agape
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C2 adjective /əˈɡeɪp/ or /əˈɡɑːp/

agape

Meaning
With the mouth wide open in surprise or wonder.
Example
She stood agape at the breathtaking view.
C2 adjective /əˈkɪliən/

achillean

Meaning
like or characteristic of Achilles; strong but vulnerable
Example
His achillean pride made him blind to danger.
C2 adjective /æmˈbroʊʒiəl/

ambrosial

Meaning
Exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; divine.
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread was simply ambrosial.
C2 noun /əˈzeɪ.li.ə/

azalea

Meaning
a flowering shrub with brightly colored blooms, often grown ornamentally
Example
The garden was full of blooming azaleas in spring.
C2 noun /ˌæd.ʌmˈbreɪ.ʃən/

adumbration

Meaning
a vague foreshadowing or symbolic representation of something
Example
The play offers an adumbration of the political unrest to come.
C2 noun /ˌæk.rəˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

acrophobia

Meaning
An extreme or irrational fear of heights.
Example
Her acrophobia prevented her from climbing the tall building.
C2 verb /əˈsweɪdʒ/

assuage

Meaning
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to ease or relieve.
Example
The kind words helped assuage her anxiety.
C2 adjective /əˈpɒ.krɪ.fəl/

apocryphal

Meaning
Of doubtful authenticity, though widely circulated as true.
Example
The story about him saving the village is probably apocryphal.
C2 noun /ˌɔːskʌlˈteɪʃən/

auscultation

Meaning
The act of listening to internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope.
Example
The doctor performed auscultation to check the patient’s lungs.
C2 noun /əˈsper.ɪ.ti/

asperity

Meaning
Harshness of tone, manner, or surface.
Example
She spoke with asperity when she was interrupted.
C2 adjective /ˈæfərənt/

afferent

Meaning
carrying impulses toward a central organ or part, especially toward the brain or spinal cord
Example
Afferent nerves carry signals from the body to the brain.
C2 adjective /əˈmɔːrfəs/

amorphous

Meaning
Lacking a clear shape or form; without a defined structure.
Example
The plan remained amorphous and lacked concrete details.
C2 noun /əˈspɜːr.ʒən/

aspersion

Meaning
An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone.
Example
He cast an aspersion on her character.
C2 adjective /əˈkwɪzətɪv/

acquisitive

Meaning
excessively interested in acquiring money or material things
Example
The acquisitive businessman bought every piece of land he could find.
C2 noun /əˈsɛt.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

asceticism

Meaning
The practice of severe self-discipline and abstaining from indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.
Example
Asceticism has been a part of many religious traditions throughout history.
C2 verb /əˈsɪdɪfaɪ/

acidify

Meaning
to make something acidic or more acidic
Example
Farmers worry that pollution will acidify the soil.
C2 adjective /eɪˈsɛfələs/

acephalous

Meaning
having no leader or head; headless
Example
The acephalous group soon fell into disorganization.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪfɒn/

antiphon

Meaning
a short chant or verse sung responsively in Christian worship, typically sung before or after a psalm or canticle
Example
The choir sang the antiphon before beginning the main hymn.
C2 noun /əˈmæl.ɡəm/

amalgam

Meaning
a mixture or blend of different things
Example
The new policy is an amalgam of several previous laws.
C2 verb /ˈɔːɡər/

augur

Meaning
To be a sign of something to come; to predict or foretell.
Example
Dark clouds augur a coming storm.
C2 adjective /ˈæstrəl/

astral

Meaning
Relating to the stars or to spiritual, non-physical realms.
Example
Some believe in astral projection, the ability to leave the body and travel spiritually.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrbɪtər/

arbiter

Meaning
a person who has the authority to settle a dispute or decide an issue
Example
The principal acted as the arbiter in the conflict between the students.
C2 verb /ˈɔːltərˌkeɪt/

altercate

Meaning
to argue or dispute angrily or noisily
Example
The neighbors began to altercate over the boundary wall.
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 /ˈiːsθiːt/ or /ˈɛsθiːt/

aesthete

Meaning
A person who has a special appreciation of art and beauty.
Example
The aesthete admired the subtle details of the painting.
C2 verb /əˈvɜːr/

