wan
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C1 adjective /wɒn/

wan

Meaning
looking pale or sickly; lacking color or vitality
Example
After the long illness, his face looked wan and tired.
C1 verb /ˈwaɪtˌwɑːʃ/

whitewash

Meaning
to cover up faults, errors, or unpleasant facts; to paint with white paint or lime
Example
The report was criticized for trying to whitewash the company's failures.
C1 noun /wɪsp/

wisp

Meaning
A small thin or twisted bunch, piece, or amount of something.
Example
A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney.
C1 noun /wɪm/

whim

Meaning
a sudden or unpredictable idea, desire, or decision
Example
She bought the dress on a whim.
C1 noun /ˈwɪndfɔːl/

windfall

Meaning
an unexpected piece of good fortune, typically a large amount of money
Example
The startup received a windfall when a major client paid for a full year in advance.
C1 noun /weɪ/

Whey

Meaning
the watery part of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese
Example
Whey protein is popular among athletes and bodybuilders.
C1 verb /ˈweɪvər/

waver

Meaning
to become unsteady or indecisive; to hesitate or shake
Example
She began to waver in her decision to move abroad.
C1 adverb /ˈwɪmzɪkli/

Whimsically

Meaning
In a playful, fanciful, or capricious manner; with sudden changes of mind
Example
She decorated her room whimsically with colorful balloons.
C1 noun /ˈwaɪt.lɪst.ɪŋ/

whitelisting

Meaning
Identifying specific users, software, or IP addresses as safe and trusted
Example
Only verified applications are allowed through whitelisting.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪst.fəl/

Wistful

Meaning
having a feeling of longing or yearning; melancholy
Example
She gave a wistful smile when remembering her childhood days.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪlfəl/

willful

Meaning
Deliberate, intentional, or stubbornly determined to do as one wants.
Example
Her willful disregard for the rules got her into trouble.
C1 verb /rɪŋ/

wring

Meaning
to squeeze and twist something to force liquid out; to extract with effort
Example
She had to wring the towel after washing it.
C1 verb /wiːn/

wean

Meaning
To gradually stop a child or animal from breastfeeding; to detach from a habit.
Example
Parents often wean their babies around six months old.
C1 verb /wɛt/

whet

Meaning
To sharpen the blade of a tool or to stimulate interest or appetite.
Example
The smell of food whetted my appetite.
C1 adjective /ˈwɒŋki/

Wonky

Meaning
unstable; unreliable; not working properly
Example
The old chair was wonky and wobbled every time someone sat on it.
C1 noun /woʊ/

woe

Meaning
great sorrow, distress, or trouble
Example
Her heart was filled with woe after hearing the sad news.
C1 noun /ˈweɪs(t).koʊt/

waistcoat

Meaning
a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket
Example
He wore a black waistcoat with his suit.
C1 noun /ˈwɔːtəʃɛd/

watershed

Meaning
An event or period marking a turning point in a situation; also refers to a ridge dividing two drainage areas.
Example
The independence movement was a watershed in the nation's history.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪl.fəl/

Wilful

Meaning
deliberately stubborn; done on purpose; intentional
Example
His wilful disobedience led to punishment.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər ˈtʃes.nʌt/

Water Chestnut

Meaning
aquatic plant with edible white crisp tubers
Example
Water chestnuts add a nice crunch to stir-fry dishes.
C1 adjective /ˈweɪwərd/

wayward

Meaning
Difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior.
Example
The teacher struggled to manage the wayward students.
C1 adjective /ˈwoʊ.fəl/

woeful

Meaning
full of woe; very sad or miserable; also used to mean very bad or deplorable
Example
He gave me a woeful look when he lost the match.
C1 noun /wɪk/

Wick

Meaning
a cord or strand of cotton that burns to provide light in a candle or lamp
Example
The candle wick needs to be trimmed for better burning.
C1 noun /ˈwiː.vər/

Weaver

Meaning
a person who makes cloth by interlacing threads on a loom
Example
The skilled weaver created intricate patterns on the silk fabric.
C1 adjective /ˈwaɪ.li/

Wily

Meaning
clever; cunning; sly
Example
The wily fox escaped from the trap using his cunning intelligence.
C1 noun ˈwaɪldlaɪf ˈkɔːrɪdɔːrz

wildlife corridors

Meaning
Areas of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures.
Example
Wildlife corridors connect fragmented habitats, enabling species migration.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər ˈspɪn.ɪtʃ/

Water Spinach

Meaning
A semi-aquatic leafy vegetable with hollow stems, popular in Asian cuisine
Example
Water spinach grows well in wet soil.
C1 adjective ˈwɛðərpruːf

weatherproof

Meaning
Able to resist or be unaffected by weather, especially rain and wind.
Example
The materials used are weatherproof, ensuring longevity.
C1 adjective /ˈwɒn.tən/

