ikon
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.kɒn/

ikon

Meaning
A religious image or symbol, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Example
The church displayed a beautifully painted ikon of the Virgin Mary.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpjuːn/

impugn

Meaning
to dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of a statement or motive
Example
The lawyer tried to impugn the credibility of the witness.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkænˈdɛsənt/

incandescent

Meaning
emitting light as a result of being heated; extremely bright or passionate
Example
The incandescent lamp lit up the entire hall.
C2 adjective /ˌɪlˈneɪ.tʃəd/

ill-natured

Meaning
Having a bad or unpleasant character; unkind or malicious.
Example
He made an ill-natured remark about his colleague.
C2 adjective /ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒənt/

indigent

Meaning
lacking the necessities of life due to poverty; very poor
Example
The hospital offers free care to indigent patients.
C2 adjective ˌɪm.pəˈtɜː.bə.bəl

imperturbable

Meaning
Unable to be upset or excited; not easily disturbed.
Example
His imperturbable nature made him a great leader.
C2 verb /ˌɪn.trəˈmɪt/

intromit

Meaning
To insert or introduce something into a place or body.
Example
The doctor carefully intromitted the instrument into the wound.
C2 adjective /ˈɪnˌbrɛd/

inbred

Meaning
existing naturally in a person or animal; also related to reproduction within a limited community
Example
He has an inbred sense of loyalty.
C2 verb /ˈɪndjʊˌreɪt/

indurate

Meaning
To harden or make something physically or emotionally tough.
Example
Years of hardship indurated his spirit.
C2 noun /ˈɪntərˌloʊpər/

interloper

Meaning
A person who becomes involved in a situation or place where they are not wanted.
Example
He felt like an interloper at the private family gathering.
C2 verb /ɪˈreɪdieɪt/

irradiate

Meaning
to shine light on something; to expose to radiation; to illuminate or brighten
Example
The scientist used a lamp to irradiate the sample.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːnd/

importuned

Meaning
asked someone persistently and pressingly for something
Example
She importuned her boss for a raise until he finally gave in.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪdəˈlɑːtrɪəs/

idolatrious

Meaning
Excessively devoted or reverent towards idols or false gods.
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its idolatrious practices.
C2 noun /ɪˈmɒdəsti/

immodesty

Meaning
lack of modesty or decency; behavior or attitude that is overly bold or improper
Example
The article was criticized for its tone of immodesty.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkənˈɡruːəti/

incongruity

Meaning
The state of being inconsistent or out of place.
Example
The incongruity of his cheerful mood during the funeral shocked everyone.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɑːlɪtɪk/

impolitic

Meaning
Unwise or imprudent; not showing good judgment.
Example
It would be impolitic to criticize them openly.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈrɛɡnəm/

interregnum

Meaning
A period between rulers or governments when normal leadership is suspended.
Example
The country faced instability during the interregnum after the king’s death.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnfəˈlɪsɪtəs/

infelicitous

Meaning
not suitable or well chosen; awkward or unfortunate
Example
His infelicitous remark ruined the atmosphere of the meeting.
C2 noun /aɪˈkɒnəklæst/

iconoclast

Meaning
A person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, traditions, or institutions.
Example
He was known as an iconoclast who challenged old traditions.
C2 adjective /ˈɪkθiɪk/

ichthyic

Meaning
Relating to or resembling fish.
Example
The artist's painting had an ichthyic quality.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkəˈpæsəti/

incapacity

Meaning
the lack of ability, power, or fitness to do something
Example
His mental incapacity prevented him from making important decisions.
C2 noun /ɪnˌtɜːrpəˈleɪʃən/

interpolation

Meaning
The act of inserting something into a text or estimating values within a sequence of data.
Example
The scientist used interpolation to predict the missing data points.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpjuːt/

impute

Meaning
to attribute a fault or responsibility to someone
Example
They imputed the company's success to good leadership.
C2 noun /ɪnˈhɪərəns/

inherence

Meaning
The state of being an essential or permanent part of something.
Example
The inherence of risk is part of every business venture.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈdɛkərəs/

indecorous

Meaning
Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper.
Example
His indecorous behavior shocked the audience.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈdjuːbɪtəbl/

indubitable

Meaning
Impossible to doubt; unquestionable.
Example
It is indubitable that hard work leads to success.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Impiety