aver

Meaning
to state or assert something confidently and strongly
Example
She averred that she was innocent.
C2 noun /ˌæntiˈsaɪkloʊn/

anticyclone

Meaning
A weather system with high atmospheric pressure at its center, usually bringing calm and clear conditions.
Example
An anticyclone brought sunny weather across the region.
C2 adjective /ˈæprəbəˌtɔːri/

approbatory

Meaning
expressing approval or praise
Example
The teacher gave an approbatory nod after reading the essay.
C2 noun /ˈænθrəsaɪt/

anthracite

Meaning
A hard, shiny form of coal that burns with little smoke and a high heat value.
Example
The factory used anthracite as its primary fuel source.
C2 noun /əˈreɪ.bi.ən ˈdʒæz.mɪn/

Arabian Jasmine

Meaning
A fragrant white flower native to South and Southeast Asia, commonly used in perfumes and religious ceremonies
Example
The Arabian jasmine filled the garden with its sweet fragrance.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪfəni/

antiphony

Meaning
a form of music in which two or more groups or choirs sing alternately in response to each other
Example
The cathedral's architecture was designed to enhance the effect of antiphony.
C2 noun /ˈæpədʒiː/

apogee

Meaning
the highest or most distant point; the climax or peak of something
Example
The empire reached its apogee during the 18th century.
C2 noun /ˈæstər/

Aster

Meaning
a flowering plant with daisy-like flowers that typically bloom in fall
Example
The purple asters bloomed beautifully in the autumn garden.
C2 noun /ˈæsənəns/

assonance

Meaning
the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words in poetry or prose
Example
The poet used assonance to create a musical effect in his verse.
C2 verb /ˌæd ˈlɪb/

ad-lib

Meaning
to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise
Example
The comedian ad-libbed a joke when the microphone failed.
C2 noun əˈkjuː.ə.ti

acuity

Meaning
Sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing.
Example
His intellectual acuity made him a brilliant scientist.
C2 verb /əˈkuːtə/

accoutre

Meaning
to dress or equip, especially in something impressive or elaborate
Example
The knight was accoutred in shining armor.
C2 verb /ˈærəˌɡeɪt/

arrogate

Meaning
To claim or take something without justification.
Example
The dictator arrogated all powers to himself.
C2 noun /ˈɛərəˌstæt/

aerostat

Meaning
A lighter-than-air craft, such as a balloon, that is lifted by gas.
Example
The military used an aerostat for surveillance over the border.
C2 noun /ˈætəvɪzəm/

atavism

Meaning
The recurrence of traits or characteristics from a remote ancestor.
Example
The scientist noted atavism in the child’s physical features.
C2 adjective /əˈsiːtɪk/

acetic

Meaning
relating to or containing acetic acid; sour or vinegary in taste or smell
Example
The acetic smell of vinegar filled the kitchen.
C2 noun /əˈnæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/

anabolism

Meaning
The set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, involving tissue repair and growth.
Example
Anabolism is essential for muscle growth and tissue repair.
C2 noun /əˈfreɪ/

affray

Meaning
A public fight or noisy disturbance that causes alarm.
Example
The police were called to break up an affray outside the stadium.
C2 adjective /əˈskjuː/

askew

Meaning
Not in a straight or level position; crooked or tilted.
Example
The picture on the wall hung slightly askew.
C2 adverb /əˈsʌndər/

asunder

Meaning
into separate parts; apart
Example
The ancient empire was torn asunder by war.
C2 adjective /æbˈhɔːr.ənt/

