aggrieve
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C2 verb /əˈɡriːv/

aggrieve

Meaning
to cause distress or make someone feel resentful
Example
She felt aggrieved by the unfair decision.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkrʌˈsteɪʃən/

incrustation

Meaning
a crust or hard coating formed on the surface of something
Example
The old pipes were blocked due to heavy incrustation of minerals.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡlɔːriəs/

inglorious

Meaning
Causing shame or disgrace; not bringing honor or glory.
Example
The army suffered an inglorious defeat.
C2 verb /ˈkɒdʒɪteɪt/

cogitate

Meaning
to think deeply about something; to meditate or reflect
Example
He sat by the river to cogitate on his future plans.
C2 noun /ɪˈfʌldʒəns/

effulgence

Meaning
Brilliant radiance or shining brightness.
Example
The effulgence of the sunrise lit up the entire valley.
C2 verb /həˈbɪtʃuˌeɪt/

habituate

Meaning
to make someone accustomed to something
Example
The monks habituated themselves to meditation.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/

disenfranchise

Meaning
To deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights.
Example
The new law could disenfranchise thousands of voters.
C2 noun /ˌlaɪ.pəˈdʒen.ɪ.sɪs/

lipogenesis

Meaning
The metabolic process of fat synthesis where excess carbohydrates are converted into fatty acids and stored as triglycerides.
Example
Excess carbohydrate intake promotes lipogenesis and fat storage.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪt/

caret

Meaning
A proofreading symbol (^) used to indicate where something should be inserted.
Example
The editor placed a caret to show where the missing word should go.
C2 noun /kənˈsaɪnər/

consignor

Meaning
a person or company that sends goods to be sold or transported
Example
The consignor shipped the goods to the warehouse.
C2 adjective /pərˈsɪpiənt/

percipient

Meaning
Having good understanding or insight; able to perceive things clearly.
Example
As a percipient critic, she recognized the deeper meaning of the play.
C2 noun /ˈneɪdɪər/

nadir

Meaning
The lowest point of a situation or condition.
Example
The company reached its nadir during the financial crisis.
C2 adjective /suːˈpɜːrnəl/

supernal

Meaning
Relating to the heavens; celestial or divine.
Example
The painting captured a supernal beauty that felt otherworldly.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɔːrˈdeɪn/

preordain

Meaning
To decide or determine an outcome in advance, especially by fate or divine will.
Example
They believed their meeting was preordained by destiny.
C2 verb /ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/

mortify

Meaning
to cause someone to feel great embarrassment or shame
Example
She was mortified when she tripped on stage.
C2 noun /kænˈtɑː.tə/

cantata

Meaning
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival.
C2 noun /dɜːrdʒ/

dirge

Meaning
A mournful song, piece of music, or poem expressing grief, often for the dead.
Example
The choir sang a solemn dirge at the funeral.
C2 adjective /sərˈkjuːɪtəs/

circuitous

Meaning
Longer than the most direct way; roundabout.
Example
He took a circuitous route to avoid traffic.
C2 verb /ˈbæstərdaɪz/

bastardize

Meaning
to corrupt or debase something by altering it from its original form; to change in a way that reduces quality or purity
Example
Critics argue that the remake bastardized the original novel.
C2 noun /ˈæp.ɪˌkʌl.tʃər/

apiculture

Meaning
The practice of keeping and raising bees for honey and other products.
Example
Apiculture plays a vital role in agriculture by supporting pollination.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkætˌkɔːl/

catcall

Meaning
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval or sexual harassment directed at someone.
Example
The actress ignored the catcalls from the crowd.
C2 adjective /luːd/

lewd

Meaning
Sexually offensive, obscene, or vulgar.
Example
He was arrested for making lewd remarks in public.
C2 adjective /dɪˈstreɪ/

distrait

Meaning
deeply distracted or absent-minded, often due to worry or grief
Example
He looked distrait after hearing the sad news.
C2 verb /skwɛltʃ/

squelch

Meaning
to make a soft sucking sound, such as when walking on mud; to suppress or silence
Example
His boots squelched in the wet ground.
C2 adjective /ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs/

comatose

Meaning
In a state of deep unconsciousness, resembling or related to coma.
Example
The comatose patient was kept under constant observation.
C2 noun /pɛlf/

pelf

Meaning
Money, especially when gained dishonorably.
Example
The corrupt official was motivated only by pelf.
C2 adjective /əˈluːsɪv/

allusive

Meaning
Making indirect references or hints; suggestive without being explicit.
Example
The novel is full of allusive passages that point to classical literature.
C2 noun /ˈfʊl.krəm/

