besmear
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C2 verb /bɪˈsmɪər/

besmear

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance; to soil
Example
His clothes were besmeared with mud.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

polymath

Meaning
a person with knowledge of many different subjects
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.
C2 verb /ˈnɪtˌpɪk/

nitpick

Meaning
To find and criticize small or unimportant faults in someone or something.
Example
She tends to nitpick about every little detail.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈstɛnsəbl/

inextensible

Meaning
Not capable of being stretched or extended.
Example
This rope is made of an inextensible material.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpɒs.tʃər/

Imposture

Meaning
the practice of deceiving others by pretending to be someone else; fraudulent deception
Example
The elaborate imposture lasted for months before investigators uncovered the truth.
C2 noun /ˈɡæŋ.weɪ/

gangway

Meaning
A narrow passage or walkway; also an exclamation used to clear the way.
Example
The sailors lowered the gangway for passengers to board.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɒs.stɪk/

Joss-stick

Meaning
a thin stick of incense that is burned for its pleasant smell, especially in religious ceremonies
Example
She lit a joss-stick in the temple during her prayers.
C2 verb /prɪˈværɪkeɪt/

prevaricate

Meaning
to avoid telling the truth by not giving a direct answer
Example
The politician began to prevaricate when asked about the scandal.
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 adjective /rɪˈfjuː.tə.bəl/

Refutable

Meaning
capable of being proven wrong or false; able to be disproved
Example
His theory was refutable because it could be tested experimentally.
C2 noun /ˈkreɪniəm/

cranium

Meaning
the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain
Example
The archaeologists carefully examined the ancient cranium.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈæpt/

Inapt

Meaning
not suitable; inappropriate; unfit
Example
His comment was inapt for the formal meeting.
C2 adjective /loʊˈkweɪʃəs/

loquacious

Meaning
tending to talk a great deal; very talkative
Example
The loquacious child entertained everyone with endless stories.
C2 verb /ˌmɪsəˈproʊpriˌeɪt/

misappropriate

Meaning
to use something dishonestly or illegally for one's own purposes
Example
He was accused of misappropriating company funds.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmoʊniˌæk/

demoniac

Meaning
possessed, produced, or influenced by a demon; frenzied or violent
Example
The soldiers fought with demoniac fury.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛbəˈnɛr/

debonair

Meaning
confident, stylish, and charming, typically referring to a man
Example
He looked debonair in his tuxedo at the gala.
C2 noun /ˌɒpəˈrɛtə/

operetta

Meaning
a short opera with light and humorous themes
Example
The theater staged a famous operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan.
C2 noun /ˌkæl.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

calcification

Meaning
The process of calcium accumulation in soil, making it hard.
Example
Calcification reduces soil permeability and affects crop growth.
C2 verb /kəˈdʒoʊl/

cajole

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
Example
She managed to cajole her friend into joining the trip.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtər/

inquisitor

Meaning
A person who asks many questions, often in an official or harsh manner.
Example
The inquisitor demanded detailed answers from the witness.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnseɪt/

insensate

Meaning
lacking physical sensation or empathy; without feeling or sensitivity
Example
The dictator's insensate cruelty shocked the world.
C2 noun /ˈruː.mɪ.nənt/

ruminant

Meaning
a cud-chewing mammal, such as a cow or sheep
Example
Cows are ruminants that chew cud.
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 verb /haɪ/

hie

Meaning
to go quickly; hasten
Example
He hied to the station to catch the train.
C2 adjective /aɪˈtɪnərənt/

itinerant

Meaning
Traveling from place to place, especially for work or duty.
Example
The itinerant teacher moved from village to village to educate children.
C2 noun /sɪnˈtɪl.ə/

scintilla

Meaning
A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.
Example
There wasn’t a scintilla of doubt in her mind.
C2 adjective /dʒoʊˈkoʊs/

jocose

Meaning
playful or humorous in speech or behavior
Example
The professor’s jocose remarks kept the class entertained.
C2 verb /ɪnˈfætʃueɪt/

infatuate

Meaning
to inspire with an intense but short-lived passion or admiration
Example
He was infatuated with her beauty.
C2 adjective /ˈpɪrɪk/

pyrrhic

Meaning
A victory won at such a great cost that it is almost equivalent to defeat.
Example
The general declared the battle a pyrrhic victory due to heavy losses.
C2 noun /ˈmʌŋɡrəl/

