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B1 verb /ˈʌpˌɡreɪd/

upgrade

mettre à jour
Meaning
to raise something to a higher standard, improve
Example
We decided to upgrade the software to the latest version.
Nous avons décidé de mettre à jour le logiciel vers la dernière version.
B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈskɔːr/

underscore

souligner
Meaning
to emphasize or highlight something
Example
The incident underscored the need for better safety measures.
L'incident a souligné la nécessité de meilleures mesures de sécurité.
C1 noun /fɪˈlæn.θrə.pi/

philanthropy

philanthropie
Meaning
the desire to promote the welfare of others, often expressed by the generous donation of money to good causes
Example
Philanthropy has helped improve healthcare in many developing countries.
La philanthropie a contribué à améliorer les soins de santé dans de nombreux pays en développement.
B1 noun /ˈkɑːr.pən.tər/

Carpenter

charpentier
Meaning
a person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures
Example
The carpenter built a beautiful wooden cabinet for the kitchen.
Le charpentier a construit une belle armoire en bois pour la cuisine.
C1 verb /rɪˈsiːd/

recede

reculer
Meaning
To move back or further away from a previous position.
Example
The floodwaters began to recede after the heavy rain stopped.
Les eaux de l'inondation ont commencé à reculer après que la pluie lourde se soit arrêtée.
C2 noun /ɪkˈstɛnsər/

extensor

muscle extenseur
Meaning
a muscle that serves to extend or straighten a limb or part of the body.
Example
The extensor muscles in the arm help straighten the elbow.
Les muscles extenseurs du bras aident à redresser le coude.
C2 noun /ˌɪnˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/

incapability

incapacité
Meaning
lack of ability or power to do something; inability or incompetence
Example
His incapability to manage the team led to serious problems.
Son incapacité à gérer l’équipe a causé de graves problèmes.
B2 adjective /proʊn/

Prone

enclin
Meaning
having a tendency to; inclined; lying face down
Example
He is prone to making mistakes when he's tired.
Il est enclin à faire des erreurs quand il est fatigué.
B2 noun /ˈɒkjʊpənt/

occupant

occupant
Meaning
A person who resides in or is present in a house, vehicle, seat, or place.
Example
The car had three occupants at the time of the accident.
La voiture avait trois occupants au moment de l'accident.
A2 noun ˈprɒdʒ.ekts

projects

projets
Meaning
Individual or collaborative enterprises that are carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.
Example
These projects aim for technological breakthroughs.
Ces projets visent des percées technologiques.
C1 noun /ɪˌmæn.sɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/

Emancipation

émancipation
Meaning
the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions
Example
The emancipation of slaves was a significant moment in American history.
L'émancipation des esclaves a été un moment significatif dans l'histoire américaine.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Impiety

impiété
Meaning
lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god; disrespect or irreverence toward religious matters
Example
His impiety shocked the religious community when he mocked their sacred ceremonies.
Son impiété a choqué la communauté religieuse lorsqu'il s'est moqué de leurs cérémonies sacrées.
B1 noun /ˈkæləri/

calorie

calorie
Meaning
A unit of energy, often used to measure the energy content of food and drink.
Example
She checks the calorie count before eating any packaged food.
Elle vérifie le nombre de calories avant de manger des aliments emballés.
A1 adjective /ˈwʌndərfəl/

wonderful

merveilleux
Meaning
extremely good or impressive
Example
She had a wonderful time at the party.
Elle a passé un merveilleux moment à la fête.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

something

quelque chose
Meaning
an unspecified or unknown thing
Example
I think something is wrong with my phone.
Je pense qu'il y a quelque chose qui ne va pas avec mon téléphone.
C2 verb /ˈflʌməks/

flummox

déconcerter
Meaning
To confuse or bewilder someone completely.
Example
The complicated puzzle flummoxed the students.
Le puzzle compliqué a déconcerté les étudiants.
B2 verb /əbˈteɪn/

