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C2 adjective /sɪˈlæbɪk/

syllabic

Meaning
Relating to or based on syllables.
Example
The teacher explained the syllabic structure of the word.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.jʊˌleɪt/

maculate

Meaning
To stain, spot, or pollute something.
Example
The white cloth was maculated by ink stains.
C2 verb /kənˈstrɪndʒ/

constringe

Meaning
to cause to shrink or contract; to constrict
Example
The medicine helped constringe the swollen tissues.
C2 adjective /ˈruːnɪk/

runic

Meaning
relating to or consisting of runes; mysterious or magical
Example
The old stone had strange runic carvings on it.
C2 noun /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪstəns/

preexistence

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

caprice

Meaning
a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior
Example
She bought the expensive dress on a caprice.
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 adjective /rəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/

rapacious

Meaning
having an extreme desire to take things for oneself, greedy
Example
The rapacious landlord raised the rent without reason.
C2 noun /ɪˈnænɪti/

inanity

Meaning
a nonsensical remark or action; silliness; emptiness
Example
The speech was full of inanities that bored the audience.
C2 adjective /bɪˈfʌdld/

befuddled

Meaning
confused, unable to think clearly
Example
He looked befuddled after hearing the complex instructions.
C2 adjective /kəˈnjuːbiəl/

connubial

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple.
Example
They celebrated their connubial bliss with a honeymoon trip.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/

disenfranchise

Meaning
To deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights.
Example
The new law could disenfranchise thousands of voters.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwɪnɪti/

consanguinity

Meaning
The fact of being descended from the same ancestor; blood relationship.
Example
The degree of consanguinity was important in inheritance laws.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛnd/

superintend

Meaning
to oversee and direct the work or operation of something
Example
She was hired to superintend the construction project.
C2 verb /dɪˈmɜːr/

demur

Meaning
to raise doubts, objections, or show reluctance
Example
She agreed to help without demur.
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 adjective /krɪˈpʌskjʊlər/

crepuscular

Meaning
relating to twilight or active during twilight
Example
Bats are crepuscular animals, most active at dawn and dusk.
C2 noun /ɡæsˈtraɪtɪs/

gastritis

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

chiaroscuro

Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnfəˈriː/

conferee

Meaning
a person who takes part in a conference
Example
Each conferee received a badge at the registration desk.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒvɪdənt/

improvident

Meaning
Not having or showing foresight; spending wastefully or without thought for the future.
Example
His improvident habits left him with no savings.
C2 noun /bəˈkuːl/

Bakul

Meaning
a fragrant white flower native to South Asia, scientifically known as Mimusops elengi
Example
The sweet fragrance of bakul flowers filled the evening air in the village.
C2 adjective /ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/ or /ˈrɛkəndaɪt/

recondite

Meaning
Little known or difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was full of recondite theories.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnɪm.ɪ.tə.bəl/

inimitable

Meaning
So good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique.
Example
His inimitable writing style made him a literary legend.
C2 verb /ˌaʊtməˈnuːvər/

outmaneuver

Meaning
to gain an advantage over an opponent by skillful or clever action
Example
The smaller company managed to outmaneuver its larger rival.
C2 verb /ˈnɔːzieɪt/

nauseate

Meaning
To make someone feel sick, with an inclination to vomit.
Example
The spoiled food nauseated him quickly.
C2 verb /næʃ/

gnash

Meaning
to grind or strike the teeth together, often in anger or frustration
Example
He began to gnash his teeth in rage.
C2 noun /bəˈnæləti/

banality

Meaning
The condition of being unoriginal, boring, or obvious; trite remark or quality.
Example
The speech was criticized for its banality and lack of originality.
C2 noun /ˈkrɪsəndəm/

christendom

Meaning
the worldwide body or community of Christians
Example
The news spread quickly across Christendom.
C2 noun /ˈɪd.i.ə.si/

