allusive
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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 /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 /ˈæmbl/

amble

Meaning
To walk at a slow, relaxed pace.
Example
They amble through the park on Sunday mornings.
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.
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 verb /əˈdʒʊər/

adjure

Meaning
to urge or command someone solemnly, often under oath or a strong sense of duty
Example
The witness was adjured to tell the truth in court.
C2 noun /ˈɔːriˌoʊl/

aureole

Meaning
A halo or radiance surrounding the head or body, often in religious art.
Example
The painting showed the saint with an aureole around his head.
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 verb /əˈkuːtər/

accouter

Meaning
to equip or outfit, typically with military or ceremonial attire
Example
The soldiers were accoutered in full battle gear.
C2 adjective /ˈæb.ə.rənt/

aberrant

Meaning
deviating from what is normal or expected; abnormal
Example
His aberrant behavior shocked everyone at the meeting.
C2 adjective /ˈæn.ə.daɪn/

anodyne

Meaning
Not likely to cause offense; bland or harmless. Also refers to something that relieves pain.
Example
The speaker’s anodyne remarks avoided controversy.
C2 adjective /əˌnækrəˈnɪstɪk/

anachronistic

Meaning
belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; old-fashioned or outdated
Example
His views on gender roles are considered anachronistic.
C2 noun /əˈstɪɡmətɪzəm/

astigmatism

Meaning
An eye defect causing blurred vision due to irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
Example
She wears glasses to correct her astigmatism.
C2 adjective /əˈbɑː.mə.nə.bəl/

abominable

Meaning
causing moral revulsion; extremely unpleasant
Example
The prisoners were kept in abominable conditions.
C2 noun /ˈæf.ə.rɪ.zəm/

aphorism

Meaning
a short, witty saying that expresses a general truth or principle
Example
He began his speech with an aphorism about life and success.
C2 noun /ˈækəlaɪt/

acolyte

Meaning
a follower or assistant, especially in a religious service or as a devoted supporter of a leader
Example
The senator arrived with a small group of acolytes who handled the press.
C2 verb /əˈɡræn.daɪz/

aggrandize

Meaning
To increase the power, wealth, or importance of a person or entity.
Example
The politician tried to aggrandize himself through exaggerated claims.
C2 adverb /əˈsɪdʒuəsli/

assiduously

Meaning
with great care and persistence
Example
He worked assiduously to complete the project before the deadline.
C2 noun /əˈbrɪdʒmənt/

abridgment

Meaning
A shortened version of a larger work, such as a book or speech.
Example
The publisher released an abridgment of the lengthy novel for students.
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 /əbˈhɒrəns/

abhorrence

Meaning
a feeling of strong disgust or hatred
Example
He expressed his abhorrence of racial discrimination.
C2 verb /əˈkɒst/

accost

Meaning
to approach and speak to someone boldly or aggressively
Example
The reporter was accosted by protesters outside the courthouse.
C2 noun /ˌæriˈviːst/

arriviste

Meaning
A person who has recently gained wealth or status but is considered arrogant or socially unsophisticated.
Example
The business world is full of ambitious arrivistes.
C2 noun /ˈænɪməlˌkjuːl/

animalcule

Meaning
A microscopic animal, especially a protozoan or other minute organism.
Example
The scientist observed an animalcule moving under the microscope.
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 /əˈmɛrɪkəˌnɪzəm/

americanism

Meaning
A word, phrase, or practice characteristic of American English or culture.
Example
The term 'sidewalk' is an Americanism, while 'pavement' is used in British English.
C2 adjective, noun /ˈænθrəpɔɪd/

anthropoid

Meaning
Resembling a human being in form; a primate such as apes and monkeys.
Example
The gorilla is considered an anthropoid ape.
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 adjective əˈdrɔɪt

adroit

Meaning
clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.
Example
She is adroit at solving complex problems.
C2 noun /ˌæpəˈleɪʃən/

appellation

Meaning
a name or title
Example
The city has earned the appellation 'The Big Apple'.
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 əˈlæk.rə.t̬i

alacrity

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

apposite

Meaning
highly appropriate or relevant to what is being discussed
Example
Her remark was particularly apposite to the situation.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrbərɪˌkʌltʃər/

arboriculture

Meaning
the cultivation and management of trees and shrubs
Example
He studied arboriculture to improve urban green spaces.
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 adjective /əˈsɜːrbɪk/

acerbic

Meaning
sharp, harsh, or bitter in tone or taste
Example
His acerbic comments offended many people in the meeting.
C2 noun /ˈæpəplɛksi/

apoplexy

Meaning
A sudden loss of consciousness or control due to stroke or extreme anger.
Example
The old man nearly had apoplexy when he heard the shocking news.
C2 noun /əˌpɒθiˈoʊsɪs/