Abhorrent

Meaning
extremely unpleasant and causing disgust; detestable
Example
The idea of animal cruelty is abhorrent to most people.
C2 noun (plural) /əˈspɜːr.ʒənz/

aspersions

Meaning
Critical or slanderous remarks; multiple attacks on reputation.
Example
The politician rejected the aspersions cast against him.
C2 noun /əˈkwɪtəns/

acquittance

Meaning
a written receipt acknowledging payment or discharge of a debt
Example
He demanded an acquittance after paying the loan.
C2 noun /əˈbluːʃən/

ablution

Meaning
the act of washing oneself, often for religious purposes
Example
He performed his morning ablution before the prayer.
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, verb /əˈfrʌnt/

affront

Meaning
An action or remark that causes outrage or offense.
Example
He took her criticism as a personal affront.
C2 noun /ˌæŋɡləˈfoʊbiə/

anglophobia

Meaning
Dislike or fear of England, English people, or English culture.
Example
The politician was accused of promoting Anglophobia in his speeches.
C2 noun /əˈmʊr/

amour

Meaning
A secret or illicit love affair.
Example
The novel tells the story of a forbidden amour between two characters.
C2 noun /əˈfleɪtəs/

afflatus

Meaning
a sudden divine inspiration or creative impulse
Example
The poet wrote the verses under a sudden afflatus of inspiration.
C2 adjective/adverb /ˌæ.prəˈpoʊ/

apropos

Meaning
Appropriate to the situation; relevant. As an adverb, it means 'with reference to' or 'regarding'.
Example
His comments were not apropos of the discussion.
C2 adjective /əˈvʌŋkjələr/

avuncular

Meaning
kind and friendly, like an uncle
Example
He had an avuncular manner that made everyone feel comfortable.
C2 noun /ˈæl.baɪt/

albite

Meaning
A white or colorless mineral of the feldspar group, often found in igneous rocks.
Example
Geologists discovered albite crystals in the rock sample.
C2 verb /əˈleɪ/

allay

Meaning
to reduce the intensity of fear, worry, or pain; to calm
Example
The teacher tried to allay the students’ fears before the exam.
C2 noun /ˈɔːtɑːrki/

autarchy

Meaning
A system of self-sufficiency where a state or community is economically independent.
Example
The nation attempted autarchy to reduce reliance on imports.
C2 noun /əbˈdʌktər/

abductor

Meaning
a person who kidnaps or forcibly takes someone away
Example
The police arrested the abductor after a nationwide search.
C2 adjective /æbˈstiːmiəs/

abstemious

Meaning
not allowing oneself much food or drink; marked by moderation
Example
She lived an abstemious life, avoiding all luxuries.
C2 verb /əˈkuːtər/

accouter

Meaning
to equip or outfit, typically with military or ceremonial attire
Example
The soldiers were accoutered in full battle gear.
C2 noun /əˈkʌmpənɪst/

accompanist

Meaning
A person who plays a musical instrument to support a singer or another musician.
Example
The pianist served as the accompanist for the singer during the concert.
C2 noun /ˈeɪ.viˌɛr.i/

aviary

Meaning
a large enclosure for keeping birds
Example
The zoo built a new aviary for exotic parrots.
C2 verb /əˈdʌltəreɪt/

adulterate

Meaning
to make something poorer in quality by adding another substance, usually of lower quality
Example
The company was fined for adulterating its products with cheap chemicals.
C2 noun /ˌætəlˈjeɪ/

atelier

Meaning
A workshop or studio, especially for an artist or designer.
Example
The painter invited us to his atelier to view his new collection.
C2 verb /ˈæktʃueɪt/

actuate

Meaning
to put into action or motion; to motivate or activate
Example
The engineer actuated the machine with a simple switch.
C2 verb /əbˈskɒnd/

abscond

Meaning
to leave secretly and quickly, often to avoid arrest or punishment
Example
The thief tried to abscond with the stolen jewelry.
C2 noun ˌæɡ.roʊˈiː.koʊˌsɪs.təm

agroecosystem

Meaning
An ecological system centered on agricultural activities and processes.
Example
A healthy agroecosystem improves soil fertility.
C2 noun /ˈeɪʒən siː bæs/

Asian sea bass

Meaning
a large predatory fish found in coastal waters and estuaries of the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its white meat
Example
Asian sea bass is highly valued in aquaculture for its fast growth.
C2 noun /ˈænɪ siːd/

