screed
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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 noun /mɪˈsænθrəpi/

misanthropy

misanthropie
Meaning
a general dislike, distrust, or hatred of humankind
Example
His misanthropy was evident in the way he avoided people.
Sa misanthropie était évidente dans la façon dont il évitait les gens.
C2 noun /ˌtɜːdʒɪvərˈseɪʃən/

tergiversation

évasion, retournement
Meaning
Evasion of straightforward action or speech; changing sides or being inconsistent.
Example
The politician’s tergiversation frustrated his supporters.
La tergiversation du politicien a frustré ses partisans.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪdəˈluːviən/

antediluvian

désuet
Meaning
extremely old-fashioned; belonging to the time before the biblical flood
Example
His views on women are positively antediluvian.
Ses opinions sur les femmes sont positivement démodées.
C2 verb /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/

equivocate

parler de manière ambiguë
Meaning
To speak ambiguously or avoid giving a clear answer.
Example
The politician equivocated when asked about the scandal.
Le politicien a équivoqué lorsqu'on lui a posé des questions sur le scandale.
C2 noun /ˈdɪfɪdəns/

diffidence

manque de confiance en soi
Meaning
Lack of self-confidence; shyness or modesty.
Example
Her diffidence made it hard for her to speak in public.
Son manque de confiance en elle rendait difficile de parler en public.
C2 adjective /əˈbɪs.əl/

abyssal

relatif à l'océan profond
Meaning
Related to or characteristic of the deep ocean, especially the zone below 4000 meters.
Example
Abyssal creatures survive in extreme pressure conditions.
Les créatures abyssales survivent dans des conditions de pression extrême.
C2 noun /kəˈrɒn.də/

Karonda

karonda
Meaning
a small dark purple berry-like fruit that is sour and used in pickles
Example
Karonda is often used to make pickles and preserves.
Le karonda est souvent utilisé pour préparer des cornichons et des confitures.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnjʊərd/

inured

habitué
Meaning
Accustomed to something, especially something unpleasant.
Example
After years of hardship, she was inured to suffering.
Après des années de souffrance, elle était habituée à la douleur.
C2 verb /ˌmɪsˈleɪ/

mislay

égarer temporairement
Meaning
to lose something temporarily by putting it in the wrong place
Example
I must have mislaid my keys somewhere in the house.
Je dois avoir égaré mes clés quelque part dans la maison.
C2 noun /ˌɡæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

gasification

gazéification
Meaning
The process of converting solid or liquid fuel into gas.
Example
Gasification is widely used to produce fuel gas from coal.
La gazéification est largement utilisée pour produire du gaz combustible à partir du charbon.
C2 noun /ɡlʌt/

glut

excédent d'approvisionnement
Meaning
An excessive supply of something; more than is needed.
Example
There was a glut of cheap smartphones in the market.
Il y avait un excédent de smartphones bon marché sur le marché.
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 verb /ɛksˈhjuːm/

exhume

exhumer
Meaning
to dig out something buried, especially a body from the ground
Example
The archaeologists decided to exhume the ancient remains.
Les archéologues ont décidé d'exhumer les restes anciens.
C2 verb /ˈnɔːzieɪt/

nauseate

provoquer des nausées
Meaning
To make someone feel sick, with an inclination to vomit.
Example
The spoiled food nauseated him quickly.
La nourriture avariée l'a rendu nauséeux rapidement.
C2 noun /ˈhɪlək/

hillock

butte
Meaning
A small hill or mound.
Example
The children climbed up the grassy hillock to watch the sunset.
Les enfants ont grimpé sur la butte herbeuse pour regarder le coucher du soleil.
C2 noun /ˈveɪnɡlɔːri/

vainglory

vanité
Meaning
Excessive vanity or boastfulness about one's achievements.
Example
His speech was filled with vainglory and self-praise.
Son discours était rempli de vanité et d'autopromotion.
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/verb /ˈʌpˌkæst/

upcast

lancer vers le haut
Meaning
Verb: To cast or throw upward. Noun: Something thrown or directed upward.
Example
The fisherman upcast his net into the air.
Le pêcheur a lancé son filet dans les airs.
C2 noun /ˈfrɛs.koʊ/

