pharisee
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C2 noun /ˈfærɪsiː/

pharisee

personne hypocrite
Meaning
A member of an ancient Jewish sect; by extension, a self-righteous or hypocritical person.
Example
He acted like a pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults.
Il agissait comme un pharisien, jugeant les autres tout en ignorant ses propres défauts.
C2 noun /ˈmɪstəs/

Mengra / Mystus

silure bagride
Meaning
a genus of catfish found in Asia, commonly known as bagrid catfish
Example
The mystus fish is commonly found in rivers and streams of South Asia.
Le poisson Mystus se trouve couramment dans les rivières et les ruisseaux d'Asie du Sud.
C2 adjective /ˈtɛsəleɪtɪd/

tessellated

carrelé
Meaning
arranged in a pattern of repeated shapes fitting together without gaps
Example
The tessellated floor was made of colorful tiles arranged in perfect symmetry.
Le sol carrelé était composé de carreaux colorés disposés en parfaite symétrie.
C2 adjective /ˈæpəˌleɪt/

appellate

relatif aux appels
Meaning
relating to appeals in a court of law
Example
The case was taken to an appellate court.
L'affaire a été portée devant un tribunal d'appel.
C2 noun /frɒnd/

frond

feuille
Meaning
A large, divided leaf of a fern, palm, or similar plant.
Example
The fern's frond stretched gracefully over the garden path.
La feuille de fougère s'est étendue gracieusement sur le chemin du jardin.
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 noun /ˌpænəˈdʒɪrɪk/

panegyric

panégyrique, éloge
Meaning
a formal speech or piece of writing in praise of someone or something
Example
The author wrote a panegyric on the bravery of the soldiers.
L'auteur a écrit un panégyrique sur le courage des soldats.
C2 verb /oʊˈpaɪn/

opine

exprimer une opinion
Meaning
to express an opinion or belief
Example
The professor opined that the policy would fail.
Le professeur a exprimé que la politique échouerait.
C2 noun /ˈtɪŋktʃər/

tincture

une légère trace, un médicament fabriqué en dissolvant une drogue dans de l'alcool
Meaning
a slight trace of something; a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol
Example
There was a tincture of sadness in her smile.
Il y avait une légère trace de tristesse dans son sourire.
C2 adjective /əˈɡeɪp/ or /əˈɡɑːp/

agape

bouche bée
Meaning
With the mouth wide open in surprise or wonder.
Example
She stood agape at the breathtaking view.
Elle resta bouche bée devant la vue à couper le souffle.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːkwənt/

sequent

suivant
Meaning
Following in order or as a result.
Example
The sequent events changed the course of history.
Les événements suivants ont changé le cours de l'histoire.
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 adjective /ˈɒfɪʃ/

offish

distant
Meaning
Unfriendly, distant, or reserved in manner.
Example
He seemed offish at the party and avoided most conversations.
Il semblait distant à la fête et évitait la plupart des conversations.
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 noun /ˌjuːzɜːrˈpeɪʃən/

usurpation

usurpation
Meaning
The act of taking someone's power or property illegally or by force.
Example
The general's usurpation of the presidency led to political unrest.
L'usurpation de la présidence par le général a conduit à des troubles politiques.
C2 adjective /rɪˈtɪkjʊlət/

reticulate

réticulé
Meaning
Having a net-like pattern or structure.
Example
The leaf had a reticulate pattern of veins.
La feuille avait un motif réticulé de veines.
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 /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfi/

lexicography

lexicographie
Meaning
The art or practice of compiling dictionaries.
Example
Lexicography requires both linguistic and cultural knowledge.
La lexicographie nécessite à la fois des connaissances linguistiques et culturelles.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfrədʒɪst/

suffragist

suffragiste
Meaning
a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women
Example
The suffragists organized rallies to demand voting rights for women.
Les suffragistes ont organisé des rassemblements pour revendiquer le droit de vote pour les femmes.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɛntaɪl/

