pollyannaish
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C2 adjective /ˌpɒliˈæn.ɪ.ɪʃ/

pollyannaish

Meaning
overly or blindly optimistic
Example
Her pollyannaish attitude ignored the obvious problems.
C2 noun /dɪˈtraɪtəs/

detritus

Meaning
Waste or debris of any kind; fragments left from destruction or decay.
Example
The riverbank was covered with detritus after the flood.
C2 adjective /ˈædɪˌpoʊs/

adipose

Meaning
Relating to or consisting of animal fat; fatty.
Example
The doctor explained that the tissue was mainly adipose in nature.
C2 noun /əˈsɛt.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

asceticism

Meaning
The practice of severe self-discipline and abstaining from indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.
Example
Asceticism has been a part of many religious traditions throughout history.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪndɪkeɪtɪv/

vindicative

Meaning
showing a tendency to vindicate or justify; inclined to defend
Example
Her vindicative tone showed that she strongly believed in her innocence.
C2 noun /əˈstɪɡmətɪzəm/

astigmatism

Meaning
An eye defect causing blurred vision due to irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
Example
She wears glasses to correct her astigmatism.
C2 noun /ˈkælvəri/

calvary

Meaning
A place or experience of intense suffering, originally the site of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Example
For many refugees, the journey across the desert was a calvary.
C2 noun /ˈæntiˌkraɪst/

antichrist

Meaning
A person regarded as the supreme opponent of Christ, often seen as a figure of ultimate evil.
Example
Some people fear the rise of an Antichrist in the future.
C2 noun /ˈæpəplɛksi/

apoplexy

Meaning
A sudden loss of consciousness or control due to stroke or extreme anger.
Example
The old man nearly had apoplexy when he heard the shocking news.
C2 noun /ˌvælɪˈdɪkʃən/

valediction

Meaning
The act of saying farewell; a formal goodbye.
Example
The professor gave a touching valediction at his retirement ceremony.
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 verb /bɪˈsiːtʃ/

beseech

Meaning
To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; to beg.
Example
He beseeched the judge for mercy.
C2 noun /niˈɒlədʒi/

neology

Meaning
The use of new words or the study of their origin.
Example
The professor specialized in neology, studying the creation of modern slang.
C2 verb /dɪˈfreɪ/

defray

Meaning
to provide money to pay the costs of something
Example
The grant will help defray the cost of education.
C2 noun /ˌɪnjuːˈɛndəʊ/

innuendo

Meaning
An allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.
Example
The manager's innuendo was directed towards his competitor.
C2 noun /ˈfʌstɪən/

fustian

Meaning
pompous or pretentious speech or writing; originally a type of thick cloth
Example
The politician's speech was filled with fustian and empty promises.
C2 verb /əˈdʒʌdʒ/

adjudge

Meaning
to consider or declare officially in a legal or formal manner
Example
He was adjudged guilty by the court.
C2 noun /ˈtɜːrməɡənt/

termagant

Meaning
A harsh-tempered or overbearing woman.
Example
The character was portrayed as a loud and domineering termagant.
C2 adjective /ˈfɛkləs/

feckless

Meaning
lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible
Example
His feckless attitude at work caused several missed deadlines.
C2 adjective /kənˈsʌmptɪv/

consumptive

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by consumption; historically used to describe someone suffering from tuberculosis.
Example
The doctor advised against consumptive habits.
C2 adjective /prəˈpɪʃəs/

propitious

Meaning
giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable
Example
The sunny weather was a propitious start to the picnic.
C2 noun /ˈmɜːkinəs/

murkiness

Meaning
The quality of being dark, gloomy, or unclear.
Example
The murkiness of the water made it hard to see the fish.
C2 noun /ˈbrɒŋkəs/

bronchus

Meaning
either of the two main branches of the trachea that lead directly into the lungs
Example
The left bronchus carries air into the left lung.
C2 adjective /ˈsɑːdn/

sodden

Meaning
thoroughly soaked or saturated with liquid
Example
His clothes were sodden after the heavy rain.
C2 noun /sɒp/

sop

Meaning
a concession or appeasement to pacify someone; also a piece of bread dipped in liquid
Example
The manager offered a bonus as a sop to the unhappy employees.
C2 adverb /əˈθwɔːrt/

athwart

Meaning
Across or in opposition to something.
Example
A fallen tree lay athwart the road, blocking traffic.
C2 adjective /dʒərˈmeɪn/

germane

Meaning
Relevant and appropriate to the subject being considered.
Example
Her comments were not germane to the discussion.
C2 noun /ˈtaɪtwɒd/

tightwad

Meaning
a person who is unwilling to spend money; a miser
Example
Everyone calls him a tightwad because he never buys gifts.
C2 noun /ˈræɡəmʌfɪn/

