Waif
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 noun /weɪf/

Waif

Meaning
a homeless or abandoned child; a stray person or animal
Example
The charity helps waifs and strays find homes and families.
B2 noun /səˈspɛnʃən/

suspension

Meaning
The act of temporarily stopping something; also refers to a system in vehicles that absorbs shock.
Example
The player received a three-game suspension for misconduct.
C2 noun /ˌsɪŋ.krəˈnɪs.ɪ.ti/

synchronicity

Meaning
The meaningful coincidence of two or more events that are not planned.
Example
The synchronicity of their thoughts amazed everyone.
A1 preposition /ɒn/

on

Meaning
physically in contact with and supported by a surface
Example
The book is on the table.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɔɪl/

despoil

Meaning
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
Example
The invaders despoiled the village during the war.
C2 noun vəˈlɪʃən

volition

Meaning
The faculty or power of using one's will; the power of choosing or determining.
Example
She left the job of her own volition.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛl.əˌbreɪ.tɪd/

celebrated

Meaning
Widely known and praised; famous for an achievement.
Example
He is a celebrated author in the field of literature.
C2 adjective /ˈwɪznd/

wizened

Meaning
Shriveled, wrinkled, or withered, often due to age.
Example
The wizened tree stood in the field for centuries.
C1 verb ɪˈnɪʃɪeɪtɪd

initiated

Meaning
Caused a process or action to begin; started something.
Example
The project was initiated to enhance marine biodiversity.
C2 noun /ˌɡlæd.iˈoʊ.ləs/

Gladiolus

Meaning
A tall flowering plant with sword-shaped leaves and colorful spike-like flower clusters, popular in gardens and floral arrangements
Example
The gladiolus stood tall and elegant in the flower bed.
C1 adjective /rɪˈbel.jəs/

Rebellious

Meaning
defying authority; resisting control; disobedient;
Example
The rebellious teenager refused to follow his parents' rules.
C2 adjective /həˈrɛtɪkəl/

heretical

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards, especially in religion.
Example
The priest condemned the book as heretical.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛnɪtrəbl/

penetrable

Meaning
Capable of being passed through or entered.
Example
The thin wall was easily penetrable.
B2 adjective məˈriːn

marine

Meaning
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the sea; living or growing in the sea.
Example
Marine ecosystems are highly sensitive to human activity.
B2 noun /foʊm/

Foam

Meaning
a mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid; frothy white mass
Example
The waves crashed against the rocks, creating white foam on the shore.
B1 noun /ɪkˈstent/

Extent

Meaning
the area covered by something; the degree to which something has spread
Example
The extent of the damage caused by the flood was enormous.
B2 verb /ˈbrɔːdən/

broaden

Meaning
to make wider or larger in scope; to expand ideas, experience, or understanding
Example
Travel can broaden your perspective on different cultures.
C1 noun /prəˈpraɪəti/

propriety

Meaning
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior or morality.
Example
He always behaved with the utmost propriety in public.
C1 adjective /ˈplæsɪd/

placid

Meaning
calm and peaceful, not easily disturbed
Example
She had a placid expression despite the chaos around her.
B2 verb /rɪp/

rip

Meaning
to tear something quickly or violently
Example
He accidentally ripped his shirt on the fence.
C1 verb /rɒmp/

romp

Meaning
to play or move in a lively, carefree, and energetic way
Example
The children romped happily in the garden.
B2 noun ˈɪn.deks

index

Meaning
An alphabetical list of names, subjects, etc. with references to the places where they occur, typically found at the end of a book; a sign or measure of something.
Example
An index organizes critical data.
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 noun /ˈroʊ.lɪŋ pɪn/