Idiocy

Meaning
extremely stupid behavior or actions; foolishness
Example
The decision to ignore safety protocols was pure idiocy that endangered everyone.
C2 noun /ˈdɛftnəs/

deftness

Meaning
Skillfulness and quickness in action or thought.
Example
Her deftness with words impressed the audience.
C2 noun ˌmæɡnəˈnɪmɪti

magnanimity

Meaning
Generosity in forgiving an insult or injury; forbearance.
Example
His magnanimity towards his competitors was admirable.
C2 noun /kəmˈpleɪsəns/

complacence

Meaning
a feeling of quiet pleasure or self-satisfaction, often without awareness of potential danger
Example
His complacence prevented him from noticing the risks.
C2 verb /diːˈlɪmɪt/

delimit

Meaning
to fix the boundaries or limits of something
Example
The treaty was signed to delimit the borders of the two countries.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊəl/

disavowal

Meaning
the denial of any responsibility, connection, or support
Example
The politician issued a firm disavowal of the controversial remarks.
C2 adjective /ˈseɪpiənt/

sapient

Meaning
Wise, or appearing to be wise.
Example
The professor gave a sapient response to the complex question.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈstɛnsəbl/

extensible

Meaning
able to be extended; capable of expansion.
Example
The software is designed to be extensible with new features.
C2 noun /ˈtæksɪˌdɜːrmi/

taxidermy

Meaning
The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals for display.
Example
The museum had a large collection of taxidermy animals.
C2 noun /bəˈlɛəroʊ/

bolero

Meaning
A Spanish dance in slow triple time, or a short jacket open at the front.
Example
The dancers performed a passionate bolero at the festival.
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 /ˈædɪˌpoʊs/

adipose

Meaning
Relating to or consisting of animal fat; fatty.
Example
The doctor explained that the tissue was mainly adipose in nature.
C2 verb /ɪkˈstruːd/

extrude

Meaning
to force something out through a small opening; to shape by pushing material through a mold
Example
The factory extrudes plastic pipes using modern machines.
C2 noun /ˈspæŋɡəl/

spangle

Meaning
A small shiny piece of metal or plastic used for decoration on clothes.
Example
Her dress was covered with silver spangles that glittered in the light.
C2 noun /ˈpɒtˌbɔɪlə/

potboiler

Meaning
a book, play, or film produced quickly to make money rather than for artistic value
Example
The novel was dismissed by critics as a mere potboiler.
C2 noun /ˈskʌl.i.ən/

scullion

Meaning
a servant assigned the most menial kitchen tasks
Example
In medieval times, a scullion was responsible for cleaning pots and pans.
C2 verb /ruː/

rue

Meaning
To feel regret or sorrow about something.
Example
She will rue the day she trusted him.
C2 noun /ˈlev.ɪ.ti/

Levity

Meaning
humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect
Example
The levity in the courtroom was inappropriate.
C2 noun/verb /ˈʌpˌkæst/

upcast

Meaning
Verb: To cast or throw upward. Noun: Something thrown or directed upward.
Example
The fisherman upcast his net into the air.
C2 noun /ɡlʌt/

glut

Meaning
An excessive supply of something; more than is needed.
Example
There was a glut of cheap smartphones in the market.
C2 noun /ˈhʌk.stər/

huckster

Meaning
A person who sells small items aggressively, often in a showy or dishonest way.
Example
The huckster loudly promoted his goods in the busy marketplace.
C2 adjective /ˈruːmi/

rheumy

Meaning
Watery, especially referring to the eyes.
Example
His rheumy eyes showed signs of age and fatigue.
C2 verb /kəˈriːn/

careen

Meaning
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way, especially in a specific direction.
Example
The car careened down the slippery road.
C2 noun /kəˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

commodification

Meaning
The transformation of goods, services, ideas, or social relations into market commodities.
Example
The commodification of education has increased tuition costs.
C2 verb /bɪˈleɪbər/

belabor

Meaning
to argue or elaborate on a subject in excessive detail; to attack verbally or physically
Example
The professor belabored the point until the students grew restless.
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 /hæˈʃiːʃ/

hashish

Meaning
a drug made from the resin of the cannabis plant
Example
The police arrested him for possessing hashish.
C2 adjective /ˈlʌstrəs/

lustrous

Meaning
having a gentle sheen or soft glow
Example
Her hair looked smooth and lustrous.
C2 noun /ˌkæv.əlˈkeɪd/

cavalcade

Meaning
a formal procession of people riding on horses or in vehicles
Example
The king’s arrival was marked by a grand cavalcade.
C2 noun /kənˈtrɪʃ.ən/

contrition

Meaning
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
Example
His contrition was evident after the apology.
C2 noun /ˈfriːˌbuːtər/

freebooter

Meaning
A pirate or plunderer who roams freely in search of wealth.
Example
The freebooter raided the merchant ships along the coast.
C2 adjective /pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/

pugnacious

Meaning
Having a quarrelsome or combative nature; eager to fight.
Example
His pugnacious attitude often got him into trouble.
C2 noun /ˌhoʊmə.dʒəˈniːəti/

