wreak
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
C1 verb /riːk/

wreak

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

inversion

Meaning
A reversal of the normal order, position, or relationship.
Example
In poetry, inversion is often used to create emphasis.
C1 adjective /ˈnɔːtɪkəl/

nautical

Meaning
relating to ships, sailors, or navigation on water
Example
He studied nautical charts before setting sail.
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 /frɪndʒ/

fringe

Meaning
A decorative border of threads; the outer edge or margin of something.
Example
The festival had a fringe of small independent performances.
C1 verb /ˈkɪndəl/

kindle

Meaning
to light a fire; to arouse or inspire
Example
She kindled the campfire with dry wood.
C1 adjective /ˈskrʌmpʃəs/

scrumptious

Meaning
extremely tasty or delicious
Example
She baked a scrumptious chocolate cake for the party.
C1 adjective /ɒmˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Omnivorous

Meaning
eating both plants and animals; feeding on various kinds of food
Example
Bears are omnivorous animals that eat both plants and meat.
C1 adjective /ˌsækrəˈlɪdʒəs/

sacrilegious

Meaning
Showing disrespect or irreverence toward something sacred.
Example
The painting was criticized as being sacrilegious.
C1 noun ˈdʒɛnɪsɪs

genesis

Meaning
The origin or mode of formation of something.
Example
The genesis of the internet changed the world forever.
C1 verb /rɪˈnɛɡ/

renege

Meaning
to go back on a promise, agreement, or commitment
Example
The company reneged on its promise to increase wages.
C1 adjective /ˈɡruːəlɪŋ/

grueling

Meaning
Extremely tiring and demanding.
Example
The athletes faced a grueling training session.
C1 noun /ˈsɛpərətɪst/

separatist

Meaning
A person who supports the separation of a group from a larger body, often for political or cultural independence.
Example
The separatist group demanded independence from the central government.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈseɪvəri/

unsavory

Meaning
Disagreeable, unpleasant, or morally offensive.
Example
The politician was linked to an unsavory scandal.
C1 noun /ˈæl.ɪ.moʊ.ni/

alimony

Meaning
financial support that a person is ordered by a court to give to their spouse after separation or divorce
Example
He was ordered by the court to pay monthly alimony to his ex-wife.
C1 noun ˌɔːɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən

augmentation

Meaning
Increasing quantity, power or performance.
Example
The company invested in the augmentation of its workforce.
C1 adjective /bræʃ/

brash

Meaning
self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overconfident way
Example
His brash comments offended many people at the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl miːt/

Palatable meat

Meaning
Meat that is pleasant to taste; appetizing meat dish
Example
The chef prepared palatable meat dishes for the dinner party.
C1 verb ɪˈnɔː.ɡjə.reɪ.tɪd

inaugurated

Meaning
Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) formally.
Example
The organization was inaugurated officially.
C1 adjective /ˈlɪstləs/

listless

Meaning
lacking energy, enthusiasm, or interest
Example
She felt listless after working long hours without rest.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈmɒdɪfaɪd/

unmodified

Meaning
not changed from its original form or state
Example
The data was used in its unmodified form for analysis.
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.
C1 adjective /əˈblaɪdʒɪŋ/

obliging

Meaning
Willing to help or do favors; accommodating.
Example
The staff at the hotel were very obliging and friendly.
C1 adjective /kəˈnɒnɪkəl/

canonical

Meaning
Conforming to a general rule or accepted standard; officially recognized.
Example
Shakespeare’s works are considered canonical in English literature.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛkərd/

chequered

Meaning
Having a pattern of squares, or marked by varied and contrasting experiences or periods.
Example
He had a chequered career with both great successes and failures.
C1 adjective /ˈskænti/

Scanty

Meaning
small in size or amount; insufficient; barely adequate
Example
The refugee camp had scanty food supplies.
C1 adjective ɪˈveɪ.sɪv

evasive

Meaning
Tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly.
Example
He gave an evasive answer to avoid trouble.
C1 noun, verb /dɪsˈɑːnər/

dishonor

Meaning
a state of shame or loss of respect; to bring shame upon someone or something
Example
The soldier felt he had brought dishonor to his family.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkɔːrdənt/

discordant

Meaning
disagreeing or clashing; harsh and jarring in sound
Example
The discordant notes of the band hurt our ears.
C1 adjective /ˈdiːviəs/

devious

Meaning
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
Example
He used a devious plan to gain control of the company.
C1 noun ˈnærətɪv staɪl

narrative style

Meaning
The way in which a story is told, including the point of view and the voice of the narrator.
Example
Dickens' narrative style is engaging and emotional.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.stoʊn/