Rolling pin

Meaning
a cylindrical tool used for rolling out dough or pastry
Example
Roll the dough flat with a rolling pin.
C1 noun /pəˈpaɪrəs/

papyrus

Meaning
An ancient writing material made from the pith of the papyrus plant; also refers to the plant itself.
Example
The ancient scroll was written on papyrus.
C1 verb /ɡreɪt/

grate

Meaning
to shred food into small pieces using a grater; to irritate or annoy
Example
She grated the cheese for the pasta dish.
C1 noun, verb /pliːt/

pleat

Meaning
a fold in fabric made by doubling the material back upon itself
Example
She added a pleat to the skirt for extra volume.
C2 noun ˈvɜː.mɪ.kʌl.tʃər

vermiculture

Meaning
The cultivation of earthworms, especially for use in composting organic waste.
Example
Vermiculture enriches soil with natural nutrients.
C2 noun /ˌfɪziˈɑːɡrəfi/

physiography

Meaning
the study of the physical features of the earth's surface
Example
He specialized in physiography to understand the landscape of the region.
A1 adjective /əˈfreɪd/

afraid

Meaning
feeling fear or anxiety; worried that something undesirable will happen
Example
She was afraid of the dark.
B2 noun /ˌɑb.zɚˈveɪ.ʃən/

Observation

Meaning
the action of watching something carefully; a comment or remark
Example
The scientist made careful observations of the experiment.
B1 adjective /blæŋk/

blank

Meaning
showing no expression or containing nothing written, printed, or recorded.
Example
Her face went blank when she heard the bad news.
B1 noun /fæts/

fats

Meaning
Essential macronutrients that provide energy, support cell growth, and protect organs while helping absorb vitamins.
Example
Healthy fats from nuts and avocados support brain function.
C1 noun /ˈbeɪsbɔːrd/

baseboard

Meaning
A narrow board running along the bottom of an interior wall, covering the joint between wall and floor.
Example
The carpenter painted the baseboard white.
C1 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈtek.nɪk/

polytechnic

Meaning
an educational institution offering practical and technical courses
Example
She studied engineering at a well-known polytechnic in her city.
C1 adjective /məˈlɛvələnt/

malevolent

Meaning
Having or showing a wish to do evil or harm to others.
Example
The malevolent glare in his eyes frightened the children.
C2 noun /ˈkaɪrəˌmænsi/

chiromancy

Meaning
The practice of predicting the future by interpreting the lines on the palms of hands; palmistry.
Example
The old woman practiced chiromancy and told fortunes for travelers.
C1 noun/verb /rɪˈpriːv/

reprieve

Meaning
A temporary relief or delay from something unpleasant; to postpone or cancel punishment.
Example
The prisoner was granted a last-minute reprieve from execution.
C1 noun /ˈmɛləˌdrɑːmə/

melodrama

Meaning
A dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions.
Example
The movie was criticized for its excessive melodrama.
C1 noun ˌtrɪbjʊˈleɪʃən

tribulation

Meaning
A difficult time or suffering experience
Example
He endured many tribulations in his early years.
C2 noun /ˌmɑːrtəˈnɛt/

martinet

Meaning
A strict disciplinarian who demands rigid adherence to rules.
Example
The new manager was such a martinet that even minor infractions were punished.
B2 noun /ˈɡwɑːvə/

Guava

Meaning
a tropical fruit with sweet pink or white flesh and small seeds
Example
I love eating fresh guava from the tree in our garden.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstrɛst/

distressed

Meaning
feeling or showing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
Example
She looked distressed after hearing the bad news.
A2 noun /ˈtʃer.i/

Cherry

Meaning
a small round red or black fruit with a hard seed inside
Example
She picked fresh cherries from the tree in her garden.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊəl/

disavowal

Meaning
the denial of any responsibility, connection, or support
Example
The politician issued a firm disavowal of the controversial remarks.
A2 noun /əˈdɪʃ.ən/

Addition

Meaning
the process of adding numbers; something that is added
Example
The addition of a new room made the house more spacious.
C2 noun /ˈoʊdiəm/

odium

Meaning
general or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions
Example
The scandal brought public odium on the corrupt minister.
B1 verb /siːl/

seal

Meaning
to close or secure something tightly or officially confirm something
Example
He sealed the envelope before sending the letter.
A1 adverb /ˈsʌm.taɪmz/

