taciturn
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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 /ˈæbɪs/

abbess

Meaning
the woman in charge of a convent of nuns
Example
The abbess welcomed the visitors to the convent.
C2 noun /ˈtuːb.roʊz/

Tube-rose

Meaning
a night-blooming flower with an intensely sweet fragrance, native to Mexico
Example
The tuberose flowers filled the evening air with their heavenly scent.
C2 noun /ˌɪmpjuˈteɪʃən/

imputation

Meaning
an accusation or attribution of blame
Example
The politician denied the imputation of corruption.
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 verb /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/

circumscribe

Meaning
to limit or restrict something within boundaries
Example
The rules circumscribe the powers of the committee.
C2 noun /ˈmaɪkrəˌkɒzəm/

microcosm

Meaning
A small, representative system having analogies to a larger system; a miniature version of something.
Example
The small town is a microcosm of the entire nation.
C2 adjective /ræpˈtɔːriəl/

raptorial

Meaning
Relating to birds of prey or predatory behavior.
Example
The eagle is a raptorial bird with sharp talons.
C2 noun /bəˈfuːnəri/

buffoonery

Meaning
Foolish or ridiculous behavior intended to amuse.
Example
His constant buffoonery irritated the serious audience.
C2 adjective /ˌʌn.rɪˈdʒɛn.ər.ət/

unregenerate

Meaning
Not reformed or showing no signs of change; stubbornly refusing to reform or repent.
Example
He remained an unregenerate opponent of progress.
C2 noun /traɪst/

tryst

Meaning
a private romantic meeting between lovers
Example
They arranged a secret tryst in the park.
C2 noun /prəˈfjuːʒən/

profusion

Meaning
an abundance or large quantity of something
Example
Spring brought a profusion of wildflowers to the valley.
C2 verb /ˈæsəneɪt/

assonate

Meaning
To correspond or agree in sound, especially by vowel sounds; to rhyme approximately.
Example
The lines assonate beautifully, giving the song a unique flow.
C2 noun /ˌmɪsæprɪˈhɛnʃən/

misapprehension

Meaning
a mistaken belief or misunderstanding
Example
There is a common misapprehension about the causes of the disease.
C2 adjective /ˈlɛtʃ.ər.əs/

lecherous

Meaning
having or showing excessive or offensive sexual desire
Example
The character was portrayed as a lecherous old man.
C2 adjective /ˈbuːtləs/

bootless

Meaning
Useless or futile; of no benefit.
Example
His bootless attempt to fix the machine only wasted time.
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 noun /ˌrep.ɑːˈtiː/

Repartee

Meaning
conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies
Example
The dinner party was filled with brilliant repartee between the guests.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrɛfrəɡəbəl/

irrefragable

Meaning
Impossible to refute, deny, or break
Example
The lawyer presented irrefragable evidence that proved his client’s innocence.
C2 verb /kənˈstrɪndʒ/

constringe

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

ante

Meaning
a stake put up by a player in poker or similar games before receiving cards; also used figuratively to mean an initial investment or contribution
Example
Each player placed an ante before the game began.
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 /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 /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnd/

reprehend

Meaning
to express disapproval or criticism of someone or something
Example
The teacher reprehended the student for being dishonest.
C2 noun /ˈmɒdɪkəm/

modicum

Meaning
a small or moderate amount of something, especially something valuable or desirable
Example
She showed a modicum of patience during the long meeting.
C2 verb /ɪnˈkʌmbər/

encumber

Meaning
to burden or weigh down something, making it difficult to move or progress
Example
She was encumbered by the heavy luggage during her journey.
C2 noun, verb /ˈæseɪ/

assay

Meaning
To test or analyze the quality, purity, or content of a substance; the act of such testing.
Example
The scientists assayed the mineral sample for gold content.
C2 noun /ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfi/

lexicography

Meaning
The art or practice of compiling dictionaries.
Example
Lexicography requires both linguistic and cultural knowledge.
C2 noun /ˈhɔːrn.bɪl/

