prelate
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C2 noun /ˈprɛlət/

prelate

Meaning
A high-ranking member of the clergy, especially a bishop or abbot.
Example
The prelate delivered a sermon to the congregation.
C2 noun /prɪˈpɒndərəns/

preponderance

Meaning
The quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance.
Example
There was a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
C2 adjective /ˈprɑːflɪɡət/

profligate

Meaning
recklessly extravagant or wasteful in resources
Example
The king was known for his profligate lifestyle.
C2 noun /prɪˈhɛnʃən/

prehension

Meaning
the act of grasping or seizing; the ability to take hold of something
Example
Therapists assessed the patient's prehension during hand therapy.
C2 noun, verb /ˌpæm.fləˈtɪər/

pamphleteer

Meaning
a person who writes or distributes pamphlets, often to promote a political or social cause
Example
In the 18th century, many pamphleteers influenced public opinion.
C2 noun /ˈfɪl.ə.dʒɪ.nɪst/

philogynist

Meaning
a person who loves or admires women
Example
As a known philogynist, he advocated for women's education.
C2 verb /pɔːrˈtɛnd/

portend

Meaning
To be a sign or warning that something, especially something bad, is going to happen.
Example
Dark clouds portend a storm.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

Meaning
of little value or importance; trivial
Example
He complained about the picayune details of the contract.
C2 noun /ˌproʊɪˈbɪʃənɪst/

prohibitionist

Meaning
A person who supports or advocates prohibition, especially of alcohol.
Example
The prohibitionist campaigned against the sale of liquor in the town.
C2 noun /ˌfəʊ.təʊ.sen.sɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/

photosensitivity

Meaning
Sensitivity to light, especially abnormal sensitivity that may cause discomfort or damage.
Example
Overrubbing can increase photosensitivity.
C2 verb /ˈpɜːrdʒər/

perjure

Meaning
To knowingly tell a lie in a court of law after swearing to tell the truth.
Example
He was accused of trying to perjure himself during the trial.
C2 noun /ˈpɛstɪləns/

pestilence

Meaning
A deadly or virulent epidemic disease that spreads rapidly.
Example
The medieval city was devastated by a pestilence.
C2 noun /ˈplɛnɪtjuːd/

plenitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant; a great quantity
Example
The garden was a plenitude of flowers in spring.
C2 noun /ˈplætɪtjuːd/

platitude

Meaning
a remark or statement that is overused and unoriginal
Example
He kept repeating the same platitudes during the speech.
C2 adjective /ˈpjʊəraɪl/

puerile

Meaning
childishly silly or immature
Example
His puerile jokes annoyed the audience.
C2 noun /pɛnˈtæmɪtər/

pentameter

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

Panch Phoron

Meaning
a Bengali spice blend containing five whole spices: cumin, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, and mustard seeds
Example
The aroma filled the kitchen when she heated panch phoron in oil.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/

parenthetical

Meaning
Relating to or expressed in parentheses; a side remark or digression.
Example
He added a parenthetical comment during the lecture.
C2 adjective /prɪˈskrɪptɪbəl/

prescriptible

Meaning
Capable of being prescribed or laid down as a rule or directive.
Example
Certain regulations are prescriptible under the law.
C2 adjective /ˈpɜːrviəs/

pervious

Meaning
Allowing water, air, or other substances to pass through; permeable.
Example
The soil here is pervious to rainwater.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɔːrˈdeɪn/

preordain

Meaning
To decide or determine an outcome in advance, especially by fate or divine will.
Example
They believed their meeting was preordained by destiny.
C2 noun /ˌpæl.ənˈkiːn/