fresco

fresque
Meaning
A painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster so that the colors penetrate the surface
Example
The church walls were decorated with beautiful frescoes.
Les murs de l'église étaient décorés de magnifiques fresques.
C2 verb /ˌfɔːrˈrʌn/

forerun

précéder
Meaning
To go before; to precede in time, place, or action.
Example
Dark clouds often forerun a storm.
Les nuages sombres annoncent souvent une tempête.
C2 adjective, adverb /əˈfʊt/

afoot

en cours
Meaning
In progress; happening or being prepared.
Example
There are several new projects afoot in the company.
Il y a plusieurs nouveaux projets en cours dans l'entreprise.
C2 verb /əˈbʌt/

abut

border
Meaning
to be next to or share a border with
Example
The park abuts the river on the north side.
Le parc borde la rivière du côté nord.
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 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 /lɒx/

loch

lac
Meaning
a lake or sea inlet, especially in Scotland
Example
Tourists visit Loch Ness to search for the legendary monster.
Les touristes visitent le Loch Ness pour chercher le monstre légendaire.
C2 noun /ˈeɪʒən siː bæs/

Asian sea bass

bar asiatique
Meaning
a large predatory fish found in coastal waters and estuaries of the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its white meat
Example
Asian sea bass is highly valued in aquaculture for its fast growth.
Le bar asiatique est très apprécié en aquaculture pour sa croissance rapide.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪkwɛri/

antiquary

antiquaire
Meaning
A person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or ancient objects.
Example
The antiquary spent years collecting rare manuscripts from the medieval period.
L'antiquaire a passé des années à collecter des manuscrits rares de la période médiévale.
C2 adjective /ˈflʌməksd/

flummoxed

déconcerté
Meaning
Completely confused or bewildered.
Example
He looked flummoxed after hearing the strange question.
Il avait l'air déconcerté après avoir entendu la question étrange.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

tissu au mètre
Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
Le tailleur a acheté des tissus au mètre au marché de gros pour fabriquer des robes sur mesure.
C2 noun /lʌɡˈʒʊəriəns/

luxuriance

luxuriance
Meaning
abundant growth, richness, or elegance
Example
The garden was filled with the luxuriance of tropical plants.
Le jardin était rempli de la luxuriance des plantes tropicales.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪdəˈlɑːtrɪəs/

idolatrious

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

arbiter

arbitre
Meaning
a person who has the authority to settle a dispute or decide an issue
Example
The principal acted as the arbiter in the conflict between the students.
Le principal a agi en tant qu'arbitre dans le conflit entre les élèves.
C2 verb /ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/

putrefy

putréfier
Meaning
to decay or rot, producing a foul smell
Example
The meat began to putrefy in the heat.
La viande a commencé à pourrir sous la chaleur.
C2 adjective /ˈflæb.i/

Flabby

mou et lâche; manque de fermeté ou de tonus musculaire; faible
Meaning
soft and loose; lacking firmness or muscle tone; weak
Example
His flabby arms showed he needed to exercise more.
Ses bras flasques montraient qu'il avait besoin de faire plus d'exercice.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.kən/

oaken

fait de chêne
Meaning
made of or resembling oak wood
Example
The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall.
Les villageois se sont rassemblés autour de la table en chêne dans la salle.
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 /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

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

potentate

potentat
Meaning
A monarch or ruler, especially one with absolute power.
Example
The ancient land was ruled by a powerful potentate.
L'ancienne terre était gouvernée par un puissant potentat.
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 adjective /æbˈstruːs/

abstruse

abstrus
Meaning
Difficult to understand; obscure.
Example
The abstruse nature of the philosophical debate left many confused.
La nature abstruse du débat philosophique a laissé beaucoup de gens confus.
C2 noun /strəˈmoʊ.ni.əm ˌflaʊ.ər/