Wanton

Meaning
deliberate and unprovoked; sexually immodest or promiscuous
Example
The vandals caused wanton destruction to the public property.
C1 noun /wʊd ˈæp.əl/

Wood Apple

Meaning
a hard-shelled tropical fruit with aromatic pulp used in beverages and medicine
Example
The wood apple has a hard shell but sweet pulp inside.
C1 noun /ˈwʊd.ən ˈsæn.dəl/

Wooden sandal

Meaning
a type of footwear made of wood, typically worn as traditional shoes
Example
She wore wooden sandals to the traditional ceremony.
C1 noun /weɪst tʃeɪn/

Waist chain

Meaning
a decorative chain worn around the waist as jewelry or ornamentation
Example
The traditional waist chain complemented her ethnic outfit perfectly.
C1 noun /ˈwɪtʃ.krɑːft/

witchcraft

Meaning
the practice of magical skills, spells, and abilities
Example
In old times, many people believed in witchcraft.
C1 adjective /ˌwɛl tə ˈduː/

well-to-do

Meaning
Prosperous, wealthy, or financially comfortable.
Example
They belong to a well-to-do family in the city.
C1 verb /ˈwɪð.ər/

wither

Meaning
to dry up and die, typically used for plants
Example
The flowers will wither without enough water.
C1 verb /ˈwɒloʊ/

wallow

Meaning
to roll about or indulge oneself in something excessively
Example
The buffalo likes to wallow in the mud on hot days.
C1 adjective /ˈwer.i/

Wary

Meaning
cautious; careful to avoid danger or problems
Example
She was wary of strangers approaching her at night.
C1 noun /ˈwɒndərlʌst/

wanderlust

Meaning
A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
Example
Her wanderlust took her to every corner of the globe.
C1 noun ˌwɛðəraɪˈzeɪʃən

weatherization

Meaning
The practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements.
Example
The house underwent weatherization to improve energy efficiency.
C1 noun /ˈwɪmzi/

whimsy

Meaning
playful or fanciful behavior or humor
Example
Her stories were full of whimsy and imagination.
C1 adjective /raɪ/

wry

Meaning
twisted or distorted in expression; showing dry, mocking humor
Example
He gave a wry smile after hearing the sarcastic remark.
C1 noun /waɪld bɔːr/

Wild-Boar

Meaning
a wild pig that lives in forests and has long curved teeth
Example
The wild boar ran through the forest quickly.
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 verb /raɪð/

writhe

Meaning
To twist or squirm in pain or discomfort.
Example
He writhed in pain after twisting his ankle.
C1 verb /riːk/

wreak

Meaning
to cause or inflict something, especially damage or harm
Example
The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal villages.
C1 verb /ˈwɒb.l̩/

wobble

Meaning
to move unsteadily from side to side; to shake or tremble slightly
Example
The table began to wobble when he leaned on it.
C1 verb /wɔːrp/

warp

Meaning
To twist or bend out of shape, often due to heat or moisture.
Example
The wooden door warped in the summer heat.
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 noun /ˈwɜːkmənʃɪp/

workmanship

Meaning
The skill with which something is made or the quality of something made.
Example
The workmanship of the handmade furniture was impeccable.
C1 verb /ˈwɒd.əl/

waddle

Meaning
to walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion, like a duck
Example
The duck waddled across the yard.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪm.zɪ.kəl/

Whimsical

Meaning
playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way
Example
The artist created whimsical sculptures that delighted children.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər ˌlɪl.i/

Water-lily

Meaning
a floating flower that grows on the surface of ponds and lakes
Example
The white water-lily floated gracefully on the pond.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪntri/

wintry

Meaning
Characteristic of or suitable for winter; cold and bleak.
Example
The wintry wind made everyone shiver as they walked outside.
C1 noun /rentʃ/

Wrench

Meaning
a tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, or pipes
Example
He used a wrench to tighten the bolt.
C1 verb /wiːld/

wield

Meaning
To hold and use a weapon, tool, or power effectively.
Example
The warrior wielded his sword with great skill.
C1 noun /wedʒ/

Wedge

Meaning
a triangular piece of wood or metal used for splitting or securing; a piece of cheese or cake
Example
He used a wooden wedge to split the log into smaller pieces.
C1 noun /wæks ɡɔːrd/

Wax Gourd

Meaning
a large white or green gourd with waxy skin, commonly used in Asian cooking
Example
The wax gourd soup is very nutritious and helps with digestion.
C1 verb /weɪv/

waive

Meaning
to refrain from insisting on or enforcing something, especially a right or claim
Example
She decided to waive her right to a lawyer.
C1 noun /ˈweɪ.stɪdʒ/

Wastage

Meaning
the action of using or expending something carelessly or without purpose
Example
The company reduced food wastage by implementing better inventory management.
C1 adjective /wɪðˈdrɔːn/

withdrawn

Meaning
quiet and shy; not wanting to talk to others
Example
After the incident, he became withdrawn and avoided his friends.
C1 noun /ˈwɛlˌduːər/

well-doer

Meaning
A person who does good deeds; a benefactor.
Example
The community praised the well-doer for his charity.
C1 adjective /ˈwɜːrkəbəl/