Sometimes

Meaning
at times; occasionally; now and then
Example
Sometimes I go for a walk in the evening.
A2 verb (past tense / past participle) /əˈtræktɪd/

attracted

Meaning
felt interest or liking toward someone or something; was drawn by appeal or force
Example
She was attracted to the idea of studying abroad.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpjuːnɪti/

impunity

Meaning
freedom from punishment or harmful consequences for an action
Example
The dictator ruled with impunity, ignoring international laws.
B2 adjective /ˈɡræf.ɪk/

Graphic

Meaning
relating to visual design; vivid; clearly described;
Example
The graphic design was colorful and eye-catching.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːri/

hoary

Meaning
gray or white with age; very old and respected
Example
The hoary oak tree stood as a witness to centuries of history.
B2 noun /pɔːrtʃ/

porch

Meaning
a covered area at the entrance of a building, often with a roof and open sides
Example
We sat on the porch and enjoyed the evening breeze.
C1 verb /ˈræn.sæk/

ransack

Meaning
to search a place roughly and steal or damage things
Example
Burglars ransacked the house while the family was away.
C1 noun /ˈkɪŋ.fɪʃ.ər/

King-Fisher

Meaning
a small bird with bright blue and orange feathers that catches fish by diving into water
Example
The colorful kingfisher dove into the pond to catch a fish.
C2 noun əˈlæk.rə.t̬i

alacrity

Meaning
Brisk and cheerful readiness.
Example
He accepted the challenge with alacrity.
A2 noun /ˈsen.tər/

center

Meaning
A place or building designated for a particular activity or service.
Example
The first robotic surgery center was established in Rangpur.
B2 verb, noun /ɪnˈdevər/

endeavour

Meaning
To try hard to achieve something; an attempt or effort
Example
She endeavoured to finish the project on time.
C2 verb /ˈbændi/

bandy

Meaning
To pass (words, ideas, or gossip) back and forth in a casual or argumentative way.
Example
They bandied jokes across the table.
C1 noun /ˈprɒfəsi/

prophecy

Meaning
a prediction or message about the future, often believed to be divinely inspired
Example
The prophecy foretold the rise of a great leader.
B2 adjective səˈfɪs.tɪ.keɪ.tɪd

sophisticated

Meaning
Having great knowledge or experience of the world and knowing about fashion, culture, and other things that people think are socially important; highly developed or complex.
Example
Sophisticated designs enhance aesthetics.
C2 verb /əbˈskɒnd/

abscond

Meaning
to leave secretly and quickly, often to avoid arrest or punishment
Example
The thief tried to abscond with the stolen jewelry.
A2 noun /ɪˈlek.trɪk fæn/

Electric fan

Meaning
a device with rotating blades that creates airflow to cool or ventilate a room
Example
The electric fan keeps the room cool during hot summer days.
B2 adjective kəˈləʊ.ni.əl

colonial

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonialism, especially involving the control of one country by another.
Example
Colonial rule suppressed local governance.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈveɪl/

countervail

Meaning
to offset or counteract the effect of something
Example
The benefits of the new policy countervail its drawbacks.
C1 noun dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deliberation

Meaning
Long and careful consideration or discussion.
Example
The agreement was finalized after much deliberation.
B2 noun /ˈmærəθən/

marathon

Meaning
a long-distance running race, typically 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles)
Example
She completed the marathon in under four hours.
B2 noun /ˌkɒrəˈspɒndənt/

correspondent

Meaning
A journalist who reports news from a particular place or on a particular subject.
Example
The foreign correspondent reported live from Paris.
B1 verb pres

press

Meaning
Exert force on (someone or something), typically with one's finger or hand, in order to move them away from oneself.
Example
Press firmly to operate the machine.
B1 noun /ˈkɒləm/

column

Meaning
A vertical structure that supports a building; also a section of text arranged vertically in a newspaper or table.
Example
The ancient temple had tall marble columns.
B2 adverb /ˈiːɡərli/

