bulrush
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN Anglais BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Espagnol FR Français DE Allemand RU Russe ZH Chinois JA Japonais
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 noun /ˈbʊlrʌʃ/

bulrush

jonc
Meaning
A tall plant with long leaves that grows in or near water, also known as a cattail.
Example
The pond was surrounded by tall bulrushes swaying in the wind.
L'étang était entouré de hauts jonc swaying dans le vent.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈplækəbl/

implacable

implacable
Meaning
unable to be appeased, calmed, or pacified
Example
The soldiers faced an implacable enemy who refused to surrender.
Les soldats ont affronté un ennemi implacable qui a refusé de se rendre.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪdəˈlɑːtrɪəs/

idolatrious

idolâtre
Meaning
Excessively devoted or reverent towards idols or false gods.
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its idolatrious practices.
La tribu ancienne était connue pour ses pratiques idolâtres.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒnkəˈmɪtl̩/

noncommittal

évasif
Meaning
Not expressing or showing a clear opinion, decision, or commitment.
Example
She gave a noncommittal reply when asked about her future plans.
Elle a donné une réponse évasive lorsqu'on lui a demandé ses projets d'avenir.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.ʌnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

inundation

inondation
Meaning
The act of flooding or overwhelming with water or things.
Example
The town suffered from a severe inundation after the heavy rains.
La ville a souffert d'une grave inondation après les fortes pluies.
C2 noun /ˈzel.ət/

zealot

fanatique
Meaning
A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their ideals.
Example
He was considered a zealot for his strict political views.
Il était considéré comme un fanatique en raison de ses opinions politiques strictes.
C2 adjective /ˈpjʊəraɪl/

puerile

infantile
Meaning
childishly silly or immature
Example
His puerile jokes annoyed the audience.
Ses blagues infantiles ont agacé le public.
C2 noun /ˈɡloʊmɪŋ/

gloaming

crépuscule
Meaning
The time of day after the sun has set and before it is completely dark; twilight.
Example
We walked home together in the quiet gloaming.
Nous avons marché chez nous ensemble dans le calme du crépuscule.
C2 noun /ˈpɒlɪti/

polity

politique, système de gouvernement
Meaning
an organized society or form of government
Example
The ancient Greek polity had a system of city-states.
La politique grecque antique avait un système de cités-états.
C2 verb /bɪˈsiːtʃ/

beseech

supplier
Meaning
To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; to beg.
Example
He beseeched the judge for mercy.
Il supplia le juge pour la clémence.
C2 noun əˌmæl.ɡəˈmeɪ.ʃən

amalgamation

fusion, amalgame, intégration
Meaning
The action, process, or result of combining or uniting.
Example
The amalgamation of AI and big data is transforming industries.
La fusion de l'IA et des grandes données transforme les industries.
C2 verb /ˈrævɪʃ/

ravish

envoûter
Meaning
To fill with intense delight; to captivate or enchant.
Example
The beauty of the sunset ravished the travelers.
La beauté du coucher du soleil envoûta les voyageurs.
C2 noun /ˈlænjæp/

lagniappe

cadeau supplémentaire
Meaning
A small gift or bonus given by a seller to a customer.
Example
The shopkeeper offered a piece of candy as a lagniappe.
Le commerçant a offert un bonbon comme cadeau supplémentaire.
C2 noun /ˈstiː.vəˌdɔːr/

stevedore

dockeur
Meaning
A person employed to load and unload cargo from ships.
Example
The stevedores worked tirelessly to unload the cargo before dawn.
Les dockeurs ont travaillé sans relâche pour décharger la cargaison avant l'aube.
C2 noun /ˈhæbɪtjuːd/

habitude

habitude, coutume
Meaning
a customary condition or mode of life; habitual practice
Example
He lived in a quiet habitude, avoiding the noise of the city.
Il vivait dans une habitude tranquille, évitant le bruit de la ville.
C2 noun /ˌiː.tiˈɒ.lə.dʒi/

etiology

étiologie
Meaning
the cause or origin of a disease or condition
Example
Doctors are studying the etiology of the new virus.
Les médecins étudient l'étiologie du nouveau virus.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm/

catechism

catéchisme
Meaning
A summary of religious principles often in the form of questions and answers; also a set of fixed questions or beliefs.
Example
The priest taught the children the catechism every Sunday.
Le prêtre a enseigné aux enfants le catéchisme chaque dimanche.
C2 noun (plural) /ˈɔːspɪsɪz/