Ani seed

Meaning
Small aromatic seeds used as a spice and for medicinal purposes, with a sweet licorice-like flavor
Example
Anise seeds are often used in traditional desserts and teas.
C2 adjective /ɑːrˈθʊr.i.ən/

arthurian

Meaning
Relating to the legendary King Arthur and the stories surrounding him.
Example
The novel is set in an Arthurian world of knights and castles.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrtɪfɪs/

artifice

Meaning
clever or cunning devices or tricks used to deceive others
Example
The politician's charm was nothing but artifice.
C2 verb /ˈædjʊˌleɪt/

adulate

Meaning
to praise or flatter excessively
Example
The fans adulated the actor after his performance.
C2 adjective /ˌækwiˈɛsənt/

acquiescent

Meaning
ready to accept something without protest, or to do what someone else wants
Example
He gave an acquiescent smile and agreed to the plan.
C2 adjective /ˈærənt/

arrant

Meaning
complete or utter (used negatively, e.g., 'arrant nonsense')
Example
His excuse was arrant nonsense.
C2 verb /əˈfaɪəns/

affiance

Meaning
to promise or pledge marriage; to formally engage
Example
They decided to affiance after years of friendship.
C2 adjective /əˈdʌltəreɪtɪd/

adulterated

Meaning
describes food, drink, or medicine made weaker or impure by the addition of another substance
Example
Authorities seized adulterated drugs from the warehouse.
C2 adjective /æbˈstruːs/

abstruse

Meaning
Difficult to understand; obscure.
Example
The abstruse nature of the philosophical debate left many confused.
C2 noun /əˈpɒθəˌkɛri/

apothecary

Meaning
A historical term for a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.
Example
The village apothecary provided remedies for many common illnesses.
C2 noun /ˈɑːm.lət/

Armlet

Meaning
a band worn around the upper arm as an ornament
Example
The traditional dancer wore golden armlets that gleamed in the spotlight.
C2 noun /ˌædjʊˈleɪʃən/

adulation

Meaning
excessive admiration or flattery
Example
The singer enjoyed the adulation of her fans.
C2 noun /əˈbaɪdəns/

abidance

Meaning
the act of following, accepting, or complying with something
Example
Her abidance by the rules impressed the committee.
C2 adjective /eɪˈsɛptɪk/

aseptic

Meaning
Free from contamination caused by harmful microorganisms; sterile.
Example
Surgeons must work in an aseptic environment to prevent infection.
C2 noun /əˌbɑː.məˈneɪ.ʃən/

abomination

Meaning
a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Example
Slavery was considered an abomination.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪkwɛri/

antiquary

Meaning
A person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or ancient objects.
Example
The antiquary spent years collecting rare manuscripts from the medieval period.
C2 adjective /ˌæn.θrə.pəˈdʒen.ɪk/

anthropogenic

Meaning
Originating in human activity; caused by humans.
Example
Climate change is largely due to anthropogenic activities.
C2 noun /ˈæntiruːm/

anteroom

Meaning
A small room leading to a main one, often used as a waiting area.
Example
The guests waited in the anteroom before being called inside.
C2 verb /ænˈtɪpəθaɪz/

antipathize

Meaning
to feel or express a strong dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
He seemed to antipathize with the new management's approach.
C2 noun /əˈdjuː/

adieu

Meaning
A farewell or goodbye, often used in a formal or poetic sense.
Example
She bid her friends adieu before leaving for France.
C2 noun /ˈeɪʒən swɒmp iːl/

Asian swamp eel

Meaning
a snake-like freshwater fish that can survive in muddy waters and is considered a delicacy in South Asian cuisine
Example
Asian swamp eel can breathe air and survive in shallow muddy waters.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪpədiːz/

antipodes

Meaning
places on opposite sides of the Earth; also refers to things that are direct opposites
Example
Australia and Britain are often considered antipodes of each other.
C2 noun əˈdrɔɪt.nəs

adroitness

Meaning
Cleverness or skill, especially in using the hands or mind; skillful dexterity.
Example
His adroitness in negotiations secured the deal.
C2 verb /ˈæsəneɪt/

assonate

Meaning
To correspond or agree in sound, especially by vowel sounds; to rhyme approximately.
Example
The lines assonate beautifully, giving the song a unique flow.
C2 verb /əˈdjuːs/

adduce

Meaning
To provide evidence or reasons to support an argument or idea.
Example
The lawyer adduced several examples to support his case.
C2 noun /əˈrɔɪ.oʊ/

