antiphony
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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 /ˈkɔːfər/

coffer

Meaning
A strongbox or small chest for holding valuables, often used metaphorically for funds or financial reserves.
Example
The city's coffers were drained after the costly project.
C2 noun /ˈoʊ.vər.let/

Overlet

Meaning
a thin mattress or pad placed over a bed for additional comfort
Example
The overlet makes the bed more comfortable to sleep on.
C2 noun /ˌpɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/

peculation

Meaning
The act of embezzling or stealing money, especially from public funds.
Example
The minister resigned after being accused of peculation.
C2 noun /ˈvɔːdəvɪl/

vaudeville

Meaning
A type of entertainment popular in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of comedy, song, dance, and variety acts.
Example
The vaudeville show included comedians, magicians, and dancers.
C2 noun mɒnəˈtɑːskɪŋ

monotasking

Meaning
The practice of dedicating oneself to a given task and minimizing potential interruptions until the task is completed or a significant period of time has elapsed.
Example
Monotasking can often lead to higher quality work.
C2 adjective /krəˈmætɪk/

chromatic

Meaning
Relating to colors or, in music, notes outside the standard scale.
Example
The artist used a chromatic palette to create vibrant contrasts.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnʃənt/

insentient

Meaning
Lacking perception, consciousness, or sensation.
Example
The rock is an insentient object with no awareness.
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 /kənˈvʌls/

convulse

Meaning
to shake violently; to suffer sudden involuntary contractions
Example
The patient convulsed during the seizure.
C2 noun /ˈsælvoʊ/

salvo

Meaning
A simultaneous discharge of guns or release of bombs; a sudden outburst of cheers or applause.
Example
The soldiers fired a salvo to honor the fallen general.
C2 noun /ˌkiː ˈviːv/

qui vive

Meaning
A state of alertness or vigilance.
Example
The guards were on the qui vive during the night.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊti/

doughty

Meaning
brave, valiant, courageous
Example
The doughty soldier never backed down from a challenge.
C2 noun /ˈfiːæt/

fiat

Meaning
an official order or decree; authoritative command
Example
The new policy was enacted by royal fiat.
C2 noun /ˌdiːlɛkˈteɪʃən/

delectation

Meaning
great pleasure or delight
Example
She read the story aloud for the delectation of her friends.
C2 noun /ˈklæpər/

clapper

Meaning
The free-swinging metal piece inside a bell that strikes it to produce sound.
Example
The clapper inside the bell was broken.
C2 noun /waɪl/

wile

Meaning
A trick or clever scheme meant to deceive or outwit someone.
Example
He used every wile to win her trust.
C2 adjective /ˈlɔːdəˌtɔːri/

laudatory

Meaning
Expressing praise or admiration.
Example
She wrote a laudatory review of the new book.
C2 noun /ˌtɜːdʒɪvərˈseɪʃən/

tergiversation

Meaning
Evasion of straightforward action or speech; changing sides or being inconsistent.
Example
The politician’s tergiversation frustrated his supporters.
C2 adjective /ləˈkɒnɪk/

laconic

Meaning
using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
Example
His laconic reply ended the conversation quickly.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒnfluənt/

confluent

Meaning
Flowing together or merging; coming together at one point.
Example
The confluent streams formed a mighty river.
C2 noun /ræŋˈɡuːn ˈkriːpər/

Rangoon creeper

Meaning
A climbing vine with fragrant flowers that change color from white to pink to red
Example
The Rangoon creeper covered the entire fence with its sweet-smelling flowers.
C2 noun /ˈper.ɪ.dʒiː/

perigee

Meaning
the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the Earth
Example
The moon appeared much larger during its perigee.
C2 noun /ɪkˈskrɛsəns/

excrescence

Meaning
An abnormal outgrowth or lump, often considered unattractive.
Example
The building was considered an excrescence on the landscape.
C2 verb /trænsˈfɪɡjʊər/

transfigure

Meaning
To transform the outward appearance or form, often in a way that elevates or glorifies.
Example
The artist managed to transfigure simple clay into a beautiful sculpture.
C2 verb /ˈbaʊdləˌraɪz/

bowdlerize

Meaning
to remove or modify parts of a text considered offensive or inappropriate
Example
The editor bowdlerized the novel to make it suitable for children.
C2 adjective /vaɪˈtjuːpərəbl̩/

vituperable

Meaning
Deserving of blame, censure, or harsh criticism.
Example
His reckless actions made him vituperable in the eyes of his colleagues.
C2 verb /ɪnˈθrɔːl/

enthral

Meaning
To captivate or hold someone’s full attention.
Example
The magician’s performance enthralled the audience.
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 verb /ˈekspərˌɡeɪt/

