winnow
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C2 verb /ˈwɪn.oʊ/

winnow

Meaning
to remove the less desirable parts from a group; originally, to separate grain from chaff by blowing air
Example
The committee will winnow the list of applicants to ten finalists.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪk.bæt/

Brickbat

Meaning
a piece of brick, especially one used as a missile; harsh criticism or censure
Example
The angry protesters threw brickbats at the building windows.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrbəl/

marble

Meaning
a hard, smooth stone used in building and sculpture, often white with colored lines
Example
The floor of the palace was made of white marble.
C1 noun /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪti/

serendipity

Meaning
The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
Finding that old photo album was pure serendipity.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
C1 noun /ˈtɒr.ənt/

Torrent

Meaning
a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid; a sudden, violent, and copious outpouring
Example
The heavy rain created a torrent of water rushing down the mountain.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.krəˈmen.təl

incremental

Meaning
Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; proceeding in small stages.
Example
Incremental changes ensure sustainability.
C2 noun /leɪð/

lathe

Meaning
A machine for shaping wood, metal, or other material by rotating it against a cutting tool.
Example
The carpenter used a lathe to shape the wooden bowl.
B1 verb /əˈkɜːr/

occur

Meaning
to happen or take place; to be found or present
Example
The accident occurred at the intersection during rush hour.
B1 noun /ˈpɑːrləmənt/

parliament

Meaning
the highest legislative body in a country
Example
The bill was passed in parliament after a long debate.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛreɪtɪd/

serrated

Meaning
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
Example
The bread knife had a serrated blade.
C2 noun /ˈseɪnjər/

seignior

Meaning
A feudal lord; a man of authority in medieval Europe.
Example
The seignior demanded taxes from the peasants.
C2 adjective/adverb /feɪn/

fain

Meaning
gladly, willingly, or with pleasure
Example
I would fain help you if I had the time.
A2 noun /ruːf/

roof

Meaning
the top covering of a building or vehicle
Example
The roof of the house needs to be repaired.
C1 noun rɪˈfaɪnmənt

refinement

Meaning
The process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.
Example
His manners showed a refinement that made him stand out in any crowd.
A1 noun /boʊt/

Boat

Meaning
a small vessel for traveling over water
Example
We took a small boat to cross the river.
C2 noun /ˈstrætədʒəm/

stratagem

Meaning
a plan or scheme designed to achieve a particular goal, often by trickery
Example
The general devised a clever stratagem to outwit the enemy.
C1 noun /ˈsækrɪlɪdʒ/

sacrilege

Meaning
Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
Example
Stealing from the temple was considered an act of sacrilege.
C1 noun /sɪlt/

silt

Meaning
Fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment.
Example
The river deposited layers of silt along its banks.
A2 noun ɪˈmɜː.dʒən.si

emergency

Meaning
A sudden situation that is dangerous or serious and needs immediate attention or action.
Example
A financial emergency can arise at any time.
B2 adjective /ˈkjuːbən/

cuban

Meaning
relating to Cuba, its people, or its culture
Example
We enjoyed delicious Cuban coffee at the café.
B2 adverb /əˈten.tɪv.li/

Attentively

Meaning
with careful attention; in a focused manner
Example
She listened attentively to her teacher's instructions.
B2 noun /ˈtɜr.mər.ɪk/

Turmeric

Meaning
A bright yellow spice powder made from the root of a tropical plant, used in cooking and medicine
Example
Add turmeric to the curry for color and flavor.
B2 adjective + noun ˈɒptɪməl ˈtempərətʃər

optimal temperature

Meaning
The best or most favorable temperature for a particular purpose
Example
Winter provides optimal temperature for farming.
C1 noun /ˈhɒrəˌskoʊp/

horoscope

Meaning
A forecast of a person's future based on the positions of the stars and planets at their birth.
Example
She read her horoscope every morning to see what the stars predicted.
B2 noun /heɪ/

hay

Meaning
grass that has been cut, dried, and stored for use as animal feed
Example
The cows were eating hay in the barn.
C1 verb /rɪˈkaʊnt/

recount

Meaning
to narrate or tell the details of an event or experience
Example
She recounted her adventures during the summer trip.
C2 verb /prəˈpɪʃieɪt/

propitiate

Meaning
to win or regain the favor of someone by doing something that pleases them
Example
He offered gifts to propitiate the angry gods.
B1 adjective /ˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd/

complicated

Meaning
consisting of many interconnected parts; difficult to understand
Example
The instructions for the machine are too complicated to follow.
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.
B1 noun ˈdʒʌstɪs

justice

Meaning
Just behavior or treatment; the quality of being fair and reasonable.
Example
Justice is sought by the oppressed characters in the story.
C2 noun /sɛkˈstɛt/

sextet

Meaning
a group of six people playing music or a piece written for six performers
Example
The jazz sextet filled the small club with a warm, layered sound.
C1 noun proʊˈæktɪv ˈseɪvɪŋ

proactive saving

Meaning
Actively planning and setting aside money in advance to prepare for future financial needs
Example
Proactive saving ensures financial stability in old age.
B2 adjective /fræŋk/

