yearn
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C1 verb /jɜːrn/

yearn

Meaning
to have a deep longing or desire for something
Example
She yearned for her homeland after living abroad for years.
C1 adjective /ˈbækˌhændɪd/

backhanded

Meaning
Indirect or sarcastic, often appearing as praise but actually insulting.
Example
She gave him a backhanded compliment about his work.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpleɪsənt/

complacent

Meaning
showing self-satisfaction and a lack of concern about potential dangers or problems
Example
The team grew complacent after a few victories and stopped practicing hard.
C1 verb /ˈpɜːmieɪt/

permeate

Meaning
Spread throughout (something); pervade.
Example
The scent of fresh flowers permeated the entire room.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/

petulant

Meaning
Childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
The child became petulant when denied more candy.
C1 noun/verb /reɪn/

rein

Meaning
A strap used to control a horse; to control or guide something.
Example
The rider pulled the rein to stop the horse.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɔːri/

conservatory

Meaning
A greenhouse for growing plants or a school for music and the arts.
Example
They grew exotic plants in the conservatory.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbl/

irreversible

Meaning
Not able to be undone, changed, or reversed.
Example
The damage caused by the fire was irreversible.
C1 adjective /ˈfrɪvələs/

frivolous

Meaning
Not having any serious purpose or value; silly or unimportant.
Example
She dismissed the frivolous complaint quickly.
C1 adjective /bɪˈriːvd/

Bereaved

Meaning
having lost a loved one through death
Example
The bereaved family received many condolences.
C1 adjective ʌnˈtʃɑːtɪd

uncharted

Meaning
Not mapped or surveyed; unknown or unexplored.
Example
The mission aimed to explore uncharted areas of the planet.
C1 adjective /ˈɡɔːri/

gory

Meaning
involving or showing a lot of bloodshed and violence
Example
The movie was too gory for children.
C1 verb /ˈfɛdərət/

federate

Meaning
to unite in a league or federation; to form an alliance
Example
Several states federated to create a stronger union.
C1 noun /ˈmeɪhɛm/

mayhem

Meaning
Violent or extreme disorder; chaos and destruction.
Example
The protest turned into mayhem when the crowd clashed with the police.
C1 noun /ˈɪnflʌks/

influx

Meaning
A large arrival or flow of people or things.
Example
The city experienced an influx of tourists during the festival.
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 noun /fəˈnætɪsɪzəm/

fanaticism

Meaning
the quality of being fanatical; extreme zeal or obsession
Example
Religious fanaticism can lead to intolerance and conflict.
C1 adjective /ˈvɪʒ.ən.er.i/

Visionary

Meaning
having original ideas about what the future will bring; innovative; imaginative
Example
Steve Jobs was a visionary leader who revolutionized technology.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
C1 noun /ænˈtɪθəsɪs/

antithesis

Meaning
A person, thing, or idea that is the direct opposite of another; a rhetorical device contrasting opposing ideas in parallel structure.
Example
Love is the antithesis of hate.
C1 noun /pəˈraɪə/

pariah

Meaning
An outcast; someone who is rejected by society or a social group.
Example
After the scandal, he became a social pariah.
C1 noun /kənˈtɛndər/

contender

Meaning
a person or team competing for a title or prize
Example
She is a strong contender for the mayoral position.
C1 adjective /ˈpʌlməˌneri/

pulmonary

Meaning
relating to the lungs
Example
The patient suffered from a serious pulmonary infection.
C1 adjective ˈsek.tər spəˈsɪf.ɪk

sector-specific

Meaning
Relating to or designed for a particular sector or industry.
Example
Sector-specific policies attract targeted investments.
C1 adjective /ˈplæsɪd/

placid

Meaning
calm and peaceful, not easily disturbed
Example
She had a placid expression despite the chaos around her.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntərˈtʃeɪndʒəbl/

interchangeable

Meaning
able to be exchanged with each other without difference or loss of function
Example
These machine parts are interchangeable, so they can be replaced easily.
C1 adjective /ˈfɑːð.ər.ləs/

fatherless

Meaning
without a father
Example
The fatherless child relied on the support of his community.
C1 noun /klaʊt/

clout

Meaning
influence or power, especially in politics or business
Example
The businessman has a lot of political clout.
C1 noun rɪˈdɛmpʃən

redemption

Meaning
The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
Example
The story highlights the theme of redemption.
C1 adjective /pərˈpetʃuəl/

perpetual

Meaning
never-ending or continuous
Example
She lived in perpetual fear of being discovered.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
C1 adjective /ˈræmʃækəl/

ramshackle

Meaning
poorly built or maintained; in a state of disrepair
Example
They lived in a ramshackle old house on the edge of town.
C1 adjective /bɪˈfɪt.ɪŋ/

