curmudgeon
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C2 noun /kərˈmʌdʒən/

curmudgeon

Meaning
a bad-tempered, cranky, or irritable person, usually old
Example
The old curmudgeon complained about everything in the neighborhood.
C2 noun /dʒeɪp/

jape

Meaning
A practical joke or humorous remark.
Example
He enjoyed a harmless jape with his friends.
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, verb /ɡəˈrɒt/

garrote

Meaning
A method of execution by strangulation, or to strangle someone with a cord or wire.
Example
The assassin attempted to garrote his target in the alley.
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 /ˈbæstərdaɪz/

bastardize

Meaning
to corrupt or debase something by altering it from its original form; to change in a way that reduces quality or purity
Example
Critics argue that the remake bastardized the original novel.
C2 adverb /əˈθwɔːrt/

athwart

Meaning
Across or in opposition to something.
Example
A fallen tree lay athwart the road, blocking traffic.
C2 verb /ˈhæloʊ/

hallow

Meaning
to honor as holy; to make sacred or greatly respected
Example
The ancient temple was hallowed by centuries of worship.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnæprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

inapprehensible

Meaning
not understandable; incomprehensible
Example
The concept was so abstract that it seemed inapprehensible to most students.
C2 noun /ˌmjuːlˈtɪər/

muleteer

Meaning
a person who drives or takes care of mules
Example
The muleteer guided the animals safely across the mountain path.
C2 noun /ˈtrɒɡlədaɪt/

troglodyte

Meaning
A person who lives in a cave or is considered old-fashioned and out of touch.
Example
Some called him a troglodyte for refusing to use modern technology.
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 /ˌmælˈtriːt/

maltreat

Meaning
To treat someone cruelly or unfairly.
Example
The law punishes those who maltreat animals.
C2 noun /luːˈbrɪsɪti/

lubricity

Meaning
the quality of being slippery or smooth; sometimes also refers to lewdness
Example
The lubricity of the surface made it difficult to walk on.
C2 adjective /ˈblaɪðsəm/

blithesome

Meaning
cheerful, carefree, and full of joy
Example
She entered the room with a blithesome smile that lifted everyone's spirits.
C2 noun /ˈtrʌmpəri/

trumpery

Meaning
worthless nonsense or showy but worthless things
Example
The speech was full of political trumpery.
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 /ˈbrɪk.bæt/

Brickbat

Meaning
a piece of brick, especially one used as a missile; harsh criticism or censure
Example
The angry protesters threw brickbats at the building windows.
C2 noun /tʃæf/

Chaff

Meaning
the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing; worthless things; light-hearted joking
Example
The farmer separated the wheat from the chaff using traditional methods.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.fɪ.del/

Infidel

Meaning
a person who does not believe in religion or whose religious beliefs differ from one's own
Example
In historical contexts, crusaders often referred to their enemies as infidels.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntərˈniːsaɪn/

internecine

Meaning
Relating to conflict within a group, often causing mutual destruction.
Example
The internecine conflict weakened the organization from within.
C2 noun /ˈhʌmbʌɡ/

humbug

Meaning
Deceptive or false talk or behavior; nonsense.
Example
He dismissed the idea as humbug.
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 /ˌɪnvəˈluːʃən/

involution

Meaning
a complicated or intricate form or state; in biology, the shrinking of an organ after its function has finished
Example
The story was full of involution, making it hard to follow.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmənət/

indeterminate

Meaning
Not exactly known, defined, or established; vague or uncertain.
Example
The project was delayed for an indeterminate amount of time.
C2 noun /ˌluːkjʊˈbreɪʃən/

lucubration

Meaning
study or meditation, especially at night
Example
His novel was the result of long lucubration.
C2 verb /rɪˈfrækt/

refract

Meaning
To bend light, sound, or heat as it passes through a medium.
Example
The water refracts light, making the straw look bent.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪplɪŋ/

stripling

Meaning
a young man who is not yet fully grown
Example
The stripling dreamed of becoming a brave knight.
C2 noun /ˈreɪləri/

raillery

Meaning
good-humored teasing or joking
Example
Their friendship was full of light-hearted raillery.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪst/

