pentameter
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 /pɛnˈtæmɪtər/

pentameter

Meaning
A line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
Example
Shakespeare often wrote his plays in iambic pentameter.
C2 adjective /ˈɪrˌsplɪtɪŋ/

earsplitting

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

neophyte

Meaning
A beginner or novice in a subject, skill, or belief.
Example
As a neophyte in programming, she often asked for guidance from her mentor.
C2 adverb /hərˈmɛtɪkli/

hermetically

Meaning
In a way that is completely airtight or sealed off.
Example
The jars were hermetically sealed to preserve freshness.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈsprɛsəbl/

inexpressible

Meaning
Too strong or extreme to be expressed in words.
Example
She felt inexpressible joy at the news of her success.
C2 noun /ˈbroʊɡən/

brogan

Meaning
A heavy, sturdy shoe, often made of leather.
Example
The farmer wore old brogans while working in the field.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrpəskəl/

corpuscle

Meaning
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
Example
Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body.
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 adjective /ˈdʒɒkjələr/

jocular

Meaning
fond of or characterized by joking; humorous
Example
His jocular nature made him popular among colleagues.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒvɪdənt/

improvident

Meaning
Not having or showing foresight; spending wastefully or without thought for the future.
Example
His improvident habits left him with no savings.
C2 noun /ˌʃæŋɡriˈlɑː/

shangri-la

Meaning
a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life is perfect and peaceful
Example
They described the island as a modern-day Shangri-La.
C2 noun phrase /ˌhjuː ən ˈkraɪ/

hue and cry

Meaning
A loud public outcry or protest, often demanding action.
Example
There was a hue and cry over the new policy changes.
C2 noun /ˈfriːˌθɪŋkər/

freethinker

Meaning
A person who forms opinions based on reason and independent thought rather than tradition or authority.
Example
Voltaire was considered a great freethinker of his time.
C2 adjective /ˈviː.ni.əl/

Venial

Meaning
forgivable; not seriously wrong; minor
Example
His late arrival was considered a venial offense.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəfɪˈzɪʃən/

metaphysician

Meaning
A person who studies or is an expert in metaphysics.
Example
The metaphysician debated the essence of reality with his peers.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪfɪdənt/

diffident

Meaning
Shy or lacking confidence in one's own abilities.
Example
He was too diffident to ask a question in class.
C2 noun /fiːf/

fief

Meaning
an estate of land held under the feudal system; a domain or area of control
Example
The knight was granted a fief by the lord for his service.
C2 adjective /ˌɪn.ɪˈlʌk.tə.bəl/

ineluctable

Meaning
Impossible to avoid or escape; inevitable.
Example
Death is an ineluctable part of human existence.
C2 verb /ˈtɪtəleɪt/

titillate

Meaning
To excite or amuse, especially in a slightly sexual or playful way.
Example
The comedian's jokes titillated the audience.
C2 verb /ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/

temporize

Meaning
To delay making a decision or taking action in order to gain time.
Example
The politician temporized when asked about the controversial issue.
C2 noun /ˈlɑːrsəni/

larceny

Meaning
The unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it.
Example
He was arrested for committing larceny at the store.
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 /pæˈstiːʃ/

pastiche

Meaning
a work of art, literature, or music that imitates the style of another artist, period, or genre
Example
The film was a clever pastiche of 1950s detective movies.
C2 noun /ˈkaʊntɪŋˌhaʊs/

counting-house

Meaning
a business office where accounts are kept and financial transactions are managed
Example
The merchant spent most of his day in the counting-house reviewing ledgers.
C2 noun /dɪsˈjuːnjən/

disunion

Meaning
the state of being separated or not united
Example
Civil wars often result from national disunion.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sang-froid

Meaning
Composure or coolness, especially in difficult situations.
Example
The leader handled the crisis with remarkable sang-froid.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpjʊˌtaɪz/

deputize

Meaning
To appoint someone as a deputy; to act as a substitute or representative.
Example
The sheriff decided to deputize several locals to help maintain order.
C2 noun /ˈmʌskɪt/

musket

Meaning
a type of long gun used in the past, especially by infantry soldiers
Example
The soldiers carried muskets into the battlefield.
C2 noun /ˌpɜː.spɪˈkæs.ɪ.ti/

perspicacity

Meaning
Sharp insight, keen understanding and discernment.
Example
Her perspicacity in business decisions led to success.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪrəl/

virile

Meaning
having traditionally masculine qualities, such as strength, energy, and sexual vigor
Example
The actor was admired for his virile appearance.
C2 noun /ˈtʃæm.pæk/

