penumbra
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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 /ˈoʊ.pən ˈhæn.dɪd/

Open-handed

généreux; libéral
Meaning
Generous; liberal; giving freely;
Example
He is very open-handed with his money and always helps those in need.
Il est très généreux avec son argent et aide toujours ceux qui en ont besoin.
C2 verb /ˈdʒɪb.ər/

gibber

parler de manière incompréhensible
Meaning
To speak rapidly and unintelligibly, typically through fear or shock.
Example
The frightened man began to gibber when he saw the ghost.
L'homme effrayé a commencé à parler de manière incompréhensible lorsqu'il a vu le fantôme.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊəl/

disavowal

désaveu
Meaning
the denial of any responsibility, connection, or support
Example
The politician issued a firm disavowal of the controversial remarks.
Le politicien a émis un ferme désaveu des remarques controversées.
C2 noun /daɪn/

dyne

unité de force (système 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.
Le physicien a mesuré la force en dynes.
C2 verb /ˈvɪʃieɪt/

vitiate

vicié
Meaning
to spoil, weaken, or make something less effective
Example
One careless remark can vitiate the entire argument.
Une remarque imprudente peut vicié tout l'argument.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnk.leɪv/

conclave

conclave secret
Meaning
a private meeting, especially a secret or important one
Example
The leaders met in a secret conclave to discuss the strategy.
Les dirigeants se sont réunis dans un conclave secret pour discuter de la stratégie.
C2 noun/verb /læˈsuː/

lasso

lasso
Meaning
a rope with a loop used to catch animals; to catch with such a rope
Example
The cowboy lassoed the horse quickly.
Le cowboy a lassoé le cheval rapidement.
C2 noun /θroʊz/

throes

agonie intense
Meaning
intense or violent pain and struggle, often at the beginning or end of something
Example
The country was in the throes of a political crisis.
Le pays était dans l'agonie intense d'une crise politique.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwiːz/

obsequies

rites funéraires
Meaning
Funeral rites or ceremonies.
Example
The obsequies for the late leader drew thousands of mourners.
Les rites funéraires du leader défunt ont attiré des milliers de personnes en deuil.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɜːrdən/

disburden

délester
Meaning
to relieve someone of a burden or load
Example
She disburdened herself of worries by sharing them with her friend.
Elle s'est libérée de ses soucis en les partageant avec son amie.
C2 noun /ˈoʊ.vər.let/

Overlet

surmatelas
Meaning
a thin mattress or pad placed over a bed for additional comfort
Example
The overlet makes the bed more comfortable to sleep on.
Le surmatelas rend le lit plus confortable pour dormir.
C2 verb /ˈɛdɪfaɪ/

edify

édifier
Meaning
To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.
Example
Good books can both entertain and edify the reader.
Les bons livres peuvent à la fois divertir et édifier le lecteur.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈkɒnsɪləbl/

irreconcilable

irréconciliable
Meaning
impossible to make compatible or bring into harmony; unable to resolve differences
Example
The couple separated due to irreconcilable differences.
Le couple s'est séparé en raison de différences irréconciliables.
C2 noun /beɪz/

baize

un type de tissu en laine épais
Meaning
A type of coarse woolen cloth, often green, used for covering tables such as billiard tables.
Example
The old card table was covered with worn baize.
La vieille table de cartes était recouverte de baize usé.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌpɒd/

decapod

décapode
Meaning
An arthropod with ten limbs, such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps.
Example
The lobster is a well-known decapod.
Le homard est un décapode bien connu.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɒdɪst/

immodest

prétentieux / indécent
Meaning
lacking humility or decency; excessively proud or improper
Example
His immodest remarks offended the audience.
Ses remarques prétentieuses ont offensé le public.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/ or /ˈrɛkəndaɪt/

recondite

peu connu ou difficile à comprendre
Meaning
Little known or difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of recondite theories.
La conférence du professeur était pleine de théories récondites.
C2 noun /lɪˈbrɛtoʊ/

libretto

livret d'opéra
Meaning
The text of an opera or other long vocal work.
Example
She studied the libretto before attending the opera performance.
Elle a étudié le livret avant d'assister à la performance de l'opéra.
C2 verb /pərˈlɔɪn/

