probity
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C2 noun /ˈproʊbɪti/

probity

Meaning
The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
Example
The judge was admired for his integrity and probity.
C2 verb /ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡ/

pettifog

Meaning
to argue or quibble over trivial matters; to engage in petty, dishonest practices
Example
The lawyer was accused of trying to pettifog instead of addressing the real issue.
C2 verb /priːˈfɪɡjər/

prefigure

Meaning
to represent, show, or foreshadow something in advance
Example
The economic reforms prefigure major social changes.
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 /prəˈfjuːʒən/

profusion

Meaning
an abundance or large quantity of something
Example
Spring brought a profusion of wildflowers to the valley.
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 verb /prɪˈværɪkeɪt/

prevaricate

Meaning
to avoid telling the truth by not giving a direct answer
Example
The politician began to prevaricate when asked about the scandal.
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 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 /ˈpɜːrtnəs/

pertness

Meaning
boldness or forwardness in speech or behavior; sauciness
Example
Her pertness during the meeting surprised everyone.
C2 verb /preɪt/

prate

Meaning
to talk foolishly or at tedious length about something
Example
He would prate endlessly about his minor achievements.
C2 adjective /ˈprɛʃənt/ or /ˈpriːʃənt/

prescient

Meaning
having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
Example
The prescient investor sold his shares just before the market crashed.
C2 noun /ˌpraɪmoʊˈdʒɛnɪtʃər/

primogeniture

Meaning
The right of the firstborn child to inherit the family estate or title.
Example
Under primogeniture, the eldest son inherited the entire estate.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːrfəri/

porphyry

Meaning
A hard igneous rock containing crystals, often used for decorative or building purposes.
Example
The ancient Romans used porphyry to make columns and statues.
C2 adverb /ˈprɒksɪmətli/

proximately

Meaning
In a near or close manner; nearly.
Example
The village lies proximately to the river.
C2 adjective /pɔːrˈtɛntəs/

portentous

Meaning
Giving a sign or warning that something, often bad or serious, is going to happen; or overly solemn and pompous.
Example
His portentous tone made everyone nervous about the news.
C2 noun /ˈpætwɑː/

patois

Meaning
a regional or social dialect, especially one considered nonstandard or informal
Example
The guide slipped into local patois when chatting with the fishermen.
C2 noun /fɪˈlɒl.ə.dʒɪst/

philologist

Meaning
a person who studies languages and their history
Example
The philologist analyzed ancient texts to understand language evolution.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
C2 adjective /ˈplændʒənt/

plangent

Meaning
having a loud, mournful sound; resonant
Example
The plangent toll of the church bell echoed through the village.
C2 adjective /ˈpjʊəraɪl/

puerile

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

Perfidy

Meaning
deliberate breach of faith or trust; treachery; betrayal of trust
Example
His perfidy shocked all who had trusted him.
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 /ˈpɛkəbl/

peccable

Meaning
liable to sin or error; capable of doing wrong
Example
Humans are peccable, but they strive for goodness.
C2 adjective /pərˈsuːənt/

pursuant

Meaning
in accordance with or following something, especially a law or rule
Example
The decision was made pursuant to the regulations.
C2 verb /prɪˈpɒndəreɪt/

preponderate

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

pedagogue

Meaning
a teacher, especially a strict or formal one
Example
The old pedagogue insisted on discipline in the classroom.
C2 adjective /njuːˈmætɪk/

pneumatic

Meaning
operated by air or gas under pressure
Example
The factory uses pneumatic tools for assembly.
C2 adjective /pʌŋkˈtɪliəs/

punctilious

Meaning
Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior.
Example
She was punctilious in her attention to etiquette.
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 adjective /prɪˈsɛnʃənt/

presentient

Meaning
Having a feeling or sense of something about to happen; predictive.
Example
She was presentient of the coming disaster.
C2 noun /pɪˈnɒlədʒi/

penology

Meaning
The study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation.
Example
He decided to specialize in penology to help improve the prison system.
C2 adjective /pərˈfɛktəbl/

perfectible

Meaning
capable of being made perfect or improved
Example
Human nature is imperfect but perfectible.
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 /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

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

photoelectric

Meaning
relating to the emission of electrons or other free carriers when light shines on a material
Example
The photoelectric effect is fundamental in solar panels.
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 /pərˈfɜrvɪd/

perfervid

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

preexistence

Meaning
the state of existing before something else
Example
Philosophers often debated the preexistence of the soul.
C2 adjective /ˈpɜːrviəs/

pervious

Meaning
Allowing water, air, or other substances to pass through; permeable.
Example
The soil here is pervious to rainwater.
C2 noun /ˈpjuː.pɪ.lɪdʒ/

pupilage

Meaning
The state of being a pupil or under instruction.
Example
During his pupilage, he studied law under a senior barrister.
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 verb /ˈprɒsəˌlaɪtaɪz/