mongrel

Meaning
A dog of mixed breed; sometimes used to describe something mixed or of inferior quality.
Example
The stray dog was a friendly mongrel.
C2 adjective /ˈfʌndʒəbl/

fungible

Meaning
interchangeable; able to replace or be replaced by another identical item
Example
In finance, money is considered a fungible asset.
C2 verb /haɪˈpɒθɪkeɪt/

hypothecate

Meaning
to pledge something, such as property, as security for a debt without giving up possession of it.
Example
The company hypothecated its assets to secure the loan.
C2 noun /məˈnæʒəri/

menagerie

Meaning
a collection of wild animals kept for exhibition; a diverse or strange group of people or things
Example
The circus had a menagerie of exotic animals.
C2 verb /ʌnˈɑːrm/

unarm

Meaning
to remove weapons from someone or to deprive of means of attack or defense
Example
The soldiers were ordered to unarm the prisoners.
C2 verb /diːˈnæʃənəlaɪz/

denationalize

Meaning
to transfer ownership from the government to private individuals or companies
Example
The government decided to denationalize the bank to encourage private investment.
C2 noun /hɑrˈmoʊniəm/

Harmonium

Meaning
a keyboard musical instrument similar to an organ, using air to produce sound
Example
She played devotional songs on the harmonium at the temple.
C2 verb /ʃiːð/

sheathe

Meaning
to put a sword or knife back into its cover
Example
He quickly sheathed his sword after the duel.
C2 noun /ˈspæŋɡəl/

spangle

Meaning
A small shiny piece of metal or plastic used for decoration on clothes.
Example
Her dress was covered with silver spangles that glittered in the light.
C2 noun /ˈneɪvəri/

knavery

Meaning
dishonest or deceitful behavior; trickery
Example
The politician’s knavery was exposed by the media.
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 adjective /ˈbʌmpʃəs/

bumptious

Meaning
Arrogantly self-assertive or conceited.
Example
The bumptious student interrupted the teacher several times.
C2 noun /ˈbrɛviˌɛri/

breviary

Meaning
A book containing the service for each day, used in Christian liturgy.
Example
The monk read from the breviary during morning prayers.
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 /haɪˈdrɒl.ɪ.sɪs/

hydrolysis

Meaning
A chemical process that breaks down compounds by adding water, splitting complex molecules into simpler forms.
Example
Hydrolysis breaks down complex molecules into simpler forms.
C2 noun /ˈslæt.ən/

slattern

Meaning
a woman who is untidy or slovenly in appearance or habits
Example
The house looked as if a slattern lived there.
C2 noun /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɑː.lə.sɪs/

electrolysis

Meaning
A chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution.
Example
Electrolysis is used to separate hydrogen from water.
C2 verb /ɪnˈkæmp/

encamp

Meaning
to set up or establish a camp
Example
The soldiers encamped near the river for the night.
C2 noun /oʊf/

Oaf

Meaning
a clumsy, stupid, or insensitive person
Example
Don't be such an oaf - handle the dishes carefully!
C2 adjective /læŋk/

lank

Meaning
Tall, thin, and often awkward in appearance.
Example
The lank teenager towered over his classmates.
C2 verb /ˈʌndərˌraɪt/

underwrite

Meaning
To guarantee financial support, especially by agreeing to cover losses or risks; in insurance, to assess and accept risks.
Example
The bank agreed to underwrite the company's new bond issue.
C2 adjective /ˈbrɔːni/

brawny

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

vagary

Meaning
An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or someone's behavior.
Example
The vagaries of the weather made planning difficult.
C2 adjective /ˈræfɪʃ/

raffish

Meaning
unconventional and slightly disreputable but attractive
Example
He had a raffish charm that made him popular in the city.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑl/

