castrate
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 verb /ˈkæstreɪt/

castrate

castrer
Meaning
To remove the testicles of a male animal or human.
Example
The farmer castrated the young bulls to make them easier to manage.
L'agriculteur a castré les jeunes taureaux pour les rendre plus faciles à gérer.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkəˈməʊdiəs/

incommodious

incommode
Meaning
Uncomfortably small, cramped, or inconvenient.
Example
We had to stay in an incommodious room during the trip.
Nous avons dû rester dans une chambre inconfortable pendant le voyage.
C2 noun /ˌkɒntrəpəˈzɪʃən/

contraposition

contraposition
Meaning
the act of placing two things in opposition for contrast or comparison
Example
The contraposition of the two theories highlighted their differences.
La contraposition des deux théories a mis en lumière leurs différences.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

derogative

dérogatoire
Meaning
Expressing a low opinion or showing lack of respect.
Example
He made a derogative remark about her work.
Il a fait une remarque dérogatoire sur son travail.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/

ingratiating

flatteur
Meaning
Charming or flattering in a way intended to gain favor.
Example
His ingratiating smile made everyone trust him quickly.
Son sourire flatteur a fait en sorte que tout le monde lui fasse rapidement confiance.
C2 noun /niˈɒlədʒi/

neology

l'utilisation de nouveaux mots ou l'étude de leur origine
Meaning
The use of new words or the study of their origin.
Example
The professor specialized in neology, studying the creation of modern slang.
Le professeur s'est spécialisé en néologie, étudiant la création du jargon moderne.
C2 adjective /mæɡˈnæn.ɪ.məs/

magnanimous

magnanime, généreux, indulgent
Meaning
Very kind and generous, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.
Example
His magnanimous nature made him respected by all.
Sa nature magnanime lui a permis d'être respecté de tous.
C2 noun /ˈkwɪzlɪŋ/

quisling

traître
Meaning
A traitor who collaborates with an enemy force occupying their country.
Example
During the war, he was branded a quisling for aiding the invaders.
Pendant la guerre, il a été étiqueté comme un quisling pour avoir aidé les envahisseurs.
C2 verb /bɪˈstruː/

bestrew

répandre
Meaning
To scatter or cover something with objects or substances.
Example
The ground was bestrewn with autumn leaves.
Le sol était couvert de feuilles d'automne.
C2 verb /ˈrævəl/

ravel

embrouiller / démêler
Meaning
to tangle or complicate; to untangle or unravel depending on context
Example
She began to ravel the loose threads of the sweater.
Elle a commencé à démêler les fils lâches du pull.
C2 noun əˈdrɔɪt.nəs

adroitness

adresse
Meaning
Cleverness or skill, especially in using the hands or mind; skillful dexterity.
Example
His adroitness in negotiations secured the deal.
Son adresse dans les négociations a assuré l’accord.
C2 verb /rɪˈvaɪl/

revile

révérer
Meaning
to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
Example
The politician was reviled by the public for his corruption.
Le politicien a été révéré par le public pour sa corruption.
C2 noun /rɪˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/

recrimination

contre-accusation
Meaning
an accusation made in response to an accusation; mutual blaming
Example
The debate quickly descended into mutual recriminations.
Le débat a rapidement dégénéré en contre-accusations mutuelles.
C2 adjective /rɪˈsplɛndənt/

resplendent

resplendissant
Meaning
Shining brilliantly; dazzling in appearance or effect
Example
The bride looked resplendent in her wedding gown.
La mariée semblait resplendissante dans sa robe de mariée.
C2 verb əˈmiːljəreɪt

ameliorate

améliorer, perfectionner
Meaning
To make better; improve or enhance something.
Example
The new policies are designed to ameliorate living conditions.
Les nouvelles politiques sont conçues pour améliorer les conditions de vie.
C2 noun /ˈɛpəlɛt/

epaulet

épaulette
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.
L'uniforme du général avait une épaulette dorée sur chaque épaule.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnæprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

inapprehensible

incompréhensible
Meaning
not understandable; incomprehensible
Example
The concept was so abstract that it seemed inapprehensible to most students.
Le concept était si abstrait qu'il semblait incompréhensible pour la plupart des étudiants.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkoʊətɪv/