purloin

voler
Meaning
to steal something, often in a sneaky or dishonest way
Example
He tried to purloin a book from the library without being noticed.
Il a essayé de voler un livre à la bibliothèque sans être remarqué.
C2 adjective /ˈsæpɪd/

sapid

savoureux
Meaning
Having a pleasant taste; flavorful.
Example
The chef prepared a sapid dish that delighted everyone at the table.
Le chef a préparé un plat savoureux qui a enchanté tout le monde à table.
C2 noun /ˈtɒnʃər/

tonsure

tonsure
Meaning
the practice of shaving or cutting the hair on the scalp, especially in a religious context
Example
The monk received his tonsure as part of his religious initiation.
Le moine a reçu sa tonsure dans le cadre de son initiation religieuse.
C2 noun /ˈsɛpəlkər/

sepulcher

tombeau
Meaning
A small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, in which a dead person is buried.
Example
The ancient king was laid to rest in a grand sepulcher.
Le roi ancien a été enterré dans un grand tombeau.
C2 noun /ˌlɪk.wəˈfeɪ.ʃənt/

liquefacient

liquéfiant
Meaning
a substance that causes something to become liquid
Example
The chemist explained how the liquefacient worked in the experiment.
Le chimiste a expliqué comment le liquide fonctionnait dans l'expérience.
C2 adjective /fjuːˈnɪəriəl/

funereal

funéraire
Meaning
having the mournful, somber character of a funeral
Example
The room was filled with a funereal silence after the announcement.
La pièce était remplie d'un silence funéraire après l'annonce.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdjuːsəbl̩/

reducible

réductible
Meaning
capable of being simplified, lessened, or made smaller
Example
The problem is complex but reducible to a few basic principles.
Le problème est complexe mais réductible à quelques principes de base.
C2 adjective /fɪˈdjuːʃəl/

fiducial

fiduciaire, de référence
Meaning
based on trust or confidence; serving as a standard of reference
Example
The fiducial point on the map ensures accurate measurements.
Le point fiduciaire sur la carte assure des mesures précises.
C2 verb /loʊp/

lope

courir ou se déplacer avec de grandes foulées
Meaning
to run or move with a long, bounding stride
Example
The horse loped gracefully across the field.
Le cheval se déplaçait élégamment à travers le champ.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːrs.liːt͡ʃ/

Horse-leach

sangsue de cheval
Meaning
a large species of leech that was traditionally used in veterinary medicine
Example
The veterinarian explained that horse-leach was once commonly used to treat horses.
Le vétérinaire a expliqué que la sangsue de cheval était couramment utilisée pour traiter les chevaux.
C2 adjective /ˈʃɪft.ləs/

shiftless

paresseux
Meaning
Lacking ambition or the ability to accomplish anything; lazy and unmotivated.
Example
He was seen as a shiftless young man with no goals.
Il a été vu comme un jeune homme paresseux sans objectifs.
C2 noun /dɪnt/

dint

effort, marque d'un coup
Meaning
an impression or hollow made by a blow; force or power
Example
By dint of hard work, he achieved success.
Par dint de travail acharné, il a atteint le succès.
C2 adjective /dɛˈspɒtɪk/

despotic

despote
Meaning
exercising power in a cruel, oppressive, or authoritarian way
Example
The king’s despotic rule left the people in misery.
Le règne despote du roi a laissé le peuple dans la misère.
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 adjective /pɔːrˈtɛntəs/

portentous

portentueux, grave
Meaning
Giving a sign or warning that something, often bad or serious, is going to happen; or overly solemn and pompous.
Example
His portentous tone made everyone nervous about the news.
Son ton porteur de présages a rendu tout le monde nerveux à propos des nouvelles.
C2 adjective /ˈkwɛrʊləs/

querulous

plaignant
Meaning
Complaining in a whining or irritable manner.
Example
The querulous customer kept finding fault with every detail.
Le client plaintif continuait à trouver des défauts dans chaque détail.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrɡər/

