paly
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C2 adjective /ˈpeɪli/

paly

rayado
Meaning
striped with different colors, usually used in heraldry
Example
The knight’s shield was decorated with paly stripes of red and gold.
El escudo del caballero estaba decorado con rayas rayadas de rojo y oro.
C2 verb /məˈrɔːd/

maraud

saquear
Meaning
to roam in search of things to steal or attack
Example
The bandits marauded through the village at night.
Los bandidos saquearon el pueblo por la noche.
C2 noun /ˌriːkruːˈdɛsəns/

recrudescence

recrudecimiento
Meaning
a new outbreak or revival of something that had subsided, especially an undesirable condition
Example
Health officials warned of a recrudescence of measles in several districts.
Los funcionarios de salud advirtieron sobre un brote de sarampión en varios distritos.
C2 noun /daɪˈvɛstɪtʃər/

divestiture

desinversión
Meaning
the action of selling off or disposing of business interests or assets
Example
The divestiture of the subsidiary was completed last year.
La desinversión de la filial se completó el año pasado.
C2 verb /ˌfɔːrɔːrˈdeɪn/

foreordain

predestinar
Meaning
to determine or decree something in advance; to predestine
Example
Some believe that our lives are foreordained by fate.
Algunos creen que nuestras vidas están predestinadas por el destino.
C2 noun /əˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

annunciation

anuncio, buena nueva
Meaning
The announcement of something; in Christianity, the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive Jesus.
Example
The church celebrated the Feast of the Annunciation with a special service.
La iglesia celebró la fiesta de la Anunciación con un servicio especial.
C2 verb /ɪnˈθroʊn/

enthrone

entronizar
Meaning
to install someone on a throne or to give someone high status
Example
The king was enthroned in a grand ceremony.
El rey fue entronizado en una gran ceremonia.
C2 noun /kaɪˈmɪərə/

chimera

quimera
Meaning
A mythical creature with parts from different animals; also used to mean a fanciful illusion or unattainable dream.
Example
The idea of a perfect society is often a chimera.
La idea de una sociedad perfecta es a menudo una quimera.
C2 noun /ˈθɝː.moʊ.klaɪn/

thermocline

termo-clina
Meaning
A layer in a body of water in which temperature changes rapidly with depth.
Example
The thermocline separates warm surface water from cold deep water.
La termoclina separa el agua cálida de la superficie del agua fría profunda.
C2 verb /tæmp/

tamp

aplastar
Meaning
to press down tightly by packing
Example
He tamped the soil around the plant to secure it.
Él aplastó la tierra alrededor de la planta para asegurarlo.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪ.sən/

chasten

castigar / someter
Meaning
to correct or discipline; to humble or subdue
Example
The coach chastened the team after their poor performance.
El entrenador castigó al equipo después de su pobre desempeño.
C2 noun /kəˈnɑːrd/

canard

bulo
Meaning
a false or unfounded story or rumor
Example
The article turned out to be nothing more than a canard.
El artículo resultó ser nada más que un bulo.
C2 adjective /ˈvɛəriəˌɡeɪtɪd/

variegated

variegado
Meaning
Having different colors, especially in irregular patches or streaks.
Example
The garden was full of variegated plants.
El jardín estaba lleno de plantas variegadas.
C2 noun /kænˈtɑː.tə/

cantata

cantata
Meaning
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival.
El coro interpretó una hermosa cantata durante el festival.
C2 noun /ˈdɛsɪkənt/

desiccant

desecante
Meaning
a substance that absorbs moisture and keeps things dry
Example
Silica gel packets are commonly used as a desiccant in packaging.
Los paquetes de gel de sílice se usan comúnmente como desecante en el empaquetado.
C2 verb /leɪv/

lave

lavar
Meaning
To wash or bathe.
Example
She laved her face with cool water.
Ella lavó su cara con agua fría.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌɡi/

muggy

bochornoso y húmedo
Meaning
uncomfortably warm and humid
Example
It was a muggy afternoon in July.
Era una tarde bochornosa en julio.
C2 verb /ˈpɛrəɡrɪˌneɪt/

peregrinate

felicidad
Meaning
To travel or wander from place to place.
Example
He loved to peregrinate across the countryside during summer.
No pudo ocultar su felicidad cuando recibió el premio.
C2 noun /ˈmɪs.kri.ənt/