Eagerly

Meaning
with keen interest or enthusiasm; with great desire
Example
The children eagerly waited for the holiday to begin.
C1 adjective /ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/

painstaking

Meaning
Done with great care and thoroughness.
Example
The artist completed the project with painstaking detail.
C1 /ˈɡrævəl/

gravel

Meaning
Small stones and pebbles, often mixed with sand, used for paths, roads, and construction.
Example
The driveway was covered with gravel.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛkʃən/

refection

Meaning
a meal or the act of taking food and drink
Example
The monks gathered for their evening refection.
B2 noun /ˈpɑːs.tʃər/

Posture

Meaning
the position in which someone holds their body; a particular attitude or approach
Example
Good posture is important for preventing back pain.
B1 noun freɪzɪz

phrases

Meaning
A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause.
Example
Learn common phrases for daily use.
A2 noun /fɒks/

Fox

Meaning
a wild animal related to dogs, with a pointed face and thick fur
Example
The red fox is known for its cunning nature.
C2 noun /ˌeɪd də ˈkæmp/

aide-de-camp

Meaning
A military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.
Example
The general was accompanied by his aide-de-camp during the ceremony.
C2 noun /ˌdʒerənˈtɑːkrəsi/

gerontocracy

Meaning
A system of government or control by old people.
Example
The country was seen as a gerontocracy, dominated by elderly leaders.
B2 noun /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/

perseverance

Meaning
Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
Example
His perseverance helped him achieve his dreams.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛndiˌɛri/

incendiary

Meaning
designed to cause fires or stir up conflict
Example
The politician’s incendiary remarks angered the crowd.
C2 noun /ˌmɛɡələˈmeɪniə/

megalomania

Meaning
A condition characterized by delusional fantasies of power, wealth, or omnipotence.
Example
The dictator’s megalomania led him to believe he was invincible.
A1 adjective /ˈʌðər/

other

Meaning
used to refer to something different from the one already mentioned or known
Example
I don't want this one, I will take the other one.
B2 noun /dɪˈpləʊ.mə/

diploma

Meaning
an official document showing that a person has completed a course of study or training
Example
She received her diploma after finishing the nursing program.
B2 noun /ˈdɛnɪmz/

denims

Meaning
pants or clothes made from denim fabric, usually jeans
Example
He wore blue denims with a white shirt.
C2 verb /ˈpælieɪt/

palliate

Meaning
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain.
B1 adjective /ˈsoʊ kɔːld/

so-called

Meaning
referred to as or known by a particular name or title, often misleadingly
Example
The so-called expert couldn't answer the question.
C1 adjective /ˌnɒnˈvɜː.bəl/

non-verbal

Meaning
Not involving or using words or speech; communicated through gestures, body language, or facial expressions.
Example
Non-verbal cues are just as important as words.
A2 noun /ɡəˈrɪl.ə/

Gorilla

Meaning
a large powerful ape found in the forests of central Africa
Example
The gorilla beat its chest to show dominance.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪ.kɪŋ ˈsoʊ.də/

Baking Soda

Meaning
sodium bicarbonate used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent
Example
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to make the cake fluffy.
B2 verb /dreɪn/

drain

Meaning
to cause liquid to flow away from something; to remove liquid
Example
He drained the pasta before adding the sauce.
B1 noun /ˈvɪn.ɪ.ɡər/

Vinegar

Meaning
a sour liquid made from fermented alcohol, used for cooking and preserving
Example
I added vinegar to the salad dressing for extra flavor.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːr.nɪst/