gentile

gentil
Meaning
A person who is not Jewish
Example
The synagogue welcomed both Jews and Gentiles.
La synagogue a accueilli à la fois les juifs et les gentils.
C2 noun /ˈdʒaɪrəˌskoʊp/

gyroscope

gyroscope
Meaning
A device consisting of a wheel or disk mounted so it can spin rapidly and maintain orientation, used for navigation and balance.
Example
The airplane's navigation system relies on a gyroscope for stability.
Le système de navigation de l'avion s'appuie sur un gyroscope pour la stabilité.
C2 verb /dɪˈræsɪˌneɪt/

deracinate

déraciner
Meaning
To uproot something completely; to displace people from their native environment or culture.
Example
The conflict deracinated many families from their homeland.
Le conflit a déraciné de nombreuses familles de leur terre natale.
C2 noun /dʒɔːnt/

jaunt

excursion courte
Meaning
A short journey or excursion, usually taken for pleasure.
Example
They went on a weekend jaunt to the countryside.
Ils sont partis en excursion courte à la campagne le week-end.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɔɪl/

despoil

piller
Meaning
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
Example
The invaders despoiled the village during the war.
Les envahisseurs ont pillé le village pendant la guerre.
C2 noun /ˈænʒənuː/

ingenue

jeune innocente
Meaning
an innocent, naïve young woman, especially as represented in literature or theater
Example
She played the role of the ingénue in the play with great charm.
Elle a joué le rôle de la jeune innocente dans la pièce avec beaucoup de charme.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪn.dʒəl/

Brinjal

aubergine
Meaning
a large purple vegetable that is white inside; also called eggplant
Example
My mother cooked brinjal curry for lunch.
Ma mère a cuisiné un curry d'aubergine pour le déjeuner.
C2 verb /ˈblʌstər/

bluster

vantes
Meaning
to speak loudly in an aggressive or threatening way, often without real power
Example
The manager blustered about firing people but did nothing.
Le manager a menacé de renvoyer des gens mais n'a rien fait.
C2 adjective /dɪˈlɛktəbl̩/

delectable

délicieux
Meaning
delicious or highly enjoyable
Example
The restaurant served a delectable meal.
Le restaurant a servi un repas délicieux.
C2 adjective /ˈspaɪnəs/

spinous

épineux
Meaning
Having spines or thorn-like projections
Example
The spinous cactus was difficult to handle without gloves.
Le cactus épineux était difficile à manipuler sans gants.
C2 noun /dɪˈkæmɪtər/

decameter

décamètre
Meaning
A metric unit of length equal to ten meters.
Example
The field was measured in decameters for accuracy.
Le terrain a été mesuré en décamètres pour plus de précision.
C2 verb /ˌnɒnˈplʌst/

nonplussed

déconcerté
Meaning
Past tense of nonplus; surprised and unsure how to react.
Example
He stood nonplussed at the strange remark.
Il est resté déconcerté par la remarque étrange.
C2 verb /səbˈsjuːm/

subsume

inclure
Meaning
To include or absorb something into a larger group or category.
Example
Minor details were subsumed under the main topic.
Les détails mineurs ont été subsumés sous le sujet principal.
C2 noun /ˈɛpɪtɑːf/

epitaph

épitaphe
Meaning
A short text written on a tombstone in memory of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone bore an epitaph honoring the soldier’s bravery.
La pierre tombale portait une épitaphe honorant le courage du soldat.
C2 verb /bɪˈdræɡəl/

bedraggle

rendre quelque chose mouillé, sale et en désordre en le traînant dans la boue ou l'eau
Meaning
to make something wet, dirty, and untidy by dragging it through mud or water
Example
The children came home bedraggled after playing in the rain.
Les enfants sont rentrés à la maison trempés et sales après avoir joué sous la pluie.
C2 adjective /ˈtrʌk.jʊ.lənt/

truculent

agressif
Meaning
Eager or quick to argue, fight, or show aggression.
Example
She became truculent when her ideas were challenged.
Elle est devenue agressive lorsque ses idées ont été contestées.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːfər/