Miscreant

malhechor; criminal
Meaning
A person who behaves badly or illegally; a villain or criminal
Example
The miscreant was caught stealing from the store.
El malhechor fue atrapado robando en la tienda.
C2 noun /ˌɡrɛnəˈdɪə/

grenadier

granadero
Meaning
A soldier who specialized in throwing grenades; later used to describe an elite infantryman.
Example
The grenadier stood proudly at the front of the regiment.
El granadero estaba orgulloso en la parte delantera del regimiento.
C2 verb /ænˈtɪpəθaɪz/

antipathize

antipatizar
Meaning
to feel or express a strong dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
He seemed to antipathize with the new management's approach.
Parece que él antipatiza con el enfoque de la nueva administración.
C2 verb /əˈvaʊ/

avow

declarar abiertamente
Meaning
to openly declare or admit something, often publicly and firmly
Example
He avowed his loyalty to the cause without hesitation.
Él declaró abiertamente su lealtad a la causa sin dudar.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl/

conjectural

conjetural
Meaning
based on guesswork or incomplete evidence rather than certain knowledge
Example
His explanation was purely conjectural and lacked proof.
Su explicación era puramente conjetural y carecía de pruebas.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɛntʃər/

debenture

debentura
Meaning
a type of debt instrument not secured by physical assets or collateral
Example
The company raised capital by issuing debentures to investors.
La empresa recaudó capital emitiendo debenturas a los inversores.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊəl/

disavowal

desautorización
Meaning
the denial of any responsibility, connection, or support
Example
The politician issued a firm disavowal of the controversial remarks.
El político emitió una firme desautorización de los comentarios controvertidos.
C2 adjective /njuːˈtoʊniən/

newtonian

relacionado con las leyes de Newton
Meaning
relating to the laws of motion and gravitation formulated by Sir Isaac Newton
Example
The scientist explained the Newtonian laws of motion.
El científico explicó las leyes de movimiento newtonianas.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌtaɪp/

lithotype

litotipo (superficie de impresión)
Meaning
a printing surface or type made for lithography
Example
The printer used a lithotype to produce multiple copies of the design.
La impresora usó un litotipo para producir varias copias del diseño.
C2 noun /ˈkruːɪt/

cruet

pequeño recipiente
Meaning
a small container, especially for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar, used at a dining table
Example
She filled the cruet with olive oil for the salad.
Ella llenó el cruet con aceite de oliva para la ensalada.
C2 noun /ˈflɒtsəm/

flotsam

escombros flotantes
Meaning
Floating debris from a shipwreck or things discarded and left floating.
Example
The beach was littered with flotsam after the storm.
La playa estaba llena de escombros flotantes después de la tormenta.
C2 noun /ˈsʌplɪkənt/

supplicant

suplicante
Meaning
A person who humbly or earnestly asks for something, usually from a person of authority.
Example
The temple was filled with supplicants seeking blessings.
El templo estaba lleno de suplicantes buscando bendiciones.
C2 adjective /ˈkwɒdreɪt/

quadrate

cuadrado
Meaning
square or nearly square; having four sides or being suited or corresponding to something
Example
The tiles had a neat quadrate shape that made the floor look orderly.
Las baldosas tenían una forma cuadrada ordenada que hacía que el piso se viera ordenado.
C2 noun /ˈtoʊ.di/