Cabal

Meaning
a secret political clique or faction
Example
The journalists exposed a cabal of corrupt politicians working together.
C2 adjective /ˈɛdɪfaɪɪŋ/

edifying

Meaning
Providing moral or intellectual instruction or enlightenment.
Example
The documentary was both entertaining and edifying.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪnəri/

finery

Meaning
expensive or elaborate clothes, decorations, or accessories
Example
She attended the party in her finest finery.
C2 adjective /ˈfiːkənd/

fecund

Meaning
producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile
Example
The fecund soil produced a bountiful harvest this year.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌsti/

musty

Meaning
having a stale, moldy, or damp smell
Example
The old books had a musty odor.
C2 verb /ˈwɔːbəl/

warble

Meaning
To sing or whistle with a quavering voice or with trills.
Example
The bird warbled a sweet tune in the morning.
C2 noun /bjuːt/

butte

Meaning
an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, common in arid regions
Example
The travelers could see a tall butte rising in the desert.
C2 verb /ɪˈfjuːz/

effuse

Meaning
To pour out or express feelings freely and openly.
Example
She effused gratitude for the help she received.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.kɔː.dæt/

concordat

Meaning
An agreement or treaty, especially between the Vatican and a secular government.
Example
The concordat established the rights of the church within the country.
C2 noun /ˈneɪdɪər/

nadir

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

divulgence

Meaning
the act of revealing or disclosing something secret or private
Example
The divulgence of company secrets caused a major scandal.
C2 adjective /pɪˈskætɔːrɪəl/

piscatorial

Meaning
relating to fishing or fishermen
Example
He has a deep knowledge of piscatorial techniques and fish species.
C2 noun /vərˈmɪl.jən/

Vermillion

Meaning
a bright red-orange color; a pigment of this color
Example
The artist used vermillion paint for the sunset.
C2 verb /əbˈhɔːr/

abhor

Meaning
to regard with disgust and hatred
Example
She abhors cruelty to animals.
C2 noun /ˈbɛvi/

bevy

Meaning
A large group of people or things of a particular kind.
Example
A bevy of swans floated on the lake.
C2 adjective /ˈɛrzæts/

ersatz

Meaning
made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one
Example
The cheap shoes were made of ersatz leather.
C2 noun /ˈʌp.wel.ɪŋ/

upwelling

Meaning
An oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface.
Example
Upwelling brings nutrients to the ocean surface.
C2 noun /ɔːrˈθɑːɡrəfi/

orthography

Meaning
The conventional spelling system of a language.
Example
English orthography can be confusing for learners.
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 /ˌʌnɪmˈpiːtʃəbl/

unimpeachable

Meaning
Not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; completely trustworthy.
Example
She is known for her unimpeachable honesty.
C2 noun /məˈʃiː.nɪst/

machinist

Meaning
a person who operates machine tools or makes and repairs machines
Example
The machinist carefully adjusted the gears on the lathe.
C2 adjective ˈɛr.jʊ.daɪt

erudite

Meaning
Having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarly and intellectual.
Example
The professor's erudite lecture fascinated the students.
C2 noun /ˈmæl.kənˌtɛnt/

malcontent

Meaning
A person who is dissatisfied or rebellious; one who is not content.
Example
The malcontent voiced his grievances against the government.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈwəʊntɪd/

unwonted

Meaning
Unusual, uncommon, or out of the ordinary.
Example
She spoke with an unwonted gentleness that surprised everyone.
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 /ˈmoʊlər/

molar

Meaning
A large tooth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
Example
The dentist had to extract his wisdom molar.
C2 noun /ˈfɜːrðərəns/

furtherance

Meaning
The advancement or promotion of something.
Example
The new policy was introduced in furtherance of social justice.
C2 noun /boʊ/

beau

Meaning
a male admirer or boyfriend; a fashionable young man
Example
She arrived at the party with her beau.
C2 noun /ˈreɪdɪks/

radix

Meaning
the base or root of something; the number on which a system of numeration is built
Example
In mathematics, the decimal system has a radix of ten.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːrtətɔːri/

hortatory

Meaning
Intended to encourage or urge to action.
Example
The manager’s hortatory words inspired the team to work harder.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒtld/

mottled

Meaning
Marked with spots, streaks, or blotches of different shades or colors.
Example
The snake's mottled skin helped it blend into the forest floor.
C2 noun /ˈdrʌmɪt/

Drumet

Meaning
a small drum used in military or marching bands
Example
The drummer played a steady beat on the drumet during the parade.
C2 adjective /ɪnhɑːrˈmoʊniəs/

