betroth
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C2 verb /bɪˈtroʊð/

betroth

Meaning
To formally promise to marry someone; to engage.
Example
He was betrothed to the princess at a young age.
C2 noun /ˈrɪvjʊlət/

rivulet

Meaning
a small stream of water; a tiny brook
Example
A rivulet ran down the hillside after the rain.
C2 adjective, adverb /əˈbʌvˌbɔːrd/

aboveboard

Meaning
Open and honest; without deception or trickery.
Example
The business deal was completely aboveboard.
C2 noun /ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjʊəns/

discontinuance

Meaning
the act of stopping something, especially permanently
Example
The discontinuance of the service disappointed many customers.
C2 adjective /ˌmɪsənˈθrɑːpɪk/

misanthropic

Meaning
having or showing a dislike of humankind
Example
His misanthropic attitude made it difficult for him to make friends.
C2 adjective /ˈɪmənənt/

immanent

Meaning
existing or operating within; inherent
Example
He believed that moral values are immanent in human nature.
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 noun /ˈɛpəlɛt/

epaulette

Meaning
A variant spelling of epaulet, also meaning a shoulder ornament, especially on military uniforms.
Example
The officer’s epaulette shone brightly under the sunlight.
C2 adjective /ˌɛkjʊˈmɛnɪkəl/

ecumenical

Meaning
Promoting unity among different Christian churches or religions.
Example
The leaders gathered for an ecumenical conference to encourage dialogue.
C2 verb /ˈkrɪŋ.kəl/

crinkle

Meaning
To form small creases or wrinkles.
Example
She crinkled her nose at the strange smell.
C2 verb /ˈpɛkjʊˌleɪt/

peculate

Meaning
To embezzle or steal money, especially public funds.
Example
The corrupt official was found guilty of peculating government funds.
C2 adjective /ˈluːsənt/

lucent

Meaning
shining or glowing with light
Example
The lucent stars brightened the night sky.
C2 verb /ˈpælieɪt/

palliate

Meaning
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain.
C2 adjective /ˈfɔːnɪŋ/

fawning

Meaning
displaying exaggerated flattery or affection
Example
Her fawning compliments made everyone uncomfortable.
C2 verb /ɪnˈkʌmbər/

encumber

Meaning
to burden or weigh down something, making it difficult to move or progress
Example
She was encumbered by the heavy luggage during her journey.
C2 noun /ˈsʌplɪkənt/

supplicant

Meaning
A person who humbly or earnestly asks for something, usually from a person of authority.
Example
The temple was filled with supplicants seeking blessings.
C2 noun /slaɪt/

sleight

Meaning
Skill or dexterity, especially in performing tricks.
Example
The magician amazed the crowd with his sleight of hand.
C2 noun /ˈkwɔːrtoʊ/

quarto

Meaning
A book size resulting from folding each printed sheet into four leaves (eight pages).
Example
The library has rare Shakespeare quartos.
C2 noun /ˈpɜr.fɪ.di/

Perfidy

Meaning
deliberate breach of faith or trust; treachery; betrayal of trust
Example
His perfidy shocked all who had trusted him.
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 /naɪt kwiːn/

Night queen

Meaning
a fragrant white flower that blooms at night and releases strong sweet scent
Example
The night queen flowers filled the garden with their sweet fragrance.
C2 noun /ˌser.əˈbreɪ.ʃən/

cerebration

Meaning
the process of thinking or using the brain actively
Example
The lecture sparked intense cerebration among the students.
C2 noun /ˈpætwɑː/

patois

Meaning
a regional or social dialect, especially one considered nonstandard or informal
Example
The guide slipped into local patois when chatting with the fishermen.
C2 noun /ˌfoʊˈtɑːmɪtər/

photometer

Meaning
an instrument for measuring the intensity of light
Example
The scientist used a photometer to measure the light in the laboratory.
C2 noun /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

Meaning
The treasury of a state or country.
Example
The government announced new measures to improve the exchequer.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːr.kə.tri/

parquetry

Meaning
The art or technique of laying parquet floors.
Example
The craftsman specialized in parquetry for luxury homes.
C2 verb /ɪˈmɛnd/

emend

Meaning
to correct or revise a text, especially for errors
Example
The editor emended the manuscript before publication.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪltrɪ/

deviltry

Meaning
Cruel or malicious behavior; mischief with an evil aspect.
Example
The villain’s deviltry terrified the townsfolk.
C2 adverb /ˈfɔːrbi/

forby

Meaning
In addition; besides (archaic Scottish/English word).
Example
He is kind and generous, and wise forby.
C2 adjective /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/

ubiquitious

Meaning
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Example
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.
C2 verb /ɪˈfɛktʃueɪt/