Palanquin

Meaning
a covered chair or bed carried on poles by bearers
Example
The bride was carried to the wedding ceremony in an ornate palanquin.
C2 adjective /prəˈpʌlsɪv/

propulsive

Meaning
Having the power to drive or push something forward.
Example
The propulsive force of the rocket lifted it off the ground.
C2 adjective /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/

pusillanimous

Meaning
showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
Example
The pusillanimous leader avoided making tough decisions.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːdreɪ/

padre

Meaning
A title for a priest, especially in the Roman Catholic Church; also used informally for 'father'.
Example
The soldiers attended mass led by the padre.
C2 adjective /ˈpæsɪbəl/

passible

Meaning
capable of feeling or suffering; susceptible to sensation or emotion (often theological)
Example
In some traditions, deities are described as passible, sharing human emotions.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdənt/

pedant

Meaning
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a showy way.
Example
The professor was criticized as a pedant who focused too much on trivial details.
C2 noun ˈfaɪ.təʊˌnjuː.tri.ənts

phytonutrients

Meaning
Bioactive compounds found in plants that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Example
Green tea contains powerful phytonutrients.
C2 noun /pɛlf/

pelf

Meaning
Money, especially when gained dishonorably.
Example
The corrupt official was motivated only by pelf.
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 /ˈpɒliˌkreɪsi/

polycracy

Meaning
rule by many; government by multiple authorities
Example
The nation experienced a polycracy after decentralization reforms.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛndjʊləs/

pendulous

Meaning
hanging down loosely; drooping
Example
The pendulous fruit weighed down the branch.
C2 adjective /ˌpəʊstˈprændɪəl/

postprandial

Meaning
Occurring after a meal.
Example
He went for a postprandial walk after dinner.
C2 noun /ˈpɜr.kwɪ.zɪt/

Perquisite

Meaning
an additional benefit or privilege given to an employee beyond their regular salary; a special right or advantage
Example
Company car was one of the perquisites of his executive position.
C2 noun /proʊˈbɑːsɪs/

proboscis

Meaning
The long, flexible nose of some animals, especially an elephant, or a tubular feeding and sucking organ in insects.
Example
The elephant used its proboscis to grab food.
C2 noun /ˈfɪl.ɪ.staɪn/

philistine

Meaning
a person who is indifferent or hostile to culture and the arts
Example
He was criticized as a philistine for dismissing modern art.
C2 noun /prɪˈsɛntɪmənt/

presentiment

Meaning
An intuitive feeling about the future, especially of something bad about to happen.
Example
He had a strong presentiment that the plan would fail.
C2 noun /proʊˈsiː.ni.əm/

proscenium

Meaning
the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain; the arch framing the stage
Example
The actors bowed at the proscenium before leaving the stage.
C2 noun /pərˈdɪʃən/

perdition

Meaning
A state of eternal spiritual ruin, often referring to hell or damnation.
Example
The preacher warned that greed would lead to perdition.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːtətɪv/

putative

Meaning
commonly accepted or supposed; generally regarded as such
Example
He is the putative father of the child.
C2 noun /ˌpoʊpʊˈriː/

potpourri

Meaning
a mixture of dried flowers and spices kept in a bowl to perfume a room; a miscellaneous collection
Example
The living room was filled with the scent of potpourri.
C2 noun /ˈprɒm.ən.tɔːr.i/

promontory

Meaning
A high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water.
Example
The lighthouse stood on a promontory overlooking the sea.
C2 noun /ˈpɒlɪɡæmɪst/

polygamist

Meaning
a person who has more than one spouse at the same time
Example
The polygamist had three wives living in different houses.
C2 adjective /ˌpɜːrtɪˈneɪʃəs/

pertinacious

Meaning
holding firmly to an opinion, purpose, or course of action; stubbornly persistent
Example
The pertinacious lawyer refused to give up the case.
C2 adjective, noun /pləˈbiːən/

plebian

Meaning
alternate spelling of 'plebeian'; common or ordinary
Example
His tastes were rather plebian, favoring simple food and clothes.
C2 noun /pəˈræm.bjə.leɪ.tər/

