seminary
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C2 noun /ˈsɛm.ɪ.nɛr.i/

seminary

Meaning
A school or college for training priests, ministers, or rabbis.
Example
He decided to enroll in a seminary to study theology.
C2 adjective /ˈæn.ə.daɪn/

anodyne

Meaning
Not likely to cause offense; bland or harmless. Also refers to something that relieves pain.
Example
The speaker’s anodyne remarks avoided controversy.
C2 noun /ˈɒrɪz(ə)n/

orison

Meaning
a prayer, especially a devout or formal one
Example
He whispered a quiet orison before going to sleep.
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 /ˈæmɪti/

amity

Meaning
A friendly relationship between people or countries.
Example
The treaty helped maintain amity between the neighboring nations.
C2 adjective /ˈreɪ.moʊs/

ramose

Meaning
having many branches.
Example
The ramose tree shaded the entire garden.
C2 noun /ˈkælvɪnɪzəm/

calvinism

Meaning
A Protestant theological system based on John Calvin’s teachings, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.
Example
Calvinism played a major role in shaping Protestant theology.
C2 verb, noun /blæb/

blab

Meaning
to talk too much or reveal secrets carelessly; excessive or foolish talk
Example
He accidentally blabbed the surprise to everyone.
C2 noun /ɛnˈsɪklɪkəl/

encyclical

Meaning
a formal letter sent by the Pope to Catholic churches, usually addressing important issues
Example
The Pope issued an encyclical on climate change and moral responsibility.
C2 adjective /ˈfrəʊərd/

froward

Meaning
Difficult to deal with; contrary and disobedient.
Example
The teacher found the froward child hard to manage.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk/

diatomic

Meaning
Consisting of two atoms.
Example
Oxygen is a diatomic molecule.
C2 verb /fɔːrˈboʊd/

forebode

Meaning
To predict or have a strong inner feeling of a future misfortune or evil.
Example
Dark clouds forebode a coming storm.
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 /əˈbrɪdʒmənt/

abridgment

Meaning
A shortened version of a larger work, such as a book or speech.
Example
The publisher released an abridgment of the lengthy novel for students.
C2 noun /ɪˈreɪdiəns/

irradiance

Meaning
the quality of shining brightly; the intensity of light falling on a surface
Example
The irradiance of the sun at noon was overwhelming.
C2 verb /ˌmɪs.əˈtrɪb.juːt/

misattribute

Meaning
to incorrectly credit something, such as a work or remark, to the wrong person or source
Example
The quote was misattributed to Shakespeare.
C2 verb /ˈɪntərˌdɪkt/

interdict

Meaning
to prohibit or forbid something by authoritative order, often by law or decree
Example
The court moved to interdict the sale of the illegal goods.
C2 adjective /səˈmætɪk/

somatic

Meaning
Relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind.
Example
Yoga can improve both somatic and mental health.
C2 noun /dɪˌlæpɪˈdeɪʃən/

dilapidation

Meaning
The state of disrepair or ruin as a result of neglect.
Example
The old temple was in a state of dilapidation.
C2 noun /ˈmʌstərd ɔɪl/

Mustard Oil

Meaning
oil extracted from mustard seeds, commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes
Example
We use mustard oil for cooking vegetables in our kitchen.
C2 adjective /ˌæpəˈplɛktɪk/

apoplectic

Meaning
Extremely angry; furious.
Example
He was apoplectic when he heard about the unfair decision.
C2 noun /fækˈtoʊtəm/

factotum

Meaning
an employee who does many different types of work; a general servant
Example
He worked as a factotum, handling both clerical and maintenance duties.
C2 noun /ˈdɪfɪdəns/

diffidence

Meaning
Lack of self-confidence; shyness or modesty.
Example
Her diffidence made it hard for her to speak in public.
C2 noun /ˈfɔːltˌfaɪndər/

faultfinder

Meaning
a person who habitually finds fault with others
Example
He is such a faultfinder that nothing anyone does is ever good enough.
C2 adjective /mɛnˈdeɪʃəs/

mendacious

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

inebriate

Meaning
to intoxicate; to make someone drunk
Example
The strong wine was enough to inebriate even the most experienced drinker.
C2 noun /kənˌɡlɒməˈreɪʃən/

conglomeration

Meaning
A collection or mixture of different things grouped together.
Example
The market is a conglomeration of small shops and food stalls.
C2 noun /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪk/

ecclesiastic

Meaning
A member of the clergy or church official.
Example
The council was attended by several high-ranking ecclesiastics.
C2 noun /ˌæpəˈleɪʃən/

appellation

Meaning
a name or title
Example
The city has earned the appellation 'The Big Apple'.
C2 noun /hʊˈzɑːr/