fulcrum

Meaning
The point or support on which a lever pivots; a central or essential point of activity or support.
Example
The teacher became the fulcrum of change in the school.
C2 noun /ˌhaɪdroʊməˈkænɪks/

hydromechanics

Meaning
The study of the mechanical properties and behavior of fluids in motion and at rest.
Example
Hydromechanics provides the foundation for naval architecture.
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 /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 /ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/

idiosyncrasy

Meaning
A distinctive or peculiar characteristic, habit, or mannerism unique to an individual.
Example
One of her idiosyncrasies was humming while working.
C2 noun /ˈsætræp/

satrap

Meaning
a governor of a province in ancient Persia; also used figuratively for a subordinate ruler
Example
The king appointed a satrap to oversee the distant province.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈskruːtəbl̩/

inscrutable

Meaning
impossible to understand or interpret
Example
His inscrutable expression made it hard to know what he was thinking.
C2 noun /meɪs/

mace

Meaning
a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority or a weapon similar to a club
Example
The guard carried a mace as a symbol of authority.
C2 noun ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

aberration

Meaning
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.
Example
The scientist dismissed the data as an aberration.
C2 noun /ˈɛksplɪkeɪtər/

explicator

Meaning
a person who explains or interprets something in detail
Example
The critic served as an explicator of the poet’s complex works.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪpərˈkrɪtɪkl/

hypercritical

Meaning
Excessively or unreasonably critical.
Example
The teacher was often hypercritical of small mistakes.
C2 noun /nuːt/

Newt

Meaning
a small amphibian with a long tail that lives both in water and on land
Example
The newt swam gracefully in the pond.
C2 noun /hʌsk/

husk

Meaning
the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds
Example
The corn husk was peeled away before cooking.
C2 adjective /ˈvɒl.jʊ.bəl/

Voluble

Meaning
speaking fluently and readily; talkative; having a continuous flow of words
Example
The voluble salesman talked for hours about his products.
C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəbl/

dutiable

Meaning
subject to customs duty or tax
Example
Imported electronics are often dutiable at the border.
C2 noun ˈbaɪəʊˌsaɪd

biocide

Meaning
A chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism.
Example
Biocides help control pests and reduce the spread of diseases.
C2 adjective /ˈnæti/

natty

Meaning
Neat, stylish, and fashionable in appearance.
Example
He looked very natty in his new suit.
C2 adjective, noun /pləˈbiːən/

plebeian

Meaning
common, ordinary, or belonging to the lower social classes
Example
The festival was enjoyed by both plebeian and noble citizens.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv bɑːb/

Olive barb

Meaning
A small freshwater fish with olive-colored body and barbels
Example
The olive barb is commonly found in South Asian rivers.
C2 noun /ˌdɛd ˈhiːt/

dead-heat

Meaning
a race or contest in which two or more competitors finish exactly equal
Example
The race ended in a dead-heat between the two runners.
C2 noun əˈlæk.rə.t̬i

alacrity

Meaning
Brisk and cheerful readiness.
Example
He accepted the challenge with alacrity.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈnuːmərɛri/

supernumerary

Meaning
Exceeding the usual number; extra or unnecessary.
Example
The play included several supernumerary actors to fill the background scenes.
C2 noun /ˈlɪbərəlɪst/

liberalist

Meaning
a person who supports liberal ideas and principles
Example
He is a well-known liberalist advocating human rights.
C2 noun /ˈaɪdlər/

idler

Meaning
A person who avoids work or spends time lazily.
Example
He was known as an idler who wasted his days.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl/

penitential

Meaning
Relating to or expressing penitence or penance.
Example
The priest delivered a penitential sermon on forgiveness.
C2 adjective ˈen.də.krɪn

endocrine

Meaning
Relating to or denoting glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood.
Example
The endocrine system regulates metabolism and growth.
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 /ˈmaɪkrəˌkɒzəm/

microcosm

Meaning
A small, representative system having analogies to a larger system; a miniature version of something.
Example
The small town is a microcosm of the entire nation.
C2 verb /ˌnɒnˈplʌst/

nonplused

Meaning
Past tense of nonplus; surprised and confused.
Example
She was completely nonplused by his sudden decision.
C2 adjective /ˈblæs.fə.məs/

blasphemous

Meaning
showing disrespect or lack of reverence for God or sacred things
Example
The book was banned for its blasphemous content.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəti/

impropriety

Meaning
Failure to observe standards of honesty or modesty; improper behavior.
Example
The politician was accused of financial impropriety.
C2 verb /drɔːl/

drawl

Meaning
to speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds
Example
He tends to drawl when he is tired.
C2 noun /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/

zeitgeist

Meaning
The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
Example
The novel perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːrs.liːt͡ʃ/