auspices

auspice
Meaning
Patronage, support, or guidance, often used in the phrase 'under the auspices of'.
Example
The conference was held under the auspices of the United Nations.
La conférence a eu lieu sous les auspices des Nations Unies.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbɪləns/

sibilance

son sifflant
Meaning
A hissing or hushing sound, especially in speech with 's' or 'sh'.
Example
The poet used sibilance to create a soft, hissing effect in the verse.
Le poète a utilisé la sibilance pour créer un effet doux et sifflant dans le vers.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

grincheux
Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
Le vieux grincheux a crié sur les enfants pour avoir joué près de sa maison.
C2 noun /kwɪˈɛsəns/

quiescence

quiescence
Meaning
A state of quietness, inactivity, or dormancy.
Example
The volcano has been in a state of quiescence for decades.
Le volcan est en état de quiescence depuis des décennies.
C2 verb /kəˈvɔrt/

cavort

danser avec enthousiasme
Meaning
to jump or dance around excitedly
Example
The children cavorted happily in the garden.
Les enfants sautaient joyeusement dans le jardin.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒnˈtrɪviəl/

nontrivial

non trivial
Meaning
Not simple or easy; requiring effort or significant thought.
Example
Solving the equation turned out to be a nontrivial task.
Résoudre l'équation s'est avéré être une tâche non triviale.
C2 noun /sɛkˈstɛt/

sextet

sextuor
Meaning
a group of six people playing music or a piece written for six performers
Example
The jazz sextet filled the small club with a warm, layered sound.
Le sextuor de jazz a rempli le petit club avec un son chaud et superposé.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːnd/

importuned

demander de manière insistante
Meaning
asked someone persistently and pressingly for something
Example
She importuned her boss for a raise until he finally gave in.
Elle demandait de manière insistante une augmentation à son patron jusqu'à ce qu'il cède enfin.
C2 noun /kəˈrɑːləri/

corollary

conséquence directe ou naturelle
Meaning
a direct or natural consequence or result
Example
One corollary of the new policy was increased public awareness.
Une conséquence de la nouvelle politique a été l'augmentation de la sensibilisation du public.
C2 adjective /ˈæfəbəl/

affable

affable
Meaning
friendly, easy to talk to, and pleasant in manner
Example
He is such an affable host that everyone feels comfortable at his parties.
C'est un hôte tellement affable que tout le monde se sent à l'aise à ses fêtes.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv brɑːntʃ/

olive-branch

branche d'olivier
Meaning
A symbol of peace or reconciliation; an offer to end conflict.
Example
He extended an olive-branch to his rival after years of hostility.
Il a tendu une branche d'olivier à son rival après des années d'hostilité.
C2 noun /ˈræʃənəlɪzəm/

rationalism

rationalisme
Meaning
a belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than religious belief or emotion
Example
Rationalism emphasizes logic and reasoning over faith.
Le rationalisme met l'accent sur la logique et le raisonnement plutôt que sur la foi.
C2 noun /ˌmæk.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Machination

machination; intrigue;
Meaning
a clever scheme or artful plot, usually with evil intent; crafty designing or plotting
Example
The villain's machinations were finally exposed.
Les machinations du méchant ont finalement été exposées.
C2 noun /bɪˈhiː.mɒθ/

behemoth

colosse
Meaning
Something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization.
Example
The company grew into a corporate behemoth.
L'entreprise est devenue un colosse corporatif.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪnɪkjʊər/

sinecure

emploi facile
Meaning
a position requiring little or no work but giving financial benefit or status
Example
He was given a sinecure at the university as a reward for his loyalty.
Il a obtenu un emploi facile à l'université en récompense de sa loyauté.
C2 noun /sfɪˈrɒmɪtər/

spherometer

sphéromètre
Meaning
An instrument used for measuring the curvature of spherical surfaces.
Example
The scientist used a spherometer to measure the lens curvature.
Le scientifique a utilisé un sphéromètre pour mesurer la courbure de la lentille.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈtɛmpərd/

untempered

non tempéré
Meaning
not moderated or softened; lacking proper balance or control
Example
The untempered anger of the crowd caused chaos.
La colère non tempérée de la foule a provoqué le chaos.
C2 verb /ˈsnɪvəl/