Befitting

Meaning
appropriate; suitable; proper for a particular situation or person
Example
He wore formal attire befitting the important occasion.
C1 noun /ˈɛpɪˌlɔːɡ/

epilogue

Meaning
A section at the end of a book, play, or speech that serves as a conclusion.
Example
The author included an epilogue to explain what happened to the characters later.
C1 noun ˌnæn.oʊ.tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi

nanotechnology

Meaning
The branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers.
Example
Nanotechnology is advancing medical treatments.
C1 verb /raɪð/

writhe

Meaning
To twist or squirm in pain or discomfort.
Example
He writhed in pain after twisting his ankle.
C1 noun /ˈhɑː.mɪ.saɪd/

Homicide

Meaning
the deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder
Example
The detective was assigned to investigate the homicide that occurred downtown last night.
C1 noun /ˈzeɪni/

Zany

Meaning
amusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic; a comical person; foolishly playful
Example
He has a zany sense of humor that makes everyone laugh.
C1 adjective ɪˌlektrəʊmæɡˈnetɪk

electromagnetic

Meaning
Relating to both electricity and magnetism or their interaction.
Example
Electromagnetic forces repel protons.
C1 adjective, noun /rɪˈsiːvəbl/

receivable

Meaning
Money that is owed to a company and is expected to be paid.
Example
The company's receivables increased significantly this quarter.
C1 noun /ˈheɪˌdeɪ/

heyday

Meaning
The period of greatest success, popularity, or power.
Example
In its heyday, the company dominated the market.
C1 adjective /ˌloʊ ˈspɪrɪtɪd/

low-spirited

Meaning
feeling sad, depressed, or lacking enthusiasm
Example
He felt low-spirited after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun ˈæltruɪzəm

altruism

Meaning
The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
His altruism motivated others to volunteer.
C1 adjective /ˈɡræn.jʊ.lər/

granular

Meaning
Consisting of small grains or particles; detailed and specific.
Example
The report provided a granular analysis of the market data.
C1 adjective /moʊv/

mauve

Meaning
a pale purple color with a grayish or bluish tinge
Example
She wore a beautiful mauve dress to the party.
C1 noun /prəˈdʒɛktaɪl/

projectile

Meaning
An object fired, thrown, or propelled, especially from a weapon.
Example
The soldier dodged the incoming projectile.
C1 adjective ɛnˈdɛm.ɪk

endemic

Meaning
Native and restricted to a certain place.
Example
The Bengal tiger is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
C1 verb /ˈɡɑːbəl/

gobble

Meaning
to eat something quickly and greedily
Example
The children gobbled their food in minutes.
C1 noun ˌmɪs.kənˈsɛp.ʃən

misconception

Meaning
A wrong idea or false understanding about something.
Example
There is a common misconception that success happens overnight.
C1 noun /mjuːˈteɪʃn/

mutation

Meaning
A change in form, structure, or nature, especially in genetics.
Example
Scientists discovered a genetic mutation that caused the disorder.
C1 adjective ɪˈneɪt

Innate

Meaning
Existing from birth or natural
Example
She has an innate talent for music.
C1 noun /nɑːtʃ/

notch

Meaning
A small cut or groove on the edge or surface of something; a level or degree of achievement.
Example
He carved a notch on the stick to mark the days.
C1 noun /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/

indignation

Meaning
Strong displeasure or anger caused by something unjust, offensive, or insulting.
Example
Public indignation grew after the unfair verdict.
C1 adjective /fəˈnætɪkəl/

fanatical

Meaning
showing extreme enthusiasm or obsession
Example
She has a fanatical interest in collecting vintage stamps.
C1 adjective /ˌeɪ.bəlˈbɒd.id/

able-bodied

Meaning
physically strong and healthy, not disabled
Example
The company is looking for able-bodied workers for the construction site.
C1 noun /ˌmiːtiəˈrɒlədʒi/

meteorology

Meaning
The scientific study of the atmosphere and weather.
Example
He chose to specialize in meteorology to study weather patterns.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈbraɪdld/

unbridled

Meaning
Uncontrolled and unrestrained.
Example
The protesters showed unbridled enthusiasm for change.
C1 noun /pɜːrl drɒp/

Pearl drop

Meaning
a single pearl used as jewelry, often in earrings or pendants
Example
The elegant pearl drop earrings complemented her outfit perfectly.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɪptɪkl/

elliptical

Meaning
Having the shape of an ellipse; also, a style of speech that is concise and sometimes obscure.
Example
The planet follows an elliptical orbit around the sun.
C1 adjective /ˈroʊ.ɡɪʃ/

