perforce
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C2 adverb /pəˈfɔːs/

perforce

Meaning
by necessity; inevitably
Example
He had to perforce accept the decision.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɒsɪsən/

diocesan

Meaning
relating to a diocese or the district under the supervision of a bishop in the Christian Church
Example
The diocesan council met to discuss church affairs.
C2 noun /ˈmɒrəlɪst/

moralist

Meaning
A person who teaches or promotes moral principles and values.
Example
The author was known as a strict moralist in his writings.
C2 noun /ˈklærɪən/

Clarion

Meaning
a shrill narrow-tubed war trumpet; a medieval trumpet with a clear piercing tone
Example
The clarion sounded across the battlefield to signal the charge.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈkɒn.ʃəs/

semiconscious

Meaning
Only partly conscious; not fully aware of surroundings.
Example
He was semiconscious after the accident and could barely respond.
C2 noun /ˌnɒvəˈlɛt/

novellette

Meaning
A short novel or long short story.
Example
The author published a novellette as a preview of her upcoming series.
C2 verb /ˈtrʌk.əl/

truckle

Meaning
To submit or yield obsequiously to someone in power.
Example
He refused to truckle to the demands of the corrupt officials.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪmˌstoʊn/

brimstone

Meaning
Sulfur, especially when considered as fiery and associated with hell or divine punishment.
Example
The preacher spoke of fire and brimstone to warn the congregation.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈʃʊəd/

unassured

Meaning
Lacking confidence or certainty.
Example
She gave an unassured answer during the interview.
C2 adjective /ˈdʒɒkjələr/

jocular

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

vilify

Meaning
to speak or write about someone in an abusive or disparaging manner
Example
The politician was vilified in the media for his controversial remarks.
C2 adjective /ˈbʌmpʃəs/

bumptious

Meaning
Arrogantly self-assertive or conceited.
Example
The bumptious student interrupted the teacher several times.
C2 adjective /ˈlaʊtɪʃ/

loutish

Meaning
Clumsy, rude, or aggressive in behavior.
Example
His loutish remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
C2 adjective /ˈɔːrəˌtʌnd/

orotund

Meaning
full, rich, and clear in sound; pompous in style
Example
The actor's orotund voice filled the theater.
C2 noun /ˈɡloʊmɪŋ/

gloaming

Meaning
The time of day after the sun has set and before it is completely dark; twilight.
Example
We walked home together in the quiet gloaming.
C2 noun brəˈvɑː.dəʊ

bravado

Meaning
Show of courage or confidence that is not real.
Example
His bravado masked his nervousness before the performance.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌski/

musky

Meaning
having a strong, sweet, earthy smell like musk
Example
The perfume had a musky fragrance.
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 /ˈpæn.θi.ɪ.zəm/

pantheism

Meaning
The belief that God and the universe are identical, or that everything is a manifestation of God.
Example
Spinoza’s philosophy is often associated with pantheism.
C2 noun /ˈhɛksəˌpɒd/

hexapod

Meaning
An insect or other organism with six legs.
Example
The scientist observed a hexapod crawling on the leaf.
C2 verb /dɪˈkænt/

decant

Meaning
To pour liquid gently from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment.
Example
She carefully decanted the wine into a clean glass.
C2 verb /ˈfɛstər/

fester

Meaning
to become worse or more intense, often through neglect or infection
Example
If grievances are ignored, they may fester into resentment.
C2 noun /ˈlɪtəni/

litany

Meaning
a long, repetitive, or tedious account or list; originally a form of prayer
Example
The politician gave a litany of promises during the campaign.
C2 noun /ˈsɪlədʒɪzəm/

syllogism

Meaning
A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed premises.
Example
The philosopher explained the concept of syllogism using simple examples.
C2 noun /məˈʃiː.nɪst/

machinist

Meaning
a person who operates machine tools or makes and repairs machines
Example
The machinist carefully adjusted the gears on the lathe.
C2 noun /ɪnˈdɛntʃər/

indenture

Meaning
A formal legal agreement, contract, or document, often relating to work or service.
Example
In the 18th century, many workers came under indenture to work overseas.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɛntaɪl/

gentile

Meaning
A person who is not Jewish
Example
The synagogue welcomed both Jews and Gentiles.
C2 noun /ˌæk.rəˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

acrophobia

Meaning
An extreme or irrational fear of heights.
Example
Her acrophobia prevented her from climbing the tall building.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɑːr/

disbar

Meaning
to officially remove a lawyer from the legal profession
Example
The corrupt lawyer was disbarred for unethical conduct.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪnətɔːri/

minatory

Meaning
Expressing a threat; menacing.
Example
The criminal gave the witness a minatory look.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈsʌlid/