snivel

pleurer ou se plaindre d'une manière faible ou agaçante
Meaning
to cry or complain in a weak or annoying way
Example
He began to snivel when he didn’t get his way.
Il a commencé à pleurer quand il n'a pas obtenu ce qu'il voulait.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrsər/

bursar

trésorier
Meaning
An official in a school or college responsible for financial affairs.
Example
The bursar approved the budget for the new library.
Le trésorier a approuvé le budget pour la nouvelle bibliothèque.
C2 adjective /ˈɒf.biːt/

offbeat

inhabituel
Meaning
Unusual, unconventional, or different from the norm.
Example
She has a very offbeat sense of humor.
Elle a un sens de l'humour très inhabituel.
C2 noun /ˈvɪntnər/

vintner

vigneron / vendeur de vin
Meaning
A person who makes or sells wine.
Example
The vintner explained the process of making red wine.
Le vigneron a expliqué le processus de fabrication du vin rouge.
C2 noun /laɪər/

lyre

lyre
Meaning
a stringed musical instrument of ancient Greece
Example
The musician played a melody on the lyre.
Le musicien a joué une mélodie sur la lyre.
C2 noun /ˌjuːnɪˈtɛəriən/

unitarian

unitaire
Meaning
A person who believes that God exists as one entity rather than as a Trinity; a member of a religious denomination that emphasizes individual freedom of belief.
Example
The Unitarian church is known for its inclusive and open-minded approach.
L'église unitaire est connue pour son approche inclusive et ouverte d'esprit.
C2 noun /ˈθiːɪzəm/

theism

théisme
Meaning
Belief in the existence of a god or gods, especially a creator who intervenes in the universe.
Example
Theism is central to many world religions.
Le théisme est central dans de nombreuses religions du monde.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/

inimical

hostile / défavorable
Meaning
tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly or hostile
Example
The policy was inimical to the country's economic growth.
La politique était défavorable à la croissance économique du pays.
C2 noun /ˈklɔɪstər/

cloister

cloître
Meaning
a covered walk in a convent, monastery, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other.
Example
The monks walked silently through the cloister.
Les moines marchaient silencieusement à travers le cloître.
C2 noun /ˈkriːməri/

creamery

crèmerie
Meaning
a place where milk and cream are processed and dairy products are made
Example
The local creamery produces fresh butter and cheese daily.
La crèmerie locale produit du beurre et du fromage frais tous les jours.
C2 adjective /ˈɡlʌt.ən.əs/

gluttonous

glouton
Meaning
Excessively greedy in eating or consuming.
Example
His gluttonous appetite shocked everyone at the dinner table.
Son appétit glouton a choqué tout le monde à la table du dîner.
C2 adjective /bɪˈfʌdld/

befuddled

dérouté
Meaning
confused, unable to think clearly
Example
He looked befuddled after hearing the complex instructions.
Il avait l'air dérouté après avoir entendu les instructions complexes.
C2 noun /kəˈleɪʃən/

collation

collation
Meaning
the act of collecting, comparing, and arranging in proper order
Example
The librarian spent hours on the collation of old manuscripts.
Le bibliothécaire a passé des heures à la collation des anciens manuscrits.
C2 noun /ˈkær.ə.weɪ siːdz/

Caraway seeds

graines de carvi
Meaning
aromatic seeds of the caraway plant used as a spice in cooking and baking
Example
The bread was flavored with caraway seeds.
Le pain était parfumé aux graines de carvi.
C2 noun /pəˈnʌmbrə/

penumbra

zone partiellement ombragée
Meaning
a partially shaded area around the shadow of an object, especially during an eclipse
Example
The moon’s penumbra created a dim shadow over the Earth.
La pénumbra de la lune a créé une ombre tamisée sur la Terre.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪtərəl/

littoral

littoral
Meaning
Related to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake.
Example
The littoral zone is home to many unique marine species.
La zone littorale est le domicile de nombreuses espèces marines uniques.
C2 noun /ˈdʒæɡ.ər.i/

