General Vocabulary
High-utility words that do not belong cleanly to a narrower subject.
3933 words
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oh
A1
/oʊ/
Used to express surprise.
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okay
A1
/ˌoʊˈkeɪ/
used to express agreement, acceptance, or readiness to move on
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thing
A1
/θɪŋ/
An object that is not named exactly.
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world
A1
/wɜɹld/
The planet Earth and everything on it.
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problem
A1
/ˈpɹɑbləm/
A difficult situation that needs to be dealt with or solved.
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turn
A1
/tɜrn/
A change in the direction you are moving or facing.
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fire
A1
/ˈfaɪɹ/
The flames, heat, and light produced when something burns.
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bye
A1
/baɪ/
Used to say goodbye.
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line
A1
/laɪn/
A long, thin mark on a surface.
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piece
A1
/piːs/
A part of something larger, or an amount broken or cut off.
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bag
A1
/bæɡ/
A soft container with an opening at the top, used to carry or hold things.
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sun
A1
/sʌn/
The star that gives light and heat to the Earth and the other planets.
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box
A1
/bɑks/
A container with stiff, flat sides, usually used for holding or carrying things.
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star
A1
/stɑɹ/
A bright point of light seen in the night sky.
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list
A1
/lɪst/
A set of items written or printed one after another.
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green
A1
/ɡɹin/
The colour of grass and leaves, between yellow and blue.
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form
A1
/fɔɹm/
A type or kind of something.
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band
A1
/bænd/
A group of musicians who play together.
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note
A1
/noʊt/
A short piece of writing to help you remember something.
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grandma
A1
/ˈɡɹænmɑː/
Your grandmother (informal).
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photo
A1
/ˈfoʊ.toʊ/
A picture made with a camera.
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example
A1
/ɪɡˈzæm.pəl/
A particular thing chosen to show what a larger group is like.
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grandpa
A1
/ˈɡɹæm.pɑː/
Your grandfather (informal).
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cream
A1
/kɹiːm/
The thick, fatty part of milk that rises to the top.
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A2 (179) Pro
yeah
A2
/jɛ(ə)/
An informal way of saying yes.
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hey
A2
/heɪ/
An informal way of saying hello.
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uh
A2
/ʌː/
used to mark hesitation, uncertainty, or a pause while speaking
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bit
A2
/bɪt/
A small amount or piece of something.
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matter
A2
/ˈmæt.ɚ/
A situation, subject, or affair that is being dealt with or considered.
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case
A2
/keɪs/
A particular situation or example of something happening.
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part
A2
/pɑɹt/
One of the pieces or amounts that make up a whole.
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stuff
A2
/stʌf/
Things in general, when you do not say exactly what they are.
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chance
A2
/t͡ʃæns/
An opportunity to do something.
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rest
A2
/ɹɛst/
A period of relaxing or doing nothing in order to recover energy.
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trouble
A2
/ˈtrʌbəl/
A problem, difficulty, or worry.
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wow
A2
/waʊ/
Used to express excitement, surprise, or admiration.
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couple
A2
/ˈkʌp.əl/
A small number; two or a few.
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fact
A2
/fækt/
A piece of information that is true and can be proven.
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luck
A2
/lʌk/
Good things that happen to you by chance rather than through your own effort.
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air
A2
/ɛɚ/
The mixture of gases we breathe and that surrounds the Earth.
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dream
A2
/dɹiːm/
A series of images and feelings that happen in your mind while you sleep.
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sign
A2
/ˈsaɪn/
A board or notice that gives information, directions, or a warning.
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fault
A2
/fɔlt/
Responsibility for something bad that has happened.
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figure
A2
/ˈfɪɡjɚ/
A number, especially one written as a digit.
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mistake
A2
/mɪˈsteɪk/
Something done wrong because of bad judgment, carelessness, or lack of knowledge.
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system
A2
/ˈsɪstəm/
A set of connected parts that work together as a whole.
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Christmas
A2
/ˈkrɪsməs/
the Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on 25 December
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force
A2
/foɹs/
Physical power or strength used on something.