Frank

Meaning
honest; open; straightforward; candid
Example
She gave me a frank opinion about my presentation.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəfɪˈzɪʃən/

metaphysician

Meaning
A person who studies or is an expert in metaphysics.
Example
The metaphysician debated the essence of reality with his peers.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈɪndʒərd/

uninjured

Meaning
Without injury; not physically harmed.
Example
All the passengers were rescued uninjured.
B1 verb /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/

interrupt

Meaning
to stop someone from speaking or doing something by suddenly saying or doing something
Example
She tried not to interrupt while he was speaking.
B2 verb, adjective /ˈfɒstər/

foster

Meaning
to encourage the development of something; to raise a child that is not one's own
Example
The program aims to foster creativity in young students.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

Meaning
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
Example
The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate.
B1 verb /briːð/

breathe

Meaning
To take air into the lungs and send it out again.
Example
It was hard to breathe in the smoky room.
B2 adjective /ˈfɜːr.taɪl/

Fertile

Meaning
capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops; able to conceive children
Example
The fertile soil in this region makes it perfect for growing vegetables.
C1 adjective /ˈnɒm.ɪ.nəl/

Nominal

Meaning
very small in size or amount; existing in name only
Example
He paid only a nominal fee for the membership since he was a student.
C2 verb /dɪˈstreɪn/

distrain

Meaning
to seize someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
Example
The landlord distrained the tenant's furniture for unpaid rent.
B2 noun /ˈlænd.ɪŋ/

Landing

Meaning
the action of coming to rest on the ground or another surface; a level area at the top of a staircase
Example
The pilot made a smooth landing despite the stormy weather conditions.
A2 noun /ˈdrɑː.mə/

drama

Meaning
a play for theater, radio, or television, or an exciting or emotional situation
Example
She loves watching historical drama series.
A2 noun /ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/

possibility

Meaning
something that may happen or be the case; a chance that something exists or might occur
Example
There is a strong possibility of rain tomorrow.
A2 noun /piːs/

peace

Meaning
a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from disturbance
Example
They hope for peace in the region.
B2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛkt/

disinfect

Meaning
to clean something thoroughly to destroy bacteria or viruses
Example
The nurse disinfected the wound before applying a bandage.
B1 noun /tʃiːf/

chief

Meaning
a leader or person in charge of a group or organization
Example
The chief of the village made an important decision.
A2 noun /ˈkloʊðɪŋ/

clothing

Meaning
items worn to cover the body; apparel collectively
Example
Warm clothing is essential in winter.
B2 verb /əˈsend/

ascend

Meaning
to go up or climb to a higher position; to rise
Example
The climbers will ascend the mountain at dawn.
B2 noun /ˌekspləˈreɪʃən/

exploration

Meaning
the action of traveling through or studying an area to learn more about it
Example
Space exploration has expanded our understanding of the universe.
C2 verb /ˈwiːdəl/

wheedle

Meaning
to persuade or coax someone by using flattery or smooth talk
Example
She managed to wheedle extra pocket money from her father.
C2 adjective /ədˈmɒnɪtəri/

admonitory

Meaning
giving or conveying a warning or reprimand
Example
She gave him an admonitory glance.
A2 adjective /ˈlʌki/

lucky

Meaning
having good fortune or favorable circumstances
Example
She felt lucky to have such supportive friends.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlf ɪnˈdʌldʒəns/

self-indulgence

Meaning
The act of allowing oneself to enjoy pleasures or desires excessively.
Example
His weekend of self-indulgence included eating sweets and watching movies nonstop.
B2 adjective /ˈpeɪ.ə.bəl/

Payable

Meaning
required to be paid; owed as a debt
Example
The amount is payable within thirty days of the invoice date.
C1 adjective /ˈmaɪ.ɡrə.tɔːr.i/

Migratory

Meaning
moving from one place to another; characterized by seasonal movement
Example
Many birds are migratory and travel thousands of miles each season.
B1 noun /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/

encouragement

Meaning
the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope
Example
Her encouragement helped me finish the project.
B2 noun /ˈleɪ.zi.nəs/

Laziness

Meaning
the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness
Example
His laziness prevented him from achieving his goals.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈsʌlid/

unsullied

Meaning
not spoiled or made impure; perfectly clean or pure
Example
His reputation remained unsullied despite the accusations.
A2 noun /ʃiːp/

sheep

Meaning
a farm animal with thick wool that is raised for its wool, meat, and milk
Example
The farmer keeps a large flock of sheep.
C1 noun /rɪˈvɒl.vər/

