eponym
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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 verb /ˈɛnərˌveɪt/

enervate

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

extemporize

Meaning
To speak or perform without preparation; improvise.
Example
The actor had to extemporize when he forgot his lines.
C2 adjective /ˌɛnkəˈmiːæstɪk/

encomiastic

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

errant

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

elysian

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

expeditiously

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

epode

Meaning
A form of lyric poem written in couplets, often following a strophe and antistrophe in classical Greek poetry.
Example
The poet concluded his ode with a striking epode.
C2 adjective /ɛɡˈzɪɡjuəs/

exiguous

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

excision

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

evince

Meaning
to show or demonstrate clearly
Example
She evinced her interest in the project through active participation.
C2 adjective /ˌen.zɪˈmæt.ɪk/

enzymatic

Meaning
Relating to or involving enzymes, which are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in living organisms.
Example
Enzymatic reactions regulate metabolism in the human body.
C2 verb /ɪˈmæskjʊleɪt/

emasculate

Meaning
To make someone weaker or less effective; to deprive of strength or vigor.
Example
The constant criticism emasculated his confidence.
C2 adjective /ˈɛksɪdʒənt/

exigent

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

expletive

Meaning
a word or phrase used as an exclamation, often offensive or profane
Example
He shouted an expletive when he dropped the hammer on his foot.
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 /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 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 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 /ˈeksɪkrəbl/

execrable

Meaning
Extremely bad or unpleasant.
Example
The movie was so execrable that many people left the theater early.
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 /ɪksˈtʃɛkər/

exchequer

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

environ

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

enthral

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

effrontery

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

entwine

Meaning
to twist or wind together; to become closely connected or involved
Example
The vines entwine around the old fence.
C2 adjective /ˌɛl.ɪˈmɑː.səˌnɛr.i/

eleemosynary

Meaning
Relating to charity; dependent on or supported by charity.
Example
The hospital was founded as an eleemosynary institution.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɔɪz/

equipoise

Meaning
A state of balance or equilibrium.
Example
Her calmness created an equipoise in the heated debate.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəbl/

exceptionable

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

emend

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

enkindle

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

edify

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

entomology

Meaning
The scientific study of insects.
Example
She studied entomology to understand the behavior of bees.
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 /ˈek.wə.bəl/

Equable

Meaning
calm and even-tempered; not easily disturbed
Example
He maintained an equable temperament throughout the crisis.
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 adjective /ˈɛkstənt/

extant

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

embitter

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

emolument

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

encumbrance

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

Eyesore

Meaning
something that is very ugly and unpleasant to look at
Example
The abandoned building has become an eyesore in the neighborhood.
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 /ɪkˈspɒstjʊleɪt/

expostulate

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

effuse

Meaning
To pour out or express feelings freely and openly.
Example
She effused gratitude for the help she received.
C2 noun /ˈɛmbəˌlɪzəm/

embolism

Meaning
the sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a clot or other foreign matter
Example
The patient suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism.
C2 verb /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪt/

excruciate

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

evanesce

Meaning
To disappear gradually; to fade away.
Example
The mist began to evanesce as the sun rose higher.
C2 adjective /juːˈdʒɛnɪk/

eugenic

Meaning
Relating to or aiming at improving the genetic quality of a population.
Example
In the early 20th century, some scientists supported eugenic policies.
C2 verb /ɪˈspaɪ/

espy

Meaning
To catch sight of or notice something, especially from a distance.
Example
From the hilltop, she espied a small village in the valley.
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 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 /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 /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 adjective /ˌɛlɪˈfæntaɪn/

elephantine

Meaning
Huge, clumsy, or resembling an elephant in size or movement.
Example
The man moved with an elephantine grace.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfiːt/

effete

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

effluvium

Meaning
an unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion, or discharge
Example
The effluvium from the factory spread across the neighborhood.
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 adjective /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

equivocal

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

evert

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

eulogistic

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

equine

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a horse.
Example
The veterinarian specialized in equine medicine.
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 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 adjective /ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪniəs/

extemporaneous

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

effulgence

Meaning
Brilliant radiance or shining brightness.
Example
The effulgence of the sunrise lit up the entire valley.
C2 adjective /ɪˈbʊliənt/

ebullient

Meaning
cheerful and full of energy
Example
She was ebullient after receiving the good news.
C2 verb /ˈɛkskʌlpeɪt/

exculpate

Meaning
to show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing
Example
The lawyer worked hard to exculpate his client.
C2 adverb /ɪkˈstem.pɔːr/

Extempore

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

exorbitance

Meaning
The quality of being excessive, unreasonable, or going beyond proper limits.
Example
The exorbitance of the hotel's prices shocked the tourists.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɪdʒ/

equipage

Meaning
Equipment or a carriage with its accessories.
Example
The nobleman arrived in a grand equipage.
C2 noun, adjective /ɪˈklɪptɪk/

ecliptic

Meaning
The apparent path of the sun across the sky; relating to eclipses or this path.
Example
The ecliptic is the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun.
C2 noun /ɪkˌspɒstjʊˈleɪʃən/

expostulation

Meaning
the act of expressing protest or disagreement
Example
His expostulation against the unfair rules was ignored.