Unchaste

Meaning
not celibate; having engaged in sexual relations; lacking moral purity
Example
The conservative society considered her behavior unchaste and improper.
C2 verb /kənˈstrɪndʒ/

constringe

Meaning
to cause to shrink or contract; to constrict
Example
The medicine helped constringe the swollen tissues.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
C2 noun /ˈɪl.i.æd/

iliad

Meaning
An ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, describing the events of the Trojan War.
Example
Students studied the Iliad to understand Greek mythology and heroism.
C2 noun /ˈkrɛməˌtɔːri/

crematory

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are cremated
Example
The crematory was located near the cemetery.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːrtli/

portly

Meaning
Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.
Example
The portly man entered the room with confidence.
C2 adjective /ˈbɪliəs/

bilious

Meaning
Relating to bile or an ill-tempered, irritable disposition.
Example
He became bilious after hearing the unfair criticism.
C2 adjective /ˌpɑːrsɪˈmoʊniəs/

parsimonious

Meaning
unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy
Example
The company was too parsimonious to invest in better equipment.
C2 noun /ˈsækrɪsti/

sacristy

Meaning
a room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept
Example
The priest entered the sacristy before the mass began.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrstɪs/

interstice

Meaning
a small space that lies between things
Example
Light filtered through the narrow interstices of the wall.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːrbərɪzəm/

Barbarism

Meaning
extreme cruelty or brutality; absence of culture and civilization
Example
The barbarism of the war crimes shocked the entire international community.
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 /dɪsˈpɔːrt/

disport

Meaning
To amuse oneself in a lively or playful way.
Example
The children disported themselves in the garden.
C2 noun /ɪˈnɪkwɪti/

iniquity

Meaning
Immoral or grossly unfair behavior.
Example
The dictator's regime was marked by corruption and iniquity.
C2 adjective /roʊn/

roan

Meaning
denoting an animal, especially a horse, having a coat of mixed colors, typically reddish-brown and white
Example
The rider mounted a roan horse with a speckled coat.
C2 noun /ˈlæn.sɪt/

lancet

Meaning
a small, sharp, two-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions
Example
The doctor used a lancet to prick the patient’s finger for a blood test.
C2 noun /ˌkɛəriˈætɪd/

caryatid

Meaning
A stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a supporting column in architecture.
Example
The ancient temple featured a caryatid holding up the roof.
C2 verb /ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡ/

pettifog

Meaning
to argue or quibble over trivial matters; to engage in petty, dishonest practices
Example
The lawyer was accused of trying to pettifog instead of addressing the real issue.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɪg.ərd/

Jiggered

Meaning
surprised or astonished; confused or puzzled
Example
I'll be jiggered if I know what happened here.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkoʊ.ɪt/ or /ɪnˈkoʊ.eɪt/

inchoate

Meaning
Just begun and not fully formed; rudimentary.
Example
His inchoate ideas needed more research to be developed.
C2 verb, noun /ˈkweɪvər/

quaver

Meaning
To shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion.
Example
Her voice quavered as she spoke before the crowd.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɛntʃər/

debenture

Meaning
a type of debt instrument not secured by physical assets or collateral
Example
The company raised capital by issuing debentures to investors.
C2 adverb /ˈbruːskli/ or /ˈbrʌskli/

brusquely

Meaning
in a blunt, abrupt, or rude manner
Example
She brusquely dismissed the suggestion.
C2 noun /ˈræŋɡlər/

wrangler

Meaning
a person who argues noisily; or someone who takes care of livestock on a ranch
Example
The cowboy worked as a wrangler on the ranch.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfʌldʒənt/

effulgent

Meaning
Shining brilliantly; radiant.
Example
Her effulgent smile brightened everyone's mood.
C2 noun /ˈhaɪərəˌɡlɪf/

hieroglyph

Meaning
A picture or symbol used in ancient writing systems, especially Egyptian writing.
Example
The walls of the temple were covered in hieroglyphs.
C2 noun /ˈɑːbəlɪsk/

obelisk

Meaning
A tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument with a pyramid-shaped top.
Example
The ancient Egyptians built obelisks to honor their gods.
C2 adjective /tʃeɪst/

Chaste

Meaning
pure and morally good; abstaining from sexual activity
Example
She lived a chaste and virtuous life.
C2 verb /ˈkænənaɪz/

canonize

Meaning
To officially declare a dead person a saint; to regard as great or significant.
Example
The church canonized the martyr after years of investigation.
C2 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ə.mi/

bigamy

Meaning
The act of marrying one person while still legally married to another.
Example
He was charged with bigamy after his second marriage was discovered.
C2 verb /bɪˈɡaɪl/

beguile

Meaning
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
Example
She beguiled the audience with her storytelling.
C2 adjective /ˈfɪliəl/

filial

Meaning
relating to a son or daughter; showing respect or affection toward parents
Example
He showed filial respect by caring for his aging parents.
C2 noun /ˌɛksɪˈɡjuːɪti/

exiguity

Meaning
the quality of being scanty or meager in amount
Example
The exiguity of resources made the project difficult to complete.
C2 adjective /ˌɪlˈneɪ.tʃəd/

