admonitory
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C2 adjective /ədˈmɒnɪtəri/

admonitory

Meaning
giving or conveying a warning or reprimand
Example
She gave him an admonitory glance.
C2 verb /ɪˈfɛktʃueɪt/

effectuate

Meaning
to put into force or cause to happen; to bring about
Example
The manager effectuated the changes to improve efficiency.
C2 adjective /blɑːˈzeɪ/

blase

Meaning
unimpressed or indifferent to something because it has been experienced so often before
Example
After years of luxury travel, she felt blase about another trip to Paris.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːfdəm/

serfdom

Meaning
The status or condition of being a serf, bound to work for a lord.
Example
Many peasants in medieval Europe lived under serfdom.
C2 noun /bɛk/

beck

Meaning
a gesture of beckoning; a small stream or brook (chiefly Northern English)
Example
The servant came at his master's beck and call.
C2 noun /ˌmæləˈdɪkʃən/

Malediction

Meaning
A magical word used to invoke a curse; an evil spell
Example
The witch uttered a terrible malediction upon her enemies.
C2 noun /ˌθɜː.məʊˈdʒen.ɪ.sɪs/

thermogenesis

Meaning
The process of heat production in living organisms, often associated with burning calories and energy expenditure.
Example
Spicy foods can enhance thermogenesis and calorie burning.
C2 verb /lʌɡˈʒʊrieɪt/

luxuriate

Meaning
to enjoy something in a self-indulgent way; to take pleasure in great comfort
Example
She luxuriated in the warm bubble bath after a long day.
C2 noun /foʊl fʊt/

Foal-foot

Meaning
a yellow flowering plant with leaves shaped like a horse's hoof, also known as coltsfoot
Example
The foal-foot plant grows wild in many meadows and is often the first flower to bloom in spring.
C2 noun /ˈtælən/

talon

Meaning
A claw, especially one belonging to a bird of prey.
Example
The eagle gripped the fish with its sharp talons.
C2 adjective /ˌmɛtəˈlɜrdʒɪkəl/

metallurgical

Meaning
Relating to metallurgy or the branch of science concerned with the properties of metals and their production.
Example
He studied metallurgical engineering at the university.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɒdɪst/

immodest

Meaning
lacking humility or decency; excessively proud or improper
Example
His immodest remarks offended the audience.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛɡnənt/

regnant

Meaning
Reigning; currently holding power, authority, or dominance.
Example
The regnant queen introduced several reforms during her reign.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tɪ.nəns/

continence

Meaning
self-restraint, especially regarding bodily functions or desires
Example
He practiced continence to maintain focus on his studies.
C2 verb /ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/

putrefy

Meaning
to decay or rot, producing a foul smell
Example
The meat began to putrefy in the heat.
C2 verb /sɛkˈstuːpəl/

sextuple

Meaning
to make or become six times as great or as many
Example
Within two quarters, the campaign sextupled their daily sign-ups.
C2 adjective /ˈflaɪti/

flighty

Meaning
unstable, impulsive, or easily distracted; lacking seriousness or stability
Example
She’s too flighty to stick with one job for long.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌsɪd/

cussed

Meaning
Annoyingly stubborn or difficult.
Example
He was too cussed to admit his mistake.
C2 verb /ˈtrʌk.əl/

truckle

Meaning
To submit or yield obsequiously to someone in power.
Example
He refused to truckle to the demands of the corrupt officials.
C2 verb /ˈrʌmpəl/

rumple

Meaning
to make something untidy or wrinkled by creasing or crumpling
Example
She accidentally rumpled her dress while packing.
C2 noun /ˌbenɪˈdɪkʃən/

Benediction

Meaning
a blessing, especially a ceremonial one; an expression of good wishes
Example
The priest gave his benediction to the newlyweds.
C2 verb /ˈstræɡəl/

straggle

Meaning
To move or spread in an irregular, scattered, or untidy way.
Example
The children began to straggle behind on the long hike.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
C2 noun /sɪlf/

sylph

Meaning
A mythical spirit of the air; also refers to a slender, graceful woman.
Example
She moved across the stage like a sylph, light and graceful.
C2 noun /ˌmɪsədˈvɛntʃər/

misadventure

Meaning
An unlucky accident, mishap, or unfortunate event.
Example
He broke his leg during a skiing misadventure.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.pən ˈhɑrt.ɪd/