Roguish

Meaning
mischievous; playfully dishonest
Example
His roguish smile suggested he was up to some mischief.
C1 noun /ˌrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Ratification

Meaning
the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement
Example
The treaty required ratification by both countries' parliaments.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɔː.mə.ti/

Deformity

Meaning
a distorted or unnatural shape or form; physical malformation
Example
The accident caused a permanent deformity in his left hand.
C1 noun /braɪn/

brine

Meaning
Water saturated with salt, often used for preserving food.
Example
The olives were stored in brine to keep them fresh.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːjər/

Sawyer

Meaning
a person who saws wood, especially as an occupation
Example
The skilled sawyer cut the logs into planks.
C1 noun /buːn/

boon

Meaning
A thing that is helpful or beneficial.
Example
The internet is a boon to modern education.
C1 noun /ˌprɒpəˈɡeɪʃən/

propagation

Meaning
The action of spreading and promoting an idea, theory, etc.
Example
The propagation of ideas through social media is rapid.
C1 noun /ˈtæn.ə.ri/

tannery

Meaning
A place where animal hides are processed into leather.
Example
The tannery produced high-quality leather for export.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvaʊt/

devout

Meaning
Deeply religious or sincere.
Example
He is a devout believer who prays every day.
C1 noun /ˈɡeɪ.ə.ti/

Gaiety

Meaning
the state or quality of being light-hearted or cheerful; festive atmosphere
Example
The wedding reception was filled with gaiety, laughter, and joyful celebrations.
C1 adjective ˈɪn.lənd

Inland

Meaning
Situated in the interior of a country; away from the coast.
Example
Inland transport boosts local trade.
C1 noun /ˈɑːdəsi/

odyssey

Meaning
a long, adventurous journey; a series of experiences
Example
Her career has been an odyssey of challenges and achievements.
C1 verb /ˈmɛdəl/

meddle

Meaning
to interfere in something that is not one's concern
Example
He always tries to meddle in other people’s business.
C1 verb /daɪˈɡrɛs/

digress

Meaning
To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.
Example
The professor began to digress from the main topic of the lecture.
C1 noun /ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən/

elevation

Meaning
The act of raising something to a higher position or level.
Example
The hikers reached a high elevation after hours of climbing.
C1 noun /ˈɑːnkɔːr/

encore

Meaning
An additional performance demanded by an audience at the end of a show.
Example
The band returned to the stage for an encore.
C1 noun /ˈpæs.ɪ.fɪst/

pacifist

Meaning
a person who believes in peace and opposes war or violence
Example
She is a committed pacifist who campaigns against armed conflict.
C1 adjective /ˈrævənəs/

ravenous

Meaning
Extremely hungry; famished.
Example
After the long hike, she was ravenous and ate quickly.
C1 noun /dɜːrθ/

dearth

Meaning
A scarcity or lack of something.
Example
There was a dearth of food during the famine.
C1 adjective /sɑːrˈdɒnɪk/

sardonic

Meaning
Grimly mocking or cynical.
Example
She gave him a sardonic smile after hearing his excuse.
C1 noun /rɪˈfɜːrər/

referrer

Meaning
a person who directs someone to another person or service
Example
The referrer earned a bonus for recommending a new client.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərət/

inconsiderate

Meaning
Thoughtless; showing a lack of concern for others.
Example
It was inconsiderate of him to play loud music late at night.
C1 adjective /læks/

lax

Meaning
Not strict, severe, or careful; negligent or careless.
Example
The security at the airport was surprisingly lax.
C1 adjective /ɔːˈstɪə/

austere

Meaning
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; plain and simple.
Example
The monk lived an austere life in the mountains.
C1 noun ˌtrɪbjʊˈleɪʃən

tribulation

Meaning
A difficult time or suffering experience
Example
He endured many tribulations in his early years.
C1 adjective /ˈvæljənt/

Valiant

Meaning
showing courage or determination; brave and heroic
Example
The valiant soldier fought bravely to protect his country.
C1 adjective /əˈdɛpt/

adept

Meaning
Very skilled or proficient at something.
Example
She is adept at solving complex mathematical problems.
C1 noun /hɑːrp/

Harp

Meaning
a large triangular musical instrument with strings that are plucked
Example
The angel played a beautiful melody on the harp.
C1 noun /pɪˌdɛs.tri.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

pedestrianization

Meaning
Making areas pedestrian-friendly, closing any area to vehicle traffic and making it open only for pedestrians.
Example
The pedestrianization of city centers reduces pollution.
C1 noun/verb /ˈsaɪ.fər/

cipher

Meaning
A secret or disguised way of writing; a code; to put a message into secret writing.
Example
Military messages are protected using a cipher.
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 noun /kɑst/

