dullard
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C2 noun /ˈdʌlərd/

dullard

Meaning
a slow or stupid person
Example
He was considered a dullard by his classmates.
C2 adjective /ɡrɪˈɡɛəriəs/

gregarious

Meaning
Fond of company; sociable.
Example
She is a gregarious person who loves meeting new people.
C2 noun /skɪf/

skiff

Meaning
a small, light boat usually for one person
Example
The fisherman paddled his skiff across the lake.
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 adjective /ˌækrəˈmætɪk/

achromatic

Meaning
without color; free from color
Example
The designer chose an achromatic palette of black, white, and gray.
C2 noun /foʊ ˈpɑː/

faux pas

Meaning
a social blunder or mistake in etiquette
Example
He committed a major faux pas by forgetting her birthday.
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 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 noun /ˈækmi/

acme

Meaning
the highest point of achievement or excellence
Example
Winning the award was the acme of his career.
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 /ˌkɒntrəpəˈzɪʃən/

contraposition

Meaning
the act of placing two things in opposition for contrast or comparison
Example
The contraposition of the two theories highlighted their differences.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnʃənt/

insentient

Meaning
Lacking perception, consciousness, or sensation.
Example
The rock is an insentient object with no awareness.
C2 noun /ɪnˈfriːkwəns/

infrequence

Meaning
The state of occurring rarely or at long intervals.
Example
The infrequence of their meetings made it hard to maintain close ties.
C2 verb /dɪˈpreɪv/

deprave

Meaning
to corrupt morally; to make someone immoral or wicked
Example
The novel was criticized for attempting to deprave the minds of young readers.
C2 noun /ˈtrɛsəl/

trestle

Meaning
a frame or support consisting of a horizontal beam held up by two pairs of sloping legs, used especially for supporting a bridge or table
Example
The workers built a wooden trestle to support the temporary bridge.
C2 verb /rɪˈvaɪl/

revile

Meaning
to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
Example
The politician was reviled by the public for his corruption.
C2 adjective /ˈvælərəs/

valorous

Meaning
showing great courage and bravery
Example
The valorous soldier led his troop into battle without hesitation.
C2 verb /poʊˈtɛnʃiˌeɪt/

potentiate

Meaning
To increase the power, effect, or likelihood of something.
Example
Caffeine can potentiate the effects of some medicines.
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 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 adjective /ˌpaɪroʊˈtɛknɪk/

pyrotechnic

Meaning
Relating to fireworks or spectacular displays involving fire.
Example
The city celebrated with a grand pyrotechnic display on New Year's Eve.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪɡənt/

irrigant

Meaning
A liquid used for irrigation, especially in medical or agricultural contexts.
Example
The doctor used a sterile irrigant during the procedure.
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 adjective /kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl/

conjectural

Meaning
based on guesswork or incomplete evidence rather than certain knowledge
Example
His explanation was purely conjectural and lacked proof.
C2 noun /pɛnˈtæmɪtər/

pentameter

Meaning
A line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
Example
Shakespeare often wrote his plays in iambic pentameter.
C2 verb /ˈrʌmpəl/

rumple

Meaning
to make something untidy or wrinkled by creasing or crumpling
Example
She accidentally rumpled her dress while packing.
C2 noun /ˌluː.mɪˈnɛs.əns/

luminescence

Meaning
The emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat; a type of cold light.
Example
The luminescence of the fireflies lit up the forest.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfɛmɪnət/

effeminate

Meaning
Having traits, tastes, or habits traditionally considered feminine, often used negatively for men.
Example
The critics described him as effeminate due to his gentle manner.
C2 noun /foʊl fʊt/

Foal-foot

Meaning
a yellow flowering plant with leaves shaped like a horse's hoof, also known as coltsfoot
Example
The foal-foot plant grows wild in many meadows and is often the first flower to bloom in spring.
C2 adjective, adverb /ˌmæləprəˈpoʊ/

malapropos

Meaning
inappropriate or unsuitable; at an inconvenient or inappropriate time
Example
His comment was malapropos during the serious discussion.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrnɪs/

cornice

Meaning
an ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling
Example
The elegant cornice added a classical touch to the living room.
C2 adjective /ˈtɪd.li/