ragamuffin

Meaning
A person, typically a child, in ragged, dirty clothes.
Example
The little ragamuffin begged for food on the street.
C2 verb /trænsˈfɪɡjʊər/

transfigure

Meaning
To transform the outward appearance or form, often in a way that elevates or glorifies.
Example
The artist managed to transfigure simple clay into a beautiful sculpture.
C2 noun /feɪnt/

feint

Meaning
a deceptive or pretended movement, especially in fighting or sports
Example
The boxer made a feint to the left before striking to the right.
C2 noun /ˈsɪʒ.ən/

scission

Meaning
the act of cutting or dividing something
Example
The political party suffered a scission over ideological disputes.
C2 noun/verb /ɡraʊs/

grouse

Meaning
A type of bird; or to complain or grumble persistently.
Example
He always grouses about the long hours at work.
C2 verb /fɔrˈswɛr/

forswear

Meaning
to renounce or reject; to give up completely
Example
He forswore his old habits and started a new life.
C2 noun /ˈrɛvəlri/

revelry

Meaning
Lively and noisy festivities, especially involving drinking and dancing.
Example
The sound of revelry could be heard throughout the night.
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 /ˈɒb.stɪ.nə.si/

obstinacy

Meaning
Stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.
Example
His obstinacy made negotiations difficult.
C2 noun/verb /læˈsuː/

lasso

Meaning
a rope with a loop used to catch animals; to catch with such a rope
Example
The cowboy lassoed the horse quickly.
C2 noun /ˌniːoʊˈlætɪn/

neo-latin

Meaning
The use of Latin language for scholarly, scientific, and literary purposes after the medieval period.
Example
Many scientific names are derived from Neo-Latin.
C2 noun /kɔːrˈteɪʒ/

cortege

Meaning
a solemn procession, especially for a funeral
Example
A cortege of mourners followed the hearse to the cemetery.
C2 adjective /ˌprɒvɪˈdɛnʃəl/

providential

Meaning
occurring at a favorable or opportune time, as if guided by divine intervention
Example
Their timely rescue was considered providential.
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 noun /ɪnˈtɛstəsi/

intestacy

Meaning
The condition of dying without having made a valid will.
Example
His estate was divided according to the laws of intestacy.
C2 noun /ˈsɪnəd/

synod

Meaning
An assembly of the clergy in a Christian church convened to decide on issues of doctrine or administration.
Example
The synod gathered to discuss reforms in the church.
C2 adjective /ˈɪl bred/

Ill-bred

Meaning
lacking good manners; rude; showing poor upbringing
Example
His ill-bred behavior shocked everyone at the dinner party.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊtənˌteɪt/

potentate

Meaning
A monarch or ruler, especially one with absolute power.
Example
The ancient land was ruled by a powerful potentate.
C2 noun /wɛlp/

whelp

Meaning
a young offspring of a dog or other carnivorous mammal; sometimes used to mean an impudent young person
Example
The farmer found a wolf whelp hiding near the barn.
C2 adjective /ˌluː.mɪˈnɛs.ənt/

luminescent

Meaning
Emitting light without heat, glowing softly.
Example
The luminescent watch dial was visible in the dark.
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 /ˌfjuːzɪˈleɪd/

fusillade

Meaning
A series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.
Example
The soldiers advanced under a fusillade of bullets.
C2 adjective /ˈhʌski/

husky

Meaning
deep, rough, and slightly hoarse voice; also refers to a strong and sturdy build
Example
He spoke in a husky voice after shouting all day.
C2 noun /fɔːn/

faun

Meaning
a mythological creature that is half human and half goat
Example
The sculpture depicted a playful faun dancing in the forest.
C2 noun /ˌɪndɛnˈteɪʃən/

indentation

Meaning
A space left at the beginning of a line of text; a notch or deep recess on a surface.
Example
The teacher asked the students to use proper indentation in their essays.
C2 verb /trəˈdjuːs/

traduce

Meaning
To speak badly of someone or tell lies to damage their reputation.
Example
He was furious when he found out that his rivals had traduced him.
C2 verb /əˈsweɪdʒ/

assuage

Meaning
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to ease or relieve.
Example
The kind words helped assuage her anxiety.
C2 noun /ˈbʊljən/

bullion

Meaning
Gold or silver in bulk before being coined or made into jewelry.
Example
The bank stores gold bullion in its vaults.
C2 noun /laʊs/

