CEFR Level
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."
The ability to perceive, understand, or notice things quickly.
"His percipience in reading people made him a great negotiator."
Having good understanding or insight; able to perceive things clearly.
"As a percipient critic, she recognized the deeper meaning of the play."
A state of eternal spiritual ruin, often referring to hell or damnation.
"The preacher warned that greed would lead to perdition."
To travel or wander from place to place.
"He loved to peregrinate across the countryside during summer."
A long journey or wandering, especially on foot.
"Their peregrination across Asia lasted two years."
Insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a commanding way.
"The officer gave a peremptory order to evacuate the building."
capable of being made perfect or improved
"Human nature is imperfect but perfectible."
intensely passionate or fervent
"She gave a perfervid speech in defense of human rights."
deceitful and untrustworthy
"The spy was executed for his perfidious actions."
the act of betrayal or deceit; treachery
"The politician's perfidy shocked even his closest supporters."