obtain

obtenir
Meaning
to get or acquire something
Example
You need to obtain a visa before traveling abroad.
Vous devez obtenir un visa avant de partir à l'étranger.
B2 verb /ɡreɪz/

graze

bonheur
Meaning
To feed on grass; to touch or scrape lightly while passing.
Example
The cows graze in the meadow every morning.
Elle ne pouvait pas cacher son bonheur lorsqu'elle a reçu le prix.
B1 adverb /ˈɔːfəli/

awfully

terriblement
Meaning
in a very great degree; extremely; in a way that is very bad or unpleasant
Example
I am awfully glad to see you again.
Je suis terriblement content de te revoir.
C2 adverb /pəˈfɔːs/

perforce

inévitablement
Meaning
by necessity; inevitably
Example
He had to perforce accept the decision.
Il a dû accepter la décision inévitablement.
B1 verb/noun /haɪk/

hike

randonner / augmentation
Meaning
To take a long walk in the countryside or mountains; also to increase suddenly (prices, rates, etc.).
Example
We decided to hike in the hills this weekend.
Nous avons décidé de faire une randonnée dans les collines ce week-end.
B2 verb /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊz/

diagnose

diagnostiquer
Meaning
To identify a disease, condition, or problem by examining symptoms.
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with pneumonia.
Le médecin l'a diagnostiqué avec une pneumonie.
C1 adverb /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bli/

Amicably

amicalement
Meaning
in a friendly way without anger or resentment
Example
The divorce was settled amicably between both parties.
Le divorce a été réglé amicalement entre les deux parties.
C2 noun /ˈproʊtoʊˌplæzəm/

protoplasm

protoplasme
Meaning
The living substance inside a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Example
Scientists observed the movement of protoplasm under the microscope.
Les scientifiques ont observé le mouvement du protoplasme sous le microscope.
A2 adjective /fəˈmɪl.jər/

Familiar

familier; connu; informel et amical
Meaning
well-known; easily recognized; having knowledge of; informal and friendly
Example
This song sounds familiar to me.
Cette chanson me semble familière.
B1 noun /braɪd/

Bride

mariée
Meaning
a woman on her wedding day or just before and after the event
Example
The beautiful bride walked down the aisle in her white wedding dress.
La belle mariée a marché dans l'allée dans sa robe de mariée blanche.
C2 noun /ˈkær.ə.weɪ siːdz/

Caraway seeds

graines de carvi
Meaning
aromatic seeds of the caraway plant used as a spice in cooking and baking
Example
The bread was flavored with caraway seeds.
Le pain était parfumé aux graines de carvi.
C2 verb /ˈsnɪvəl/

snivel

pleurer ou se plaindre d'une manière faible ou agaçante
Meaning
to cry or complain in a weak or annoying way
Example
He began to snivel when he didn’t get his way.
Il a commencé à pleurer quand il n'a pas obtenu ce qu'il voulait.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈmɑːrʃən/

martian

martien
Meaning
Related to the planet Mars; or an imaginary being from Mars.
Example
The movie showed a Martian visiting Earth.
Le film montrait un martien visitant la Terre.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈwɪl.ɪŋ/

Unwilling

réticent; récalcitrant;
Meaning
not ready to do something; reluctant; not wanting to do
Example
He was unwilling to share his secret with anyone.
Il ne voulait pas partager son secret avec qui que ce soit.
C1 noun /ˈnɛktəriːn/

nectarine

nectarine (variété de pêche à peau lisse)
Meaning
A smooth-skinned variety of peach.
Example
She bought a basket of fresh nectarines from the market.
Elle a acheté un panier de nectarines fraîches au marché.
C1 noun /kwæk/

Quack

charlatan
Meaning
a person who pretends to be a doctor but has no medical training; the sound a duck makes
Example
People should be careful not to trust medical advice from a quack.
Les gens devraient faire attention à ne pas faire confiance aux conseils médicaux d'un charlatan.
C1 phrase ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm kəˈlæps

ecosystem collapse

effondrement de l'écosystème
Meaning
The complete breakdown of an ecological system, resulting in the inability to maintain its structure and function.
Example
Unchecked deforestation can lead to ecosystem collapse.
La déforestation incontrôlée peut conduire à l'effondrement de l'écosystème.
B2 noun /ˈsiː.krə.si/