inchoative

inchoatif
Meaning
relating to the beginning of something; in an initial stage
Example
The poet used inchoative expressions to depict the dawn of creation.
Le poète a utilisé des expressions inchoatives pour décrire l'aube de la création.
C2 verb /ˈʌndjʊleɪt/

undulate

onduler
Meaning
To move with a smooth, wave-like motion.
Example
The snake undulated across the sand.
Le serpent ondulait à travers le sable.
C2 verb /ˈsɛreɪt/

serrate

faire un bord dentelé
Meaning
To make a saw-toothed edge or notched margin.
Example
The craftsman serrated the knife blade for better cutting.
L'artisan a séré la lame du couteau pour une coupe meilleure.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈskɜːsɪv/

excursive

excurssif
Meaning
Tending to digress or wander; moving away from the main subject.
Example
His excursive lecture left the students confused about the main topic.
Sa conférence excursive a laissé les étudiants confus sur le sujet principal.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛptɪv/

inceptive

initial
Meaning
Relating to or marking the beginning or initial stage of something.
Example
The inceptive phase of the project was marked by enthusiastic planning.
La phase inceptive du projet a été marquée par une planification enthousiaste.
C2 noun /ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪkrəm/

simulacrum

simulacre
Meaning
an image or representation of someone or something; a superficial likeness
Example
The statue was only a simulacrum of the ancient god.
La statue n'était qu'un simulacre de l'ancien dieu.
C2 noun /lækˈteɪʃən/

lactation

production de lait
Meaning
the secretion of milk by the mammary glands of female mammals
Example
The doctor explained that lactation is a natural process after childbirth.
Le médecin a expliqué que la lactation est un processus naturel après l'accouchement.
C2 verb /fɪˈlɪsɪˌteɪt/

felicitate

féliciter
Meaning
to congratulate; to express good wishes
Example
We felicitated the graduating students at the ceremony.
Nous avons félicité les étudiants diplômés lors de la cérémonie.
C2 noun /æmˈbroʊʒə/

ambrosia

ambroisie
Meaning
The food of the gods in classical mythology; something extremely pleasing to taste or smell.
Example
The dessert was so delicious that it tasted like ambrosia.
Le dessert était tellement délicieux qu'il avait le goût d'ambrosia.
C2 noun /ˈlɪtəni/

litany

litanie
Meaning
a long, repetitive, or tedious account or list; originally a form of prayer
Example
The politician gave a litany of promises during the campaign.
Le politicien a donné une longue liste de promesses pendant la campagne.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtrəˌɡræf/

petrograph

description des roches
Meaning
a description or representation of rocks, especially in detailed scientific writing
Example
The scientist studied the petrograph to understand the rock composition.
Le scientifique a étudié le pétrographe pour comprendre la composition de la roche.
C2 noun /ˌiː.kəʊ.tɒkˈsɪ.kə.lə.dʒi/

ecotoxicology

écotoxicologie
Meaning
The study of the effects of chemical pollution on the environment.
Example
Ecotoxicology studies the effects of pesticides on wildlife.
L'écotoxicologie étudie les effets des pesticides sur la faune.
C2 adjective /ˌnjuːmɪzˈmætɪk/

numismatic

numismatique
Meaning
relating to the study or collection of coins, currency, and medals
Example
He has a numismatic collection of rare coins from around the world.
Il possède une collection numismatique de pièces rares provenant du monde entier.
C2 noun /kɪln/

kiln

four de potier
Meaning
a furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially one for firing pottery or bricks
Example
The potter placed the clay pots into the kiln for firing.
Le potier a placé les pots en argile dans le four de potier pour les cuire.
C2 noun /ˈmæŋɡoʊ fɪʃ/