Champak

Meaning
a fragrant yellow or white flower from a tree native to South Asia, used in perfumes and religious ceremonies
Example
The champak tree in the temple courtyard bloomed with golden flowers.
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 /ˌpriːpəˈzɛʃən/

prepossession

Meaning
An opinion or feeling formed beforehand; a prejudice or preoccupation.
Example
His prepossession in favor of tradition made him resist change.
C2 verb /boʊd/

bode

Meaning
to be an omen of a particular outcome, often something bad
Example
The dark clouds bode a heavy storm.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəɡrɑːf/

monograph

Meaning
A detailed written study of a single specialized subject or aspect of it.
Example
The professor published a monograph on ancient pottery.
C2 noun /ˈɡlʌtəni/

gluttony

Meaning
Excessive eating or drinking; overindulgence in food or drink.
Example
His gluttony during the festival left him feeling sick.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlaɪn/

sibylline

Meaning
Prophetic, mysterious, or cryptic in meaning.
Example
The old woman gave a sibylline warning about the future.
C2 noun /ˈreɪdɪks/

radix

Meaning
the base or root of something; the number on which a system of numeration is built
Example
In mathematics, the decimal system has a radix of ten.
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 /ˈprɒvəndər/

provender

Meaning
food or provisions, especially for livestock
Example
The barn was filled with provender for the cattle.
C2 noun /ˈeɪʒən siː bæs/

Asian sea bass

Meaning
a large predatory fish found in coastal waters and estuaries of the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its white meat
Example
Asian sea bass is highly valued in aquaculture for its fast growth.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈpiːtʃəbl/

unimpeachable

Meaning
Not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; completely trustworthy.
Example
She is known for her unimpeachable honesty.
C2 noun /ˌvælədɪkˈtɔːriən/

valedictorian

Meaning
The student with the highest academic achievements in a graduating class, often chosen to give the farewell speech.
Example
She was honored as the valedictorian of her class.
C2 noun /ˈfænˌtæzəm/

phantasm

Meaning
an illusion, ghost, or figment of the imagination
Example
The child claimed to see a phantasm in the old house.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈpoʊz/

interpose

Meaning
To place or insert between one thing and another; to intervene in a situation.
Example
He quickly interposed himself between the fighters to stop the quarrel.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sangfroid

Meaning
Composure or coolness under pressure.
Example
She impressed everyone with her sangfroid during the interview.
C2 adjective /ˈtɛnɪbrəs/

tenebrous

Meaning
dark, shadowy, or obscure
Example
The cave was damp and tenebrous, filled with eerie sounds.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪ/

belay

Meaning
to secure a rope by winding it around an object; to stop or cancel an order (nautical/military use)
Example
The climber asked his partner to belay the rope tightly.
C2 adjective /ˈkɪŋ.ki/

Kinky

Meaning
having or involving unconventional sexual practices; having tight curls or bends
Example
His kinky hair made him look unique.
C2 adjective /ˈdəʊ.lə.rəs/

dolorous

Meaning
Expressing great sorrow or distress.
Example
He spoke in a dolorous tone after the loss.
C2 adjective /ɡoʊʃ/

gauche

Meaning
lacking social grace, sensitivity, or tact; awkward
Example
His gauche remarks embarrassed everyone at the dinner party.
C2 noun /ˈmædʒɪstrəsi/

magistracy

Meaning
The office, authority, or district of a magistrate.
Example
He was proud to serve in the local magistracy for over a decade.
C2 noun /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/

shibboleth

Meaning
A custom, phrase, or belief distinguishing a particular group of people, often used to identify outsiders.
Example
The phrase became a political shibboleth during the campaign.
C2 noun /foʊˈtɑːmɪtri/

photometry

Meaning
the science of measuring visible light in terms of its perceived brightness to human eyes
Example
Photometry helps in designing efficient lighting systems.
C2 noun /məˈnɒkrəsi/

monocracy

Meaning
A system of government by a single person; autocracy.
Example
The nation suffered under decades of monocracy.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəˌsɪləbəl/

monosyllable

Meaning
A word consisting of only one syllable.
Example
Words like 'yes' and 'no' are monosyllables.
C2 noun /ˈduːti/

