askance
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C2 adverb /əˈskæns/

askance

Meaning
With suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.
Example
She looked askance at his unusual proposal.
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 /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 noun əˌklaɪ.mə.tɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

acclimatization

Meaning
The process of adapting to a new environment or condition.
Example
The hikers needed time for acclimatization to high altitudes.
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 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 /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 /ˈæbɪs/

abbess

Meaning
the woman in charge of a convent of nuns
Example
The abbess welcomed the visitors to the convent.
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 /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 noun /ˈeɪ.viˌɛr.i/

aviary

Meaning
a large enclosure for keeping birds
Example
The zoo built a new aviary for exotic parrots.
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 adverb /əˈmʌk/

amok

Meaning
Behaving uncontrollably and disruptively.
Example
The angry mob ran amok after the verdict was announced.
C2 noun /əˌbɑː.məˈneɪ.ʃən/

abomination

Meaning
a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Example
Slavery was considered an abomination.
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/adjective /ælˈbaɪ.noʊ/

albino

Meaning
A person, animal, or plant lacking normal pigmentation, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes.
Example
The albino rabbit had white fur and pink eyes.
C2 adjective /ˌævəˈrɪʃəs/

avaricious

Meaning
having or showing extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Example
The avaricious landlord increased the rent unfairly.
C2 noun ˌæɡ.roʊˈfɔːr.ɪ.stri

agroforestry

Meaning
A land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland.
Example
Agroforestry improves soil quality and crop yield.
C2 verb /əˈvʌls/

avulse

Meaning
to tear away or separate forcibly, especially in medical or geological contexts
Example
The surgeon had to avulse the damaged tissue during the operation.
C2 noun /əˈpɜːrtənəns/

appurtenance

Meaning
an accessory or supplementary part of something
Example
The garage is an appurtenance of the main house.
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 adjective /ədˈmɒnɪtəri/

admonitory

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

arborescent

Meaning
having the appearance or characteristics of a tree; tree-like
Example
The coral had an arborescent form that resembled a miniature forest.
C2 noun /ˈæltruɪst/

altruist

Meaning
a person who has an unselfish concern for the welfare of others
Example
He is an altruist who always puts others' needs before his own.
C2 noun əˌmæl.ɡəˈmeɪ.ʃən

amalgamation

Meaning
The action, process, or result of combining or uniting.
Example
The amalgamation of AI and big data is transforming industries.
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 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 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 verb /əˈdʒʌdʒ/

adjudge

Meaning
to consider or declare officially in a legal or formal manner
Example
He was adjudged guilty by the court.
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 /eɪˈsɛptɪk/

aseptic

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

aery

Meaning
An eagle’s nest, or a lofty, airy dwelling.
Example
The eagle perched proudly near its aery high on the cliff.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪlədʒi/

antilogy

Meaning
A contradiction in terms or ideas; inconsistency in speech or writing.
Example
The politician's statement was criticized for its antilogy.
C2 adjective /əˈsɪdjʊləs/

acidulous

Meaning
slightly sour or sharp in taste or manner
Example
The critic wrote an acidulous review of the movie.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrtləsnəs/

artlessness

Meaning
The quality of being natural and simple without deceit or pretension.
Example
Her artlessness made her beloved by all.
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 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 /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 verb /ˌæntɪˈsiːd/

antecede

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

accession

Meaning
the attainment of a position of rank or power, especially a monarch or president; the formal acceptance of an agreement or treaty
Example
The king's accession to the throne was celebrated with great ceremony.
C2 adjective /æbˈstruːs/

abstruse

Meaning
Difficult to understand; obscure.
Example
The abstruse nature of the philosophical debate left many confused.
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 adjective /ˌæpəˈplɛktɪk/

apoplectic

Meaning
Extremely angry; furious.
Example
He was apoplectic when he heard about the unfair decision.
C2 noun /əˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

annunciation

Meaning
The announcement of something; in Christianity, the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive Jesus.
Example
The church celebrated the Feast of the Annunciation with a special service.
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 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 adjective /ˌæntɪdəˈluːviən/

antediluvian

Meaning
extremely old-fashioned; belonging to the time before the biblical flood
Example
His views on women are positively antediluvian.
C2 adverb /əˈsɪdʒuəsli/

assiduously

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

antispasmodic

Meaning
A drug or agent that relieves or prevents muscle spasms.
Example
The doctor prescribed an antispasmodic to ease the pain.
C2 adjective /ˈæmbjələˌtɔːri/

ambulatory

Meaning
Relating to or able to walk; relating to outpatient medical care.
Example
The patient is ambulatory and does not require bed rest.
C2 noun /ˈækmi/

acme

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

adventitious

Meaning
Happening by chance or accident, not planned.
Example
His success was partly due to adventitious circumstances.
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 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 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 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 /ˌænəlˈdʒiːziə/

analgesia

Meaning
The inability to feel pain while still conscious.
Example
The doctor induced analgesia before performing the procedure.
C2 noun /ˈænɪməs/

animus

Meaning
A strong feeling of hostility; motivation or purpose behind an action.
Example
His speech was driven by animus against the policy.
C2 adjective /ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sə.bəl/