Louse

Meaning
a small insect that lives on the hair or skin of people or animals
Example
The child had a louse in his hair.
C2 noun /səˈlɛrɪti/

celerity

Meaning
swiftness of movement; speed
Example
The soldier moved with great celerity to deliver the message.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌɡræm/

decagram

Meaning
A metric unit of mass equal to ten grams.
Example
The package weighed exactly one decagram.
C2 noun ˌkɒmpjʊˈteɪʃənəl kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən

computational communication

Meaning
Digital exchange and automated interaction; the use of computational methods and systems to facilitate communication and information sharing.
Example
Computational communication is reshaping how we share information.
C2 adverb /əˈbæk/

Aback

Meaning
by surprise; unexpectedly
Example
I was taken aback by his sudden announcement.
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 noun /ˌɛn.biː.esˈpiː/

nbsp

Meaning
a non-breaking space character in HTML used to prevent an automatic line break at its position
Example
Use   in HTML to add a space that won't break into a new line.
C2 verb /breɪ/

bray

Meaning
To make a loud, harsh sound like a donkey.
Example
The donkey began to bray loudly in the field.
C2 noun /ˈdʌblɪt/

doublet

Meaning
a close-fitting jacket worn by men in the Renaissance; also, a pair of similar things
Example
The actor wore a velvet doublet for the Shakespearean play.
C2 verb /ˈhɜːrtl/

hurtle

Meaning
To move or cause to move at great speed, often in a dangerous way.
Example
The car hurtled down the mountain road.
C2 adjective /ˈskʌr.ɪ.ləs/

scurrilous

Meaning
Using or expressed in coarse, abusive, or slanderous language.
Example
The politician faced criticism for his scurrilous remarks about his opponent.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkəˈməʊdiəs/

incommodious

Meaning
Uncomfortably small, cramped, or inconvenient.
Example
We had to stay in an incommodious room during the trip.
C2 noun /ˌɪmbəˈsɪləti/

imbecility

Meaning
Extreme foolishness, stupidity, or weakness of mind.
Example
The plan was abandoned due to its sheer imbecility.
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 /rɪˈmɒnstreɪt/

remonstrate

Meaning
To make a forceful protest or objection.
Example
Citizens remonstrated against the new tax policy.
C2 noun /praɪˈveɪʃən/

privation

Meaning
A state in which things essential for human well-being such as food and warmth are lacking.
Example
The refugees suffered great privation during the harsh winter.
C2 noun /bəˈθɪm.ə.tri/

bathymetry

Meaning
The measurement of depth of water in oceans, seas, or lakes.
Example
Bathymetry is essential for understanding oceanic topography.
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 adverb /ˈtrɛbli/

trebly

Meaning
in a triple manner or to a threefold degree
Example
The sound was trebly distorted through the old speakers.
C2 noun /əbˈdʌktər/

abductor

Meaning
a person who kidnaps or forcibly takes someone away
Example
The police arrested the abductor after a nationwide search.
C2 adjective ˌnjʊə.rəʊ.prəˈtek.tɪv

neuroprotective

Meaning
Having the ability to protect nerve cells from damage, degeneration, or impaired function.
Example
Omega-3 fatty acids have neuroprotective benefits.
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 verb /bɪˈstruː/

bestrew

Meaning
To scatter or cover something with objects or substances.
Example
The ground was bestrewn with autumn leaves.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

Meaning
of little value or importance; trivial
Example
He complained about the picayune details of the contract.
C2 noun əˈdʒuː.dɪ.kə.tɪv ˈbɒd.i

adjudicative body

Meaning
An official organization that has the authority to judge disputes and make decisions.
Example
The adjudicative body deliberated on the case.
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 /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 ˈoʊʃən ˌstrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

ocean stratification

Meaning
The formation of layers in ocean water due to differences in density.
Example
Ocean stratification affects marine biodiversity.
C2 adjective /mjuːˈnɪfɪsənt/

munificent

Meaning
extremely generous; giving freely and abundantly
Example
She made a munificent donation to the orphanage.
C2 noun /dʒæm/

jamb

Meaning
The side post or surface of a doorway, window, or fireplace.
Example
The carpenter carefully measured the width of the door jamb.
C2 adjective /ˈslæp.dæʃ/

slapdash

Meaning
done too quickly and carelessly; hasty and careless
Example
The report was written in a slapdash manner, full of errors.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtrɪfjʊɡəl/

centrifugal

Meaning
Moving or tending to move away from a center.
Example
The centrifugal force pushes the clothes to the sides of the washing machine.
C2 noun /ˌdɪʃəˈbiːl/

dishabille

Meaning
The state of being only partly or loosely dressed; casual or careless attire.
Example
She answered the door in a state of dishabille, wearing just a robe.
C2 verb /bɪˈfaʊl/

befoul

Meaning
to make dirty or polluted; to disgrace or corrupt
Example
The factory waste befouled the river.
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 noun /ˈfʊl.krəm/

fulcrum

Meaning
The point or support on which a lever pivots; a central or essential point of activity or support.
Example
The teacher became the fulcrum of change in the school.
C2 noun /dɪˈkæmɪtər/

decameter

Meaning
A metric unit of length equal to ten meters.
Example
The field was measured in decameters for accuracy.
C2 noun /noʊl/