Dhuti

Meaning
a traditional Indian garment for men consisting of a piece of unstitched cloth worn around the waist and legs
Example
The elderly man wore a white dhuti during the religious ceremony.
C2 noun /ˌbɒmbərˈdɪər/

bombardier

Meaning
a member of a bomber crew responsible for releasing bombs
Example
The bombardier released the bombs with precision.
C2 verb /ˈærəˌɡeɪt/

arrogate

Meaning
To claim or take something without justification.
Example
The dictator arrogated all powers to himself.
C2 noun /fɪˈlæt.əl.ɪst/

philatelist

Meaning
a person who collects or studies postage stamps
Example
The philatelist spent years building a rare stamp collection.
C2 noun /ˈvæsəl/

vassal

Meaning
A person or country in a subordinate position to another, especially in feudal times under a lord.
Example
The king granted land to his vassal in return for loyalty and service.
C2 verb /meɪm/

maim

Meaning
To wound or injure someone so that part of the body is permanently damaged.
Example
The accident maimed several passengers.
C2 verb /ˈɛmɪt/

emmet

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

submersion

Meaning
the state of being under water
Example
The submersion of the fields lasted for several days after the heavy rain.
C2 adjective /bɪˈfɒɡd/

befogged

Meaning
Confused or clouded in mind; made unclear like being surrounded by fog.
Example
His mind felt befogged after the long and exhausting meeting.
C2 noun /sʌbˈɔːl.tən/

subaltern

Meaning
A person holding a subordinate position; in the military, a junior officer.
Example
The subaltern was responsible for leading a small platoon of soldiers.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl/

conjectural

Meaning
based on guesswork or incomplete evidence rather than certain knowledge
Example
His explanation was purely conjectural and lacked proof.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

Meaning
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
Example
The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior.
C2 noun /ˈpæsɪt/

Passet

Meaning
Fresh cheese curds; cottage cheese made from curdled milk
Example
The cook prepared fresh passet by curdling warm milk with lemon juice.
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 verb /ˈvaʊtʃ.seɪf/

vouchsafe

Meaning
to grant or give something in a gracious or condescending manner
Example
He vouchsafed them a rare smile.
C2 noun /ˈstætɪks/

statics

Meaning
The branch of mechanics dealing with bodies at rest and forces in equilibrium.
Example
She is studying statics as part of her engineering course.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːn/

importune

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

stupefy

Meaning
to make someone unable to think clearly, usually because of surprise or shock
Example
The magician's tricks stupefied the audience.
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 /ˈdɒkɪt/

docket

Meaning
a list or schedule of cases to be tried in a court or items to be done
Example
The judge reviewed the docket before starting the session.
C2 adjective /ˌlækəˈdeɪzɪkəl/

lackadaisical

Meaning
lacking enthusiasm, energy, or determination; careless or lazy
Example
His lackadaisical attitude toward work annoyed his boss.
C2 noun /mʌsk/

Musk

Meaning
a strong-smelling substance secreted by certain animals, used in perfumes and traditional medicine
Example
The perfume contained natural musk that gave it an exotic fragrance.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪˈsɛnʃəl/

inessential

Meaning
not necessary or important; not essential
Example
The report removes all inessential details to stay focused.
C2 noun /ˈklaʊdˌbɜːrst/

cloudburst

Meaning
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
Example
The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst.
C2 noun /ˈdrɪvəl/

drivel

Meaning
silly or nonsensical talk
Example
The politician’s speech was full of meaningless drivel.
C2 noun /ˌɛərəˈstætɪks/

aerostatics

Meaning
The branch of physics that deals with the equilibrium of air and gases and the forces acting on bodies in them.
Example
Aerostatics is essential for understanding how balloons float.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪ.nəˌʃʊr/

cynosure

Meaning
A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration.
Example
She was the cynosure of all eyes at the party.
C2 noun /ˈɡoʊld.moʊ.hɜːr/

Goldmohur

Meaning
A tropical tree with bright orange-red flowers, also known as flame tree or royal poinciana
Example
The goldmohur tree bloomed beautifully in the summer heat.
C2 noun /trəˈveɪl/

travail

Meaning
Painful or laborious effort; suffering or hardship.
Example
After years of travail, she finally completed her degree.
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 noun /ɪˈmɒljʊmənt/

emolument

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

Noisome

Meaning
having an extremely offensive smell; harmful or unpleasant
Example
The noisome smell from the garbage made everyone cover their noses.
C2 verb /ˈtʃɔːrtl/

chortle

Meaning
to laugh in a breathy, gleeful way
Example
The audience chortled at the comedian's witty remarks.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪk/

antic

Meaning
a playful, funny, or silly act or gesture
Example
The children laughed at the clown’s antics.
C2 adjective, noun /bɪˈtroʊðd/

betrothed

Meaning
Engaged to be married; a person who is engaged.
Example
She introduced him as her betrothed.
C2 adverb /ˌpɛlˈmɛl/

pell-mell

Meaning
In a confused, rushed, or disorderly manner.
Example
The children ran pell-mell through the playground.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑl/