hussar

Meaning
a member of a light cavalry regiment in European armies, especially the Hungarian cavalry
Example
The hussar rode swiftly across the battlefield.
C2 adjective /ˈliːənaɪn/

leonine

Meaning
Of or resembling a lion.
Example
His leonine hair made him stand out in the crowd.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpruːdənt/

imprudent

Meaning
Not showing care for the consequences of an action.
Example
It was imprudent to drive in such stormy weather.
C2 noun /ˈjoʊkəl/

yokel

Meaning
An uneducated and unsophisticated person from the countryside; a bumpkin.
Example
The city folks laughed at the yokel's simple ways.
C2 noun /ɪˈnɪkwɪti/

iniquity

Meaning
Immoral or grossly unfair behavior.
Example
The dictator's regime was marked by corruption and iniquity.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪfɪŋ/

chafing

Meaning
To make sore by rubbing; to become irritated.
Example
The rough shoes were chafing his heels.
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 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 /ˈænɪməlˌkjuːl/

animalcule

Meaning
A microscopic animal, especially a protozoan or other minute organism.
Example
The scientist observed an animalcule moving under the microscope.
C2 noun /ˈɪnsələns/

insolence

Meaning
rude or disrespectful behavior
Example
The teacher was shocked by the student's insolence.
C2 noun /ˈbɒnəmi/

bonhomie

Meaning
Cheerful friendliness and geniality.
Example
The meeting was filled with laughter and bonhomie.
C2 adjective /ˈbɔːdi/

bawdy

Meaning
humorously indecent or obscene, often in a sexual way
Example
The comedian’s bawdy jokes made the audience laugh and blush.
C2 verb /ʌpˈbreɪd/

upbraid

Meaning
To scold or criticize someone harshly.
Example
The teacher upbraided the student for being late again.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈplækəbl/

implacable

Meaning
unable to be appeased, calmed, or pacified
Example
The soldiers faced an implacable enemy who refused to surrender.
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 /ˈdɛndrɔɪd/

dendroid

Meaning
tree-shaped or branching like a tree
Example
The coral has a dendroid structure.
C2 adjective /ˈnɛtlˌsʌm/

nettlesome

Meaning
Causing irritation, annoyance, or difficulty.
Example
The nettlesome rules frustrated the workers.
C2 verb /ˈtɪtəleɪt/

titillate

Meaning
To excite or amuse, especially in a slightly sexual or playful way.
Example
The comedian's jokes titillated the audience.
C2 noun /ˈsuːθˌseɪər/

soothsayer

Meaning
a person who claims to predict the future
Example
The king consulted a soothsayer before going to war.
C2 adjective /dɪˈluːsɪv/

delusive

Meaning
Giving a false or misleading impression; deceptive.
Example
His promises turned out to be delusive and untrustworthy.
C2 verb /dɪˈfoʊlieɪt/

defoliate

Meaning
to strip leaves from a tree, plant, or area, often using chemicals
Example
The farmers defoliated the fields before harvest.
C2 noun /ˈeɪʒən swɒmp iːl/

Asian swamp eel

Meaning
a snake-like freshwater fish that can survive in muddy waters and is considered a delicacy in South Asian cuisine
Example
Asian swamp eel can breathe air and survive in shallow muddy waters.
C2 noun /lɪˈvaɪəθən/

leviathan

Meaning
a huge sea monster or something very large and powerful.
Example
The ship looked like a leviathan on the horizon.
C2 adjective /aɪˈtɪnərənt/

itinerant

Meaning
Traveling from place to place, especially for work or duty.
Example
The itinerant teacher moved from village to village to educate children.
C2 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːrt/

controvert

Meaning
to dispute or argue against; to contradict
Example
The scientist controversed the previous research findings.
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 /ˈɒpjʊlənt/

opulent

Meaning
Ostentatiously rich, luxurious, or lavish.
Example
They hosted an opulent wedding with gold decorations.
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 (plural) /əˈspɜːr.ʒənz/

aspersions

Meaning
Critical or slanderous remarks; multiple attacks on reputation.
Example
The politician rejected the aspersions cast against him.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtræn.sɪ.dʒənt/

intransigent

Meaning
Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.
Example
His intransigent stance delayed the agreement.
C2 adjective /ˈmɔːrɪbʌnd/