Toady

adulador
Meaning
a person who acts obsequiously to gain favor; a sycophant
Example
He was known as a toady who always agreed with the boss.
Él era conocido como un adulador que siempre estaba de acuerdo con el jefe.
C2 noun /draɪ ɡuːs ˈbɛri/

Dry goose berry

grosella seca
Meaning
dehydrated amla fruit, rich in vitamin C and used for medicinal and culinary purposes
Example
Dry goose berry powder is excellent for hair growth.
El polvo de grosella seca es excelente para el crecimiento del cabello.
C2 noun /ˈlɔːŋ.ɡən/

Longan

longan
Meaning
a small round tropical fruit with translucent white flesh and sweet taste, related to lychee
Example
Longan fruits are often eaten fresh or dried and are popular in Asian desserts.
Las frutas longan se comen a menudo frescas o secas y son populares en los postres asiaticos.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvaɪtər/

invitor

invitador
Meaning
a person who invites someone to an event, meeting, or place
Example
The invitor greeted all the guests warmly at the entrance.
El invitador saludó cordialmente a los invitados en la entrada.
C2 adjective /ˈspɔːrtɪv/

sportive

deportivo
Meaning
Playful, lively, or full of fun.
Example
The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic.
Los niños estaban en un estado de ánimo deportivo durante el picnic.
C2 adjective /traɪˈɛniəl/

triennial

trienal
Meaning
Occurring once every three years.
Example
The art festival is a triennial event in the city.
El festival de arte es un evento trienal en la ciudad.
C2 noun /kənˈtraɪ.vəns/

contrivance

artificio o plan
Meaning
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
Example
The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.
El reloj era un intrincado artificio de engranajes y resortes.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɪb.ər.ɪʃ/

gibberish

galimatías
Meaning
Unintelligible or meaningless speech or writing.
Example
He was so nervous that his explanation sounded like gibberish.
Estaba tan nervioso que su explicación sonaba como galimatías.
C2 verb /ˈprɛsɪdʒ/

presage

presagio
Meaning
to be a sign or warning that something will happen; to foreshadow
Example
Dark clouds presage a storm.
Las nubes oscuras presagian una tormenta.
C2 adjective /fəˈlɪsɪtəs/

felicitous

apropiado, adecuado o placentero; marcado por buena suerte o felicidad
Meaning
well-chosen, appropriate, or pleasing; marked by good fortune or happiness
Example
She made a felicitous remark that lightened the mood.
Hizo un comentario apropiado que aligeró el ambiente.
C2 noun /aɪˈoʊtə/

iota

un mínimo
Meaning
An extremely small amount.
Example
He did not show an iota of fear.
No mostró ni un mínimo de miedo.
C2 verb /ˈbeɪɪŋ/

baying

ladrar
Meaning
making a loud, prolonged barking or howling sound, especially of dogs
Example
The baying of the hounds echoed through the forest.
El ladrido de los sabuesos resonó en el bosque.
C2 adjective /ˈruːbɪkənd/

rubicund

cara rubicunda
Meaning
Having a healthy reddish complexion.
Example
The old man’s rubicund face showed he was in good health.
La cara rubicunda del anciano mostraba que estaba en buena salud.
C2 verb /ɪnˈkʌmbər/

encumber

cargar
Meaning
to burden or weigh down something, making it difficult to move or progress
Example
She was encumbered by the heavy luggage during her journey.
Ella estaba cargada por el equipaje pesado durante su viaje.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpjuːɪsəns/

impuissance

impotencia, incapacidad
Meaning
inability to take effective action; helplessness
Example
The government’s impuissance in the face of crisis frustrated the people.
La impotencia del gobierno ante la crisis frustró al pueblo.
C2 verb /fɪˈneɪɡəl/

finagle

obtener algo con astucia o engaño
Meaning
to obtain something by cleverness or trickery
Example
He finagled a free ticket by pretending to be a VIP guest.
Él consiguió un boleto gratis pretendiendo ser un invitado VIP.
C2 noun /daɪn/

