pithy
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C1 adjective /ˈpɪθ.i/

pithy

concis et significatif
Meaning
concise and meaningful; full of substance
Example
She gave a pithy comment that summarized the issue perfectly.
Elle a fait un commentaire concis qui résumait parfaitement la question.
C1 adjective /ˈfɒnɪk/

phonic

phonétique
Meaning
relating to speech sounds or their production; connected to phonics
Example
Children learn phonic rules to read new words accurately.
Les enfants apprennent les règles phonétiques pour lire de nouveaux mots avec précision.
C1 adjective /prɪˈtɛnʃəs/

pretentious

prétentieux
Meaning
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
Example
The restaurant was stylish but far too pretentious for my taste.
Le restaurant était élégant mais bien trop prétentieux pour mon goût.
C1 noun /ˈpɛsəl/

pestle

pilon
Meaning
A heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing or grinding substances in a mortar.
Example
She used a pestle to grind the spices.
Elle a utilisé un pilon pour moudre les épices.
C1 noun ˌprəʊ.baɪˈɒt.ɪk

probiotic

bactéries bénéfiques
Meaning
Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
Example
Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics that aid digestion.
Le yaourt est une source naturelle de probiotiques qui aide à la digestion.
C1 adjective prəˈtræk.tɪd

protracted

prolongé, long, étendu
Meaning
Lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.
Example
The negotiations were protracted over months.
Les négociations ont duré des mois.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊlstər/

pollster

sondeur
Meaning
a person or organization that conducts surveys to gauge public opinion
Example
The pollster predicted a close election outcome.
Le sondeur a prédit un résultat électoral serré.
C1 adjective /ˈpen.ɪ.ləs/

Penniless

sans argent; extrêmement pauvre; complètement sans fonds
Meaning
having no money; extremely poor; completely without funds
Example
After losing his job, he became penniless.
Après avoir perdu son emploi, il est devenu sans argent.
C1 noun proʊˈæktɪv ˈseɪvɪŋ

proactive saving

épargne proactive
Meaning
Actively planning and setting aside money in advance to prepare for future financial needs
Example
Proactive saving ensures financial stability in old age.
L'épargne proactive garantit la stabilité financière à un âge avancé.
C1 noun /ˈpæŋkriəs/

pancreas

pancréas
Meaning
A gland in the abdomen that produces insulin and digestive enzymes.
Example
The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Le pancréas joue un rôle vital dans la digestion et la régulation du sucre sanguin.
C1 noun /ˌprɒpəˈɡeɪʃən/

propagation

propagation, diffusion
Meaning
The action of spreading and promoting an idea, theory, etc.
Example
The propagation of ideas through social media is rapid.
La propagation des idées à travers les réseaux sociaux est rapide.
C1 noun ˈprɒdʒ.ə.ni

progeny

descendance, progéniture, héritiers
Meaning
A descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring.
Example
The philosopher's teachings have influenced many generations of progeny.
Les enseignements du philosophe ont influencé de nombreuses générations de progéniture.
C1 verb /ˈpruːfˌriːd/

proofread

corriger
Meaning
to read written material and mark any errors
Example
She proofread the report before submission.
Elle a corrigé le rapport avant la soumission.
C1 verb /pəˈruːz/

peruse

bonheur
Meaning
to read something carefully and thoroughly; sometimes used to mean to browse casually
Example
She sat down to peruse the contract before signing it.
Elle ne pouvait pas cacher son bonheur lorsqu'elle a reçu le prix.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk/

pathogenic

pathogène
Meaning
Capable of causing disease.
Example
Some bacteria are harmless, while others are highly pathogenic.
Certaines bactéries sont inoffensives, tandis que d'autres sont très pathogènes.
C1 noun /pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

parenthesis

parenthèse
Meaning
A pair of curved marks ( ) used to enclose words or numbers; also an interruption or digression in speech or writing.
Example
The explanation was given in a parenthesis within the text.
L'explication a été donnée dans une parenthèse dans le texte.
C1 adjective ˈpɪv.ə.təl

pivotal

crucial
Meaning
Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example
Renewable energy plays a pivotal role in sustainability.
L'énergie renouvelable joue un rôle crucial dans la durabilité.
C1 noun /pɒˈstɛrɪti/