Tiddley

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

disarrange

Meaning
to disturb the order or arrangement of something
Example
The wind disarranged her hair.
C2 adjective /dɪˈspjuːtəbl/

Disputable

Meaning
open to debate or argument; questionable
Example
The facts in the case are disputable and need further investigation.
C2 noun /proʊˈskrɪp.ʃən/

proscription

Meaning
the act of forbidding something, especially by law
Example
The proscription of child labor is an important human rights achievement.
C2 noun /ˈlɒdʒ.mənt/

lodgment

Meaning
The act of lodging or a place of temporary stay; also a deposit of something.
Example
The soldiers found lodgment in the abandoned house.
C2 noun /ˈdʌblɪt/

doublet

Meaning
a close-fitting jacket worn by men in the Renaissance; also, a pair of similar things
Example
The actor wore a velvet doublet for the Shakespearean play.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈdʒeɪsənt/

subjacent

Meaning
lying immediately beneath; underlying
Example
The geological survey revealed subjacent layers of rock.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdənt/

pedant

Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
Example
The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪmɪtəbl/

illimitable

Meaning
Without limits or bounds.
Example
The universe is often described as illimitable.
C2 adjective /ˈtriːzənəbl/

treasonable

Meaning
Relating to or involving the crime of treason.
Example
The general was accused of treasonable conduct.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪsɪd/

viscid

Meaning
Having a thick, sticky consistency.
Example
The sap had a viscid texture that stuck to his hands.
C2 verb /fɪˈlændər/

philander

Meaning
to engage in casual or frivolous romantic or sexual relationships
Example
He was known to philander with many women in town.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/

imprecation

Meaning
A spoken curse or expression of strong condemnation.
Example
The angry crowd hurled imprecations at the corrupt official.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/ or /ˈrɛkəndaɪt/

recondite

Meaning
Little known or difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of recondite theories.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.pɪˈtʃuː.ɪ.ti

perpetuity

Meaning
Permanence, eternity, continuity.
Example
The contract ensures payments in perpetuity.
C2 adjective /ˈɒkjʊlər/

ocular

Meaning
Relating to the eye or vision.
Example
The patient was referred to a specialist for ocular treatment.
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 /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 /ˈtɪŋktʃər/

tincture

Meaning
a slight trace of something; a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol
Example
There was a tincture of sadness in her smile.
C2 noun /ˈdjʊərəns/

durance

Meaning
imprisonment or confinement
Example
The prisoner spent years in durance before his release.
C2 verb /kəmˈpɔːrt/

comport

Meaning
to behave or conduct oneself in a particular way
Example
She comported herself with grace during the ceremony.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrəˈtɔːri.oʊ/

oratorio

Meaning
A large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, usually on a sacred theme, performed without costumes or scenery.
Example
Handel's 'Messiah' is one of the most famous oratorios ever written.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sangfroid

Meaning
Composure or coolness under pressure.
Example
She impressed everyone with her sangfroid during the interview.
C2 noun /ˈsɪkəfənt/

sycophant

Meaning
A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.
Example
The manager was surrounded by sycophants who agreed with everything he said.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsrɪˈpjuːt/

disrepute

Meaning
the state of being held in low esteem or having a bad reputation
Example
The scandal brought the politician into disrepute.
C2 adjective /ˈviː.ni.əl/

Venial

Meaning
forgivable; not seriously wrong; minor
Example
His late arrival was considered a venial offense.
C2 noun /ˈɪnˌɡreɪt/

ingrate

Meaning
An ungrateful person; someone who shows no appreciation.
Example
He worked hard for his friend, but the ingrate never thanked him.
C2 noun /əˈvɪdəti/

avidity

Meaning
extreme eagerness or enthusiasm
Example
He accepted the offer with avidity.
C2 verb /dʌn/

dun

Meaning
to demand payment of a debt persistently
Example
The landlord dunned the tenant for unpaid rent.
C2 noun /dreɪk/