Mango fish

poisson barramundi
Meaning
A popular white fish also known as barramundi or Asian sea bass
Example
Mango fish is prized for its delicate flavor and tender texture.
Le poisson barramundi est apprécié pour sa saveur délicate et sa texture tendre.
C2 noun /əˈdɛndəm/

addendum

addenda
Meaning
an additional item or piece of information added at the end of a document or book
Example
The report included an addendum with updated statistics.
Le rapport incluait un addenda avec des statistiques mises à jour.
C2 adjective /əˈrækjələr/

oracular

oraculaire
Meaning
Resembling an oracle; giving wise, mysterious, or prophetic statements
Example
Her oracular words left the audience deep in thought.
Ses paroles oraculaires ont laissé l'audience profondément pensive.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛsteɪt/

intestate

décédé sans testament
Meaning
Having died without leaving a valid will.
Example
She died intestate, so her assets were distributed by law.
Elle est décédée sans testament, donc ses biens ont été répartis par la loi.
C2 noun /bɛl/

belle

belle femme
Meaning
A beautiful woman, especially the most attractive woman at a gathering.
Example
She was the belle of the ball that evening.
Elle était la belle du bal ce soir-là.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪɡræf/

digraph

digraphe
Meaning
A pair of letters representing a single sound, such as 'sh' in 'ship'.
Example
In the word 'phone', the letters 'ph' form a digraph.
Dans le mot 'téléphone', les lettres 'ph' forment un digraphe.
C2 adjective /ˈvɛəriəˌɡeɪtɪd/

variegated

bigarré
Meaning
Having different colors, especially in irregular patches or streaks.
Example
The garden was full of variegated plants.
Le jardin était plein de plantes bigarrées.
C2 noun /juːˈkeɪs/

ukase

décret
Meaning
An authoritative decree or order, especially one issued by a sovereign or government.
Example
The czar issued a ukase restricting the freedom of the press.
Le tsar a émis un décret restreignant la liberté de la presse.
C2 verb /læmˈbæst/

lambast

critiquer sévèrement
Meaning
To criticize harshly or to beat severely.
Example
The coach lambasted the team for their poor performance.
L'entraîneur a sévèrement critiqué l'équipe pour sa mauvaise performance.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪtɪd/

syncopated

syncopé
Meaning
Characterized by displaced beats or rhythms, especially in music.
Example
The jazz piece had a syncopated rhythm that energized the crowd.
Le morceau de jazz avait un rythme syncopé qui a énergisé la foule.
C2 noun /ˈfriːˌθɪŋkər/

freethinker

librepenseur
Meaning
A person who forms opinions based on reason and independent thought rather than tradition or authority.
Example
Voltaire was considered a great freethinker of his time.
Voltaire a été considéré comme un grand librepenseur de son époque.
C2 noun /ˈmaɪtər/

miter

mitre
Meaning
a tall, pointed hat worn by bishops; also a type of joint made between two pieces of material
Example
The bishop placed the miter on his head during the ceremony.
L'évêque a posé la mitre sur sa tête pendant la cérémonie.
C2 verb /ˈhɑːrkən/

hearken

écouter attentivement
Meaning
To listen attentively; to give heed.
Example
He would hearken to his mentor’s advice before making decisions.
Il écouterait attentivement les conseils de son mentor avant de prendre des décisions.
C2 noun /pæˈstiːʃ/

pastiche

pastiche
Meaning
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
Example
The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies.
Le film était un habile pastiche des films policiers des années 1950.
C2 noun /ˈtʃænsəri/

chancery

tribunal de chancellerie
Meaning
A court of equity or the office of a chancellor.
Example
The case was taken to the chancery court for resolution.
L'affaire a été portée devant le tribunal de chancellerie pour résolution.
C2 noun /ˈtʌmbrəl/

tumbrel

tombereau
Meaning
A two-wheeled cart, especially one used during the French Revolution to carry prisoners to the guillotine.
Example
The prisoners were carried to the square in a wooden tumbrel.
Les prisonniers ont été transportés jusqu'à la place dans un tombereau en bois.
C2 noun /əˈbluːʃən/

ablution

ablution
Meaning
the act of washing oneself, often for religious purposes
Example
He performed his morning ablution before the prayer.
Il a effectué son ablution matinale avant la prière.
C2 verb /flɪt/

flit

voltiger
Meaning
to move quickly and lightly from one place to another
Example
Butterflies flitted from flower to flower.
Les papillons voltigeaient de fleur en fleur.
C2 verb /prəˈpɪʃieɪt/

propitiate

apaiser
Meaning
to win or regain the favor of someone by doing something that pleases them
Example
He offered gifts to propitiate the angry gods.
Il a offert des cadeaux pour apaiser les dieux en colère.
C2 verb /ˈæbrəɡeɪt/