Caste

Meaning
a social class system; a hereditary class of Hindu society
Example
The ancient caste system divided society into different social groups.
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 /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
C1 adjective /prɪm/

prim

Meaning
stiffly formal and proper in appearance or behavior
Example
She looked prim in her neatly pressed dress.
C1 noun /ˈplæn.teɪn ˈflaʊ.ər/

Plantain flower

Meaning
The flower bud of a banana plant, used as a vegetable in cooking
Example
We cooked plantain flower curry for dinner.
C1 noun /ˈpɛsəl/

pestle

Meaning
A heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing or grinding substances in a mortar.
Example
She used a pestle to grind the spices.
C1 adjective /ˈspɪndli/

spindly

Meaning
Long, thin, and weak-looking
Example
The spindly tree bent under the weight of the snow.
C1 noun /ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃənər/

executioner

Meaning
A person who carries out a death sentence by execution.
Example
The executioner prepared the gallows for the condemned prisoner.
C1 noun /helm/

Helm

Meaning
a tiller or wheel for steering a ship or boat; a position of leadership or control
Example
The experienced captain took the helm and expertly navigated the ship through the storm.
C1 adjective /ˌfɪl.ænˈθrɒp.ɪk/

philanthropic

Meaning
showing concern for the welfare of others; generous and charitable
Example
She is known for her philanthropic activities in the city.
C1 adjective /ˈdeɪnti/

dainty

Meaning
Delicately small, pretty, and often considered elegant.
Example
She wore a dainty necklace made of pearls.
C1 verb /ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt/

implicate

Meaning
To show someone’s involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence implicated several officials in the scandal.
C1 noun /ˈnoʊ.və/

Nova

Meaning
a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness
Example
Astronomers discovered a new nova in the constellation.
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.
C1 noun /ˈævətɑːr/

avatar

Meaning
an icon or figure representing a person in digital contexts; in Hinduism, a divine incarnation
Example
She changed her social media avatar to a new cartoon image.
C1 adjective /ˈmeʒ.ər.ə.bəl/

Measurable

Meaning
able to be measured; quantifiable
Example
The project's success was measurable by increased sales.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfleɪt/

inflate

Meaning
to fill with air or gas so it expands; to increase excessively or artificially
Example
The mechanic inflated the tire to the correct pressure.
C1 noun /jɛn/

yen

Meaning
A deep, strong desire or craving.
Example
She felt a strong yen to travel the world.
C1 noun /ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.ləns/

vigilance

Meaning
The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
Example
Constant vigilance is required in cybersecurity.
C1 adjective /ˈɔːbərn/

auburn

Meaning
reddish-brown in color, especially used to describe hair
Example
She has long auburn hair that shines in the sunlight.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ə.bəl/

pitiable

Meaning
deserving sympathy or compassion
Example
The stray dog looked pitiable in the rain.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/

self-effacing

Meaning
not drawing attention to oneself; modest
Example
Despite his success, he remained self-effacing and humble.
C1 adjective /ˌmel.ənˈkɒl.ɪk/

Melancholic

Meaning
sad and thoughtful; feeling or expressing sadness
Example
The melancholic music made everyone feel sad.
C1 noun /ˈɛskəpeɪd/

escapade

Meaning
an adventurous, exciting, or reckless act
Example
Their summer escapade included camping and mountain climbing.
C1 noun /ɪˈnɔːrmɪti/

enormity

Meaning
The extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong.
Example
The enormity of the crime shocked the entire community.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪpend/

Stipend

Meaning
a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance
Example
The research student receives a monthly stipend for living expenses.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.trə.vɜːrt/

introvert

Meaning
A person who tends to be shy and prefers spending time alone rather than in groups.
Example
As an introvert, he preferred reading over attending parties.
C1 verb /ɪˈnʌnsieɪt/

enunciate

Meaning
to pronounce words clearly; to express an idea clearly
Example
The teacher asked him to enunciate each word.
C1 noun /ˈmæl.ɪt/

Mallet

Meaning
a hammer with a large head, typically made of wood
Example
The carpenter used a rubber mallet to avoid damaging the wood.
C1 noun /ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.tɪv/

locomotive

Meaning
A powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains.
Example
The old steam locomotive was restored for the museum.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈhændɪd/

underhanded

Meaning
acting or done in a dishonest or secret way
Example
They exposed the company's underhanded dealings with its suppliers.