Oxford 5000: 50 Words | Intermediate | EP.8

Are you finding it hard to tackle the Oxford 5000 word list on your own? Welcome to Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8. These are the essential words you need for fluent communication. This series breaks them down step-by-step, categorized by difficulty level, to make your learning journey easier and more consistent.
Today’s Learning Summary:
- Series: Oxford 5000 Vocabulary
- Level: Intermediate (B2 – C1)
- Goal: Today’s 50 Essential Words
- Episode: Ep.8
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 1 – 5
stimulus
something that causes a reaction or increases activity
The new policy provided a strong stimulus for economic growth.
forbid
to order someone not to do something
The school forbids students to use phones during class.
chaos
a state of complete disorder and confusion
The sudden blackout caused chaos in the busy city.
model
to create or show something as an example or representation
The artist modeled the sculpture after a famous athlete.
philosophical
related to the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, and the meaning of life
He gave a philosophical answer about the purpose of happiness.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 6 – 10
gross
total or entire before any deductions; also used to describe something unpleasant
The company’s gross income increased by 10% last year.
independence
freedom from control or influence of others
Many young adults value their independence when they start living alone.
fuel
to provide power or energy for something; to make something stronger or more intense
The scandal fueled public anger toward the government.
supreme
highest in rank or authority; greatest in degree
The court made a supreme decision that changed national law.
variation
a difference or change in condition, amount, or level
There is a wide variation in climate across the country.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 11 – 15
nearby
close in distance; not far away
They decided to eat at a nearby restaurant after shopping.
slight
small in degree; not serious or important
There was only a slight change in the overall results.
remedy
a way of solving a problem or curing an illness
Drinking warm tea is a common remedy for a sore throat.
faculty
a group of teachers at a school or university; a natural ability
She joined the university’s faculty of business in 2022.
deteriorate
to become worse or lower in quality
His health began to deteriorate after the long illness.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 16 – 20
gaming
the activity of playing video or computer games
Online gaming has become one of the most popular hobbies worldwide.
predecessor
a person who had a job or position before someone else
The new CEO thanked her predecessor for his years of service.
miner
a person who works underground to remove coal, gold, or other minerals
The miners worked long hours deep under the mountain.
subscriber
someone who pays regularly to receive a service or publication
The channel gained over one million subscribers in a year.
kidney
an organ in the body that removes waste from the blood
He donated one kidney to help his brother survive.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 21 – 25
failure
the lack of success in doing something; a breakdown or malfunction
The project ended in failure due to poor planning.
operate
to function or work; to control the working of a machine or system
Surgeons operate on patients with precision and care.
prominent
important and well-known; easily seen or noticed
She is a prominent figure in the field of environmental science.
uphold
to support or maintain a principle, law, or decision
The judge upheld the previous ruling after reviewing all evidence.
conviction
a strong belief or opinion; the act of being found guilty in court
She spoke with deep conviction about the need for justice.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 26 – 30
corresponding
matching or related in some way
Please fill in your name in the corresponding box on the form.
trading
the activity of buying and selling goods or services
The company makes most of its profit through international trading.
establish
to set up, create, or start something
They established a new research center for renewable energy.
rage
a strong feeling of uncontrolled anger
He was filled with rage after hearing the unfair decision.
harbor
a place on the coast where ships can find shelter
The small fishing boats returned safely to the harbor.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 31 – 35
accused
a person who has been charged with a crime
The accused pleaded not guilty during the trial.
vice
bad or immoral behavior; a moral weakness
Gambling can become a dangerous vice if not controlled.
specialist
a person who has deep knowledge or skill in a particular area; relating to a specific field
She is a heart specialist who works at the city hospital.
The company hired specialist staff to handle cybersecurity issues.
separation
the act of dividing or moving apart from something or someone
After the long separation, the family finally reunited.
composer
a person who writes music
Beethoven is one of the most famous composers in history.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 36 – 40
bet
to risk money or something valuable on an uncertain event; an agreement involving risk
He bet all his savings on the final match.
That was a risky bet, but it turned out well.
chair
to lead or preside over a meeting or organization
She was chosen to chair the committee for next year’s conference.
proof
evidence showing that something is true or correct
The scientist provided clear proof to support the theory.
inappropriate
not suitable or proper in a particular situation
His comment was considered inappropriate during the meeting.
compel
to force someone to do something
The new evidence compelled the court to reopen the case.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 41 – 45
tuition
the money paid for instruction at a school or university
Many students work part-time to pay their college tuition.
trait
a particular quality or characteristic of a person or thing
Honesty is an important trait in good leadership.
instrumental
very important in helping something happen or succeed
Her advice was instrumental in the success of the project.
struggle
to try very hard to do something difficult; a difficult effort or fight
He struggled to stay awake during the long lecture.
Their struggle for freedom lasted many years.
radar
a system that uses radio waves to detect objects and their distance
The plane was spotted by military radar before entering the area.
Oxford 5000 Intermediate Ep.8 | 46 – 50
absolute
complete and total; not limited or restricted
The dictator had absolute control over the country.
insurance
a system of protection against financial loss or damage
You should buy travel insurance before going abroad.
councilor
a member of a local government or city council
The councilor proposed a new plan to improve public transport.
cop
a police officer (informal)
A cop directed traffic after the lights stopped working.
abortion
a medical procedure to end a pregnancy
The topic of abortion often leads to strong public debate.