vexation
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C2 noun /vɛkˈseɪʃən/

vexation

Meaning
the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried
Example
She could not hide her vexation after the repeated delays.
C1 adjective /əˈbliːk/

Oblique

Meaning
slanting; diagonal; indirect or evasive
Example
The artist drew an oblique line across the canvas.
B2 verb /wɪp/

whip

Meaning
to strike or beat with a flexible instrument such as a rope or cord
Example
The trainer whipped the horse to make it run faster.
B2 verb /rɪˈvɜːs/

reverse

Meaning
to change something to the opposite direction, position, or result
Example
She quickly reversed the car out of the driveway.
C1 noun /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks/

anticlimax

Meaning
A disappointing end after a big build-up of excitement or expectation.
Example
The movie's ending was an anticlimax after such a thrilling story.
C1 verb /ˈseɪ.vər/

savor

Meaning
To enjoy something completely, especially by dwelling on it.
Example
He savored every bite of the delicious cake.
C1 noun /ˈvænɡɑːrd/

vanguard

Meaning
the forefront of an action, movement, or military force
Example
The company is at the vanguard of technological innovation.
A2 noun /ˈmærɪdʒ/

marriage

Meaning
The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship.
Example
Their marriage lasted for over thirty years.
C1 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ən/

pantheon

Meaning
All the gods of a religion collectively; a building dedicated to all gods.
Example
The Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
C1 noun /ˈhɪntərlænd/

hinterland

Meaning
The remote or less developed areas away from the coast or a city.
Example
The farmers came from the rural hinterland to sell their produce in the city.
A2 noun/verb /ˈfɪʃɪŋ/

fishing

Meaning
the activity of catching fish
Example
Fishing is a popular activity in coastal villages.
C1 adjective /kəmˈplɪsɪt/

complicit

Meaning
involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Example
He was found complicit in the crime.
C1 noun /ˌhaɪ.roʊˈɡlɪf.ɪks/

hieroglyphics

Meaning
a system of writing using pictures or symbols, used especially by ancient Egyptians
Example
The tomb walls were covered with Egyptian hieroglyphics.
C2 noun /ˈʃʊərəti/

surety

Meaning
a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as appearing in court or paying a debt
Example
The landlord required a surety before renting the apartment.
C1 verb /ˈfʌmbəl/

fumble

Meaning
to handle something clumsily or to make mistakes while doing something
Example
He fumbled with the keys and dropped them on the floor.
C2 adjective /ˈhiːðənɪʃ/

heathenish

Meaning
Lacking culture or religion; barbaric or uncivilized.
Example
They considered the ancient tribe’s rituals heathenish.
C1 adjective /ˈmeɪkˌʃɪft/

makeshift

Meaning
used as a temporary substitute; improvised
Example
They used boxes as a makeshift table.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊdiətrɪst/

podiatrist

Meaning
a doctor specializing in foot care
Example
I have an appointment with the podiatrist for my ankle pain.
C2 adjective /mɜːrˈkjʊriəl/

mercurial

Meaning
subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
Example
She is known for her mercurial temperament.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrmənt/

interment

Meaning
The act of burying a dead body in a grave or tomb.
Example
The interment took place at the family cemetery.
B1 noun /ˈhaʊswaɪf/

housewife

Meaning
a married woman who manages a household and whose main occupation is caring for her family and home
Example
She chose to work as a housewife while raising her children.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪətraɪb/

diatribe

Meaning
A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.
Example
The politician launched a diatribe against his opponents.
B1 noun /ˈviːɪkəl/

Vehicle

Meaning
a thing used for transporting people or goods, especially on land; a means of expressing or displaying something
Example
The electric vehicle is becoming more popular these days.
B2 adjective ɪkˈsɛsɪv

excessive

Meaning
More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate.
Example
Excessive population growth leads to resource depletion.
C1 noun /ˈmɜːrsəˌnɛri/

mercenary

Meaning
a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army; also used to describe someone motivated solely by money.
Example
The mercenary fought for whoever paid the highest wage.
C2 verb /ˈstræɡəl/

straggle

Meaning
To move or spread in an irregular, scattered, or untidy way.
Example
The children began to straggle behind on the long hike.
B1 noun ruːlz ənd ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃənz

rules and regulations

Meaning
Official orders and laws that control how something is done.
Example
Rules and regulations alone cannot change attitudes.
C1 adjective /ˈɑːtfəl/