dyne

unidad de fuerza (sistema cgs)
Meaning
A unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second (cgs) system equal to 10⁻⁵ newtons.
Example
The physicist measured the force in dynes.
El físico midió la fuerza en dynes.
C2 adjective /ˈfɔːnɪŋ/

fawning

adulador excesivo
Meaning
displaying exaggerated flattery or affection
Example
Her fawning compliments made everyone uncomfortable.
Sus adulaciones excesivas hicieron que todos se sintieran incómodos.
C2 adjective ɪˈnɛfəbl

ineffable

inefable
Meaning
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
Example
The beauty of the landscape was ineffable.
La belleza del paisaje era inefable.
C2 verb /ˈɡrʌvəl/

grovel

arrodillarse
Meaning
To act in an excessively humble or submissive way to gain favor.
Example
He groveled before his boss to avoid punishment.
él se arrodilló ante su jefe para evitar el castigo.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪsiːn/

Casein

caseína
Meaning
the main protein found in milk and cheese, used in food production and supplements
Example
Casein protein powder is popular among athletes for muscle recovery.
El polvo de proteína de caseína es popular entre los atletas para la recuperación muscular.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪəˌdɛm/

diadem

diadema
Meaning
A crown or headband worn as a symbol of royalty or authority.
Example
The queen wore a glittering diadem at the coronation.
La reina llevó una diadema brillante en la coronación.
C2 adjective /ˈɡæŋ.ɡli/

gangly

alto y torpe
Meaning
Tall, thin, and awkward in movement or appearance.
Example
The gangly teenager stumbled while trying to dance.
El adolescente torpe tropezó mientras intentaba bailar.
C2 verb /ˈdʒɜːrnəlaɪz/

journalize

registrar en un diario
Meaning
to record daily transactions or events in a journal, especially in accounting
Example
The accountant will journalize all financial transactions at the end of the day.
El contador registrará todas las transacciones financieras al final del día.
C2 noun /ˈʌn.dɚˌstɔː.ri/

understory

vegetación inferior
Meaning
The layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest.
Example
The understory of a rainforest is home to small mammals and insects.
La vegetación inferior de un bosque tropical es hogar de pequeños mamíferos e insectos.
C2 noun /əˈluː.vi.əm/

alluvium

aluvión
Meaning
Fertile soil deposited by flowing water, especially in riverbanks.
Example
The alluvium in riverbanks is highly fertile for agriculture.
El aluvión en las orillas de los ríos es muy fértil para la agricultura.
C2 noun /ˌdɪʃəˈbiːl/

dishabille

desaliñado
Meaning
The state of being only partly or loosely dressed; casual or careless attire.
Example
She answered the door in a state of dishabille, wearing just a robe.
Ella contestó la puerta en un estado de desaliño, usando solo una bata.
C2 verb /ˌmæn.juˈmɪt/

manumit

liberar de la esclavitud
Meaning
to release from slavery or servitude; to set free
Example
The landowner decided to manumit his slaves.
El terrateniente decidió liberar a sus esclavos.
C2 noun /ˈfetiʃ/

fetich

fétich
Meaning
an object believed to have magical powers or to be inhabited by a spirit
Example
The villagers treated the statue as a powerful fetich.
Los aldeanos trataban la estatua como un fétich poderoso.
C2 adjective /ˈpɪd.lɪŋ/

