verb /ʌpˈruːt/

uproot

Meaning
To pull something out of the ground; to remove or displace completely.
Example
They uprooted the old tree from the garden.
C1 noun /ɪˈnɪɡ.mə/

enigma

Meaning
A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
Example
Life remains an enigma to many.
C1 noun /stents/

stents

Meaning
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
Example
Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques.
C1 noun /dɪˈstɔːrʃən/

distortion

Meaning
the action of twisting, changing, or misrepresenting the shape, sound, or truth of something
Example
There was a distortion in the radio signal.
C1 verb /bruːd/

brood

Meaning
to think deeply about something that makes one unhappy; also, a group of young birds hatched at the same time
Example
He sat alone, brooding over his failures.
C1 noun /truːp/

troupe

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

tardy

Meaning
Delayed; arriving or happening late.
Example
The student received a warning for being tardy to class.
C1 noun /ɪˈmiːdiəsi/

immediacy

Meaning
The quality of bringing one into direct and instant involvement with something, giving rise to a sense of urgency or excitement.
Example
The immediacy of digital communication has reshaped business operations.
C1 noun ˈhɛroʊˌɪzəm

heroism

Meaning
Great bravery; the qualities or attributes of a hero.
Example
The heroism of freedom fighters inspires the nation.
C1 noun /kənˈveɪəns/

conveyance

Meaning
The action or process of transporting or carrying someone or something from one place to another.
Example
The conveyance of goods was delayed due to bad weather.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæʃənd/

impassioned

Meaning
Filled with or showing great emotion.
Example
She gave an impassioned speech about human rights.
C1 verb /prɪˈzaɪd/

preside

Meaning
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
Example
She will preside over the meeting tomorrow.
C1 adjective /ˈrɛtroʊˌɡreɪd/

retrograde

Meaning
moving backward or returning to a worse condition
Example
The policy was seen as a retrograde step for human rights.
C1 noun/verb /reɪn/

rein

Meaning
A strap used to control a horse; to control or guide something.
Example
The rider pulled the rein to stop the horse.
C1 noun /stɑːr ˈæn.ɪs/

Star Anise

Meaning
star-shaped spice pod with a licorice-like flavor used in cooking
Example
She added star anise to the soup for aromatic flavor.
C1 noun /dɪˈkɔː.rəm/

Decorum

Meaning
behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety; dignified and appropriate conduct
Example
The diplomat maintained perfect decorum throughout the heated negotiations.
C1 noun /ˈpruːdəns/

prudence

Meaning
The quality of being cautious, wise, and exercising good judgment.
Example
She invested her money with great prudence.
C1 adjective dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɔːri

discriminatory

Meaning
Making or showing an unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things.
Example
Discriminatory policies triggered protests.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.kʌl.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

discoloration

Meaning
The process of changing or losing color; fading.
Example
Sun exposure causes discoloration of fabrics.
C1 adjective /ˈɡrɪz.li/

grisly

Meaning
causing horror or disgust
Example
The police discovered a grisly scene at the crime site.
C1 adjective /ˈriː.fleks/

Reflex

Meaning
an action performed without conscious thought; relating to reflection
Example
The doctor tested her reflex response by tapping her knee.
C1 noun /ˈdɪɡnɪˌtɛri/

dignitary

Meaning
a person considered to be important because of high rank or office
Example
Several foreign dignitaries attended the state banquet.
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 noun /ræˈpɔːr/

rapport

Meaning
A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas.
Example
The teacher built a strong rapport with her students.
C1 verb /hɔːl/

haul

Meaning
to pull or drag something heavy with effort
Example
The workers hauled the boxes into the truck.
C1 adjective /ˈlaʊzi/

lousy

Meaning
of very poor quality; bad or unpleasant
Example
He felt lousy after catching the flu.
C1 noun dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

dexterity

Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands; mental skill or adroitness.
Example
His dexterity in playing the piano amazed the audience.
C1 noun /ˈhɪp.ə.krɪt/