Lime stone

Meaning
a hard sedimentary rock, composed mainly of calcium carbonate or dolomite, used as building material and in the making of cement
Example
The ancient building was made of limestone blocks.
C1 verb /raʊz/

rouse

Meaning
To awaken from sleep or to stir into action.
Example
The loud alarm roused him from his deep sleep.
C1 noun /mɔːˈtæləti/

mortality

Meaning
the state of being subject to death; the death rate of a population
Example
Advancements in medicine have reduced child mortality significantly.
C1 verb /ɪˈmænsɪpeɪt/

emancipate

Meaning
to set someone free from legal, social, or political restrictions; to liberate from slavery or oppression
Example
The law was designed to emancipate slaves and grant them full citizenship.
C1 noun /ˌdez.ɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

Designation

Meaning
the action of choosing someone for a position; a name, title, or official status
Example
His designation as team leader came with additional responsibilities and authority.
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 verb /ɪnˈfɛst/

infest

Meaning
to overrun in large numbers, especially so as to cause damage or discomfort
Example
The old house was infested with rats.
C1 adjective /rɪˈvenʒ.fəl/

Revengeful

Meaning
seeking or desiring revenge; vindictive
Example
He became revengeful after being betrayed by his friend.
C1 adjective /dræb/

drab

Meaning
Dull, lacking brightness or interest; monotonous.
Example
The room looked drab with its gray walls and dim lighting.
C1 noun /ˈdʒʊərər/

juror

Meaning
a member of a jury who is chosen to hear evidence in a legal case and help make a decision
Example
The juror listened carefully to the witness’s testimony.
C1 verb /ˈtɑːrnɪʃ/

tarnish

Meaning
To lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture; to damage reputation.
Example
The silver jewelry tarnished quickly when left in the open air.
C1 noun /ˈɪrˌplʌɡ/

earplug

Meaning
a device inserted into the ear to block out noise or water
Example
He wore earplugs to sleep during the noisy night.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkwaɪ.ət/

Unquiet

Meaning
restless; unable to remain still or quiet; anxious or troubled
Example
She spent an unquiet night worrying about the exam results.
C1 verb /rɪˈfjuːt/

refute

Meaning
To prove a statement, argument, or theory to be false or invalid.
Example
The lawyer refuted the witness's testimony with solid evidence.
C1 noun ˌɪn.toʊˈneɪ.ʃən

intonation

Meaning
The rise and fall of tone in speech and pronunciation.
Example
Proper intonation enhances the clarity of a speech.
C1 verb /slɪŋk/

slink

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed
Example
The cat slunk into the room without making a sound.
C1 noun /ˈfreɪlti/

frailty

Meaning
The condition of being weak, delicate, or easily broken.
Example
Old age often comes with physical frailty.
C1 noun /ˈplʌn.dər.ər/

Plunderer

Meaning
a person who steals goods, especially during war or civil disorder
Example
The plunderers ransacked the village after the battle.
C1 noun /ˈseɪ.tən/

Satan

Meaning
the chief evil spirit; the Devil in Christian and Islamic belief
Example
According to religious texts, Satan tempts people to sin.
C1 verb /səˈplænt/

supplant

Meaning
To take the place of something or someone, often by force or strategy.
Example
Digital platforms have supplanted traditional newspapers.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv

introspective

Meaning
Characterized by or given to introspection; examining one's own thoughts and feelings.
Example
Writers tend to be highly introspective individuals.
C1 noun /ˌmɪsˈdiːd/

Misdeed

Meaning
A wicked or illegal act; wrongdoing
Example
He regretted his past misdeeds and tried to make amends.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmoʊbəl/

immobile

Meaning
unable to move or be moved
Example
After the accident, he was immobile for weeks.
C1 noun/adjective /ɪˈliːtɪst/

elitist

Meaning
A person who believes that a society should be led by an elite; showing preference for a privileged class.
Example
His elitist attitude made him unpopular among his peers.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspæns/

expanse

Meaning
a wide, open area of land, sea, or sky
Example
The desert is a vast expanse of sand and rock.
C1 verb /əˈbriːvieɪt/

abbreviate

Meaning
To shorten a word, phrase, or text by leaving out letters or parts.
Example
We often abbreviate 'Doctor' to 'Dr'.
C1 verb /ˈheɪsən/

hasten

Meaning
To move or act quickly; to cause something to happen sooner.
Example
He hastened to finish his work before the deadline.
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 verb /kəˈleɪt/

collate

Meaning
to collect, arrange, and combine in order
Example
The secretary collated the reports before the meeting.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈsɛmbəl/

disassemble

Meaning
To take apart something into its separate pieces.
Example
He had to disassemble the computer to repair it.
C1 adjective /ˈzoʊ.nəl/