Inharmonious

Meaning
lacking harmony; discordant in sound; not in tune
Example
The inharmonious sounds from the broken piano made everyone cover their ears.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɔɪl/

despoil

Meaning
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
Example
The invaders despoiled the village during the war.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊ.ə.si/

poesy

Meaning
poetry; the art or composition of poems
Example
The anthology was filled with romantic poesy.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːr.kəˌroʊl/

barcarole

Meaning
a traditional Venetian boat song, often in 6/8 time
Example
The orchestra played a beautiful barcarole that reminded me of Venice.
C2 adjective/adverb /feɪn/

fain

Meaning
gladly, willingly, or with pleasure
Example
I would fain help you if I had the time.
C2 noun /mjuːˈnɪfəsəns/

munificence

Meaning
great generosity or lavish giving
Example
The hospital was built thanks to the munificence of a wealthy donor.
C2 noun /noʊl koʊl/

Knol khol

Meaning
round bulbous vegetable from cabbage family with pale green color and mild taste
Example
Knol khol can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in curries.
C2 noun /ˈhæbɪtənt/

habitant

Meaning
An inhabitant; a person or animal that lives in a particular place.
Example
The habitants of the village were friendly and welcoming.
C2 adjective /prɪˈhɛnsɪbəl/

prehensible

Meaning
capable of being grasped or seized
Example
The tool has a prehensible handle that improves safety.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪŋ/

discomfiting

Meaning
Causing unease, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
His discomfiting questions made everyone shift uncomfortably in their seats.
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 adjective /dɛˈspɒtɪk/

despotic

Meaning
exercising power in a cruel, oppressive, or authoritarian way
Example
The king’s despotic rule left the people in misery.
C2 noun /mɪˈsænθrəpi/

misanthropy

Meaning
a general dislike, distrust, or hatred of humankind
Example
His misanthropy was evident in the way he avoided people.
C2 adverb /ˌsʌb ˈroʊzə/

sub rosa

Meaning
secretly, in confidence, or in private
Example
The deal was made sub rosa to avoid public scrutiny.
C2 adjective /ˈpɒndərəbl/

ponderable

Meaning
able to be considered or thought about
Example
The evidence was substantial and ponderable.
C2 adjective /ɡælˈvænɪk/

galvanic

Meaning
Relating to electricity produced by chemical action; sudden and dramatic.
Example
The news had a galvanic effect on the audience.
C2 noun /ɪˈrɛvərəns/

irreverence

Meaning
a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
Example
His jokes about religion showed irreverence to the sacred traditions.
C2 verb /breɪz/

braze

Meaning
To join two pieces of metal by heating and melting a filler metal into the joint.
Example
The mechanic brazed the broken pipe to fix the leak.
C2 verb /ˈhɑːrtən/

hearten

Meaning
To give courage, confidence, or hope.
Example
The teacher’s encouragement heartened the students.
C2 noun /kəˈtæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/

catabolism

Meaning
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.
Example
Catabolism plays a crucial role in cellular energy production.
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 /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 adjective /ˈməʊdɪʃ/

modish

Meaning
conforming to or following current fashion or style
Example
She wore a modish outfit that caught everyone’s attention.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑːdi/

kabadi

Meaning
a person who collects and sells scrap or recyclable materials, especially in South Asia
Example
The kabadi came every week to collect old newspapers and bottles.
C2 verb /ˈrævəl/

ravel

Meaning
to tangle or complicate; to untangle or unravel depending on context
Example
She began to ravel the loose threads of the sweater.
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 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 /ˈpɑːdreɪ/

padre

Meaning
A title for a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church; also used informally for 'father'.
Example
The soldiers attended mass led by the padre.
C2 noun /ˈɔːldərmən/

alderman

Meaning
An elected member of a municipal council in certain cities and towns.
Example
The alderman proposed a new plan for community parks.
C2 noun ˌsʌb.dʒʊˈɡeɪ.ʃən

subjugation

Meaning
The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control, especially by force.
Example
The subjugation of weaker nations by colonial powers shaped history.
C2 noun /ˈfiːəlti/

fealty

Meaning
loyalty or allegiance, especially to a sovereign or lord
Example
The knight swore fealty to his king.
C2 verb /rɪˈkjʊə/

recure

Meaning
to cure again; to remedy a second time
Example
The doctor had to recure the wound after it reopened.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/

decapitate

Meaning
To cut off the head of a person or animal.
Example
The ancient executioner decapitated the criminal.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɒptɪk/

synoptic

Meaning
giving a general overview or summary; presenting a broad view
Example
The report offers a synoptic view of climate trends over the past century.
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 verb /ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/

mortify

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