expurgate

Meaning
To remove offensive or objectionable parts from a text or speech.
Example
The publisher decided to expurgate the novel before reprinting it.
C2 adjective /ˈsloʊθfəl/

slothful

Meaning
Lazy, idle, and unwilling to work.
Example
She was too slothful to get out of bed early.
C2 verb /ˈsʌk.əl/

suckle

Meaning
to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or udder
Example
The mother cat suckled her kittens in the basket.
C2 noun /ˌpærəˈɡɔːrɪk/

paregoric

Meaning
a medicine containing opium, once used to relieve pain and diarrhea
Example
Doctors once prescribed paregoric to treat diarrhea in children.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmjʊər/

demure

Meaning
reserved, modest, and shy
Example
She gave him a demure smile.
C2 noun /dɪˈkæmərən/

decameron

Meaning
A collection of 100 tales written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century, told by a group of people over ten days.
Example
The Decameron is considered a masterpiece of classical Italian literature.
C2 noun /ˈkæriən/

carrion

Meaning
the decaying flesh of dead animals
Example
Vultures feed on carrion left in the fields.
C2 noun əˌdʌl.təˈreɪ.ʃən

adulteration

Meaning
The action of making something poorer in quality by the addition of another substance.
Example
Adulteration of food is a serious health risk.
C2 verb /breɪ/

bray

Meaning
To make a loud, harsh sound like a donkey.
Example
The donkey began to bray loudly in the field.
C2 adjective /kənˌtɛmpəˈreɪniəs/

contemporaneous

Meaning
existing, happening, or occurring at the same time
Example
The two artists were contemporaneous and often influenced each other.
C2 adjective /saɪˈdɪəriəl/

sidereal

Meaning
Relating to the stars or constellations; measured relative to the stars.
Example
Astronomers use sidereal time to track the positions of stars.
C2 noun /kəˈnaɪ.vəns/

connivance

Meaning
the act of secretly allowing or being involved in wrongdoing
Example
The theft happened with the connivance of the security guard.
C2 noun /ˈklævɪkəl/

clavicle

Meaning
the collarbone, a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum
Example
He fractured his clavicle in the accident.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkriənt/

recreant

Meaning
cowardly or unfaithful to duty
Example
The recreant soldier abandoned his post in fear.
C2 noun/adjective /ɪˈmɒliənt/

emollient

Meaning
a substance that softens or soothes the skin
Example
She used an emollient cream to treat her dry skin.
C2 noun /krəˈdjuːlɪti/

credulity

Meaning
A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
Example
The scam succeeded because of the victim's credulity.
C2 adjective /ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪk/

prophylactic

Meaning
intended to prevent disease or an unwanted outcome; protective
Example
The doctor prescribed a prophylactic treatment to prevent infection.
C2 noun /niˈɒlədʒi/

neology

Meaning
The use of new words or the study of their origin.
Example
The professor specialized in neology, studying the creation of modern slang.
C2 noun phrase /ˌhjuː ən ˈkraɪ/

hue and cry

Meaning
A loud public outcry or protest, often demanding action.
Example
There was a hue and cry over the new policy changes.
C2 noun /ˈdʒes.tər/

Jester

Meaning
a professional joker or fool at a medieval court; someone who jokes a lot
Example
The court jester entertained the king with witty remarks and amusing tricks.
C2 adjective /ˈɡɑːrbəld/

garbled

Meaning
Describes speech or text that is distorted or unclear.
Example
The radio broadcast was full of garbled messages.
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 /fɔːrˈfɛnd/

forfend

Meaning
to protect or defend against something undesirable; to prevent
Example
May good fortune forfend any danger from our journey.
C2 noun /ˈsɛʃən/

cession

Meaning
The formal giving up of rights, property, or territory, especially by a state.
Example
The treaty resulted in the cession of land to the neighboring country.
C2 noun /təˈmɛrɪti/

temerity

Meaning
Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.
Example
He had the temerity to challenge the professor’s argument.
C2 adjective /ˈɛksplɪkəbəl/

explicable

Meaning
able to be explained or understood
Example
His sudden anger was explicable given the stressful situation.
C2 noun /ɪɡˈzɛmplɑːr/

exemplar

Meaning
A model or pattern to be copied or imitated.
Example
She is an exemplar of kindness and generosity.
C2 noun /ˌænθrəpəˈsɛntrɪzəm/

anthropocentrism

Meaning
The belief that human beings are the most important or central element of existence.
Example
Anthropocentrism often shapes environmental policies.
C2 noun /flɛk/

fleck

Meaning
a small spot or mark, often of a different color
Example
There was a fleck of paint on the floor.
C2 verb /drəˈɡuːn/