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B1 (254) Pro
chief
B1
/t͡ʃiːf/
The leader or head of a group, organization, or tribe.
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bunch
B1
/bʌnt͡ʃ/
A number of things growing or fastened together in a cluster.
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throat
B1
/ˈθɹoʊt/
The front part of the neck.
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princess
B1
/ˈpɹɪnsɛs/
A daughter or granddaughter of a king or queen.
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monster
B1
/ˈmɑnstɚ/
A large, frightening, imaginary creature.
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nonsense
B1
/ˈnɑn.sɛns/
Words or ideas that have no meaning or are silly and foolish.
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ugh
B1
/ʌɡ/
used to express disgust, aversion, horror, or strong annoyance
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sheriff
B1
/ˈʃɛɹɪf/
The main law-enforcement officer of a county, often elected.
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finding
B1
/ˈfaɪndɪŋ/
Something discovered as a result of research or investigation.
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universe
B1
/ˈjuːnəˌvɝs/
Everything that exists, including all of space, time, and matter.
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proof
B1
/pɹuf/
Information or facts that show something is true.
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opening
B1
/ˈoʊ.pə.nɪŋ/
A gap or hole that you can pass through or see through.
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access
B1
/ˈækˌsɛs/
The right or chance to use, enter, or reach something.
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signal
B1
/ˈsɪɡnəl/
A sound, gesture, or light used to give information, a warning, or an order.
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gosh
B1
/ɡɑʃ/
a mild expression of surprise, admiration, annoyance, or emphasis
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loss
B1
/lɔs/
The fact of no longer having something you once had.
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union
B1
/ˈjuː.njən/
An organized group of workers formed to protect their rights and bargain with employers.
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miracle
B1
/ˈmɪɹ.ə.kəl/
An amazing event that cannot be explained by the laws of nature and is believed to be caused by God.
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edge
B1
/ed͡ʒ/
The outer line or border where something ends.
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penny
B1
/ˈpɪni/
A small coin worth one hundredth of a pound or, in the US, one cent.
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surface
B1
/ˈsɜɹ.fəs/
The outer or top layer of something.
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series
B1
/ˈsɪɹ.iz/
A number of similar things or events that come one after another.
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pot
B1
/pɑt/
A deep round container used for cooking or for growing plants.
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emperor
B1
/ˈemp(ə)ɹə/
The ruler of an empire
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B2 (394) Pro
excuse¹
B2
/ɪksˈkjus/
A reason you give to explain or defend a mistake or failure.
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excuse²
B2
/ɪksˈkjuz/
To forgive someone for a small mistake.
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damn
B2
/ˈdæm/
Used to express anger, surprise, or annoyance (informal).
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arms
B2
/ɑɹmz/
Weapons, especially guns, considered as a group.
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ow
B2
/ˈaʊ/
A cry expressing sudden physical pain.
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mate
B2
/meɪt/
A friend.
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lee
B2
/liː/
the sheltered side of something, away from the wind
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devil
B2
/ˈdɛvəl/
An evil supernatural being; in many religions, the chief spirit of evil.
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gang
B2
/ˈɡæŋ/
An organized group of criminals.
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ed
B2
/ɛd/
a written abbreviation of edition, especially in bibliographic references
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terms
B2
/tɝmz/
The conditions of an agreement or contract.
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crack
B2
/ˈkræk/
A line on a surface where something has broken but not separated.
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remains
B2
/ɹɪˈmeɪnz/
The parts of something that are left after the rest has been used, eaten, or destroyed.
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punch
B2
/pʌnt͡ʃ/
A hard hit with the fist.
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alien
B2
/ˈeɪ.li.ən/
A creature from another planet or from outer space.
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stock
B2
/stɑk/
The supply of goods that a shop or business has available to sell.
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nightmare
B2
/ˈnaɪt.mɛɚ/
A frightening or upsetting dream.
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mask
B2
/mask/
A covering for the face, used for protection or to hide who you are.
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guts
B2
/ɡʌts/
Courage and determination to do something difficult or frightening.