Artful

Meaning
clever or skillful, especially in a cunning way
Example
She gave an artful answer that avoided the real question.
C1 phrase ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk rɛz.əˈluː.ʃən

diplomatic resolution

Meaning
A peaceful solution to conflicts through negotiation and diplomatic channels.
Example
A diplomatic resolution is necessary for peace.
B1 adjective /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/

challenging

Meaning
difficult in a way that tests one's abilities
Example
The mountain climb was challenging but rewarding.
C2 adjective /ˈɪrˌsplɪtɪŋ/

earsplitting

Meaning
extremely loud or piercing sound
Example
The earsplitting noise of the fire alarm startled everyone.
B1 noun /ˈlʌk.ʃər.i/

Luxury

Meaning
the state of great comfort and extravagant living; an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain
Example
They enjoyed the luxury of a five-star hotel.
C2 adjective /kɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

corporeal

Meaning
relating to the physical body; material or tangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as having no corporeal form.
C1 noun/verb /ˈdiːkɔɪ/

decoy

Meaning
something or someone used to lure or mislead
Example
The hunters used a wooden duck as a decoy.
C2 noun /slaɪt/

sleight

Meaning
Skill or dexterity, especially in performing tricks.
Example
The magician amazed the crowd with his sleight of hand.
C1 verb /kəˈluːd/

collude

Meaning
To secretly cooperate or conspire with others, often for a deceitful purpose.
Example
The two companies colluded to fix prices in the market.
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.
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 /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.
A2 noun /ˈvedʒtəbəl ɔɪl/

Vegetable oil

Meaning
Oil extracted from plants, seeds, or nuts used for cooking
Example
She heated vegetable oil in the pan before adding the vegetables.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

digressive

Meaning
Tending to depart from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
The speaker's digressive style made the lecture difficult to follow.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈfɔːrmər/

former

Meaning
Having been previously in a particular role or position.
Example
He is a former president of the association.
C1 noun /ˌluː.brɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

lubrication

Meaning
The action of applying a substance to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact.
Example
Lubrication of the eyes is essential for well-being.
A2 verb /ˈmɪsɪŋ/

missing

Meaning
Being without or lacking; failing to be present or included.
Example
Many youths are missing economic opportunities.
C2 noun /ˈθiː.ɑːr.ki/

thearchy

Meaning
Rule or government by the gods; divine sovereignty.
Example
In ancient cultures, some societies believed in thearchy where gods directly guided human affairs.
A2 verb /rɪˈlæks/

relax

Meaning
to make or become less tense or anxious; to rest
Example
After a long day, she likes to relax with a good book.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒŋ.kriːt/

Concrete

Meaning
solid; real; tangible; actual and specific
Example
We need concrete evidence to support our claims.
B1 noun /əˈpiːl/

Appeal

Meaning
a serious or urgent request, typically to the public; the quality of being attractive or interesting
Example
The charity made an appeal for donations.
B1 adjective /ˈiːvəl/

evil

Meaning
Profoundly immoral and wicked.
Example
They believed the villain was the embodiment of evil.
C1 noun prəˈkjʊrmənt

procurement

Meaning
The action of obtaining or procuring something, especially for official purposes.
Example
The procurement of modern equipment has improved research accuracy.
C2 noun /maɪˈæzmə/

miasma

Meaning
An unpleasant or unhealthy smell or atmosphere.
Example
A miasma of decay hung over the abandoned house.
C2 noun /əˈbeɪəns/

abeyance

Meaning
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
Example
The project was held in abeyance until funds became available.
C1 adjective /dræb/

drab

Meaning
Dull, lacking brightness or interest; monotonous.
Example
The room looked drab with its gray walls and dim lighting.
C2 adjective /vaɪˈkɛəriəs/

vicarious

Meaning
experienced through the feelings or actions of another person
Example
She felt vicarious excitement watching her son win the award.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
B1 noun /θʌm/

Thumb

Meaning
the short thick finger of the human hand
Example
She gave me a thumbs up to show her approval.
C2 noun /ˈbɛnɪsən/

benison

Meaning
A blessing or benefit.
Example
The rain was a benison for the drought-stricken farmers.
B2 noun /ˈspəʊkspɜːrsən/

spokesperson

Meaning
a person who speaks on behalf of others or an organization
Example
The spokesperson addressed the press conference on behalf of the company.
C1 verb /klæsp/

clasp

Meaning
to grasp or hold tightly; also a device for fastening
Example
She clasped her hands together in prayer.
C2 noun /ˈdrɪvəl/

drivel

Meaning
silly or nonsensical talk
Example
The politician’s speech was full of meaningless drivel.
B2 noun /ˈbækˌsaɪd/

backside

Meaning
the rear part or surface of something; informal term for the buttocks
Example
The kids slid down the hill on their backside.
C1 adjective pərˈnɪʃəs

pernicious

Meaning
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example
The pernicious effects of smoking are well-documented.
B2 noun /ɡriːn ˈtʃɪl.i/

