devilry
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C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪlri/

devilry

Meaning
Wicked or cruel behavior; mischievous actions.
Example
The children were full of devilry on Halloween night.
C2 noun /ˈpriːskrɪpt/

prescript

Meaning
An authoritative rule or direction; something laid down as a command.
Example
The prescript of the organization required strict punctuality.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpjuːɪsəns/

impuissance

Meaning
inability to take effective action; helplessness
Example
The government’s impuissance in the face of crisis frustrated the people.
C2 noun /bɪər/

bier

Meaning
a frame or stand on which a coffin or body is placed before burial or cremation
Example
The coffin was placed on the bier during the funeral service.
C2 verb /ˌmɪsˈleɪ/

mislay

Meaning
to lose something temporarily by putting it in the wrong place
Example
I must have mislaid my keys somewhere in the house.
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 verb /dɪˈfoʊlieɪt/

defoliate

Meaning
to strip leaves from a tree, plant, or area, often using chemicals
Example
The farmers defoliated the fields before harvest.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪ ˈfloʊn/

high-flown

Meaning
Using fancy or pretentious language; lofty in style but often overblown.
Example
The politician gave a high-flown speech full of promises.
C2 noun /ˈsɛntɔːr/

centaur

Meaning
A mythological creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
Example
The centaur is a well-known figure in Greek mythology.
C2 adjective /dʒərˈmeɪn/

germane

Meaning
Relevant and appropriate to the subject being considered.
Example
Her comments were not germane to the discussion.
C2 noun /dɪnt/

dint

Meaning
an impression or hollow made by a blow; force or power
Example
By dint of hard work, he achieved success.
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 adjective /ˈkɒnfluənt/

confluent

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

medallion

Meaning
a large medal or decorative piece, often worn as jewelry or used in architecture
Example
She wore a gold medallion around her neck.
C2 adjective /ˌɛfləˈrɛsənt/

efflorescent

Meaning
in the process of blooming or flourishing
Example
The efflorescent trees made the park look beautiful.
C2 adjective /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/

esoteric

Meaning
intended for or understood by only a small number of people with special knowledge
Example
The professor gave an esoteric lecture on ancient philosophy.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːfdəm/

serfdom

Meaning
The status or condition of being a serf, bound to work for a lord.
Example
Many peasants in medieval Europe lived under serfdom.
C2 noun /bəˈθɪm.ə.tri/

bathymetry

Meaning
The measurement of depth of water in oceans, seas, or lakes.
Example
Bathymetry is essential for understanding oceanic topography.
C2 noun /ˈklɔɪstər/

cloister

Meaning
a covered walk in a convent, monastery, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other.
Example
The monks walked silently through the cloister.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɪkeɪt/

imprecate

Meaning
To utter a curse or invoke evil upon someone.
Example
The old woman imprecated her enemies with dark words.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/

disenfranchise

Meaning
To deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights.
Example
The new law could disenfranchise thousands of voters.
C2 adjective /dɪˈstɛnsəbl̩/

distensible

Meaning
Capable of being stretched or expanded.
Example
The stomach is a distensible organ that can expand after eating.
C2 noun /kænˈtɑː.tə/

cantata

Meaning
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌnid/

Moneyed

Meaning
having much money; wealthy; rich
Example
She comes from a moneyed family with extensive real estate holdings.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪəlɪst/

nihilist

Meaning
A person who rejects all religious and moral principles, often believing that life is meaningless.
Example
He was called a nihilist for rejecting all social norms.
C2 adjective /ˈfæl.oʊ/

fallow

Meaning
Describing land that is left unplanted for a period to restore its fertility, allowing soil to recover nutrients and break pest and disease cycles.
Example
Farmers leave their fields fallow to restore soil fertility.
C2 adjective /ˈɒfɪʃ/

offish

Meaning
Unfriendly, distant, or reserved in manner.
Example
He seemed offish at the party and avoided most conversations.
C2 noun /ˈpɒliˌɑːrki/

polyarchy

Meaning
government by many people
Example
Polyarchy allows multiple parties to share power.
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 noun /lɔːˈdeɪʃən/

laudation

Meaning
The act of praising or expressing approval.
Example
The poet received much laudation for his moving verses.
C2 noun /ˈsɪʒ.ən/

scission

Meaning
the act of cutting or dividing something
Example
The political party suffered a scission over ideological disputes.
C2 verb /məˈtrɪkjʊˌleɪt/

matriculate

Meaning
To enroll as a student in a college or university.
Example
She matriculated at Oxford University last year.
C2 verb /ˈbaɪfərˌkeɪt/

bifurcate

Meaning
to divide into two branches or parts
Example
The road bifurcates into two separate paths at the hill.
C2 noun /ˈhen.ə/