homogeneity

Meaning
The quality or state of being all the same or all of the same kind.
Example
The cultural homogeneity of the village made it feel unified.
C2 noun /ˈrɛd.ə.ləns/

redolence

Meaning
a pleasant smell or the quality of suggesting something strongly
Example
The redolence of jasmine filled the evening air.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbɪləns/

sibilance

Meaning
A hissing or hushing sound, especially in speech with 's' or 'sh'.
Example
The poet used sibilance to create a soft, hissing effect in the verse.
C2 noun /wɛlt/

welt

Meaning
A raised mark on the skin, usually from a blow or allergic reaction.
Example
He had a red welt on his arm after the bee sting.
C2 adjective /ˌhaɪpərˈbɔːriən/

hyperborean

Meaning
Relating to the extreme north; very cold or frigid.
Example
The explorers prepared for the hyperborean climate of the Arctic.
C2 noun /ˈæntɪkwɛri/

antiquary

Meaning
A person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or ancient objects.
Example
The antiquary spent years collecting rare manuscripts from the medieval period.
C2 noun /ˈkærəˌpeɪs/

carapace

Meaning
the hard shell covering the back of some animals like turtles and crabs
Example
The turtle withdrew into its carapace for protection.
C2 noun /ɛmˈpɔːriəm/

emporium

Meaning
A large retail store selling a wide variety of goods.
Example
They visited the new emporium to buy furniture and home decor.
C2 verb /ˌʌndərˈɡɜːrd/

undergird

Meaning
to provide support or foundation for; to strengthen
Example
Strong values undergird a healthy society.
C2 noun /ˈlɔːndrəs/

laundress

Meaning
A woman whose job is washing clothes and linens.
Example
The laundress delivered the freshly cleaned clothes to the household.
C2 noun /wɛlp/

whelp

Meaning
a young offspring of a dog or other carnivorous mammal; sometimes used to mean an impudent young person
Example
The farmer found a wolf whelp hiding near the barn.
C2 noun /ˈtrɪmnəs/

trimness

Meaning
the quality of being neat, orderly, or slender and well-proportioned
Example
Her room’s trimness reflected a habit of putting everything back in its place.
C2 adjective /ˌɔːfˈkiː/

off-key

Meaning
out of tune; not in accordance with expected standards
Example
The singer was slightly off-key during the performance.
C2 noun /ˈseɪnjər/

seignior

Meaning
A feudal lord; a man of authority in medieval Europe.
Example
The seignior demanded taxes from the peasants.
C2 verb /dʒɛˈstɪkjʊleɪt/

gesticulate

Meaning
to use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words
Example
He gesticulated wildly to get their attention.
C2 verb /ˌdɒmɪˈnɪə/

domineer

Meaning
to assert one's will over another in an arrogant way
Example
He tends to domineer over his younger colleagues.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːnd/

importuned

Meaning
asked someone persistently and pressingly for something
Example
She importuned her boss for a raise until he finally gave in.
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 /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 adjective /ˈmɔːdlɪn/

maudlin

Meaning
Overly sentimental, often tearfully or weakly emotional.
Example
He became maudlin after a few drinks.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsɜːrnəbl/

indiscernible

Meaning
Impossible or difficult to see, notice, or distinguish.
Example
The difference between the two shades was almost indiscernible.
C2 noun /ˌrɛprəˈbeɪʃən/

reprobation

Meaning
Strong disapproval or condemnation; rejection by God as beyond salvation.
Example
The teacher’s face showed clear reprobation at the student’s rude remark.
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 /ˈiːsθiːt/ or /ˈɛsθiːt/

aesthete

Meaning
A person who has a special appreciation of art and beauty.
Example
The aesthete admired the subtle details of the painting.
C2 noun /spɪˈlʌŋkər/

spelunker

Meaning
A person who explores caves as a hobby.
Example
The spelunker carried ropes and lights into the dark cave.
C2 verb /ɪkˈstɛnjueɪt/

extenuate

Meaning
to make an offense, fault, or situation seem less serious by providing an excuse or explanation
Example
The lawyer tried to extenuate his client's actions by highlighting his difficult childhood.
C2 adjective /pjuːˈtrɛsənt/

putrescent

Meaning
undergoing the process of decay; rotting
Example
The putrescent odor made everyone leave the room.
C2 adjective /ˈmɛtəlˌsʌm/