proselytize

Meaning
To try to persuade someone to convert to a different belief or religion.
Example
They tried to proselytize the villagers with their new ideas.
C2 noun /ˈpriːskrɪpt/

prescript

Meaning
An authoritative rule or direction; something laid down as a command.
Example
The prescript of the organization required strict punctuality.
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 noun/adjective /prɪˈsɪpɪtənt/

precipitant

Meaning
As a noun: a substance that causes a substance to be deposited from a solution; as an adjective: acting hastily or impulsively.
Example
The chemist added a precipitant to the solution to observe the reaction.
C2 noun /ˌpɑːrtjʊˈrɪʃən/

parturition

Meaning
The act of giving birth; childbirth.
Example
The doctor explained the stages of parturition to the students.
C2 verb /ˈprɛsɪdʒ/

presage

Meaning
to be a sign or warning that something will happen; to foreshadow
Example
Dark clouds presage a storm.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːpərɪzəm/

pauperism

Meaning
The state of being extremely poor.
Example
The country struggled with rising pauperism in the 19th century.
C2 verb /ˈpɛrəɡrɪˌneɪt/

peregrinate

Meaning
To travel or wander from place to place.
Example
He loved to peregrinate across the countryside during summer.
C2 noun /ˈfeɪlæŋks/

phalanx

Meaning
A group of people or things arranged in a compact, close formation; also an ancient Greek military formation.
Example
A phalanx of reporters waited outside the courthouse.
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 adjective /flɛgˈmæt.ɪk/

phlegmatic

Meaning
having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition
Example
Despite the chaos, he remained phlegmatic and composed.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrsənɪdʒ/

personage

Meaning
an important or famous person
Example
He is considered a great personage in the world of literature.
C2 noun /ˌpærəˈɡɔːrɪk/

paregoric

Meaning
a medicine containing opium, once used to relieve pain and diarrhea
Example
Doctors once prescribed paregoric to treat diarrhea in children.
C2 adjective /ˈprɒmɪsəri/

promissory

Meaning
Containing or conveying a promise, especially in writing.
Example
He signed a promissory note to repay the loan.
C2 adjective /ˈplɛntɪəs/

plenteous

Meaning
existing in great quantity; abundant
Example
The harvest was plenteous, providing enough food for the entire village.
C2 verb /ˈpʌlvəraɪz/

pulverize

Meaning
To crush or grind something into a fine powder; to completely defeat or destroy.
Example
The machine can pulverize stones into dust.
C2 noun /ˌpɒl.iˈsɪl.ə.bəl/

polysyllable

Meaning
a word with more than one syllable
Example
The word 'elephant' is a polysyllable because it has three syllables.
C2 noun /priˈɛmpʃən/

preemption

Meaning
The act of taking action before someone else; the right to purchase or act before others.
Example
The company exercised preemption to acquire the land before competitors.
C2 noun /prəˈpɪŋkwɪti/

propinquity

Meaning
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity
Example
The propinquity of their houses made them close friends.
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 /ˈpaʊ.waʊ/

powwow

Meaning
an informal meeting or conference to discuss something
Example
The team held a quick powwow before the presentation.
C2 adjective /ˈpʌkɪʃ/

puckish

Meaning
playfully mischievous
Example
The child gave a puckish grin before hiding the toy.
C2 adjective /prɪˈhɛnsaɪl/

prehensile

Meaning
adapted for seizing or grasping, especially by wrapping around an object
Example
The monkey used its prehensile tail to hang from the branch.
C2 adjective /ˌpəʊstˈprændɪəl/

postprandial

Meaning
Occurring after a meal.
Example
He went for a postprandial walk after dinner.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːntʃi/

paunchy

Meaning
Having a large or protruding belly.
Example
The paunchy man struggled to button his shirt.
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 /ˈprɒsɪlaɪt/

proselyte

Meaning
A person who has converted from one belief, opinion, or religion to another.
Example
She became a proselyte after converting to a new faith.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛktərəl/

pectoral

Meaning
Relating to the chest or breast.
Example
The athlete focused on strengthening his pectoral muscles.
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 noun /ˈpɒliˌɑːrki/

polyarchy

Meaning
government by many people
Example
Polyarchy allows multiple parties to share power.
C2 adjective /ˈprɪɡɪʃ/

priggish

Meaning
self-righteously moralistic and superior
Example
He came across as priggish when correcting everyone's manners.
C2 noun /prəˈfʌn.dɪ.ti/

profundity

Meaning
Deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought.
Example
The profundity of his words left a lasting impact.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtjʊləns/

petulance

Meaning
The quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
His petulance during the meeting annoyed everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛndjʊləs/

pendulous

Meaning
hanging down loosely; drooping
Example
The pendulous fruit weighed down the branch.
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 noun prɒkˈsiː.mɪks

proxemics

Meaning
The study of how people use space and distance to indicate relationships
Example
Understanding proxemics helps in improving interpersonal communication.
C2 verb /poʊˈtɛnʃiˌeɪt/