posterity

postérité
Meaning
All future generations of people.
Example
The monument was built for the benefit of posterity.
Le monument a été construit pour le bénéfice de la postérité.
C1 adjective /pərˈveɪsɪv/

pervasive

pervasif
Meaning
Existing in or spreading through every part of something
Example
Pervasive technology has become a fundamental part of daily life.
La technologie pervasif est devenue une partie fondamentale de la vie quotidienne.
C1 verb /ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer

voler
Meaning
to steal things of small value or in small quantities
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.
L'employé a été pris en train de voler des fournitures de bureau.
C1 adjective /prəˈfjuːs/

profuse

profus
Meaning
existing or given in large amounts; abundant
Example
He offered profuse thanks for their timely help.
Il a offert de profonds remerciements pour leur aide opportune.
C1 adjective /prəˈvɒkətɪv/

provocative

provocant
Meaning
Intended to make people angry, excited, or interested.
Example
She wore a provocative dress to the party.
Elle portait une robe provocante à la fête.
C1 noun /ˈprɒfəsi/

prophecy

prophétie
Meaning
a prediction or message about the future, often believed to be divinely inspired
Example
The prophecy foretold the rise of a great leader.
La prophétie annonçait l'ascension d'un grand leader.
C1 adjective /pəˈrɛniəl/

perennial

pérenne
Meaning
lasting or existing for a long time, or recurring continually
Example
Climate change is a perennial concern for scientists.
Le changement climatique est une préoccupation pérenne pour les scientifiques.
C1 noun /ˈpræɡmətɪst/

pragmatist

pragmatique
Meaning
A person who deals with things in a practical and realistic way.
Example
He is a true pragmatist who values results over ideals.
Il est un véritable pragmatique qui valorise les résultats plus que les idéaux.
C1 verb /ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪt/

premeditate

préméditer
Meaning
to think about and plan something (especially a crime) beforehand
Example
The suspect was accused of premeditating the crime.
Le suspect a été accusé d'avoir prémédité le crime.
C1 noun /ˈfiː.nɪks/

phoenix

oiseau phénix
Meaning
a mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes; symbol of immortality or renewal
Example
The legend says the phoenix rises from its ashes every 500 years.
La légende dit que le phénix renaît de ses cendres tous les 500 ans.
C1 noun /ˈsuːdənɪm/

pseudonym

pseudonyme
Meaning
a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens.
Mark Twain était le pseudonyme de Samuel Clemens.
C1 noun prəˈfaʊnd ɪˈnɪʃətɪv

profound initiative

initiative profonde
Meaning
A deep, meaningful, and significant action or program designed to create change.
Example
A profound initiative can create sustainable changes.
Une initiative profonde peut créer des changements durables.
C1 noun /pɔl/

Pall

tissu placé sur un cercueil; un couvre-chef sombre qui crée une atmosphère lugubre
Meaning
a cloth spread over a coffin; a dark covering that creates a gloomy atmosphere
Example
A pall of smoke hung over the burning building.
Un voile de fumée flottait au-dessus du bâtiment en feu.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌpəʊstˈmɔːtəm/

postmortem

autopsie
Meaning
An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.
Example
The doctor carried out a postmortem on the body.
Le médecin a pratiqué une autopsie sur le corps.
C1 noun /pəˈtɜːrnəti/

paternity

paternité
Meaning
The state of being someone's father.
Example
He demanded a paternity test to confirm his relationship with the child.
Il a exigé un test de paternité pour confirmer sa relation avec l'enfant.
C1 noun /ˈpɪn.sərz/