Perambulator

Meaning
a four-wheeled carriage for a baby; baby stroller or pram
Example
She pushed the perambulator through the park while the baby slept peacefully.
C2 verb /ˈproʊtjuːbəreɪt/

protuberate

Meaning
To swell out or bulge.
Example
The roots began to protuberate from the ground.
C2 noun /ˈper.ɪ.dʒiː/

perigee

Meaning
the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the Earth
Example
The moon appeared much larger during its perigee.
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 adjective /ˈpɒndərəbl/

ponderable

Meaning
able to be considered or thought about
Example
The evidence was substantial and ponderable.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

preengage

Meaning
To contract or engage beforehand; to arrange in advance.
Example
The workers were preengaged before the project officially started.
C2 noun /ˈplɛntɪtjuːd/

plentitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant
Example
The garden offered a plentitude of flowers in spring.
C2 noun /fɪˈlæt.əl.i/

philately

Meaning
the collection and study of postage stamps
Example
Philately is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages.
C2 adjective /pəˈrɛmptəri/

peremptory

Meaning
Insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a commanding way.
Example
The officer gave a peremptory order to evacuate the building.
C2 verb /prɪmp/

primp

Meaning
To spend time making minor adjustments to one's appearance.
Example
She primped in front of the mirror before the party.
C2 noun /pərˈsɪpiəns/

percipience

Meaning
The ability to perceive, understand, or notice things quickly.
Example
His percipience in reading people made him a great negotiator.
C2 noun /prɪˈsɛʃən/

precession

Meaning
The slow movement of the axis of a spinning body around another axis, often referring to Earth's rotation.
Example
Astronomers study the precession of the equinoxes.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsɪflɑːʒ/

persiflage

Meaning
light and slightly contemptuous mockery or banter
Example
Their conversation was full of persiflage and jokes.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.iˌθi.ɪz.əm/

polytheism

Meaning
the belief in or worship of multiple gods
Example
Ancient Greeks practiced polytheism, worshiping gods like Zeus and Athena.
C2 noun /ˈplænɪsfɪr/

planisphere

Meaning
a rotating star chart used to display the visible stars for any time and date
Example
The astronomer used a planisphere to identify the constellations.
C2 noun /ˈpær.əkˌsɪz.əm/

paroxysm

Meaning
A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or activity.
Example
She was seized by a paroxysm of laughter.
C2 noun /ˈpɛrɪstaɪl/

peristyle

Meaning
A continuous porch formed by a row of columns surrounding the perimeter of a building or courtyard.
Example
The Roman villa featured a beautiful peristyle garden.
C2 noun /ˈplɔːdɪts/

plaudits

Meaning
expressions of praise or approval
Example
The scientist received plaudits from the international community.
C2 noun /pɪθ/

pith

Meaning
the essential or central part of something
Example
The pith of his argument was that honesty matters most.
C2 noun /ˌfɑːsfəˈrɛsəns/

phosphorescence

Meaning
the property of emitting light without noticeable heat
Example
The deep-sea creatures displayed a beautiful phosphorescence.
C2 noun ˈpɑː.stər.ə.lɪ.zəm

pastoralism

Meaning
A form of animal husbandry where domesticated animals are released onto large vegetated outdoor lands for grazing.
Example
Pastoralism is a traditional way of managing livestock.
C2 adjective /ˈpɑːrtəbl/

partible

Meaning
capable of being divided or separated
Example
The estate was partible among the heirs.
C2 adjective /ˌpriːtərˈnætʃərəl/

preternatural

Meaning
Beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinary or supernatural.
Example
She had a preternatural ability to remain calm in any crisis.
C2 noun /ˌpænəˈdʒɪrɪk/

panegyric

Meaning
a formal speech or piece of writing in praise of someone or something
Example
The author wrote a panegyric on the bravery of the soldiers.
C2 noun ˈpær.ə.ɡən

paragon

Meaning
A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality; a model of excellence.
Example
Neom is a paragon of sustainable urban design.
C2 adjective /ˌpærəˈdɪɡmətɪk/