Moribund

Meaning
near death; dying; in a state of decline or decay
Example
The moribund patient was in critical condition.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪpəθi/

antipathy

Meaning
a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
There was a mutual antipathy between the two rival companies.
C2 noun, verb /ˈfɪlɪˌbʌstər/

filibuster

Meaning
a tactic of delaying legislative action by prolonged speech; to use such a tactic
Example
The senator filibustered for hours to prevent the bill from passing.
C2 noun /ræpˈskæliən/

rapscallion

Meaning
A mischievous or cheeky person; a rascal.
Example
The little rapscallion hid his brother’s shoes as a prank.
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 adjective ɪˈnɛfəbl

ineffable

Meaning
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
Example
The beauty of the landscape was ineffable.
C2 noun /ˈbrɛviˌɛri/

breviary

Meaning
A book containing the service for each day, used in Christian liturgy.
Example
The monk read from the breviary during morning prayers.
C2 noun /ˌænɪmædˈvɜːʒən/

animadversion

Meaning
Strong criticism or censure.
Example
The policy attracted severe animadversion from the public.
C2 noun /næt/

Gnat

Meaning
a small flying insect that bites people and animals
Example
The gnat buzzed around my head while I was reading.
C2 verb /ˈɪmprɪkeɪt/

imprecate

Meaning
To utter a curse or invoke evil upon someone.
Example
The old woman imprecated her enemies with dark words.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒŋɡruənt/

congruent

Meaning
in agreement or harmony; having the same shape and size in geometry
Example
Their values are congruent with the goals of the organization.
C2 noun /ˈɛpəʊd/

epode

Meaning
A form of lyric poem written in couplets, often following a strophe and antistrophe in classical Greek poetry.
Example
The poet concluded his ode with a striking epode.
C2 noun /ɜːrˈbænɪti/

urbanity

Meaning
refined courtesy, elegance, and sophistication in manner
Example
Her urbanity made her popular among diplomats and leaders.
C2 adjective /ˈθʌroʊˌɡoʊɪŋ/

thoroughgoing

Meaning
carried out to the full extent; absolute and complete
Example
She is a thoroughgoing professional in every sense.
C2 noun /θiˈɒsəfi/

theosophy

Meaning
A religious or philosophical belief system that seeks direct knowledge of the mysteries of life and the divine.
Example
Theosophy attracted people interested in mysticism and spiritual growth.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪpərˈkrɪtɪkl/

hypercritical

Meaning
Excessively or unreasonably critical.
Example
The teacher was often hypercritical of small mistakes.
C2 noun /ˈprɑːflɪɡəsi/

profligacy

Meaning
reckless wastefulness or extravagance
Example
His profligacy with money led him to bankruptcy.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.kən/

oaken

Meaning
made of or resembling oak wood
Example
The villagers gathered around the oaken table in the hall.
C2 adjective /ˈɛdɪfaɪɪŋ/

edifying

Meaning
Providing moral or intellectual instruction or enlightenment.
Example
The documentary was both entertaining and edifying.
C2 adjective /ˈsætərˌnaɪn/

saturnine

Meaning
slow and gloomy in mood
Example
His saturnine expression made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
C2 noun /ˈbæn.jən/

Banian

Meaning
a sleeveless undergarment worn next to the skin; vest
Example
He put on a cotton banian under his shirt.
C2 noun /ˈmeɪsə/

mesa

Meaning
An isolated flat-topped hill with steep sides, found in arid regions.
Example
The hikers stopped to admire the mesa rising above the desert floor.
C2 verb /ˈflædʒəˌleɪt/

flagellate

Meaning
to whip or flog someone, either literally or as a form of punishment or self-discipline
Example
In history, some monks would flagellate themselves as penance.
C2 noun /ˈfʌŋkʃəˌnɛri/

functionary

Meaning
a person who has official duties in an organization, especially one with little authority
Example
The minor functionary was responsible for filing reports.
C2 adjective/adverb /ˌæ.prəˈpoʊ/

apropos

Meaning
Appropriate to the situation; relevant. As an adverb, it means 'with reference to' or 'regarding'.
Example
His comments were not apropos of the discussion.
C2 adjective /ˈeɪ.li.ə.nə.bəl/

alienable

Meaning
Able to be transferred or surrendered, usually referring to rights or property.
Example
Property rights are alienable and can be sold or transferred.
C2 noun /əˌbɑː.məˈneɪ.ʃən/

abomination

Meaning
a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Example
Slavery was considered an abomination.
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 /əˈɡrɒnəmi/

agronomy

Meaning
The science and practice of soil management and crop production, focusing on the principles of plant and soil science to optimize agricultural productivity.
Example
Agronomy focuses on soil management and crop production.
C2 noun /əkˈsɛʃən/

accession

Meaning
the attainment of a position of rank or power, especially a monarch or president; the formal acceptance of an agreement or treaty
Example
The king's accession to the throne was celebrated with great ceremony.
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 noun /dɪˈkrɛpɪˌtjuːd/

decrepitude

Meaning
the state of being old, weak, and worn out
Example
The once-great empire fell into decrepitude.
C2 noun /ˈseɪpiəns/

sapience

Meaning
Wisdom or intelligence.
Example
Her sapience in solving problems earned her the respect of her colleagues.
C2 adverb /əˈbæk/