Hypocrite

Meaning
a person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings; a pretender
Example
Don't be a hypocrite by demanding honesty from others while lying yourself.
C1 verb /əˈdʒɜrn/

adjourn

Meaning
to suspend a meeting or session to another time or place
Example
The judge decided to adjourn the hearing until next week.
C1 adjective /pæˈseɪ/

passe

Meaning
no longer fashionable or current; out of date
Example
Some trends from last decade feel utterly passé now.
C1 verb /kənˈstrɪkt/

constrict

Meaning
to make narrower or tighter; to shrink or compress
Example
The snake constricted its prey before swallowing.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səˈbɔːr.dɪ.nət/

insubordinate

Meaning
Defiant of authority; disobedient to orders.
Example
The insubordinate employee refused to follow the manager's instructions.
C1 noun /ˈves.tɪdʒ/

Vestige

Meaning
a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
Example
No vestige of the ancient city remains.
C1 noun /ˈprəʊsiːdz/

proceeds

Meaning
money obtained from an event, activity, or sale
Example
The proceeds from the charity event were donated to the orphanage.
C1 noun /ˈdʒækˌfruːt/

Jackfruit

Meaning
a large tropical fruit with a spiky exterior and sweet flesh inside
Example
The jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world.
C1 adjective /rɪˈstreɪnd/

restrained

Meaning
characterized by reserve or self-control; held back
Example
Her restrained reaction surprised everyone.
C1 noun /ˌnɑm.əˈni/

Nominee

Meaning
a person who is nominated for an office, award, or honor
Example
She was the nominee for the Best Actress award.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɛl/

dispel

Meaning
to make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear
Example
The teacher's explanation dispelled the students' confusion.
C1 noun /klæn/

clan

Meaning
a large family group or a close-knit community with shared interests or ancestry
Example
The entire clan gathered to celebrate the festival.
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 adjective /ˈɡreɪsləs/

graceless

Meaning
Lacking elegance, charm, or social refinement.
Example
His graceless behavior embarrassed everyone at the party.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪl.ænˈθrɒp.ɪk/

philanthropic

Meaning
showing concern for the welfare of others; generous and charitable
Example
She is known for her philanthropic activities in the city.
C1 noun fluˈɪd.ɪ.ti

fluidity

Meaning
The ability of a substance to flow easily; smooth and graceful movement or style.
Example
The fluidity of the dancer's movements was mesmerizing.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɜːrsənl/

impersonal

Meaning
not influenced by, showing, or involving personal feelings; lacking human warmth or emotion
Example
The letter was written in a very impersonal style.
C1 verb (past) /ˈmɛrɪtɪd/

merited

Meaning
Deserved or earned something.
Example
Her dedication merited recognition from the community.
C1 adjective /ˈɡriːvəs/

grievous

Meaning
Causing great pain, suffering, or sorrow.
Example
The accident was a grievous blow to the community.
C1 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd siːdz/

Mustard seeds

Meaning
small round seeds from the mustard plant, used as a spice and for making mustard condiment
Example
Mustard seeds are often tempered in hot oil to release their nutty flavor before adding to dishes.
C1 adjective /ˈfiːzəbl/

feasible

Meaning
possible to do easily or conveniently; practical and workable
Example
It is feasible to complete the project within two months.
C1 adjective /dɪˈplɔːrəbl/

deplorable

Meaning
deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad in quality
Example
The refugees were living in deplorable conditions.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.stɪk/

caustic

Meaning
able to burn or corrode by chemical action; severely sarcastic
Example
Her caustic remarks hurt his feelings.
C1 noun /ˈfaɪərɑːm/

firearm

Meaning
a weapon capable of firing a projectile using gunpowder or other propellant
Example
The police found a hidden firearm during the investigation.
C1 noun /kəˈmɪtl̩/

committal

Meaning
The action of sending a person to prison or a mental hospital; also the act of committing something to a particular place.
Example
The judge ordered the committal of the accused to custody.
C1 noun /ˈɑː.kɪ.taɪp/

archetype

Meaning
A very typical example of a certain person or thing; an original model or prototype.
Example
This painting is the archetype of modern art.
C1 verb /dɪˈkraɪ/

decry

Meaning
to publicly criticize or express strong disapproval of something
Example
Many activists decry the destruction of the rainforest.
C1 adjective /ˈfuːlpruːf/

foolproof

Meaning
Designed to be very easy to use or understand, leaving no possibility of failure or error.
Example
The new software has a foolproof installation process.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːr.i liːvz/