Apprehensible

Meaning
able to be understood or grasped; comprehensible
Example
The complex theory became apprehensible after the professor's explanation.
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 noun /ˌæv.oʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/

avocation

Meaning
a hobby or minor occupation pursued in addition to one's main work
Example
Painting is his avocation after office hours.
C2 noun /ˌæɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/

aggradation

Meaning
The process of land being built up by sediment deposition.
Example
Aggradation helps in the natural expansion of riverbanks.
C2 noun /əbˈhɒrəns/

abhorrence

Meaning
a feeling of strong disgust or hatred
Example
He expressed his abhorrence of racial discrimination.
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 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 noun /ˌæbnɪˈɡeɪʃən/

abnegation

Meaning
the act of renouncing or rejecting something, especially self-denial
Example
The monk’s life was one of complete abnegation of worldly pleasures.
C2 verb /əˈvɜːr/

aver

Meaning
to state or assert something confidently and strongly
Example
She averred that she was innocent.
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 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 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 verb /əkˈsiːd/

accede

Meaning
to agree to a request, proposal, or demand; to assume an office or position
Example
The government finally acceded to the demands of the protesters.
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 noun /ˈɔːldər/

alder

Meaning
A type of tree from the birch family that typically grows in wet ground and has simple, serrated leaves.
Example
The alder trees grew thick along the riverbank.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrkeɪndʒəl/

archangel

Meaning
A high-ranking angel, often considered a chief messenger or leader among angels.
Example
Michael is often depicted as the most powerful archangel.
C2 adjective /əˈɡɒɡ/

agog

Meaning
Highly excited by eagerness, curiosity, or anticipation.
Example
The children were agog with excitement as they waited for the magician to appear.
C2 adverb /əˈmʌk/

amuck

Meaning
in a frenzied, uncontrolled, or chaotic manner
Example
The bull ran amuck through the village.
C2 noun ˌæɡ.roʊ.iˈkɒl.ə.dʒi

agroecology

Meaning
A scientific discipline that studies agricultural systems by applying ecological concepts and principles.
Example
Agroecology promotes eco-friendly farming.
C2 adjective /ˌæktʃuˈɛəriəl/

actuarial

Meaning
Relating to actuaries or their work of analyzing financial risk and uncertainty, especially in insurance and pensions.
Example
The company relied on actuarial reports to set insurance premiums.
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 /ɑːmz/

alms

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

artifice

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

abortive

Meaning
Failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful.
Example
Their abortive attempt to climb the mountain ended in retreat.
C2 adjective /ɔːˈɡʌst/

august

Meaning
Respected and impressive; inspiring reverence or admiration.
Example
The king entered the hall with an august presence.
C2 noun /əˈluː.vi.əm/

alluvium

Meaning
Fertile soil deposited by flowing water, especially in riverbanks.
Example
The alluvium in riverbanks is highly fertile for agriculture.
C2 adjective /əˈkɪliən/

achillean

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

antithetical

Meaning
Directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.
Example
His views were antithetical to the values of the organization.
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 verb /ˌænɪmədˈvɜːt/

animadvert

Meaning
To comment critically or unfavorably.
Example
The teacher animadverted on the student's careless mistakes.
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 noun /əˈplɒm/

aplomb

Meaning
Complete and confident self-assurance or poise.
Example
She handled the difficult questions with aplomb.
C2 adjective /ænˈhaɪdrəs/

anhydrous

Meaning
Containing no water.
Example
The chemist used anhydrous ammonia for the experiment.
C2 adjective /ˈæk.rɪd/

Acrid

Meaning
having a strong, unpleasant, and sharp smell or taste
Example
The acrid smoke from the fire made everyone cough.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrɡoʊ/

argot

Meaning
the specialized vocabulary or jargon of a particular group, especially one with a common interest or occupation
Example
The thieves communicated in an argot that outsiders could not understand.
C2 adjective, adverb /əˈbʌvˌbɔːrd/

aboveboard

Meaning
Open and honest; without deception or trickery.
Example
The business deal was completely aboveboard.
C2 noun əˈlæk.rə.t̬i

alacrity

Meaning
Brisk and cheerful readiness.
Example
He accepted the challenge with alacrity.
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 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 ˌæm.ɔː.tɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

amortization

Meaning
The process of paying off debt with regular payments over time.
Example
The amortization schedule showed a 10-year repayment plan.
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 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 /ˈiːɒn/ or /ˈiːən/

aeon

Meaning
An indefinitely long period of time; an age or eternity.
Example
Dinosaurs roamed the Earth millions of aeons ago.
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 noun /ˌænɪˈmɒmɪtər/

anemometer

Meaning
An instrument used to measure the speed and direction of wind.
Example
The scientist used an anemometer to record the wind speed during the storm.
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 noun /əˈbeɪəns/

abeyance

Meaning
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
Example
The project was held in abeyance until funds became available.
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 noun /ˈæpəˌθɛm/

apothegm

Meaning
A short, witty, and instructive saying or maxim.
Example
His speech was filled with apothegms about life and success.
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 /ˈɔːldərmənʃɪp/

aldermanship

Meaning
The office, position, or dignity of an alderman.
Example
He was honored with aldermanship after years of service.
C2 noun /əˈpɜːrtənənsɪz/

appurtenances

Meaning
Additional items or accessories associated with something, often used in a legal or property context.
Example
The house was sold along with all its appurtenances, including the garage and garden.
C2 adjective /ˈædɪˌpoʊs/

adipose

Meaning
Relating to or consisting of animal fat; fatty.
Example
The doctor explained that the tissue was mainly adipose in nature.
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 adverb /əˈbɛd/

abed

Meaning
in bed
Example
She stayed abed all day due to illness.
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.