Open-hearted

Meaning
Kind and generous; sincere and honest; warmly receptive;
Example
She welcomed the strangers with an open-hearted smile and invited them for dinner.
C2 verb /ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡ/

pettifog

Meaning
to argue or quibble over trivial matters; to engage in petty, dishonest practices
Example
The lawyer was accused of trying to pettifog instead of addressing the real issue.
C2 noun /mɛnˈdæsəti/

mendacity

Meaning
the tendency to be untruthful; dishonesty
Example
The journalist exposed the mendacity of the officials.
C2 adjective /ˈsæŋɡwɪˌnɛri/

sanguinary

Meaning
Involving or causing much bloodshed; bloodthirsty.
Example
The battle was one of the most sanguinary conflicts of the war.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnfəˈlɪsɪtəs/

infelicitous

Meaning
not suitable or well chosen; awkward or unfortunate
Example
His infelicitous remark ruined the atmosphere of the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈɡævəl/

gavel

Meaning
A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge or an auctioneer to signal attention or mark a decision.
Example
The judge struck the gavel to call the court to order.
C2 adjective /ˈmiː.di.əl/

medial

Meaning
Situated in or pertaining to the middle; located toward the midline of the body or structure.
Example
The medial side of the knee is more prone to injury.
C2 noun /kɒzˈmɒɡ.ə.ni/

cosmogony

Meaning
the study or theory of the origin of the universe
Example
The book provides an overview of different cosmogonies throughout history.
C2 adjective /ɒˈstɛnsɪv/

ostensive

Meaning
clearly demonstrative or pointing out; explicitly shown
Example
The teacher gave an ostensive example to clarify the concept.
C2 verb /dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/

discomfit

Meaning
to make someone feel uneasy, embarrassed, or confused
Example
The interviewer’s tough questions discomfited the candidate.
C2 noun /ˌbækəˈneɪliə/

bacchanalia

Meaning
A Roman festival of Bacchus celebrated with dancing, drinking, and revelry; any occasion of wild and drunken revelry.
Example
The novel describes the party as a bacchanalia of excess and joy.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈfɜːrnəl/

infernal

Meaning
relating to hell; extremely troublesome or annoying
Example
The workers complained about the infernal noise from the construction site.
C2 noun /lɔːŋ ˈpepər/

Long pepper

Meaning
a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit which is used as a spice
Example
Long pepper was more valuable than black pepper in ancient times.
C2 noun (plural) /ˌmæk.ɪˈneɪ.ʃənz/

machinations

Meaning
complicated and secret plans, often intended to cause harm
Example
The politician was brought down by his own machinations.
C2 verb /prəˈpaʊnd/

propound

Meaning
To put forward an idea, theory, or point for consideration.
Example
The professor propounded a new theory on climate change.
C2 adjective /ˈæfəbəl/

affable

Meaning
friendly, easy to talk to, and pleasant in manner
Example
He is such an affable host that everyone feels comfortable at his parties.
C2 noun /wiːl/

weal

Meaning
A raised mark on the skin left after a blow; or general well-being and prosperity.
Example
The charity worked for the common weal of the community.
C2 noun /ˈræʃənəlɪzəm/

rationalism

Meaning
a belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than religious belief or emotion
Example
Rationalism emphasizes logic and reasoning over faith.
C2 adjective ˌnjʊə.rəʊ.prəˈtek.tɪv

neuroprotective

Meaning
Having the ability to protect nerve cells from damage, degeneration, or impaired function.
Example
Omega-3 fatty acids have neuroprotective benefits.
C2 noun /nɑːrˈsɪsəs/

narcissus

Meaning
A type of flowering plant with yellow or white blooms, often associated with self-love from Greek mythology.
Example
A narcissus bloomed in the garden during spring.
C2 adjective /ɛkˈstrɪnzɪk/

extrinsic

Meaning
Not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming from outside.
Example
His motivation was largely extrinsic, driven by rewards and recognition.
C2 verb /ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛs/

deliquesce

Meaning
to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
Example
The salt began to deliquesce after being left in the humid room.
C2 noun /ˈækmi/