Knoll

Meaning
a small rounded hill or mound
Example
The old oak tree stood majestically on top of the grassy knoll.
C2 adjective /rɪˈmɪs/

remiss

Meaning
Negligent in performing a duty or responsibility.
Example
The manager was remiss in not checking the financial reports carefully.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːrbərɪzəm/

Barbarism

Meaning
extreme cruelty or brutality; absence of culture and civilization
Example
The barbarism of the war crimes shocked the entire international community.
C2 noun /ˈdæl.i.əns/

Dalliance

Meaning
a casual romantic or sexual relationship; a brief involvement or experiment
Example
His dalliance with photography lasted only a few months before he lost interest.
C2 noun /ˈslʌɡərd/

sluggard

Meaning
A lazy, sluggish person.
Example
The sluggard refused to get out of bed even at noon.
C2 noun /ˈlɪŋ.ɡwə/

lingua

Meaning
A language, especially one used for communication among people.
Example
English has become a global lingua for business and science.
C2 noun /ˈæl.kə.laɪ ækt/

Alkali Act

Meaning
A British law passed in 1863 to regulate the emission of hydrochloric acid gas from alkali works, representing one of the first pieces of environmental legislation.
Example
The Alkali Act of 1863 was one of the first environmental laws.
C2 noun /ˈkæl.əm.ni/

Calumny

Meaning
the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation
Example
The politician sued the newspaper for spreading calumny about his personal life.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪst/

sophist

Meaning
a person who uses clever but misleading arguments
Example
He was dismissed as a sophist who twisted facts to win debates.
C2 verb /ˌriː.kəˈnɔɪ.tər/

reconnoiter

Meaning
to make a preliminary inspection or survey, especially of an area for military or strategic purposes
Example
The soldiers reconnoitered the area before advancing.
C2 verb /ˈbleɪzən/

blazon

Meaning
to display prominently or vividly
Example
The slogan was blazoned across the banner in bold letters.
C2 noun /ˈdʒæz.mɪn/

Jesmine

Meaning
a climbing shrub with fragrant white or yellow flowers
Example
The jasmine flowers filled the garden with their sweet fragrance.
C2 noun /ˈlæn.sɪt/

lancet

Meaning
a small, sharp, two-edged surgical knife used for making small incisions
Example
The doctor used a lancet to prick the patient’s finger for a blood test.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrpɪŋ/

carping

Meaning
continually complaining or finding fault in a petty way
Example
His carping attitude makes teamwork difficult.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpɛnd/

impend

Meaning
to be about to happen; to loom threateningly
Example
Dark clouds suggested that a storm was impeding.
C2 noun /ˌluːkjʊˈbreɪʃən/

lucubration

Meaning
study or meditation, especially at night
Example
His novel was the result of long lucubration.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrɛzəluːt/

irresolute

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

perambulate

Meaning
To walk through or travel around, especially for leisure.
Example
They perambulated the old town, enjoying the sights.
C2 noun /ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/

carte blanche

Meaning
complete freedom to act as one wishes
Example
The manager gave her team carte blanche to design the project.
C2 noun /əˈluːviən/

alluvion

Meaning
The gradual increase of land by the deposit of soil from water; also, a flood or overflow of water.
Example
The river’s alluvion added new fertile land to the village fields.
C2 noun /ˈɡɪbən/

gibbon

Meaning
a small to medium-sized tailless ape with long arms, native to the forests of Southeast Asia
Example
The gibbon swung gracefully through the trees using its long arms.
C2 noun /sɒl/

sol

Meaning
The fifth note of the sol-fa musical scale (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti); also the Latin word for sun
Example
The choir practiced singing the note sol during rehearsal.
C2 adjective /saɪˈdɪəriəl/

sidereal

Meaning
Relating to the stars or constellations; measured relative to the stars.
Example
Astronomers use sidereal time to track the positions of stars.
C2 adjective /ˈvɛəriəˌɡeɪtɪd/

variegated

Meaning
Having different colors, especially in irregular patches or streaks.
Example
The garden was full of variegated plants.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈlɪdʒəs/

irreligious

Meaning
Indifferent or hostile to religion
Example
Some people in the community consider him irreligious because he never attends religious services.
C2 adjective /ˈtrɛmjələs/

tremulous

Meaning
shaking or quivering slightly, often from nervousness or weakness
Example
Her voice was tremulous as she gave her speech.
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 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.