mettlesome

Meaning
Full of courage and spirit; lively and spirited.
Example
The mettlesome young rider never backed down from a challenge.
C2 adjective /ˈsɒmnələnt/

somnolent

Meaning
Sleepy or drowsy; causing a desire to sleep.
Example
The somnolent lecture made half the class fall asleep.
C2 adjective /ˌluː.mɪˈnɛs.ənt/

luminescent

Meaning
Emitting light without heat, glowing softly.
Example
The luminescent watch dial was visible in the dark.
C2 noun /ˌmɛɡələˈmeɪniə/

megalomania

Meaning
A condition characterized by delusional fantasies of power, wealth, or omnipotence.
Example
The dictator’s megalomania led him to believe he was invincible.
C2 noun /θrɔːl/

thrall

Meaning
The state of being in someone's power or under strong influence; slavery or bondage.
Example
He was in thrall to the powerful leader.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
C2 noun /ˈækəlaɪt/

acolyte

Meaning
a follower or assistant, especially in a religious service or as a devoted supporter of a leader
Example
The senator arrived with a small group of acolytes who handled the press.
C2 adjective /məˈlɪfluəs/

mellifluous

Meaning
Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
Example
The singer’s mellifluous voice enchanted the audience.
C2 adjective ˌɪm.pəˈtɜː.bə.bəl

imperturbable

Meaning
Unable to be upset or excited; not easily disturbed.
Example
His imperturbable nature made him a great leader.
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 noun /ˈkʌstərd ˈæpəl/

Custard Apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with sweet creamy white flesh and black seeds
Example
The custard apple has a sweet and creamy texture.
C2 adjective /ˈvɛndɪbəl/

vendible

Meaning
Capable of being sold; marketable.
Example
Only vendible products were displayed at the trade fair.
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 /ˈækmi/

acme

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

vaudeville

Meaning
A type of entertainment popular in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of comedy, song, dance, and variety acts.
Example
The vaudeville show included comedians, magicians, and dancers.
C2 noun /dʒɔːnt/

jaunt

Meaning
A short journey or excursion, usually taken for pleasure.
Example
They went on a weekend jaunt to the countryside.
C2 adjective /ˈkwɛrʊləs/

querulous

Meaning
Complaining in a whining or irritable manner.
Example
The querulous customer kept finding fault with every detail.
C2 noun /ˈnɪn.i/

Ninny

Meaning
a silly or foolish person; someone who lacks common sense
Example
Don't be such a ninny, use your brain!
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 /ˈbʊlrʌʃ/

bulrush

Meaning
A tall plant with long leaves that grows in or near water, also known as a cattail.
Example
The pond was surrounded by tall bulrushes swaying in the wind.
C2 noun /ˌæd.ʌmˈbreɪ.ʃən/

adumbration

Meaning
a vague foreshadowing or symbolic representation of something
Example
The play offers an adumbration of the political unrest to come.
C2 adjective /ˈveɪpərəs/

Vaporous

Meaning
consisting of vapor; vague or insubstantial
Example
The morning air was filled with vaporous mist.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪətraɪb/

diatribe

Meaning
A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.
Example
The politician launched a diatribe against his opponents.
C2 noun /ˈræʃənəlɪzəm/

rationalism

Meaning
a belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than religious belief or emotion
Example
Rationalism emphasizes logic and reasoning over faith.
C2 noun /ˈmaʊntɪˌbæŋk/

mountebank

Meaning
A charlatan or trickster who deceives others, often for personal gain.
Example
The crowd was fooled by the mountebank’s false promises.
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 /ˌnɒnpəˈreɪl/

nonpareil

Meaning
Having no equal; unrivaled or matchless.
Example
Her beauty was considered nonpareil in the region.
C2 noun /hɪˈlærɪti/

hilarity

Meaning
Extreme amusement, especially when expressed by laughter.
Example
The movie caused great hilarity among the audience.
C2 noun /riːm/

ream

Meaning
A large quantity of paper (typically 500 sheets); informally, a large amount of something.
Example
The office ordered ten reams of paper.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪʒən/

elysian

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of paradise; delightful and heavenly.
Example
They spent an elysian week on the quiet island.
C2 noun /ˈluː.mən/

lumen

Meaning
A unit of luminous flux, measuring the amount of visible light emitted by a source.
Example
The bulb produces 800 lumens of light.
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 adjective /ˈmɒθ ˌiːtən/

moth-eaten

Meaning
Damaged or worn out, especially by moths or age.
Example
He wore a moth-eaten sweater on the cold day.