Revolver

Meaning
a pistol with revolving chambers enabling several shots to be fired without reloading
Example
The detective drew his revolver from its holster.
C1 noun /prɪˈdɒmɪnəns/

predominance

Meaning
The state of being greater in number, strength, or importance.
Example
The predominance of online shopping has changed retail forever.
C2 noun /pərˈsɪpiəns/

percipience

Meaning
The ability to perceive, understand, or notice things quickly.
Example
His percipience in reading people made him a great negotiator.
C2 noun /ˌɛksɪˈkreɪʃən/

execration

Meaning
An act of cursing or denouncing someone or something with hatred.
Example
The dictator’s name was spoken with execration after his fall.
C1 noun /ˈɛskəpeɪd/

escapade

Meaning
an adventurous, exciting, or reckless act
Example
Their summer escapade included camping and mountain climbing.
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.
A2 noun /ˈbʌtərflaɪ/

butterfly

Meaning
an insect with large, often brightly colored wings that flies during the day
Example
A beautiful butterfly landed on the flower.
C1 verb ɪɡˈzɛm.plɪ.faɪ

exemplify

Meaning
To be a typical example of or to illustrate something clearly, to show as an example or demonstrate.
Example
His dedication exemplifies true leadership.
B2 noun ˌɪn.fləˈmeɪ.ʃən

inflammation

Meaning
A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful.
Example
Chronic inflammation can lead to severe diseases.
A2 noun ˈhɪrəʊ

hero

Meaning
A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
Example
Sydney Carton becomes the ultimate hero through his sacrifice.
C2 verb /ʌnˈkaʊtʃ/

uncouch

Meaning
to remove from a couch or to release from being laid down (rare/archaic usage)
Example
The surgeon attempted to uncouch the cataract.
B2 adjective /ˈtræŋkwɪl/

tranquil

Meaning
Free from disturbance; calm and peaceful.
Example
A tranquil environment promotes relaxation and focus.
C1 adjective /æbˈdɑː.mə.nəl/

abdominal

Meaning
relating to the abdomen (the part of the body between the chest and pelvis)
Example
He complained of severe abdominal pain.
A2 noun /hɛn/

Hen

Meaning
female chicken
Example
The hen laid fresh eggs in the nest.
B2 adjective /ˈɡlɪt.ər.ɪŋ/

Glittering

Meaning
shining with bright light; sparkling; brilliant;
Example
The glittering stars filled the clear night sky.
C1 adjective /ˌmed.iˈiː.vəl/

Mediaeval

Meaning
relating to the Middle Ages; medieval
Example
The castle displayed mediaeval architecture and design.
C1 adjective ˌʌn.pəˈtɜːbd

unperturbed

Meaning
Not worried or disturbed by something; calm and composed.
Example
She remained unperturbed despite the challenges.
C1 noun /ˈriːpər/

reaper

Meaning
a person or machine that cuts and gathers crops
Example
The reaper moved slowly through the golden fields.
C2 noun /ˈbʌskɪn/

buskin

Meaning
A type of thick-soled boot that reaches halfway to the knee; also associated with tragic drama in ancient times.
Example
The actor wore a buskin as part of his classical costume.
A2 noun /ˈmɒn.stər/

Monster

Meaning
a large, ugly, and frightening imaginary creature; a cruel person
Example
The children were scared of the monster under the bed.
B1 verb /əˈproʊtʃ/

approach

Meaning
to move closer to someone or something; to deal with a situation or problem
Example
The teacher approached the student to offer help.
C1 adverb /ˈhɛdˌlɔŋ/

headlong

Meaning
With the head leading; in a rush or without thinking.
Example
She rushed headlong into the new project.
B2 verb /kənˈfɔːrm/

conform

Meaning
To comply with rules, standards, or laws.
Example
Students must conform to the school regulations.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpoʊzd/

composed

Meaning
calm and in control of oneself; made up of or formed from
Example
He remained composed even under pressure.
C1 adjective /ˈskwiːmɪʃ/

squeamish

Meaning
easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted
Example
She felt squeamish at the sight of blood.
B2 noun /droʊn/

Drone

Meaning
a male bee that does not work and whose only function is to mate with the queen
Example
The drone bees do not collect honey like worker bees.
C2 adjective /ˈfʊl.səm/

fulsome

Meaning
Excessively flattering or insincere; abundant or generous in amount.
Example
He offered fulsome praise to his boss.
C1 noun /plaɪt/