Drake

Meaning
a male duck; a type of waterfowl
Example
The drake led his family of ducks across the pond.
C2 adjective /ˈflʌməksd/

flummoxed

Meaning
Completely confused or bewildered.
Example
He looked flummoxed after hearing the strange question.
C2 adjective ˌmɛɡəˈlɪθɪk

megalithic

Meaning
Relating to or denoting prehistoric monuments made of or containing large stones.
Example
The megalithic structures in ancient civilizations are fascinating.
C2 noun /ˈriːbəs/

rebus

Meaning
a puzzle in which words are represented by pictures, symbols, or letters
Example
The children enjoyed solving the rebus puzzles in the magazine.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈpoʊz/

discompose

Meaning
To disturb the order or calmness of something or someone.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to discompose her.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtriːt/

entreat

Meaning
To ask earnestly or beg someone to do something.
Example
She entreated him to stay a little longer.
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 /ˈɛndaɪv/ or /ˈɑːndɪv/

endive

Meaning
A leafy vegetable belonging to the chicory family, often used in salads.
Example
She added fresh endive to the salad for a slightly bitter flavor.
C2 noun /ˈfoʊ.li.oʊ/

folio

Meaning
A sheet of paper folded once to form two leaves (four pages) of a book; also a term for a large book or manuscript.
Example
The library houses an ancient Shakespeare folio.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːtərˈnætʃərəl/

preternatural

Meaning
Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary or supernatural.
Example
She had a preternatural ability to remain calm in any crisis.
C2 verb /bɪˈdɔːb/

bedaub

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance
Example
The children bedaubed the wall with paint.
C2 verb /pərˈlɔɪn/

purloin

Meaning
to steal something, often in a sneaky or dishonest way
Example
He tried to purloin a book from the library without being noticed.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪbərəl/

illiberal

Meaning
Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
Example
The government was criticized for its illiberal policies.
C2 noun /ˌɔːskʌlˈteɪʃən/

auscultation

Meaning
The act of listening to internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope.
Example
The doctor performed auscultation to check the patient’s lungs.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəkl/

monocle

Meaning
A single round lens for one eye, used to correct or enhance vision.
Example
The old gentleman wore a monocle at formal events.
C2 verb /ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt/

subjugate

Meaning
To bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
Example
The empire sought to subjugate the neighboring kingdoms.
C2 noun /bəˈfuːn/

buffoon

Meaning
A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown or jester.
Example
He acted like a buffoon at the party, making everyone laugh.
C2 adjective /ˌsuː.pɚˈsɪl.i.əs/

supercilious

Meaning
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant and disdainful.
Example
She gave him a supercilious smile as if he was beneath her.
C2 noun /ˌkəʊ.əˈles.əns/

coalescence

Meaning
The process of coming together to form one mass or whole.
Example
The coalescence of different cultures creates diversity.
C2 noun /ˈpɛnjʊri/

penury

Meaning
extreme poverty or destitution
Example
He grew up in penury but became successful later in life.
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 noun /prɪˈsɛntɪmənt/

presentiment

Meaning
An intuitive feeling about the future, especially of something bad about to happen.
Example
He had a strong presentiment that the plan would fail.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkæŋkər/

canker

Meaning
A fungal disease of plants; an ulcerous sore in the mouth; to corrupt or destroy slowly
Example
The tree was infected with a canker that damaged its bark.
C2 noun /kɒn.tɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

contiguity

Meaning
the state of being in direct contact or next to each other
Example
The contiguity of the two countries facilitates trade.
C2 noun /ˈflɪpənsi/

flippancy

Meaning
lack of seriousness; showing a disrespectful or trivial attitude
Example
His flippancy during the meeting offended his colleagues.
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 noun /ˈvæsəl/

vassal

Meaning
A person or country in a subordinate position to another, especially in feudal times under a lord.
Example
The king granted land to his vassal in return for loyalty and service.
C2 noun /səˈlɛrɪti/

celerity

Meaning
swiftness of movement; speed
Example
The soldier moved with great celerity to deliver the message.
C2 noun /ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒi/

entomology

Meaning
The scientific study of insects.
Example
She studied entomology to understand the behavior of bees.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪ/

belay

Meaning
to secure a rope by winding it around an object; to stop or cancel an order (nautical/military use)
Example
The climber asked his partner to belay the rope tightly.
C2 noun /ˌfɪzɪˈɑːkrəsi/

physiocracy

Meaning
an economic theory that land and its natural products are the source of wealth
Example
Physiocracy emphasized the importance of agriculture in national wealth.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒn.teɪn/

montane

Meaning
Relating to mountainous regions; found in mountain environments.
Example
Montane forests host a variety of unique species.
C2 noun /næt/

