eschew
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C2 verb /ɪsˈtʃuː/

eschew

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

embitter

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

entreat

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

extemporize

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

emboss

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

ethnology

Meaning
the study of the characteristics of different peoples and the differences and relationships between them
Example
She specialized in ethnology to better understand cultural diversity.
C2 adjective /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

equivocal

Meaning
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
Example
His equivocal answer confused everyone.
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 adjective /ˈeksɪkrəbl/

execrable

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

eaglet

Meaning
A young eagle.
Example
The eaglet waited in the nest for its mother to return.
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 adjective /ˈɪrˌsplɪtɪŋ/

earsplitting

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

eclat

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

effluvium

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

equipage

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

exculpate

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

expostulation

Meaning
the act of expressing protest or disagreement
Example
His expostulation against the unfair rules was ignored.
C2 noun /ɪˈmɛtɪk/

emetic

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

enervate

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

extenuate

Meaning
to make an offense, fault, or situation seem less serious by providing an excuse or explanation
Example
The lawyer tried to extenuate his client's actions by highlighting his difficult childhood.
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 adjective /ɪˈfʌldʒənt/

effulgent

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

ecumenical

Meaning
Promoting unity among different Christian churches or religions.
Example
The leaders gathered for an ecumenical conference to encourage dialogue.
C2 verb /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪt/

exhilarate

Meaning
To make someone feel very happy, animated, or excited.
Example
The mountain view exhilarated the travelers.
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 /ɪnˈtriːti/

entreaty

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

endue

Meaning
To provide or endow with a quality or ability.
Example
The leader was endued with wisdom and courage.
C2 adjective /ˈɛnərˌveɪtɪd/

enervated

Meaning
Lacking energy, vitality, or strength; weakened or exhausted.
Example
After the long meeting, she felt completely enervated.
C2 noun /ˈɛpəlɛt/

epaulet

Meaning
An ornamental shoulder piece on a garment, especially on the coat or jacket of a military uniform.
Example
The general’s uniform had a golden epaulet on each shoulder.
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 /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 /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 /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 /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 /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 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 /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 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 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 noun /ˈjuːər/

ewer

Meaning
a large jug with a wide mouth, especially used in the past for carrying water
Example
The servant filled the ewer with fresh water.
C2 noun /ɪˈfrʌntəri/

effrontery

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

expository

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

equipoise

Meaning
A state of balance or equilibrium.
Example
Her calmness created an equipoise in the heated debate.
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 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 /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 verb /ɪˈmɛnd/

emend

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

entomology

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

evince

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

exhaustible

Meaning
able to be used up completely; not infinite
Example
Coal and oil are exhaustible resources.
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 verb /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/

equivocate

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

equine

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

explicable

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

effusive

Meaning
Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
Example
She gave him an effusive welcome after his long journey.
C2 adverb /ɪkˈstem.pɔːr/

Extempore

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

Ewe

Meaning
a female sheep
Example
The ewe gave birth to twin lambs.
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 /ɛnˈkɪndl/

enkindle

Meaning
to set on fire or inspire strong emotion
Example
The speech enkindled hope in the audience.
C2 noun /ˌɛpɪzəʊˈɒtɪk/

epizootic

Meaning
An outbreak of disease affecting many animals of one kind at the same time.
Example
The farmer feared an epizootic might wipe out his cattle.
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 /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 noun /ɪkˈskrɛsəns/

excrescence

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

enfeeble

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

effervescence

Meaning
The release of gas bubbles; vivacity or high-spiritedness.
Example
Her effervescence made her the life of the party.
C2 adjective /ɪˈbʊliənt/

ebullient

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

enrapture

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

exiguous

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

enthral

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

etiology

Meaning
the cause or origin of a disease or condition
Example
Doctors are studying the etiology of the new virus.
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 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 /ɪkˈspɛktəreɪt/

expectorate

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

ersatz

Meaning
made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one
Example
The cheap shoes were made of ersatz leather.