Vocabulary Cards
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B2 noun/verb
bruise
Meaning
As a noun: an injury appearing as a purple or blue mark on the skin; As a verb: to injure without breaking the skin
Example
He got a bruise on his arm after falling.
C2 verb
bruit
Meaning
to spread a rumor or report widely
Example
The scandal was quickly bruited about the town.
C1 noun
brunt
Meaning
the worst part or main impact of something unpleasant
Example
The small town bore the brunt of the storm.
A2 noun
Brush
Meaning
a tool with bristles used for cleaning, painting, or grooming
Example
I brush my teeth every morning with a soft brush.
C2 adjective
brusque
Meaning
abrupt or blunt in manner or speech, often seen as rude
Example
His brusque reply ended the conversation.
C2 adverb
brusquely
Meaning
in a blunt, abrupt, or rude manner
Example
She brusquely dismissed the suggestion.
B2 adjective
brutal
Meaning
extremely cruel or harsh; violent and without feeling
Example
The dictator’s rule was marked by brutal violence.
C1 noun
brutality
Meaning
extreme cruelty or violence; savage or inhumane treatment
Example
The brutality of the attack shocked the entire community.
C1 verb
brutalize
Meaning
to treat someone with extreme violence or cruelty; to make something harsh or cruel
Example
The regime was accused of brutalizing innocent civilians.
B2 adverb
brutally
Meaning
in a cruel, violent, or harsh manner; in a very direct and blunt way
Example
The prisoners were treated brutally by the guards.
B1 noun
bubble
Meaning
a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or gas; a temporary state of inflated value or excitement
Example
The children chased the bubbles in the air.
C2 noun
buccaneer
Meaning
a pirate, especially one active in the Caribbean during the 17th and 18th centuries
Example
The buccaneer sailed across the Caribbean in search of treasure.
B2 noun/verb
buck
Meaning
A male deer; also to resist or oppose strongly.
Example
The horse began to buck wildly as the rider tried to hold on.
A2 noun
Bucket
Meaning
a roughly cylindrical open container with a handle, used to hold and carry liquids
Example
The farmer filled the bucket with fresh water from the well.
C2 adjective
bucolic
Meaning
Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.
Example
They enjoyed a bucolic picnic by the river.
B2 noun
Bud
Meaning
An undeveloped or immature flower before it opens
Example
The rose bud will bloom into a beautiful flower in a few days.
A2 noun
buddy
Meaning
a close friend or companion, used informally
Example
He went to the movies with his best buddy.
C1 verb
budge
Meaning
To move slightly; to change one’s opinion or position.
Example
Despite the pressure, he refused to budge from his decision.
A2 noun/verb
budget
Meaning
An estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time; to plan expenses and income.
Example
The family created a budget to manage their expenses.
C1 noun/adjective/verb
buff
Meaning
A fan or enthusiast; also to polish or shine something.
Example
He is a movie buff who watches films every weekend.
B2 noun
Buffalo
Meaning
a large wild ox with heavy horns; American bison
Example
The buffalo grazed peacefully in the meadow.
B2 noun/verb
buffer
Meaning
Something that lessens or absorbs the impact of a shock; to act as a protective barrier.
Example
The organization acts as a buffer between workers and management.
B2 noun, verb
buffet
Meaning
A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes arranged on a table; also means to strike repeatedly (as a verb).
Example
We enjoyed a large buffet at the wedding reception.
C2 noun
buffoon
Meaning
A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown or jester.
Example
He acted like a buffoon at the party, making everyone laugh.