CEFR Level
to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
"The controversial decision polarized public opinion."
divided into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions
"The debate polarized the community on the issue of climate change."
a bright star that appears to stay in the same position in the sky and is used for navigation
"Sailors used the polestar to navigate across the ocean."
shrewd, prudent, or tactful in practical matters
"It was politic of him to remain silent during the argument."
The process by which pollen is transferred from flowers, enabling plant reproduction.
"Butterflies play a vital role in pollination."
a person or organization that conducts surveys to gauge public opinion
"The pollster predicted a close election outcome."
the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time
"Polygamy is legal in some countries but frowned upon in others."
a person who knows and can use several languages
"She is a polyglot, fluent in English, Spanish, and Bengali."
a flat shape with three or more straight sides
"The artist drew a colorful polygon on the canvas."
an educational institution offering practical and technical courses
"She studied engineering at a well-known polytechnic in her city."
A time management technique that uses a timer to break down work into intervals.
"The Pomodoro technique improves productivity."
exaggeratedly self-important; ostentatious
"The manager had a pompous attitude that annoyed his team."
slow and clumsy because of great weight; dull and labored
"The ponderous lecture made it hard for students to stay awake."
tiny round seeds from the poppy plant used as a spice or garnish in cooking
"Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of breads and used in Bengali curries."
the general public; the ordinary people living in a country or area
"The new law was welcomed by the local populace."
A politician or person who seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are ignored by elites.
"The populist leader promised to put the needs of common citizens first."
Having a large population; densely inhabited.
"Dhaka is one of the most populous cities in the world."
A white, hard ceramic material often used for dishes and ornaments.
"The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases from China."
a large rodent with defensive spines or quills on its body
"The porcupine raised its quills when threatened."
As a noun: a tiny opening in the skin or surface. As a verb: to study something carefully.
"She pored over the documents for hours before making a decision."
Having tiny holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.
"The soil is very porous and drains quickly."
a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout
"The porpoise jumped gracefully out of the water."
A person who owns or holds something.
"The possessor of the land built a new house."
To assign a date later than the actual date to a document or event.
"She postdated the check to next month."
Situated at or toward the back; later in time.
"The posterior part of the brain controls vision."
All future generations of people.
"The monument was built for the benefit of posterity."
Occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator.
"He received a posthumous award for his bravery."
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
"The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body."
an additional remark at the end of a letter or text, after the signature
"She added a brief postscript to thank him again."
to suggest or assume the existence of something as a basis for reasoning
"The scientist postulated that life could exist on other planets."
safe to drink; drinkable
"The villagers did not have access to potable water."
The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.
"The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors."
Having great power, influence, or effect.
"This is a very potent drug that should be used carefully."
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
"The witch gave the hero a healing potion."
able to be done or put into practice successfully
"The plan is not practicable without more resources."
A pragmatic attitude or policy.
"Pragmatism is essential in problem-solving."
A person who deals with things in a practical and realistic way.
"He is a true pragmatist who values results over ideals."
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
"The bison roamed freely across the prairie."
To move with high, springy steps, often to show off or attract attention.
"The horse pranced around the field gracefully."
a preliminary statement, especially the introduction to a formal document
"The preamble of the constitution outlines its guiding principles."
not securely held; dangerously unstable or uncertain
"The climber was in a precarious position on the edge of the cliff."
the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority
"Safety takes precedence over speed in this factory."
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
"She went to vote at her local precinct."
A very steep cliff or a situation of great danger.
"The hikers stood at the edge of the precipice, gazing into the valley below."
As a verb: to cause an event or situation, often suddenly or prematurely; as a noun: a solid formed in a chemical solution; as an adjective: done hastily.
"The government's decision to raise taxes precipitated widespread protests."