Gnat

Meaning
a small flying insect that bites people and animals
Example
The gnat buzzed around my head while I was reading.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪndɪkeɪtɪv/

vindicative

Meaning
showing a tendency to vindicate or justify; inclined to defend
Example
Her vindicative tone showed that she strongly believed in her innocence.
C2 verb /rɛtʃ/

retch

Meaning
to make the sound and movement of vomiting without bringing anything up
Example
The smell of spoiled food made him retch violently.
C2 adjective /ɔːˈrɪkjʊlər/

auricular

Meaning
Relating to the ear or hearing.
Example
The doctor used an auricular thermometer to check the patient's temperature.
C2 noun /ɪnˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd/

ingratitude

Meaning
Lack of gratitude; failure to show thanks or appreciation.
Example
His ingratitude hurt her feelings after all she had done for him.
C2 noun /wɛlt/

welt

Meaning
A raised mark on the skin, usually from a blow or allergic reaction.
Example
He had a red welt on his arm after the bee sting.
C2 verb /ˈvaɪtəlaɪz/

vitalize

Meaning
To give life, energy, or strength to something.
Example
Fresh air and exercise can vitalize the body and mind.
C2 noun /ˈvaɪəl/

viol

Meaning
A stringed musical instrument of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, played with a bow and similar to but distinct from the violin family.
Example
The musician played an old viol in the chamber music concert.
C2 adjective /ˈpæsɪbəl/

passible

Meaning
capable of feeling or suffering; susceptible to sensation or emotion (often theological)
Example
In some traditions, deities are described as passible, sharing human emotions.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/

countermand

Meaning
to revoke or cancel an order or command
Example
The general countermanded the previous orders immediately.
C2 noun /vɪˈsɪsɪtjuːd/

vicissitude

Meaning
A natural change or succession of one thing to another; the ups and downs of life.
Example
The vicissitude of life often teaches resilience.
C2 verb /ˈæd.l̩/

addle

Meaning
To confuse or muddle someone’s mind.
Example
The complicated instructions only served to addle him.
C2 adjective /ˈlaɪbələs/

libelous

Meaning
containing or constituting a false published statement that damages a person's reputation
Example
The article was found to be libelous and had to be retracted.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsɪnklɪˈneɪʃən/

disinclination

Meaning
a lack of willingness or desire to do something
Example
She showed a clear disinclination to join the meeting.
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 noun /ˈpɛtjʊləns/

petulance

Meaning
The quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
His petulance during the meeting annoyed everyone.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊ.ə.si/

poesy

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

irrefrangible

Meaning
Not to be broken, violated, or infringed
Example
The constitution guarantees certain irrefrangible rights to every citizen.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfrɪndʒənt/

refringent

Meaning
Capable of refracting light or other waves.
Example
The refringent properties of the crystal bent the light into a spectrum.
C2 noun /ˌkæt ə ˈnaɪn ˌteɪlz/

cat-o-nine-tails

Meaning
A whip with nine knotted cords, historically used for punishment.
Example
The sailor feared the cat-o-nine-tails more than the storm at sea.
C2 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd liːf/

Mustard leaf

Meaning
green leafy vegetable from the mustard plant; edible leaves used in cooking
Example
We cooked mustard leaf with fish in a traditional Bengali curry.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəˈmoʊd/

discommode

Meaning
To cause inconvenience or trouble to someone.
Example
I hope my request does not discommode you.
C2 noun /pəˈveɪʒən/

pervasion

Meaning
the act of spreading through or being present everywhere in something
Example
There was a pervasion of hope throughout the community.
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 noun /neɪv/

Knave

Meaning
a dishonest person, especially a man; a playing card with a picture of a male servant
Example
The knave tried to cheat the old woman out of her savings.
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 /səbˈsɜːviəns/

subservience

Meaning
the condition of being too willing to obey or serve others
Example
His subservience to authority annoyed his colleagues.
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 verb /ˈkrɪŋ.kəl/

crinkle

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