burgher

bourgeois
Meaning
A citizen of a town, typically a member of the wealthy middle class.
Example
The burgher was respected as a prosperous merchant in the city.
Le bourgeois était respecté comme un marchand prospère dans la ville.
C2 noun /məˈdɒn.ə/

madonna

madonna (Vierge Marie)
Meaning
An artistic representation of the Virgin Mary; also used as a respectful form of address for a woman in Italian culture.
Example
The Renaissance painting depicts a Madonna holding child Jesus.
La peinture de la Renaissance dépeint une Madonna tenant l'enfant Jésus.
C2 noun /ˈtjuːtərʃɪp/

tutorship

tutorat
Meaning
The office or position of a tutor; guidance or instruction given by a tutor.
Example
He thrived under the tutorship of his mentor.
Il a prospéré sous le tutorat de son mentor.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɔːrtʃənət/

importunate

importun
Meaning
Persistent to the point of annoyance or intrusion
Example
The importunate salesman kept calling despite repeated refusals.
Le vendeur importun a continué à appeler malgré les refus répétés.
C2 noun /ˌmæləˈdɪkʃən/

Malediction

malédiction
Meaning
A magical word used to invoke a curse; an evil spell
Example
The witch uttered a terrible malediction upon her enemies.
La sorcière a prononcé une terrible malédiction sur ses ennemis.
C2 noun /ɪˈlɪksər/

elixir

élixir
Meaning
A magical or medicinal potion believed to cure illnesses or grant immortality.
Example
The old legend spoke of an elixir that could grant eternal youth.
La vieille légende parlait d'un élixir qui pourrait accorder la jeunesse éternelle.
C2 noun /ɪˌpɪstəˈmɒlədʒi/

epistemology

épistémologie
Meaning
The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, and scope of knowledge.
Example
Epistemology explores the difference between justified belief and opinion.
L'épistémologie explore la différence entre la croyance justifiée et l'opinion.
C2 noun /ˈdɒɡ roʊz/

Dog-rose

églantier
Meaning
A wild rose species with pink or white flowers and thorny stems, common in hedgerows
Example
The dog-rose bush grew wild along the countryside path.
Le buisson d'églantier a poussé sauvagement le long du chemin de campagne.
C2 verb /kwɒf/

quaff

boire d'un coup
Meaning
to drink something heartily or in large gulps, especially an alcoholic drink
Example
He quaffed a mug of ale after the long day.
Il a bu d'un coup une chope de bière après une longue journée.
C2 noun /ˈpælɪmpsɛst/

palimpsest

palimpseste
Meaning
a manuscript or document that has been written over but still bears traces of earlier writing; something reused or altered but still retaining traces of its earlier form
Example
The ancient manuscript was a palimpsest, showing faint traces of previous texts beneath the new writing.
Le manuscrit ancien était un palimpseste, montrant des traces subtiles de textes précédents sous la nouvelle écriture.
C2 noun /kənˈkɔːrdəns/

concordance

concordance
Meaning
Agreement; also an alphabetical index of the principal words in a book.
Example
There is a strong concordance between the two reports.
Il y a une forte concordance entre les deux rapports.
C2 noun /ˈswɑːvɪti/

suavity

douceur et charme
Meaning
smoothness and charm in manner
Example
His suavity made him popular in social gatherings.
Sa douceur et son charme le rendaient populaire dans les rassemblements sociaux.
C2 adjective /ˈtjuːmɪd/

tumid

gonflé, enflé, ou pompeux dans le style
Meaning
Swollen, enlarged, or pompous in style.
Example
His tumid prose was difficult to read.
Sa prose gonflée était difficile à lire.
C2 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ə.mɪst/

bigamist

bigame
Meaning
A person who commits the crime of marrying someone while already married to another.
Example
The man was arrested for being a bigamist.
L'homme a été arrêté pour être un bigame.
C2 adjective /kəˈmoʊdiəs/

commodious

spacieux
Meaning
spacious and comfortable; having plenty of room
Example
They rented a commodious apartment in the city.
Ils ont loué un appartement spacieux en ville.
C2 noun /ˈrɛkluːsəri/

