sanctify
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C2 verb /ˈsæŋktɪfaɪ/

sanctify

Meaning
to make holy or sacred; to purify
Example
The priest will sanctify the marriage ceremony.
C2 verb /ˈdʒɛsteɪt/

gestate

Meaning
to carry and develop in the womb during pregnancy; to develop an idea over a period of time
Example
The mother whale gestates her calf for over a year.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɜːrlɪʃ/

churlish

Meaning
Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
Example
It would be churlish to refuse her kind invitation.
C2 adjective /ˈpjuːɪsənt/

puissant

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

malfeasance

Meaning
Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official.
Example
The mayor was accused of malfeasance in office.
C2 verb /lɑːl/

loll

Meaning
To sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way.
Example
He lolled on the sofa after a long day at work.
C2 noun /ˈmʌɡwʌmp/

mugwump

Meaning
a person who remains independent from party politics or remains aloof from disputes
Example
He was called a mugwump for refusing to join either political side.
C2 verb /aɪˈtɪnəˌreɪt/

itinerate

Meaning
To travel from place to place, usually for the purpose of work or preaching.
Example
The missionary itinerated throughout the region to spread the message.
C2 noun /ˈɡʊrmənd/

gourmand

Meaning
A person who enjoys eating a lot or has a great appetite for food.
Example
As a true gourmand, he never missed an opportunity to try new dishes.
C2 verb (past tense, past participle), adjective /ˈhæmstrʌŋ/

hamstrung

Meaning
crippled or severely restricted in movement or progress.
Example
The team was hamstrung by lack of resources.
C2 noun /ˈplɛdʒɔːr/

pledgeor

Meaning
a person who gives or offers a pledge or security
Example
The bank accepted the jewelry from the pledgeor as collateral for the loan.
C2 verb /ˈblʌstər/

bluster

Meaning
to speak loudly in an aggressive or threatening way, often without real power
Example
The manager blustered about firing people but did nothing.
C2 noun /ˈɪnroʊd/

inroad

Meaning
An advance or significant progress, often at the expense of something else.
Example
The company made significant inroads into the mobile market.
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 /ˌɡaɪnəˈkɒkrəsi/

gynecocracy

Meaning
a society or government ruled by women
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its gynecocracy, where women held all positions of power.
C2 noun /neɪv/

Knave

Meaning
a dishonest person, especially a man; a playing card with a picture of a male servant
Example
The knave tried to cheat the old woman out of her savings.
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 noun /viːˈnæləti/

venality

Meaning
the quality of being open to bribery or corruption
Example
The scandal revealed the venality of several senior officials.
C2 noun /ˈvɛləm/

vellum

Meaning
a fine parchment made originally from the skin of a calf, used for writing or printing
Example
The ancient manuscript was written on vellum.
C2 adjective /ˈwɜːkmənˌlaɪk/

workmanlike

Meaning
Showing efficient, competent, and practical skill, but without flair or creativity.
Example
The carpenter delivered a workmanlike performance on the project.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪlɒn/

carillon

Meaning
A set of bells played using a keyboard, usually in a tower.
Example
The carillon bells rang across the town square.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsuːsiənt/

insouciant

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

equanimity

Meaning
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
Example
She handled the news with remarkable equanimity.
C2 noun /ˌsuːdəˈnɪmɪti/

pseudonymity

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

mendacious

Meaning
not telling the truth; lying
Example
The politician was known for his mendacious statements.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt/

incinerate

Meaning
to burn something completely until it is reduced to ashes
Example
The city decided to incinerate the medical waste for safety.
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 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 /dɪˈpɔːrtmənt/

deportment

Meaning
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
Example
Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone.
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 /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.li/

contumely

Meaning
insulting or humiliating treatment
Example
He endured the contumely of his colleagues with patience.
C2 verb /əˈbɛt/

abet

Meaning
to encourage or assist someone to commit a crime or wrongdoing
Example
He was accused of abetting the criminals in their escape.
C2 noun/verb /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/

recompense

Meaning
to compensate someone for loss or harm suffered; compensation given for damage or injury
Example
The company offered financial recompense to the injured worker.
C2 noun /kɔːrˈteɪʒ/

cortege

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

collegian

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

evince

Meaning
to show or demonstrate clearly
Example
She evinced her interest in the project through active participation.
C2 noun /ˈʌm.brə/