Henna

Meaning
a reddish-brown dye made from the powdered leaves of a tropical shrub, used to color hair and decorate skin
Example
The bride's hands were beautifully decorated with intricate henna patterns for her wedding ceremony.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɪəriəs/

imperious

Meaning
Arrogantly domineering or overbearing.
Example
Her imperious tone made it hard for others to argue.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfɛrəbəl/

referable

Meaning
able to be related or directed to something
Example
The issue is referable to the new policy changes.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/

insipid

Meaning
lacking flavor, interest, or excitement; dull
Example
The soup was insipid and needed more seasoning.
C2 adjective /əˈfɔːrsed/

Aforesaid

Meaning
mentioned before; previously stated
Example
The aforesaid conditions must be met before approval.
C2 noun /mɪˈsɑːɡəmi/

misogamy

Meaning
Hatred or dislike of marriage.
Example
His misogamy prevented him from ever settling down with a partner.
C2 verb /nɑːrl/

gnarl

Meaning
To twist into a knotted or distorted form.
Example
The tree roots began to gnarl around the stones.
C2 noun /lɪˈnoʊ.li.əm/

linoleum

Meaning
a durable, washable floor covering made from solidified linseed oil, wood flour, or cork dust on a canvas backing
Example
They decided to cover the kitchen floor with linoleum.
C2 adjective /ˈsmɑːrmi/

smarmy

Meaning
Excessively flattering or ingratiating, often insincerely.
Example
The salesman gave a smarmy pitch that felt fake.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbəraɪt/

sybarite

Meaning
a person who loves luxury and pleasure
Example
The millionaire was a true sybarite who lived only for comfort and enjoyment.
C2 verb /əˈɡlɒməˌreɪt/

agglomerate

Meaning
To collect or form into a mass or group.
Example
The dust particles began to agglomerate into larger clusters.
C2 noun /dɪˈstɪlər/

distiller

Meaning
A person or company that makes alcoholic drinks or purified liquids by distillation.
Example
The distiller introduced a new brand of whiskey last year.
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 noun /oʊˈbeɪsəns/

obeisance

Meaning
A gesture of respect such as a bow or curtsy.
Example
They bowed in obeisance to the king.
C2 adjective, adverb /əˈbʌvˌbɔːrd/

aboveboard

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

brae

Meaning
A hillside or slope, especially in Scotland.
Example
They climbed up the grassy brae to see the sunset.
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 adjective /rɪˈflɛktɪbəl/

reflectible

Meaning
capable of being reflected, as light or an image
Example
The surface of the lake is highly reflectible in the morning sun.
C2 adjective /ˈflɪpənt/

flippant

Meaning
not showing a serious or respectful attitude
Example
His flippant remarks annoyed the teacher.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛktəri/

refectory

Meaning
a dining hall, especially in a monastery, convent, or school
Example
Students had lunch in the refectory.
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 ˈɔː.tɑː.ki

autarky

Meaning
Economic independence or self-sufficiency; a policy of establishing a self-sufficient national economy.
Example
Some nations aim for autarky to reduce reliance on imports.
C2 adjective /kəˈmoʊdiəs/

commodious

Meaning
spacious and comfortable; having plenty of room
Example
They rented a commodious apartment in the city.
C2 noun/adjective /rɪˈmɒnstrənt/

remonstrant

Meaning
A person who makes a forceful protest (noun); protesting or objecting (adjective).
Example
He was a remonstrant voice in the assembly.
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 /ˈɡrænəri/

granary

Meaning
A storehouse for grain; a region that produces a large amount of grain
Example
The farmers stored their harvest in the village granary.
C2 noun /kəˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

commodification

Meaning
The transformation of goods, services, ideas, or social relations into market commodities.
Example
The commodification of education has increased tuition costs.
C2 adjective /fɪˈdjuːʃəl/

fiducial

Meaning
based on trust or confidence; serving as a standard of reference
Example
The fiducial point on the map ensures accurate measurements.
C2 noun /ˌrɛtroʊˈɡrɛʃən/

retrogression

Meaning
a return to a worse or less developed state
Example
The country experienced economic retrogression after the crisis.
C2 noun /lænˈtɑː.nə/

