sycophant
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C2 noun /ˈsɪkəfənt/

sycophant

Meaning
A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.
Example
The manager was surrounded by sycophants who agreed with everything he said.
C2 adjective /ˈtriːzənəbl/

treasonable

Meaning
Relating to or involving the crime of treason.
Example
The general was accused of treasonable conduct.
C2 verb /ˈærəˌɡeɪt/

arrogate

Meaning
To claim or take something without justification.
Example
The dictator arrogated all powers to himself.
C2 adjective /ˌæm.bɪˈdɛk.strəs/

ambidextrous

Meaning
Able to use both hands equally well, or versatile in abilities.
Example
Being ambidextrous can be beneficial in sports.
C2 adjective /ˈɛrənt/

errant

Meaning
behaving wrongly or straying from the proper course or standards
Example
The teacher disciplined the errant student.
C2 noun /ˌæk.wiˈes.əns/

acquiescence

Meaning
The reluctant acceptance of something without protest.
Example
His silent acquiescence to unfair rules was surprising.
C2 noun /ˈtaɪroʊ/

tyro

Meaning
A beginner or novice in a field or activity.
Example
As a tyro in programming, she needed constant guidance.
C2 noun /ˈmʌrɪn/

murrain

Meaning
An infectious disease that affects cattle and other animals, often fatal.
Example
The farmer lost many cows during the outbreak of murrain.
C2 verb /beɪst/

baste

Meaning
to pour or brush melted fat, juices, or liquid over meat during cooking to keep it moist
Example
She basted the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it juicy.
C2 verb /ɪˈmæskjʊleɪt/

emasculate

Meaning
To make someone weaker or less effective; to deprive of strength or vigor.
Example
The constant criticism emasculated his confidence.
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 /ˈsɪɡnət/

cygnet

Meaning
a young swan
Example
The cygnet swam closely behind its mother.
C2 adjective /ˈsʌpliənt/

suppliant

Meaning
Humbly or earnestly asking for something, especially from a person in authority.
Example
The suppliant man begged for mercy at the king's feet.
C2 adjective /ˌdɒktrɪˈnɛər/

doctrinaire

Meaning
stubbornly devoted to a theory or doctrine without regard to practical considerations
Example
His doctrinaire approach to politics alienated many supporters.
C2 noun ˈvaɪ.və ˈvəʊs

viva voce

Meaning
An oral examination, typically for an academic qualification.
Example
Viva Voce tests communication skills.
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 noun /ˈswɑːvɪti/

suavity

Meaning
smoothness and charm in manner
Example
His suavity made him popular in social gatherings.
C2 verb /baɪd/

bide

Meaning
to wait patiently for the right time or opportunity
Example
He decided to bide his time before making a move.
C2 noun /ɪnˌtɜːrpəˈleɪʃən/

interpolation

Meaning
The act of inserting something into a text or estimating values within a sequence of data.
Example
The scientist used interpolation to predict the missing data points.
C2 noun /ˌɔːrəˈtɔːri.oʊ/

oratorio

Meaning
A large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, usually on a sacred theme, performed without costumes or scenery.
Example
Handel's 'Messiah' is one of the most famous oratorios ever written.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɔːrtʃənət/

importunate

Meaning
Persistent to the point of annoyance or intrusion
Example
The importunate salesman kept calling despite repeated refusals.
C2 verb /əˈɡlɒməˌreɪt/

agglomerate

Meaning
To collect or form into a mass or group.
Example
The dust particles began to agglomerate into larger clusters.
C2 adjective /mæɡˈnæn.ɪ.məs/

magnanimous

Meaning
Very kind and generous, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.
Example
His magnanimous nature made him respected by all.
C2 noun /ruːˈeɪ/

roue

Meaning
A man devoted to a life of sensual pleasure; a debauched man.
Example
The old roue squandered his fortune on gambling and women.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

digressive

Meaning
Tending to depart from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
The speaker's digressive style made the lecture difficult to follow.
C2 noun /miːd/

mead

Meaning
An alcoholic drink made from fermented honey and water.
Example
The Vikings were known to drink large amounts of mead during feasts.
C2 verb /kənˈtɛm/

contemn

Meaning
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt
Example
He would never contemn honest work, no matter how humble.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/

countermand

Meaning
to revoke or cancel an order or command
Example
The general countermanded the previous orders immediately.
C2 noun /əˌbɑː.məˈneɪ.ʃən/

abomination

Meaning
a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Example
Slavery was considered an abomination.
C2 noun /lɑːrˈʒes/

largess

Meaning
Generosity in giving gifts or money.
Example
The foundation survived thanks to the largess of wealthy donors.
C2 adjective /ˈhæm ˌhændɪd/