Umbra

Meaning
the fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object; the dark center of a sunspot
Example
During the eclipse, we stood in the moon's umbra.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈdɪstæf/

distaff

Meaning
Relating to women or the maternal side of a family; also a tool for spinning thread.
Example
She came from the distaff side of a noble family.
C2 verb /ˈlɪk.wɪ.faɪ/

liquefy

Meaning
to make or become liquid
Example
The heat will liquefy the butter in a few minutes.
C2 adjective /ˈpɔːntʃi/

paunchy

Meaning
Having a large or protruding belly.
Example
The paunchy man struggled to button his shirt.
C2 noun /ˌæfɛkˈteɪʃən/

affectation

Meaning
an unnatural behavior or speech intended to impress others
Example
Her British accent was just an affectation to sound sophisticated.
C2 noun /nəˈkrɒpəlɪs/

necropolis

Meaning
a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs
Example
The archaeologists discovered artifacts in the necropolis of the ancient city.
C2 adjective /ˈwiːk niːd/

weak-kneed

Meaning
Lacking determination or courage; easily frightened or yielding.
Example
The leader was criticized for being weak-kneed in the face of opposition.
C2 verb /diːˈmæɡnɪtaɪz/

demagnetize

Meaning
To remove or reduce the magnetic properties of something.
Example
The technician demagnetized the old cassette tape.
C2 noun /ɪnˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd/

ingratitude

Meaning
Lack of gratitude; failure to show thanks or appreciation.
Example
His ingratitude hurt her feelings after all she had done for him.
C2 noun /ˌvɛəriəˈɡeɪʃən/

variegation

Meaning
The appearance of differently colored zones in the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants.
Example
Variegation makes the foliage look more attractive.
C2 noun /skriːd/

screed

Meaning
a long, tedious piece of writing or speech; also a layer of material like cement spread on a surface
Example
He delivered a long screed against corruption.
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 verb /ɪˈluːmɪn/

illumine

Meaning
to light up or make clear
Example
The rising sun illumined the mountain peaks.
C2 noun /wɪt/

whit

Meaning
a very small part or amount
Example
He doesn't care a whit about the outcome.
C2 noun /dəˈɡerəˌtaɪp/

daguerreotype

Meaning
An early type of photograph produced on a silver or silver-covered copper plate.
Example
The museum displayed a rare daguerreotype of Abraham Lincoln.
C2 verb /fɪˈneɪɡəl/

finagle

Meaning
to obtain something by cleverness or trickery
Example
He finagled a free ticket by pretending to be a VIP guest.
C2 noun /meɪs/

Mase

Meaning
spice obtained from the reddish seed covering of the nutmeg seed
Example
A pinch of mace adds warmth to the dessert.
C2 noun /ˈhɛksəˌpɒd/

hexapod

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

taciturn

Meaning
reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
Example
He was a taciturn man who rarely spoke in meetings.
C2 noun /ˈɒbsɪkwi/

obsequy

Meaning
A funeral rite, usually used in plural form obsequies.
Example
The village gathered for the obsequy of their beloved teacher.
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 (plural, informal) /skædz/

scads

Meaning
A large number or quantity of something (informal).
Example
She has scads of friends in the city.
C2 adjective /dʒɪˈdʒuːn/

jejune

Meaning
Naive, simplistic, and superficial; also dull or uninteresting.
Example
The professor dismissed the essay as jejune and lacking depth.
C2 noun /draɪ ˈmæŋgoʊ ˈpaʊdər/