Lantana

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with clusters of small colorful flowers
Example
The lantana flowers attract butterflies to the garden.
C2 adjective /ˈfæð.əm.ləs/

fathomless

Meaning
impossible to understand or measure; very deep
Example
The ocean seemed fathomless as it stretched to the horizon.
C2 verb /ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/

temporize

Meaning
To delay making a decision or taking action in order to gain time.
Example
The politician temporized when asked about the controversial issue.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒndɪˈskrɪpt/

nondescript

Meaning
Lacking distinctive or interesting features; dull and unremarkable.
Example
He lives in a nondescript apartment building on the edge of town.
C2 noun /ˈfɒpəri/

foppery

Meaning
Foolish or excessive concern with one's appearance or manners; pretentious behavior.
Example
His obsession with fashion was dismissed as mere foppery.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvʌlnərəbl/

invulnerable

Meaning
Impossible to harm, damage, or defeat.
Example
The fortress was thought to be invulnerable to attack.
C2 adjective/verb /ɪnˈkɑːrneɪt/

incarnate

Meaning
to embody or represent in human form; in flesh
Example
She is kindness incarnate.
C2 noun /ˈjoʊkəl/

yokel

Meaning
An uneducated and unsophisticated person from the countryside; a bumpkin.
Example
The city folks laughed at the yokel's simple ways.
C2 adjective /ˌnɒnpəˈreɪl/

nonpareil

Meaning
Having no equal; unrivaled or matchless.
Example
Her beauty was considered nonpareil in the region.
C2 adverb /hərˈmɛtɪkli/

hermetically

Meaning
In a way that is completely airtight or sealed off.
Example
The jars were hermetically sealed to preserve freshness.
C2 noun /rɪˈfɛkʃən/

refection

Meaning
a meal or the act of taking food and drink
Example
The monks gathered for their evening refection.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrɡər/

burgher

Meaning
A citizen of a town, typically a member of the wealthy middle class.
Example
The burgher was respected as a prosperous merchant in the city.
C2 noun /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃn/

circumlocution

Meaning
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
Example
The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution.
C2 adjective /ˌʌn.təˈwɔːrd/

untoward

Meaning
Unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient.
Example
The meeting ended without any untoward incidents.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɔːndɪst/

jaundiced

Meaning
Affected by or displaying prejudice, envy, or bitterness; also refers to having a yellowish discoloration of the skin due to jaundice.
Example
She gave a jaundiced view of the project after her proposal was rejected.
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 /sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl/

centripetal

Meaning
Moving or directed toward a center.
Example
Centripetal force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkrɪˈdjuːləti/

incredulity

Meaning
the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something
Example
She looked at him with incredulity after hearing the strange story.
C2 noun /ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ/

fledgeling

Meaning
A young bird that has just developed its feathers and is learning to fly; a beginner.
Example
The fledgeling was trying hard to take its first flight.
C2 verb /ˌænɪmədˈvɜːt/

animadvert

Meaning
To comment critically or unfavorably.
Example
The teacher animadverted on the student's careless mistakes.
C2 verb /aʊtˈraɪd/

outride

Meaning
to ride faster, farther, or better than someone else
Example
The young rider managed to outride his competitors in the race.
C2 noun /ˈɛəri/

aerie

Meaning
A large nest of a bird of prey, especially an eagle, typically built high in a tree or on a cliff.
Example
The eagle built its aerie on the high cliff.
C2 noun /ˈsɪlvər kɑrp/

Silver carp

Meaning
a large freshwater fish with silvery scales, commonly farmed for food
Example
Silver carp is widely cultivated in fish farms across Asia.
C2 noun /aɪˈkɒnəklæst/

iconoclast

Meaning
A person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, traditions, or institutions.
Example
He was known as an iconoclast who challenged old traditions.
C2 noun /ˈsælvər/

salver

Meaning
A tray, typically made of silver, used for serving food or drinks.
Example
The butler brought in the tea on a silver salver.
C2 noun /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