Jaggary

sucre de canne non raffiné
Meaning
unrefined sugar made from sugarcane or palm sap; a traditional sweetener
Example
My grandmother uses jaggery instead of white sugar in her recipes.
Ma grand-mère utilise du sucre de canne non raffiné à la place du sucre blanc dans ses recettes.
C2 noun /traɪˈʌmvɪrət/

triumvirate

triumvirat
Meaning
A political regime ruled or dominated by three powerful individuals.
Example
The Roman Republic was once governed by a triumvirate.
La République romaine était autrefois gouvernée par un triumvirat.
C2 noun /ˈhɜːrmɪtɪdʒ/

hermitage

ermitage
Meaning
A secluded residence or retreat, often for a hermit or religious recluse.
Example
The monk spent years in a hermitage deep in the forest.
Le moine a passé des années dans un ermitage au fond de la forêt.
C2 noun ˌɛr.jʊˈdɪʃ.ən

erudition

érudition
Meaning
The quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship.
Example
His erudition in history impressed the entire audience.
Son érudition en histoire a impressionné tout le public.
C2 adjective /ˌsæpəˈneɪʃəs/

saponaceous

savonneux
Meaning
Soapy or having the qualities of soap.
Example
The plant has saponaceous leaves that produce foam when rubbed in water.
La plante a des feuilles savonneuses qui produisent de la mousse lorsqu'elles sont frottées dans l'eau.
C2 noun /ˈkælvəri/

calvary

calvaire
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.
Pour de nombreux réfugiés, le voyage à travers le désert fut un calvaire.
C2 adverb /əˈskæns/

askance

d'un air méfiant
Meaning
With suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.
Example
She looked askance at his unusual proposal.
Elle regarda sa proposition étrange d'un air méfiant.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈsaɪklɔɪd/

cycloid

courbe cycloïdienne
Meaning
a curve traced by a point on the rim of a circle as it rolls along a straight line
Example
The cycloid is often studied in mathematics and physics.
La cycloïde est souvent étudiée en mathématiques et en physique.
C2 adjective /lɪˈtɪdʒəs/

litigious

litigieux
Meaning
prone to engage in lawsuits or overly inclined to argue legally
Example
He is known as a litigious neighbor who often sues people.
Il est connu comme un voisin litigieux qui poursuit fréquemment les gens.
C2 noun /ˈsɒlɪˌsɪzəm/

solecism

solécisme
Meaning
a grammatical mistake in speech or writing; a breach of good manners or etiquette
Example
His speech was full of solecisms and awkward phrases.
Son discours était plein de solécismes et de phrases maladroites.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrsənt/

conversant

familier, connaisseur
Meaning
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
Example
She is conversant with the latest developments in technology.
Elle est familière avec les derniers développements technologiques.
C2 noun /əbˈstrʌkʃənɪst/

obstructionist

obstructionniste
Meaning
a person who deliberately delays or prevents progress by being uncooperative or oppositional
Example
The obstructionist in the committee kept delaying the decision-making process.
L'obstructionniste au sein du comite a continue a retarder le processus de prise de decision.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒnstənt/

inconstant

inconstant
Meaning
frequently changing; not consistent or dependable
Example
His inconstant moods made it difficult to work with him.
Ses humeurs inconstantes rendaient difficile de travailler avec lui.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɛəri/

chary

prudent
Meaning
cautious or wary about doing something
Example
She was chary of investing in the new business venture.
Elle était prudente à investir dans la nouvelle entreprise.
C2 adjective /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/

recalcitrant

récalcitrant, têtu, désobéissant
Meaning
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
Example
The recalcitrant student refused to follow rules.
L'étudiant récalcitrant a refusé de suivre les règles.
C2 verb /ˈhæloʊ/

hallow

sanctifier
Meaning
to honor as holy; to make sacred or greatly respected
Example
The ancient temple was hallowed by centuries of worship.
L'ancien temple a été sanctifié par des siècles de dévotion.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈbjuːz/

disabuse

désabuser
Meaning
To free someone from a false belief or misconception.
Example
The teacher tried to disabuse the students of their misunderstanding.
Le professeur a essayé de désabuser les étudiants de leur malentendu.
C2 verb /læmˈbeɪst/

lambaste

réprimander sévèrement
Meaning
to criticize someone or something harshly; to reprimand severely
Example
The teacher lambasted the students for not completing their homework.
Le professeur a sévèrement réprimandé les étudiants pour ne pas avoir fait leurs devoirs.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɛɡneɪt/