Secrecy

secret
Meaning
the practice of keeping something secret; the state of being kept hidden
Example
The project was conducted in complete secrecy.
Le projet a été mené dans un secret total.
B1 noun /ˈwɜːrkpleɪs/

workplace

lieu de travail
Meaning
a place where people work, such as an office, factory, or shop
Example
Maintaining good communication is vital in the workplace.
Maintenir une bonne communication est essentiel sur le lieu de travail.
A1 noun /tɒp/

top

sommet
Meaning
the highest or uppermost point, part, or surface of something
Example
The book is on the top shelf.
Le livre est sur l'étagère du haut.
C1 noun dɪˈtætʃ.mənt

detachment

détachement
Meaning
The state of being objective or aloof; not being emotionally involved.
Example
Buddhist philosophy encourages detachment from material desires.
La philosophie bouddhiste encourage le détachement des désirs matériels.
A1 noun /ʃɒp/

shop

magasin
Meaning
a place where goods are sold to customers
Example
I need to go to the shop to buy some groceries.
J'ai besoin d'aller au magasin pour acheter des courses.
B2 noun ˈlænd.mɑːk

landmark

repère
Meaning
An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance; an important stage or turning point.
Example
The space restaurant is a landmark in innovation.
Le restaurant spatial est un repère dans l'innovation.
B2 adjective /kəˈreɪdʒəs/

Courageous

courageux; intrépide; montrant du courage face au danger
Meaning
brave; fearless; showing courage in the face of danger
Example
The courageous firefighter rescued the family from the burning building.
Le courageux pompier a sauvé la famille de l'immeuble en feu.
B1 noun /ˈfɪnɪʃ laɪn/

finish line

ligne d'arrivée
Meaning
The line or point at the end of a race or competition where participants complete it.
Example
She sprinted towards the finish line and won the race.
Elle a sprinté jusqu'à la ligne d'arrivée et a gagné la course.
C2 adjective /ˈfrɛtfəl/

fretful

agité
Meaning
Feeling or showing distress or irritation.
Example
The baby was fretful all night and could not sleep.
Le bébé était agité toute la nuit et n'a pas pu dormir.
C1 adjective ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm drɪv.ən

algorithm-driven

piloté par algorithmes.
Meaning
Controlled or powered by computer algorithms.
Example
Algorithm-driven systems increase accuracy.
Les systèmes pilotés par des algorithmes augmentent la précision.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

preengage

préadopter
Meaning
To contract or engage beforehand; to arrange in advance.
Example
The workers were preengaged before the project officially started.
Les travailleurs ont été préengagés avant le début officiel du projet.
C1 noun ˌdiːˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

deregulation

déréglementation
Meaning
The removal or reduction of government regulations in an economic sector.
Example
Deregulation has increased competition in the telecommunications sector.
La déréglementation a augmenté la concurrence dans le secteur des télécommunications.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/

parenthetical

commentaire entre parenthèses
Meaning
Relating to or expressed in parentheses; a side remark or digression.
Example
He added a parenthetical comment during the lecture.
Il a ajouté un commentaire entre parenthèses pendant la conférence.
C2 noun/adjective /ælˈbaɪ.noʊ/

albino

albinos (personne/animal sans pigmentation)
Meaning
A person, animal, or plant lacking normal pigmentation, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes.
Example
The albino rabbit had white fur and pink eyes.
Le lapin albinos avait un pelage blanc et des yeux roses.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

concis
Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
Son discours était concis et percutant.
C2 adjective /ˌɪn.trəˈsɛl.jʊ.lər/

intracellular

à l'intérieur de la cellule
Meaning
Located or occurring within a cell.
Example
The drug works by targeting intracellular bacteria.
Le médicament agit en ciblant les bactéries intracellulaires.
C2 noun /ˈzel.ət/