Meaning
lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god; disrespect or irreverence toward religious matters
Example
His impiety shocked the religious community when he mocked their sacred ceremonies.
C2 adjective /ˈɪnmoʊst/

inmost

Meaning
Situated at the very heart or deepest part; most private or secret.
Example
She revealed her inmost thoughts to her closest friend.
C2 verb /ɪnˈveɪ/

inveigh

Meaning
To speak or write about something with great hostility and criticism.
Example
He inveighed against the corruption in government.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒŋɡruənt/

incongruent

Meaning
Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects.
Example
His casual outfit looked incongruent at the formal dinner.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈeɪliənəbl/

inalienable

Meaning
Unable to be taken away or transferred; absolute and permanent.
Example
Freedom of speech is an inalienable right.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbl/

irretrievable

Meaning
impossible to recover or regain
Example
The documents were lost in an irretrievable way after the fire.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvɛstɪtʃər/

investiture

Meaning
the formal ceremony of conferring authority, rank, or office
Example
The king held an investiture ceremony for the new knight.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡlɔːriəs/

inglorious

Meaning
Causing shame or disgrace; not bringing honor or glory.
Example
The army suffered an inglorious defeat.
C2 noun /ˈɪmpjʊdəns/

impudence

Meaning
Rude and disrespectful behavior.
Example
The student's impudence shocked the entire class.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːn/

importune

Meaning
To ask someone persistently or pressingly for something
Example
The child importuned his mother for a new toy.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnɪkwɪtəs/

iniquitous

Meaning
grossly unfair and morally wrong
Example
Slavery was one of the most iniquitous practices in history.
C2 verb /ˈɪntərˌdɪkt/

interdict

Meaning
to prohibit or forbid something by authoritative order, often by law or decree
Example
The court moved to interdict the sale of the illegal goods.
C2 noun /ˌɪnəməˈrɑːtə/

inamorata

Meaning
A woman with whom someone is in love; a female lover.
Example
He wrote a poem dedicated to his inamorata.
C2 adjective /ˈɪm.pi.əs/

Impious

Meaning
irreligious; lacking reverence for religion; blasphemous
Example
The impious act shocked the religious community.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈspiːdiənt/

inexpedient

Meaning
Not advisable, suitable, or practical in the circumstances.
Example
It would be inexpedient to invest without proper research.
C2 noun /ɪnˈsuːsiəns/

insouciance

Meaning
Casual lack of concern; indifference.
Example
She carried herself with an air of insouciance, unbothered by the challenges ahead.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkəmˈbʌstəbl/

incombustible

Meaning
Not capable of catching fire or burning.
Example
This material is incombustible and safe for construction.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒnstənt/

inconstant

Meaning
frequently changing; not consistent or dependable
Example
His inconstant moods made it difficult to work with him.
C2 noun /ˈænʒənuː/

ingenue

Meaning
an innocent, naïve young woman, especially as represented in literature or theater
Example
She played the role of the ingénue in the play with great charm.
C2 verb /ɜːrk/

irk

Meaning
to annoy or irritate someone
Example
It irks me when people are late without calling.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪv dɪˈpləʊ.mə.si/

integrative diplomacy

Meaning
A diplomatic approach that seeks to combine or coordinate different elements, interests, or parties into a unified whole.
Example
Integrative diplomacy strengthens alliances.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrmənt/

interment

Meaning
The act of burying a dead body in a grave or tomb.
Example
The interment took place at the family cemetery.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɒdərət/