Workable

Meaning
capable of being done or put into effect; practical
Example
We need a workable solution to solve this problem quickly.
C1 noun /wæɡ/

Wag

Meaning
a humorous or playful person; someone who enjoys joking around
Example
The class wag always made everyone laugh with his clever jokes.
C1 verb /ˈræŋɡl̩/

wrangle

Meaning
to argue or dispute noisily or angrily
Example
The two neighbors wrangled over the property line for hours.
C1 noun /ˈwɪŋˌspæn/

wingspan

Meaning
the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing
Example
The eagle has an impressive wingspan of over two meters.
C1 adjective /ˌwɛlˈbrɛd/

well-bred

Meaning
Having or showing good manners; properly raised.
Example
She is a well-bred young lady with excellent manners.
C1 adjective /ˈretʃɪd/

Wretched

Meaning
very unhappy; miserable; of poor quality
Example
The refugees lived in wretched conditions.
C1 noun /woʊz/

woes

Meaning
great sorrow or distress; troubles
Example
The company faced financial woes after the market crash.
C1 verb /ˈwɪtl/

whittle

Meaning
to carve or shape something by cutting off small pieces; to gradually reduce
Example
He spent the afternoon whittling a piece of wood into a toy.
C1 verb /wɪns/

wince

Meaning
To make an involuntary movement of the face or body as a result of pain or distress.
Example
He winced when the doctor touched his injured arm.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈwɒrəntɪd/

warranted

Meaning
Justified or authorized under the circumstances.
Example
Her anger was warranted after the unfair treatment.
C1 noun, verb /wɪf/

whiff

Meaning
A brief, faint smell or puff of air; to get a quick smell of something.
Example
I caught a whiff of perfume as she passed by.
C1 noun /ˈwed.lɒk/

Wed lock

Meaning
the state of being married; matrimony
Example
They have been happily united in wedlock for twenty years.
C1 noun /ˈwɒrənt/

Warrant

Meaning
a legal document that gives police the authority to do something; justification or authority for an action
Example
The police obtained a search warrant before entering the building.
C1 adverb /ˌwɛr.əˈpɒn/

whereupon

Meaning
Immediately after which; as a result of which.
Example
He confessed his mistake, whereupon she forgave him.
C1 noun /ˈrɛtʃɪdnəs/

wretchedness

Meaning
a state of misery, unhappiness, or poor condition
Example
The novel depicts the wretchedness of war victims.
C1 noun /ˈwɔːkɪŋ fɪʃ/

Walking-fish

Meaning
a fish that can move on land using its fins and breathe air for extended periods
Example
The walking-fish can travel across dry land to find new water sources.
C1 adjective /ˈwɔːrˌlaɪk/

warlike

Meaning
Having an aggressive or militant nature; inclined to fight or engage in war.
Example
The tribe was known for its warlike traditions.
C1 noun /weɪl/

Wail

Meaning
a prolonged cry of pain, grief, or anger; to cry loudly
Example
The child's wail could be heard throughout the house.
C1 verb /wɑːft/

waft

Meaning
to move gently through the air, carried by a breeze
Example
The smell of fresh bread wafted through the kitchen.
C1 adjective /ˌhoʊlˈhɑːrtɪd/

wholehearted

Meaning
showing complete sincerity and commitment; fully enthusiastic
Example
She gave her wholehearted support to the project.
C1 verb /weɪn/

wane

Meaning
To decrease gradually in power, intensity, or size.
Example
The moon wanes after the full moon night.
C1 verb /wɪlt/

wilt

Meaning
To become limp, weak, or drooping, often due to lack of water or energy.
Example
The flowers wilted in the heat of the sun.
C1 noun /ræθ/

Wrath

Meaning
extreme anger; intense fury or indignation
Example
His wrath was terrible to behold.
C1 verb /wɪðˈhoʊld/

withhold

Meaning
to refuse to give or keep back something
Example
The company decided to withhold his bonus.
C1 verb /weɪd/

wade

Meaning
to walk through water or another substance that impedes movement
Example
The children waded in the shallow river.
C1 adjective /ˈwɪr.i.səm/

Wearisome

Meaning
causing tiredness; tedious; boring and exhausting
Example
The wearisome journey took twelve hours to complete.
C1 noun /rɪt/

writ

Meaning
A formal written order issued by a court.
Example
The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus.
C1 adjective /ˈwaɪəri/

wiry

Meaning
Lean, tough, and strong, often with sinewy muscles.
Example
The wiry athlete moved with remarkable speed and agility.
C1 noun /ˈwɔː.tər hen/

Water hen

Meaning
a waterbird with dark plumage that lives near ponds and wetlands
Example
The water hen swam gracefully across the pond.