Green Chili

Meaning
unripe chili pepper that is green in color and has a spicy taste
Example
She added chopped green chili to the salad for extra heat.
C1 noun /ˈlɪrɪk/

lyric

Meaning
the words of a song or a short poem that expresses personal feelings
Example
She memorized every lyric of her favorite song.
B1 verb /ˈfraɪtən/

frighten

Meaning
to cause fear or alarm in someone
Example
The loud noise frightened the child.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

discerning

Meaning
having good judgment or insight; able to distinguish well
Example
He is a discerning reader who notices subtle details.
C2 adjective /ɑːrˈbɔːr.i.əl/

arboreal

Meaning
Relating to trees or living in trees; tree-dwelling.
Example
Monkeys are arboreal animals that spend most of their time in trees.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈsteɪbəl/

Unstable

Meaning
likely to change; not steady or secure; unsteady
Example
The unstable economy made people worried about their jobs.
B1 adjective /ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/

enthusiastic

Meaning
Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Example
The explorers were enthusiastic about the journey.
B2 verb /ˈhʌvər/

hover

Meaning
to remain in the air in one place without moving forward or backward
Example
The helicopter hovered over the city.
C2 noun ˈkɑː.dərz

cadres

Meaning
A small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession; a group of activists in a communist or other political organization.
Example
There are 26 cadres under BPSC.
C1 noun /ˈmæn.juˌskrɪpt/

manuscript

Meaning
a handwritten or typed document, especially a writer’s draft before publication
Example
The author submitted her manuscript to the publisher.
B2 adjective /raɪp/

Ripe

Meaning
fully developed and ready to eat; mature; ready for action or use
Example
The bananas are ripe and ready to eat.
B2 noun /kloʊv/

Clove

Meaning
aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, used as a spice
Example
She added a few cloves to the mulled wine for extra flavor.
C2 noun /ˈpɛrɪstaɪl/

peristyle

Meaning
A continuous porch formed by a row of columns surrounding the perimeter of a building or courtyard.
Example
The Roman villa featured a beautiful peristyle garden.
A1 verb /sɪŋ/

sing

Meaning
to make musical sounds with the voice
Example
She sings beautifully in the choir.
C1 adjective /məˈdʒen.tə/

Magenta

Meaning
a bright purplish-red color
Example
She wore a beautiful magenta dress to the party.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ə.di/

Parody

Meaning
an imitation of a particular style for comic effect; a humorous exaggerated copy
Example
The comedy show featured a parody of famous politicians.
B1 adverb /ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli/

increasingly

Meaning
more and more over time
Example
People are increasingly concerned about climate change.
C1 adjective /pərˈveɪsɪv/

pervasive

Meaning
Existing in or spreading through every part of something
Example
Pervasive technology has become a fundamental part of daily life.
C1 noun /krəˈʃɛndoʊ/

crescendo

Meaning
a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music
Example
The orchestra built to a powerful crescendo before the finale.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔɪl.səm/

toilsome

Meaning
Involving hard or exhausting work; laborious.
Example
The workers had a toilsome day in the hot sun.
B2 adjective /dɪˈsɛptɪv/

deceptive

Meaning
Giving an appearance or impression different from the truth; misleading.
Example
Appearances can be deceptive.
C1 noun /ˌprɑːfɪˈtɪr/

profiteer

Meaning
a person who makes excessive profits, especially unfairly or illegally
Example
The government punished war profiteers.
A1 adverb /nɒt/

not

Meaning
used to make a word or phrase negative
Example
I do not like spicy food.
B2 noun /mjuːl/

Mule

Meaning
the offspring of a donkey and a horse, used as a working animal
Example
The farmer used a mule to carry heavy loads.
C2 noun /ˈklæŋər/

clangor

Meaning
A loud, resonant, and continuous noise, often metallic.
Example
The clangor of the church bells filled the town square.
A2 verb /drɔː/

draw

Meaning
to create pictures or designs with a pencil or pen
Example
She draws beautiful landscapes in her spare time.
B1 noun