Pincers

pince
Meaning
a tool made of two curved or hinged pieces of metal used for gripping and pulling things
Example
The chef used pincers to remove the hot pot from the stove.
Le chef a utilisé une pince pour retirer la casserole chaude du poêle.
C1 adjective /ˌsaɪkəˈpæθɪk/

psychopathic

psychopathe
Meaning
Relating to or affected by psychopathy; showing chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent behavior.
Example
The film portrayed a psychopathic killer with no sense of empathy.
Le film dépeignait un tueur psychopathe sans aucune empathie.
C1 adjective /ˈpɔːltri/

paltry

insignifiant, dérisoire
Meaning
small or meager; lacking in value or importance
Example
They offered him a paltry sum for his work.
Ils lui ont proposé une somme dérisoire pour son travail.
C1 adjective /ˈpoʊləraɪzd/

polarized

polarisé
Meaning
divided into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions
Example
The debate polarized the community on the issue of climate change.
Le débat a polarisé la communauté sur la question du changement climatique.
C1 adjective /ˈpjuːtrɪd/

putrid

pourri
Meaning
decayed and emitting a foul smell
Example
The garbage smelled putrid after days in the sun.
Les ordures sentaient pourries après plusieurs jours sous le soleil.
C1 noun, adjective /ˌproʊlɪˈtɛəriən/

proletarian

prolétaire
Meaning
Relating to the working class, especially those who do not own property.
Example
The movement was rooted in proletarian struggles.
Le mouvement était enraciné dans les luttes prolétaires.
C1 adjective pərˈnɪʃəs

pernicious

nocif, pernicieux
Meaning
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example
The pernicious effects of smoking are well-documented.
Les effets nuisibles du tabagisme sont bien documentés.
C1 noun /ˈplɛθərə/

plethora

une quantité excessive
Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
She has a plethora of books on her shelf.
Elle a une quantité excessive de livres sur son étagère.
C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

protégé
Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
Le jeune artiste était le protégé d'un peintre célèbre.
C1 verb /ˈprɪkəl/

prickle

picoter
Meaning
to cause a slight stinging or tingling sensation on the skin
Example
Her skin began to prickle in the cold wind.
Sa peau a commencé à picoter avec le vent froid.
C1 adjective /ˈpaɪ.əs/

Pious

pieux
Meaning
devoutly religious; showing reverence for God
Example
The pious monk spent hours in prayer every day.
Le moine pieux passait des heures en prière chaque jour.
C1 adjective /pɪˈkjuːniˌɛri/

pecuniary

pécuniaire
Meaning
relating to money or financial matters
Example
They faced pecuniary difficulties after the business failed.
Ils ont rencontré des difficultés pécuniaires après l'échec de l'entreprise.
C1 noun /fɪˈziːk/

physique

physique
Meaning
the form, size, and development of a person's body
Example
He has an athletic physique due to years of training.
Il a une silhouette athlétique grâce à des années d'entraînement.
C1 adjective /pləˈtɒnɪk/

platonic

platonique
Meaning
relating to a close relationship that is not romantic or sexual
Example
They have a platonic friendship that has lasted for years.
Ils ont une amitié platonique qui dure depuis des années.
C1 noun /ˈpær.ət biːk/

Parrot Beak

bec de perroquet
Meaning
a climbing plant with curved red and orange flowers resembling a parrot's beak
Example
The parrot beak flower's unique curved shape makes it a fascinating addition to any garden.
La fleur de bec de perroquet a une forme courbée unique qui en fait un ajout fascinant à tout jardin.
C1 adjective /pɒˈstɪəriər/

posterior

postérieur
Meaning
Situated at or toward the back; later in time.
Example
The posterior part of the brain controls vision.
La partie postérieure du cerveau contrôle la vision.
C1 adjective prɪˈkeə.ri.əs

precarious

précaire
Meaning
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Example
His financial situation is precarious.
Sa situation financière est précaire.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrpɪtreɪtər/

perpetrator

délinquant
Meaning
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
Example
The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime.
La police a arrêté le délinquant du crime.
C1 noun ˈprɛvələns

prevalence

prévalence
Meaning
The fact or condition of being widespread; the extent to which something exists or occurs
Example
The prevalence of aging issues requires immediate attention.
La prévalence des problèmes liés au vieillissement nécessite une attention immédiate.
C1 adjective /pərˈsweɪdəbl̩/

persuadable

facilement influençable
Meaning
capable of being convinced or influenced to do something
Example
She was easily persuadable when it came to trying new foods.
Elle était facilement influençable quand il s'agissait d'essayer de nouveaux aliments.
C1 adjective /ˈpʌlməˌneri/