Dry Mango Powder

Meaning
a tangy powder made from dried raw mangoes, used as a spice in Indian cuisine
Example
The chef sprinkled dry mango powder over the chaat for extra tanginess.
C2 verb /əˈkriːt/

accrete

Meaning
to grow or increase gradually by accumulation or addition
Example
Dust particles accrete over time to form larger celestial bodies.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛl.ɪˈtɪə.ri.əs/

deleterious

Meaning
Causing physical or mental harm or damage.
Example
Smoking has deleterious effects on health.
C2 verb /ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt/

adumbrate

Meaning
to foreshadow or suggest something in an unclear or indirect way
Example
The report adumbrates future economic challenges.
C2 verb /ɛkˈskɔːrieɪt/

excoriate

Meaning
To strongly criticize someone; to denounce severely.
Example
The critic excoriated the film for its poor script.
C2 noun /ˈæpəfθɛm/

apophthegm

Meaning
A short, pithy, and instructive saying or maxim.
Example
She always had a witty apophthegm to share at meetings.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrtɪfɪs/

artifice

Meaning
clever or cunning devices or tricks used to deceive others
Example
The politician's charm was nothing but artifice.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdɛsənt/

iridescent

Meaning
showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles
Example
She wore an iridescent dress that sparkled in the light.
C2 adjective /ˌhæɡ.i.əˈɡræf.ɪk/

hagiographic

Meaning
Excessively flattering or idealized, often in a biography or portrayal of someone.
Example
The documentary was criticized for its hagiographic portrayal of the leader.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɛntʃər/

debenture

Meaning
a type of debt instrument not secured by physical assets or collateral
Example
The company raised capital by issuing debentures to investors.
C2 noun /ˈbɒmbæst/

bombast

Meaning
speech or writing that is overly pompous and inflated
Example
His campaign speech was full of bombast but lacked real substance.
C2 noun /ɪˈlɪksər/

elixir

Meaning
A magical or medicinal potion believed to cure illnesses or grant immortality.
Example
The old legend spoke of an elixir that could grant eternal youth.
C2 noun /ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə/

cornucopia

Meaning
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
Example
The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets.
C2 noun /ˈɛksplɪkeɪtər/

explicator

Meaning
a person who explains or interprets something in detail
Example
The critic served as an explicator of the poet’s complex works.
C2 verb /ˈrævəl/

ravel

Meaning
to tangle or complicate; to untangle or unravel depending on context
Example
She began to ravel the loose threads of the sweater.
C2 noun /ˈbɛnɪfɪs/

benefice

Meaning
a permanent church appointment for which property and income are provided
Example
The bishop appointed him to a wealthy benefice.
C2 noun dɪsˈbɜːs.mənt

disbursement

Meaning
The payment of money from a fund.
Example
The company's disbursement of salaries was delayed.
C2 verb /dɪˈbɔːtʃ/

debauch

Meaning
to corrupt morally; to lead into excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures
Example
The novel shows how wealth can debauch a person's character.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkoʊˈɜːrsəbl̩/

incoercible

Meaning
Not capable of being forced, compelled, or restrained.
Example
Her incoercible spirit inspired others to fight for justice.
C2 verb /ˌfɔːrˈrʌn/

forerun

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

dragnet

Meaning
A systematic search or investigation, often by police to catch criminals.
Example
The police launched a dragnet to capture the fugitives.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɪdʒ/

equipage

Meaning
Equipment or a carriage with its accessories.
Example
The nobleman arrived in a grand equipage.
C2 adverb /ˈbruːskli/ or /ˈbrʌskli/

brusquely

Meaning
in a blunt, abrupt, or rude manner
Example
She brusquely dismissed the suggestion.
C2 adjective /ˌhæfˈbeɪkt/

half-baked

Meaning
poorly thought out or badly planned
Example
The manager quickly rejected his half-baked proposal.
C2 verb /ɛnˈkɪndl/

enkindle

Meaning
to set on fire or inspire strong emotion
Example
The speech enkindled hope in the audience.
C2 noun /ɪˈlɛk.trə.taɪp/

electrotype

Meaning
A duplicate printing plate made by electroplating a mold of the original.
Example
The printer used an electrotype to produce multiple copies of the page.
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 /ˌhoʊ.mi.oʊˈsteɪ.sɪs/

homeostasis

Meaning
The tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Example
The human body maintains homeostasis through temperature regulation.
C2 verb /ʌnˈjoʊk/

unyoke

Meaning
To release from a yoke or to free from restraint or obligation.
Example
The farmer unyoked the oxen after a long day of work.
C2 noun /æbˈsɪʒən/