reclusory

lieu de retraite
Meaning
A place for seclusion or retreat, especially for a recluse or hermit.
Example
The monk spent years in the reclusory away from society.
Le moine a passé des années dans le lieu de retraite loin de la société.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈsʌlid/

unsullied

immaculé
Meaning
not spoiled or made impure; perfectly clean or pure
Example
His reputation remained unsullied despite the accusations.
Sa réputation est restée immaculée malgré les accusations.
C2 noun ˈsaɪəns ˈdezət

science-desert

désert scientifique
Meaning
A region or area lacking in scientific development, research facilities, or educational institutions.
Example
J.C. Bose thrived in a science-desert.
J.C. Bose a prospéré dans un désert scientifique.
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 adjective /ˈɪmənənt/

immanent

immanent
Meaning
existing or operating within; inherent
Example
He believed that moral values are immanent in human nature.
Il croyait que les valeurs morales sont immanentes dans la nature humaine.
C2 noun ˈhɑːrbərɪdʒ

harborage

refuge
Meaning
A place of shelter or refuge for pests or animals.
Example
Pests need a harborage site to survive and breed.
Les nuisibles ont besoin d'un refuge pour survivre et se reproduire.
C2 adjective /spraɪ/

spry

dynamique
Meaning
active and lively, especially in old age
Example
The spry grandmother surprised everyone with her quick dance steps.
La grand-mère dynamique a surpris tout le monde avec ses pas de danse rapides.
C2 verb /ˈkɔː.tə.raɪz/

cauterize

cautériser
Meaning
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
Example
The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.
Le médecin a cautérisé la blessure pour arrêter le saignement.
C2 adjective /suːˈpɜːrnəl/

supernal

céleste
Meaning
Relating to the heavens; celestial or divine.
Example
The painting captured a supernal beauty that felt otherworldly.
La peinture a capturé une beauté céleste qui semblait d'un autre monde.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.ɪˈbraɪ.ə.ti/

inebriety

ivresse
Meaning
the state of being drunk or intoxicated
Example
His frequent inebriety led to the loss of his job.
Son inconstance dans l'ivresse l'a conduit à perdre son travail.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.strəˈmɛn.təl.ɪst/

instrumentalist

instrumentiste
Meaning
A person who plays a musical instrument.
Example
The instrumentalist played a beautiful solo on the violin.
L'instrumentiste a joué un beau solo au violon.
C2 noun əˌten.juˈeɪ.ʃən

attenuation

atténuation, réduction, affaiblissement
Meaning
The reduction of the force, effect, or value of something.
Example
The attenuation of sound waves affects communication.
L'atténuation des ondes sonores affecte la communication.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɔɪz/

equipoise

équilibre
Meaning
A state of balance or equilibrium.
Example
Her calmness created an equipoise in the heated debate.
Sa calme a créé un équilibre dans le débat animé.
C2 adjective /ˌmɛrəˈtrɪʃəs/

meretricious

artificiel
Meaning
apparently attractive but having no real value or integrity.
Example
The design was flashy but meretricious.
Le design était flashy mais artificiel.
C2 noun /ˈkɑr.mɪn/

Carmine

carmine
Meaning
a vivid crimson color; a red pigment obtained from cochineal
Example
The artist mixed carmine with white to create a beautiful pink shade.
L'artiste a mélangé le carmine avec du blanc pour créer une belle teinte rose.
C2 noun /ˈsælvər/

salver

plateau en argent
Meaning
A tray, typically made of silver, used for serving food or drinks.
Example
The butler brought in the tea on a silver salver.
Le majordome a apporté le thé sur un plateau en argent.
C2 noun /ˈlændˌhoʊl.dər/

landholder

propriétaire foncier
Meaning
a person who owns land, especially in large amounts
Example
The landholder leased part of his property to local farmers.
Le propriétaire foncier a loué une partie de sa propriété à des agriculteurs locaux.
C2 verb /miːt/

mete

distribuer
Meaning
To dispense or allot justice, punishment, or harsh treatment.
Example
The judge will mete out punishment according to the crime.
Le juge distribuera la punition en fonction du crime.
C2 noun /ˈneɪˌseɪ.ɪŋ/

naysaying

expression négative
Meaning
The act of expressing negative or pessimistic views.
Example
His constant naysaying discouraged the team.
Ses continuelles expressions négatives ont découragé l'équipe.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌsti/

busty

à forte poitrine
Meaning
having a large or full bust; describing a woman with a prominent chest
Example
The actress was often described as busty in fashion magazines.
L’actrice était souvent décrite comme à forte poitrine dans les magazines de mode.
C2 noun /ˈkæl.əm.ni/