impregnate

imprégner / rendre enceinte
Meaning
To make pregnant; to fill or saturate with something.
Example
The scientist used a method to impregnate the material with resin.
Le scientifique a utilisé une méthode pour imprégner le matériau de résine.
C2 verb /ˌmɪsæprɪˈhɛnd/

misapprehend

mal comprendre
Meaning
to misunderstand or misinterpret something
Example
He misapprehended the teacher’s instructions and did the task incorrectly.
Il a mal compris les instructions du professeur et a fait la tâche incorrectement.
C2 verb /ˈɡɑːɡəl/

goggle

regarder avec de grands yeux
Meaning
to stare with wide open eyes, often in surprise or wonder
Example
The tourists goggled at the tall skyscrapers.
Les touristes regardaient avec étonnement les gratte-ciel hauts.
C2 noun /wɛlp/

whelp

chiot
Meaning
a young offspring of a dog or other carnivorous mammal; sometimes used to mean an impudent young person
Example
The farmer found a wolf whelp hiding near the barn.
Le fermier a trouvé un chiot de loup caché près de la grange.
C2 noun /ˌrɛv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

revocation

révocation
Meaning
The act of officially canceling or withdrawing something.
Example
The court ordered the revocation of his license.
Le tribunal a ordonné la révocation de sa licence.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɪŋɡoʊˌɪzəm/

jingoism

nationalisme extrême
Meaning
extreme patriotism expressed in aggressive foreign policy
Example
The politician's speech was filled with jingoism.
Le discours du politicien était rempli de jingoïsme.
C2 noun /ˈtrɪp.lɪ.kət/

triplicate

trois copies
Meaning
A set of three identical copies of something.
Example
The documents were prepared in triplicate for official use.
Les documents ont été préparés en triplicata pour un usage officiel.
C2 noun /ˈfuːləri/

foolery

folie
Meaning
Silly or foolish behavior or actions.
Example
His constant foolery made the meeting hard to take seriously.
Sa constante folie a rendu la réunion difficile à prendre au sérieux.
C2 noun /ˈtrɪmnəs/

trimness

ordre
Meaning
the quality of being neat, orderly, or slender and well-proportioned
Example
Her room’s trimness reflected a habit of putting everything back in its place.
L'ordre dans sa chambre reflétait l'habitude de tout remettre à sa place.
C2 verb /lɑːl/

loll

s'asseoir paresseusement
Meaning
To sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way.
Example
He lolled on the sofa after a long day at work.
Après une longue journée de travail, il s'est affalé sur le canapé.
C2 verb /bruːt/

bruit

répandre une rumeur
Meaning
to spread a rumor or report widely
Example
The scandal was quickly bruited about the town.
Le scandale s'est rapidement propagé dans la ville.
C2 noun /ˈʌn.dɚˌstɔː.ri/

understory

végétation inférieure
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 végétation inférieure d'une forêt tropicale est le foyer de petits mammifères et d'insectes.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪpədiːz/

antipodes

antipodes
Meaning
places on opposite sides of the Earth; also refers to things that are direct opposites
Example
Australia and Britain are often considered antipodes of each other.
L'Australie et la Grande-Bretagne sont souvent considérées comme des antipodes l'une de l'autre.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəmˌsaɪˈkoʊsɪs/

metempsychosis

réincarnation de l'âme
Meaning
The supposed transmigration of the soul, especially its reincarnation after death.
Example
Ancient philosophers often debated the idea of metempsychosis.
Les anciens philosophes débattaient souvent de la réincarnation de l'âme.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkænˈdɛsənt/

incandescent

incandescent
Meaning
emitting light as a result of being heated; extremely bright or passionate
Example
The incandescent lamp lit up the entire hall.
La lampe incandescente a éclairé toute la salle.
C2 noun /ˈɡʌmp.ʃən/

gumption

courage, initiative
Meaning
Courage, resourcefulness, or initiative.
Example
It takes real gumption to start your own business.
Il faut du vrai courage pour démarrer son propre entreprise.
C2 adjective /kəˈnaɪ.vɪŋ/

conniving

rusé
Meaning
secretly scheming or plotting to help in wrongdoing
Example
He is a conniving politician who manipulates people for power.
C'est un homme politique rusé qui manipule les gens pour le pouvoir.
C2 noun /ˌæntɪˈtɒksɪn/