zealot

fanatique
Meaning
A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their ideals.
Example
He was considered a zealot for his strict political views.
Il était considéré comme un fanatique en raison de ses opinions politiques strictes.
C1 noun /ˈiːɡoʊɪst/

egoist

égoïste
Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with themselves; someone who believes in or practices egoism.
Example
She avoided him because he was a selfish egoist.
Elle l'évitait parce qu'il était un égoïste égoïste.
B1 adjective ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dənt

independent

indépendant
Meaning
Not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence; free from outside control; not subject to another's authority.
Example
An independent institution ensures transparency in governance.
Une institution indépendante garantit la transparence dans la gouvernance.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

cohésif
Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
L'équipe a montré une stratégie cohésive.
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.
B1 noun /ˈreɪn.dɪər/

Reindeer

rénne
Meaning
a large deer with branched horns that lives in cold northern areas
Example
Santa's reindeer pulled his sleigh across the sky.
Le renne du Père Noël a tiré son traîneau à travers le ciel.
A1 verb /ɡroʊ/

grow

croître
Meaning
to become larger or greater over a period of time; to develop
Example
Plants grow faster in spring.
Les plantes croissent plus vite au printemps.
C2 noun /bəˈfuːn/

buffoon

bouffon
Meaning
A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown or jester.
Example
He acted like a buffoon at the party, making everyone laugh.
Il a agi comme un bouffon à la fête, faisant rire tout le monde.
B2 adjective /fræŋk/

Frank

honnête; ouvert; direct; sincère
Meaning
honest; open; straightforward; candid
Example
She gave me a frank opinion about my presentation.
elle m'a donné un avis franc sur ma présentation.
A2 noun /ˈhɑː.bi/

Hobby

loisir; activité récréative; passe-temps
Meaning
an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure; a pastime or recreation
Example
Photography became her favorite hobby after she received a camera for her birthday.
La photographie est devenue son hobby préféré après avoir reçu un appareil photo pour son anniversaire.
B2 adjective /rɪˈzɜːrvd/

Reserved

réservé; introverti
Meaning
slow to reveal emotion or opinions; restrained in manner
Example
She is quite reserved and doesn't talk much in meetings.
Elle est assez réservée et ne parle pas beaucoup lors des réunions.
C2 noun /liːən/

lien

privilège
Meaning
A legal right to keep possession of property until a debt is paid.
Example
The bank placed a lien on the house until the mortgage was cleared.
La banque a placé un privilège sur la maison jusqu'à ce que l'hypothèque soit réglée.
C1 noun /səˈbætɪkəl/

sabbatical

période de congé pour études ou voyages
Meaning
A period of paid leave granted to a teacher or worker for study or travel, traditionally every seventh year.
Example
She took a sabbatical to research her new book.
Elle a pris un congé sabbatique pour rechercher son nouveau livre.
C2 noun /ˈkænə/

Canna

canna
Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
Example
The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond.
Les lys canna orange vif ont poussé grands près de l'étang.
B2 adverb /ˈænjuəli/

annually

annuellement
Meaning
once every year; yearly
Example
The company holds a general meeting annually.
L'entreprise organise une réunion générale annuellement.
A2 noun /piːs/

peace

paix
Meaning
a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from disturbance
Example
They hope for peace in the region.
Ils espèrent la paix dans la région.
C2 noun /ɪnˈsaɪzər/

incisor

incisive
Meaning
a narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, adapted for cutting
Example
The dentist noted that his upper left incisor was chipped.
Le dentiste a remarqué que son incisif supérieur gauche était fissuré.
A2 adverb /əˈhɛd/

ahead

devant
Meaning
in front; in advance; before someone or something in position or progress
Example
She walked ahead of the group.
Elle marchait devant le groupe.
C2 adjective /ˈtɜːrdʒɪd/

turgid

gonflé, pompeux
Meaning
Swollen or distended; (of language) pompous and overcomplicated.
Example
The professor’s lecture was so turgid that many students lost interest.
Le cours du professeur était si pompeux que beaucoup d’étudiants ont perdu leur intérêt.
C1 verb /praɪ/

pry

fouiner / s'immiscer
Meaning
to look closely into something; to try to find out private information
Example
She tried to pry into her neighbor’s private life.
Elle a essayé de fouiner dans la vie privée de son voisin.
B2 adjective /əˈsɜːr.tɪv/

