CEFR Level
to construct or cover a road with broken stone
"The government decided to macadamize the old rural roads."
a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority or a weapon similar to a club
"The guard carried a mace as a symbol of authority."
to soften or break up something, especially food, by soaking in liquid
"The chef macerated the fruit in wine before serving."
cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career
"The politician was known for his Machiavellian tactics."
to engage in plots or schemes, usually for harmful or evil purposes
"The rebels tried to machinate against the king."
a secret plan or scheme intended to accomplish something, especially something evil
"The detective uncovered the villain's machination."
complicated and secret plans, often intended to cause harm
"The politician was brought down by his own machinations."
a person who operates machine tools or makes and repairs machines
"The machinist carefully adjusted the gears on the lathe."
a waterproof raincoat, originally made from rubberized fabric
"He wore a mackintosh to stay dry in the rain."
The whole universe considered as a large, complex system; a large-scale representation of something.
"The macrocosm of the universe reflects the microcosm of human life."
To stain, spot, or pollute something.
"The white cloth was maculated by ink stains."
Spotted or stained; marked with blemishes.
"The maculated surface of the old mirror gave it a unique charm."
An artistic representation of the Virgin Mary; also used as a respectful form of address for a woman in Italian culture.
"The Renaissance painting depicts a Madonna holding child Jesus."
A short, lyrical poem set to music, typically from the Renaissance period.
"The choir performed a beautiful madrigal from the 16th century."
A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a situation of confused movement and turmoil.
"The ship was caught in a maelstrom of waves and wind."
Having the characteristics of a master or authority; commanding and dignified.
"The professor spoke in a magisterial tone during the lecture."
The office, authority, or district of a magistrate.
"He was proud to serve in the local magistracy for over a decade."
Generosity, nobility of spirit, and forgiveness toward others.
"She showed magnanimity by forgiving her rival."
Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
"He was magnanimous in victory, praising his opponent."
to make something magnetic or to strongly attract
"The scientist managed to magnetize the iron rod."
using high-flown or pompous language
"The politician’s magniloquent speech impressed the crowd."
A great king, especially a ruler of one of the principal states in India.
"The maharaja lived in a grand palace surrounded by gardens."
The state of being a maiden; girlhood or virginity.
"The poem celebrated the innocence of maidenhood."
To wound or injure someone so that part of the body is permanently damaged.
"The accident maimed several passengers."
clumsy or awkward in movement or behavior
"His maladroit attempt at fixing the chair made it worse."
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with amusing effect
"He is famous for his malapropism when speaking in public."
inappropriate or unsuitable; at an inconvenient or inappropriate time
"His comment was malapropos during the serious discussion."
a fragrant climbing plant with small white flowers, commonly known as jasmine
"The malati vine covered the garden wall with sweet-smelling flowers."
A person who is dissatisfied or rebellious; one who is not content.
"The malcontent voiced his grievances against the government."
A curse or the utterance of a curse.
"The witch cast a malediction upon the village."
A person who commits a crime or does evil.
"The malefactor was arrested for the robbery."
Causing harm or destruction, especially by supernatural means.
"The maleficent witch cursed the young princess."
Doing harm or evil; having a harmful effect.
"The maleficient acts of the tyrant ruined the kingdom."
The state or condition of being malevolent; having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
"His malevolence was clear in the cruel way he treated his rivals."
Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official.
"The mayor was accused of malfeasance in office."
to exaggerate or fake illness in order to escape duty or work
"He tried to malinger to avoid going to school."
a person who pretends to be sick to avoid duty or work
"The manager suspected that John was a malingerer."
A marine fish with a hard shell-like covering, found in coastal waters
"The mallet fish is known for its unique protective shell covering."
An unpleasant smell; bad odor.
"The garbage bin gave off a terrible malodor."
Having a very unpleasant smell.
"The malodorous room made everyone leave quickly."
To treat someone cruelly or unfairly.
"The law punishes those who maltreat animals."
a warship; a naval vessel equipped with weapons for warfare
"The man of war sailed across the ocean to defend the coast."
An animal that kills and eats humans; informally, a woman who is very assertive in relationships.
"The tiger became a notorious man-eater in the village."
A trap designed to catch or injure humans; informally, a woman considered dangerously attractive.
"The old castle had a man-trap at the entrance."
A metal shackle for fastening someone's hands or ankles; also to restrain with such shackles.
"The prisoner was manacled before being taken to court."
a skin disease in animals caused by parasitic mites, leading to hair loss and sores
"The stray dog was suffering from mange."
to severely damage or mutilate something, often by tearing or crushing
"The car was mangled in the accident."
A popular white fish also known as barramundi or Asian sea bass
"Mango fish is prized for its delicate flavor and tender texture."
a type of flowering tree with large, fragrant pink or white flowers
"The beautiful magnolia tree bloomed in spring with pink flowers."
in poor condition, shabby, dirty, or affected by mange
"The stray dog looked mangy and weak."