Plight

Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
A2 noun ˈwɔː.nɪŋ

warning

Meaning
A statement or event that indicates a possible or impending danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation.
Example
Warnings about rising temperatures demand urgent action.
C1 noun ˈæf.lu.əns

affluence

Meaning
The state of having a great deal of money; wealth.
Example
His affluence allowed him to travel the world.
B1 noun /krɒp/

crop

Meaning
plants that are grown and harvested for food or other use
Example
The farmers harvested their rice crop in autumn.
C1 noun /jɑːrn/

Yarn

Meaning
spun thread used for knitting, weaving, or sewing; a long or rambling story
Example
She bought colorful yarn for knitting a sweater.
B2 noun ɪˈlɪtərəsi

illiteracy

Meaning
The inability to read and write; lack of education or knowledge in a particular area.
Example
Illiteracy often leads to poverty and unemployment.
C2 verb /ˈhæroʊ/

harrow

Meaning
to cause distress or torment; also to break up and smooth soil with a farm tool
Example
The tragic news harrowed the entire family.
B1 noun /roʊˈmæns/

Romance

Meaning
a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love; a love affair or relationship
Example
Their romance began when they met at the university library.
B1 noun /ʃɑːrk/

Shark

Meaning
a large marine fish with sharp teeth and a cartilaginous skeleton
Example
The shark is a powerful predator of the ocean.
C1 noun /ˈɪntrɪkəsi/

intricacy

Meaning
the quality of being very detailed or complicated
Example
The intricacy of the design impressed everyone.
B2 noun ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈbæləns

ecological balance

Meaning
A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms.
Example
Maintaining ecological balance is essential for a sustainable planet.
A2 verb /ʃaɪn/

shine

Meaning
to give out a bright light or glow
Example
The sun will shine brightly tomorrow.
C1 noun /ʃeɪl/

shale

Meaning
a fine-grained sedimentary rock that can be split into thin layers
Example
The region is rich in shale and natural gas deposits.
A2 adverb /jet/

Yet

Meaning
up to now or a specified time; still; however; nevertheless
Example
He hasn't finished his homework yet.
C1 verb diːˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz

desensitize

Meaning
To make someone less sensitive or reactive to something through repeated exposure.
Example
Constant exposure to violence can desensitize people.
B2 verb /ˈdæzəl/

dazzle

Meaning
to impress deeply or blind with brilliance or skill
Example
The magician's tricks dazzled the audience.
B2 noun /səˈvaɪvl/

survival

Meaning
the state of continuing to live or exist, typically in difficult conditions
Example
Survival in the wild can be a challenging experience.
C2 noun /ˌkʌl.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

culpability

Meaning
responsibility for a fault or wrong; blameworthiness
Example
The jury considered his level of culpability in the crime.
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.
C2 verb /ˈdɒɡmətaɪz/

dogmatize

Meaning
To state opinions or beliefs as if they were absolute truths.
Example
The professor tended to dogmatize on political issues.
B1 noun /ˈdaɪ.mənd/

Diamond

Meaning
a precious stone that is extremely hard and brilliant when cut
Example
She wore a diamond ring on her finger.
C1 verb /əˈskraɪb/

ascribe

Meaning
To attribute something to a cause, source, or person.
Example
Many scholars ascribe the poem to an unknown author.
C1 verb /ɪˈlɛktrɪfaɪ/

electrify

Meaning
to charge with electricity; to excite or thrill intensely
Example
The speaker's speech electrified the audience.
C1 noun /ˈtæbloʊ/

tableau

Meaning
a striking or artistic scene or arrangement of people or objects, often presented on stage or in art
Example
The actors froze in a tableau that captured the final moment of the play.
C1 verb /ˈflʌtər/

flutter

Meaning
to move or flap quickly and lightly; to beat or wave with small rapid motions
Example
The butterfly began to flutter its wings in the sunlight.
B2 noun /plʌɡ/

plug

Meaning
a device used to connect or block an opening
Example
She inserted the plug into the socket.
C1 adjective /ˌəʊ.vərˈɑː.tʃɪŋ/

overarching

Meaning
Comprehensive or all-embracing; forming an arch over something.
Example
The overarching theme of the book is human resilience.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/

dissertation

Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually written for a university degree.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral dissertation.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒvɪdənt/

improvident

Meaning
Not having or showing foresight; spending wastefully or without thought for the future.
Example
His improvident habits left him with no savings.
C1 adjective ˌmiː.ti.ər.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl

meteorological

Meaning
Relating to weather conditions and atmospheric phenomena.
Example
Meteorological conditions affect farming cycles.
B2 noun /ɪˈlɛktrɪk drɪl/

Electric drill

Meaning
A power tool used for drilling holes in various materials
Example
He used an electric drill to make holes in the wall for hanging pictures.
C2 adjective /kəmˈprɛsəbl̩/

compressible

Meaning
Capable of being compressed or reduced in volume.
Example
Air is a compressible substance, unlike water.