ham-handed

Meaning
clumsy or inept in handling things or situations
Example
His ham-handed attempt to fix the computer made it worse.
C2 adjective /ˈɑːsɪˌfaɪd/

ossified

Meaning
Turned into bone or become rigid; unwilling to change.
Example
The company had an ossified management structure that resisted innovation.
C2 verb /ˈæntɪkweɪt/

antiquate

Meaning
To make something old-fashioned or obsolete.
Example
The rise of digital cameras antiquated traditional film photography.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndʒʊɡəl/

conjugal

Meaning
relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife
Example
They enjoyed a long life of conjugal happiness.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːfər/

coffer

Meaning
A strongbox or small chest for holding valuables, often used metaphorically for funds or financial reserves.
Example
The city's coffers were drained after the costly project.
C2 adjective /ˈlɪmbər/

limber

Meaning
Flexible and agile in body or movement.
Example
Dancers need to stay limber to perform well.
C2 adjective /ɑːlˈfæktəri/

olfactory

Meaning
Relating to the sense of smell.
Example
The perfume activated her olfactory nerves immediately.
C2 adjective /ˌdɛməˈnaɪəkəl/

demoniacal

Meaning
characteristic of or resembling a demon; wildly evil
Example
He gave a demoniacal laugh that terrified everyone.
C2 noun /ɪˌdʒækjʊˈleɪʃən/

ejaculation

Meaning
The action of suddenly saying something or the release of semen during sexual climax.
Example
His sudden ejaculation of joy surprised everyone in the room.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɛtsəm/

jetsam

Meaning
Unwanted material or goods thrown overboard from a ship and washed ashore.
Example
The beach was littered with jetsam after the storm.
C2 noun /ˈkuː.li/

Cooly

Meaning
a laborer who does physical work for wages
Example
The cooly carried heavy bags at the railway station.
C2 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd liːf/

Mustard leaf

Meaning
green leafy vegetable from the mustard plant; edible leaves used in cooking
Example
We cooked mustard leaf with fish in a traditional Bengali curry.
C2 verb /ˈpɛkjʊˌleɪt/

peculate

Meaning
To embezzle or steal money, especially public funds.
Example
The corrupt official was found guilty of peculating government funds.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːstəlri/

hostelry

Meaning
An inn or lodging place, especially one for travelers.
Example
They stayed at a small hostelry near the mountains.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmoʊniˌæk/

demoniac

Meaning
possessed, produced, or influenced by a demon; frenzied or violent
Example
The soldiers fought with demoniac fury.
C2 verb /proʊˈskraɪb/

proscribe

Meaning
to forbid something by law or authority
Example
The new law will proscribe the use of harmful chemicals in farming.
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 noun /draɪd roʊz ˈpɛtəlz/

Dried Rose Petals

Meaning
dehydrated petals from roses used for culinary and aromatic purposes
Example
The dessert was garnished with dried rose petals.
C2 noun /ˌɪnvəˈlɪdɪti/

invalidity

Meaning
the state of being invalid, legally void, or lacking force or validity
Example
The court ruled that the contract suffered from invalidity.
C2 noun /ˈiːɡres/

egress

Meaning
The action of going out or leaving a place; an exit.
Example
The emergency door provided an egress for the trapped workers.
C2 noun /kwɑːˈfjʊr/

coiffure

Meaning
A person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one.
Example
Her elegant coiffure impressed everyone at the party.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.strəˈmɛn.təl.ɪst/

instrumentalist

Meaning
A person who plays a musical instrument.
Example
The instrumentalist played a beautiful solo on the violin.
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 /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
C2 adjective /ˈɛrzæts/

ersatz

Meaning
made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one
Example
The cheap shoes were made of ersatz leather.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌvətəs/

covetous

Meaning
having or showing a strong desire for someone else's possessions
Example
She gave him a covetous look when he showed his new watch.
C2 noun /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.rɪˌmiː.diˈeɪ.ʃən/

bioremediation

Meaning
The use of living organisms to neutralize or remove environmental contaminants.
Example
Bioremediation helps remove toxins from polluted soil.
C2 noun /ˈbɜːrdʒɪs/

burgess

Meaning
A citizen of a town or borough with full rights of citizenship.
Example
In medieval times, a burgess had the right to vote and hold property.
C2 noun /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɑː.lə.sɪs/

electrolysis

Meaning
A chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution.
Example
Electrolysis is used to separate hydrogen from water.
C2 noun /ˈhænd ˌrɪŋɪŋ/