Earnest

Meaning
sincere; genuine; showing deep and serious conviction
Example
He made an earnest attempt to solve the problem.
C2 noun /məˈʃiː.nɪst/

machinist

Meaning
a person who operates machine tools or makes and repairs machines
Example
The machinist carefully adjusted the gears on the lathe.
C2 adjective /ˈmɛtrɪkəl/

metrical

Meaning
Relating to or composed in a regular rhythmic pattern of beats or meter, especially in poetry.
Example
The poet carefully followed metrical rules in his verses.
C1 verb /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪz/

marginalize

Meaning
To treat a person or group as unimportant or insignificant.
Example
The policy marginalized minority communities.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɒs.stɪk/

Joss-stick

Meaning
a thin stick of incense that is burned for its pleasant smell, especially in religious ceremonies
Example
She lit a joss-stick in the temple during her prayers.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːdreɪ/

padre

Meaning
A title for a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church; also used informally for 'father'.
Example
The soldiers attended mass led by the padre.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈhɛrɪt/

disinherit

Meaning
to deprive someone, especially a child, of inheritance or right to property
Example
The father threatened to disinherit his son for his reckless actions.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊtənˌteɪt/

potentate

Meaning
A monarch or ruler, especially one with absolute power.
Example
The ancient land was ruled by a powerful potentate.
C1 noun /wɪm/

whim

Meaning
a sudden or unpredictable idea, desire, or decision
Example
She bought the dress on a whim.
B1 verb ɪnˈvɛst

invest

Meaning
To put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage.
Example
Investing in intellectual property can generate passive income.
A2 noun /əˈbɪləti/

Ability

Meaning
the power or skill to do something; capacity
Example
She has the ability to solve complex problems.
C1 noun /əˈlʌmnəs/

alumnus

Meaning
a former student or graduate of a school, college, or university
Example
He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
B2 noun/verb /ˈpriːfɪks/

prefix

Meaning
a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else
Example
Developers often prefix variables with an underscore.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌlsɪt/

dulcet

Meaning
sweet and soothing (often used ironically)
Example
She was enchanted by his dulcet voice.
C2 noun /ˈdʌlərd/

dullard

Meaning
a slow or stupid person
Example
He was considered a dullard by his classmates.
C1 verb /ˈmʌmbəl/

mumble

Meaning
To speak quietly and not clearly so that words are difficult to understand.
Example
He mumbled an apology before leaving.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈbæstərd/

bastard

Meaning
a child born to unmarried parents (offensive); also used informally as an insult or to describe something unpleasant
Example
He called him a bastard in anger.
B2 verb /pərˈsuː/

pursue

Meaning
to follow or chase with the intent to catch or achieve something
Example
She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.
A2 noun/verb /ˈbætəl/

battle

Meaning
A fight between armed forces or a struggle to achieve or resist something.
Example
The soldiers prepared for the final battle.
C1 adverb /əˈnjuː/

anew

Meaning
In a new or different way; once more.
Example
After the failure, she decided to start her life anew.
C2 adjective /ˈfæsaɪl/

Facile

Meaning
easily achieved; superficial; lacking depth
Example
His facile explanation didn't address the real problem.
B2 adjective /self səˈfɪʃənt/

Self-sufficient

Meaning
able to provide for oneself without depending on others
Example
The farm is completely self-sufficient in producing vegetables.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.səl.ər/

counselor

Meaning
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems
Example
The school counselor helped the student deal with stress.
C1 noun /ədˈhɪərənt/

adherent

Meaning
a person who supports or follows a particular belief, cause, or leader
Example
He is a strong adherent of democratic values.
A2 noun /brænd/

brand

Meaning
a type of product manufactured by a company under a particular name
Example
Nike is a popular brand of sportswear.
A2 noun ˌtræn.spɔːrˈteɪ.ʃən

Transportation

Meaning
The movement of people or goods from one place to another.
Example
Efficient transportation reduces costs.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːfdəm/

serfdom

Meaning
The status or condition of being a serf, bound to work for a lord.
Example
Many peasants in medieval Europe lived under serfdom.