acme

Meaning
the highest point of achievement or excellence
Example
Winning the award was the acme of his career.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsɜːrnəbl/

indiscernible

Meaning
Impossible or difficult to see, notice, or distinguish.
Example
The difference between the two shades was almost indiscernible.
C2 adjective /ˈækwɪˌlaɪn/

aquiline

Meaning
curved like an eagle's beak; hooked
Example
He had an aquiline nose that gave him a distinguished appearance.
C2 noun /ˈfʌŋkʃəˌnɛri/

functionary

Meaning
a person who has official duties in an organization, especially one with little authority
Example
The minor functionary was responsible for filing reports.
C2 verb /kəˈdʒoʊl/

cajole

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
Example
She managed to cajole her friend into joining the trip.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv brɑːntʃ/

olive-branch

Meaning
A symbol of peace or reconciliation; an offer to end conflict.
Example
He extended an olive-branch to his rival after years of hostility.
C2 verb /səˈfjuːz/

suffuse

Meaning
to gradually spread through or over something
Example
A warm glow suffused her face as she smiled.
C2 verb /mʌlkt/

mulct

Meaning
to punish by a fine or to defraud someone of money
Example
The corrupt official was mulcted for his misconduct.
C2 noun /ɡænˈdʒɛtɪk liːf fɪʃ/

Gangetic Leaf Fish

Meaning
a small freshwater fish species found in the Ganges river system, known for its leaf-like appearance
Example
The Gangetic Leaf Fish is commonly found in the rivers of Bangladesh.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪndɪkeɪtɪv/

vindicative

Meaning
showing a tendency to vindicate or justify; inclined to defend
Example
Her vindicative tone showed that she strongly believed in her innocence.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɒs.stɪk/

Joss-stick

Meaning
a thin stick of incense that is burned for its pleasant smell, especially in religious ceremonies
Example
She lit a joss-stick in the temple during her prayers.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɛəri/

chary

Meaning
cautious or wary about doing something
Example
She was chary of investing in the new business venture.
C2 adjective /ˌhæfˈhɑːr.tɪd/

halfhearted

Meaning
lacking enthusiasm or determination; unenthusiastic
Example
His halfhearted attempt to study did not bring good results.
C2 noun /ˈklærɪən/

Clarion

Meaning
a shrill narrow-tubed war trumpet; a medieval trumpet with a clear piercing tone
Example
The clarion sounded across the battlefield to signal the charge.
C2 adjective /ˈwɜːkmənˌlaɪk/

workmanlike

Meaning
Showing efficient, competent, and practical skill, but without flair or creativity.
Example
The carpenter delivered a workmanlike performance on the project.
C2 adjective /ˌtɛmɪˈrɛəriəs/

temerarious

Meaning
Reckless or rash; showing a lack of caution.
Example
It was a temerarious decision to cross the river during the storm.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl/

conjectural

Meaning
based on guesswork or incomplete evidence rather than certain knowledge
Example
His explanation was purely conjectural and lacked proof.
C2 noun /ˈtrɛntʃərmən/

trencherman

Meaning
a person who eats in a hearty or robust manner; a big eater
Example
The trencherman devoured the feast with great enthusiasm.
C2 adjective /əbˈsiːkwɪəs/

obsequious

Meaning
Excessively obedient or attentive in a servile way.
Example
The waiter gave an obsequious bow to every customer.
C2 noun /ˌfɔːrɔːrdɪˈneɪʃən/

foreordination

Meaning
the act of determining something in advance; predestination
Example
The doctrine of foreordination suggests that events are fixed by divine will.
C2 adjective /ˈdæpər/

dapper

Meaning
Neat, stylish, and well-dressed in appearance.
Example
He looked very dapper in his new suit.
C2 verb /ˈmiːliəˌreɪt/

meliorate

Meaning
To make something better or improve a condition.
Example
The new policies aim to meliorate the living conditions of the poor.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

digressive

Meaning
Tending to depart from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
The speaker's digressive style made the lecture difficult to follow.
C2 verb /ˈblækˌbɔːl/

blackball

Meaning
to exclude someone socially or vote against their membership in a group or club
Example
He was blackballed from the club after the controversy.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
C2 noun /ˈpæn.θi.ɪ.zəm/