apotheosis

Meaning
The highest point of development; the perfect example of something; the elevation of someone to divine status.
Example
Many see the Renaissance as the apotheosis of art and culture in Europe.
C2 noun /ˌædʒʊˈreɪʃən/

adjuration

Meaning
a solemn urging or appeal
Example
The priest made an adjuration for peace and unity.
C2 verb /ˌæntɪˈsiːd/

antecede

Meaning
to come before in time or order
Example
A short introduction usually antecedes the main text.
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 verb /ˌækwiˈɛs/

acquiesce

Meaning
to accept something reluctantly but without protest
Example
She decided to acquiesce to her parents’ wishes.
C2 noun /əˈdɛpt.nəs/

adeptness

Meaning
Skill and dexterity in a task.
Example
His adeptness in negotiations helped close the deal successfully.
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 verb /ˈærəˌɡeɪt/

arrogate

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

amorally

Meaning
In a way that shows no concern about whether behavior is morally right or wrong.
Example
He acted amorally, ignoring the consequences of his actions.
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 /ˈæntɪk/

antic

Meaning
a playful, funny, or silly act or gesture
Example
The children laughed at the clown’s antics.
C2 adjective /əˈθɜːrst/

athirst

Meaning
Very eager or desirous for something.
Example
The explorer was athirst for adventure.
C2 adjective /æbˈstruːs/

abstruse

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

ancestress

Meaning
a female ancestor; a woman from whom one is descended
Example
She discovered that her ancestress came from a small village in Bengal.
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 verb /ˌæpərˈteɪn/

appertain

Meaning
to relate to or be connected with something
Example
The rules only appertain to members of the club.
C2 noun /ˈɔːɡjʊri/

augury

Meaning
A sign or omen that is believed to predict future events.
Example
The dark clouds were seen as an augury of an approaching storm.
C2 noun /æbˈsɪʒən/

abscission

Meaning
The natural detachment of parts of a plant, typically leaves or fruit.
Example
The autumn season is marked by the abscission of leaves from trees.
C2 adverb /əˈsʌndər/

asunder

Meaning
into separate parts; apart
Example
The ancient empire was torn asunder by war.
C2 noun /ˈæk.rɪ.moʊ.ni/

acrimony

Meaning
Bitterness and anger, especially in speech or behavior.
Example
The divorce was filled with acrimony and disputes.
C2 noun /ˈɛəri/

aerie

Meaning
A large nest of a bird of prey, especially an eagle, typically built high in a tree or on a cliff.
Example
The eagle built its aerie on the high cliff.
C2 noun /əˈbaɪdəns/

abidance

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

afoot

Meaning
In progress; happening or being prepared.
Example
There are several new projects afoot in the company.
C2 noun ˈɔː.tɑː.ki

autarky

Meaning
Economic independence or self-sufficiency; a policy of establishing a self-sufficient national economy.
Example
Some nations aim for autarky to reduce reliance on imports.
C2 verb /əˈbæʃ/

abash

Meaning
to make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed
Example
Her sudden question seemed to abash him.
C2 noun əˈdʒuː.dɪ.kə.tɪv ˈbɒd.i

adjudicative body

Meaning
An official organization that has the authority to judge disputes and make decisions.
Example
The adjudicative body deliberated on the case.
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 verb əˈtɛn.ju.eɪt

attenuate

Meaning
To reduce the force, effect, or value of something; to make weak or thin.
Example
The medicine helps attenuate the pain.
C2 adjective /ɔːˈrɪfərəs/

auriferous

Meaning
Containing or producing gold.
Example
The miners discovered an auriferous vein in the mountains.
C2 noun /əˈrɪə/

arrear

Meaning
A debt or payment that is overdue and unpaid.
Example
He was sued for an arrear of rent.
C2 adjective /ˈæməˌtɔːri/

amatory

Meaning
Relating to or expressing sexual love.
Example
The poet’s verses were filled with amatory themes.
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 /əˈspɜːr.ʒən/

aspersion

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

abyssal

Meaning
Related to or characteristic of the deep ocean, especially the zone below 4000 meters.
Example
Abyssal creatures survive in extreme pressure conditions.
C2 noun /ˌær.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

arability

Meaning
The quality of land being suitable for growing crops.
Example
The arability of land depends on soil quality and water availability.
C2 noun /ˈæmpərˌsænd/

ampersand

Meaning
The symbol '&' used to represent the word 'and'.
Example
Use an ampersand instead of writing the word 'and' in the company name.
C2 adjective əˈsɪd.ju.əs

