encumbrance
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C2 noun /ɪnˈkʌmbrəns/

encumbrance

Meaning
a burden or obstacle that makes progress or movement difficult
Example
Debt can become a serious encumbrance in life.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsaɪfər/

encipher

Meaning
to convert a message into code or cipher
Example
The agent enciphered the secret message before sending it.
C2 noun /ɪˈmɒljʊmənt/

emolument

Meaning
payment for work or services; salary or fees
Example
The professor received his annual emolument from the university.
C2 noun /ɪˌpɪstəˈmɒlədʒi/

epistemology

Meaning
The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, and scope of knowledge.
Example
Epistemology explores the difference between justified belief and opinion.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfɛktʃuəl/

effectual

Meaning
producing a desired or intended effect, often used in formal contexts
Example
Her effectual efforts brought peace to the community.
C2 verb /ɛnˈdʒɔɪn/

enjoin

Meaning
to instruct or urge someone to do something; to prohibit legally
Example
The judge enjoined the company from continuing its activities.
C2 adjective /ɛɡˈzɪɡjuəs/

exiguous

Meaning
small in amount; scanty or inadequate
Example
They survived on exiguous rations during the journey.
C2 verb /ɪkˈspeɪʃiˌeɪt/

expatiate

Meaning
to speak or write at length or in detail
Example
The professor expatiated on the importance of critical thinking.
C2 verb /ˈɛdɪfaɪ/

edify

Meaning
To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.
Example
Good books can both entertain and edify the reader.
C2 adjective /ɪɡˈzɔːstɪbəl/

exhaustible

Meaning
able to be used up completely; not infinite
Example
Coal and oil are exhaustible resources.
C2 noun /ɪˈfjuːʒən/

effusion

Meaning
An unrestrained outpouring of words, feelings, or emotions.
Example
His letter was an effusion of love and longing.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈspɒzɪtəri/

expository

Meaning
intended to explain or describe something
Example
The teacher gave an expository lecture on the topic.
C2 noun /ɛnˈkoʊmiəm/

encomium

Meaning
A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
Example
He delivered an encomium to his retiring teacher.
C2 noun /ˈɛpɪɡræm/

epigram

Meaning
A short, witty saying or poem that expresses an idea in a clever way.
Example
Oscar Wilde was famous for his sharp epigrams.
C2 noun /ɛnˈsɪklɪkəl/

encyclical

Meaning
a formal letter sent by the Pope to Catholic churches, usually addressing important issues
Example
The Pope issued an encyclical on climate change and moral responsibility.
C2 adjective /ˌeθ.noʊˈsen.trɪk/

ethnocentric

Meaning
evaluating other cultures according to the standards of one's own culture
Example
His ethnocentric attitude made it hard for him to appreciate foreign traditions.
C2 verb /ɪkˈspʌndʒ/

expunge

Meaning
To erase or remove completely, often something unwanted.
Example
He managed to expunge the embarrassing memory from his mind.
C2 verb ɪɡˈzɔːrt

exhort

Meaning
To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
Example
The teacher exhorted students to work hard for exams.
C2 verb /ɛnˈfiːbəl/

enfeeble

Meaning
To make weak or feeble; to deprive of strength.
Example
The long illness enfeebled the old man.
C2 noun/adjective /ɪˈmɒliənt/

emollient

Meaning
a substance that softens or soothes the skin
Example
She used an emollient cream to treat her dry skin.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtriːt/

entreat

Meaning
To ask earnestly or beg someone to do something.
Example
She entreated him to stay a little longer.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪʒən/

elysian

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of paradise; delightful and heavenly.
Example
They spent an elysian week on the quiet island.
C2 adjective /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

equivocal

Meaning
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
Example
His equivocal answer confused everyone.
C2 noun /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪk/

ecclesiastic

Meaning
A member of the clergy or church official.
Example
The council was attended by several high-ranking ecclesiastics.
C2 noun /ˈel.ɪ.fənt ˈæp.əl/

Elephant Apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with a hard shell and acidic flesh
Example
Elephant apple is used to make delicious jams and pickles.
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 verb /ˈjuːləˌdʒaɪz/

eulogize

Meaning
To praise highly in speech or writing, especially in honor of someone who has died.
Example
They gathered to eulogize their beloved teacher.
C2 noun /ˈɛksɪdʒənsi/

exigency

Meaning
an urgent need or demand requiring immediate attention
Example
In times of war, the exigency of the situation requires quick decisions.
C2 noun /ɪkˈspiːdiənsi/

expediency

Meaning
the quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral
Example
He acted out of political expediency rather than principle.
C2 verb /ɪnˈkæmp/

encamp

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

emmet

Meaning
an ant; a small insect
Example
The emmet carried food to its nest.
C2 verb /ɛmˈbɔs/

emboss

Meaning
to decorate a surface with a raised design or pattern
Example
The invitation card was embossed with golden letters.
C2 adverb /ɪkˈstem.pɔːr/