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mason
B2
/ˈmeɪsən/
a craftsman who works with stone or brick
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headquarters
B2
/ˈhɛdˌkwɔɹ.tɚz/
The main office or centre where an organization is managed.
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stake
B2
/steɪk/
A share or financial interest in a business or situation.
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timing
B2
/ˈtaɪmɪŋ/
The choice of the right moment for something to happen.
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cooper
B2
/ˈkupɚ/
a craftsperson who makes or repairs wooden barrels, casks, buckets, and similar vessels
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C1 (327) Pro
tom
C1
/tɑm/
an abbreviation of tome or volume in older bibliographic citations, especially citations to French works
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cop
C1
/kɑp/
A police officer.
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subject²
C1
/səbˈd͡ʒɛkt/
To force someone or something to experience something unpleasant.
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demon
C1
/ˈdiː.mən/
An evil supernatural being or spirit.
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carol
C1
/ˈkærəl/
a joyful song, especially a traditional religious song sung at Christmas
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footage
C1
/ˈfʊtɪd͡ʒ/
A piece of film or video that has been recorded.
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odds
C1
/ɑdz/
The chance or likelihood that something will happen.
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trauma
C1
/ˈtɹɔ.mə/
A deep emotional shock or wound that has lasting effects.
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warehouse
C1
/ˈwɛə(ɹ)haʊs/
A large building for storing goods before they are sold or sent out.
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rifle
C1
/ˈɹaɪfəl/
A gun with a long barrel that is fired from the shoulder.
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con
C1
/kɑn/
A disadvantage of something, usually compared with its advantages.
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grounds
C1
/ɡɹaʊndz/
A good reason or basis for doing or believing something.
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gut
C1
/ɡʌt/
The stomach or belly, especially a large one.
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cocaine
C1
/koʊˈkeɪn/
an addictive stimulant drug obtained from coca leaves or made synthetically, used illegally and sometimes medically as a local anesthetic
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gig
C1
/ˈgɪg/
A single live performance by a musician or band.
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suite
C1
/swiːt/
A set of connected rooms, especially in a hotel.
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raid
C1
/ɹeɪd/
A sudden surprise attack or visit, especially by police or soldiers, to make arrests or seize property.
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fist
C1
/fɪst/
the signature style of a Morse code operator
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cam
C1
/kæm/
A ridge or mound of earth.
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scotch
C1
/skɑt͡ʃ/
A block for a wheel or other round object; a chock, wedge, prop, or other support, to prevent slipping.
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bass
C1
/bæs/
The low range of sound or musical tones.
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constable
C1
/ˈkɑnstəbəl/
One holding the lowest rank in most Commonwealth police forces. (See also chief constable.)
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protocol
C1
/ˈpɹoʊtəˌkɑl/
A set of rules for how something should be done correctly.
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drake
C1
/dɹeɪk/
an adult male duck
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C2 (1450) Pro
ooh
C2
/ˈuː/
used to express surprise, admiration, pleasure, or discomfort
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la
C2
/lɑ/
an archaic exclamation expressing surprise, emphasis, or mild protest
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whoo
C2
/wuː/
an exclamation or cry representing a long whooping, hooting, or wailing sound
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hm
C2
/həm/
used to show that the speaker is thinking, hesitating, doubtful, or considering what has just been said
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goodnight
C2
/ˈgʊdˌnaɪt/
an instance of saying “good night”; a nighttime farewell.
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vampire
C2
/ˈvæm.paɪ.ə(ɹ)/
A mythological creature (usually humanoid and undead) said to feed on the blood or life energy of the living.
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gimme
C2
/ˈɡɪmiː/
informal: a written representation of the rapid pronunciation of give me
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counsel
C2
/ˈkaʊn.səl/
Advice or guidance, especially when serious or careful.
