CEFR Level
A duty or responsibility, especially a heavy one.
"The onus is on the government to provide relief to the victims."
not transparent or translucent; difficult to see through or understand
"The windows were opaque with steam."
functioning, having effect, or relating to a secret agent or worker
"The new law is now operative across the country."
Happening at a suitable or convenient time.
"She arrived at an opportune moment to help."
A person who takes advantage of situations for personal gain, often disregarding principles.
"He is seen as an opportunist who always puts his interests first."
To keep someone in subservience and hardship by unjust treatment.
"The regime continued to oppress its citizens."
cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority; the state of being subject to harsh treatment
"The people fought against political oppression."
Harsh and authoritarian; overwhelming; causing distress; tyrannical;
"The oppressive heat made it difficult to work outside during the summer."
Relating to the eye or vision.
"The optic nerve carries signals from the eye to the brain."
related to or used in seeing or sight
"The optical illusion fooled everyone at the exhibition."
The branch of physics dealing with light and vision.
"She studied optics to understand how lenses work."
In the most effective or efficient way possible.
"Tasks should be allocated optimally for maximum output."
The action of making the best or most effective use of a situation or resource.
"The company focused on optimization of resources to maximize profits."
Make the best or most effective use of a situation, opportunity, or resource.
"They optimized the software for faster performance."
Made as effective, perfect, or functional as possible.
"Optimized irrigation techniques conserve water in farming."
The most favorable condition or level for growth, success, or productivity.
"This room temperature provides the optimum conditions for plant growth."
A healthcare professional who examines eyes and prescribes corrective lenses.
"The optometrist prescribed new glasses for her."
The practice or profession of examining the eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
"She studied optometry at the university to become an eye specialist."
A person or source considered to provide wise and insightful advice or prophecy.
"In ancient Greece, people visited the oracle at Delphi for guidance."
A person who delivers formal speeches with skill and eloquence
"The orator captivated the audience with his eloquence."
The art of formal public speaking, often with eloquence and persuasion.
"The politician's oratory impressed the crowd."
Plan or coordinate the elements of a situation to produce a desired effect.
"He successfully orchestrated the company's expansion."
Planned or coordinated carefully and deliberately.
"The attacks were orchestrated with precision."
a diverse family of flowering plants known for their exotic and often fragrant flowers
"The white orchid on the windowsill bloomed for months."
To officially make someone a priest or minister; to decree or order something officially.
"The bishop will ordain three new priests this Sunday."
A very difficult or painful experience, often lasting for a long time.
"The survivors went through a terrible ordeal after the earthquake."
Relating to the order or position of something in a sequence (first, second, third, etc.).
"The ordinal number 'third' indicates position in a sequence."
An authoritative rule, law, or decree issued by a city, town, or authority.
"The city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public parks."
to align or position something relative to a particular point or direction
"The map helps tourists orient themselves in the city."
relating to the countries of East Asia; eastern
"The museum has a beautiful collection of oriental art."
Serving as decoration; decorative rather than functional.
"The garden was filled with ornamental plants."
elaborately or highly decorated
"The palace hall was filled with ornate furniture and paintings."
conforming to traditional beliefs or practices
"He comes from a very orthodox family."
traditional or generally accepted beliefs and practices
"The religious leader defended the orthodoxy of the faith."
Relating to the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.
"She visited an orthopedic surgeon for her back pain."
To move or swing back and forth at a regular speed.
"The fan oscillates to spread air around the room."
The movement back and forth at a regular speed.
"The oscillation of the pendulum controls the clock."
stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
"His ostensible reason for leaving was illness, but many doubted it."
Characterized by a showy or pretentious display intended to impress others.
"He wore an ostentatious gold chain to the party."
The act of excluding someone from a group or society.
"The student faced ostracism after breaking the rules."
To exclude someone from a group or society.
"The community decided to ostracize the dishonest trader."
To remove someone from a position or place of power or authority.
"The rebels ousted the dictator from power."
complete; absolute; used to emphasize something extreme
"The speech was an out-and-out lie."
remote or unusual; not in a convenient or usual location
"They stayed in an out-of-the-way village."
a person who is rejected or excluded from society or a group
"He felt like an outcast at school."
A strong expression of public anger or disapproval.
"The decision sparked an outcry among the citizens."
To do better than someone else; to surpass.
"She always tries to outdo her classmates in exams."
something that grows out of something else; a natural development or result
"The new policy was an outgrowth of years of debate."
Looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar; strange.
"He wore an outlandish costume to the festival."