unsullied

Meaning
not spoiled or made impure; perfectly clean or pure
Example
His reputation remained unsullied despite the accusations.
C2 adjective /ˈæprəbəˌtɔːri/

approbatory

Meaning
expressing approval or praise
Example
The teacher gave an approbatory nod after reading the essay.
C2 noun /prəˈlɪksɪti/

prolixity

Meaning
the quality of being tediously wordy and long
Example
The book’s prolixity made it difficult to read in one sitting.
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 noun, adjective /ˈɡɒsəmər/

gossamer

Meaning
Something light, thin, and delicate, like a fine fabric or cobweb.
Example
The bride's veil was made of delicate gossamer fabric.
C2 adjective /əˈrækjələr/

oracular

Meaning
Resembling an oracle; giving wise, mysterious, or prophetic statements
Example
Her oracular words left the audience deep in thought.
C2 noun /ˈfɒpəri/

foppery

Meaning
Foolish or excessive concern with one's appearance or manners; pretentious behavior.
Example
His obsession with fashion was dismissed as mere foppery.
C2 adjective /əˈprəʊ.bri.əs/

opprobrious

Meaning
Expressing strong criticism or scorn.
Example
He made opprobrious remarks about his opponent.
C2 adjective /ˌtɛmɪˈrɛəriəs/

temerarious

Meaning
Reckless or rash; showing a lack of caution.
Example
It was a temerarious decision to cross the river during the storm.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrtləsnəs/

artlessness

Meaning
The quality of being natural and simple without deceit or pretension.
Example
Her artlessness made her beloved by all.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːri/

hoary

Meaning
gray or white with age; very old and respected
Example
The hoary oak tree stood as a witness to centuries of history.
C2 verb /pərˈlɔɪn/

purloin

Meaning
to steal something, often in a sneaky or dishonest way
Example
He tried to purloin a book from the library without being noticed.
C2 adjective /ˌhæfˈhɑːr.tɪd/

halfhearted

Meaning
lacking enthusiasm or determination; unenthusiastic
Example
His halfhearted attempt to study did not bring good results.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊti/

doughty

Meaning
brave, valiant, courageous
Example
The doughty soldier never backed down from a challenge.
C2 noun /ˈɒn.rʌʃ/

onrush

Meaning
A sudden powerful forward or downward rush or flow.
Example
The onrush of water swept away the bridge.
C2 noun /kənˈkɔːrdəns/

concordance

Meaning
Agreement; also an alphabetical index of the principal words in a book.
Example
There is a strong concordance between the two reports.
C2 verb /ˌmælˈtriːt/

maltreat

Meaning
To treat someone cruelly or unfairly.
Example
The law punishes those who maltreat animals.
C2 adjective /ˈkræbɪd/

crabbed

Meaning
difficult to read or understand; ill-tempered
Example
His handwriting was crabbed and almost illegible.
C2 noun /rɪˈvaɪlər/

reviler

Meaning
a person who criticizes or insults others abusively
Example
He was known as a reviler of all who opposed him.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑl/

Cabal

Meaning
a secret political clique or faction
Example
The journalists exposed a cabal of corrupt politicians working together.
C2 adjective /əˌnækrəˈnɪstɪk/

anachronistic

Meaning
belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; old-fashioned or outdated
Example
His views on gender roles are considered anachronistic.
C2 verb /əˈvɜːr/

aver

Meaning
to state or assert something confidently and strongly
Example
She averred that she was innocent.
C2 verb /ˈɛmɪt/

emmet

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

Unchaste

Meaning
not celibate; having engaged in sexual relations; lacking moral purity
Example
The conservative society considered her behavior unchaste and improper.
C2 noun /ˈɡændər/

Gander

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

ditty

Meaning
a short, simple song or poem
Example
She sang a cheerful little ditty while cooking.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərˈæd/

superadd

Meaning
to add something to what has already been added
Example
The author chose to superadd a new chapter to the revised edition.
C2 noun /əˈkwɪtəns/

acquittance

Meaning
a written receipt acknowledging payment or discharge of a debt
Example
He demanded an acquittance after paying the loan.
C2 noun (plural) /maɪˈnjuːʃiiː/

minutiae

Meaning
the small, precise, or trivial details of something
Example
The lawyer focused on the minutiae of the contract.
C2 verb /ˌriːkruːˈdɛs/

recrudesce

Meaning
to break out or appear again after a period of dormancy or decline
Example
After months of calm, violence recrudesced in the region.
C2 verb /θrɛʃ/

thresh

Meaning
to separate grain from the plant by beating or by using a machine
Example
Farmers used machines to thresh the wheat after harvest.
C2 noun /əˌkædəˈmɪʃən/