hand-wringing

Meaning
excessive worry or concern expressed in a visible or dramatic way.
Example
There was much hand-wringing over the political crisis.
C2 noun /ˈzɛfər/

zephyr

Meaning
A soft gentle breeze.
Example
A warm zephyr blew through the valley.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɪdiəs/

invidious

Meaning
likely to arouse resentment, envy, or anger in others
Example
The manager's invidious remarks created tension among the employees.
C2 noun /biˈætɪtjuːd/

beatitude

Meaning
supreme blessedness or happiness, often used in reference to the sayings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount
Example
She felt a state of beatitude after receiving the good news.
C2 noun /bəˈfuːn/

buffoon

Meaning
A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown or jester.
Example
He acted like a buffoon at the party, making everyone laugh.
C2 verb /ænˈtɪpəθaɪz/

antipathize

Meaning
to feel or express a strong dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
He seemed to antipathize with the new management's approach.
C2 noun /ˈhækəlz/

hackles

Meaning
the hairs on the back of an animal’s neck that rise when it is angry or alarmed; figuratively, feelings of anger or resentment
Example
His rude comment raised my hackles.
C2 noun /ɪnˈɛrənsi/

inerrancy

Meaning
the belief or quality of being free from error; absolute correctness
Example
Some religious groups strongly affirm the inerrancy of their sacred texts.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvaɪələbl/

inviolable

Meaning
never to be broken, dishonored, or violated
Example
Human rights are considered inviolable in modern democracies.
C2 noun /sɛnˈtjʊəriən/

centurion

Meaning
A commander of a unit of one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
Example
The centurion led his men into battle with courage.
C2 verb /rɪˈkjʊə/

recure

Meaning
to cure again; to remedy a second time
Example
The doctor had to recure the wound after it reopened.
C2 adjective /ɪˈfjuːsɪv/

effusive

Meaning
Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
Example
She gave him an effusive welcome after his long journey.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmɒtɪk/

demotic

Meaning
relating to ordinary people or everyday language
Example
The poet used demotic language to connect with common readers.
C2 noun /ˈbɛlˌwɛðər/

bellwether

Meaning
A person or thing that leads or indicates a trend.
Example
The company is seen as a bellwether of the technology industry.
C2 verb /ˈmiːliəˌreɪt/

meliorate

Meaning
To make something better or improve a condition.
Example
The new policies aim to meliorate the living conditions of the poor.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑːrdʒ/

countercharge

Meaning
an opposing charge or accusation; to make an opposing attack
Example
The lawyer filed a countercharge against the accuser.
C2 noun /ˌdiːlɛkˈteɪʃən/

delectation

Meaning
great pleasure or delight
Example
She read the story aloud for the delectation of her friends.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛndiˌɛri/

incendiary

Meaning
designed to cause fires or stir up conflict
Example
The politician’s incendiary remarks angered the crowd.
C2 noun /ɪˈfɛmɪnəsi/

effeminacy

Meaning
The quality of showing traits traditionally associated with women, such as delicacy or softness.
Example
In ancient times, effeminacy was often criticized as a sign of weakness.
C2 adjective /ˈvɒl.jʊ.bəl/

Voluble

Meaning
speaking fluently and readily; talkative; having a continuous flow of words
Example
The voluble salesman talked for hours about his products.
C2 verb, noun /ˈkweɪvər/

quaver

Meaning
To shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion.
Example
Her voice quavered as she spoke before the crowd.
C2 noun /ˈpærəpɛt/

parapet

Meaning
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, balcony, or bridge.
Example
The soldier hid behind the parapet for protection.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrɛzəluːt/

irresolute

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

mangy

Meaning
in poor condition, shabby, dirty, or affected by mange
Example
The stray dog looked mangy and weak.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒəns/

indigence

Meaning
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
Example
The charity was founded to help people living in indigence.
C2 noun /ˈækmi/

acme

Meaning
the highest point of achievement or excellence
Example
Winning the award was the acme of his career.
C2 noun /ɪˈfʌldʒəns/

effulgence

Meaning
Brilliant radiance or shining brightness.
Example
The effulgence of the sunrise lit up the entire valley.
C2 noun /lɒx/

loch

Meaning
a lake or sea inlet, especially in Scotland
Example
Tourists visit Loch Ness to search for the legendary monster.
C2 noun /skʌlˈdʌɡəri/

skulduggery

Meaning
underhanded or dishonest behavior
Example
The politician was accused of financial skulduggery.
C2 noun /ˌbædɪˈnɑːʒ/

badinage

Meaning
Playful and humorous conversation; banter.
Example
The friends enjoyed a light badinage over coffee.
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 səˈtaɪ.ə.ti

satiety

Meaning
The feeling of being satisfied or full, especially with regard to food.
Example
High-fiber foods provide longer satiety.
C2 noun /ˈbæs.tərd tiːk/