dragoon

Meaning
to force someone to do something through coercion or intimidation
Example
The manager tried to dragoon the team into working overtime.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪleɪ/

melee

Meaning
A noisy, confused fight or crowd situation.
Example
A melee broke out during the football match.
C2 noun /ˈkɒd.ɪ.sɪl/

codicil

Meaning
a legal document that makes changes or additions to an existing will
Example
He added a codicil to his will to include his granddaughter.
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 /ˈneɪˌseɪ.ɪŋ/

naysaying

Meaning
The act of expressing negative or pessimistic views.
Example
His constant naysaying discouraged the team.
C2 verb /ˈkævəl/

cavil

Meaning
to make petty or unnecessary objections
Example
She caviled at every detail of the plan.
C2 noun /ˌhɜːrpəˈtɒlədʒɪst/

herpetologist

Meaning
A scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians.
Example
The herpetologist discovered a new species of frog in the rainforest.
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 noun /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.zəns/

cognizance

Meaning
Awareness, knowledge, or understanding of something; conscious perception.
Example
The judge took cognizance of the new evidence.
C2 noun /ɔːl/

awl

Meaning
a small pointed tool used for making holes, especially in leather
Example
The cobbler used an awl to punch holes in the leather.
C2 noun /ˈɡlʌt.ən/

Glutton

Meaning
a person who regularly eats or drinks more than is necessary; someone who has an excessive appetite
Example
He was known as a glutton who could finish three large pizzas in one sitting.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

Meaning
things that are completely different or opposite to each other
Example
Freedom and slavery are contraries in every sense.
C2 adjective /ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ/

overweening

Meaning
excessively arrogant or prideful
Example
His overweening pride cost him many friends.
C2 verb /bɪˈfuːl/

befool

Meaning
to deceive or trick someone into believing something false; to make someone appear foolish
Example
The scammer tried to befool innocent people with fake promises.
C2 verb /ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/

mortify

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

pell-mell

Meaning
In a confused, rushed, or disorderly manner.
Example
The children ran pell-mell through the playground.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkɒntrəˈvɜːtəbl/

incontrovertible

Meaning
impossible to deny or dispute; unquestionable
Example
The evidence was incontrovertible and proved his innocence.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrvənuː/

parvenu

Meaning
A person who has recently gained wealth or influence but is not yet accepted socially.
Example
He was seen as a parvenu who lacked refinement despite his riches.
C2 adjective /ɡrʌf/

gruff

Meaning
Rough or stern in manner, speech, or voice.
Example
Despite his gruff manner, he was very kind-hearted.
C2 adjective /ˈɡlɑːbjələr/

globular

Meaning
Having the shape of a globe; spherical.
Example
The scientist studied the globular cluster of stars.
C2 verb /əˈkriːt/

accrete

Meaning
to grow or increase gradually by accumulation or addition
Example
Dust particles accrete over time to form larger celestial bodies.
C2 adjective /ˈvɛndɪbəl/

vendible

Meaning
Capable of being sold; marketable.
Example
Only vendible products were displayed at the trade fair.
C2 adjective /dʒɪˈdʒuːn/

jejune

Meaning
Naive, simplistic, and superficial; also dull or uninteresting.
Example
The professor dismissed the essay as jejune and lacking depth.
C2 noun /ˈmæləprɒˌpɪzəm/

malapropism

Meaning
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with amusing effect
Example
He is famous for his malapropism when speaking in public.
C2 noun /kænˈtoʊnmənt/

Cantonment

Meaning
a military base or permanent military station
Example
The soldiers lived in the cantonment outside the city.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsənənt/

dissonant

Meaning
Harsh and lacking harmony; conflicting.
Example
The orchestra produced a dissonant sound during rehearsal.
C2 noun /bəˈlɛəroʊ/

bolero

Meaning
A Spanish dance in slow triple time, or a short jacket open at the front.
Example
The dancers performed a passionate bolero at the festival.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːzər/

hawser

Meaning
A thick rope or cable used in mooring or towing a ship.
Example
The sailors secured the ship to the dock with a heavy hawser.
C2 adjective /ˈɒf.biːt/

offbeat

Meaning
Unusual, unconventional, or different from the norm.
Example
She has a very offbeat sense of humor.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈæpt/

Inapt

Meaning
not suitable; inappropriate; unfit
Example
His comment was inapt for the formal meeting.
C2 noun dʒɛsˌtɪk.jʊˈleɪ.ʃənz

gesticulations

Meaning
Expressive hand or body movements while speaking to convey thoughts or emotions
Example
His energetic gesticulations made the speech more engaging.
C2 noun /prəˈtɛktərət/

protectorate

Meaning
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
Example
The small country became a protectorate of the empire.
C2 noun /ˈfænˌtæzəm/

phantasm

Meaning
an illusion, ghost, or figment of the imagination
Example
The child claimed to see a phantasm in the old house.
C2 adjective /ˈneb.jə.ləs/