Meaning
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
Example
Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.
C2 adjective /ɡlɪb/

glib

Meaning
speaking easily but without sincerity or depth
Example
The politician gave a glib answer to a serious question.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnæp.tɪk/

synaptic

Meaning
Related to the signal transmission process between nerve cells.
Example
Learning strengthens synaptic connections in the brain.
C2 noun, adjective /ˌtætərdɪˈmeɪliən/

tatterdemalion

Meaning
A person dressed in ragged clothes; ragged or dilapidated in appearance.
Example
A tatterdemalion wandered the streets in search of food.
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 /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 /trəˈveɪl/

travail

Meaning
Painful or laborious effort; suffering or hardship.
Example
After years of travail, she finally completed her degree.
C2 noun /ˈbuːbi/

booby

Meaning
a foolish or gullible person; a silly individual
Example
He felt like a booby after making such a simple mistake.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnseɪt/

insensate

Meaning
lacking physical sensation or empathy; without feeling or sensitivity
Example
The dictator's insensate cruelty shocked the world.
C2 verb /ˈdʒæbər/

jabber

Meaning
To talk quickly and excitedly but with little sense.
Example
The children jabbered happily after the show.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌmli/

comely

Meaning
Attractive or pleasant in appearance.
Example
The actress was known for her comely features.
C2 noun /bɑːrd/

bard

Meaning
a poet, traditionally one reciting epics and associated with oral traditions
Example
Shakespeare is often called the Bard of Avon.
C2 noun /sɛnˈsɔːrɪəm/

sensorium

Meaning
The part of the brain or mind concerned with the reception and interpretation of sensory stimuli.
Example
The patient’s sensorium was clouded after the accident.
C2 adjective /ˌkɑːmənˈsɛnsɪkəl/

commonsensical

Meaning
based on or showing sound practical judgment; sensible
Example
It was commonsensical to carry an umbrella on a rainy day.
C2 noun /ˈfrɛʃɪt/

freshet

Meaning
A sudden overflow of a stream or river caused by heavy rain or melting snow.
Example
After the storm, the river turned into a raging freshet.
C2 noun /ˌbeɪˈliː/

bailee

Meaning
a person or party who temporarily receives possession of goods or property from another under a legal agreement
Example
The bailee must take reasonable care of the goods while they are in his possession.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdjuːsəbl̩/

reducible

Meaning
capable of being simplified, lessened, or made smaller
Example
The problem is complex but reducible to a few basic principles.
C2 noun /vɪm/

vim

Meaning
energy and enthusiasm
Example
She performed the dance with great vim and vigor.
C2 verb /dɪˈræsɪˌneɪt/

deracinate

Meaning
To uproot something completely; to displace people from their native environment or culture.
Example
The conflict deracinated many families from their homeland.
C2 verb /ʌnˈfɛtər/

unfetter

Meaning
to release from restraint or restriction; to free
Example
The new law will unfetter small businesses from excessive regulations.
C2 adjective /ˌæl.ɪˈmen.tər.i/

alimentary

Meaning
relating to nourishment or the organs of digestion
Example
The doctor explained the role of the alimentary canal in digestion.
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 /boʊl/

bole

Meaning
the trunk of a tree
Example
The bole of the tree was thick and strong.
C2 noun /ˈfɪlɪɡri/

filigree

Meaning
delicate ornamental work of fine wire, usually of gold or silver
Example
The necklace was decorated with intricate gold filigree.
C2 noun /ˈʃʊərəti/

surety

Meaning
a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as appearing in court or paying a debt
Example
The landlord required a surety before renting the apartment.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪəˌdɛm/

diadem

Meaning
A crown or headband worn as a symbol of royalty or authority.
Example
The queen wore a glittering diadem at the coronation.
C2 noun /kəˈleɪʃən/

collation

Meaning
the act of collecting, comparing, and arranging in proper order
Example
The librarian spent hours on the collation of old manuscripts.
C2 noun /doʊlt/

dolt

Meaning
A stupid or slow-witted person.
Example
Only a dolt would believe such a story.
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 adjective /heɪl/

hale

Meaning
strong and healthy, especially of an elderly person
Example
Despite his age, the man remained hale and active.
C2 noun /ˈdændi/

dandy

Meaning
a man who gives too much attention to his appearance and clothes
Example
The young dandy spent hours grooming himself before the party.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊltɪs/

poultice

Meaning
a soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation
Example
The nurse applied a warm poultice to his injured leg.
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 /ˈændaɪərn/

andiron

Meaning
a metal support used in a fireplace to hold logs
Example
The logs rested on the andirons in the old fireplace.