CEFR Level
to mention or describe something in detail
"The witness was asked to particularize the events of that night."
The act of giving birth; childbirth.
"The doctor explained the stages of parturition to the students."
A person who has recently gained wealth or influence but is not yet accepted socially.
"He was seen as a parvenu who lacked refinement despite his riches."
Fresh cheese curds; cottage cheese made from curdled milk
"The cook prepared fresh passet by curdling warm milk with lemon juice."
capable of feeling or suffering; susceptible to sensation or emotion (often theological)
"In some traditions, deities are described as passible, sharing human emotions."
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
"The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies."
A form of animal husbandry where domesticated animals are released onto large vegetated outdoor lands for grazing.
"Pastoralism is a traditional way of managing livestock."
a surface film or sheen on metal, stone, or wood due to age or use; also, a superficial appearance
"The bronze statue developed a green patina after years in the sea air."
a regional or social dialect, especially one considered nonstandard or informal
"The guide slipped into local patois when chatting with the fishermen."
A person of noble rank or high social standing; relating to aristocracy.
"The patrician families of Rome wielded great power in politics."
The act of killing one's own father.
"The ancient myth describes a son committing patricide to take the throne."
Property or inheritance passed down from one's father or ancestors.
"The castle was part of his patrimony from his noble ancestors."
a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor
"In many cultures, surnames are patronymic in origin."
Having a large or protruding belly.
"The paunchy man struggled to button his shirt."
The state of being extremely poor.
"The country struggled with rising pauperism in the 19th century."
liable to sin or error; capable of doing wrong
"Humans are peccable, but they strive for goodness."
a small or minor fault or sin
"Forgetting to call was just a small peccadillo, not a serious mistake."
Guilty of a moral offense or wrongdoing; sinful.
"The judge declared the peccant official unfit for office."
Relating to the chest or breast.
"The athlete focused on strengthening his pectoral muscles."
To embezzle or steal money, especially public funds.
"The corrupt official was found guilty of peculating government funds."
The act of embezzling or stealing money, especially from public funds.
"The minister resigned after being accused of peculation."
the science or art of teaching
"He studied pedagogics to become a better teacher."
a teacher, especially a strict or formal one
"The old pedagogue insisted on discipline in the classroom."
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
"The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details."
Excessive concern with minor details or rules.
"His pedantry made the meeting unnecessarily long."
a triangular gable found above the horizontal structure of a building, often in classical architecture
"The ancient temple had a pediment decorated with sculptures."
The study of soils in their natural environment.
"Pedology helps scientists understand soil fertility."
the title or rank of a peer; the nobility as a group
"He was elevated to the peerage by the king."
Expressing contempt or disapproval.
"He used pejorative terms to insult his opponents."
Relating to the open sea or ocean water column, away from the shore.
"Pelagic fish like tuna are found far from the coast."
Money, especially when gained dishonorably.
"The corrupt official was motivated only by pelf."
In a confused, rushed, or disorderly manner.
"The children ran pell-mell through the playground."
Transparently clear; easy to understand.
"The lake water was so pellucid that you could see the stones at the bottom."
hanging down loosely; drooping
"The pendulous fruit weighed down the branch."
Capable of being passed through or entered.
"The thin wall was easily penetrable."
Relating to or expressing penitence or penance.
"The priest delivered a penitential sermon on forgiveness."
Having parts or structures arranged like a feather; feather-shaped.
"The fern has a pennate leaf structure."
The study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation.
"He decided to specialize in penology to help improve the prison system."
A group or set of five things.
"The committee was divided into a pentad of working groups."
A five-pointed star often used as a symbol in magic, mysticism, or religion.
"The wizard drew a pentagram on the floor as part of the ritual."
A solid geometric figure with five faces.
"In geometry class, the teacher explained the structure of a pentahedron."
A line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
"Shakespeare often wrote his plays in iambic pentameter."
Having a valence of five, especially in chemistry.
"Phosphorus can exist in a pentavalent state."
a partially shaded area around the shadow of an object, especially during an eclipse
"The moon’s penumbra created a dim shadow over the Earth."
extremely poor; poverty-stricken; miserly
"The penurious family struggled to buy food."
extreme poverty or destitution
"He grew up in penury but became successful later in life."
Rice that has been partially boiled in the husk before milling; parboiled rice
"Per boiled rice retains more nutrients than regular white rice."
To walk through or travel around, especially for leisure.
"They perambulated the old town, enjoying the sights."
a four-wheeled carriage for a baby; baby stroller or pram
"She pushed the perambulator through the park while the baby slept peacefully."
puffed rice; rice that has been heated and puffed into light, crispy grains
"I enjoy eating puffed rice as a healthy snack."