immoderate

Meaning
excessive; beyond reasonable limits
Example
He has an immoderate love for sweets.
C2 verb /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪt/

ingratiate

Meaning
To gain favor or approval by deliberate effort, often in a flattering way.
Example
She tried to ingratiate herself with her boss by complimenting him often.
C2 adjective /ˌɪɡ.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/

ignominious

Meaning
Marked by shame, disgrace, or humiliation.
Example
The team suffered an ignominious defeat in the finals.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪsəʊˈθɜːrməl/

isothermal

Meaning
Having or maintaining equal or constant temperature.
Example
The experiment was conducted under isothermal conditions.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɛɡ.jʊ.mənt/

integument

Meaning
A natural outer covering, such as skin, shell, or rind.
Example
The snake sheds its integument as it grows.
C2 noun /ˈɪd.i.ə.si/

Idiocy

Meaning
extremely stupid behavior or actions; foolishness
Example
The decision to ignore safety protocols was pure idiocy that endangered everyone.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnsəˈluːbriəs/

insalubrious

Meaning
Unhealthy or not conducive to well-being.
Example
They moved out of the insalubrious neighborhood for the sake of their health.
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 /ɪnˈsɪpiəns/

incipience

Meaning
the beginning or initial stage of something
Example
The project was still in its incipience when funding was approved.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtər/

inquisitor

Meaning
A person who asks many questions, often in an official or harsh manner.
Example
The inquisitor demanded detailed answers from the witness.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɛksərəbl/

inexorable

Meaning
Impossible to stop or prevent; relentless.
Example
The inexorable rise of technology is changing every aspect of life.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɔːrtʃənət/

importunate

Meaning
Persistent to the point of annoyance or intrusion
Example
The importunate salesman kept calling despite repeated refusals.
C2 adjective ɪnˈdɒm.ɪ.tə.bəl

indomitable

Meaning
Impossible to subdue or defeat.
Example
Her indomitable spirit helped her overcome adversity.
C2 verb /ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪteɪt/

incapacitate

Meaning
to deprive someone or something of the ability or strength to function
Example
The severe injury incapacitated the player for the rest of the season.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntəˈrɒɡətəri/

interrogatory

Meaning
expressed in the form of a question; relating to questioning
Example
The lawyer’s interrogatory tone made the witness uncomfortable.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛsər/

intercessor

Meaning
a person who intervenes or pleads on behalf of another
Example
He acted as an intercessor to resolve the conflict between the two families.
C2 noun /ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃən/

insurrection

Meaning
A violent uprising against an authority or government.
Example
The army was called in to suppress the insurrection.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkænˈteɪʃən/

incantation

Meaning
a series of words used as a magic spell or charm
Example
The wizard chanted an incantation to summon the spirits.
C2 adjective ˌɪn.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs

inefficacious

Meaning
Not producing any or the desired effect; ineffective.
Example
The treatment was inefficacious in curing the disease.
C2 noun /ɪˈrʌp.ʃən/

Irruption

Meaning
a sudden violent entry; an invasion or raid; a sudden outburst or eruption
Example
The army's irruption into enemy territory caught the opposing forces completely off guard.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛsteɪt/

intestate

Meaning
Having died without leaving a valid will.
Example
She died intestate, so her assets were distributed by law.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvaɪtər/

invitor

Meaning
a person who invites someone to an event, meeting, or place
Example
The invitor greeted all the guests warmly at the entrance.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪmɪtəbl/

illimitable

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

insuperable

Meaning
Impossible to overcome or surpass.
Example
The team faced insuperable challenges during the expedition.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdʒɛst/

ingest

Meaning
To take food, drink, or another substance into the body, usually by swallowing.
Example
The patient must ingest the medicine with water.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛmpərət/

intemperate

Meaning
Lacking self-control; immoderate, especially in indulgence.
Example
The politician's intemperate remarks caused controversy.
C2 noun /ɪnˈsaɪzər/