Hornbill

Meaning
a large tropical bird with a large curved beak and often a horn-like projection
Example
The colorful hornbill perched on the highest branch.
C2 adjective /ˌɛlɪˈfæntaɪn/

elephantine

Meaning
Huge, clumsy, or resembling an elephant in size or movement.
Example
The man moved with an elephantine grace.
C2 adjective /ˈhæriːd/

harried

Meaning
feeling strained or stressed due to being overworked or constantly bothered
Example
The harried teacher struggled to calm the noisy classroom.
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 /prɪˈzʌmptɪv/

presumptive

Meaning
Based on probability or assumption rather than proof.
Example
She is the presumptive nominee for the party.
C2 adjective /ˈdjuːtiəs/

duteous

Meaning
dutiful; obedient and respectful
Example
The duteous child always followed her parents’ instructions.
C2 verb /ɜːrk/

irk

Meaning
to annoy or irritate someone
Example
It irks me when people are late without calling.
C2 noun /ˌrɛv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

revocation

Meaning
The act of officially canceling or withdrawing something.
Example
The court ordered the revocation of his license.
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 noun /ˈbeɪlɔːr/

bailor

Meaning
a person who temporarily transfers possession of goods or property to another under a bailment agreement
Example
The bailor entrusted the valuable artwork to the museum for safekeeping.
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 noun /ˈdʌlərd/

dullard

Meaning
a slow or stupid person
Example
He was considered a dullard by his classmates.
C2 noun /ˈfɔːrˌpiːk/

forepeak

Meaning
The compartment in the forward part of a ship, often used for storage.
Example
The sailors stored extra ropes in the forepeak.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
C2 noun /niːp/

neap

Meaning
A tide just after the first or third quarters of the moon when the difference between high and low tide is least.
Example
During a neap tide, the water level change is minimal.
C2 noun /ˌær.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

arability

Meaning
The quality of land being suitable for growing crops.
Example
The arability of land depends on soil quality and water availability.
C2 noun /ˈhʌmbʌɡ/

humbug

Meaning
Deceptive or false talk or behavior; nonsense.
Example
He dismissed the idea as humbug.
C2 adjective /trænsˈfjuːzəbl̩/

transfusible

Meaning
capable of being transfused, especially referring to blood or fluids
Example
Only transfusible blood types are used in the hospital.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈfeɪnd/

unfeigned

Meaning
genuine; not pretended or insincere
Example
She expressed unfeigned joy at her friend's success.
C2 verb /kəmˈpɔːrt/

comport

Meaning
to behave or conduct oneself in a particular way
Example
She comported herself with grace during the ceremony.
C2 verb /ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛs/

deliquesce

Meaning
to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
Example
The salt began to deliquesce after being left in the humid room.
C2 verb /ˈɛksplɪkeɪt/

explicate

Meaning
to make an idea or principle clear by explaining it in detail
Example
The professor tried to explicate the theory of relativity for his students.
C2 noun

Kinsfolk

C2 adjective /ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

prepossessing

Meaning
Attractive or appealing in appearance or manner.
Example
She had a prepossessing smile that charmed everyone.
C2 noun /ˌmɛtəmˌsaɪˈkoʊsɪs/

metempsychosis

Meaning
The supposed transmigration of the soul, especially its reincarnation after death.
Example
Ancient philosophers often debated the idea of metempsychosis.
C2 noun /ˈɛksɪdʒənsi/

exigency

Meaning
an urgent need or demand requiring immediate attention
Example
In times of war, the exigency of the situation requires quick decisions.
C2 noun ˈvaɪ.və ˈvəʊs

viva voce

Meaning
An oral examination, typically for an academic qualification.
Example
Viva Voce tests communication skills.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈfɒn/

chiffon

Meaning
A lightweight, sheer fabric often used in dresses or scarves.
Example
She wore a beautiful chiffon dress at the party.
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 ˈtɛlɪˌmɛtri

telemetry

Meaning
The process of recording and transmitting the readings of an instrument.
Example
The spacecraft transmitted telemetry data back to Earth.
C2 adjective /ɪmˌpɜːrˈsweɪdəbl/

impersuadable

Meaning
not able to be convinced or persuaded
Example
She remained impersuadable despite all our arguments.
C2 noun /kɒŋk/