abrogate

abroger
Meaning
To formally repeal, cancel, or abolish a law, agreement, or custom.
Example
The government decided to abrogate the outdated treaty.
Le gouvernement a décidé d'abroger le traité obsolète.
C2 noun ˌhiː.məˈfɪl.i.ə

hemophilia

hémophilie
Meaning
A medical condition in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced, causing the sufferer to bleed severely from even a slight injury.
Example
Hemophilia treatment benefits from genetic editing.
Le traitement de l'hémophilie bénéficie de l'édition génétique.
C2 verb /ˌɪn.trəˈmɪt/

intromit

introduire
Meaning
To insert or introduce something into a place or body.
Example
The doctor carefully intromitted the instrument into the wound.
Le médecin a introduit soigneusement l'instrument dans la plaie.
C2 adjective /ˈvoʊtɪv/

votive

votif
Meaning
Offered or dedicated in fulfillment of a vow.
Example
She lit a votive candle in the church as a prayer.
Elle a allumé une bougie votive dans l'église comme prière.
C2 adjective /ˈlæŋɡwɪd/

Languid

languide; paresseux; faible
Meaning
lacking energy or vitality; slow and relaxed; weak or faint
Example
After the long journey, she felt languid and needed to rest.
Après le long voyage, elle se sentait languissante et avait besoin de repos.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪlɒn/

carillon

carillon
Meaning
A set of bells played using a keyboard, usually in a tower.
Example
The carillon bells rang across the town square.
Les cloches du carillon ont résonné à travers la place de la ville.
C2 verb /ˈmæŋɡəl/

mangle

détruire
Meaning
to severely damage or mutilate something, often by tearing or crushing
Example
The car was mangled in the accident.
La voiture a été détruite dans l'accident.
C2 noun /ˈsælvoʊ/

salvo

salve
Meaning
A simultaneous discharge of guns or release of bombs; a sudden outburst of cheers or applause.
Example
The soldiers fired a salvo to honor the fallen general.
Les soldats ont tiré une salve pour honorer le général décédé.
C2 noun /ˈdɒldrəmz/

doldrums

morosité
Meaning
A state of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits; also a region near the equator with calm winds.
Example
After the project failed, the team was stuck in the doldrums for months.
Après l'échec du projet, l'équipe était bloquée dans le marasme pendant des mois.
C2 adjective /ˈfjuːzəbl/

fusible

fusionnable
Meaning
Capable of being melted or fused.
Example
The engineer used a fusible alloy in the experiment.
L'ingénieur a utilisé un alliage fusionnable dans l'expérience.
C2 noun /ˈænɪməs/

animus

hostilité / but
Meaning
A strong feeling of hostility; motivation or purpose behind an action.
Example
His speech was driven by animus against the policy.
Son discours était motivé par l'hostilité envers la politique.
C2 noun /ˈfʌriər/

furrier

fourreur
Meaning
A person who prepares or deals in furs.
Example
The furrier displayed fine coats in his shop.
Le fourreur a exposé de beaux manteaux dans son magasin.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒŋɡruənt/

congruent

congruente
Meaning
in agreement or harmony; having the same shape and size in geometry
Example
Their values are congruent with the goals of the organization.
Leurs valeurs sont congruentes avec les objectifs de l'organisation.
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 noun /trʌs/

truss

treillis
Meaning
a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure
Example
The engineer designed a strong truss for the new bridge.
L'ingénieur a conçu un solide treillis pour le nouveau pont.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒnɪtəri/

monitory

avertisseur
Meaning
Giving a warning or cautionary advice; serving to warn.
Example
His monitory tone made everyone cautious about their next move.
Son ton monitory a rendu tout le monde prudent quant à leur prochain mouvement.
C2 noun /bɪsk/

bisque

soupe de fruits de mer
Meaning
A rich, creamy soup made from shellfish.
Example
We ordered lobster bisque at the restaurant.
Nous avons commandé une bisque de homard au restaurant.
C2 noun /hæp/

hap

chance, fortune, hasard
Meaning
luck, fortune, or chance occurrence
Example
By sheer hap, he discovered the old letter hidden in the drawer.
Par pur hasard, il a découvert la vieille lettre cachée dans le tiroir.
C2 adjective /ˌmædʒɪˈstɪəriəl/