paradigmatic

Meaning
Serving as a typical example or model of something.
Example
Her success story is paradigmatic of the opportunities education can provide.
C2 noun /ˈproʊtoʊˌmɑːrtɚ/

protomartyr

Meaning
The first martyr in a cause or religion, often referring to the first Christian martyr.
Example
St. Stephen is known as the protomartyr of Christianity.
C2 noun /ˈpɛdɪmənt/

pediment

Meaning
a triangular gable found above the horizontal structure of a building, often in classical architecture
Example
The ancient temple had a pediment decorated with sculptures.
C2 noun /ˌprɪnsɪˈpæləti/

principality

Meaning
a state ruled by a prince
Example
Monaco is a famous principality in Europe.
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 prəˈklɪv.ə.ti

proclivity

Meaning
A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing.
Example
She has a proclivity for learning new languages.
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 verb /priːˈfɪɡjər/

prefigure

Meaning
to represent, show, or foreshadow something in advance
Example
The economic reforms prefigure major social changes.
C2 noun ˌpɜː.tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti

pertinacity

Meaning
Firm determination and persistence in achieving something.
Example
His pertinacity in achieving his goals was inspiring.
C2 adjective /ˈpɜːˌblaɪnd/

purblind

Meaning
Having impaired or defective vision; lacking insight or understanding.
Example
The purblind approach to the problem led to many mistakes.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊltɪs/

poultice

Meaning
a soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation
Example
The nurse applied a warm poultice to his injured leg.
C2 noun /prɪˈfɜːrmənt/

preferment

Meaning
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
Example
He hoped for preferment in the government office.
C2 verb /ˈpɔːltər/

palter

Meaning
to act insincerely or deceitfully; to equivocate or lie
Example
He paltered when asked about his involvement in the deal.
C2 noun /ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən/

predilection

Meaning
A strong liking or preference for something.
Example
She has a predilection for classical music.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtrəˌɡræf/

petrograph

Meaning
a description or representation of rocks, especially in detailed scientific writing
Example
The scientist studied the petrograph to understand the rock composition.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl/

penitential

Meaning
Relating to or expressing penitence or penance.
Example
The priest delivered a penitential sermon on forgiveness.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈrɛsk/

picaresque

Meaning
relating to a style of fiction depicting the adventures of a roguish hero
Example
The novel is a picaresque tale of a clever vagabond.
C2 noun /ˈpoʊ.ə.si/

poesy

Meaning
poetry; the art or composition of poems
Example
The anthology was filled with romantic poesy.
C2 noun /ˌpɜːrtərˈbeɪʃn/

perturbation

Meaning
A state of anxiety, disturbance, or disorder.
Example
The announcement caused a perturbation in the financial markets.
C2 adverb /pəˈfɔːs/

perforce

Meaning
by necessity; inevitably
Example
He had to perforce accept the decision.
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 /ˈproʊtoʊˌplæzəm/

protoplasm

Meaning
The living substance inside a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Example
Scientists observed the movement of protoplasm under the microscope.
C2 noun /priːˈɛmɪnəns/

preeminence

Meaning
The fact of surpassing all others; superiority.
Example
The university has gained preeminence in medical research.
C2 verb /prɪˈpɒndəreɪt/

preponderate

Meaning
To be greater in influence, weight, or number.
Example
In the debate, logical arguments preponderated over emotional appeals.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪst/

preexist

Meaning
to exist beforehand or before something else
Example
These customs preexist the arrival of modern technology.
C2 noun /prəˈtɛktərət/

protectorate

Meaning
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
Example
The small country became a protectorate of the empire.
C2 noun /ˈpɔl.zi/