Kindness

B2 adjective /ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃənəl/

organizational

Meaning
relating to the structure or arrangement of a company or group
Example
He works on improving the organizational structure of the company.
C2 noun /ˈdʌblɪt/

doublet

Meaning
a close-fitting jacket worn by men in the Renaissance; also, a pair of similar things
Example
The actor wore a velvet doublet for the Shakespearean play.
B1 adjective /təˈrɪfɪk/

terrific

Meaning
extremely good or excellent; very great or intense
Example
The concert last night was absolutely terrific.
B1 noun /ˈdɛv.əl/

devil

Meaning
An evil spirit or supernatural being often regarded as the embodiment of wickedness and harm.
Example
The story warned children about making deals with the devil.
B2 adjective /ˌæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/

absent-minded

Meaning
often forgetting things or not paying attention
Example
He is so absent-minded that he often forgets his keys.
C1 verb /dʒəʊlt/

jolt

Meaning
to push or shake someone or something abruptly and roughly
Example
The sudden stop jolted all the passengers forward.
C1 noun /ɪmˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti/

impossibility

Meaning
the state or fact of being impossible; something that cannot be done or achieved
Example
Finishing the project in one day was an impossibility.
C1 noun /ˈmælədi/

Malady

Meaning
A disease or ailment; a serious problem
Example
The doctor diagnosed a rare malady that affected her nervous system.
B2 noun əˈʃɔː.rəns

assurance

Meaning
A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise.
Example
Assurance of quality is a priority for the council.
A1 adjective /ˈspɛʃəl/

special

Meaning
different from what is usual; better or greater than normal
Example
This gift is very special to me.
B2 noun, verb /ˈrætəl/

rattle

Meaning
to make a rapid series of short, sharp sounds; a device or object that makes such a sound
Example
The loose window began to rattle in the strong wind.
C1 noun /ˈpraɪməsi/

primacy

Meaning
the state of being first in importance or authority
Example
The primacy of education cannot be denied.
A2 noun trʌst

trust

Meaning
Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something; confidence placed in a person by making that person the nominal owner of property.
Example
Building trust is essential for long-term relationships.
B2 noun /skɑːr/

Scar

Meaning
a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed; lasting emotional damage
Example
The accident left a permanent scar on his forehead.
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.
B1 noun /ˈhɛdˌlaɪn/

headline

Meaning
The title of a newspaper article printed in large letters.
Example
The scandal made front-page headlines.
A1 noun ˈfjuː.tʃər

future

Meaning
The time or a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come.
Example
Future projects depend on strategic planning.
C2 verb /bɪˈtəʊkən/

betoken

Meaning
to be a sign or indication of something
Example
Dark clouds betoken an approaching storm.
A1 pronoun /jɔːrz/

yours

Meaning
belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing
Example
This pen is yours.
B2 adjective /ˈstɜːrdi/

sturdy

Meaning
strongly and solidly built; not easily weakened
Example
The carpenter made a sturdy wooden table.
C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning
Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.
Example
His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒndɪˈskrɪpt/

nondescript

Meaning
Lacking distinctive or interesting features; dull and unremarkable.
Example
He lives in a nondescript apartment building on the edge of town.
C1 verb /dɪˈraɪd/

deride

Meaning
to mock or ridicule someone or something
Example
The critics derided the new movie for its poor script.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈɛəriəl/

aerial

Meaning
As an adjective: existing or happening in the air. As a noun: an antenna for receiving radio or television signals.
Example
The pilot performed an amazing aerial maneuver.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɪʃənt/

Deficient

Meaning
not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient; lacking or inadequate
Example
His diet was deficient in essential vitamins.
B2 noun əˈmendmənt

amendment

Meaning
A minor change in a document.
Example
The amendment was not supported.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪvɪk/

civic

Meaning
relating to a city, town, or the duties of its citizens
Example
The mayor encouraged people to take part in civic activities.
C2 verb /læmˈbæst/

lambast

Meaning
To criticize harshly or to beat severely.
Example
The coach lambasted the team for their poor performance.
A2 noun /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/

department

Meaning
a division of a large organization such as a government, university, or company
Example
She works in the marketing department.
B1 noun /ˈlɪm.ɪt/

Limit

Meaning
a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass; the greatest amount allowed
Example
There is a speed limit on this road.