Piddling

insignificante; trivial; pequeña cantidad
Meaning
trivial; insignificant; small in amount
Example
He was annoyed by the piddling amount of money he received.
Se molestó por la cantidad insignificante de dinero que recibió.
C2 adjective /prɪˈpɒndərənt/

preponderant

preponderante
Meaning
Having superior weight, force, influence, or importance.
Example
The preponderant influence of the media shapes public opinion.
La influencia preponderante de los medios de comunicación da forma a la opinión pública.
C2 noun /prəˈfʌn.dɪ.ti/

profundity

profundidad o visión profunda
Meaning
Deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought.
Example
The profundity of his words left a lasting impact.
La profundidad de sus palabras dejó un impacto duradero.
C2 noun /ˈdiːɪst/

deist

deísta
Meaning
a person who believes in the existence of a supreme being but rejects organized religion
Example
The philosopher identified himself as a deist.
El filósofo se identificó como un deísta.
C2 verb /ˈfrɪzəl/

frizzle

freír hasta que se vuelva crujiente y rizado
Meaning
to fry something until it becomes crisp and curled, or to make a sizzling noise
Example
The bacon began to frizzle in the pan.
El tocino comenzó a chisporrotear en la sartén.
C2 adjective /ˌækwiˈɛsənt/

acquiescent

sumiso
Meaning
ready to accept something without protest, or to do what someone else wants
Example
He gave an acquiescent smile and agreed to the plan.
Él dio una sonrisa sumisa y aceptó el plan.
C2 noun /ˈɡæŋ.weɪ/

gangway

pasarela
Meaning
A narrow passage or walkway; also an exclamation used to clear the way.
Example
The sailors lowered the gangway for passengers to board.
Los marineros bajaron la pasarela para que los pasajeros subieran.
C2 noun /ˌbuː.ɡənˈvɪl.i.ə/

Bougainvillea

buganvilea
Meaning
a tropical climbing plant with colorful bracts surrounding small flowers
Example
The bougainvillea climbing over the garden wall creates a beautiful purple display.
La buganvilea que trepa sobre la pared del jardín crea una hermosa exhibición morada.
C2 verb /bɪˈtroʊð/

betroth

prometerse
Meaning
To formally promise to marry someone; to engage.
Example
He was betrothed to the princess at a young age.
Él fue prometido a la princesa a una edad temprana.
C2 noun /ˈleʧ.ər/

Lecher

libidinoso
Meaning
a man who behaves in a sexually inappropriate way towards women
Example
The company fired him for being a lecher.
La compañía lo despidió por ser un libidinoso.
C2 adjective /hɜːrˈbeɪʃəs/

herbaceous

herbáceo
Meaning
Relating to or resembling herbs; plants with soft, non-woody stems.
Example
The garden was filled with herbaceous plants that thrived in the summer.
El jardín estaba lleno de plantas herbáceas que prosperaron en el verano.
C2 noun /ˈtælɪzmən/

talisman

talismán
Meaning
An object believed to have magical powers or bring good luck.
Example
He always carried a small talisman in his pocket for luck.
Siempre llevaba un pequeño talismán en su bolsillo para la suerte.
C2 noun /ˈætəvɪzəm/

atavism

atavismo
Meaning
The recurrence of traits or characteristics from a remote ancestor.
Example
The scientist noted atavism in the child’s physical features.
El científico observó atavismo en las características físicas del niño.
C2 adjective /ˈʃɪft.ləs/

shiftless

perezoso
Meaning
Lacking ambition or the ability to accomplish anything; lazy and unmotivated.
Example
He was seen as a shiftless young man with no goals.
Se le vio como un joven perezoso sin metas.
C2 noun /ˈplɛnɪtjuːd/

plenitude

plenitud
Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant; a great quantity
Example
The garden was a plenitude of flowers in spring.
El jardín estaba lleno de plenitud de flores en primavera.
C2 noun /ˈpɒsi/

posse

pandilla / grupo de amigos
Meaning
A group of people, often friends or a group organized to support or enforce the law.
Example
He arrived at the party with his posse of friends.
Llegó a la fiesta con su pandilla de amigos.
C2 adjective /ˈruːmi/

rheumy

lagrimoso
Meaning
Watery, especially referring to the eyes.
Example
His rheumy eyes showed signs of age and fatigue.
Sus ojos lagrimosos mostraban signos de edad y fatiga.
C2 verb /ˌsɜːrkəmˈnævɪɡeɪt/