coffer

coffre
Meaning
A strongbox or small chest for holding valuables, often used metaphorically for funds or financial reserves.
Example
The city's coffers were drained after the costly project.
Les coffres de la ville ont été vidés après le projet coûteux.
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 /ˌpɛkəˈdɪloʊ/

peccadillo

petite erreur
Meaning
a small or minor fault or sin
Example
Forgetting to call was just a small peccadillo, not a serious mistake.
Oublier de téléphoner était juste une petite erreur, pas une grosse faute.
C2 verb /ɪnˈskɒns/

ensconce

s'installer confortablement, cacher
Meaning
to settle comfortably or securely in a place; to hide or shelter firmly
Example
She ensconced herself in a cozy armchair by the fireplace.
Elle s'est installée confortablement dans un fauteuil près de la cheminée.
C2 adjective /həˈmɑː.lə.ɡəs/

homologous

homologue (structure)
Meaning
Having the same relation, relative position, or structure, especially due to evolutionary origin.
Example
The wings of bats and the arms of humans are homologous structures.
Les ailes des chauves-souris et les bras des humains sont des structures homologues.
C2 adjective /prɪˈsɛnʃənt/

presentient

présentiment
Meaning
Having a feeling or sense of something about to happen; predictive.
Example
She was presentient of the coming disaster.
Elle avait un pressentiment du désastre à venir.
C2 noun /əˈɡrɒnəmɪst/

agronomist

agronome
Meaning
A scientist who studies soil management and crop production.
Example
The agronomist suggested new methods to improve rice yields.
L'agronome a suggéré de nouvelles méthodes pour améliorer les rendements du riz.
C2 noun /ˈfɔːltˌfaɪndər/

faultfinder

chercheur de défauts
Meaning
a person who habitually finds fault with others
Example
He is such a faultfinder that nothing anyone does is ever good enough.
C'est un chercheur de défauts au point que rien de ce que fait quelqu'un n'est jamais assez bien.
C2 adjective /ˈnʌpʃəl/

nuptial

nuptial
Meaning
Relating to marriage or weddings.
Example
The couple prepared for their nuptial ceremony with great joy.
Le couple s'est préparé pour leur cérémonie nuptiale avec grande joie.
C2 noun /ˌaɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/

ideation

Le processus de création et de développement de nouvelles idées ou concepts par la pensée créative et le brainstorming.
Meaning
The process of forming and developing new ideas or concepts through creative thinking and brainstorming.
Example
The team engaged in ideation sessions to generate new product ideas.
L'équipe a participé à des sessions de génération d'idées pour créer de nouvelles idées de produits.
C2 noun /ˈɡʌp.i fɪʃ/

Guppy fish

poisson guppy
Meaning
a small colorful freshwater fish popular in aquariums, known for its vibrant colors and easy breeding
Example
The guppy fish is perfect for beginners who want to start an aquarium.
Le poisson guppy est parfait pour les débutants qui veulent commencer un aquarium.
C2 noun /ˌɛksɪˈkreɪʃən/

execration

malédiction
Meaning
An act of cursing or denouncing someone or something with hatred.
Example
The dictator’s name was spoken with execration after his fall.
Le nom du dictateur a été prononcé avec malédiction après sa chute.
C2 verb /fɔrˈswɛr/

forswear

renoncer
Meaning
to renounce or reject; to give up completely
Example
He forswore his old habits and started a new life.
Il a renoncé à ses anciennes habitudes et a commencé une nouvelle vie.
C2 verb /ɪˈreɪdieɪt/

irradiate

irradier
Meaning
to shine light on something; to expose to radiation; to illuminate or brighten
Example
The scientist used a lamp to irradiate the sample.
Le scientifique a utilisé une lampe pour irradier l'échantillon.
C2 adjective /rɪˈprɛsəbl̩/

repressible

réprimable
Meaning
Capable of being restrained or suppressed.
Example
The movement proved to be hardly repressible.
Le mouvement s'est avéré être presque réprimable.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛɡnənt/

regnant

régnant
Meaning
Reigning; currently holding power, authority, or dominance.
Example
The regnant queen introduced several reforms during her reign.
La reine régnante a introduit plusieurs réformes durant son règne.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.li.əns/

salience

saillance
Meaning
The quality of being particularly noticeable or important; prominence.
Example
The salience of the issue was highlighted in the debate.
La saillance de la question a été mise en évidence lors du débat.
C2 noun /ˈpɜr.fɪ.di/