Stramonium flower

fleur de stramoine
Meaning
A trumpet-shaped white or purple flower from the jimsonweed plant, known for its toxic properties
Example
The stramonium flower blooms at night with a sweet fragrance.
La fleur de stramoine fleurit la nuit avec un parfum doux.
C2 adjective /ˈbuːtləs/

bootless

inutile
Meaning
Useless or futile; of no benefit.
Example
His bootless attempt to fix the machine only wasted time.
Sa tentative inutile de réparer la machine n'a fait que perdre du temps.
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 noun /ˌɛksaɪˈteɪʃən/

excitation

excitation
Meaning
a state of great excitement or the process of stimulating activity
Example
The news created great excitation among the fans.
Les nouvelles ont créé une grande excitation parmi les fans.
C2 adjective /ˈlæm.ən.tə.bəl/

lamentable

lamentable
Meaning
deserving to be criticized or regretted; unfortunate
Example
The team’s lamentable performance disappointed their fans.
La performance lamentable de l'équipe a déçu ses fans.
C2 noun /ɒmˈnɪʃəns/

omniscience

omniscience
Meaning
the state of knowing everything
Example
The novel's narrator has an air of omniscience, revealing every character's thoughts.
Le narrateur du roman a un air d'omniscience, révélant les pensées de chaque personnage.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrstɪs/

interstice

interstice
Meaning
a small space that lies between things
Example
Light filtered through the narrow interstices of the wall.
La lumière s'est filtrée à travers les étroites interstices du mur.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈpoʊz/

interpose

interposer
Meaning
To place or insert between one thing and another; to intervene in a situation.
Example
He quickly interposed himself between the fighters to stop the quarrel.
Il s'est rapidement interposé entre les combattants pour arrêter la querelle.
C2 noun /ˈtæksɪˌdɜːrmi/

taxidermy

taxidermie
Meaning
The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals for display.
Example
The museum had a large collection of taxidermy animals.
Le musée avait une grande collection d'animaux empaillés.
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 /ˈaɪ.lət/

islet

îlot
Meaning
A very small island.
Example
The fishermen rested on a tiny islet before continuing their journey.
Les pêcheurs se sont reposés sur un petit îlot avant de continuer leur voyage.
C2 verb /ˌɛvəˈnɛs/

evanesce

s'évanouir
Meaning
To disappear gradually; to fade away.
Example
The mist began to evanesce as the sun rose higher.
La brume a commencé à s'évanouir à mesure que le soleil montait plus haut.
C2 adjective /ˈfrəʊərd/

froward

têtu
Meaning
Difficult to deal with; contrary and disobedient.
Example
The teacher found the froward child hard to manage.
L'enseignant a trouvé l'enfant têtu difficile à gérer.
C2 adjective /ˈneɪtl/

natal

relatif à la naissance
Meaning
Relating to birth or the place of birth.
Example
She returned to her natal village after many years.
Elle est retournée dans son village natal après de nombreuses années.
C2 noun /nɪt/

nit

œuf de pou
Meaning
The egg or young form of a louse or other parasitic insect.
Example
The teacher noticed nits in the child’s hair.
L'enseignant a remarqué des œufs de pou dans les cheveux de l'enfant.
C2 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.kwi/

colloquy

conversation formelle
Meaning
A formal conversation or dialogue, often on serious or academic topics.
Example
The professors engaged in a deep colloquy about the future of education.
Les professeurs ont engagé une conversation approfondie sur l'avenir de l'éducation.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌɡræf/

lithograph

lithographie (impression sur pierre)
Meaning
a print made by lithography, often artistic
Example
The museum displayed a rare lithograph from the 19th century.
Le musée a exposé une lithographie rare du 19e siècle.
C2 noun /ˈɑb.lə.kwi/

Obloquy

critique acerbe ou abus verbal; condamnation publique
Meaning
harsh criticism or verbal abuse; strong public condemnation
Example
The politician faced obloquy after the scandal.
Le politicien a fait face à l'obloquie après le scandale.
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 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 /fəˈlɪsɪtəs/

felicitous

approprié, adéquat ou agréable; marqué par la chance ou le bonheur
Meaning
well-chosen, appropriate, or pleasing; marked by good fortune or happiness
Example
She made a felicitous remark that lightened the mood.
Elle a fait une remarque appropriée qui a allégé l'atmosphère.
C2 noun /ˈɪmɪˌteɪtər/