academician

Meaning
a member of an academy; a scholar or expert in a field of study
Example
The academicians gathered to discuss the future of education.
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 /dɪˌsɪdəˈreɪtəm/

desideratum

Meaning
something that is desired or considered necessary
Example
For many students, financial aid is a desideratum.
C2 noun /kənˈsaɪnər/

consignor

Meaning
a person or company that sends goods to be sold or transported
Example
The consignor shipped the goods to the warehouse.
C2 noun /ˈstiː.vəˌdɔːr/

stevedore

Meaning
A person employed to load and unload cargo from ships.
Example
The stevedores worked tirelessly to unload the cargo before dawn.
C2 verb /əbˈtruːd/

obtrude

Meaning
to force oneself or one's ideas into a situation uninvited or inappropriately
Example
He didn’t want to obtrude into their private conversation.
C2 noun /mɪlk raɪs/

Milk rice

Meaning
A sweet dessert made from rice cooked with milk and sugar
Example
My grandmother makes delicious milk rice for special occasions.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrnəl/

carnal

Meaning
Relating to physical, especially sexual, desires and appetites.
Example
The book explores the conflict between spiritual and carnal desires.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmɒtɪk/

demotic

Meaning
relating to ordinary people or everyday language
Example
The poet used demotic language to connect with common readers.
C2 noun /maɪˈkrɒmɪtər/

micrometer

Meaning
A device used for measuring small distances with great accuracy.
Example
The engineer used a micrometer to measure the thickness of the wire.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈkɒnʃənəbl/

unconscionable

Meaning
shockingly unfair or unreasonable
Example
The company made unconscionable profits from the crisis.
C2 noun /ˈmaɪ.nə/

Mynah

Meaning
a tropical bird with dark feathers that can mimic human speech
Example
The mynah bird repeated every word I said.
C2 noun /ˈænɪməs/

animus

Meaning
A strong feeling of hostility; motivation or purpose behind an action.
Example
His speech was driven by animus against the policy.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔːni/

tawny

Meaning
A warm, sandy or golden-brown color.
Example
The owl's tawny feathers blended with the tree bark.
C2 noun /rɪˈmɒnstrəns/

remonstrance

Meaning
A forceful protest or objection.
Example
The workers’ remonstrance against unfair treatment was ignored.
C2 noun ˌsɜːkəmˈspekʃən

circumspection

Meaning
The quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence.
Example
His circumspection ensured no mistakes were made.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/

disavow

Meaning
to deny responsibility for or connection with something
Example
He disavowed any involvement in the scandal.
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 noun /ˈrɛkluːsəri/

reclusory

Meaning
A place for seclusion or retreat, especially for a recluse or hermit.
Example
The monk spent years in the reclusory away from society.
C2 noun /maɪˈæzmə/

miasma

Meaning
An unpleasant or unhealthy smell or atmosphere.
Example
A miasma of decay hung over the abandoned house.
C2 noun /ˈbælæst/

ballast

Meaning
heavy material used to stabilize a ship or vehicle
Example
The ship was loaded with ballast to remain steady in the storm.
C2 verb /ˌfɔːrˈrʌn/

forerun

Meaning
To go before; to precede in time, place, or action.
Example
Dark clouds often forerun a storm.
C2 verb /ɪkˈspʌndʒ/

expunge

Meaning
To erase or remove completely, often something unwanted.
Example
He managed to expunge the embarrassing memory from his mind.
C2 verb /dɪˈstreɪn/

distrain

Meaning
to seize someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
Example
The landlord distrained the tenant's furniture for unpaid rent.
C2 adjective /əˈfɪʃəs/

officious

Meaning
Excessively eager to offer unwanted help or advice; meddlesome.
Example
The officious guard kept interrupting the visitors with unnecessary instructions.
C2 noun /sɜːrˈsiːs/

surcease

Meaning
a temporary or final ending or stopping of something
Example
The noise finally came to a surcease after midnight.
C2 noun /ˈfɔːrˌseɪl/

foresail

Meaning
The principal sail set on the foremast of a sailing vessel.
Example
The crew adjusted the foresail to catch the wind.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkəˈməʊdiəs/

incommodious

Meaning
Uncomfortably small, cramped, or inconvenient.
Example
We had to stay in an incommodious room during the trip.
C2 adjective /ˈnjuː.ɡə.tɔːr.i/

nugatory

Meaning
Of little or no value; worthless or insignificant.
Example
His efforts were nugatory and did not change the outcome.
C2 noun /ˌɒnəˈreəriəm/

honorarium

Meaning
A payment given for professional services that are rendered without a fee.
Example
The guest lecturer received an honorarium for her talk.
C2 verb /ˈsʌk.əl/