effectuate

Meaning
to put into force or cause to happen; to bring about
Example
The manager effectuated the changes to improve efficiency.
C2 verb /læmˈpuːn/

lampoon

Meaning
to publicly criticize or ridicule someone or something with humor, irony, or sarcasm
Example
The cartoonist lampooned the politician for his contradictory statements.
C2 noun /wiːl/

weal

Meaning
A raised mark on the skin left after a blow; or general well-being and prosperity.
Example
The charity worked for the common weal of the community.
C2 verb /ˈɪŋkʌlpeɪt/

inculpate

Meaning
To blame or accuse someone of wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence seemed to inculpate the suspect in the crime.
C2 adjective /ˈhɛtərəˌdɒks/

heterodox

Meaning
not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs
Example
The professor was known for his heterodox views on religion.
C2 noun /ˈlɪtəni/

litany

Meaning
a long, repetitive, or tedious account or list; originally a form of prayer
Example
The politician gave a litany of promises during the campaign.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.aɪ.ɒn ɪksˌtʃeɪndʒ/

cation-exchange

Meaning
A chemical process in soil that helps retain nutrients.
Example
The cation-exchange capacity of soil affects plant growth.
C2 adjective /ˈluː.ni/

Loony

Meaning
crazy; silly; mentally unstable
Example
His loony behavior made everyone laugh.
C2 noun məˌnɒp.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

monopolization

Meaning
The process by which a company gains exclusive control over a commercial activity.
Example
The monopolization of industries can limit consumer choices.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkɔːrəs/

decourous

Meaning
characterized by propriety, good taste, and proper manners
Example
She maintained a decourous silence during the ceremony.
C2 verb /haɪ/

hie

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

limpid

Meaning
Clear and transparent, easily understood.
Example
The limpid water of the lake reflected the sky perfectly.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkɒnsələt/

disconsolate

Meaning
very unhappy and unable to be comforted
Example
She was disconsolate after hearing the bad news.
C2 noun /ˈvaɪkaʊnt/

viscount

Meaning
A British nobleman ranking below an earl and above a baron.
Example
The viscount inherited the estate from his father.
C2 adjective /ˈskʌr.ɪ.ləs/

scurrilous

Meaning
Using or expressed in coarse, abusive, or slanderous language.
Example
The politician faced criticism for his scurrilous remarks about his opponent.
C2 verb /kɔːk/

caulk

Meaning
to seal a crack or gap with a waterproof filler
Example
He caulked the window frames to stop the draft.
C2 adverb /ˈtrɛbli/

trebly

Meaning
in a triple manner or to a threefold degree
Example
The sound was trebly distorted through the old speakers.
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 noun /ˌprɪnsɪˈpæləti/

principality

Meaning
a state ruled by a prince
Example
Monaco is a famous principality in Europe.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌsti/

musty

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

mendacious

Meaning
not telling the truth; lying
Example
The politician was known for his mendacious statements.
C2 verb /ˈtrʌŋkeɪt/

truncate

Meaning
to shorten something by cutting off the top or the end
Example
The article was truncated to fit the limited space.
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 noun /ɪˈrʌp.ʃən/

Irruption

Meaning
a sudden violent entry; an invasion or raid; a sudden outburst or eruption
Example
The army's irruption into enemy territory caught the opposing forces completely off guard.
C2 adjective /kəmˈpleɪzənt/

complaisant

Meaning
willing to please others or to accept what they do or say without protest
Example
He was too complaisant to refuse their demands.
C2 adjective /ɒmˈnɪʃ.ənt/

Omniscient

Meaning
having complete knowledge; all-knowing
Example
The narrator in the novel appears to be omniscient, knowing every character's thoughts.
C2 noun /fækˈtoʊtəm/

factotum

Meaning
an employee who does many different types of work; a general servant
Example
He worked as a factotum, handling both clerical and maintenance duties.
C2 noun /ˈɪntərˌloʊpər/

interloper

Meaning
A person who becomes involved in a situation or place where they are not wanted.
Example
He felt like an interloper at the private family gathering.
C2 noun /ˈɑːr.bɪ.trɑːʒ/

arbitrage

Meaning
The simultaneous buying and selling of securities in different markets to take advantage of differing prices.
Example
Investors use arbitrage to make profits in global markets.
C2 noun /ˈɡɑːrɡɔɪl/

gargoyle

Meaning
A carved stone figure, often of a grotesque creature, on a building, typically used as a spout to carry water away.
Example
The ancient cathedral had gargoyles on every corner.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlaɪn/

sibylline

Meaning
Prophetic, mysterious, or cryptic in meaning.
Example
The old woman gave a sibylline warning about the future.
C2 noun /proʊˈsiː.ni.əm/

proscenium

Meaning
the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain; the arch framing the stage
Example
The actors bowed at the proscenium before leaving the stage.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

