CEFR Level
Relating to or resembling fish.
"The artist's painting had an ichthyic quality."
A scientist who studies fish.
"The ichthyologist discovered a new species of fish in the river."
The branch of zoology that deals with fish.
"He pursued a degree in ichthyology at the university."
Extinct marine reptiles that resembled fish and dolphins, dominant during the Mesozoic era.
"Ichthyosaurs were swift predators of the ancient seas."
In a very cold, unfriendly, or hostile manner.
"She replied icily to his question."
The state of being cold in manner or temperature.
"There was a distinct iciness in his voice."
A person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, traditions, or institutions.
"He was known as an iconoclast who challenged old traditions."
Characterized by attacking or rejecting cherished beliefs, traditions, or established values.
"Her iconoclastic views challenged the conventional wisdom of the industry."
The process of forming ideas or concepts.
"The workshop focused on ideation and brainstorming."
extremely stupid behavior or actions; foolishness
"The decision to ignore safety protocols was pure idiocy that endangered everyone."
A distinctive or peculiar characteristic, habit, or mannerism unique to an individual.
"One of her idiosyncrasies was humming while working."
A person who avoids work or spends time lazily.
"He was known as an idler who wasted his days."
Excessively devoted or reverent towards idols or false gods.
"The ancient tribe was known for its idolatrious practices."
To worship idols; to regard with excessive devotion or admiration.
"They began to idolatrize the statue as a deity."
Excessively admiring or worshipping someone or something as an idol.
"The king was criticized for his idolatrous devotion to wealth."
The worship of idols or extreme admiration for someone or something.
"The priest condemned the idolatry practiced in the village."
An extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, often idealized.
"Their honeymoon was an idyll on a tropical island."
Dishonorable, shameful, or lacking nobility.
"His ignoble actions ruined his reputation."
Marked by shame, disgrace, or humiliation.
"The team suffered an ignominious defeat in the finals."
Public shame, disgrace, or dishonor.
"He lived the rest of his life in ignominy after the scandal."
A religious image or symbol, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
"The church displayed a beautifully painted ikon of the Virgin Mary."
An ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, describing the events of the Trojan War.
"Students studied the Iliad to understand Greek mythology and heroism."
lacking good manners; rude; showing poor upbringing
"His ill-bred behavior shocked everyone at the dinner party."
Having a bad or unpleasant character; unkind or malicious.
"He made an ill-natured remark about his colleague."
the quality of being impossible or difficult to read; unclear writing or print
"The doctor's handwriting was famous for its illegibility among the pharmacy staff."
Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
"The government was criticized for its illiberal policies."
The quality of being illiberal; lack of tolerance or generosity.
"The illiberality of the new laws alarmed the citizens."
Without limits or bounds.
"The universe is often described as illimitable."
A substance or device that produces light.
"The lamp acted as an illuminant in the dark cave."
a group of people claiming to have special enlightenment or secret knowledge, often linked to conspiracies
"Many conspiracy theories involve the Illuminati as a secret world-controlling group."
to light up or make clear
"The rising sun illumined the mountain peaks."
Extreme foolishness, stupidity, or weakness of mind.
"The plan was abandoned due to its sheer imbecility."
To drink, absorb, or take in (liquid, knowledge, or ideas).
"She eagerly imbibed the wisdom of her teachers."
An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.
"The political imbroglio lasted for months without resolution."
To stain, especially with blood.
"His hands were imbrued with blood after the battle."
a person who copies the behavior, style, or actions of others
"He became famous as an imitator of popular singers."
existing or operating within; inherent
"He believed that moral values are immanent in human nature."
Extending back beyond memory or record; ancient.
"The tradition has been followed since time immemorial."
Describes liquids that do not mix together.
"Oil and water are immiscible liquids."
The state of being unable to move.
"After the accident, she suffered from immobility in her legs."
excessive; beyond reasonable limits
"He has an immoderate love for sweets."
lacking humility or decency; excessively proud or improper
"His immodest remarks offended the audience."
lack of modesty or decency; behavior or attitude that is overly bold or improper
"The article was criticized for its tone of immodesty."
To kill or sacrifice, especially by burning.
"The protesters threatened to immolate themselves in front of the building."
to confine or enclose someone against their will
"The prisoner was immured in a dark cell."
a small mischievous devil or sprite; a playful troublemaker
"The child was acting like a little imp, hiding his toys everywhere."
to pierce or fix something with a sharp object
"The knight was impaled by the enemy’s spear."
unable to be felt by touch; difficult to grasp or understand
"There was an impalpable sense of fear in the room."
Incapable of suffering or feeling pain (used mainly in theological or philosophical contexts).
"Some philosophers argue that God is impassible and cannot experience human emotions."
Having little or no money; poor.
"He grew up in an impecunious family."