Curry Leaves

Meaning
aromatic leaves from the curry tree used in South Asian cooking
Example
Fresh curry leaves add authentic flavor to Indian dishes.
C1 noun /ˈbærɪstər/

barrister

Meaning
A type of lawyer in certain legal systems who specializes in courtroom advocacy and litigation.
Example
The barrister argued the case passionately before the judge.
C1 noun/verb /ɡæʃ/

gash

Meaning
A long, deep cut or wound; to cut deeply or violently.
Example
He had a deep gash on his leg after the accident.
C1 verb pleɪɡd

plagued

Meaning
Troubled or afflicted persistently by problems or difficulties.
Example
People are plagued by anxiety and depression.
C1 adjective /ˌhɒməˈdʒiːniəs/

homogeneous

Meaning
Of the same kind; alike.
Example
The team was not homogeneous in their skills.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːʃən/

Persian

Meaning
a native or inhabitant of Iran; the language spoken in Iran (Farsi)
Example
The Persian language has a rich literary history.
C1 noun /ˈɪrɪtənt/

irritant

Meaning
something that causes irritation or discomfort
Example
Dust is a common irritant for people with allergies.
C1 adjective, verb (past tense/participle of mire) /ˈmaɪərd/

mired

Meaning
Trapped or entangled in something, typically a difficult situation.
Example
The politician was mired in scandal.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

purgatory

Meaning
A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven; a temporary condition of torment or suffering.
Example
After the accident, the long recovery felt like a kind of purgatory.
C1 verb /ˈfɔːlsɪfaɪ/

falsify

Meaning
to make something false or to misrepresent
Example
He tried to falsify the documents to avoid taxes.
C1 noun/verb /ˈprɛdɪkət/ (noun), /ˈprɛdɪkeɪt/ (verb)

predicate

Meaning
noun: the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject; verb: to base or establish something on a particular idea
Example
His theory is predicated on sound research.
C1 verb /ɪnˈstɪl/

instill

Meaning
to gradually but firmly establish an idea, attitude, or habit in someone's mind
Example
Parents try to instill good values in their children.
C1 verb /əˈpiːz/

appease

Meaning
to calm or pacify someone by meeting their demands
Example
The manager tried to appease the angry customer.
C1 verb ˈɔːr.kɪ.streɪt

orchestrate

Meaning
To plan or coordinate the elements of (a situation) to produce a desired effect, especially surreptitiously.
Example
He skillfully orchestrated the entire event.
C1 noun /ˈwiː.vər bɜːd/

Weaver bird

Meaning
a small bird that builds elaborate woven nests from grass and twigs
Example
The weaver bird skillfully constructs its intricate nest.
C1 verb /səbˈsɪst/

subsist

Meaning
To maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level.
Example
Many villagers still subsist on fishing and farming.
C1 verb /diːm/

deem

Meaning
to regard or consider in a specified way
Example
The project was deemed a success by the board.
C1 adjective /əbˈzɜːrvənt/

Observant

Meaning
quick to notice things; watchful; attentive
Example
The observant detective noticed every small detail at the crime scene.
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 /dɪˈspɛns/

dispense

Meaning
To distribute or provide something, especially in portions.
Example
The machine dispenses clean drinking water.
C1 adjective + noun njuˈtrɪʃəs krɒps

nutritious crops

Meaning
Plants or vegetables that are rich in nutrients and beneficial for health
Example
Winter vegetables are considered nutritious crops.
C1 verb /broʊtʃ/

broach

Meaning
to bring up a subject for discussion
Example
She decided to broach the topic of salary with her manager.
C1 noun /ˈkʌˈs.tə.di/