Calumny

calomnie
Meaning
the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation
Example
The politician sued the newspaper for spreading calumny about his personal life.
Le politicien a poursuivi le journal pour avoir propagé des calomnies sur sa vie personnelle.
C2 adjective /ˌluː.mɪˈnɛs.ənt/

luminescent

lumineux
Meaning
Emitting light without heat, glowing softly.
Example
The luminescent watch dial was visible in the dark.
Le cadran lumineux de la montre était visible dans l'obscurité.
C2 noun /bɪˈnɪɡnɪti/

Benignity

bonté; douceur; la qualité d'être bienveillant ou gracieux
Meaning
kindness; gentleness; the quality of being benign or gracious
Example
Her benignity towards all people made her beloved by everyone.
Sa bonté envers tous les gens l'a rendue aimée de tous.
C2 verb /ɡɜːrd/

gird

ceindre
Meaning
to encircle with a belt or band; to prepare for action
Example
The knight girded his sword before battle.
Le chevalier a ceinturé son épée avant la bataille.
C2 verb /dʒɪr/

jeer

se moquer
Meaning
to laugh at someone or something in a cruel or mocking way
Example
The crowd began to jeer at the opposing team.
La foule a commencé à se moquer de l'équipe adverse.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərpəˈzɪʃən/

interposition

intervention
Meaning
The act of intervening or coming between two things, often to influence or prevent an outcome.
Example
The manager’s interposition prevented a heated argument from escalating.
L'intervention du manager a empêché une dispute animée de s'intensifier.
C2 adjective /ˈwɪnsəm/

winsome

charmant
Meaning
pleasant and attractive in a fresh, innocent, or charming way
Example
Her winsome smile instantly put the nervous guests at ease.
Son sourire charmant a immédiatement mis les invités nerveux à l'aise.
C2 adjective ˌmɛɡəˈlɪθɪk

megalithic

mégalithique
Meaning
Relating to or denoting prehistoric monuments made of or containing large stones.
Example
The megalithic structures in ancient civilizations are fascinating.
Les structures mégalithiques dans les civilisations anciennes sont fascinantes.
C2 noun /bəˈkuːl/

Bakul

fleur bakul
Meaning
a fragrant white flower native to South Asia, scientifically known as Mimusops elengi
Example
The sweet fragrance of bakul flowers filled the evening air in the village.
La douce fragrance des fleurs bakul a rempli l'air du soir dans le village.
C2 verb /ɪˈmɛnd/

emend

corriger
Meaning
to correct or revise a text, especially for errors
Example
The editor emended the manuscript before publication.
L'éditeur a corrigé le manuscrit avant la publication.
C2 adjective /ˈæfərənt/

afferent

afférent
Meaning
carrying impulses toward a central organ or part, especially toward the brain or spinal cord
Example
Afferent nerves carry signals from the body to the brain.
Les nerfs afférents transportent des signaux du corps vers le cerveau.
C2 noun /ˈfrækɑː/

fracas

bagarre
Meaning
A noisy disturbance or quarrel.
Example
The fracas outside the bar drew the attention of the police.
La bagarre à l'extérieur du bar a attiré l'attention de la police.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːrtli/

portly

corpulent
Meaning
Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.
Example
The portly man entered the room with confidence.
L'homme corpulent est entré dans la pièce avec confiance.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈælɔɪd/

unalloyed

pur
Meaning
Pure, complete, and not mixed with anything else.
Example
She felt unalloyed joy at the news of her success.
Elle a ressenti une joie pure en entendant la nouvelle de son succès.
C2 noun /ˈlɪniəmənt/