assiduous

Meaning
Showing great care and perseverance; diligent and hardworking.
Example
His assiduous efforts led to a successful career.
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 noun /əˈmæl.ɡəm/

amalgam

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

ablution

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

apophthegm

Meaning
A short, pithy, and instructive saying or maxim.
Example
She always had a witty apophthegm to share at meetings.
C2 noun /ˌæfɛkˈteɪʃən/

affectation

Meaning
an unnatural behavior or speech intended to impress others
Example
Her British accent was just an affectation to sound sophisticated.
C2 adjective /ɑːrˈbɔːr.i.əl/

arboreal

Meaning
Relating to trees or living in trees; tree-dwelling.
Example
Monkeys are arboreal animals that spend most of their time in trees.
C2 adjective /ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːrfəs/

anthropomorphous

Meaning
having the form or attributes of a human
Example
The statue had an anthropomorphous shape resembling a human.
C2 noun /ˌær.əˈbesk/

arabesque

Meaning
a complex, ornate design featuring intertwined flowing lines, often used in architecture or ballet poses
Example
The ceiling was decorated with delicate arabesque patterns.
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 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 /ænˈhaɪdrəs/

anhydrous

Meaning
Containing no water.
Example
The chemist used anhydrous ammonia for the experiment.
C2 noun /ɑːmz/

alms

Meaning
Money, food, or goods given to the poor as charity.
Example
The monk distributed alms to the needy villagers.
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 /ˈændaɪərn/

andiron

Meaning
a metal support used in a fireplace to hold logs
Example
The logs rested on the andirons in the old fireplace.
C2 noun /ˈæn.əlz/

annals

Meaning
Historical records of events, usually arranged chronologically.
Example
Her name will be remembered in the annals of science.
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 /ˈɔːldərmənʃɪp/

aldermanship

Meaning
The office, position, or dignity of an alderman.
Example
He was honored with aldermanship after years of service.
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 noun /əˈfeɪ.ʒə/

aphasia

Meaning
a medical condition that causes loss of ability to speak or understand language
Example
After the stroke, she was diagnosed with aphasia.
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 verb /əˈbɛt/

abet

Meaning
to encourage or assist someone to commit a crime or wrongdoing
Example
He was accused of abetting the criminals in their escape.
C2 verb /ˈæbnɪˌɡeɪt/

abnegate

Meaning
to deny or renounce something, especially a right or desire
Example
She chose to abnegate her personal interests for the sake of the team.
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 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 /əˈluːviən/

alluvion

Meaning
The gradual increase of land by the deposit of soil from water; also, a flood or overflow of water.
Example
The river’s alluvion added new fertile land to the village fields.
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 noun /ˌeɪd də ˈkæmp/

aide-de-camp

Meaning
A military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.
Example
The general was accompanied by his aide-de-camp during the ceremony.
C2 adjective /ˈæʒər/

azure

Meaning
A bright blue color like that of a clear sky.
Example
The clear sky was painted in a deep shade of azure.
C2 noun /əˈɡrɒnəmɪst/

agronomist

Meaning
A scientist who studies soil management and crop production.
Example
The agronomist suggested new methods to improve rice yields.
C2 adjective /ˌæf.əˈrɪs.tɪk/

aphoristic

Meaning
expressed in the style of a short, witty saying
Example
Her writing style is concise and aphoristic.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪˈmʌndeɪn/

antemundane

Meaning
Existing or occurring before the creation of the world.
Example
Some myths speak of an antemundane chaos before order was established.
C2 noun /ˈɑːriə/

aria

Meaning
a solo vocal piece with instrumental accompaniment, typically in an opera
Example
The soprano performed a moving aria during the second act.
C2 noun /ˈæl.ɪ.mənt/

aliment

Meaning
food or nourishment that sustains life
Example
Fruits and vegetables are important aliments for a healthy body.
C2 adjective /ˌæk.rɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

acrimonious

Meaning
Bitter and angry, often involving harsh words.
Example
The debate turned acrimonious after the controversial remark.
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 /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 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 verb /əˈsweɪdʒ/

assuage

Meaning
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to ease or relieve.
Example
The kind words helped assuage her anxiety.
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 noun /ˈæn.dʒi.əʊ.plæs.ti/

angioplasty

Meaning
A medical procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.
Example
Angioplasty is now safer with robotic assistance.
C2 verb /əˈsɛvəˌreɪt/

asseverate

Meaning
to affirm or declare positively and earnestly
Example
He asseverated that he had never seen the man before.
C2 noun /ˌæpəˈrɪʃən/

apparition

Meaning
A ghostly figure or an unusual or unexpected appearance.
Example
The children were frightened by the sudden apparition in the old house.
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.