Custody

Meaning
the protective care or guardianship of someone or something; imprisonment or detention
Example
After the divorce, they shared custody of their children equally.
C1 phrasal verb /ɡlɒs ˈoʊ.vər/

gloss over

Meaning
to avoid discussing something unpleasant or make it seem less important
Example
The report glossed over the company's financial problems.
C1 noun /deɪˈbɑː.kəl/

debacle

Meaning
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
Example
The company's poor management led to a financial debacle.
C1 noun /ˌɪmɔːrˈtæləti/

immortality

Meaning
the state of living forever; eternal life or lasting fame beyond death
Example
Many ancient cultures believed that heroes could achieve immortality through great deeds.
C1 adjective /ˈkwɑː.rəl.səm/

Quarrelsome

Meaning
given to arguing and fighting; argumentative and confrontational
Example
His quarrelsome nature makes it difficult to work with him.
C1 noun kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈsɜːrvɪs aɪˈdiːəlz

community service ideals

Meaning
Principles and standards of serving the community for social good.
Example
Community service ideals must be taught in schools.
C1 adjective /ˈsek.j ə.l ər/

Secular

Meaning
not connected with religious or spiritual matters; worldly
Example
The country maintains a secular government that separates religion from politics.
C1 noun /ˈpriːsɪŋkt/

precinct

Meaning
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
Example
She went to vote at her local precinct.
C1 adjective ˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs

synchronous

Meaning
Existing or occurring at the same time.
Example
Synchronous learning involves live online classes.
C1 verb /dɪˈfeɪs/

deface

Meaning
to spoil the surface or appearance of something, especially by writing or drawing on it
Example
The vandals defaced the wall with graffiti.
C1 noun /bəˈnɛv.ə.ləns/

benevolence

Meaning
The quality of being well meaning and kindly; the disposition to do good.
Example
His benevolence towards the poor earned him respect.
C1 noun /buːn/

boon

Meaning
A thing that is helpful or beneficial.
Example
The internet is a boon to modern education.
C1 adjective /ˈfeɪl.seɪf/

fail-safe

Meaning
designed to prevent failure or accidents; guaranteed to work correctly
Example
The engineers installed a fail-safe mechanism in the nuclear plant.
C1 noun /pəˈzɛsər/

possessor

Meaning
A person who owns or holds something.
Example
The possessor of the land built a new house.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪzməl/

Dismal

Meaning
gloomy; depressing; causing sadness or despair
Example
The weather was dismal with heavy rain and dark clouds.
C1 verb/noun /skaʊl/

scowl

Meaning
To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
Example
She scowled when she heard the unfair remark.
C1 noun /ˈstɛnsəl/

stencil

Meaning
A thin sheet of material with a design cut out, used to produce the design on the surface below by applying paint or ink through the cut-out holes.
Example
The artist used a stencil to paint identical stars on the wall.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡl/

disentangle

Meaning
To free something or someone from a tangle or complication.
Example
She tried to disentangle her hair from the branches.
C1 verb /deɪz/

daze

Meaning
to stun or confuse someone temporarily with a shock or surprise
Example
The bright lights dazed the runners as they entered the stadium.
C1 noun /ˈæbsɛs/

abscess

Meaning
A swollen area within body tissue containing pus, usually caused by infection.
Example
The dentist treated the abscess in his tooth.
C1 verb ɪˈnɪʃɪeɪtɪd

initiated

Meaning
Caused a process or action to begin; started something.
Example
The project was initiated to enhance marine biodiversity.
C1 noun /ˌædməˈnɪʃən/

admonition

Meaning
a firm warning or reprimand; gentle or earnest advice
Example
He received an admonition for his careless work.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tʃu.əl/

ineffectual

Meaning
Not producing any or the desired effect; lacking the ability or qualities to achieve a purpose.
Example
The manager’s ineffectual leadership caused the team to lose motivation.
C1 verb /ɡʌʃ/

gush

Meaning
to flow out suddenly and forcefully, or to express something enthusiastically
Example
Tears began to gush from her eyes.
C1 noun /ˈwɪzərdri/

wizardry

Meaning
The art or practice of magic; great skill or expertise in something.
Example
The programmer's wizardry amazed everyone in the room.
C1 noun

Kin

C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪɡ.nə.ti/

Indignity

Meaning
treatment or circumstances that cause one to feel shame or loss of dignity; humiliation
Example
She refused to suffer the indignity of being searched without proper cause.