Palsy

Meaning
paralysis, especially that which is accompanied by involuntary tremors; loss of muscle control
Example
The elderly man suffered from palsy in his hands.
C2 adjective /pərˈfɜrvɪd/

perfervid

Meaning
intensely passionate or fervent
Example
She gave a perfervid speech in defense of human rights.
C2 noun /ˈpælɪˌnoʊd/

palinode

Meaning
a poem or statement in which the writer retracts something said in an earlier work
Example
The poet wrote a palinode to apologize for his earlier harsh words.
C2 noun /pəˈlɛmɪks/

polemics

Meaning
the art or practice of engaging in controversial debate or dispute
Example
The conference was full of polemics on economic reforms.
C2 adjective /ˌpɑːrsɪˈmoʊniəs/

parsimonious

Meaning
unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy
Example
The company was too parsimonious to invest in better equipment.
C2 noun /pəˈtiːnə/

patina

Meaning
a surface film or sheen on metal, stone, or wood due to age or use; also, a superficial appearance
Example
The bronze statue developed a green patina after years in the sea air.
C2 noun /ˈpæk.ɪ.dɜːrm/

pachyderm

Meaning
a large mammal with thick skin, such as an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus
Example
The zoo had several pachyderms, including elephants and rhinos.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːɪsəns/

puissance

Meaning
Great power, strength, or influence.
Example
The empire showed its puissance through vast armies.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛnɪtrəbl/

penetrable

Meaning
Capable of being passed through or entered.
Example
The thin wall was easily penetrable.
C2 noun /ˈpɒm.əl/

pommel

Meaning
the rounded knob on the handle of a sword or saddle
Example
He gripped the sword firmly by the pommel.
C2 noun /pɜːrtʃt raɪs/

Perched rice

Meaning
puffed rice; rice that has been heated and puffed into light, crispy grains
Example
I enjoy eating puffed rice as a healthy snack.
C2 noun /ˈpærəmʊr/

paramour

Meaning
a lover, especially an illicit one
Example
The secret paramour was finally revealed.
C2 noun /ˈpɒsi/

posse

Meaning
A group of people, often friends or a group organized to support or enforce the law.
Example
He arrived at the party with his posse of friends.
C2 verb /priːˈdɛstɪn/

predestine

Meaning
to determine or decide something in advance, often regarded as being fixed by fate or divine will
Example
They believed their paths were predestined by fate.
C2 noun /ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

polymath

Meaning
a person with knowledge of many different subjects
Example
Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːɪsənt/

puissant

Meaning
having great power or influence; mighty
Example
The king was a puissant ruler whose word was law.
C2 verb /prɒɡˈnɒstɪkeɪt/

prognosticate

Meaning
To foretell or predict future events, especially based on current signs.
Example
Experts attempted to prognosticate the outcome of the election.
C2 noun /ˌpɒlɪˈhiːdrən/

polyhedron

Meaning
a solid object with flat polygonal faces, straight edges, and vertices
Example
The mathematician studied a complex polyhedron model.
C2 noun /ˈpætrɪˌmoʊni/

patrimony

Meaning
Property or inheritance passed down from one's father or ancestors.
Example
The castle was part of his patrimony from his noble ancestors.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛneɪt/

pennate

Meaning
Having parts or structures arranged like a feather; feather-shaped.
Example
The fern has a pennate leaf structure.
C2 adjective /paɪd/

pied

Meaning
having two or more different colors, typically in blotches
Example
The pied cat had black and white patches all over its body.
C2 noun /pluːˈtɒkrəsi/

plutocracy

Meaning
a system of government where the wealthy hold power
Example
The country was ruled as a plutocracy.
C2 noun /ˌpætrəˈnɪmɪk/

patronymic

Meaning
a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor
Example
In many cultures, surnames are patronymic in origin.
C2 adjective /ˌfærɪˈseɪɪkəl/

pharisaical

Meaning
Excessively concerned with formal rules or outward show of morality, often in a hypocritical way.
Example
His pharisaical behavior made people doubt his sincerity.
C2 verb /ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/

putrefy

Meaning
to decay or rot, producing a foul smell
Example
The meat began to putrefy in the heat.