abscission

Meaning
The natural detachment of parts of a plant, typically leaves or fruit.
Example
The autumn season is marked by the abscission of leaves from trees.
C2 adjective /ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

contumacious

Meaning
stubbornly disobedient or rebellious
Example
The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules.
C2 noun /pəˈlɛmɪk/

polemic

Meaning
a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something
Example
The article was a fierce polemic against the government's policies.
C2 verb /bɪˈnʌm/

benumb

Meaning
to make physically numb or without sensation; to make mentally dull or insensitive
Example
The freezing wind seemed to benumb his fingers within minutes.
C2 verb /ˌoʊvərˈliːp/

overleap

Meaning
To jump over something; to omit or disregard something.
Example
He managed to overleap the fence easily.
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 /sɪˈkwɛstreɪt/

sequestrate

Meaning
To take legal possession of assets until a debt is paid or disputes are resolved.
Example
The court decided to sequestrate the company's property.
C2 noun /ˈlɑːrdər/

larder

Meaning
A place, such as a pantry, where food is stored.
Example
The larder was full of fresh bread and cheese.
C2 adjective /ˌsʌpəzɪˈtɪʃəs/

supposititious

Meaning
Based on assumption rather than fact; not genuine or authentic.
Example
The story turned out to be supposititious, with no evidence to support it.
C2 verb /ˌsɜːrkəmˈnævɪɡeɪt/

circumnavigate

Meaning
to travel all the way around something, especially the earth
Example
Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the globe.
C2 adjective /ˌpɒliˈæn.ɪ.ɪʃ/

pollyannaish

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

immemorial

Meaning
Extending back beyond memory or record; ancient.
Example
The tradition has been followed since time immemorial.
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 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərəbl/

inconsiderable

Meaning
Too small or unimportant to be worth considering.
Example
The donation was not inconsiderable, though smaller than expected.
C2 verb /dɪˈnjuːd/

denude

Meaning
to strip something of its covering, possessions, or assets
Example
The forest was denuded of trees by illegal logging.
C2 noun /ˈsɒlɪˌsɪzəm/

solecism

Meaning
a grammatical mistake in speech or writing; a breach of good manners or etiquette
Example
His speech was full of solecisms and awkward phrases.
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 adjective /ɪˈnɪkwɪtəs/

iniquitous

Meaning
grossly unfair and morally wrong
Example
Slavery was one of the most iniquitous practices in history.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrɡər/

burgher

Meaning
A citizen of a town, typically a member of the wealthy middle class.
Example
The burgher was respected as a prosperous merchant in the city.
C2 verb /beɪt/

bate

Meaning
to lessen or restrain; to diminish the force or intensity of something
Example
He spoke with bated breath as he waited for the result.
C2 verb /ˈmæstɪkeɪt/

masticate

Meaning
to chew food thoroughly before swallowing
Example
He slowly masticated the bread before swallowing.
C2 adjective /fjuːˈɡeɪʃəs/

fugacious

Meaning
Lasting only a short time; fleeting or ephemeral.
Example
Youth is beautiful but fugacious.
C2 noun /ɡæsˈtraɪtɪs/

gastritis

Meaning
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with gastritis after his endoscopy.
C2 verb /ˈrʌstɪkeɪt/

rusticate

Meaning
To go to the countryside or to suspend someone from university.
Example
He decided to rusticate in the village to escape the busy city life.
C2 noun /ˈɑːbəlɪsk/

obelisk

Meaning
A tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument with a pyramid-shaped top.
Example
The ancient Egyptians built obelisks to honor their gods.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæmp/

decamp

Meaning
To depart suddenly or secretly, often to avoid trouble or escape.
Example
The thief decamped before the police arrived.
C2 noun /ˌklɛptəˈmeɪniæk/

kleptomaniac

Meaning
A person with an irresistible urge to steal, typically without need or profit.
Example
The kleptomaniac was caught shoplifting again.
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 noun /flæks/

flax

Meaning
a plant whose fibers are used to make linen and whose seeds are edible
Example
Flax is often used in making linen fabrics.
C2 noun /əˈplɒm/

aplomb

Meaning
Complete and confident self-assurance or poise.
Example
She handled the difficult questions with aplomb.