circumnavigate

circunnavegar
Meaning
to travel all the way around something, especially the earth
Example
Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the globe.
Magallanes fue el primero en circunnavegar el globo.
C2 noun /dɪˈklɪvɪti/

declivity

pendiente
Meaning
a downward slope of ground
Example
They carefully climbed down the declivity of the hill.
Subieron cuidadosamente por la pendiente de la colina.
C2 noun /ˈkælvəri/

calvary

calvario
Meaning
A place or experience of intense suffering, originally the site of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Example
For many refugees, the journey across the desert was a calvary.
Para muchos refugiados, el viaje a través del desierto fue un calvario.
C2 noun /ˈlæɡ.ərd/

Laggard

persona que avanza lentamente y queda atrás de los demás
Meaning
a person who makes slow progress and falls behind others; someone who is slow to act
Example
The laggard student finally submitted his assignment after the deadline.
El estudiante rezagado finalmente entregó su tarea después de la fecha límite.
C2 adjective /kɒnˈsæŋɡwɪn/

consanguine

consanguíneo
Meaning
Of the same blood or origin; related by birth.
Example
The two families were consanguine through their grandparents.
Las dos familias eran consanguíneas a través de sus abuelos.
C2 noun /kənˈtɔːrʃən/

contortion

una forma torcida o doblada; el acto de torcerse fuera de la forma normal
Meaning
a twisted or bent shape; the act of twisting out of the normal shape
Example
The gymnast's contortion amazed the audience.
La contorsión del gimnasta asombró a la audiencia.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkænˈdɛsəns/

incandescence

incandescencia
Meaning
the emission of light from a hot object; brilliance
Example
The incandescence of the candle filled the dark room.
La incandescencia de la vela llenó la habitación oscura.
C2 noun dʒɛsˌtɪk.jʊˈleɪ.ʃənz

gesticulations

gesticulaciones
Meaning
Expressive hand or body movements while speaking to convey thoughts or emotions
Example
His energetic gesticulations made the speech more engaging.
Sus gesticulaciones enérgicas hicieron que el discurso fuera más atractivo.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪt ˈnwɑːr/

bete noire

un objeto o persona que uno detesta
Meaning
A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or fears.
Example
Grammar has always been his bete noire.
La gramática siempre ha sido su béte nuar.
C2 noun /ˈspæŋɡəl/

spangle

adornos brillantes
Meaning
A small shiny piece of metal or plastic used for decoration on clothes.
Example
Her dress was covered with silver spangles that glittered in the light.
Su vestido estaba cubierto de adornos brillantes plateados que brillaban a la luz.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪdəˈlɑːtrɪəs/

idolatrious

idolátrico
Meaning
Excessively devoted or reverent towards idols or false gods.
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its idolatrious practices.
La antigua tribu era conocida por sus prácticas idolátricas.
C2 verb /ˌdɒmɪˈnɪə/

domineer

dominar
Meaning
to assert one's will over another in an arrogant way
Example
He tends to domineer over his younger colleagues.
Él tiende a dominar a sus colegas más jóvenes.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɔːndɪst/

jaundiced

sesgado / envidioso / afectado por ictericia
Meaning
Affected by or displaying prejudice, envy, or bitterness; also refers to having a yellowish discoloration of the skin due to jaundice.
Example
She gave a jaundiced view of the project after her proposal was rejected.
Ella dio una visión sesgada del proyecto después de que su propuesta fuera rechazada.
C2 noun /ˈtɜːrməɡənt/

termagant

mujer dominante y temperamental
Meaning
A harsh-tempered or overbearing woman.
Example
The character was portrayed as a loud and domineering termagant.
El personaje fue retratado como una mujer ruidosa y dominante.
C2 verb /ɪnˈkæmp/