potentiate

Meaning
To increase the power, effect, or likelihood of something.
Example
Caffeine can potentiate the effects of some medicines.
C2 verb /ˈpælieɪt/

palliate

Meaning
to make a disease, symptoms, or problem less severe without removing the cause
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to palliate the patient's pain.
C2 adjective /ˈprɒvɪdənt/

provident

Meaning
making or indicative of timely preparation for the future
Example
She was provident in saving money for her children’s education.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/

peripatetic

Meaning
Traveling from place to place, especially for work or based on lifestyle.
Example
He led a peripatetic life as a traveling teacher.
C2 adjective /ˌpɒliˈæn.ɪ.ɪʃ/

pollyannaish

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

pontificate

Meaning
to speak or act in a pompous or dogmatic way; to officiate as a pontiff
Example
He pontificated on the importance of education for over an hour.
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 /prɪˈhɛnsɪbəl/

prehensible

Meaning
capable of being grasped or seized
Example
The tool has a prehensible handle that improves safety.
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 /ˈplætɪtjuːd/

platitude

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

plaudits

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

pharisee

Meaning
A member of an ancient Jewish sect; by extension, a self-righteous or hypocritical person.
Example
He acted like a pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults.
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 adverb /pəˈfɔːs/

perforce

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

pugnacity

Meaning
A natural disposition to be combative or aggressive.
Example
The coach admired the player's pugnacity on the field.
C2 verb /pəˈræmbjʊˌleɪt/

perambulate

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

perfidious

Meaning
deceitful and untrustworthy
Example
The spy was executed for his perfidious actions.
C2 noun /ˌsuːdəʊəˈpɒsəl/

pseudapostle

Meaning
a false or pretended apostle
Example
The preacher was condemned as a pseudapostle.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrləns/

parlance

Meaning
a particular way of speaking or using words, common to a group
Example
In legal parlance, the term has a different meaning.
C2 adjective /prəˈtuːbərənt/

protuberant

Meaning
Sticking out or bulging.
Example
His protuberant belly showed after the meal.
C2 noun /ˈpæntəˌskoʊp/

pantoscope

Meaning
An optical instrument that provides a wide or panoramic view.
Example
The scientist used a pantoscope to observe the entire horizon.
C2 adjective /ˈpliːnəri/

plenary

Meaning
complete in every way; fully attended or absolute
Example
The committee held a plenary session to discuss all matters of importance.
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 /ˈpiːən/

paean

Meaning
A song or piece of writing expressing great praise or triumph.
Example
The article was a paean to the beauty of nature.
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 /ˌfɪzɪˈɑːkrəsi/

physiocracy

Meaning
an economic theory that land and its natural products are the source of wealth
Example
Physiocracy emphasized the importance of agriculture in national wealth.
C2 noun /ˈpɑːrvənuː/

parvenu

Meaning
A person who has recently gained wealth or influence but is not yet accepted socially.
Example
He was seen as a parvenu who lacked refinement despite his riches.
C2 noun /priːˈɛmɪnəns/

preeminence

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

portent

Meaning
A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.
Example
The sudden drop in stock prices was seen as a portent of economic trouble.
C2 noun /ˈpætrɪsaɪd/

patricide

Meaning
The act of killing one's own father.
Example
The ancient myth describes a son committing patricide to take the throne.
C2 noun /ˈpɪnəs/

pinnace

Meaning
a small boat, often carried by a larger ship
Example
The sailors used a pinnace to reach the shore.
C2 noun /ˈpraɪəri/

priory

Meaning
a small monastery or convent governed by a prior or prioress
Example
The old priory was converted into a museum.
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 /ˈpɛnɪtrəbl/

penetrable

Meaning
Capable of being passed through or entered.
Example
The thin wall was easily penetrable.
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 /ˈpɜːrvjuː/

purview

Meaning
the scope or range of authority, responsibility, or knowledge
Example
The case does not fall within the purview of this court.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːrtli/

portly

Meaning
Having a stout or somewhat fat body, often implying dignity or authority.
Example
The portly man entered the room with confidence.
C2 adjective /pjuːˈtrɛsənt/

putrescent

Meaning
undergoing the process of decay; rotting
Example
The putrescent odor made everyone leave the room.
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 noun /ˌfɑːsfəˈrɛsəns/

phosphorescence

Meaning
the property of emitting light without noticeable heat
Example
The deep-sea creatures displayed a beautiful phosphorescence.
C2 noun /ˌpliːnɪpəˈtɛnʃəri/

plenipotentiary

Meaning
a person invested with full power to act on behalf of another, especially in diplomacy
Example
The ambassador was a plenipotentiary sent to negotiate the treaty.
C2 noun /ˌsuːdəˈnɪmɪti/

pseudonymity

Meaning
the practice or state of using a pseudonym
Example
The author maintained pseudonymity throughout her career.