Horse-leach

Meaning
a large species of leech that was traditionally used in veterinary medicine
Example
The veterinarian explained that horse-leach was once commonly used to treat horses.
C2 noun /ˈlɔːŋ.ɡən/

Longan

Meaning
a small round tropical fruit with translucent white flesh and sweet taste, related to lychee
Example
Longan fruits are often eaten fresh or dried and are popular in Asian desserts.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌɡræf/

lithograph

Meaning
a print made by lithography, often artistic
Example
The museum displayed a rare lithograph from the 19th century.
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 /ˈɛpɪtɑːf/

epitaph

Meaning
A short text written on a tombstone in memory of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone bore an epitaph honoring the soldier’s bravery.
C2 noun /ˈklɔɪstər/

cloister

Meaning
a covered walk in a convent, monastery, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other.
Example
The monks walked silently through the cloister.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪst/

sophist

Meaning
a person who uses clever but misleading arguments
Example
He was dismissed as a sophist who twisted facts to win debates.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsaɪˈniː/

consignee

Meaning
the person or company to whom goods are delivered
Example
The consignee received the shipment on time.
C2 noun /ˈkʌstərd ˈæpəl/

Custard Apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with sweet creamy white flesh and black seeds
Example
The custard apple has a sweet and creamy texture.
C2 noun /əˈkriːʃən/

accretion

Meaning
The process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter.
Example
The accretion of wealth allowed him to invest in various projects.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.səˌbɑːr/

isobar

Meaning
A line on a weather map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure.
Example
The meteorologist explained how isobars indicate wind speed and direction.
C2 noun /hoʊ/

Hoe

Meaning
a gardening tool with a thin metal blade used for breaking up soil and removing weeds
Example
The farmer used a hoe to remove weeds from his vegetable garden.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɔːni/

brawny

Meaning
Physically strong and muscular.
Example
The brawny man lifted the heavy box with ease.
C2 verb /kənˈtɔːrt/

contort

Meaning
to twist or bend out of the normal shape
Example
She contorted her face in pain after the injury.
C2 noun /ˈbaɪəˌɡræf/

biograph

Meaning
A written account of a person's life; an early motion-picture projector (historical use).
Example
The library holds an old biograph of the poet.
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 adjective /ˈvoʊlənt/

volant

Meaning
able to fly or moving swiftly
Example
The volant bird soared gracefully across the sky.
C2 noun /ɛmˈpɔːriəm/

emporium

Meaning
A large retail store selling a wide variety of goods.
Example
They visited the new emporium to buy furniture and home decor.
C2 verb /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪt/

excruciate

Meaning
to cause intense pain or suffering
Example
The injury excruciated him with unbearable pain.
C2 adjective /ˈɡɔːdi/

gaudy

Meaning
excessively showy or flashy, often in a tasteless way
Example
She wore a gaudy necklace that clashed with her elegant dress.
C2 verb /bɪˈhuːvz/

behooves

Meaning
third person singular form of 'behoove'; means it is proper or necessary
Example
It behooves every citizen to follow the law.
C2 verb /ˈdʒɒɡəl/

joggle

Meaning
to shake slightly; to move or cause to move with quick, small jerks
Example
He joggled the table and the vase nearly fell.
C2 noun ˈsɒmnələns

somnolence

Meaning
A state of drowsiness or sleepiness; inclination to sleep.
Example
The somnolence after a heavy meal made it hard to concentrate.
C2 noun /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnʃən/

reprehension

Meaning
The act of rebuking or criticizing severely.
Example
The teacher’s reprehension of the student’s behavior was justified.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪɡənt/

irrigant

Meaning
A liquid used for irrigation, especially in medical or agricultural contexts.
Example
The doctor used a sterile irrigant during the procedure.
C2 noun /ˈbriːtʃɪz/

Breeckes

Meaning
knee-length trousers; short pants
Example
He wore riding breeches for the equestrian event.
C2 adjective /ˌlɪlɪˈpjuːʃən/

lilliputian

Meaning
Extremely small or tiny; trivial or petty.
Example
The model village was filled with lilliputian houses.
C2 noun /ɛmˈpɪrɪˌsɪzəm/

empiricism

Meaning
the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience
Example
Empiricism argues that knowledge comes from experience and observation.
C2 verb /ˈdɔːd(ə)l/

dawdle

Meaning
to waste time by being slow or idle
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework.
C2 noun /ˈbed.ləm/