pulmonary

pulmonaire
Meaning
relating to the lungs
Example
The patient suffered from a serious pulmonary infection.
The patient suffered from a serious pulmonary infection.
C1 adjective /ˈpɔːrəs/

porous

poreux
Meaning
Having tiny holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.
Example
The soil is very porous and drains quickly.
Le sol est très poreux et draine rapidement.
C1 noun /ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

purgatory

un lieu ou un état de souffrance habité par les âmes des pécheurs expiant leurs péchés avant d'aller au paradis
Meaning
A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven; a temporary condition of torment or suffering.
Example
After the accident, the long recovery felt like a kind of purgatory.
Après l'accident, la longue récupération ressemblait à une sorte de purgatoire.
C1 noun prəˈkjʊrmənt

procurement

acquisition
Meaning
The action of obtaining or procuring something, especially for official purposes.
Example
The procurement of modern equipment has improved research accuracy.
L'acquisition d'équipement moderne a amélioré la précision des recherches.
C1 adjective /pɑːrtʃt/

parched

extrêmement assoiffé
Meaning
extremely dry, especially because of heat or thirst
Example
After walking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
Après avoir marché dans le désert, il était extrêmement assoiffé.
C1 adjective /ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

preferential

privilégié
Meaning
showing or giving advantage to one over others
Example
Members receive preferential treatment at the club.
Les membres bénéficient d'un traitement préférentiel au club.
C1 adjective /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/

prolific

prolifique
Meaning
Present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful; producing many works, results, or offspring.
Example
The author is prolific, having written over 30 books.
L'auteur est prolifique, ayant écrit plus de 30 livres.
C1 verb /paʊt/

pout

faire la moue
Meaning
to push one's lips forward as an expression of annoyance or sulkiness
Example
The child began to pout when he didn’t get the toy.
L'enfant a commencé à faire la moue lorsqu'il n'a pas eu le jouet.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlənt/

propellant

propulseur
Meaning
A substance that drives or pushes something forward, especially fuel in rockets or engines.
Example
The rocket uses a liquid propellant to launch into space.
La fusée utilise un propulseur liquide pour se lancer dans l'espace.
C1 noun /ˈpæstər/

pastor

pasteur
Meaning
a minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation
Example
The pastor delivered a heartfelt sermon on compassion.
Le pasteur a prononcé un sermon plein de compassion.
C1 verb /pɜːrdʒ/

purge

purger
Meaning
To remove unwanted feelings, people, or things; to cleanse or purify.
Example
The new leader promised to purge corruption from the government.
Le nouveau leader a promis de purger la corruption du gouvernement.
C1 noun ˈpɑː.sɪŋ

parsing

analyse de la structure de la phrase
Meaning
The process of analyzing sentence structure to understand grammatical relationships.
Example
The AI model performs parsing to understand syntax.
Le modèle IA effectue l'analyse syntaxique pour comprendre la structure des phrases.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊʃən/

potion

potion
Meaning
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
Example
The witch gave the hero a healing potion.
La sorcière a donné au héros une potion de guérison.
C1 adjective /ˈpæl.ɪd/

Pallid

pâle, surtout à cause d'une mauvaise santé; manquant de substance ou de vitalité
Meaning
pale, especially because of poor health; lacking substance or vitality
Example
His pallid complexion showed signs of illness.
Son teint pâle montrait des signes de maladie.
C1 adjective /priːˈɛmɪnənt/

preeminent

prééminent
Meaning
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
Example
She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics.
Elle est une scientifique prééminente dans le domaine de la génétique.
C1 noun /ˈpærəbl/

parable

parabole
Meaning
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
Example
Jesus often taught using a parable to convey deeper truths.
Jésus enseignait souvent en utilisant une parabole pour transmettre des vérités profondes.
C1 noun ˈpɛd.ə.ɡɒ.dʒi

pedagogy

pédagogie
Meaning
The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
Example
Modern pedagogy focuses on student-centered learning.
La pédagogie moderne se concentre sur l'apprentissage centré sur l'étudiant.
C1 noun /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bəl miːt/