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heroin
C2
/ˈhɛɹ.oʊ.ɪn/
a powerful, highly addictive opioid made from morphine, usually illegal and associated with a high risk of overdose and dependence
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lo
C2
/loʊ/
archaic or literary: used to call attention to something surprising or important
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phoebe
C2
/ˈfiːbi/
any of several small North American flycatchers of the genus Sayornis, especially the eastern phoebe
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shotgun
C2
/ˈʃɑtɡʌn/
a smoothbore firearm designed to fire cartridges containing many small pellets or a single slug
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piper
C2
/ˈpaɪ.pɚ/
a musician who plays a pipe, flute, or especially bagpipes
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ivy
C2
/ˈaɪvi/
Any of several woody, climbing, or trailing evergreen plants of the genus Hedera.
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echo
C2
/ˈɛkoʊ/
A sound that comes back to you after it bounces off a surface.
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swamp
C2
/ˈswɑmp/
a situation fraught with difficulties and imponderables
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lex
C2
/lɛks/
a law or statute, especially one expressed by its Latin title or discussed in Roman law
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stunt
C2
/stʌnt/
a difficult, unusual, or dangerous feat
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perimeter
C2
/pəˈɹɪmətɚ/
the total length of the boundary of a two-dimensional shape
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wig
C2
/wɪɡ/
A bigwig.
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cigar
C2
/sɪˈɡɑɹ/
a roll of tobacco leaves made to be smoked
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napoleon
C2
/nəˈpoʊ.li.ən/
historical: a French gold coin worth twenty francs, first issued under Napoleon I
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orphanage
C2
/ˈɔːr.fən.ɪdʒ/
a residential institution that houses and cares for children without parents or guardians
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faggot
C2
/ˈfæɡ.ət/
historical: a bundle of sticks or branches bound together for fuel
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C2+ (1272) Pro
poker
C2+
/ˈpoʊkɚ/
One who pokes.
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dialogue
C2+
/ˈdaɪəˌlɔɡ/
A conversation or other form of discourse between two or more individuals.
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whew
C2+
/hjuː/
used to express relief, exhaustion, or the release of tension
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marsh
C2+
/mɑɹʃ/
low wet land, often with grasses or reeds
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rum
C2+
/ɹʌm/
A spirit distilled from various preparations of sugarcane, particularly fermented cane sugar and molasses.
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cord
C2+
/kɔɹd/
a line made of twisted fibers or threads
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mattress
C2+
/ˈmætɹɪs/
A form of lagging, in particular for boilers.
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dungeon
C2+
/ˈdʌn.d͡ʒən/
An underground prison or vault, typically built underneath a castle.
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staircase
C2+
/ˈstɛɹˌkeɪs/
a way of access, upward and downward, consisting of a set of steps
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self-respect
C2+
/ˌsɛlfrɪˈspɛkt/
The knowledge of one's own worth.
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misconduct
C2+
/mɪskənˈdʌkt/
Behavior that is considered to be unacceptable.
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Jove
C2+
/dʒoʊv/
Jupiter, the chief god in Roman mythology, especially in literary references
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ta-ta
C2+
/təˈtɑ/
informal: goodbye
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hammock
C2+
/ˈhæmək/
A swinging couch or bed, usually made of netting or canvas about six feet (1.8 meters) wide, suspended by clews or cords at the ends.
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canton
C2+
/ˈkæntən/
A division of a political unit.
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crikey
C2+
/ˈkɹaɪ.ki/
informal, chiefly British and Australian: used to express surprise, amazement, alarm, or emphasis
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begone
C2+
/biːˈɡɒn/
archaic or literary: a forceful command to go away
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minion
C2+
/ˈmɪnjən/
A loyal servant of another, usually a more powerful being.
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prelude
C2+
/ˈpɹeɪl(j)uːd/
An introductory or preliminary performance or event.
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tch
C2+
/ǀ/
a representation of the dental click used to show disapproval or disgust; tut, tsk
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prologue
C2+
/ˈpɹoʊlɔɡ/
an opening speech or section that introduces a play, novel, or other work
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humph
C2+
/hʌmf/
a closed-mouth grunt expressing doubt, annoyance, contempt, or disapproval
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payable
C2+
/ˈpeɪəbl̩/
a liability account showing how much is owed for goods and services purchased on credit
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self-interest
C2+
/ˌsɛlˈfɪntəˌrɛst/
One's personal interest or advantage, especially when pursued without regard for others.
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