magisterial

magistériel
Meaning
Having the characteristics of a master or authority; commanding and dignified.
Example
The professor spoke in a magisterial tone during the lecture.
Le professeur a parlé d'une manière magistérielle pendant la conférence.
C2 noun /ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən/

predilection

prédilection
Meaning
A strong liking or preference for something.
Example
She has a predilection for classical music.
Elle a une prédilection pour la musique classique.
C2 noun /ˈmoʊlər/

molar

molaire
Meaning
A large tooth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
Example
The dentist had to extract his wisdom molar.
Le dentiste a dû extraire sa dent de sagesse.
C2 adjective /ˌækrəˈmætɪk/

achromatic

achromatique
Meaning
without color; free from color
Example
The designer chose an achromatic palette of black, white, and gray.
Le designer a choisi une palette achromatique de noir, blanc et gris.
C2 noun /ˈkloʊtʃər/

cloture

procédure de cloture
Meaning
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
Example
The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate.
Le Sénat a invoqué la clôture pour mettre fin au débat long.
C2 noun /ˈhænd ˌrɪŋɪŋ/

hand-wringing

inquiétude excessive
Meaning
excessive worry or concern expressed in a visible or dramatic way.
Example
There was much hand-wringing over the political crisis.
Il y avait beaucoup de gestes dramatiques à propos de la crise politique.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪndʒənsi/

stringency

rigueur
Meaning
the quality of being strict, precise, or severe
Example
The stringency of the new rules surprised everyone.
La rigueur des nouvelles règles a surpris tout le monde.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrsɪmoʊni/

parsimony

avarice
Meaning
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
Example
His parsimony was evident in the way he avoided any unnecessary expenses.
Son avarice était évidente dans la façon dont il évitait toute dépense inutile.
C2 noun /bɜːrˈlɛsk/

burlesque

burlesque
Meaning
A humorous and exaggerated imitation of a serious work; a type of theatrical entertainment involving comedy and parody.
Example
The play was a clever burlesque of traditional opera.
La pièce était une burlesque ingénieuse de l'opéra traditionnel.
C2 verb /əbˈvɜːrt/

obvert

inverser
Meaning
To turn something so as to face in a different direction; in logic, to convert a proposition by negating both subject and predicate.
Example
The teacher asked the students to obvert the statement for practice.
Le professeur a demandé aux étudiants de convertir la déclaration pour s'exercer.
C2 noun /ˌbæstərdaɪˈzeɪʃən/

bastardization

dégénérescence / altération
Meaning
the act of corrupting, degrading, or misrepresenting something
Example
Critics called the remake a bastardization of the original film.
Les critiques ont qualifié le remake de bastardisation du film original.
C2 verb /ɪkˈstɛmpəraɪz/

extemporize

improviser
Meaning
To speak or perform without preparation; improvise.
Example
The actor had to extemporize when he forgot his lines.
L'acteur a dû improviser lorsqu'il a oublié ses répliques.
C2 noun /meɪndʒ/

mange

gale
Meaning
a skin disease in animals caused by parasitic mites, leading to hair loss and sores
Example
The stray dog was suffering from mange.
Le chien errant souffrait de gale.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːn/

importune

demander insistant
Meaning
To ask someone persistently or pressingly for something
Example
The child importuned his mother for a new toy.
L'enfant importunait sa mère pour un nouveau jouet.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.kɒn/

ikon

image religieuse ou symbole
Meaning
A religious image or symbol, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Example
The church displayed a beautifully painted ikon of the Virgin Mary.
L'église a exposé un ikon magnifiquement peint de la Vierge Marie.
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 adverb /əˈmʌk/

amok

de manière incontrôlable
Meaning
Behaving uncontrollably and disruptively.
Example
The angry mob ran amok after the verdict was announced.
La foule en colère courut de manière incontrôlable après l'annonce du verdict.
C2 noun /skriːd/

screed

écrit long et ennuyeux
Meaning
a long, tedious piece of writing or speech; also a layer of material like cement spread on a surface
Example
He delivered a long screed against corruption.
Il a livré un long discours contre la corruption.
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 adjective /ˈoʊdiəs/