imitator

imitateur
Meaning
a person who copies the behavior, style, or actions of others
Example
He became famous as an imitator of popular singers.
Il est devenu célèbre en tant qu'imitateur de chanteurs populaires.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.pɪˈtʃuː.ɪ.ti

perpetuity

perpétuité, éternité, continuité
Meaning
Permanence, eternity, continuity.
Example
The contract ensures payments in perpetuity.
Le contrat garantit des paiements en perpétuité.
C2 verb /voʊˈsɪfəˌreɪt/

vociferate

vociférer
Meaning
to shout, complain, or argue loudly or vehemently
Example
The protesters vociferated against the unfair law.
Les manifestants ont vociféré contre la loi injuste.
C2 adjective /ˈfʊl.dʒənt/

fulgent

éclatant
Meaning
Shining brightly; dazzling.
Example
The fulgent stars lit up the night sky.
Les étoiles éclatantes ont illuminé le ciel nocturne.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈdɛkərəs/

indecorous

indécent
Meaning
Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper.
Example
His indecorous behavior shocked the audience.
Son comportement indécent a choqué l'audience.
C2 verb /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/

circumscribe

circonscrire
Meaning
to limit or restrict something within boundaries
Example
The rules circumscribe the powers of the committee.
Les règles circonscrivent les pouvoirs du comité.
C2 adjective /ˈfiːkənd/

fecund

fertile, productif
Meaning
producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile
Example
The fecund soil produced a bountiful harvest this year.
Le sol fertile a produit une récolte abondante cette année.
C2 adjective /ˌhæɡ.i.əˈɡræf.ɪk/

hagiographic

excessivement élogieux
Meaning
Excessively flattering or idealized, often in a biography or portrayal of someone.
Example
The documentary was criticized for its hagiographic portrayal of the leader.
Le documentaire a été critiqué pour sa représentation excessivement élogieuse du leader.
C2 verb /ˈsʌli/

sully

salir
Meaning
to damage the purity, integrity, or reputation of something
Example
The scandal sullied the politician’s reputation.
Le scandale a sali la réputation du politicien.
C2 adjective /ˌmælˈoʊdərəs/

malodorous

malodorant
Meaning
Having a very unpleasant smell.
Example
The malodorous room made everyone leave quickly.
La pièce malodorante a fait partir tout le monde rapidement.
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 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 noun /ɪnˈsɪɡniə/

insignia

insigne
Meaning
A badge or symbol that shows rank, position, or membership.
Example
The soldier proudly wore the insignia of his regiment.
Le soldat portait fièrement l'insigne de son régiment.
C2 adjective /səˈdʒɛstəbəl/

suggestible

suggérable
Meaning
easily influenced by the suggestions of others
Example
Children are highly suggestible and may believe what they are told.
Les enfants sont très suggestibles et peuvent croire ce qu'on leur dit.
C2 adjective /ˈdʌlsɪt/

dulcet

doux
Meaning
sweet and soothing (often used ironically)
Example
She was enchanted by his dulcet voice.
Elle était enchantée par sa voix douce.
C2 noun /ˈmaʊntɪˌbæŋk/

mountebank

charlatan
Meaning
A charlatan or trickster who deceives others, often for personal gain.
Example
The crowd was fooled by the mountebank’s false promises.
La foule a été trompée par les fausses promesses du charlatan.
C2 noun /lænˈtɑː.nə/

Lantana

lantana
Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with clusters of small colorful flowers
Example
The lantana flowers attract butterflies to the garden.
Les fleurs de lantana attirent les papillons dans le jardin.
C2 noun /ˌænɪmædˈvɜːʒən/

animadversion

critique
Meaning
Strong criticism or censure.
Example
The policy attracted severe animadversion from the public.
La politique a attiré une critique sévère du public.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪst/

sophist

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

firebrand

un agitateur
Meaning
a person who is passionate about a cause, often inciting change or action
Example
The activist was a true firebrand, inspiring everyone around him to join the protest.
L'activiste était un véritable agitateur, inspirant tout le monde autour de lui à rejoindre la protestation.
C2 adjective /ˌɪɡ.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/

ignominious

ignominieux
Meaning
Marked by shame, disgrace, or humiliation.
Example
The team suffered an ignominious defeat in the finals.
L'équipe a subi une défaite ignominieuse en finale.
C2 adjective /ˈveɪpərəs/