incisor

Meaning
a narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, adapted for cutting
Example
The dentist noted that his upper left incisor was chipped.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛndiˌɛri/

incendiary

Meaning
designed to cause fires or stir up conflict
Example
The politician’s incendiary remarks angered the crowd.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɪdiəs/

invidious

Meaning
likely to arouse resentment, envy, or anger in others
Example
The manager's invidious remarks created tension among the employees.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkoʊətɪv/

inchoative

Meaning
relating to the beginning of something; in an initial stage
Example
The poet used inchoative expressions to depict the dawn of creation.
C2 noun /ˈɪŋkjʊbəs/

incubus

Meaning
An oppressive or nightmarish burden; in folklore, an evil spirit that lies upon sleeping people.
Example
Debt became an incubus that weighed heavily on the family.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪtənsi/

irritancy

Meaning
the quality or state of causing irritation; legal or formal invalidation
Example
The constant noise became an irritancy to the neighbors.
C2 adjective /ɪmˌpɜːrˈsweɪdəbl/

impersuadable

Meaning
not able to be convinced or persuaded
Example
She remained impersuadable despite all our arguments.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.ʌnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

inundation

Meaning
The act of flooding or overwhelming with water or things.
Example
The town suffered from a severe inundation after the heavy rains.
C2 verb /ɪˈnjʊər/

inure

Meaning
To become accustomed to something, especially something unpleasant.
Example
Soldiers quickly became inured to the harsh conditions.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvʌlnərəbl/

invulnerable

Meaning
Impossible to harm, damage, or defeat.
Example
The fortress was thought to be invulnerable to attack.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈvɜːrtɪbəl/

indivertible

Meaning
Not able to be turned aside or diverted.
Example
The judge's indivertible attention was on the case.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpeɪl/

impale

Meaning
to pierce or fix something with a sharp object
Example
The knight was impaled by the enemy’s spear.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɒndərəbl̩/

imponderable

Meaning
Something difficult or impossible to estimate, assess, or understand
Example
The outcome of the election depends on many imponderable factors.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/

ingratiating

Meaning
Charming or flattering in a way intended to gain favor.
Example
His ingratiating smile made everyone trust him quickly.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnsəˈprɛsəbl/

insuppressible

Meaning
That cannot be suppressed or restrained.
Example
She had an insuppressible urge to laugh during the ceremony.
C2 noun /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/

invective

Meaning
Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.
Example
The politician’s speech was filled with invective against his opponents.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈsiːd/

intercede

Meaning
to act or plead on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble; to intervene between parties to help resolve a dispute
Example
She interceded with the teacher to give her brother another chance.
C2 noun /aɪˈoʊtə/

iota

Meaning
An extremely small amount.
Example
He did not show an iota of fear.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.lət/

islet

Meaning
A very small island.
Example
The fishermen rested on a tiny islet before continuing their journey.
C2 noun /ˈɪndələns/

indolence

Meaning
Avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness.
Example
His indolence kept him from finishing the project on time.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnæprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

inapprehensible

Meaning
not understandable; incomprehensible
Example
The concept was so abstract that it seemed inapprehensible to most students.
C2 verb ˈɪn.kʌl.keɪt

inculcate

Meaning
Instill an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction; to teach and impress by frequent repetitions.
Example
Parents should inculcate good values in their children.
C2 noun /ɪˌluːmɪˈnɑːti/

illuminati

Meaning
a group of people claiming to have special enlightenment or secret knowledge, often linked to conspiracies
Example
Many conspiracy theories involve the Illuminati as a secret world-controlling group.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrɛzəluːt/

irresolute

Meaning
uncertain or indecisive; lacking determination
Example
He stood irresolute at the crossroads, unsure which path to take.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɑːdʒɪtənt/