Assertive

assuré; affirmé
Meaning
confident and forceful; having a strong personality
Example
She is very assertive when speaking in meetings.
Elle est très assertive lorsqu'elle parle lors des réunions.
B1 noun /ˈkɒkˌteɪl/

cocktail

cocktail
Meaning
a mixed drink typically containing alcohol and other ingredients.
Example
She ordered a cocktail at the bar.
Elle a commandé un cocktail au bar.
A1 verb /wɪʃ/

wish

souhaiter
Meaning
to want something to happen; to desire or hope for
Example
I wish I could fly like a bird.
Je souhaite pouvoir voler comme un oiseau.
C1 verb /ˈruː.mɪ.neɪt/

ruminate

ruminer, réfléchir profondément
Meaning
to think deeply about something; to chew cud (for animals)
Example
She sat alone to ruminate on her decision.
Elle s'est assise seule pour ruminer sa décision.
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 /ˈfeɪlæŋks/

phalanx

phalanx
Meaning
A group of people or things arranged in a compact, close formation; also an ancient Greek military formation.
Example
A phalanx of reporters waited outside the courthouse.
Un groupe de journalistes attendait devant le tribunal.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.mən/

Layman

personne ordinaire; personne sans connaissances professionnelles
Meaning
a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject
Example
The doctor explained the procedure in layman's terms.
Le médecin a expliqué la procédure en termes simples.
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.
B2 noun /ˈrɪk.ʃɔː/

Rickshaw

rickshaw
Meaning
a light two-wheeled passenger vehicle drawn by one or more people
Example
We took a rickshaw to reach the busy marketplace.
Nous avons pris un rickshaw pour atteindre le marché animé.
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.
C1 noun /ˈfɔːls.hʊd/

Falsehood

fausseté; mensonge
Meaning
the state of being untrue; a lie
Example
The politician was caught spreading falsehoods about his opponent.
Le politicien a été pris en train de répandre des faussetés à propos de son adversaire.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvaɪələt/

inviolate

inviolé
Meaning
free from violation, injury, or desecration; kept safe and untouched
Example
The ancient temple remained inviolate for centuries.
Le temple ancien est resté inviolé pendant des siècles.
B2 noun /dæm/

Dam

barrage; réservoir;
Meaning
a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level; a female parent of an animal
Example
The massive dam provides electricity and controls flooding in the region.
Le grand barrage fournit de l'électricité et contrôle les inondations dans la région.
C1 adjective fæsˈtɪd.i.əs

fastidious

méticuleux
Meaning
Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
Example
She is fastidious about maintaining cleanliness.
Elle est méticuleuse en ce qui concerne le maintien de la propreté.
A1 verb /driːm/

dream

rêver
Meaning
to have thoughts and images in your mind while sleeping; to hope for
Example
I often dream about flying in the sky.
Je rêve souvent de voler dans le ciel.
C2 noun /rɪˈfrɪndʒənsi/

refringency

réfringence
Meaning
The ability of a substance to bend light; refractive power.
Example
Glass has a higher refringency than water.
Le verre a une réfringence plus élevée que l'eau.
A2 noun ˈprəʊɡres

progress

progrès
Meaning
Forward or onward movement towards a destination or a more advanced state.
Example
Progress in recycling technologies can tackle pollution.
Les progrès dans les technologies de recyclage peuvent lutter contre la pollution.
C2 adjective /bruːsk/ or /brʌsk/

