CEFR Level
a large mammal with thick skin, such as an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus
"The zoo had several pachyderms, including elephants and rhinos."
A title for a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church; also used informally for 'father'.
"The soldiers attended mass led by the padre."
A song or piece of writing expressing great praise or triumph.
"The article was a paean to the beauty of nature."
a covered chair or bed carried on poles by bearers
"The bride was carried to the wedding ceremony in an ornate palanquin."
prolonged and idle discussion; fuss or unnecessary talk
"After much palaver, they finally agreed on the plan."
a manuscript or document that has been written over but still bears traces of earlier writing; something reused or altered but still retaining traces of its earlier form
"The ancient manuscript was a palimpsest, showing faint traces of previous texts beneath the new writing."
a poem or statement in which the writer retracts something said in an earlier work
"The poet wrote a palinode to apologize for his earlier harsh words."
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
"The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain."
relief of symptoms without curing the underlying disease or problem
"Palliation is often the focus of care for terminally ill patients."
prosperous, flourishing, or relating to palm trees
"He often reminisced about the palmy days of his youth."
to beat rapidly and strongly, often because of fear, excitement, or illness
"Her heart began to palpitate with fear."
a condition of partial or complete paralysis, often with involuntary tremors
"The patient suffered from Bell’s palsy."
to act insincerely or deceitfully; to equivocate or lie
"He paltered when asked about his involvement in the deal."
striped with different colors, usually used in heraldry
"The knight’s shield was decorated with paly stripes of red and gold."
a person who writes or distributes pamphlets, often to promote a political or social cause
"In the 18th century, many pamphleteers influenced public opinion."
a Bengali spice blend containing five whole spices: cumin, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, and mustard seeds
"The aroma filled the kitchen when she heated panch phoron in oil."
a formal speech or piece of writing in praise of someone or something
"The author wrote a panegyric on the bravery of the soldiers."
A complete or impressive collection of things; a full set of armor.
"The museum displayed a panoply of ancient weapons."
The belief that God and the universe are identical, or that everything is a manifestation of God.
"Spinoza’s philosophy is often associated with pantheism."
An optical instrument that provides a wide or panoramic view.
"The scientist used a pantoscope to observe the entire horizon."
The office or authority of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
"The papacy played a significant role in medieval European politics."
Serving as a typical example or model of something.
"Her success story is paradigmatic of the opportunities education can provide."
A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.
"She is considered a paragon of kindness."
a lover, especially an illicit one
"The secret paramour was finally revealed."
A person who suffers from paranoia or exhibits extreme, irrational distrust and suspicion.
"The paranoiac refused to leave his house, fearing everyone was against him."
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, balcony, or bridge.
"The soldier hid behind the parapet for protection."
A green vegetable also known as pointed gourd, commonly used in South Asian cuisine
"Mother prepared parbal curry with fish."
to make something extremely dry, especially by exposure to heat
"The scorching sun began to parch the fields."
a medicine containing opium, once used to relieve pain and diarrhea
"Doctors once prescribed paregoric to treat diarrhea in children."
Relating to or expressed in parentheses; a side remark or digression.
"He added a parenthetical comment during the lecture."
a particular way of speaking or using words, common to a group
"In legal parlance, the term has a different meaning."
a discussion between opposing sides, especially to negotiate terms
"The generals met to parley over the terms of surrender."
Full of danger or risk; precarious.
"The company is in a parlous financial state."
Words that are derived from the same root or sound alike.
"The words 'effect' and 'effective' are paronymous."
A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or activity.
"She was seized by a paroxysm of laughter."
The art or technique of laying parquet floors.
"The craftsman specialized in parquetry for luxury homes."
The act of killing one's father, mother, or other close relative.
"The court tried him for parricide after the tragic incident."
unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy
"The company was too parsimonious to invest in better equipment."
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
"His parsimony was evident in the way he avoided any unnecessary expenses."
capable of being divided or separated
"The estate was partible among the heirs."
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."