suckle

Meaning
to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or udder
Example
The mother cat suckled her kittens in the basket.
C2 noun /ˌɪkθiˈɒlədʒi/

ichthyology

Meaning
The branch of zoology that deals with fish.
Example
He pursued a degree in ichthyology at the university.
C2 verb /bɪˈhuːv/

behoove

Meaning
to be necessary, proper, or appropriate for someone to do
Example
It would behoove you to study before the exam.
C2 verb /bɪˈsmɜːrtʃ/

besmirch

Meaning
to damage someone's reputation; to make dirty or stained
Example
He tried to besmirch her good name with false rumors.
C2 noun /ˈræŋ.kər/

rancor

Meaning
A feeling of deep and bitter anger or resentment.
Example
There was a rancor between the two rivals that never faded.
C2 noun /ˈsælvər/

salver

Meaning
A tray, typically made of silver, used for serving food or drinks.
Example
The butler brought in the tea on a silver salver.
C2 noun /ˈɡɑːrɡɔɪl/

gargoyle

Meaning
A carved stone figure, often of a grotesque creature, on a building, typically used as a spout to carry water away.
Example
The ancient cathedral had gargoyles on every corner.
C2 noun /ˌkæl.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

calcification

Meaning
The process of calcium accumulation in soil, making it hard.
Example
Calcification reduces soil permeability and affects crop growth.
C2 noun /mɪˌsɛdʒəˈneɪʃən/

miscegenation

Meaning
the interbreeding of people considered to be of different racial types
Example
The law once prohibited miscegenation in many countries.
C2 verb /ˈhɑːrkən/

hearken

Meaning
To listen attentively; to give heed.
Example
He would hearken to his mentor’s advice before making decisions.
C2 noun /ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒi/

entomology

Meaning
The scientific study of insects.
Example
She studied entomology to understand the behavior of bees.
C2 noun /kɒn.tɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

contiguity

Meaning
the state of being in direct contact or next to each other
Example
The contiguity of the two countries facilitates trade.
C2 verb /ˈdæli/

dally

Meaning
To act or move slowly; to waste time; also to engage in a casual romantic relationship.
Example
He dallied in the garden instead of starting his work.
C2 noun /stɛp/

steppe

Meaning
A large flat area of unforested grassland, especially in southeastern Europe or Siberia.
Example
The nomads traveled across the vast steppe with their herds.
C2 verb /ˌdɒmɪˈnɪə/

domineer

Meaning
to assert one's will over another in an arrogant way
Example
He tends to domineer over his younger colleagues.
C2 adjective /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪ.tɪd/

maculated

Meaning
Spotted or stained; marked with blemishes.
Example
The maculated surface of the old mirror gave it a unique charm.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpjuːɪsəns/

impuissance

Meaning
inability to take effective action; helplessness
Example
The government’s impuissance in the face of crisis frustrated the people.
C2 noun /næˈteɪʃən/

natation

Meaning
The act or sport of swimming.
Example
She took lessons in natation to improve her swimming skills.
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 verb /ˈlɔɪtər/

loiter

Meaning
To stand or wait around idly without apparent purpose.
Example
The teenagers were told not to loiter outside the shop.
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 /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

Meaning
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
Example
Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsuːsiənt/

insouciant

Meaning
Showing a casual lack of concern; carefree.
Example
He gave an insouciant shrug and walked away.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɛmpərəns/

intemperance

Meaning
Lack of moderation or self-control, especially with drinking or eating.
Example
His intemperance in drinking ruined his health.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈæl.əˌbæs.tər/

alabaster

Meaning
A fine-grained, usually white variety of gypsum, often used for carving; also describes something smooth and pale like alabaster.
Example
The statue was carved from pure alabaster.
C2 noun /mɔːrˈtɪʃən/

mortician

Meaning
a person whose job is to prepare dead bodies for burial or cremation and to arrange funerals
Example
The mortician prepared the body for the funeral service.
C2 noun /ˈkrɛməˌtɔːri/

crematory

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are cremated
Example
The crematory was located near the cemetery.
C2 noun /ˈɡɔːntlɪt/

gauntlet

Meaning
a protective glove; a challenge or trial; to 'throw down the gauntlet' means to issue a challenge
Example
The knight threw down his gauntlet as a sign of challenge.
C2 adjective /ˈhɔːrtətɪv/

hortative

Meaning
Giving strong encouragement or urging.
Example
The teacher gave a hortative speech to motivate the students before the exam.
C2 adjective /ˌɔːfˈkiː/

off-key

Meaning
out of tune; not in accordance with expected standards
Example
The singer was slightly off-key during the performance.