Palatable meat

viande savoureuse
Meaning
Meat that is pleasant to taste; appetizing meat dish
Example
The chef prepared palatable meat dishes for the dinner party.
Le chef a préparé des plats de viande savoureux pour la fête du dîner.
C1 noun /pərˈkʌʃən/

percussion

percussion
Meaning
Musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping, such as drums or cymbals.
Example
The percussion section added rhythm and energy to the orchestra.
La section de percussion a ajouté du rythme et de l'énergie à l'orchestre.
C1 adjective /pərˈtɜːrbd/

perturbed

perturbé
Meaning
feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed
Example
He looked perturbed after hearing the bad news.
Il semblait perturbé après avoir entendu les mauvaises nouvelles.
C1 noun prɪˌsɪp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən

precipitation

précipitation
Meaning
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground.
Example
Annual precipitation levels are decreasing.
Les niveaux annuels de précipitations diminuent.
C1 adjective /ˌpæn.əˈræm.ɪk/

panoramic

vue panoramique
Meaning
Giving a wide view of an extensive area in all directions.
Example
The hotel offers panoramic views of the ocean.
L'hôtel offre des vues panoramiques de l'océan.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

pertinent

pertinent
Meaning
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Example
She asked a pertinent question during the meeting.
Elle a posé une question pertinente lors de la réunion.
C1 verb /ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/

petrify

pétrifier
Meaning
to make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think; to turn into stone
Example
The loud noise petrified the little child.
Le bruit fort pétrifia l'enfant.
C1 verb /ˈpɛdəl/

peddle

vendre
Meaning
To sell goods, often by going from place to place; sometimes used negatively to mean promoting an idea or product in a pushy way.
Example
Street vendors peddle handmade jewelry to tourists.
Les vendeurs de rue vendent des bijoux faits à la main aux touristes.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrsənəbl/

personable

charmant
Meaning
having a pleasant appearance and manner; attractive and friendly
Example
The new teacher is very personable and easy to talk to.
Le nouveau professeur est très charmant et facile à aborder.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːkənt/

piquant

piquant
Meaning
having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste; interestingly provocative
Example
The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish to enhance its flavor.
Le chef a ajouté une sauce piquante au plat pour rehausser sa saveur.
C1 noun /ˈproʊbeɪt/

probate

preuve testamentaire
Meaning
the official proving of a will in a court of law
Example
The family had to go through probate after his death.
La famille a dû passer par la procédure de preuve testamentaire après son décès.
C1 noun ˈfeɪz.aʊt

phase-out

suppression progressive
Meaning
A gradual reduction and eventual elimination of something.
Example
A phase-out of fossil fuels was agreed upon.
Il a été convenu de la suppression progressive des combustibles fossiles.
C1 noun /ˈpɪk.æks/

Pick-axe

pioche
Meaning
a tool with a heavy metal head and long handle used for breaking up hard ground or rock
Example
The miner used a pick-axe to break through the rocky surface.
Le mineur a utilisé une pioche pour briser la surface rocheuse.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːndərəs/

ponderous

lourd et lent
Meaning
slow and clumsy because of great weight; dull and labored
Example
The ponderous lecture made it hard for students to stay awake.
Le cours lourd et lent rendait difficile pour les étudiants de rester éveillés.
C1 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ən/

pantheon

tous les dieux, temple dédié à tous les dieux
Meaning
All the gods of a religion collectively; a building dedicated to all gods.
Example
The Roman Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
Le Panthéon romain est l'un des temples antiques les mieux conservés.
C1 noun/verb /ˈprɛdɪkət/ (noun), /ˈprɛdɪkeɪt/ (verb)

predicate

prédicat / fonder sur
Meaning
noun: the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject; verb: to base or establish something on a particular idea
Example
His theory is predicated on sound research.
Sa théorie est fondée sur des recherches solides.
C1 adjective /pərˈpetʃuəl/

perpetual

perpétuel
Meaning
never-ending or continuous
Example
She lived in perpetual fear of being discovered.
Elle vivait dans une peur perpétuelle d'être découverte.
C1 noun /ˈpriːˌkɜrsər/

precursor

précurseur
Meaning
Something or someone that comes before another and indicates the approach of something else.
Example
The steam engine was a precursor to modern trains.
La locomotive à vapeur était un précurseur des trains modernes.
C1 noun /ˈpɪl.fər.ɪdʒ/