Vaporous

vaporeux; vague
Meaning
consisting of vapor; vague or insubstantial
Example
The morning air was filled with vaporous mist.
L'air du matin était rempli de brume vaporeuse.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪlətɔːri/

dilatory

dilatoire
Meaning
Tending to cause delay; slow to act.
Example
The committee was criticized for its dilatory response to the crisis.
Le comité a été critiqué pour sa réponse dilatoire à la crise.
C2 noun /rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns/

recognizance

engagement légal
Meaning
A legal obligation or bond entered into before a court, especially to ensure future appearance.
Example
He was released on his own recognizance.
Il a été libéré sous son propre engagement légal.
C2 adjective /ˈfædɪʃ/

faddish

mode éphémère
Meaning
Following a temporary trend or fashion
Example
Wearing neon clothes was a faddish style in the 1980s.
Porter des vêtements néon était un style fad en les années 1980.
C2 adjective /ˈtriːzənəbl/

treasonable

trahison
Meaning
Relating to or involving the crime of treason.
Example
The general was accused of treasonable conduct.
Le général a été accusé de conduite traitresse.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɛɡneɪt/

impregnate

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

Bonny

joli; charmant; joyeux
Meaning
cheerful; pretty; attractive
Example
The bonny child played happily in the garden.
L'enfant joli a joué joyeusement dans le jardin.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɑːdʒɪtənt/

incogitant

irréfléchi
Meaning
Lacking thought; inconsiderate or thoughtless.
Example
It was incogitant of him to make such a rude comment.
C'était incogitant de sa part de faire un commentaire aussi grossier.
C2 adjective /ˈvɛntrəl/

ventral

ventral
Meaning
relating to the underside or abdominal part of an animal or organ
Example
The fish has a white ventral surface.
Le poisson a une surface ventrale blanche.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈspiːdiənt/

inexpedient

déconseillé
Meaning
Not advisable, suitable, or practical in the circumstances.
Example
It would be inexpedient to invest without proper research.
Il serait déconseillé d'investir sans une recherche appropriée.
C2 adjective /ˈklɔɪ.ɪŋ/

cloying

écoeurant
Meaning
too sweet, rich, or sentimental, making it unpleasant
Example
The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it.
Le dessert était tellement écoeurant que je n'ai pas pu le finir.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

somnambule
Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
Le somnambule est sorti de la maison la nuit.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlrʌʃ/

bulrush

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

forecastle

forecastle
Meaning
The forward part of a ship below the deck, traditionally used as living quarters for the crew.
Example
The sailors gathered in the forecastle after their shift.
Les marins se sont rassemblés dans le forecastle après leur quart.
C2 adverb /əˈθwɔːrt/

athwart

en travers, en opposition
Meaning
Across or in opposition to something.
Example
A fallen tree lay athwart the road, blocking traffic.
Un arbre tombé était allongé en travers de la route, bloquant la circulation.
C2 noun /pɒmˈpɒsəti/

pomposity

pomposité, arrogance
Meaning
self-important behavior or exaggerated dignity
Example
His speech was full of pomposity and arrogance.
Son discours était plein de pomposité et d'arrogance.
C2 noun /ˈjoʊmən/

yeoman

paysan / employé loyal
Meaning
A farmer who cultivates his own land; also used to describe someone performing loyal, useful service.
Example
He did yeoman service in completing the project on time.
Il a rendu un service loyal en terminant le projet à temps.
C2 noun /əˈspær.ə.ɡəs biːn/