brusque

brusque
Meaning
abrupt or blunt in manner or speech, often seen as rude
Example
His brusque reply ended the conversation.
Sa réponse brusque a mis fin à la conversation.
B2 verb /bɪˈfrɛnd/

befriend

se lier d'amitié
Meaning
to act as a friend to someone; to make friends with
Example
She befriended the new student at school.
Elle s'est liée d'amitié avec le nouvel élève à l'école.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səbˈstæn.ʃəl/

insubstantial

insubstantiel
Meaning
Lacking strength, substance, or solidity.
Example
The evidence provided was insubstantial and unconvincing.
Les preuves fournies étaient insubstantielles et non convaincantes.
B2 adverb /wɛərˈbaɪ/

whereby

par lequel
Meaning
by which; because of which
Example
The company agreed to a contract whereby it would pay the penalty.
L'entreprise a accepté un contrat par lequel elle paierait la pénalité.
B2 verb /prəˈhɪbɪt/

prohibit

interdire
Meaning
to forbid something by law, rule, or other authority
Example
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
La loi interdit de fumer dans les lieux publics.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪt ˈnwɑːr/

bete noire

une chose détestée
Meaning
A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or fears.
Example
Grammar has always been his bete noire.
La grammaire a toujours été sa bête noire.
C1 verb θwɔːt

thwart

contrecarrer
Meaning
Prevent (someone) from accomplishing something; oppose successfully.
Example
His efforts to thwart the proposal were unsuccessful.
Ses efforts pour contrecarrer la proposition ont échoué.
A2 adjective /praʊd/

Proud

fier
Meaning
feeling deep pleasure from one's achievements; having high self-respect
Example
She was proud of her daughter's academic achievements.
Elle était fière des réalisations académiques de sa fille.
B1 noun /ˈkemɪst/

chemist

chimiste; pharmacien
Meaning
a scientist who studies chemistry; a person trained to prepare and dispense medicines
Example
The chemist analyzed the sample to determine its composition.
Le chimiste a analysé l’échantillon pour déterminer sa composition.
B2 noun /ˈmaɪnd.fʊl.nəs/

mindfulness

pleine conscience
Meaning
The basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing.
Example
Mindfulness practices improve focus and emotional balance.
Les pratiques de mindfulness améliorent la concentration et l'équilibre émotionnel.
C2 verb /əˈɡlɒməˌreɪt/

agglomerate

agglomérer
Meaning
To collect or form into a mass or group.
Example
The dust particles began to agglomerate into larger clusters.
Les particules de poussière ont commencé à s'agglomérer en grands amas.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑl/

Cabal

cabal
Meaning
a secret political clique or faction
Example
The journalists exposed a cabal of corrupt politicians working together.
Les journalistes ont exposé un cabal de politiciens corrompus travaillant ensemble.
B2 noun noʊˈbel praɪz

Nobel Prize

Prix Nobel
Meaning
Any of six international prizes awarded annually for outstanding work in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economics, and the promotion of peace.
Example
Nobel Prize recognition evaded Bose's contributions.
La reconnaissance du Prix Nobel a échappé aux contributions de Bose.
C2 noun /ˈpruːdəri/

prudery

pruderie
Meaning
the behavior or attitude of people who are too easily shocked or offended by sexual matters
Example
His prudery often made others uncomfortable during open discussions.
Sa pruderie rendait souvent les autres mal à l'aise lors des discussions ouvertes.
C2 noun /prɪˈfɜːrmənt/

preferment

promotion
Meaning
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
Example
He hoped for preferment in the government office.
Il espérait une promotion dans le bureau du gouvernement.
B2 noun /dɪˈfɛndər/

defender

défenseur
Meaning
a person who protects someone or something from harm or attack
Example
The defender blocked the shot and saved the goal.
Le défenseur a bloqué le tir et a sauvé le but.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbl̩/

inconceivable

inconcevable
Meaning
Impossible to imagine or believe; beyond comprehension.
Example
It seemed inconceivable that she could finish the marathon after such little training.
Il semblait inconcevable qu'elle puisse finir le marathon après si peu d'entraînement.
C2 noun /proʊˈdʒɛnɪtər/