Perfidy

perfide
Meaning
deliberate breach of faith or trust; treachery; betrayal of trust
Example
His perfidy shocked all who had trusted him.
Sa perfidie choqua tous ceux qui lui avaient fait confiance.
C2 noun /bəˈnæləti/

banality

banalité
Meaning
The condition of being unoriginal, boring, or obvious; trite remark or quality.
Example
The speech was criticized for its banality and lack of originality.
Le discours a été critiqué pour sa banalité et son manque d'originalité.
C2 adjective /pruːˈdɛnʃəl/

prudential

prudentiel
Meaning
involving or showing prudence, especially in financial or business matters
Example
The bank has set prudential rules to protect depositors.
La banque a mis en place des règles prudentielles pour protéger les déposants.
C2 verb /ˌmɪskənˈstruː/

misconstrue

mal interpréter
Meaning
To interpret something wrongly or misunderstand the meaning.
Example
She misconstrued his silence as anger.
Elle a mal interprété son silence comme de la colère.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪɪˌlɪzəm/

nihilism

nihilisme
Meaning
The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
Example
The philosopher was criticized for promoting nihilism.
Le philosophe a été critiqué pour avoir promu le nihilisme.
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 adjective /ˌɪmpɪˈkjuːniəs/

impecunious

pauvre
Meaning
Having little or no money; poor.
Example
He grew up in an impecunious family.
Il a grandi dans une famille pauvre.
C2 noun /wɜːrl/

whorl

spirale
Meaning
A pattern of spirals or concentric circles, often found in fingerprints, shells, or flowers.
Example
The fingerprint displayed a clear whorl pattern.
L'empreinte digitale affichait un motif clair de spirale.
C2 adjective /vərˈmɪkjələr/

vermicular

comme un ver
Meaning
having a shape or appearance like a worm; worm-like
Example
The artist used a vermicular design to decorate the border of the manuscript.
L'artiste a utilisé un design vermiculaire pour décorer le bord du manuscrit.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪstri/

sophistry

sophistique
Meaning
the use of clever but false arguments, often to deceive
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophistry.
Le discours du politicien était plein de sophistique.
C2 verb /ˈkrɪŋ.kəl/

crinkle

froncer
Meaning
To form small creases or wrinkles.
Example
She crinkled her nose at the strange smell.
Elle a froncé son nez à l'odeur étrange.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkɜːrtsi/

curtsy

révérence
Meaning
a respectful bow made by women by bending the knees with one foot in front of the other
Example
She gave a quick curtsy before leaving the stage.
Elle fit une rapide révérence avant de quitter la scène.
C2 adjective /ˈtrʌŋkeɪtɪd/

truncated

raccourci
Meaning
shortened by cutting off a part; cut short
Example
The meeting was truncated due to time constraints.
La réunion a été raccourcie en raison des contraintes de temps.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

châtier
Meaning
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
Example
The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior.
Le professeur a châtié les étudiants pour leur mauvais comportement.
C2 verb /ˈwiːdəl/

wheedle

flatter pour convaincre
Meaning
to persuade or coax someone by using flattery or smooth talk
Example
She managed to wheedle extra pocket money from her father.
Elle a réussi à obtenir de l'argent de poche supplémentaire de son père.
C2 noun /ˌdeɪnuːˈmɒ̃/

denouement

dénouement
Meaning
The final resolution or conclusion of a story, drama, or complicated situation.
Example
The novel's denouement was both surprising and satisfying.
Le dénouement du roman était à la fois surprenant et satisfaisant.
C2 noun /kənˈtraɪ.vəns/