Conch

Meaning
a large sea shell that can be used as a horn; the marine mollusk that lives in such a shell
Example
The fisherman blew the conch shell to signal the end of the day.
C2 verb ˈɑːb.fə.skeɪt

obfuscate

Meaning
Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Example
Politicians often obfuscate facts to mislead people.
C2 noun /ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/

idiosyncrasy

Meaning
A distinctive or peculiar characteristic, habit, or mannerism unique to an individual.
Example
One of her idiosyncrasies was humming while working.
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 /boʊˈhiːmiən/

bohemian

Meaning
unconventional, artistic, and free-spirited in lifestyle or appearance
Example
She decorated her apartment in a bohemian style with colorful fabrics.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪəlɪst/

nihilist

Meaning
A person who rejects all religious and moral principles, often believing that life is meaningless.
Example
He was called a nihilist for rejecting all social norms.
C2 verb /ˈwɛltər/

welter

Meaning
to roll or toss about in a confused or disorderly way; to be in turmoil
Example
The city weltered in chaos after the sudden blackout.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪɪˌlɪzəm/

nihilism

Meaning
The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
Example
The philosopher was criticized for promoting nihilism.
C2 noun /nɛl/

knell

Meaning
The sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral; a signal of the end or failure of something.
Example
The knell of the church bell echoed through the valley at dusk.
C2 verb /ˈvɛdʒɪteɪt/

vegetate

Meaning
to live in a dull, inactive, or unchallenging way, often with little physical or mental effort
Example
He spent his vacation vegetating on the couch in front of the TV.
C2 adjective /ˈpɛndjʊləs/

pendulous

Meaning
hanging down loosely; drooping
Example
The pendulous fruit weighed down the branch.
C2 noun /ɪˈpɪsəl/

epistle

Meaning
A letter, especially a formal or didactic one; often used for letters in the New Testament.
Example
He wrote a long epistle to his friend about his travels.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
C2 noun /fluː/

flue

Meaning
A pipe or channel for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire, gas heater, or power station.
Example
The chimney flue needs to be cleaned regularly.
C2 noun /mæn əv wɔːr/

Man of war

Meaning
a warship; a naval vessel equipped with weapons for warfare
Example
The man of war sailed across the ocean to defend the coast.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.vɔɪd/

ovoid

Meaning
egg-shaped; resembling an oval or ellipse
Example
The artist painted an ovoid shape in the center of the canvas.
C2 adjective /ˌbiːəˈtɪfɪk/

beatific

Meaning
blissfully happy or showing great joy
Example
She had a beatific smile after hearing the good news.
C2 verb /ˈrʌmpəl/

rumple

Meaning
to make something untidy or wrinkled by creasing or crumpling
Example
She accidentally rumpled her dress while packing.
C2 noun /ˌfɪziˈɒnəmi/

physiognomy

Meaning
the study of facial features to judge character or personality
Example
He believed in physiognomy and tried to read people's personalities from their faces.
C2 noun /kənˈfɛsər/

confessor

Meaning
A person who confesses sins or secrets, especially to a priest.
Example
The confessor listened patiently to the troubled man.
C2 noun /ˈslæt.ən/

slattern

Meaning
a woman who is untidy or slovenly in appearance or habits
Example
The house looked as if a slattern lived there.
C2 adjective /ˈplɛntɪəs/

plenteous

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

accursed

Meaning
Doomed, detestable, or under a curse.
Example
The villagers avoided the accursed house on the hill.
C2 noun /ˌɛksəˈdʒiːsɪs/

exegesis

Meaning
A critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious scripture.
Example
The professor gave a detailed exegesis of the biblical passage.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnfəˈlɪsɪtəs/

infelicitous

Meaning
not suitable or well chosen; awkward or unfortunate
Example
His infelicitous remark ruined the atmosphere of the meeting.
C2 noun /kəˌrɒbəˈreɪʃən/

corroboration

Meaning
evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding
Example
The documents provided strong corroboration of her claims.
C2 adjective /ˈæmbjələˌtɔːri/

ambulatory

Meaning
Relating to or able to walk; relating to outpatient medical care.
Example
The patient is ambulatory and does not require bed rest.
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 adjective /sɪˈdɪʃəs/

seditious

Meaning
Encouraging rebellion against authority.
Example
The activist spread seditious pamphlets among the crowd.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən/

dissipation

Meaning
the process of disappearing or wasting; excessive indulgence in pleasure
Example
The dissipation of his fortune left him in poverty.
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 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 adjective /ˈfædɪʃ/

faddish

Meaning
Following a temporary trend or fashion
Example
Wearing neon clothes was a faddish style in the 1980s.
C2 noun /ˌpæl.ənˈkiːn/