Nebulous

Meaning
vague or unclear; lacking definite form; hazy
Example
His plans for the future remain nebulous and unclear.
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 noun /nɪb/

nib

Meaning
the pointed end of a pen used for writing or drawing
Example
He dipped the nib into the ink before writing.
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 /ˈhɔːθɔːrn/

hawthorn

Meaning
A thorny shrub or small tree with white or pink flowers, often used for hedges.
Example
The garden was lined with blooming hawthorn bushes.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlrʌʃ/

bulrush

Meaning
A tall plant with long leaves that grows in or near water, also known as a cattail.
Example
The pond was surrounded by tall bulrushes swaying in the wind.
C2 adjective /ˌdɒktrɪˈnɛər/

doctrinaire

Meaning
stubbornly devoted to a theory or doctrine without regard to practical considerations
Example
His doctrinaire approach to politics alienated many supporters.
C2 noun /dəˈɡerəˌtaɪp/

daguerreotype

Meaning
An early type of photograph produced on a silver or silver-covered copper plate.
Example
The museum displayed a rare daguerreotype of Abraham Lincoln.
C2 verb /ˈlæs.ə.reɪt/

lacerate

Meaning
to tear or cut deeply in the skin or flesh
Example
The broken glass lacerated his hand.
C2 verb /ɡɜːrd/

gird

Meaning
to encircle with a belt or band; to prepare for action
Example
The knight girded his sword before battle.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɛstəsi/

intestacy

Meaning
The condition of dying without having made a valid will.
Example
His estate was divided according to the laws of intestacy.
C2 noun /ˈflæɡ ˌɒfɪsər/

flag-officer

Meaning
a senior naval officer entitled to fly a flag to mark the command
Example
The flag-officer reviewed the fleet before the ceremony.
C2 noun /ræpˈskæliən/

rapscallion

Meaning
A mischievous or cheeky person; a rascal.
Example
The little rapscallion hid his brother’s shoes as a prank.
C2 adjective /mɜːrˈkjʊriəl/

mercurial

Meaning
subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
Example
She is known for her mercurial temperament.
C2 noun /ˈsætər/

satyr

Meaning
a creature from Greek mythology depicted as a lustful being, often half-man and half-goat; by extension, a lecherous man
Example
In the museum mural, a satyr plays the panpipes while dancing in the woods.
C2 adjective /vɪˈtjuːpərətɪv/

vituperative

Meaning
Characterized by abusive or harsh language.
Example
The teacher’s vituperative remarks left the students in tears.
C2 adjective /stəˈkɑː.təʊ/

staccato

Meaning
short and detached in sound or style, often used in music
Example
The pianist played the notes in a staccato rhythm.
C2 noun /ˌɡaɪnəˈkɒkrəsi/

gynecocracy

Meaning
a society or government ruled by women
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its gynecocracy, where women held all positions of power.
C2 verb /rɪˈdaʊnd/

redound

Meaning
to contribute greatly to a result or consequence, usually beneficial
Example
His hard work will redound to the success of the company.
C2 noun /oʊˈtɜːr/

hauteur

Meaning
disdainful pride; arrogance
Example
His hauteur made it difficult for others to approach him.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɛmpərəns/

intemperance

Meaning
Lack of moderation or self-control, especially with drinking or eating.
Example
His intemperance in drinking ruined his health.
C2 noun /kəˌrɒbəˈreɪʃən/

corroboration

Meaning
evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding
Example
The documents provided strong corroboration of her claims.
C2 noun /ˈrɛlɪkwɛri/

reliquary

Meaning
a container for holy relics
Example
The ancient reliquary was decorated with gold and precious stones.
C2 noun /ˈmæsəkɪst/

masochist

Meaning
a person who derives pleasure from their own pain or humiliation
Example
He was called a masochist for enjoying tough challenges.
C2 noun /kwaɪˈiːtəs/

Quietus

Meaning
death or something that causes death; a final settlement
Example
The hero received his quietus from the villain's sword.
C2 noun /ɪmˈbroʊlioʊ/

imbroglio

Meaning
An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.
Example
The political imbroglio lasted for months without resolution.
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 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 adjective /ˈspɔːrtɪv/

sportive

Meaning
Playful, lively, or full of fun.
Example
The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic.
C2 adjective /veɪnˈɡlɔːriəs/

vainglorious

Meaning
Excessively proud of oneself or one’s achievements; boastful.
Example
The vainglorious leader boasted about his minor achievements.