Bastard teak

Meaning
A flowering tree with bright orange-red flowers, also known as flame of the forest
Example
The bastard teak tree blooms with vibrant orange flowers in spring.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪdəˈluːviən/

antediluvian

Meaning
extremely old-fashioned; belonging to the time before the biblical flood
Example
His views on women are positively antediluvian.
C2 noun ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

aberration

Meaning
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.
Example
The scientist dismissed the data as an aberration.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɑːzɪtər/

depositor

Meaning
a person who places money in a bank or financial institution
Example
The bank provides insurance to protect depositors’ funds.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈkrɪtɪkəl/

diacritical

Meaning
Relating to a mark added to a letter to indicate a different pronunciation or stress.
Example
The word résumé has diacritical marks that change its meaning from resume.
C2 noun /ˈhaɪərlɪŋ/

hireling

Meaning
A person who works for payment only, often with little loyalty or principle.
Example
The mercenary was dismissed as just a hireling with no real loyalty.
C2 adjective /ˈæsənənt/

assonant

Meaning
Having or characterized by assonance; repeating similar vowel sounds.
Example
The poem is filled with assonant words that create a musical rhythm.
C2 verb /ˈsʌn.dər/

sunder

Meaning
To split apart or separate, especially with force.
Example
The war sundered families and friends.
C2 noun /naɪt kwiːn/

Night queen

Meaning
a fragrant white flower that blooms at night and releases strong sweet scent
Example
The night queen flowers filled the garden with their sweet fragrance.
C2 verb /bɪˈsmɜːrtʃ/

besmirch

Meaning
to damage someone's reputation; to make dirty or stained
Example
He tried to besmirch her good name with false rumors.
C2 verb /ˈfɛtər/

fetter

Meaning
to restrain or restrict someone’s freedom
Example
The strict rules fettered the creativity of the students.
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 verb /ˈɑːskjʊleɪt/

osculate

Meaning
To kiss.
Example
They osculated under the mistletoe during the party.
C2 adjective /ˈæʒər/

azure

Meaning
A bright blue color like that of a clear sky.
Example
The clear sky was painted in a deep shade of azure.
C2 adjective /ˌkrɪp.təˈɡræf.ɪk/

cryptographic

Meaning
Relating to cryptography; involving or using secret codes or ciphers for security.
Example
Banks use cryptographic technology to protect transactions.
C2 adjective /ˈek.wə.bəl/

Equable

Meaning
calm and even-tempered; not easily disturbed
Example
He maintained an equable temperament throughout the crisis.
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 noun /rɪˈsɪʒən/

rescission

Meaning
the cancellation or annulment of a law, contract, or agreement
Example
The rescission of the contract left both parties disappointed.
C2 verb /ˈnɪtˌpɪk/

nitpick

Meaning
To find and criticize small or unimportant faults in someone or something.
Example
She tends to nitpick about every little detail.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrpəskəl/

corpuscle

Meaning
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
Example
Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body.
C2 noun /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/

umbrage

Meaning
A feeling of resentment or offense.
Example
She took umbrage at his rude remark.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈpɛptɪk/

dyspeptic

Meaning
Relating to indigestion or having a gloomy or irritable disposition.
Example
After the heavy meal, he felt dyspeptic and uncomfortable.
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 /ˈbɪlɪŋzˌɡeɪt/

billingsgate

Meaning
Coarse or abusive language; vulgar or offensive speech.
Example
The heated argument quickly descended into billingsgate.
C2 adjective /ˈmɒn.teɪn/

montane

Meaning
Relating to mountainous regions; found in mountain environments.
Example
Montane forests host a variety of unique species.
C2 noun /ˈɡʌmp.ʃən/

gumption

Meaning
Courage, resourcefulness, or initiative.
Example
It takes real gumption to start your own business.
C2 adjective /koʊˈtɜːr.mɪ.nəs/

coterminous

Meaning
having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
Example
The two jurisdictions are coterminous, sharing the same borders.
C2 adjective /dɪˈfjuːzəbl/

diffusible

Meaning
able to spread or be spread through a medium
Example
Oxygen is diffusible through cell membranes.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈlɒk/

interlock

Meaning
to fit or connect together securely so that two or more things are joined
Example
The gears interlock to ensure smooth movement of the machine.
C2 noun /ˈlæɡ.ərd/

Laggard

Meaning
a person who makes slow progress and falls behind others; someone who is slow to act
Example
The laggard student finally submitted his assignment after the deadline.