Zonal

Meaning
relating to or arranged in zones; of, relating to, or having the form of a zone
Example
The city implemented a zonal parking system to manage traffic congestion.
C1 noun /rəˈviːn/

ravine

Meaning
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
Example
The river carved a deep ravine through the mountains.
C1 adverb /ˌhɛdˈfɜrst/

headfirst

Meaning
With the head leading; in a reckless or hasty manner.
Example
He dived headfirst into the pool.
C1 noun /ˈkʌntrɪmən/

countryman

Meaning
a person from one's own country or rural area
Example
He was proud to meet a fellow countryman at the international conference.
C1 noun /ˈblɛm.ɪʃ/

blemish

Meaning
A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something.
Example
The mirror had a small blemish on the surface.
C1 noun /ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/

virtuoso

Meaning
A person highly skilled in music, art, or another artistic pursuit.
Example
The pianist is a true virtuoso, captivating audiences worldwide.
C1 noun /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/

meritocracy

Meaning
A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
Example
In a true meritocracy, the most capable people rise to leadership positions.
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.
C1 noun /ˌtɛstɪˈməʊnɪəlz/

testimonials

Meaning
Written or spoken statements of praise or recommendation from clients or customers.
Example
Positive testimonials can enhance a company's reputation.
C1 verb /ˈslækən/

slacken

Meaning
to make or become less tight, less active, or slower
Example
The driver slackened his speed as he approached the village.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

Meaning
A very poor person.
Example
The pauper begged for food on the street corner.
C1 noun /beɪl/

bale

Meaning
A large bundle of goods tightly wrapped and bound.
Example
The workers loaded the bale of cotton onto the truck.
C1 noun /ˈtem.pər.ə.mənt/

Temperament

Meaning
a person's natural disposition or mood; characteristic behavior patterns
Example
She has a calm temperament that helps her handle stress well.
C1 noun /məˈnɒɡəmi/

monogamy

Meaning
The practice of being married to or in a relationship with only one person at a time.
Example
Many cultures encourage monogamy as the ideal form of marriage.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrθi/

earthy

Meaning
resembling or suggestive of earth or soil; simple, natural, and sometimes coarse
Example
The dish had a rich, earthy flavor from the mushrooms.
C1 verb/noun /ˈsɒldər/

solder

Meaning
To join metal parts together by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint
Example
He soldered the broken wires back together.
C1 noun /prəˈvaɪzoʊ/

proviso

Meaning
a condition or stipulation attached to an agreement
Example
He accepted the job offer with the proviso that he could work remotely twice a week.
C1 verb /ləˈmɛnt/

lament

Meaning
to express grief, sorrow, or regret about something
Example
She lamented the loss of her childhood home.
C1 noun /ˈsed.ɪ.mənt/

Sediment

Meaning
matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid; particles deposited by water or wind
Example
The river carried sediment downstream during the flood.
C1 noun /ˈsʌm.ɪt əv ðə ˈfjuː.tʃər/

Summit of the Future

Meaning
A high-level conference focused on addressing future challenges and opportunities.
Example
The Summit of the Future addressed global challenges.
C1 noun/verb /kroʊˈʃeɪ/

crochet

Meaning
Needlework made by interlocking loops of thread with a hooked needle; the act of making such items.
Example
She learned how to crochet a scarf for winter.
C1 noun /ɒnˈsɒmbəl/

ensemble

Meaning
a group of things or people viewed as a whole, especially performers in music or theater
Example
The theater ensemble gave a spectacular performance.
C1 noun /ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪzeɪʃən/

personalization

Meaning
The action of making something personal or individual; customization.
Example
Personalization in marketing improves customer engagement.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːsɪti/

paucity

Meaning
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities
Example
The project was delayed due to a paucity of funds.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdʒen.dər/

engender

Meaning
To cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition.
Example
The speech engendered hope among the people.
C1 noun /ˈpɪntʃərz/

pinchers

Meaning
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
Example
Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/

infringe

Meaning
To actively break the terms of a law, agreement, or right.
Example
Copying this software without permission will infringe copyright laws.
C1 noun /ˈkævərn/

cavern

Meaning
a large cave or chamber in a cave
Example
The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain.
C1 noun /ˈrez.ɪ.dənt ˈkəʊ.ɔː.dɪ.neɪ.tər/

resident coordinator

Meaning
A local administrator or official who coordinates activities in a specific region.
Example
The resident coordinator welcomed all representatives.
C1 adjective /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ/

grudging

Meaning
Reluctant or unwilling; given or allowed only with hesitation.
Example
She gave him a grudging smile after the argument.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔː.ləs/