odious

odieux
Meaning
extremely unpleasant or repulsive
Example
The dictator was remembered for his odious crimes.
Le dictateur a été rappelé pour ses crimes odieux.
C2 noun brəˈvɑː.dəʊ

bravado

un geste de courage ou de confiance qui n'est pas réel
Meaning
Show of courage or confidence that is not real.
Example
His bravado masked his nervousness before the performance.
Son bravado masquait son nervosité avant la performance.
C2 noun /ˈfriːˌbuːtər/

freebooter

flibustier
Meaning
A pirate or plunderer who roams freely in search of wealth.
Example
The freebooter raided the merchant ships along the coast.
Le flibustier a attaqué les navires marchands le long de la côte.
C2 adjective /kəmˈpleɪzənt/

complaisant

trop complaisant
Meaning
willing to please others or to accept what they do or say without protest
Example
He was too complaisant to refuse their demands.
Il était trop complaisant pour refuser leurs demandes.
C2 noun /ˈlɪmərɪk/

limerick

un poème humoristique en cinq vers
Meaning
a humorous five-line poem with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme (AABBA).
Example
She recited a funny limerick at the party.
Elle a récité un limerick amusant à la fête.
C2 verb /kənˈstrɪndʒ/

constringe

contracter
Meaning
to cause to shrink or contract; to constrict
Example
The medicine helped constringe the swollen tissues.
Le médicament a aidé à contracter les tissus enflés.
C2 noun /fɪˈlɒl.ə.dʒi/

philology

l'étude de la langue dans les sources historiques écrites ; linguistique
Meaning
the study of language in written historical sources; linguistics
Example
She devoted her career to philology, researching ancient manuscripts.
Elle a consacré sa carrière à la philologie, en recherchant des manuscrits anciens.
C2 verb /kənˈvʌls/

convulse

secouer violemment; souffrir de contractions involontaires soudaines
Meaning
to shake violently; to suffer sudden involuntary contractions
Example
The patient convulsed during the seizure.
Le patient a convulsé pendant la crise.
C2 noun /prəˈpɪŋkwɪti/

propinquity

proximité
Meaning
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity
Example
The propinquity of their houses made them close friends.
La proximité de leurs maisons les a rendus amis proches.
C2 verb /ˈfɜːrbɪʃ/

furbish

lustrer
Meaning
to polish, renovate, or give a fresh look to something
Example
The workers furbished the old sword until it gleamed like new.
Les travailleurs ont lustré l'épée ancienne jusqu'à ce qu'elle brille comme neuve.
C2 noun /hʌsk/

husk

enveloppe
Meaning
the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds
Example
The corn husk was peeled away before cooking.
L'enveloppe de maïs a été pelée avant la cuisson.
C2 verb /pɜːrl/

purl

couler avec un bruit de murmure
Meaning
To knit with a purl stitch; to flow with a murmuring sound (as a stream).
Example
The brook purled softly through the meadow.
Le ruisseau purla doucement à travers la prairie.
C2 verb /ʌnˈfɛtər/

unfetter

délier
Meaning
to release from restraint or restriction; to free
Example
The new law will unfetter small businesses from excessive regulations.
La nouvelle loi libérera les petites entreprises des régulations excessives.
C2 verb /ˈlæs.ə.reɪt/

lacerate

lacérer, déchirer
Meaning
to tear or cut deeply in the skin or flesh
Example
The broken glass lacerated his hand.
Le verre brisé a lacéré sa main.
C2 noun /ˈmɪn.i.ən/

minion

minion
Meaning
A follower or underling of a powerful person, especially a servile one.
Example
The dictator was surrounded by loyal minions who carried out his orders.
Le dictateur était entouré de ministres fidèles qui exécutaient ses ordres.
C2 verb /ˈkɒr.ʌ.skeɪt/

coruscate

scintiller
Meaning
to sparkle or flash brightly
Example
The fireworks coruscated across the night sky.
Les feux d'artifice scintillèrent à travers le ciel nocturne.
C2 noun /ˈɡlæsi fɪʃ/