antitoxin

antitoxine
Meaning
A substance that neutralizes a specific toxin in the body.
Example
The doctor administered an antitoxin to counter the snake venom.
Le médecin a administré une antitoxine pour contrer le venin de serpent.
C2 noun /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɑː.lə.sɪs/

electrolysis

électrolyse
Meaning
A chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution.
Example
Electrolysis is used to separate hydrogen from water.
L'électrolyse est utilisée pour séparer l'hydrogène de l'eau.
C2 verb /ˈhæri/

harry

harceler, attaquer
Meaning
to constantly attack, harass, or annoy
Example
The army harried the enemy with sudden raids.
L'armée a harcelé l'ennemi avec des raids soudains.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪst/

sophist

sophiste
Meaning
a person who uses clever but misleading arguments
Example
He was dismissed as a sophist who twisted facts to win debates.
Il a été rejeté comme un sophiste qui déformait les faits pour gagner des débats.
C2 verb /ˈɡrʌvəl/

grovel

se vautrer
Meaning
To act in an excessively humble or submissive way to gain favor.
Example
He groveled before his boss to avoid punishment.
il s'est vautré devant son patron pour éviter la punition.
C2 adverb /əˈmʌk/

amuck

de manière débridée
Meaning
in a frenzied, uncontrolled, or chaotic manner
Example
The bull ran amuck through the village.
Le taureau a couru de manière débridée à travers le village.
C2 verb /ˈflʌməks/

flummox

déconcerter
Meaning
To confuse or bewilder someone completely.
Example
The complicated puzzle flummoxed the students.
Le puzzle compliqué a déconcerté les étudiants.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.li/

contumely

insulte, mépris
Meaning
insulting or humiliating treatment
Example
He endured the contumely of his colleagues with patience.
Il a supporté le mépris de ses collègues avec patience.
C2 adjective /ræpˈtɔːriəl/

raptorial

rapace
Meaning
Relating to birds of prey or predatory behavior.
Example
The eagle is a raptorial bird with sharp talons.
L'aigle est un oiseau de proie avec des serres acérées.
C2 noun /drɛɡz/

dregs

dregs
Meaning
the remnants of a liquid left in a container, together with any sediment or grounds; the most worthless part of something
Example
He drank the dregs of the coffee before leaving.
Il a bu les dregs du café avant de partir.
C2 noun /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

defoliant

défoliant
Meaning
a chemical that causes leaves to drop from plants, often used in warfare or agriculture
Example
The army sprayed defoliant to clear the forest cover.
L'armée a pulvérisé un défoliant pour dégager le couvert forestier.
C2 noun /priˈɛmpʃən/

preemption

droit de préemption
Meaning
The act of taking action before someone else; the right to purchase or act before others.
Example
The company exercised preemption to acquire the land before competitors.
L'entreprise a exercé son droit de préemption pour acquérir le terrain avant les concurrents.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːr.bɪn.dʒər/

Harbinger

présage
Meaning
a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another; a forerunner of something
Example
The first robin of spring is often considered a harbinger of warmer weather to come.
Le premier rouge-gorge du printemps est souvent considéré comme un présage d'un temps plus chaud à venir.
C2 adjective /traɪˈɛniəl/

triennial

triennal
Meaning
Occurring once every three years.
Example
The art festival is a triennial event in the city.
Le festival d'art est un événement triennal dans la ville.
C2 adjective /ˈɡɔːki/

gawky

maladroit
Meaning
Awkward and clumsy in appearance or behavior.
Example
The teenager felt gawky in his oversized suit.
L'adolescent se sentait maladroit dans son costume trop grand.
C2 adjective /vaɪˈkɛəriəs/

vicarious

bonheur
Meaning
experienced through the feelings or actions of another person
Example
She felt vicarious excitement watching her son win the award.
Elle ne pouvait cacher son bonheur lorsqu'elle a reçu le prix.
C2 noun /ˈænθrəsaɪt/

anthracite

charbon anthracite
Meaning
A hard, shiny form of coal that burns with little smoke and a high heat value.
Example
The factory used anthracite as its primary fuel source.
L'usine utilisait de l'anthracite comme source principale de combustible.
C2 noun /prɪˈfɜːrmənt/

preferment

promotion
Meaning
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
Example
He hoped for preferment in the government office.
Il espérait une promotion dans le bureau du gouvernement.
C2 adjective /ˈɛksɪdʒənt/

