Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

precipitation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/

Moisture that falls from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail; or the process of being precipitated.

"Heavy precipitation is expected in the northern region tomorrow."

adjective C1
/prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/

Extremely steep or sudden; done quickly without careful consideration.

"The hikers struggled to climb the precipitous slope."

noun C1
/ˈpreɪsiː/

a short summary of a text or speech

"She wrote a précis of the lecture for her classmates."

precision agriculture definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
prɪˈsɪʒ.ən ˈæɡ.rɪ.kʌl.tʃər

The technique of conducting agricultural work using advanced technology.

"Precision agriculture optimizes resource use and increases efficiency."

verb C1
/prɪˈkluːd/

To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.

"Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic."

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precocious

adjective C1
/prɪˈkoʊʃəs/

Showing advanced development or maturity at an unusually early age.

"The precocious child was reading novels at the age of five."

precursor definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈpriːˌkɜrsər/

Something or someone that comes before another and indicates the approach of something else.

"The steam engine was a precursor to modern trains."

adjective C1
/ˈprɛdəˌtɔri/

Relating to animals that prey on others; exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.

"The predatory bird swooped down on its prey."

verb C1
/ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

to establish or decide something in advance

"The outcome of the match seemed predetermined."

predicament definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/prɪˈdɪkəmənt/

a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation

"She found herself in a difficult predicament."

noun/verb C1
/ˈprɛdɪkət/ (noun), /ˈprɛdɪkeɪt/ (verb)

noun: the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject; verb: to base or establish something on a particular idea

"His theory is predicated on sound research."

verb C1
/ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊz/

To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or be affected by something.

"His genetics may predispose him to diabetes."

adjective C1
/ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/

Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.

"She is predisposed to trust people easily."

predisposition definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌpriːdɪspəˈzɪʃən/

a tendency or inclination to behave in a particular way

"She has a predisposition to anxiety."

noun C1
/prɪˈdɒmɪnəns/

The state of being greater in number, strength, or importance.

"The predominance of online shopping has changed retail forever."

verb C1
/prɪˈdɒmɪneɪt/

To be the strongest, most common, or most influential element.

"Traditional values still predominate in the community."

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preeminent

adjective C1
/priːˈɛmɪnənt/

Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.

"She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics."

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preempt

verb C1
/priːˈɛmpt/

To take action in order to prevent something from happening; to take the place of something.

"The government acted quickly to preempt a financial crisis."

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preemptive

adjective C1
/priˈɛmptɪv/

Serving or intended to prevent something by taking action first.

"The government took preemptive measures to control inflation."

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preen

verb C1
/priːn/

To groom or dress oneself with care; to show pride in one's appearance.

"She preened in front of the mirror before leaving for the party."

adjective C1
/ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

showing or giving advantage to one over others

"Members receive preferential treatment at the club."

noun C1
/ˈprɛljuːd/

An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.

"The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict."

verb C1
/ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪt/

to think about and plan something (especially a crime) beforehand

"The suspect was accused of premeditating the crime."

adjective C1
/ˌpriːˈmɛdɪˌteɪtɪd/

planned in advance; done deliberately

"The crime was clearly premeditated."

noun C1
/ˌpriːməˈnɪʃən/ or /ˌprɛm-/

a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative

"She had a premonition of danger before the trip."

preoccupation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/priːˌɒkjuˈpeɪʃən/

The state of being engrossed or absorbed in thought about something.

"Her preoccupation with work left her little time for family."

verb C1
/priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.

"Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly."

adjective C1
/prɪˈpɒstərəs/

completely ridiculous or absurd; contrary to reason or common sense

"The idea that pigs could fly is preposterous."

noun C1
/prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

a special right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group

"It is the manager’s prerogative to make the final decision."

preservative definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/prɪˈzɜːrvətɪv/

A substance used to prevent decay, spoilage, or deterioration in food or other materials.

"This jam contains no artificial preservatives."

preservatives definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
prɪˈzɜː.və.tɪvz

A substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay.

"Many processed foods contain harmful preservatives."

preside definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
👩‍⚖️

preside

verb C1
/prɪˈzaɪd/

to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization

"She will preside over the meeting tomorrow."

Presumption definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/prɪˈzʌmpʃən/

An idea believed to be true without proof; an assumption or act of overconfidence.

"The presumption of his guilt was unfair."

presumptuous definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/prɪˈzʌmp.tʃu.əs/

Overconfident, rude, or taking liberties without permission.

"It was presumptuous of him to make that decision without consulting others."

pretension definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/prɪˈtɛnʃən/

A claim or assertion to something, often without justification; an attempt to impress by showing greater importance or talent than is actually possessed.

"His pretension to be an expert was quickly exposed."

adjective C1
/prɪˈtɛnʃəs/

Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

"The restaurant was stylish but far too pretentious for my taste."

Pretext definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈpriːtɛkst/

A false reason given to hide the real purpose or motive.

"He went out on the pretext of buying groceries."

prevalence definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈprɛvələns/

the state or condition of being widespread or common

"The prevalence of smartphones has changed how people communicate."

adjective C1
/ˈprɛvələnt/

widespread or commonly occurring

"Flu is prevalent during the winter season."

verb C1
/ˈprɪkəl/

to cause a slight stinging or tingling sensation on the skin

"Her skin began to prickle in the cold wind."

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prim

adjective C1
/prɪm/

stiffly formal and proper in appearance or behavior

"She looked prim in her neatly pressed dress."

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prima

adjective C1
/ˈpriːmə/

first or most important; excellent

"She was treated as the prima ballerina of the troupe."

noun C1
/ˈpraɪməsi/

the state of being first in importance or authority

"The primacy of education cannot be denied."

adjective C1
/ˈpraɪ.məl/

Relating to the earliest stage of development; essential or fundamental.

"Fear is one of the most primal emotions humans experience."

noun C1
/ˈpraɪ.meɪt/

A member of the group of animals including humans, apes, and monkeys.

"Humans are classified as primates."

noun C1
/ˈpraɪ.mər/ (US), /ˈprɪm.ər/ (UK)

A basic introductory book or a substance used to prepare a surface for painting.

"He read a primer on programming before starting his course."

adjective C1
/praɪˈmiːvəl/

Relating to the earliest ages in history; ancient and primitive.

"The explorers ventured into the primeval forest untouched by humans."

adjective C1
/praɪˈmɔːrdiəl/

Existing at or from the beginning of time; fundamental and original.

"Scientists study the primordial soup from which life emerged."

adjective C1
/ˈprɪnsəpəld/

acting in accordance with moral or ethical standards

"He is a principled leader who always puts honesty first."

prioritization definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˌpraɪɔːrɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən

The action or process of deciding the relative importance or urgency of things.

"Effective prioritization ensures resources are used efficiently."