ennui
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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 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 adjective /ˈɛksplɪkəbəl/

explicable

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

ejaculation

Meaning
The action of suddenly saying something or the release of semen during sexual climax.
Example
His sudden ejaculation of joy surprised everyone in the room.
C2 verb /ɛnˈfrænˌtʃaɪz/

enfranchise

Meaning
To grant the right to vote or other rights of citizenship.
Example
The new law enfranchised thousands of people.
C2 verb /ˈek.stər.peɪt/

extirpate

Meaning
to completely remove or destroy something unwanted
Example
The government launched a program to extirpate corruption from public offices.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəbl/

exceptionable

Meaning
Open to objection; causing disapproval.
Example
His rude remarks were considered exceptionable by everyone present.
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 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 verb /ɛnˈfiːbəl/

enfeeble

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

edifying

Meaning
Providing moral or intellectual instruction or enlightenment.
Example
The documentary was both entertaining and edifying.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈskɜːsɪv/

excursive

Meaning
Tending to digress or wander; moving away from the main subject.
Example
His excursive lecture left the students confused about the main topic.
C2 verb /ˈɛksplɪkeɪt/

explicate

Meaning
to make an idea or principle clear by explaining it in detail
Example
The professor tried to explicate the theory of relativity for his students.
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 /ɪˈfeɪs/

efface

Meaning
To erase or wipe out something; to make oneself inconspicuous.
Example
Time had effaced the letters on the old gravestone.
C2 verb /ɛmˈbleɪzən/

emblazon

Meaning
To decorate or display something in a noticeable or impressive way.
Example
The team's logo was emblazoned on their uniforms.
C2 noun /ɪˈlɪksər/

elixir

Meaning
A magical or medicinal potion believed to cure illnesses or grant immortality.
Example
The old legend spoke of an elixir that could grant eternal youth.
C2 adjective /ˌɛvəˈnɛsənt/

evanescent

Meaning
Quickly fading or disappearing; lasting for only a very short time.
Example
The beauty of the sunset was evanescent, fading within minutes.
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 verb /ɪnˈkæmp/

encamp

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

enkindle

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

ecumenical

Meaning
Promoting unity among different Christian churches or religions.
Example
The leaders gathered for an ecumenical conference to encourage dialogue.
C2 noun /ɪˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

enunciation

Meaning
The act of saying or pronouncing words clearly and distinctly.
Example
His enunciation was clear during the presentation.
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 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 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 /ɛmˈbɔs/

emboss

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

execration

Meaning
An act of cursing or denouncing someone or something with hatred.
Example
The dictator’s name was spoken with execration after his fall.
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 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 noun /ɪkˈskrɛsəns/

excrescence

Meaning
An abnormal outgrowth or lump, often considered unattractive.
Example
The building was considered an excrescence on the landscape.
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 /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 adjective /ˈɛrənt/

errant

Meaning
behaving wrongly or straying from the proper course or standards
Example
The teacher disciplined the errant student.
C2 adjective /ˌɛl.ɪˈdʒaɪ.ək/

elegiac

Meaning
Expressing sorrow, often for something past; resembling an elegy.
Example
The novel ends on an elegiac note, mourning the lost era.
C2 noun /ɪkˈstɛnsər/

extensor

Meaning
a muscle that serves to extend or straighten a limb or part of the body.
Example
The extensor muscles in the arm help straighten the elbow.
C2 verb /ɪˈvɪns/

evince

Meaning
to show or demonstrate clearly
Example
She evinced her interest in the project through active participation.
C2 verb /ɛkˈskɔːrieɪt/

excoriate

Meaning
To strongly criticize someone; to denounce severely.
Example
The critic excoriated the film for its poor script.
C2 noun /ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒi/

entomology

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

expostulate

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

equivocate

Meaning
To speak ambiguously or avoid giving a clear answer.
Example
The politician equivocated when asked about the scandal.
C2 noun /ɪˈbʊliəns/

ebullience

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

extant

Meaning
Still in existence; surviving.
Example
Only a few manuscripts from the ancient library are extant.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtriːti/

entreaty

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

epitaph

Meaning
A short text written on a tombstone in memory of the deceased.
Example
The gravestone bore an epitaph honoring the soldier’s bravery.
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 adjective /ˌɛvɪˈdɛnʃəl/

evidential

Meaning
relating to or providing evidence
Example
The lawyer presented evidential support for her claims.
C2 noun /ˈɛlɪdʒi/

elegy

Meaning
A poem or song expressing sorrow, especially for someone who has died.
Example
The poet wrote an elegy for his late friend.
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 verb /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪt/

excruciate

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

empiricism

Meaning
the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience
Example
Empiricism argues that knowledge comes from experience and observation.
C2 verb /ɪˈvɪsəˌreɪt/

eviscerate

Meaning
to remove the internal organs of; to deprive of essential content
Example
The critics eviscerated the movie for its weak storyline.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdjuː/

endue

Meaning
To provide or endow with a quality or ability.
Example
The leader was endued with wisdom and courage.
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 /ˈeksɔːrsaɪz/

exorcise

Meaning
To drive out an evil spirit or bad influence through rituals or prayers.
Example
The priest was called to exorcise the spirit from the house.
C2 noun /ɛmˈpɔːriəm/

emporium

Meaning
A large retail store selling a wide variety of goods.
Example
They visited the new emporium to buy furniture and home decor.
C2 noun ˌɛr.jʊˈdɪʃ.ən

erudition

Meaning
The quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship.
Example
His erudition in history impressed the entire audience.
C2 adjective /ˈek.wə.bəl/