Meaning
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
Example
The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior.
C2 noun /prɪˈhɛnʃən/

prehension

Meaning
the act of grasping or seizing; the ability to take hold of something
Example
Therapists assessed the patient's prehension during hand therapy.
C2 adjective /ˌhæfˈhɑːr.tɪd/

halfhearted

Meaning
lacking enthusiasm or determination; unenthusiastic
Example
His halfhearted attempt to study did not bring good results.
C2 adjective /ɪmˌpɜːrˈsweɪdəbl/

impersuadable

Meaning
not able to be convinced or persuaded
Example
She remained impersuadable despite all our arguments.
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 noun /rɪˈpʌɡ.nəns/

repugnance

Meaning
intense disgust or strong aversion towards something
Example
She felt deep repugnance at the cruelty of the act.
C2 noun /ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪ piː/

Butterfly Pea

Meaning
a blue flowering plant with butterfly-shaped flowers, used to make herbal tea
Example
Butterfly pea flowers turn tea into a beautiful blue color.
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 noun /ˈspuːnərɪzəm/

spoonerism

Meaning
A verbal error in which the initial sounds of words are swapped to create a humorous effect.
Example
He made a spoonerism by saying 'queer old dean' instead of 'dear old queen'.
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 /ˈɒnwiː/ or /ˈɑːnwiː/

ennui

Meaning
A feeling of boredom, listlessness, or dissatisfaction arising from lack of excitement.
Example
After weeks of doing nothing, he sank into a deep sense of ennui.
C2 noun /mjuːz/

mews

Meaning
A row or street of houses or apartments that have been converted from stables or built to look like former stables.
Example
They rented a small flat in a quiet London mews.
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 noun /ˈkɒksweɪn/

coxswain

Meaning
the person in charge of navigating and steering a boat, especially a racing or small boat
Example
The coxswain shouted instructions to the rowing team.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːri/

hoary

Meaning
gray or white with age; very old and respected
Example
The hoary oak tree stood as a witness to centuries of history.
C2 noun /moʊˈtɪləti/

motility

Meaning
The ability of an organism or cell to move independently.
Example
The motility of sperm is crucial for successful fertilization.
C2 verb /ˈlɛvɪteɪt/

levitate

Meaning
to rise or float in the air, usually without visible support.
Example
The magician made the table levitate during the show.
C2 noun /hʊˈzɑːr/

hussar

Meaning
a member of a light cavalry regiment in European armies, especially the Hungarian cavalry
Example
The hussar rode swiftly across the battlefield.
C2 verb /pərˈveɪ/

purvey

Meaning
to supply or provide goods, services, or information, often as a business
Example
The company purveys organic food to health-conscious customers.
C2 verb /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/

sublimate

Meaning
to redirect strong emotions or desires into socially acceptable activities or channels
Example
She sublimated her anger into painting beautiful landscapes.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒŋɡruənt/

congruent

Meaning
in agreement or harmony; having the same shape and size in geometry
Example
Their values are congruent with the goals of the organization.
C2 noun /ɪmp/

imp

Meaning
a small mischievous devil or sprite; a playful troublemaker
Example
The child was acting like a little imp, hiding his toys everywhere.
C2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪsəri/

promissory

Meaning
Containing or conveying a promise, especially in writing.
Example
He signed a promissory note to repay the loan.
C2 adjective /ˈfræk.ʃəs/

Fractious

Meaning
irritable and quarrelsome; difficult to control; bad-tempered
Example
The fractious child refused to follow any of the teacher's instructions.
C2 noun /ˌmɛɡələˈmeɪniə/

megalomania

Meaning
A condition characterized by delusional fantasies of power, wealth, or omnipotence.
Example
The dictator’s megalomania led him to believe he was invincible.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈspiːdiənt/

inexpedient

Meaning
Not advisable, suitable, or practical in the circumstances.
Example
It would be inexpedient to invest without proper research.
C2 noun /ˈsɪnəd/

synod

Meaning
An assembly of the clergy in a Christian church convened to decide on issues of doctrine or administration.
Example
The synod gathered to discuss reforms in the church.
C2 verb /fɔrˈswɛr/

forswear

Meaning
to renounce or reject; to give up completely
Example
He forswore his old habits and started a new life.
C2 noun /məˈlɑː.ti/

Malati

Meaning
a fragrant climbing plant with small white flowers, commonly known as jasmine
Example
The malati vine covered the garden wall with sweet-smelling flowers.
C2 adjective /ˈeksɪkrəbl/

execrable

Meaning
Extremely bad or unpleasant.
Example
The movie was so execrable that many people left the theater early.
C2 noun /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/