incogitant

Meaning
Lacking thought; inconsiderate or thoughtless.
Example
It was incogitant of him to make such a rude comment.
C2 noun /ˌɪkθiˈɒlədʒɪst/

ichthyologist

Meaning
A scientist who studies fish.
Example
The ichthyologist discovered a new species of fish in the river.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpʌlʃən/

impulsion

Meaning
a strong urge or drive to act; the act of impelling
Example
His impulsion to travel made him leave his job suddenly.
C2 noun /ˌɪnvəˈluːʃən/

involution

Meaning
a complicated or intricate form or state; in biology, the shrinking of an organ after its function has finished
Example
The story was full of involution, making it hard to follow.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈdʒɛnjuəs/

ingenuous

Meaning
Innocent, naive, and unsuspecting; showing childlike simplicity and sincerity.
Example
Her ingenuous smile revealed her genuine kindness.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

incorporeal

Meaning
lacking a physical body; not composed of matter; intangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as incorporeal beings.
C2 noun /ɪˈnænɪti/

inanity

Meaning
a nonsensical remark or action; silliness; emptiness
Example
The speech was full of inanities that bored the audience.
C2 adjective /aɪˈsɒ.krə.nəs/

isochronous

Meaning
Occurring at equal time intervals; in unison or synchrony.
Example
The pendulum swings are isochronous, repeating at equal intervals.
C2 adverb /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ/

inasmuch

Meaning
To the extent that; considering that.
Example
Inasmuch as you are their teacher, you should guide them carefully.
C2 noun /ˈɪntərˌveɪl/

intervale

Meaning
A low-lying tract of land along a river, usually fertile and flat.
Example
The farmers cultivated crops on the lush intervale by the river.
C2 noun /aɪˈdɒlətri/

idolatry

Meaning
The worship of idols or extreme admiration for someone or something.
Example
The priest condemned the idolatry practiced in the village.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərpəˈzɪʃən/

interposition

Meaning
The act of intervening or coming between two things, often to influence or prevent an outcome.
Example
The manager’s interposition prevented a heated argument from escalating.
C2 noun /ˌɪlɪbəˈræləti/

illiberality

Meaning
The quality of being illiberal; lack of tolerance or generosity.
Example
The illiberality of the new laws alarmed the citizens.
C2 verb /aɪˈdɒləˌtraɪz/

idolatrize

Meaning
To worship idols; to regard with excessive devotion or admiration.
Example
They began to idolatrize the statue as a deity.
C2 noun /aɪər/

ire

Meaning
intense anger or rage
Example
The new policy provoked the ire of the employees.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpæsɪbəl/

impassible

Meaning
Incapable of suffering or feeling pain (used mainly in theological or philosophical contexts).
Example
Some philosophers argue that God is impassible and cannot experience human emotions.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪ.kə.nəˈklæs.tɪk/

iconoclastic

Meaning
Characterized by attacking or rejecting cherished beliefs, traditions, or established values.
Example
Her iconoclastic views challenged the conventional wisdom of the industry.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdɛsənt/

iridescent

Meaning
showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles
Example
She wore an iridescent dress that sparkled in the light.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkɒnstənsi/

inconstancy

Meaning
The quality of changing frequently or being unreliable.
Example
The inconstancy of the weather makes planning difficult.
C2 conjunction /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ æz/

inasmuch-as

Meaning
Because; since.
Example
He cannot attend, inasmuch as he is unwell.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt/

incinerate

Meaning
to burn something completely until it is reduced to ashes
Example
The city decided to incinerate the medical waste for safety.
C2 noun /ˌɪkθiˈɒlədʒi/

ichthyology

Meaning
The branch of zoology that deals with fish.
Example
He pursued a degree in ichthyology at the university.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.təˈvɛn.ʃə.nɪ.zəm/

interventionism

Meaning
Government policy of active involvement in economic affairs.
Example
The central bank's interventionism helped stabilize inflation.