ill-natured

Meaning
Having a bad or unpleasant character; unkind or malicious.
Example
He made an ill-natured remark about his colleague.
C2 adjective /bɪˈnaɪtɪd/

benighted

Meaning
In a state of intellectual or moral ignorance; overtaken by darkness.
Example
The explorers were lost in the benighted forest without any guide.
C2 noun /ˌpoʊpʊˈriː/

potpourri

Meaning
a mixture of dried flowers and spices kept in a bowl to perfume a room; a miscellaneous collection
Example
The living room was filled with the scent of potpourri.
C2 adjective /ˈbræsi/

brassy

Meaning
loud and showy in a way that lacks good taste; resembling brass in color or sound
Example
She wore a brassy necklace that caught everyone’s attention.
C2 adjective /ˈnjuː.trɪ.tɪv/

nutritive

Meaning
Relating to nutrition; having nourishing qualities.
Example
The nutritive value of the fruit is very high.
C2 noun /ˈdʒaɪənt sneɪk hɛd/

Giant snake head

Meaning
a large predatory freshwater fish with an elongated body and snake-like head
Example
The giant snake head is a fierce predator that can survive out of water for hours.
C2 noun /ˈdeb.juː.tɑːnt/

debutante

Meaning
A young woman making her first formal appearance in society.
Example
The debutante wore a white gown at the ball.
C2 noun /ˈblændɪʃmənt/

blandishment

Meaning
flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently
Example
She used every blandishment to win his support.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌmblɪŋ/

bumbling

Meaning
Acting in a clumsy, awkward, or confused way.
Example
The bumbling waiter spilled the drinks on the table.
C2 adjective, noun /ˈɡreɪtɪŋ/

grating

Meaning
Harsh and unpleasant to the senses, especially sound; a framework of bars covering an opening.
Example
The teacher's grating voice made it hard to concentrate.
C2 verb /ɪkˈstruːd/

extrude

Meaning
to force something out through a small opening; to shape by pushing material through a mold
Example
The factory extrudes plastic pipes using modern machines.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsɪkeɪtɪd/

desiccated

Meaning
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
Example
The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants.
C2 noun /ˈkærəm/

Carom

Meaning
aromatic seeds of a plant used as a spice, especially in Indian cooking
Example
Carom seeds are often used in traditional Indian bread recipes.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːntʃi/

paunchy

Meaning
Having a large or protruding belly.
Example
The paunchy man struggled to button his shirt.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tɪ.nəns/

continence

Meaning
self-restraint, especially regarding bodily functions or desires
Example
He practiced continence to maintain focus on his studies.
C2 adjective /ˈnjuː.ɡə.tɔːr.i/

nugatory

Meaning
Of little or no value; worthless or insignificant.
Example
His efforts were nugatory and did not change the outcome.
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 noun ˌɒbfəsˈkeɪʃən

obfuscation

Meaning
The action of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
The obfuscation of the data made it difficult to interpret.
C2 noun /ˈmaɪkrəˌkɒzəm/

microcosm

Meaning
A small, representative system having analogies to a larger system; a miniature version of something.
Example
The small town is a microcosm of the entire nation.
C2 noun /ˈrɛkjʊzənt/

recusant

Meaning
a person who refuses to submit to authority or comply with rules
Example
The recusant opposed the new law.
C2 noun /brɪˈtæniə/

britannia

Meaning
the personification of Britain, often shown as a woman with a helmet and shield
Example
Britannia has been a symbol of Britain since Roman times.
C2 noun /ˈspɛndˌθrɪft/

spendthrift

Meaning
A person who spends money extravagantly or wastefully.
Example
The young prince was known as a spendthrift, wasting his fortune on lavish parties.
C2 verb /fɔɪst/

foist

Meaning
To impose something unwelcome or unnecessary on someone.
Example
He tried to foist his old books onto his friends.
C2 noun /ˈhɛʃ.ən/

Hessian

Meaning
a strong coarse fabric made from jute or hemp, used for sacks and wrapping
Example
The farmer stored grain in hessian sacks.
C2 verb /blæsˈfiːm/

blaspheme

Meaning
to speak irreverently about God or sacred things
Example
He was accused of blaspheming during the heated argument.
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 /loʊp/

lope

Meaning
to run or move with a long, bounding stride
Example
The horse loped gracefully across the field.
C2 noun /ˈfærɪsiː/

pharisee

Meaning
A member of an ancient Jewish sect; by extension, a self-righteous or hypocritical person.
Example
He acted like a pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults.
C2 noun ˈvɜː.mɪ.kʌl.tʃər

vermiculture

Meaning
The cultivation of earthworms, especially for use in composting organic waste.
Example
Vermiculture enriches soil with natural nutrients.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɔːrtmənt/