Dais

Meaning
a raised platform, typically at one end of a room or hall, for speakers or honored guests
Example
The principal stood on the dais to address the entire school assembly.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.kən/

oaken

Meaning
made of or resembling oak wood
Example
The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɒsɪsən/

diocesan

Meaning
relating to a diocese or the district under the supervision of a bishop in the Christian Church
Example
The diocesan council met to discuss church affairs.
C2 noun/verb /ˈʌpˌkæst/

upcast

Meaning
Verb: To cast or throw upward. Noun: Something thrown or directed upward.
Example
The fisherman upcast his net into the air.
C2 noun /məˈbɒkrəsi/

mobocracy

Meaning
Rule or control by a mob or mass of people, often disorderly.
Example
The protest turned into mobocracy when the crowd started destroying property.
C2 adjective /æbˈhɔːr.ənt/

Abhorrent

Meaning
extremely unpleasant and causing disgust; detestable
Example
The idea of animal cruelty is abhorrent to most people.
C2 verb /ˈsɛreɪt/

serrate

Meaning
To make a saw-toothed edge or notched margin.
Example
The craftsman serrated the knife blade for better cutting.
C2 noun /ˈsoʊbrɪˌkeɪ/

sobriquet

Meaning
a person's nickname or descriptive name
Example
The famous leader was known by the sobriquet 'The Iron Lady'.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə bɑːks/

China box

Meaning
a small evergreen shrub with tiny white fragrant flowers
Example
The China box plant produced clusters of small white flowers.
C2 noun /ˈoʊɡər/

ogre

Meaning
A mythical monster, often depicted as large, hideous, and cruel; metaphorically, a cruel or terrifying person.
Example
The villagers feared the ogre who lived in the dark forest.
C2 noun /ˈsweɪʒən/

suasion

Meaning
the act of persuading or influencing someone
Example
The leader used gentle suasion to win support for the plan.
C2 verb /ˈbækˌslaɪd/

backslide

Meaning
To relapse into bad habits, undesirable practices, or moral decline.
Example
After months of progress, he began to backslide into old habits.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdɒktrɪˌneɪt/

indoctrinate

Meaning
To teach someone to fully accept a set of beliefs or ideas without question.
Example
The regime tried to indoctrinate the youth with propaganda.
C2 adjective /ˈhiːðənɪʃ/

heathenish

Meaning
Lacking culture or religion; barbaric or uncivilized.
Example
They considered the ancient tribe’s rituals heathenish.
C2 noun /ˈæmɪti/

amity

Meaning
A friendly relationship between people or countries.
Example
The treaty helped maintain amity between the neighboring nations.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.sɔːr/

Eyesore

Meaning
something that is very ugly and unpleasant to look at
Example
The abandoned building has become an eyesore in the neighborhood.
C2 verb /dɪˈstreɪn/

distrain

Meaning
to seize someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
Example
The landlord distrained the tenant's furniture for unpaid rent.
C2 noun /ˌdɪpsəˈmeɪniæk/

dipsomaniac

Meaning
A person with an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic drinks.
Example
The novel portrayed the tragic downfall of a dipsomaniac who lost everything to alcohol.
C2 noun /ˈmælɪt fɪʃ/

Mallet fish

Meaning
A marine fish with a hard shell-like covering, found in coastal waters
Example
The mallet fish is known for its unique protective shell covering.
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 adjective /ɪmˈperɪʃəbəl/

Imperishable

Meaning
not subject to decay; lasting forever; eternal
Example
The imperishable beauty of classical art continues to inspire generations.
C2 adjective /pəˈnjʊəriəs/

penurious

Meaning
extremely poor; poverty-stricken; miserly
Example
The penurious family struggled to buy food.
C2 noun /ˈhʌvəl/

hovel

Meaning
a small, poorly built, and dirty house
Example
The refugees lived in a makeshift hovel.
C2 adjective /ˌɪɡ.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/

ignominious

Meaning
Marked by shame, disgrace, or humiliation.
Example
The team suffered an ignominious defeat in the finals.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtrəˌɡræf/

petrograph

Meaning
a description or representation of rocks, especially in detailed scientific writing
Example
The scientist studied the petrograph to understand the rock composition.
C2 noun /hɔːɡ plʌm/

Hog plum

Meaning
tropical fruit with yellow skin and sour taste
Example
Hog plums are often used to make pickles and chutneys.
C2 adjective /ˈflæb.i/

Flabby

Meaning
soft and loose; lacking firmness or muscle tone; weak
Example
His flabby arms showed he needed to exercise more.
C2 verb /ˈhɜːrtl/

hurtle

Meaning
To move or cause to move at great speed, often in a dangerous way.
Example
The car hurtled down the mountain road.