pantheism

Meaning
The belief that God and the universe are identical, or that everything is a manifestation of God.
Example
Spinoza’s philosophy is often associated with pantheism.
C2 adjective /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/

pusillanimous

Meaning
showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
Example
The pusillanimous leader avoided making tough decisions.
C2 adjective /dɪˈluːsəri/

delusory

Meaning
Based on illusion; not real.
Example
He was filled with delusory hopes of becoming famous overnight.
C2 adjective /ˈʃɪft.ləs/

shiftless

Meaning
Lacking ambition or the ability to accomplish anything; lazy and unmotivated.
Example
He was seen as a shiftless young man with no goals.
C2 noun /ˈbrɒŋkəs/

bronchus

Meaning
either of the two main branches of the trachea that lead directly into the lungs
Example
The left bronchus carries air into the left lung.
C2 noun /dʒenˈtɪl.ə.ti/

Gentility

Meaning
social superiority as demonstrated by polite and refined manners; the quality of being well-mannered and refined
Example
Her natural gentility and grace made her popular among high society circles.
C2 verb /dɪˈmɜːr/

demur

Meaning
to raise doubts, objections, or show reluctance
Example
She agreed to help without demur.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪlɒn/

carillon

Meaning
A set of bells played using a keyboard, usually in a tower.
Example
The carillon bells rang across the town square.
C2 noun /kəˈtæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/

catabolism

Meaning
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.
Example
Catabolism plays a crucial role in cellular energy production.
C2 noun /ˈtrʌmpəri/

trumpery

Meaning
worthless nonsense or showy but worthless things
Example
The speech was full of political trumpery.
C2 noun /kəˈraʊzl/

carousal

Meaning
A noisy or lively drinking party or festivity.
Example
They were exhausted after a night of wild carousal.
C2 noun /prɪˈzɛntmənt/

presentment

Meaning
The act of presenting something formally or officially; a formal statement or document.
Example
The lawyer made a presentment of the evidence to the court.
C2 verb /dɪˈpreɪv/

deprave

Meaning
to corrupt morally; to make someone immoral or wicked
Example
The novel was criticized for attempting to deprave the minds of young readers.
C2 noun /leɪð/

lathe

Meaning
A machine for shaping wood, metal, or other material by rotating it against a cutting tool.
Example
The carpenter used a lathe to shape the wooden bowl.
C2 adjective, adverb /əˈbʌvˌbɔːrd/

aboveboard

Meaning
Open and honest; without deception or trickery.
Example
The business deal was completely aboveboard.
C2 verb /rɪˈkwaɪt/

requite

Meaning
to return or repay a favor, service, or feeling
Example
She requited his kindness with a thoughtful gift.
C2 verb /haɪ/

hie

Meaning
to go quickly; hasten
Example
He hied to the station to catch the train.
C2 noun /ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtəns/

exorbitance

Meaning
The quality of being excessive, unreasonable, or going beyond proper limits.
Example
The exorbitance of the hotel's prices shocked the tourists.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒen.ɪ.tɪv/

genitive

Meaning
relating to or denoting a case of nouns and pronouns indicating possession
Example
In English, the genitive case is often shown with an apostrophe and 's'.
C2 verb /ˈwɛltər/

welter

Meaning
to roll or toss about in a confused or disorderly way; to be in turmoil
Example
The city weltered in chaos after the sudden blackout.
C2 verb /fɔːrˈboʊd/

forebode

Meaning
To predict or have a strong inner feeling of a future misfortune or evil.
Example
Dark clouds forebode a coming storm.
C2 adjective /ˌhɛtərəʊˈmɔːrfɪk/

heteromorphic

Meaning
Having different forms or shapes, especially in the same species or organism.
Example
Butterflies are heteromorphic during their life cycle, changing forms from larva to adult.
C2 noun /pɛnˈtæmɪtər/

pentameter

Meaning
A line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
Example
Shakespeare often wrote his plays in iambic pentameter.
C2 noun /əˈspær.ə.ɡəs biːn/