Glassy fish

poisson de verre
Meaning
a transparent freshwater fish with a glassy appearance, popular in aquariums
Example
The glassy fish is known for its transparent body and peaceful nature.
Le poisson de verre est connu pour son corps transparent et sa nature paisible.
C2 noun /ɪmˌprɒb.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Improbability

improbabilité
Meaning
the quality or state of being improbable; unlikely to be true or to happen
Example
The improbability of winning the lottery twice didn't stop her from buying tickets.
L'improbabilité de gagner à la loterie deux fois ne l'a pas empêchée d'acheter des billets.
C2 noun /niːˈɒlədʒɪzəm/

neologism

néologisme
Meaning
A newly coined word or expression.
Example
The internet has given rise to many neologisms like 'selfie' and 'hashtag'.
Internet a donné naissance à de nombreux néologismes comme 'selfie' et 'hashtag'.
C2 verb /ɪnˈkæmp/

encamp

camper
Meaning
to set up or establish a camp
Example
The soldiers encamped near the river for the night.
Les soldats ont campé près de la rivière pour la nuit.
C2 noun /spʌndʒ ɡɔːrd/

Sponse gourd

courge éponge
Meaning
a fibrous gourd that becomes sponge-like when dried, used for cleaning and in cooking when young
Example
The sponge gourd can be eaten when young or dried to make natural scrubbers.
La courge éponge peut être mangée lorsqu'elle est jeune ou séchée pour fabriquer des éponges naturelles.
C2 noun /ˈdɛswɪˌtuːd/

desuetude

désuétude
Meaning
a state of disuse or inactivity
Example
The old law has fallen into desuetude.
La vieille loi est tombée en désuétude.
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

bonheur
Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
Elle ne pouvait pas cacher son bonheur lorsqu'elle a reçu le prix.
C2 noun /bænˈdænə/

bandanna

grand foulard coloré
Meaning
A large, often brightly colored handkerchief, typically worn on the head or around the neck.
Example
He tied a red bandanna around his neck.
Il a attaché un foulard rouge autour de son cou.
C2 noun /ˈkɔː.seər/

corsair

pirate
Meaning
a pirate, especially one operating along the Mediterranean coasts
Example
The corsair plundered ships along the coast.
Le corsaire a pillé des navires le long de la côte.
C2 verb /flɛdʒ/

fledge

prêter
Meaning
To develop wing feathers large enough for flight; to bring up until able to fly.
Example
The young birds will fledge in a few weeks.
Les jeunes oiseaux vont se préparer à voler dans quelques semaines.
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 noun /ˈæpəˌθɛm/

apothegm

maxime, dicton
Meaning
A short, witty, and instructive saying or maxim.
Example
His speech was filled with apothegms about life and success.
Son discours était rempli de maximes sur la vie et le succès.
C2 noun /ˈʒɑːndɑːrm/

gendarme

gendarme
Meaning
A French police officer, especially a member of a military-style police force.
Example
The gendarme stopped the car for a routine check.
Le gendarme a arrêté la voiture pour un contrôle de routine.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪsəti/

nicety

subtilité
Meaning
a fine or subtle detail, or a refined, delicate aspect of something
Example
The lawyer explained the legal niceties of the case.
L'avocat a expliqué les subtilités juridiques de l'affaire.
C2 verb /rɪˈkwaɪt/

requite

rendre
Meaning
to return or repay a favor, service, or feeling
Example
She requited his kindness with a thoughtful gift.
Elle a rendu sa gentillesse avec un cadeau réfléchi.
C2 noun /ˈbɪbliəfaɪl/

bibliophile

bibliophile
Meaning
A person who loves or collects books.
Example
She is a true bibliophile who spends weekends at old bookstores.
Elle est une véritable bibliophile qui passe ses week-ends dans des librairies anciennes.
C2 verb /ˈmjuːtɪleɪt/

mutilate

mutiler
Meaning
to inflict serious damage on something, often by cutting or tearing
Example
The ancient manuscript was mutilated by careless handling.
Le manuscrit ancien a été mutilé par une manipulation négligente.
C2 noun /ˈsɪlədʒɪzəm/

syllogism

syllelogisme
Meaning
A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed premises.
Example
The philosopher explained the concept of syllogism using simple examples.
Le philosophe a expliqué le concept du syllogisme en utilisant des exemples simples.