Asparagus bean

haricot asperge
Meaning
a long, thin green vegetable pod that grows on vines; also known as yard-long bean
Example
The asparagus bean grows up to three feet long and is commonly used in Asian cooking.
Le haricot asperge peut atteindre trois pieds de long et est couramment utilisé dans la cuisine asiatique.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːdreɪ/

padre

prêtre
Meaning
A title for a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church; also used informally for 'father'.
Example
The soldiers attended mass led by the padre.
Les soldats ont assisté à la messe dirigée par le prêtre.
C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌkreɪsi/

polycracy

policratie
Meaning
rule by many; government by multiple authorities
Example
The nation experienced a polycracy after decentralization reforms.
Le pays a connu une policratie après les réformes de décentralisation.
C2 noun /ˈhæŋ.kər.ɪŋ/

hankering

désir ardent
Meaning
a strong desire or craving for something.
Example
She had a hankering for chocolate late at night.
Elle avait un désir ardent de chocolat tard dans la nuit.
C2 noun /ˌvælədɪkˈtɔːriən/

valedictorian

meilleur élève
Meaning
The student with the highest academic achievements in a graduating class, often chosen to give the farewell speech.
Example
She was honored as the valedictorian of her class.
Elle a été honorée en tant que meilleure élève de sa classe.
C2 noun /ˈɪŋkjʊbəs/

incubus

esprit maléfique
Meaning
An oppressive or nightmarish burden; in folklore, an evil spirit that lies upon sleeping people.
Example
Debt became an incubus that weighed heavily on the family.
La dette est devenue un esprit maléfique qui pesait lourdement sur la famille.
C2 adjective /ˌɛl.ɪˈmɑː.səˌnɛr.i/

eleemosynary

charitable
Meaning
Relating to charity; dependent on or supported by charity.
Example
The hospital was founded as an eleemosynary institution.
L'hôpital a été fondé en tant qu'institution charitable.
C2 noun /dɪˈprævɪti/

depravity

dégrégation morale
Meaning
moral corruption; wickedness
Example
The film portrays the moral depravity of a corrupt society.
Le film dépeint la dégradation morale d'une société corrompue.
C2 adjective /ˈæmbjələˌtɔːri/

ambulatory

ambulatoire
Meaning
Relating to or able to walk; relating to outpatient medical care.
Example
The patient is ambulatory and does not require bed rest.
Le patient est ambulatoire et n'a pas besoin de repos au lit.
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 /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 verb /kəˈlʌmnieɪt/

calumniate

calomnier
Meaning
To make false and damaging statements about someone; to slander.
Example
He was furious when he realized they had calumniated his reputation.
Il était furieux lorsqu'il a réalisé qu'ils avaient calomnié sa réputation.
C2 noun /ˈædʒ.ə.tənt/

Adjutant

cigogne adjoint
Meaning
a large water bird with long legs and neck, also known as adjutant stork
Example
The adjutant stork stood motionless in the shallow water.
La cigogne adjoint était immobile dans l'eau peu profonde.
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 /ˈmʌɡwʌmp/

mugwump

personne indépendante des partis
Meaning
a person who remains independent from party politics or remains aloof from disputes
Example
He was called a mugwump for refusing to join either political side.
Il a été appelé un mugwump pour avoir refusé de rejoindre l'un ou l'autre côté politique.
C2 adjective /ˈæstrəl/

astral

astral
Meaning
Relating to the stars or to spiritual, non-physical realms.
Example
Some believe in astral projection, the ability to leave the body and travel spiritually.
Certains croient à la projection astrale, la capacité de quitter le corps et de voyager spirituellement.
C2 verb /səˈfjuːz/

suffuse

envahir
Meaning
to gradually spread through or over something
Example
A warm glow suffused her face as she smiled.
Une lueur chaude envahit son visage lorsqu'elle sourit.
C2 noun /ˈhaɪərlɪŋ/

hireling

mercenaire
Meaning
A person who works for payment only, often with little loyalty or principle.
Example
The mercenary was dismissed as just a hireling with no real loyalty.
Le mercenaire a été renvoyé en tant que simple hireling sans véritable loyauté.
C2 verb /ˈvɪtrɪfaɪ/

vitrify

transformer en verre
Meaning
to turn into glass or a glass-like substance by heat
Example
Sand can vitrify under intense heat.
Le sable peut se transformer en verre sous une chaleur intense.
C2 verb /ˈrʌmpəl/

rumple

froisser
Meaning
to make something untidy or wrinkled by creasing or crumpling
Example
She accidentally rumpled her dress while packing.
Elle a accidentellement froissé sa robe en emballant.
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.