deportment

Meaning
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
Example
Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈtjuːtɪləri/

tutelary

Meaning
Relating to or serving as a guardian or protector, often used for deities or spirits.
Example
Athena was considered the tutelary goddess of Athens.
C2 adjective /ˈhaɪˌbraʊ/

highbrow

Meaning
intellectually superior or cultured; often describing art, literature, or activities appealing to intellectual tastes
Example
The museum is known for its highbrow exhibitions.
C2 noun /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

defoliant

Meaning
a chemical that causes leaves to drop from plants, often used in warfare or agriculture
Example
The army sprayed defoliant to clear the forest cover.
C2 noun (plural) /ˌmæk.ɪˈneɪ.ʃənz/

machinations

Meaning
complicated and secret plans, often intended to cause harm
Example
The politician was brought down by his own machinations.
C2 noun /niːˈɒlədʒɪzəm/

neologism

Meaning
A newly coined word or expression.
Example
The internet has given rise to many neologisms like 'selfie' and 'hashtag'.
C2 noun /lɒŋ ˈwɪskəd ˈkætfɪʃ/

Long whiskered catfish

Meaning
A type of freshwater fish with long whisker-like barbels around its mouth
Example
The fisherman caught a long whiskered catfish in the river.
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 /ˌɛfəˈvɛsəns/

effervescence

Meaning
The release of gas bubbles; vivacity or high-spiritedness.
Example
Her effervescence made her the life of the party.
C2 verb /vɔːnt/

vaunt

Meaning
to boast or brag about something, especially in an excessive way
Example
He would often vaunt his achievements in front of his colleagues.
C2 noun /ɪˈreɪdiəns/

irradiance

Meaning
the quality of shining brightly; the intensity of light falling on a surface
Example
The irradiance of the sun at noon was overwhelming.
C2 noun /ˌfɔːrɔːrdɪˈneɪʃən/

foreordination

Meaning
the act of determining something in advance; predestination
Example
The doctrine of foreordination suggests that events are fixed by divine will.
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 /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 /ɪɡˈzækʃən/

exaction

Meaning
the act of demanding or obtaining something, especially unfairly
Example
The peasants suffered under the king's heavy exactions.
C2 verb /bɪˈhəʊv/

behove

Meaning
British spelling of 'behoove'; to be appropriate or necessary
Example
It would behove the company to listen to its customers.
C2 adjective ˈtɛnsaɪl

tensile

Meaning
Relating to tension; capable of being stretched.
Example
The tensile strength of the material is crucial for the construction project.
C2 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.kwi/

colloquy

Meaning
A formal conversation or dialogue, often on serious or academic topics.
Example
The professors engaged in a deep colloquy about the future of education.
C2 noun /ˌkiː.təʊˈdʒen.ɪ.sɪs/

ketogenesis

Meaning
The metabolic process by which the liver produces ketones from fatty acids, providing an alternative energy source during low carbohydrate availability.
Example
Ketogenesis occurs during fasting or low-carb diets.
C2 noun /ˈbʊljən/

bullion

Meaning
Gold or silver in bulk before being coined or made into jewelry.
Example
The bank stores gold bullion in its vaults.
C2 adjective ˌeə.rəʊˈstæt.ɪk

aerostatic

Meaning
Relating to or involving gases (especially air) in equilibrium and the equilibrium of balloons or aircraft under the influence of such gases.
Example
Aerostatic designs ensure stability at high altitudes.
C2 noun /dɪˈspɔɪlər/

despoiler

Meaning
A person who robs, plunders, or violently takes things from others.
Example
The despoilers left the city in ruins.
C2 verb /ˈɛnərˌveɪt/

enervate

Meaning
To weaken or drain someone of strength or vitality.
Example
The long hours of work enervated him.
C2 noun /juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛəriənɪzəm/

utilitarianism

Meaning
The ethical theory that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of the majority.
Example
Utilitarianism suggests that we should act to maximize overall happiness.
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 /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 /ˈɡævəl/

gavel

Meaning
A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge or an auctioneer to signal attention or mark a decision.
Example
The judge struck the gavel to call the court to order.
C2 adjective /ˈtɪd.li/

Tiddley

Meaning
slightly drunk; small or tiny
Example
After a few drinks, he felt a bit tiddley.
C2 noun /ˌɛpɪˈdɜːrmɪs/

epidermis

Meaning
the outer layer of cells covering the body of an organism, especially the skin
Example
The epidermis protects the body from harmful bacteria.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfi/

lexicography

Meaning
The art or practice of compiling dictionaries.
Example
Lexicography requires both linguistic and cultural knowledge.