Lawless

Meaning
without law; anarchic; unruly; criminal
Example
The frontier town was known for its lawless behavior and chaos.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛlər/

stellar

Meaning
Relating to stars; outstanding or excellent.
Example
She gave a stellar performance in the play.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈɒnəd/

unhonoured

Meaning
not respected or given the recognition that is deserved; treated without honor
Example
He felt unhonoured after his years of service were ignored.
C1 noun /tɪnt/

tint

Meaning
a slight shade or variation of a color
Example
The walls were painted white with a slight blue tint.
C1 noun /ˈnaɪ.tɪŋ.ɡeɪl/

Nightingale

Meaning
small songbird known for its beautiful singing, especially at night
Example
The nightingale sang sweetly in the moonlight.
C1 verb rɪˈlɪŋ.kwɪʃ

relinquish

Meaning
To give up any authority, responsibility, or property.
Example
He decided to relinquish his position as CEO.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈlaʊ/

disallow

Meaning
to refuse to allow or accept something
Example
The referee disallowed the goal for offside.
C1 adjective /ˈlætərəl/

lateral

Meaning
Relating to the side or sideways movement.
Example
The football player made a quick lateral pass.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/

disingenuous

Meaning
not candid or sincere; giving a false appearance of honesty or openness
Example
She gave a disingenuous excuse for missing the meeting.
C1 noun /lɪˈkjʊər/

liqueur

Meaning
A strong, sweet alcoholic drink flavored with fruits, herbs, or spices.
Example
She served a small glass of cherry liqueur after dinner.
C1 verb /snɪər/

sneer

Meaning
to smile or speak in a mocking or contemptuous way
Example
She sneered at his attempt to sing.
C1 noun /ˌɪrɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/

irresponsibility

Meaning
lack of responsibility or accountability; failure to act in a reliable or sensible way
Example
The accident was caused by his irresponsibility at work.
C1 adjective /ˈbleɪmləs/

blameless

Meaning
innocent of wrongdoing; not deserving blame
Example
She remained calm and blameless throughout the investigation.
C1 adjective /ˈɡæl.ənt/

gallant

Meaning
Brave, heroic, or chivalrous.
Example
The gallant firefighter saved the child from the burning building.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːrˌbɛərz/

forebears

Meaning
Ancestors or people in previous generations from whom one is descended.
Example
We must honor the traditions of our forebears.
C1 noun /rɪˈflɛktər/

reflector

Meaning
A surface or device that reflects light, heat, or sound, often used to direct beams or improve visibility.
Example
The cyclist attached a red reflector to the back of his bike for safety.
C1 adjective /ˈmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl/

Marginal

Meaning
relating to or situated at the edge; minimal; slight
Example
The marginal improvement in sales was barely noticeable.
C1 verb /əˈpɛnd/

append

Meaning
to add something as an attachment or supplement, usually at the end of a document or list
Example
She decided to append a note to the end of the report.
C1 noun /ˈɡuːs.bʌmps/

goosebumps

Meaning
small raised bumps on the skin caused by cold, fear, or excitement
Example
The horror movie gave me goosebumps.
C1 noun, verb /əˈsɛnt/

assent

Meaning
To agree to something, especially after careful consideration; an expression of approval.
Example
She nodded her head in silent assent.
C1 noun /ˈpeɪθɒs/

pathos

Meaning
a quality in speech, writing, or events that evokes pity or deep emotion
Example
The documentary balanced pathos with hope, making the audience both weep and think.
C1 noun /ˈɒf.sprɪŋ/

offspring

Meaning
a person's child or children; an animal's young
Example
The bird carefully fed its offspring.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɜːrvɪsəbəl/

Unserviceable

Meaning
not in working order; unable to be used; defective
Example
The old computer became unserviceable after the system crash.
C1 noun /ˈbɪtər ɡɔːrd/

Bitter Gourd

Meaning
a green, bumpy vegetable with a very bitter taste, known for its medicinal properties
Example
Bitter gourd is excellent for controlling blood sugar levels.
C1 noun /dɪsˈɪntrəst/

disinterest

Meaning
lack of interest or concern
Example
His disinterest in the project was obvious.
C1 noun /ʃəˈmiːz/

Chemise

Meaning
a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or dress hanging straight from the shoulders
Example
The vintage chemise was made of delicate lace and silk.
C1 noun, adjective /dɪˈrɪvətɪv/

derivative

Meaning
Something that is based on another source; in math, a measure of how a function changes.
Example
The film was criticized for being too derivative of earlier works.
C1 noun /pəˈvɪliən/

pavilion

Meaning
A large tent or temporary building, often used for events or exhibitions.
Example
The wedding reception was held in a decorated pavilion.
C1 noun /ˌdaɪəˈrɑːmə/

diorama

Meaning
a three-dimensional model representing a scene, often with miniature figures
Example
The museum displayed a diorama of an ancient village.
C1 noun /fɪˈnænʃɪər/

financier

Meaning
a person who manages large amounts of money or investments
Example
The financier advised the company on its investments.