Asparagus bean

Meaning
a long, thin green vegetable pod that grows on vines; also known as yard-long bean
Example
The asparagus bean grows up to three feet long and is commonly used in Asian cooking.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɑːlɪtɪk/

impolitic

Meaning
Unwise or imprudent; not showing good judgment.
Example
It would be impolitic to criticize them openly.
C2 adjective /kwəʊˈtɪdiən/

quotidian

Meaning
Ordinary or everyday, especially when mundane.
Example
He focused on the quotidian details of family life.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntərˈniːsaɪn/

internecine

Meaning
Relating to conflict within a group, often causing mutual destruction.
Example
The internecine conflict weakened the organization from within.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.fɪ.del/

Infidel

Meaning
a person who does not believe in religion or whose religious beliefs differ from one's own
Example
In historical contexts, crusaders often referred to their enemies as infidels.
C2 verb /ˌæntɪˈsiːd/

antecede

Meaning
to come before in time or order
Example
A short introduction usually antecedes the main text.
C2 noun /foʊˈtɑːmɪtri/

photometry

Meaning
the science of measuring visible light in terms of its perceived brightness to human eyes
Example
Photometry helps in designing efficient lighting systems.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪstrəfi/

antistrophe

Meaning
A rhetorical device in which a word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive clauses; in Greek choral poetry, the part of the ode sung by the chorus in return movement.
Example
The poet used antistrophe to emphasize the repeated phrase.
C2 noun /niːˈɒlədʒɪzəm/

neologism

Meaning
A newly coined word or expression.
Example
The internet has given rise to many neologisms like 'selfie' and 'hashtag'.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
C2 verb /ˈɑːblɪˌɡeɪt/

obligate

Meaning
to bind legally or morally; to compel someone to do something
Example
The contract obligates the company to provide timely service.
C2 noun /wɪt/

whit

Meaning
a very small part or amount
Example
He doesn't care a whit about the outcome.
C2 adjective /ˌdɪspjuːˈteɪʃəs/

disputatious

Meaning
fond of or given to argument and debate
Example
His disputatious nature often led to heated conversations.
C2 noun /ˈliː.vɪŋz/

Leavings

Meaning
things that have been left behind or remain; remnants or scraps
Example
The leavings from dinner were given to the dog.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpɪleɪt/

depilate

Meaning
to remove hair from the skin, especially by mechanical or chemical means
Example
She decided to depilate her legs before the event.
C2 noun /ˌɛərəˈstætɪks/

aerostatics

Meaning
The branch of physics that deals with the equilibrium of air and gases and the forces acting on bodies in them.
Example
Aerostatics is essential for understanding how balloons float.
C2 noun /ˈsɔː.dər/

Sawder

Meaning
flattering or wheedling talk; soft soap
Example
His sawder couldn't convince anyone of his sincerity.
C2 noun /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃn/

circumlocution

Meaning
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
Example
The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌɡɒn/

decagon

Meaning
A polygon with ten sides and ten angles.
Example
The geometry teacher drew a perfect decagon on the board.
C2 noun /ˈmɛzməˌrɪzəm/

mesmerism

Meaning
A state of fascination or hypnotism.
Example
The magician held the audience in a state of mesmerism.
C2 noun /ˌhaɪdrəˈstætɪks/

hydrostatics

Meaning
The branch of science concerned with the mechanical properties of fluids at rest.
Example
Hydrostatics is essential in understanding how dams and reservoirs function.
C2 noun /ˈfɪl.ə.dʒɪ.nɪst/

philogynist

Meaning
a person who loves or admires women
Example
As a known philogynist, he advocated for women's education.
C2 adverb /ˈvɛrɪli/

verily

Meaning
truly; certainly; without a doubt
Example
Verily, I say unto you, this is the truth.
C2 adjective /ˌhɑːrdˈbɪtn̩/

hard-bitten

Meaning
tough and experienced, not easily affected by emotions or hardship
Example
The hard-bitten detective showed no sign of surprise at the crime scene.
C2 noun /kɪˈrɒpədɪst/

chiropodist

Meaning
A healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats foot problems.
Example
The chiropodist treated her painful corns and calluses.
C2 noun /ˈlæki/

lackey

Meaning
a person who is overly willing to serve or obey someone else
Example
He treated his assistant like a mere lackey.