encamp

acampar
Meaning
to set up or establish a camp
Example
The soldiers encamped near the river for the night.
Los soldados acamparon cerca del río durante la noche.
C2 adjective /ˈfraʊzi/

frowsy

desordenado
Meaning
Scruffy and neglected in appearance; musty or stale in smell.
Example
He wore a frowsy old jacket that smelled of damp.
Él llevaba una chaqueta desordenada y vieja que olía a humedad.
C2 noun /ˈæn.oʊd/

anode

electrodo positivo
Meaning
The positive electrode in a device such as a battery, where current flows into a polarized electrical device.
Example
The anode of the battery was corroded after long use.
El electrodo positivo de la batería se corroyó después de un uso prolongado.
C2 noun /ˈvæləns/

valance

volante decorativo
Meaning
A decorative drapery hung across the top of a window or bed.
Example
She chose a floral valance to match the curtains in her bedroom.
Ella eligió un volante floral para combinar con las cortinas de su dormitorio.
C2 adjective /əˈdʌltəreɪtɪd/

adulterated

adulterado
Meaning
describes food, drink, or medicine made weaker or impure by the addition of another substance
Example
Authorities seized adulterated drugs from the warehouse.
Las autoridades incautaron medicamentos adulterados del almacén.
C2 noun /ˈɪsməs/ or /ˈɪsθməs/

isthmus

istmo
Meaning
A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas, often with water on either side.
Example
The Panama Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Panama.
El Canal de Panamá corta a través del Istmo de Panamá.
C2 adjective /ˌeθ.noʊˈsen.trɪk/

ethnocentric

etnocéntrico
Meaning
evaluating other cultures according to the standards of one's own culture
Example
His ethnocentric attitude made it hard for him to appreciate foreign traditions.
Su actitud etnocéntrica le dificultaba apreciar las tradiciones extranjeras.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɔːnti/

jaunty

animado
Meaning
Having a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner or appearance.
Example
He walked into the room with a jaunty step.
Entró en la habitación con un paso animado.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊˈtaʊ/

kowtow

actuar de manera excesivamente sumisa
Meaning
To act in an excessively subservient or obedient manner.
Example
He refused to kowtow to the unreasonable demands.
Se negó a ceder a las demandas irracionales.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpæsɪbəl/

impassible

impasible
Meaning
Incapable of suffering or feeling pain (used mainly in theological or philosophical contexts).
Example
Some philosophers argue that God is impassible and cannot experience human emotions.
Algunos filósofos argumentan que Dios es impasible y no puede experimentar emociones humanas.
C2 adjective, adverb /ˈsaɪdlɔːŋ/

sidelong

mirada oblicua
Meaning
Directed to the side; indirect, furtive, or not straightforward.
Example
She gave him a sidelong glance across the room.
Ella le lanzó una mirada oblicua a través de la habitación.
C2 verb /ˈhɑːrkən/

hearken

escuchar atentamente
Meaning
To listen attentively; to give heed.
Example
He would hearken to his mentor’s advice before making decisions.
Él escucharía atentamente los consejos de su mentor antes de tomar decisiones.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmpɪd/

limpid

transparente
Meaning
Clear and transparent, easily understood.
Example
The limpid water of the lake reflected the sky perfectly.
El agua transparente del lago reflejaba el cielo perfectamente.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌlbəs/

bulbous

abultado / redondeado
Meaning
Bulging, round, or swollen in shape; resembling a bulb.
Example
The frog had a bulbous nose and big eyes.
La rana tenía una nariz abultada y ojos grandes.
C2 noun /ˈɛpəlɛt/

epaulet

aditamento de hombro
Meaning
An ornamental shoulder piece on a garment, especially on the coat or jacket of a military uniform.
Example
The general’s uniform had a golden epaulet on each shoulder.
El uniforme del general tenía un epaulet dorado en cada hombro.
C2 adjective /əˈbɑː.mə.nə.bəl/

abominable

abominable
Meaning
causing moral revulsion; extremely unpleasant
Example
The prisoners were kept in abominable conditions.
Los prisioneros fueron mantenidos en condiciones abominables.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdɛsənt/

iridescent

iridiscente
Meaning
showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles
Example
She wore an iridescent dress that sparkled in the light.
Ella llevaba un vestido iridiscente que brillaba a la luz.
C2 adjective /ˈfæsaɪl/