Bedlam

Meaning
a scene of noisy confusion; chaos and disorder
Example
The classroom was complete bedlam after the fire alarm.
C2 verb /bɪˈliːɡər/

beleaguer

Meaning
to cause difficulties, troubles, or harassment; to surround with military forces
Example
The company was beleaguered by constant complaints from its customers.
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 adjective /rɪˈkʌmbənt/

recumbent

Meaning
lying down or in a resting position
Example
He was found recumbent on the sofa after a long day.
C2 noun /ˈɛlɪdʒi/

elegy

Meaning
A poem or song expressing sorrow, especially for someone who has died.
Example
The poet wrote an elegy for his late friend.
C2 verb /rɪˈtrɛntʃ/

retrench

Meaning
to reduce costs, spending, or staff to save resources
Example
The company had to retrench employees due to financial difficulties.
C2 adjective /ˌfoʊtoʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/

photoelectric

Meaning
relating to the emission of electrons or other free carriers when light shines on a material
Example
The photoelectric effect is fundamental in solar panels.
C2 noun /ˈdæstərd/

dastard

Meaning
a cowardly or dishonorable person
Example
Only a dastard would betray his closest friend.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/ or /ˈrɛkəndaɪt/

recondite

Meaning
Little known or difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of recondite theories.
C2 noun ˈtɪl.ɪdʒ

tillage

Meaning
The preparation of land for growing crops.
Example
Excessive tillage can lead to soil erosion.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌɡræm/

decagram

Meaning
A metric unit of mass equal to ten grams.
Example
The package weighed exactly one decagram.
C2 noun /ˈbuːt.leɪs/

Boot-lace

Meaning
a cord or string used to fasten a boot or shoe
Example
I need to tie my boot-lace before going for a walk.
C2 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈsɪl.ə.bəl/

polysyllable

Meaning
a word with more than one syllable
Example
The word 'elephant' is a polysyllable because it has three syllables.
C2 noun /kəˈleɪʃən/

collation

Meaning
the act of collecting, comparing, and arranging in proper order
Example
The librarian spent hours on the collation of old manuscripts.
C2 adjective /ˈvɜːrdənt/

verdant

Meaning
Green with grass or other rich vegetation; lush and fertile.
Example
The hills looked verdant after the monsoon rains.
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 /ˈkɒnsəvəˌtwɑː/

conservatoire

Meaning
A school specializing in the study of music or drama.
Example
She trained as a pianist at the Paris Conservatoire.
C2 noun /ˈfɪlɪɡri/

filigree

Meaning
delicate ornamental work of fine wire, usually of gold or silver
Example
The necklace was decorated with intricate gold filigree.
C2 verb /fɪˈlɪsɪˌteɪt/

felicitate

Meaning
to congratulate; to express good wishes
Example
We felicitated the graduating students at the ceremony.
C2 noun /ləˈdʒɪʃən/

logician

Meaning
A person skilled in logic and reasoning.
Example
Aristotle is considered one of the greatest logicians in history.
C2 adverb /ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃəsli/

expeditiously

Meaning
in a quick and efficient manner
Example
The application was processed expeditiously.
C2 adjective /ˈbuːtləs/

bootless

Meaning
Useless or futile; of no benefit.
Example
His bootless attempt to fix the machine only wasted time.
C2 adjective /prəˈtuːbərənt/

protuberant

Meaning
Sticking out or bulging.
Example
His protuberant belly showed after the meal.
C2 verb /ˌɛfəˈvɛs/

effervesce

Meaning
To give off bubbles of gas; to show excitement, liveliness, or enthusiasm.
Example
The soda began to effervesce as soon as it was opened.
C2 noun /ˈkʌlvərt/

culvert

Meaning
a tunnel or drain that carries water under a road or railway
Example
The heavy rainwater flowed through the culvert under the bridge.
C2 noun /ˈmætrɪˌsaɪd/

matricide

Meaning
The act of killing one's own mother.
Example
The crime of matricide shocked the entire town.
C2 adjective /ˈɒpjʊlənt/

opulent

Meaning
Ostentatiously rich, luxurious, or lavish.
Example
They hosted an opulent wedding with gold decorations.
C2 noun /ˈkjuːbeb ˈpepər/

Cubeb Pepper

Meaning
aromatic spice with a slightly bitter taste and cooling aftertaste
Example
Cubeb pepper is used in traditional Indonesian cuisine.
C2 adjective /mɜːrˈkjʊriəl/

mercurial

Meaning
subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
Example
She is known for her mercurial temperament.
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 /ˈɡæŋ.ɡli/

gangly

Meaning
Tall, thin, and awkward in movement or appearance.
Example
The gangly teenager stumbled while trying to dance.