progenitor

ancêtre
Meaning
a direct ancestor; a person or thing that originates something
Example
Researchers traced the custom back to a common progenitor.
Les chercheurs ont retracé la coutume jusqu'à un ancêtre commun.
C2 verb /preɪt/

prate

bavarder de manière insensée
Meaning
to talk foolishly or at tedious length about something
Example
He would prate endlessly about his minor achievements.
Il parlait sans fin de ses petites réussites.
C1 noun dɪˌzɝː.t̬ə.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

desertification

désertification
Meaning
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Example
Deforestation accelerates desertification.
La déforestation accélère la désertification.
B2 verb /saɪ/

sigh

soupirer
Meaning
to let out a long, deep breath as an expression of tiredness, relief, or sadness
Example
She sighed with relief when she heard the good news.
Elle a soupiré de soulagement lorsqu'elle a entendu la bonne nouvelle.
A2 noun /ˈpjuːpəl/

pupil

élève; pupille
Meaning
a student, especially a young one; the central opening of the eye that lets in light
Example
The pupil listened carefully to the teacher during class.
L’élève a écouté attentivement le professeur.
C1 adjective ɔːˈspɪʃ.əs

auspicious

favorable
Meaning
Favorable or bringing good luck and success
Example
The wedding was held on an auspicious day.
Le mariage a eu lieu un jour favorable.
C1 adjective /ˈwoʊ.fəl/

woeful

lamentable
Meaning
full of woe; very sad or miserable; also used to mean very bad or deplorable
Example
He gave me a woeful look when he lost the match.
Il m'a lancé un regard lamentable quand il a perdu le match.
C1 adjective /ˌɒbsəˈliːt/

obsolete

obsolète
Meaning
No longer in use or out of date.
Example
Floppy disks are now completely obsolete.
Les disquettes sont maintenant complètement obsolètes.
B2 noun /ˈɡlæmər/

glamor

charme
Meaning
An attractive or exciting quality that makes something or someone appealing.
Example
The glamor of city life attracts many young people.
Le charme de la vie urbaine attire de nombreux jeunes.
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.
B2 noun /ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪvjər/

misbehavior

mauvais comportement
Meaning
bad or improper behavior
Example
The teacher punished the student for his misbehavior.
L'enseignant a puni l'étudiant pour son mauvais comportement.
B2 adjective /ˈbruː.təl/

brutal

brutal
Meaning
extremely cruel or harsh; violent and without feeling
Example
The dictator’s rule was marked by brutal violence.
Le régime du dictateur a été marqué par une violence brutale.
B2 verb /səbˈmɪt/

submit

soumettre
Meaning
to present for consideration; to surrender; to yield
Example
Please submit your assignment by Friday.
Veuillez soumettre votre devoir d'ici vendredi.
C1 verb /bɪˈriːv/

bereave

perdre un être cher
Meaning
to deprive someone of a loved one through death
Example
She was bereaved of her husband last year.
Elle a perdu son mari l'année dernière.
C2 adjective /ˈklæmərəs/

clamorous

bruyant
Meaning
making a loud and confused noise; expressing strong demands noisily
Example
The clamorous audience demanded an encore from the band.
Le public bruyant a exigé un rappel du groupe.
C1 verb /ˈprɒfəsaɪ/

prophesy

prophétiser
Meaning
to state or predict that something will happen in the future, especially as if divinely inspired
Example
The monk prophesied that peace would return to the land.
Le moine prophétisa que la paix reviendrait dans le pays.
C1 adjective /ˈvɛnərəbəl/

Venerable

vénérable; respecté
Meaning
deserving respect due to age, wisdom, or character; revered
Example
The venerable professor has taught at the university for fifty years.
Le vénérable professeur enseigne à l'université depuis cinquante ans.
B2 verb /skeər/

scare

effrayer
Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
Le bruit fort a effrayé le bébé.