exigent

urgent
Meaning
demanding immediate action or attention; urgent
Example
The patient’s exigent condition required immediate surgery.
L'état exigent du patient a nécessité une chirurgie immédiate.
C2 verb /frɪsk/

frisk

fouiller
Meaning
To search a person by patting their clothing to check for concealed items.
Example
The security guard frisked the man at the entrance.
Le garde de sécurité a fouillé l'homme à l'entrée.
C2 adjective /ˈhiːðənɪʃ/

heathenish

barbare
Meaning
Lacking culture or religion; barbaric or uncivilized.
Example
They considered the ancient tribe’s rituals heathenish.
Ils considéraient les rituels de la tribu ancienne comme païens.
C2 verb /kənˈtɛm/

contemn

mépriser
Meaning
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt
Example
He would never contemn honest work, no matter how humble.
Il ne mépriserait jamais un travail honnête, peu importe à quel point il est modeste.
C2 noun /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

trésorerie
Meaning
The treasury of a state or country.
Example
The government announced new measures to improve the exchequer.
Le gouvernement a annoncé de nouvelles mesures pour améliorer la trésorerie.
C2 noun /ɪˈnænɪti/

inanity

ineptie, absurdité
Meaning
a nonsensical remark or action; silliness; emptiness
Example
The speech was full of inanities that bored the audience.
Le discours était rempli d'inepties qui ennuyaient le public.
C2 noun /nɑːrˈsɪsəs/

narcissus

fleur de narcisse
Meaning
A type of flowering plant with yellow or white blooms, often associated with self-love from Greek mythology.
Example
A narcissus bloomed in the garden during spring.
Un narcisse a fleuri dans le jardin au printemps.
C2 adjective /prəˈpʌlsɪv/

propulsive

propulsif
Meaning
Having the power to drive or push something forward.
Example
The propulsive force of the rocket lifted it off the ground.
La force propulsive de la fusée l'a soulevée du sol.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/

decapitate

bonheur
Meaning
To cut off the head of a person or animal.
Example
The ancient executioner decapitated the criminal.
Elle ne pouvait pas cacher son bonheur quand elle a reçu le prix.
C2 noun /ˈrɛtɪnjuː/

retinue

suite
Meaning
A group of attendants or followers accompanying an important person.
Example
The king entered the hall followed by his retinue.
Le roi est entré dans la salle suivi de sa suite.
C2 verb /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪt/

scintillate

scintiller
Meaning
to sparkle or shine brightly; to emit flashes of light
Example
The diamond ring scintillated under the bright lights.
La bague en diamant scintillait sous les lumières brillantes.
C2 adjective /ˈeɪ.li.ə.nə.bəl/

alienable

aliénable
Meaning
Able to be transferred or surrendered, usually referring to rights or property.
Example
Property rights are alienable and can be sold or transferred.
Les droits de propriété sont aliénables et peuvent être vendus ou transférés.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɛk.wɪ.tə.bəl/

inequitable

inéquitable
Meaning
Not fair or just; lacking in fairness or equality.
Example
The distribution of resources was inequitable among the workers.
La distribution des ressources était inéquitable parmi les travailleurs.
C2 verb /ˈmæsəˌreɪt/

macerate

attendrir
Meaning
to soften or break up something, especially food, by soaking in liquid
Example
The chef macerated the fruit in wine before serving.
Le chef a macéré les fruits dans le vin avant de les servir.
C2 noun /ˈkriːdoʊ/

credo

crédo
Meaning
A statement of the beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions.
Example
Honesty has always been the central credo of his life.
L'honnêteté a toujours été le crédo central de sa vie.
C2 adjective /nɑːrld/

gnarled

tordu
Meaning
Twisted, rough, and knotted, especially with age.
Example
The old man had gnarled hands from years of hard work.
L'homme âgé avait les mains tordues à force d'années de travail acharné.
C2 noun /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/

chiaroscuro

contraste dramatique entre lumière et ombre
Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
Le tableau de l'artiste a utilisé le chiaroscuro pour mettre en valeur le visage de la figure.
C2 verb /əˈɡriːv/

aggrieve

affliger
Meaning
to cause distress or make someone feel resentful
Example
She felt aggrieved by the unfair decision.
Elle s'est sentie contrariée par la décision injuste.