Cabal

Meaning
a secret political clique or faction
Example
The journalists exposed a cabal of corrupt politicians working together.
C2 noun /kəˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

commodification

Meaning
The transformation of goods, services, ideas, or social relations into market commodities.
Example
The commodification of education has increased tuition costs.
C2 verb /dɪsˈmɛmbər/

dismember

Meaning
to cut or tear the limbs from a body; to divide into separate parts
Example
The king ordered his enemies to be dismembered.
C2 noun /skɪf/

skiff

Meaning
a small, light boat usually for one person
Example
The fisherman paddled his skiff across the lake.
C2 adjective /ˈiːkwaɪn/

equine

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

imputation

Meaning
an accusation or attribution of blame
Example
The politician denied the imputation of corruption.
C2 noun /ˈɪl.i.æd/

iliad

Meaning
An ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, describing the events of the Trojan War.
Example
Students studied the Iliad to understand Greek mythology and heroism.
C2 verb /kənˈdʒɔɪn/

conjoin

Meaning
to join together or unite; to combine
Example
The two rivers conjoin just before reaching the sea.
C2 noun /fækˈtoʊtəm/

factotum

Meaning
an employee who does many different types of work; a general servant
Example
He worked as a factotum, handling both clerical and maintenance duties.
C2 noun /ˈɡændər/

Gander

Meaning
male goose
Example
The gander protected his family from the approaching dog.
C2 noun /kənˈtrɪʃ.ən/

contrition

Meaning
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
Example
His contrition was evident after the apology.
C2 noun /ˈhɒthɛd/

hothead

Meaning
a person who acts quickly and without thinking when angry
Example
He is such a hothead that he often starts arguments.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpruː.dəns/

Imprudence

Meaning
the quality of being imprudent; lack of care for consequences; recklessness
Example
His financial imprudence led to bankruptcy within just two years.
C2 noun /prəˈtuːbərəns/

protuberance

Meaning
A rounded swelling or lump on a surface.
Example
The doctor examined the small protuberance on his arm.
C2 noun /kəˈliːdʒən/

collegian

Meaning
a student of a college
Example
The collegians were preparing for the cultural festival.
C2 adjective /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/

combustible

Meaning
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
Example
Dry leaves are highly combustible.
C2 adjective /prɪˈzʌmptɪv/

presumptive

Meaning
Based on probability or assumption rather than proof.
Example
She is the presumptive nominee for the party.
C2 noun /ˈhoʊl.stər/

holster

Meaning
A holder or case for carrying a gun, typically worn on a belt or shoulder.
Example
The sheriff kept his revolver in a leather holster.
C2 adjective /ɪnhɑːrˈmoʊniəs/

Inharmonious

Meaning
lacking harmony; discordant in sound; not in tune
Example
The inharmonious sounds from the broken piano made everyone cover their ears.
C2 noun /ˈvɪtəlz/

victuals

Meaning
Food or provisions, especially for human consumption.
Example
The travelers packed enough victuals for their long journey.
C2 verb /ˈɡɑːrbəl/

garble

Meaning
To reproduce a message in a confused, distorted, or unclear way.
Example
The poor phone connection garbled his words.
C2 noun /ˌædjʊˈleɪʃən/

adulation

Meaning
excessive admiration or flattery
Example
The singer enjoyed the adulation of her fans.
C2 adjective /ˈfɪnɪki/

finicky

Meaning
difficult to please; very particular about details
Example
He is so finicky about his food that he only eats organic vegetables.
C2 noun /ɪˌledʒ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Illegibility

Meaning
the quality of being impossible or difficult to read; unclear writing or print
Example
The doctor's handwriting was famous for its illegibility among the pharmacy staff.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪkwɛri/

antiquary

Meaning
A person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or ancient objects.
Example
The antiquary spent years collecting rare manuscripts from the medieval period.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsənənt/

dissonant

Meaning
Harsh and lacking harmony; conflicting.
Example
The orchestra produced a dissonant sound during rehearsal.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
C2 noun /ˈɪntəˌkrɒpɪŋ/

intercropping

Meaning
The agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops simultaneously in the same field to maximize land use efficiency and improve soil health.
Example
Intercropping can help improve soil fertility and pest control.