Pilferage

vol mineur
Meaning
the theft of small amounts or items, especially from one's workplace
Example
The company installed cameras to prevent pilferage.
L'entreprise a installé des caméras pour prévenir le vol.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːpər/

pauper

mendiant
Meaning
A very poor person.
Example
The pauper begged for food on the street corner.
Le mendiant a demandé de la nourriture au coin de la rue.
C1 adjective /prɪˈzʌmp.tʃu.əs/

presumptuous

prétentieux
Meaning
Overconfident, rude, or taking liberties without permission.
Example
It was presumptuous of him to make that decision without consulting others.
Il a été présomptueux de sa part de prendre cette décision sans consulter les autres.
C1 verb /ˈpæri/

parry

parer une attaque
Meaning
to ward off or deflect an attack, especially in fencing or conversation
Example
He managed to parry the opponent’s sword with quick reflexes.
Il a réussi à parer l'épée de l'adversaire avec des réflexes rapides.
C1 verb /ˈprɒpəɡeɪt/

propagate

propager
Meaning
To spread or transmit an idea, belief, or information widely; also to reproduce in plants or animals.
Example
Scientists work to propagate the species in captivity.
Les scientifiques travaillent à propager les espèces en captivité.
C1 adjective /ˈpræk.tɪ.kə.bəl/

practicable

praticable
Meaning
able to be done or put into practice successfully
Example
The plan is not practicable without more resources.
Le plan n'est pas praticable sans plus de ressources.
C1 adjective /ˈperɪʃəbəl/

Perishable

périssable
Meaning
liable to decay quickly; short-lived
Example
Store perishable foods in the refrigerator.
Conservez les aliments périssables dans le réfrigérateur.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪt.i.ləs/

pitiless

impitoyable
Meaning
showing no pity or compassion; cruel
Example
The pitiless ruler ignored the suffering of his people.
Le souverain impitoyable a ignoré la souffrance de son peuple.
C1 noun /ˈpriː.tekst/

Pretext

prétexte
Meaning
a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason
Example
He used illness as a pretext to avoid the meeting.
Il a utilisé la maladie comme prétexte pour éviter la réunion.
C1 noun, verb /pliːt/

pleat

pli
Meaning
a fold in fabric made by doubling the material back upon itself
Example
She added a pleat to the skirt for extra volume.
Elle a ajouté un pli à la jupe pour plus de volume.
C1 noun /ˈper.ɪ.wɪŋ.kəl/

Periwinkle

pervenche
Meaning
a small trailing plant with violet-blue or white flowers
Example
Purple periwinkles covered the garden ground beautifully.
Les pervenches violettes couvraient magnifiquement le sol du jardin.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈpæstərəl/

pastoral

rural, lié aux bergers
Meaning
relating to the countryside, shepherds, or rural life; also relating to spiritual guidance by a pastor
Example
The painting had a calm pastoral scene with sheep grazing.
La peinture présentait une scène pastorale calme avec des moutons broutant.
C1 adjective /ˈpɑːm.pəs/

Pompous

pompeux; prétentieux; excessivement grandiose
Meaning
showing off; pretentious; overly grand
Example
His pompous attitude annoyed everyone at the meeting.
Son attitude pompeuse a agacé tout le monde à la réunion.
C1 noun /ˈpʌndɪt/

pundit

expert
Meaning
An expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give opinions to the public.
Example
Political pundits debated the election results on television.
Les experts politiques ont débattu des résultats des élections à la télévision.
C1 noun /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

proliferation

prolifération
Meaning
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something; rapid multiplication or growth.
Example
The proliferation of malware is a growing concern.
La prolifération des logiciels malveillants est une préoccupation croissante.
C1 noun /ˈpɪnəkəl/

pinnacle

sommet
Meaning
the highest point or peak of something, especially of success or achievement
Example
Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
Gagner le prix Nobel a été le pinacle de sa carrière.
C1 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/