Facile

fácil; superficial; carente de profundidad
Meaning
easily achieved; superficial; lacking depth
Example
His facile explanation didn't address the real problem.
Su explicación fácil no abordó el problema real.
C2 adjective /ˈɒpjʊlənt/

opulent

opulento
Meaning
Ostentatiously rich, luxurious, or lavish.
Example
They hosted an opulent wedding with gold decorations.
Organizaron una boda opulenta con decoraciones doradas.
C2 noun /ˈlɪŋ.ɡoʊ/

lingo

jerga especializada
Meaning
Specialized or informal language used by a particular group that is often difficult for outsiders to understand.
Example
The manual was written in technical lingo that confused the new employees.
El manual estaba escrito en jerga técnica que confundió a los nuevos empleados.
C2 noun /ˈkɒkskoʊm/

Cockscomb

flor de cresta de gallo
Meaning
a tropical plant with bright, velvety flowers that resemble a rooster's comb
Example
The bright red cockscomb flowers added vibrant color to the garden bed.
Las flores de cresta de gallo rojas y brillantes añadieron color vibrante al lecho del jardín.
C2 adjective /ɒmˈnɪʃ.ənt/

Omniscient

omnisciente
Meaning
having complete knowledge; all-knowing
Example
The narrator in the novel appears to be omniscient, knowing every character's thoughts.
El narrador en la novela parece ser omnisciente, conociendo todos los pensamientos de los personajes.
C2 adjective /ˈɑːsɪˌfaɪd/

ossified

convertido en hueso, rígido
Meaning
Turned into bone or become rigid; unwilling to change.
Example
The company had an ossified management structure that resisted innovation.
La empresa tenía una estructura de gestión rígida que resistía la innovación.
C2 adjective /ˈvoʊlənt/

volant

volador
Meaning
able to fly or moving swiftly
Example
The volant bird soared gracefully across the sky.
El pájaro volador se elevó con gracia por el cielo.
C2 noun /ˈænsɛstrɪs/

ancestress

ancestro femenina
Meaning
a female ancestor; a woman from whom one is descended
Example
She discovered that her ancestress came from a small village in Bengal.
Descubrió que su ancestro femenina provenía de un pequeño pueblo de Bengala.
C2 adjective /səˈpʌlkrəl/

sepulchral

relacionado con una tumba, sombrío
Meaning
Relating to a tomb or burial; gloomy, dismal.
Example
The abandoned house had a sepulchral silence about it.
La casa abandonada tenía un silencio sepulcral.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪfəni/

antiphony

antífona
Meaning
a form of music in which two or more groups or choirs sing alternately in response to each other
Example
The cathedral's architecture was designed to enhance the effect of antiphony.
La arquitectura de la catedral fue diseñada para mejorar el efecto de la antífona.
C2 noun /prɪˈfɜːrmənt/

preferment

ascenso
Meaning
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
Example
He hoped for preferment in the government office.
Él esperaba un ascenso en la oficina del gobierno.
C2 noun /ˌbʌkəˈnɪər/

buccaneer

pirata
Meaning
a pirate, especially one active in the Caribbean during the 17th and 18th centuries
Example
The buccaneer sailed across the Caribbean in search of treasure.
El bucanero navegó por el Caribe en busca de tesoros.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkɔːrəs/

decourous

decente
Meaning
characterized by propriety, good taste, and proper manners
Example
She maintained a decourous silence during the ceremony.
Ella mantuvo un silencio decente durante la ceremonia.