Equable

Meaning
calm and even-tempered; not easily disturbed
Example
He maintained an equable temperament throughout the crisis.
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 ˈen.də.krɪn

endocrine

Meaning
Relating to or denoting glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood.
Example
The endocrine system regulates metabolism and growth.
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 /ˈekspərˌɡeɪt/

expurgate

Meaning
To remove offensive or objectionable parts from a text or speech.
Example
The publisher decided to expurgate the novel before reprinting it.
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 /ˈɛskwaɪər/

esquire

Meaning
A title of respect often used after a man's name, especially for lawyers in the United States.
Example
John Smith, Esquire, will be representing the client in court.
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 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 ˈɛr.jʊ.daɪt

erudite

Meaning
Having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarly and intellectual.
Example
The professor's erudite lecture fascinated the students.
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 adjective /ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪniəs/

extemporaneous

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

enthral

Meaning
To captivate or hold someone’s full attention.
Example
The magician’s performance enthralled the audience.
C2 adjective /ˌjuːləˈdʒɪstɪk/

eulogistic

Meaning
Expressing praise or admiration, often formally.
Example
The speaker gave a eulogistic account of the leader’s achievements.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɪdʒ/

equipage

Meaning
Equipment or a carriage with its accessories.
Example
The nobleman arrived in a grand equipage.
C2 verb /ɪˈvɜːrt/

evert

Meaning
To turn inside out or outward.
Example
The surgeon had to evert the eyelid during the procedure.
C2 noun /ɪˈfʌldʒəns/

effulgence

Meaning
Brilliant radiance or shining brightness.
Example
The effulgence of the sunrise lit up the entire valley.
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 /ˈeksɪkreɪt/

execrate

Meaning
To feel or express great loathing or hatred for something.
Example
The community execrated the corrupt politician.
C2 verb /ˌɛfəˈvɛs/

effervesce

Meaning
To give off bubbles of gas; to show excitement, liveliness, or enthusiasm.
Example
The soda began to effervesce as soon as it was opened.
C2 noun /ˈɛpɪˌsaɪkl/

epicycle

Meaning
a small circle whose center moves around the circumference of a larger one, used in ancient astronomy
Example
The concept of the epicycle was used to explain planetary motion.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtwaɪn/

entwine

Meaning
to twist or wind together; to become closely connected or involved
Example
The vines entwine around the old fence.
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 /ɪˌkwɪvəˈkeɪʃən/

equivocation

Meaning
The use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself.
Example
The politician’s equivocation frustrated voters who wanted a clear answer.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtræp/

entrap

Meaning
To catch or trick someone into a difficult situation.
Example
The police tried to entrap the criminal with false evidence.
C2 noun /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

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

eclat

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

effervescence

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

extensible

Meaning
able to be extended; capable of expansion.
Example
The software is designed to be extensible with new features.
C2 noun /ˈeb.taɪd/

Ebb-tide

Meaning
the movement of the tide out to sea; a time when the sea level is falling
Example
During ebb-tide, we could walk further out on the beach.
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 verb /ˈɛkspieɪt/

expiate

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

effrontery

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

environ

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

eschew

Meaning
to deliberately avoid or abstain from something
Example
She chose to eschew junk food for a healthier diet.
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 /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 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 /ˌɛpɪˈsaɪklɔɪd/

epicycloid

Meaning
a curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls around the outside of another circle
Example
The mathematician demonstrated how to draw an epicycloid.
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 /ɪnˈsnɛər/

ensnare

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

effulgent

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

evenhanded

Meaning
Fair and impartial; showing no bias or favoritism.
Example
The judge was praised for her evenhanded approach to the case.
C2 adjective /ɪˈpɪstələri/

epistolary

Meaning
Related to the writing of letters; expressed in or through letters.
Example
The novel is written in an epistolary style, consisting of letters between characters.
C2 verb /ˈɛnərˌveɪt/

enervate

Meaning
To weaken or drain someone of strength or vitality.
Example
The long hours of work enervated him.
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 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 /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 adjective /ˌɛnkəˈmiːæstɪk/

encomiastic

Meaning
Expressing praise; laudatory.
Example
The book was filled with encomiastic remarks about the author.
C2 noun /ɪˈklɛktɪˌsɪzəm/

eclecticism

Meaning
A method or practice of deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Example
The architect’s work shows eclecticism by blending modern and traditional elements.