polyglot

polyglotte
Meaning
a person who knows and can use several languages
Example
She is a polyglot, fluent in English, Spanish, and Bengali.
Elle est polyglotte, parlant couramment l'anglais, l'espagnol et le bengali.
C1 verb /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊz/

predispose

prédisposer
Meaning
To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or be affected by something.
Example
His genetics may predispose him to diabetes.
Ses gènes peuvent le rendre plus susceptible au diabète.
C1 noun /ˈprɒk.tər/

proctor

surveillant d'examen
Meaning
a person who supervises students during an examination
Example
The proctor reminded students to keep their phones switched off.
Le surveillant a rappelé aux étudiants d'éteindre leurs téléphones.
C1 noun /ˈpɑːrlər/

parlor

salon, boutique
Meaning
A sitting room in a private house, or a shop providing specified services.
Example
They welcomed the guests into the front parlor.
Ils ont accueilli les invités dans le salon.
C1 noun /plaɪt/

Plight

difficulté; situation désastreuse
Meaning
a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation
Example
The refugees were in a desperate plight.
Les réfugiés étaient dans une situation désastreuse.
C1 adjective /ˈpɪər.ləs/

Peerless

incomparable; sans égal; sans rival
Meaning
unequaled; having no match or equal; without rival
Example
Her peerless beauty captivated everyone.
Sa beauté incomparable a captivé tout le monde.
C1 noun /pləˈsiːboʊ/

placebo

placebo
Meaning
a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs
Example
The patient was given a placebo to compare the effect of the real drug.
Le patient a reçu un placebo pour comparer l'effet du médicament réel.
C1 noun /prəˈtruːʒən/

protrusion

saillie
Meaning
Something that sticks out or projects from a surface.
Example
The protrusion on the wall made it difficult to move the furniture.
La saillie sur le mur a rendu difficile de déplacer les meubles.
C1 noun /ˈpɒp.i siːdz/

Poppy Seeds

graines de pavot
Meaning
tiny round seeds from the poppy plant used as a spice or garnish in cooking
Example
Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of breads and used in Bengali curries.
Les graines de pavot sont saupoudrées sur les pains et utilisées dans les currys bengalis.
C1 verb /ˈpærəfreɪz/

paraphrase

bonheur
Meaning
To express the meaning of something using different words, often to make it clearer.
Example
The teacher asked the students to paraphrase the poem in their own words.
Elle n'a pas pu cacher son bonheur lorsqu'elle a reçu le prix.
C1 verb /ˈpeɪtrənaɪz/

patronize

traiter avec condescendance
Meaning
to treat someone in a condescending way; to be a regular customer of a business
Example
Don't patronize me with your fake sympathy.
Ne me traite pas avec ta fausse sympathie.
C1 adjective /ˈpiːvɪʃ/

peevish

irritable
Meaning
Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
Example
The child grew peevish when denied candy.
L'enfant est devenu irritable lorsqu'on lui a refusé des bonbons.
C1 noun ˌpraɪ.vɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

privatization

privatisation
Meaning
The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control.
Example
The privatization of state-owned companies increased efficiency.
La privatisation des entreprises publiques a augmenté l'efficacité.
C1 adjective /ˈplaɪənt/

pliant

souple, facilement influençable ou adaptable
Meaning
flexible; easily influenced or adaptable
Example
She has a pliant personality that adapts well to new situations.
Elle a une personnalité flexible qui s'adapte bien aux nouvelles situations.
C1 adjective /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

perfunctory

superficiel
Meaning
done without much effort, interest, or thought
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
Il a donné un signe de tête superficiel et est parti.
C1 adjective /ˈpɜːrmiəbl̩/

permeable

perméable
Meaning
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
Example
The soil in this area is very permeable to water.
Le sol dans cette région est très perméable à l'eau.
C1 noun /ˈpɛndjələm/

pendulum

pendule
Meaning
A weight suspended from a pivot so that it swings freely, often used to regulate clocks.
Example
The pendulum swung back and forth inside the clock.
Le pendule oscillait d'avant en arrière à l'intérieur de l'horloge.
C1 adjective /ˈpɛnɪtənt/

penitent

pénitent
Meaning
Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
She was penitent after shouting at her friend.
Elle était pénitente après avoir crié sur son amie.