Aback

Meaning
by surprise; unexpectedly
Example
I was taken aback by his sudden announcement.
C2 verb /dʒaʊst/

joust

Meaning
to engage in a medieval contest on horseback with lances; to compete or argue
Example
The knights prepared to joust in front of the cheering crowd.
C2 noun /ˈmɒnəkl/

monocle

Meaning
A single round lens for one eye, used to correct or enhance vision.
Example
The old gentleman wore a monocle at formal events.
C2 noun /rɪˈmɒnstrəns/

remonstrance

Meaning
A forceful protest or objection.
Example
The workers’ remonstrance against unfair treatment was ignored.
C2 verb /bɪˈmjuːz/

bemuse

Meaning
To confuse or puzzle someone.
Example
The complex instructions bemused the new employees.
C2 noun /ˈbloʊˌhɑrd/

blowhard

Meaning
a person who brags a lot or talks in a boastful way
Example
Everyone avoided the blowhard at the party because he wouldn't stop bragging.
C2 noun /ˈlɪniəmənt/

lineament

Meaning
A distinctive feature or characteristic, especially of the face.
Example
Her delicate lineaments revealed her noble birth.
C2 noun /ˈlɪθəˌtaɪp/

lithotype

Meaning
a printing surface or type made for lithography
Example
The printer used a lithotype to produce multiple copies of the design.
C2 noun /ˈfɜːrlɔːŋ/

furlong

Meaning
a unit of distance equal to 220 yards or about 201 meters
Example
The horse ran a furlong before slowing down.
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 /ˌbuː.ɡənˈvɪl.i.ə/

Bougainvillea

Meaning
a tropical climbing plant with colorful bracts surrounding small flowers
Example
The bougainvillea climbing over the garden wall creates a beautiful purple display.
C2 adjective /ˈwɪnsəm/

winsome

Meaning
pleasant and attractive in a fresh, innocent, or charming way
Example
Her winsome smile instantly put the nervous guests at ease.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪsəluːt/

dissolute

Meaning
lacking moral restraint; indulging excessively in sensual pleasures
Example
He led a dissolute life filled with parties and gambling.
C2 adjective /həˈmɑː.lə.ɡəs/

homologous

Meaning
Having the same relation, relative position, or structure, especially due to evolutionary origin.
Example
The wings of bats and the arms of humans are homologous structures.
C2 noun /ˈhɒɡz.hɛd/

hogshead

Meaning
A large cask or barrel, traditionally used for storing liquids like wine or beer.
Example
The cellar was filled with hogsheads of ale.
C2 adjective ˌpɜː.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs

perspicacious

Meaning
Having keen insight and understanding; showing acute mental discernment.
Example
The detective's perspicacious nature helped solve the mystery.
C2 adjective /ˈbɛərˌfeɪst/

barefaced

Meaning
shameless and undisguised; openly bold or unashamed
Example
He told a barefaced lie in front of everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈɒf.biːt/

offbeat

Meaning
Unusual, unconventional, or different from the norm.
Example
She has a very offbeat sense of humor.
C2 noun /ˈpɛtjʊləns/

petulance

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

gendarme

Meaning
A French police officer, especially a member of a military-style police force.
Example
The gendarme stopped the car for a routine check.
C2 noun /sɛkˈstɛt/

sextet

Meaning
a group of six people playing music or a piece written for six performers
Example
The jazz sextet filled the small club with a warm, layered sound.
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 /ˌmɪstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

mystification

Meaning
the act of making something unclear or confusing; a state of being puzzled or bewildered
Example
The audience watched in mystification as the magician performed his tricks.
C2 noun /dɪˈsɛmbələr/

dissembler

Meaning
a person who conceals their real feelings or intentions; a hypocrite or pretender
Example
The politician was accused of being a dissembler who never revealed his true plans.
C2 noun /niːˈɒkrəsi/

neocracy

Meaning
A government or leadership run by inexperienced or new officials.
Example
The sudden revolution led to a neocracy with inexperienced leaders.
C2 verb /diːˈfrɑːk/

defrock

Meaning
to officially remove a priest or minister from their position and authority
Example
The church decided to defrock the priest after the scandal.
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 /ˈfædɪʃ/

faddish

Meaning
Following a temporary trend or fashion
Example
Wearing neon clothes was a faddish style in the 1980s.