contrivance

appareil ou plan
Meaning
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
Example
The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.
L'horloge était un dispositif complexe de rouages et de ressorts.
C2 noun/verb /sluːs/

sluice

porte d'eau / rincer
Meaning
A sliding gate for controlling the flow of water; to wash or rinse with water in large quantities.
Example
The workers sluiced the mud off the street after the heavy rain.
Les travailleurs ont nettoyé la boue de la rue après la forte pluie.
C2 noun /rɪˌdʒuːvəˈnɛsəns/

rejuvenescence

rejuvenescence
Meaning
the action or process of becoming young or fresh again
Example
The forest showed signs of rejuvenescence after the rains.
La forêt a montré des signes de rajeunissement après la pluie.
C2 verb /kəˈnoʊt/

connote

connoter
Meaning
To suggest or imply an additional meaning beyond the literal one.
Example
The word 'youthful' connotes energy and vitality.
Le mot 'juvénile' connoté énergie et vitalité.
C2 adjective/adverb /ˌæ.prəˈpoʊ/

apropos

approprié
Meaning
Appropriate to the situation; relevant. As an adverb, it means 'with reference to' or 'regarding'.
Example
His comments were not apropos of the discussion.
Ses commentaires n'étaient pas appropriés à la discussion.
C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəs/

duteous

obéissant
Meaning
dutiful; obedient and respectful
Example
The duteous child always followed her parents’ instructions.
L'enfant obéissant suivait toujours les instructions de ses parents.
C2 noun /sɪlf/

sylph

sylphide
Meaning
A mythical spirit of the air; also refers to a slender, graceful woman.
Example
She moved across the stage like a sylph, light and graceful.
Elle se déplaçait sur la scène comme une sylphide, légère et gracieuse.
C2 adjective /lɪˈbɪdənəs/

libidinous

lubrique
Meaning
Showing excessive sexual drive; lustful.
Example
The play was criticized for its libidinous characters.
La pièce a été critiquée pour ses personnages lubriques.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈdɪstæf/

distaff

lié aux femmes, côté maternel
Meaning
Relating to women or the maternal side of a family; also a tool for spinning thread.
Example
She came from the distaff side of a noble family.
Elle venait du côté maternel d'une famille noble.
C2 verb /fɪˈlɒs.ə.faɪz/

philosophize

philosopher
Meaning
to think or talk about the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
Example
He likes to philosophize about life and its meaning.
Il aime philosopher sur la vie et son sens.
C2 noun /oʊˈtɜːr/

hauteur

hauteur
Meaning
disdainful pride; arrogance
Example
His hauteur made it difficult for others to approach him.
Sa hauteur rendait difficile pour les autres de l'approcher.
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 adjective /ʌpˈrɔːr.i.əs/

uproarious

extrêmement drôle
Meaning
Extremely funny or noisy; causing loud laughter or commotion.
Example
The comedian's jokes were absolutely uproarious.
Les blagues du comédien étaient absolument extrêmement drôles.
C2 adjective /loʊˈkweɪʃəs/

loquacious

loquace
Meaning
tending to talk a great deal; very talkative
Example
The loquacious child entertained everyone with endless stories.
L'enfant loquace a diverti tout le monde avec des histoires sans fin.
C2 noun /ɡruːəl/

Gruel

bouillie
Meaning
a thin liquid food of oatmeal or another meal boiled in milk or water
Example
The sick patient could only eat gruel.
Le patient malade n'a pu manger que de la bouillie.
C2 noun /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/

umbrage

mécontentement, offense
Meaning
A feeling of resentment or offense.
Example
She took umbrage at his rude remark.
Elle s'est vexée par sa remarque grossière.
C2 adjective /sɪˈbeɪʃəs/

sebaceous

relatif au sébum
Meaning
Relating to or secreting sebum, an oily substance from the skin.
Example
Acne is often caused by overactive sebaceous glands.
L'acné est souvent causée par des glandes sébacées hyperactives.
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 /ˈtrɛsəl/