lineament

caractéristique
Meaning
A distinctive feature or characteristic, especially of the face.
Example
Her delicate lineaments revealed her noble birth.
Ses délicates caractéristiques ont révélé sa noble naissance.
C2 verb /foʊˈmɛnt/

foment

fomenter
Meaning
To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).
Example
The rebel leader tried to foment unrest among the people.
Le leader rebelle a tenté de fomenter des troubles parmi les gens.
C2 verb /ˈkɒsɪt/

cosset

choyer
Meaning
to care for and protect in an overindulgent way
Example
The little girl was cosseted by her grandparents.
La petite fille était choyée par ses grands-parents.
C2 adjective /ˈklɛmənt/

clement

clément / doux
Meaning
mild or merciful; describing weather as mild and pleasant
Example
The prisoners hoped for a clement judge.
Les prisonniers espéraient un juge clément.
C2 noun /ˈbærəˌɡræf/

barograph

instrument qui enregistre les variations de pression atmosphérique
Meaning
an instrument that records changes in atmospheric pressure
Example
The scientist checked the barograph for pressure variations.
Le scientifique a vérifié le barographe pour les variations de pression.
C2 verb /ɛnˈfiːbəl/

enfeeble

affaiblir
Meaning
To make weak or feeble; to deprive of strength.
Example
The long illness enfeebled the old man.
La longue maladie a affaibli le vieil homme.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfʌldʒənt/

effulgent

éclatant
Meaning
Shining brilliantly; radiant.
Example
Her effulgent smile brightened everyone's mood.
Son sourire éclatant a illuminé l'humeur de tout le monde.
C2 adjective /ˈsuːpaɪn/

supine

couché sur le dos
Meaning
Lying on the back, face upward; failing to act due to laziness or weakness.
Example
He lay supine on the grass, staring at the stars.
Il était allongé sur l'herbe, regardant les étoiles.
C2 noun dɪsˈbɜːs.mənt

disbursement

décaissement
Meaning
The payment of money from a fund.
Example
The company's disbursement of salaries was delayed.
Le décaissement des salaires de l'entreprise a été retardé.
C2 noun /lɔːŋ ɡɔːrd/

Long gourd

courge longue
Meaning
an elongated green vegetable belonging to the cucumber family, used in cooking
Example
She sliced the long gourd thinly for the stir-fry dish.
Elle a coupé la courge longue en tranches fines pour le plat sauté.
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 /ˈfʊl.krəm/

fulcrum

point d'appui
Meaning
The point or support on which a lever pivots; a central or essential point of activity or support.
Example
The teacher became the fulcrum of change in the school.
Le professeur est devenu le fulcrum du changement à l'école.
C2 noun /ˈæf.ə.rɪ.zəm/

aphorism

aphorisme
Meaning
a short, witty saying that expresses a general truth or principle
Example
He began his speech with an aphorism about life and success.
Il a commencé son discours par un aphorisme sur la vie et le succès.
C2 adjective /ˈtɪd.li/

Tiddley

légèrement ivre; petit ou minuscule
Meaning
slightly drunk; small or tiny
Example
After a few drinks, he felt a bit tiddley.
Après quelques verres, il se sentit un peu tiddley.
C2 noun /ˈdæl.i.əns/

Dalliance

flirt; aventure; liaison éphémère
Meaning
a casual romantic or sexual relationship; a brief involvement or experiment
Example
His dalliance with photography lasted only a few months before he lost interest.
Son flirt avec la photographie n'a duré que quelques mois avant qu'il perde de l'intérêt.
C2 adjective /ˈbeɪnfəl/

baneful

nuisible
Meaning
Causing harm, ruin, or destruction; deadly or poisonous.
Example
His baneful influence ruined the community.
Son influence nuisible a ruiné la communauté.
C2 adjective /ˈɛrzæts/

ersatz

substitut
Meaning
made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one
Example
The cheap shoes were made of ersatz leather.
Les chaussures bon marché étaient en cuir artificiel.
C2 verb /ɪnˈhjuːm/

inhume

inhumer
Meaning
to bury a dead body in the ground
Example
They inhumed the warrior with full honors.
Ils ont inhumé le guerrier avec tous les honneurs.
C2 adjective /ˌɛlɪˈfæntaɪn/