arroyo

Meaning
A dry creek or stream bed that temporarily fills with water after heavy rain.
Example
After the storm, the arroyo quickly filled with rushing water.
C2 noun /əˈnæθəmə/

anathema

Meaning
something or someone intensely disliked or strongly condemned
Example
Violence is anathema to her peaceful nature.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪˈθɛtɪkəl/

antithetical

Meaning
Directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.
Example
His views were antithetical to the values of the organization.
C2 adjective /əˈsɛt.ɪk/

ascetic

Meaning
Practicing strict self-denial and abstaining from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.
Example
He lived an ascetic life in the mountains, far from worldly comforts.
C2 adjective /ˌæl.ɪˈmen.tər.i/

alimentary

Meaning
relating to nourishment or the organs of digestion
Example
The doctor explained the role of the alimentary canal in digestion.
C2 noun /ˈæktʃuˌɛri/

actuary

Meaning
A professional who analyzes financial risk using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory, especially in insurance and pensions.
Example
The actuary calculated the risk before finalizing the insurance policy.
C2 noun /ˌænɪmædˈvɜːʒən/

animadversion

Meaning
Strong criticism or censure.
Example
The policy attracted severe animadversion from the public.
C2 adjective /əˈluːviəl/

alluvial

Meaning
Relating to or derived from alluvium (loose soil or sediment deposited by rivers).
Example
The farmers cultivate crops on the fertile alluvial plains.
C2 verb /ˈæbrəɡeɪt/

abrogate

Meaning
To formally repeal, cancel, or abolish a law, agreement, or custom.
Example
The government decided to abrogate the outdated treaty.
C2 adjective /eɪˈrɪðmɪk/

arrhythmic

Meaning
Lacking a regular rhythm or beat.
Example
The patient had an arrhythmic heartbeat.
C2 noun /ˈænti/

ante

Meaning
a stake put up by a player in poker or similar games before receiving cards; also used figuratively to mean an initial investment or contribution
Example
Each player placed an ante before the game began.
C2 adverb /əˈskæns/

askance

Meaning
With suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.
Example
She looked askance at his unusual proposal.
C2 verb /əˈvaʊ/

avow

Meaning
to openly declare or admit something, often publicly and firmly
Example
He avowed his loyalty to the cause without hesitation.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪməˈrɪdiən/

antemeridian

Meaning
Relating to the time before noon; occurring in the morning.
Example
She scheduled all her important meetings during the antemeridian hours.
C2 adjective /ˌæm.bɪˈdɛk.strəs/

ambidextrous

Meaning
Able to use both hands equally well, or versatile in abilities.
Example
Being ambidextrous can be beneficial in sports.
C2 adjective /ˌæk.si.əˈmæt.ɪk/

axiomatic

Meaning
Self-evident, obviously true without need for proof
Example
It is axiomatic that hard work leads to success.
C2 noun /əˈkwaɪərmənt/

acquirement

Meaning
the act of acquiring something; something that has been acquired, especially a skill or possession
Example
Language proficiency is an important acquirement for global careers.
C2 noun /ˌɔːltərˈkeɪʃən/

altercation

Meaning
a noisy argument or quarrel
Example
There was a brief altercation between the two drivers.
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 adjective /ɔːˈrɔːrəl/

auroral

Meaning
Relating to or resembling the aurora, especially the northern lights.
Example
The scientists observed auroral activity in the night sky.
C2 noun /ˌæntɪˈtɒksɪn/

antitoxin

Meaning
A substance that neutralizes a specific toxin in the body.
Example
The doctor administered an antitoxin to counter the snake venom.
C2 verb /ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt/

adumbrate

Meaning
to foreshadow or suggest something in an unclear or indirect way
Example
The report adumbrates future economic challenges.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrbər/

arbor

Meaning
a shady garden shelter formed by trees, climbing plants, or latticework
Example
They rested under the arbor covered with roses.
C2 adjective, adverb /əˈbʌvˌbɔːrd/

aboveboard

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

amalgamate

Meaning
to combine or unite to form one organization or structure; to merge
Example
The two companies decided to amalgamate their operations.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪpəθi/

antipathy

Meaning
a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
There was a mutual antipathy between the two rival companies.