trestle

étrier
Meaning
a frame or support consisting of a horizontal beam held up by two pairs of sloping legs, used especially for supporting a bridge or table
Example
The workers built a wooden trestle to support the temporary bridge.
Les travailleurs ont construit un tréteau en bois pour soutenir le pont temporaire.
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 adjective /ʌnˈstɪntɪŋ/

unstinting

généreux
Meaning
given generously without holding back
Example
She received unstinting support from her family.
Elle a reçu un soutien généreux de sa famille.
C2 adjective /ˌvɪtriˈɑːlɪk/

vitriolic

critiqué acerbe
Meaning
filled with bitter criticism or malice
Example
His vitriolic remarks hurt everyone in the room.
Ses remarques acerbes ont blessé tout le monde dans la salle.
C2 verb /pɔːrˈtɛnd/

portend

présager
Meaning
To be a sign or warning that something, especially something bad, is going to happen.
Example
Dark clouds portend a storm.
Les nuages sombres présagent une tempête.
C2 noun /ɪˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

enunciation

énonciation, prononciation claire
Meaning
The act of saying or pronouncing words clearly and distinctly.
Example
His enunciation was clear during the presentation.
Son énonciation était claire pendant la présentation.
C2 noun /ˌmɔːzəˈliːəm/

mausoleum

mausolée
Meaning
A large stately building that houses a tomb or several tombs.
Example
The king was buried in a grand mausoleum.
Le roi a été enterré dans un grand mausolée.
C2 adjective /dʒoʊˈkoʊs/

jocose

jocose
Meaning
playful or humorous in speech or behavior
Example
The professor’s jocose remarks kept the class entertained.
Les remarques jocasses du professeur ont gardé la classe divertie.
C2 noun /ˈkæbəˌlɪzəm/

cabalism

cabalisme
Meaning
The doctrines, practices, or secretive dealings of a cabal.
Example
The historian wrote extensively about cabalism in the royal court.
L'historien a écrit abondamment sur le cabalisme à la cour royale.
C2 noun /dɪˈkæmərən/

decameron

Décaméron (recueil de contes de Boccaccio)
Meaning
A collection of 100 tales written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century, told by a group of people over ten days.
Example
The Decameron is considered a masterpiece of classical Italian literature.
Le Décaméron est considéré comme un chef-d'œuvre de la littérature italienne classique.
C2 noun /ˈɔːrɪkl̩/

auricle

partie externe de l'oreille
Meaning
The external part of the ear; also an upper chamber of the heart in anatomy.
Example
The doctor examined the patient’s auricle for signs of infection.
Le médecin a examiné la partie externe de l'oreille du patient à la recherche de signes d'infection.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsəlˌtɔːri/

desultory

désordonné
Meaning
lacking a clear plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Example
His desultory conversation bored the audience.
Sa conversation désordonnée ennuyait le public.
C2 noun /ˈsɛkstənt/

sextant

sextant
Meaning
a navigational instrument with a graduated arc of 60°, used to measure the angle between a celestial object and the horizon
Example
Using a sextant, the navigator fixed the ship’s position at noon.
En utilisant un sextant, le navigateur a fixé la position du navire à midi.
C2 noun /ˈɑːm.lət/

Armlet

bracelet de bras
Meaning
a band worn around the upper arm as an ornament
Example
The traditional dancer wore golden armlets that gleamed in the spotlight.
La danseuse traditionnelle portait des bracelets dorés qui brillaient sous les projecteurs.
C2 noun /dɪˈdʒɛkʃən/

dejection

dépression
Meaning
a state of sadness, depression, or low spirits
Example
She sat in a state of dejection after hearing the bad news.
Elle était assise dans un état de dépression après avoir entendu les mauvaises nouvelles.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈlæpɪˌdɛri/

lapidary

lapidaire
Meaning
As noun: a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves precious stones; As adjective: relating to such work.
Example
The museum displayed lapidary tools used in ancient times.
Le musée a exposé des outils lapidaires utilisés dans les temps anciens.
C2 noun /kəˈnaɪ.vəns/