Extempore

Meaning
without preparation; spontaneously; improvised
Example
The speaker delivered an impressive extempore speech at the conference.
C2 adjective /ˈɛksɪdʒənt/

exigent

Meaning
demanding immediate action or attention; urgent
Example
The patient’s exigent condition required immediate surgery.
C2 verb /ɪnˈskɒns/

ensconce

Meaning
to settle comfortably or securely in a place; to hide or shelter firmly
Example
She ensconced herself in a cozy armchair by the fireplace.
C2 verb /ɪˈfeɪs/

efface

Meaning
To erase or wipe out something; to make oneself inconspicuous.
Example
Time had effaced the letters on the old gravestone.
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 /ˌiː.kəʊ.tɒkˈsɪ.kə.lə.dʒi/

ecotoxicology

Meaning
The study of the effects of chemical pollution on the environment.
Example
Ecotoxicology studies the effects of pesticides on wildlife.
C2 noun /ɪkˌsprəʊ.priˈeɪ.ʃən/

expropriation

Meaning
The act of government taking private property, also known as confiscation, nationalization, or seizure.
Example
The land expropriation led to disputes among landowners.
C2 noun /ɪˈlɪziəm/

elysium

Meaning
A place or state of perfect happiness; in Greek mythology, the afterlife paradise.
Example
For her, the garden was a personal elysium.
C2 adjective /ˈɛstɪməbl/

estimable

Meaning
Worthy of great respect.
Example
Her estimable achievements inspired the whole community.
C2 adjective /ˈɛksplɪkəbəl/

explicable

Meaning
able to be explained or understood
Example
His sudden anger was explicable given the stressful situation.
C2 noun /ˌɛfləˈrɛsəns/

efflorescence

Meaning
the process of flowering or reaching an optimal stage of development
Example
The garden was at the peak of its efflorescence in spring.
C2 noun /ˈɛmɪsɛri/

emissary

Meaning
A person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative.
Example
The king sent an emissary to negotiate peace.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɪdʒ/

equipage

Meaning
Equipment or a carriage with its accessories.
Example
The nobleman arrived in a grand equipage.
C2 noun /ɪˈlɛk.trə.taɪp/

electrotype

Meaning
A duplicate printing plate made by electroplating a mold of the original.
Example
The printer used an electrotype to produce multiple copies of the page.
C2 noun /ɪˈbʊliəns/

ebullience

Meaning
the quality of being cheerful, enthusiastic, and full of energy
Example
The teacher's ebullience inspired her students.
C2 adjective /ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən/

epicurean

Meaning
relating to the enjoyment of fine food, drink, and luxury
Example
The chef prepared an epicurean feast for the guests.
C2 noun ˌiːkwəˈnɪməti

equanimity

Meaning
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
Example
She handled the news with remarkable equanimity.
C2 noun /ɪkˈsɪʒən/

excision

Meaning
the act of cutting something out, especially by surgical removal
Example
The excision of the infected tissue prevented further complications.
C2 noun /ˈɛpənɪm/

eponym

Meaning
A person after whom a discovery, invention, place, or other thing is named.
Example
Sandwich is an eponym named after the Earl of Sandwich.
C2 noun /ɪˌpɪstəˈmɒlədʒɪst/

epistemologist

Meaning
A scholar or expert who studies the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge.
Example
The epistemologist debated how humans can truly know anything with certainty.
C2 verb /ɪkˈspɛktəreɪt/

expectorate

Meaning
to cough up and spit out mucus from the throat or lungs
Example
The patient began to expectorate thick mucus.
C2 noun /ˈjuːfəni/

euphony

Meaning
The quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through harmonious combination of words.
Example
The orator's speech was full of euphony and rhythm.
C2 adverb /ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃəsli/

expeditiously

Meaning
in a quick and efficient manner
Example
The application was processed expeditiously.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfiːt/

effete

Meaning
Lacking vitality, strength, or effectiveness; weak and overrefined.
Example
The empire became effete after centuries of indulgence.
C2 noun /ˈɛksplɪkeɪtər/