elephantine

éléphantin
Meaning
Huge, clumsy, or resembling an elephant in size or movement.
Example
The man moved with an elephantine grace.
L'homme se déplaçait avec une grâce éléphantine.
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 /ˈsɪmpər/

simper

sourire de manière stupide ou affectée
Meaning
to smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affected way
Example
She simpered at his compliment, clearly embarrassed.
Elle souriait d'une manière stupide à son compliment, clairement embarrassée.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌmpʃəs/

bumptious

prétentieux
Meaning
Arrogantly self-assertive or conceited.
Example
The bumptious student interrupted the teacher several times.
L'étudiant prétentieux a interrompu le professeur plusieurs fois.
C2 noun /ɪnˈhɪərəns/

inherence

inhérence
Meaning
The state of being an essential or permanent part of something.
Example
The inherence of risk is part of every business venture.
L'inhérence du risque fait partie de chaque aventure d'entreprise.
C2 noun /əˈsper.ɪ.ti/

asperity

asperité
Meaning
Harshness of tone, manner, or surface.
Example
She spoke with asperity when she was interrupted.
Elle parla avec aspérité lorsqu'elle fut interrompue.
C2 noun /ˌsuːdəʊəˈpɒsəl/

pseudapostle

faux apôtre
Meaning
a false or pretended apostle
Example
The preacher was condemned as a pseudapostle.
Le prédicateur a été condamné en tant que faux apôtre.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfɛrəbəl/

referable

référable
Meaning
able to be related or directed to something
Example
The issue is referable to the new policy changes.
La question est référable aux nouveaux changements de politique.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrpəskəl/

corpuscle

petite particule ou cellule, en particulier cellule sanguine
Meaning
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
Example
Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body.
Les globules rouges transportent l'oxygène dans tout le corps.
C2 verb /əˈsɪdɪfaɪ/

acidify

acidifier
Meaning
to make something acidic or more acidic
Example
Farmers worry that pollution will acidify the soil.
Les agriculteurs craignent que la pollution acidifie le sol.
C2 adjective /prəˈtuːbərənt/

protuberant

proéminent
Meaning
Sticking out or bulging.
Example
His protuberant belly showed after the meal.
Son ventre proéminent est apparu après le repas.
C2 verb /ˈstɪp.əl/

stipple

couvrir de petits points
Meaning
to cover a surface with numerous small dots or specks, often in drawing or painting
Example
The artist stippled the canvas to create a textured effect.
L'artiste a couvert la toile de petits points pour créer un effet texturé.
C2 adjective /əˈθɜːrst/

athirst

asif, avideux
Meaning
Very eager or desirous for something.
Example
The explorer was athirst for adventure.
L'explorateur était asif d'aventure.
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 /ˈpɔl.zi/

Palsy

paralysie
Meaning
paralysis, especially that which is accompanied by involuntary tremors; loss of muscle control
Example
The elderly man suffered from palsy in his hands.
L'homme âgé souffrait de la paralysie dans ses mains.
C2 noun /ˈpɛrɪstaɪl/

peristyle

perronne entourée de colonnes
Meaning
A continuous porch formed by a row of columns surrounding the perimeter of a building or courtyard.
Example
The Roman villa featured a beautiful peristyle garden.
La villa romaine présentait un beau jardin péristyle.
C2 adjective /ˈfrɒlɪksəm/

Frolicsome

enjoué; joyeux; gai
Meaning
joyful; playful; merry; cheerful
Example
The frolicsome children laughed and played in the park.
Les enfants joyeux riaient et jouaient dans le parc.
C2 noun /ˌdiːlɛkˈteɪʃən/

delectation

plaisir
Meaning
great pleasure or delight
Example
She read the story aloud for the delectation of her friends.
Elle a lu l'histoire à voix haute pour le plaisir de ses amis.
C2 verb /ˈlɪk.wɪ.faɪ/

liquefy

liquéfier
Meaning
to make or become liquid
Example
The heat will liquefy the butter in a few minutes.
La chaleur liquéfiera le beurre en quelques minutes.