connivance

connivence
Meaning
the act of secretly allowing or being involved in wrongdoing
Example
The theft happened with the connivance of the security guard.
Le vol a eu lieu avec la connivence du gardien de sécurité.
C2 noun /ˈfræŋkɪnsɛns/

frankincense

encens
Meaning
An aromatic gum resin used in incense and perfumes, often in religious ceremonies.
Example
The temple was filled with the sweet smell of burning frankincense.
Le temple était rempli de l'odeur douce de l'encens brûlant.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvʌlnərəbl/

invulnerable

invulnérable
Meaning
Impossible to harm, damage, or defeat.
Example
The fortress was thought to be invulnerable to attack.
La forteresse était considérée comme invulnérable aux attaques.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

gerbe de blé
Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
Le fermier portait une gerbe de blé sur son épaule.
C2 noun /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

flatterie
Meaning
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
Example
Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.
Grâce à la flatterie, il convainquit son patron de lui accorder une augmentation.
C2 verb /ˈkɒd.l̩/

coddle

choyer de manière excessive
Meaning
to treat someone with excessive care or kindness, often in a way that is overprotective
Example
Parents should support their children without coddling them.
Les parents devraient soutenir leurs enfants sans les dorloter.
C2 adjective /ˌsʌb.əˈkwɒt.ɪk/

subaquatic

subaquatique
Meaning
Existing, living, or located under water.
Example
Divers explored the subaquatic cave system filled with rare fish.
Les plongeurs ont exploré le système de grottes subaquatiques remplies de poissons rares.
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 /ˈfɔɪbəl/

foible

petite faiblesse
Meaning
A minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character.
Example
She loved him despite his little foibles.
Elle l'aimait malgré ses petites faiblesses.
C2 verb /ˈtɪpəl/

tipple

boire
Meaning
to drink alcohol, especially regularly or in small amounts
Example
He likes to tipple at the local pub after work.
Il aime boire au pub local après le travail.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

sago
Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
Elle a préparé du pudding de sago pour le dessert.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdənt/

pedant

personne pédante
Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
Example
The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details.
Le professeur a été critiqué comme un pédant qui se concentrait trop sur des détails triviaux.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə roʊz/

China-rose

hibiscus
Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, showy flowers in various colors
Example
The bright red China-rose flowers decorated the entrance of the house.
Les fleurs rouges vives d'hibiscus décoraient l'entrée de la maison.
C2 noun /fluːk/

fluke

coup de chance
Meaning
A stroke of luck; an unexpected piece of good fortune.
Example
Winning the lottery was a complete fluke.
Gagner à la loterie était un véritable coup de chance.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪŋ/

discomfiting

gênant
Meaning
Causing unease, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
His discomfiting questions made everyone shift uncomfortably in their seats.
Ses questions gênantes ont fait en sorte que tout le monde se déplace mal à l'aise dans leurs sièges.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdɒktrɪˌneɪt/

indoctrinate

endoctriner
Meaning
To teach someone to fully accept a set of beliefs or ideas without question.
Example
The regime tried to indoctrinate the youth with propaganda.
Le régime a tenté d'endoctriner la jeunesse avec de la propagande.
C2 verb /məʊlt/

molt

muet
Meaning
To shed old feathers, skin, or hair to make way for new growth.
Example
Birds molt their feathers once a year.
Les oiseaux muent leurs plumes une fois par an.
C2 adverb /ˈvɛrɪli/

verily

véritablement
Meaning
truly; certainly; without a doubt
Example
Verily, I say unto you, this is the truth.
Véritablement, je vous le dis, c'est la vérité.
C2 noun /ˌæriˈviːst/

arriviste

nouveau riche
Meaning
A person who has recently gained wealth or status but is considered arrogant or socially unsophisticated.
Example
The business world is full of ambitious arrivistes.
Le monde des affaires est rempli d’arrivistes ambitieux.