explicator

Meaning
a person who explains or interprets something in detail
Example
The critic served as an explicator of the poet’s complex works.
C2 adjective /ˈɛrənt/

errant

Meaning
behaving wrongly or straying from the proper course or standards
Example
The teacher disciplined the errant student.
C2 verb /ɪkˈstɛmpəraɪz/

extemporize

Meaning
To speak or perform without preparation; improvise.
Example
The actor had to extemporize when he forgot his lines.
C2 noun /juːˌtrɑː.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

eutrophication

Meaning
Excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.
Example
Excess fertilizers lead to eutrophication in lakes.
C2 noun /ˌiː.mɛnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

emendation

Meaning
a correction or improvement made to a text
Example
The article required several emendations before it was ready for print.
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 noun /ɪˈmɛtɪk/

emetic

Meaning
a substance that causes vomiting
Example
The doctor administered an emetic to remove the poison.
C2 adjective /ˌɛfəˈvɛsənt/

effervescent

Meaning
Giving off bubbles; lively, enthusiastic, and full of energy.
Example
She had an effervescent personality that brightened every room.
C2 verb /ɪmˈbɪtər/

embitter

Meaning
To make someone resentful or angry; to cause bitterness.
Example
The unfair treatment embittered the employees.
C2 noun /ɪˈpɪsəl/

epistle

Meaning
A letter, especially a formal or didactic one; often used for letters in the New Testament.
Example
He wrote a long epistle to his friend about his travels.
C2 adjective /juːˈfoʊniəs/

euphonious

Meaning
Pleasing to the ear; having a sweet sound.
Example
The poet's euphonious language made the verse a delight to read.
C2 noun /ˈɪəri/

eyry

Meaning
an alternative spelling of eyrie; a nest of a bird of prey
Example
The falcon guarded its eyry fiercely.
C2 noun /ˌɛləˈkjuːʃn/

elocution

Meaning
The skill of clear and expressive speech, especially in public speaking.
Example
She improved her elocution through constant practice.
C2 noun /ˈɪəri/

eyrie

Meaning
the nest of a bird of prey, such as an eagle, typically built high on a cliff or tree
Example
The eagle’s eyrie was perched high on the mountain cliff.
C2 verb /ɪˈmɛnd/

emend

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

ebullient

Meaning
cheerful and full of energy
Example
She was ebullient after receiving the good news.
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 /ˈiːɡres/

egress

Meaning
The action of going out or leaving a place; an exit.
Example
The emergency door provided an egress for the trapped workers.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtriːti/

entreaty

Meaning
An earnest or humble request or plea.
Example
She made an entreaty for peace during the heated argument.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsnɛər/

ensnare

Meaning
to catch or trap, often by trickery or deceit
Example
The hunter ensnared the rabbit with a net.
C2 noun /ˈɛnsaɪn/

ensign

Meaning
A flag or standard, especially a military or naval one indicating nationality; also a junior officer in the navy or coast guard.
Example
The ship raised its national ensign before leaving the harbor.
C2 adjective /ˈiːkwaɪn/

equine

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a horse.
Example
The veterinarian specialized in equine medicine.
C2 noun /ˈiːən/

eon

Meaning
an indefinitely long period of time; an age
Example
Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, in a different eon.
C2 verb /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪt/

excruciate

Meaning
to cause intense pain or suffering
Example
The injury excruciated him with unbearable pain.
C2 adjective /ˌɛkstrəˌdʒuːˈdɪʃəl/

extrajudicial

Meaning
done outside the authority of the legal system or judicial process
Example
The activists condemned the extrajudicial killings.
C2 adjective /ˌɛf.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/

efficacious

Meaning
Successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective.
Example
The vaccine proved highly efficacious in preventing infections.
C2 noun /juː/

Ewe

Meaning
a female sheep
Example
The ewe gave birth to twin lambs.
C2 noun /eɪˈklɑː/

eclat

Meaning
Brilliant success, acclaim, or great public approval.
Example
The artist's debut performance was met with great éclat.
C2 noun /ɪˈluːʒən/

elusion

Meaning
The act of escaping or avoiding something, especially by cleverness or trickery.
Example
His constant elusion of responsibility frustrated his colleagues.
C2 noun /ˌɛksəˈdʒiːsɪs/

exegesis

Meaning
A critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious scripture.
Example
The professor gave a detailed exegesis of the biblical passage.
C2 verb /ɪkˈspɒstjʊleɪt/

expostulate

Meaning
to express strong disapproval or disagreement
Example
She expostulated with her friend about the risky decision.
C2 noun /ˈɛpɪkjʊr/

epicure

Meaning
A person who enjoys fine food and drink, often with refined taste.
Example
As an epicure, she always sought out the finest restaurants in the city.
C2 adjective /ɛkˈstrɪnzɪk/

extrinsic

Meaning
Not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming from outside.
Example
His motivation was largely extrinsic, driven by rewards and recognition.
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 noun /ɛˌspriː də ˈkɔːr/

esprit de corps

Meaning
A feeling of pride, fellowship, and loyalty shared by members of a group.
Example
The team's esprit de corps was evident in their cooperative effort.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɛrɪtəs/

emeritus

Meaning
having retired but allowed to retain their title as an honor
Example
He is a professor emeritus at the university.
C2 noun /ˌɛmjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

emulation

Meaning
Reproducing something or following someone to achieve success.
Example
The software allows the emulation of old video games on modern devices.
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 /ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒi/

entomology

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

ennoble

Meaning
to give someone a noble rank or to elevate in dignity or honor
Example
His selfless actions ennobled his character in the eyes of others.
C2 verb /ɪnˈvaɪərən/

environ

Meaning
to surround or enclose; to encircle
Example
Mountains environ the small valley.
C2 adjective /ˈɪrˌsplɪtɪŋ/

earsplitting

Meaning
extremely loud or piercing sound
Example
The earsplitting noise of the fire alarm startled everyone.
C2 noun /ˈɪrˌʃɑːt/

earshot

Meaning
the range or distance within which a sound can be heard
Example
The children whispered secrets out of earshot of their parents.
C2 verb /ɪˈdjuːs/

educe

Meaning
To draw out or bring forth something latent or hidden.
Example
The teacher tried to educe a response from the shy student.
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 /ɛksˈhjuːm/

exhume

Meaning
to dig out something buried, especially a body from the ground
Example
The archaeologists decided to exhume the ancient remains.
C2 noun /ɪˈskʌtʃən/

escutcheon

Meaning
a shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms
Example
The family crest was displayed on the escutcheon above the fireplace.
C2 noun /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

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

eddy

Meaning
A circular movement of water, air, or smoke, counter to the main current, causing a small whirlpool or turbulence.
Example
The canoe was caught in an eddy near the rocks.
C2 adjective /ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪniəs/

extemporaneous

Meaning
Spoken or done without preparation.
Example
He gave an extemporaneous speech at the meeting.
C2 verb /ɪnˈræptʃər/

enrapture

Meaning
To fill someone with great delight or joy.
Example
The beautiful music enraptured the audience.
C2 verb /ˈɛkspieɪt/

expiate

Meaning
to make amends for guilt or wrongdoing
Example
He tried to expiate his crime by helping the poor.
C2 verb /ɛnˈkɪndl/

enkindle

Meaning
to set on fire or inspire strong emotion
Example
The speech enkindled hope in the audience.
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 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 /ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/

effacing

Meaning
erasing or making oneself inconspicuous; to remove or diminish in significance
Example
She kept effacing herself during the meeting so that others could shine.
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 /ɪˈfɛmɪnəsi/

effeminacy

Meaning
The quality of showing traits traditionally associated with women, such as delicacy or softness.
Example
In ancient times, effeminacy was often criticized as a sign of weakness.
C2 verb /ɪnˈθroʊn/

enthrone

Meaning
to install someone on a throne or to give someone high status
Example
The king was enthroned in a grand ceremony.
C2 verb /ɪˈstreɪndʒ/

estrange

Meaning
to cause someone to no longer be close or affectionate; to alienate
Example
His constant criticism began to estrange him from his friends.
C2 verb /ɪɡˈzʌlt/

exult

Meaning
to show or feel great joy, often as a result of success
Example
The fans exulted after their team won the championship.
C2 noun ˈɛn.ɡræm

Engram

Meaning
Physical signs or patterns in the brain for memory storage and retrieval
Example
Scientists study engrams to understand how memories are stored.
C2 noun /juːˈdʒen.ɪks/

eugenics

Meaning
the study or practice of improving the genetic quality of the human population
Example
Eugenics has been criticized for its unethical applications in history.
C2 noun /ɪˈfrʌntəri/

effrontery

Meaning
shameless or rude boldness
Example
He had the effrontery to lie even when caught red-handed.
C2 verb /ɛnˈfrænˌtʃaɪz/

enfranchise

Meaning
To grant the right to vote or other rights of citizenship.
Example
The new law enfranchised thousands of people.