Palanquin

Meaning
a covered chair or bed carried on poles by bearers
Example
The bride was carried to the wedding ceremony in an ornate palanquin.
C2 verb /bɪˈsmɪər/

besmear

Meaning
to smear or cover with a sticky or dirty substance; to soil
Example
His clothes were besmeared with mud.
C2 adjective /dɪˈstreɪ/

distrait

Meaning
deeply distracted or absent-minded, often due to worry or grief
Example
He looked distrait after hearing the sad news.
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 verb /ɪˈvɪsəˌreɪt/

eviscerate

Meaning
to remove the internal organs of; to deprive of essential content
Example
The critics eviscerated the movie for its weak storyline.
C2 adjective /ˌdɪsəˈfɛktɪd/

disaffected

Meaning
Dissatisfied and rebellious, especially against authority or leadership.
Example
The reforms were introduced to calm the disaffected youth.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnˌɑːpərˈtuːn/

inopportune

Meaning
Happening at a bad or inconvenient time.
Example
His call came at the most inopportune moment.
C2 adjective /ˈmiːli ˌmaʊðd/

mealy-mouthed

Meaning
Unwilling to speak directly and honestly; insincere or evasive in speech.
Example
The manager gave a mealy-mouthed excuse instead of admitting the mistake.
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 /ˈrɪvjʊlət/

rivulet

Meaning
a small stream of water; a tiny brook
Example
A rivulet ran down the hillside after the rain.
C2 verb /əˈsɪdɪfaɪ/

acidify

Meaning
to make something acidic or more acidic
Example
Farmers worry that pollution will acidify the soil.
C2 noun /ˈɡæŋ.ɡriːn/

gangrene

Meaning
The death of body tissue due to lack of blood supply or infection.
Example
If untreated, the wound may lead to gangrene.
C2 noun /ˌfaɪ.təʊˈkem.ɪ.kəlz/

phytochemicals

Meaning
Natural chemical compounds produced by plants that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often having antioxidant properties.
Example
Phytochemicals in green tea help reduce inflammation.
C2 noun /ˈpɛstɪləns/

pestilence

Meaning
A deadly or virulent epidemic disease that spreads rapidly.
Example
The medieval city was devastated by a pestilence.
C2 adjective ˌnjʊə.rəʊ.saɪənˈtɪ.fɪk

neuroscientific

Meaning
Related to the scientific study of the brain and nervous system.
Example
Neuroscientific research helps understand memory retention.
C2 adjective /ˈfækʃəs/

factious

Meaning
causing disagreement or division within a group; inclined to form factions
Example
The debate became factious, splitting the committee into rival camps.
C2 verb /æbˈdʒʊər/

abjure

Meaning
to formally renounce or give up a belief, cause, or claim
Example
He abjured his allegiance to the old regime.
C2 verb /diːˈmæɡnɪtaɪz/

demagnetize

Meaning
To remove or reduce the magnetic properties of something.
Example
The technician demagnetized the old cassette tape.
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 adjective /ˈsɪnjuːi/

sinewy

Meaning
Lean and muscular; strong and tough.
Example
The athlete had a sinewy build that showed his strength.
C2 verb /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪt/

excruciate

Meaning
to cause intense pain or suffering
Example
The injury excruciated him with unbearable pain.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnk.leɪv/

conclave

Meaning
a private meeting, especially a secret or important one
Example
The leaders met in a secret conclave to discuss the strategy.
C2 noun /ˈdəʊ.lər/

dolor

Meaning
A state of great sorrow or distress.
Example
The nation was in deep dolor after the tragedy.
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 verb /dɪsˈkaʊntənəns/

discountenance

Meaning
To disapprove of or discourage something.
Example
The teacher strongly discountenanced cheating in exams.
C2 noun /ˈbʌɡəˌbuː/

bugaboo

Meaning
An object of fear or worry; an imagined cause of anxiety.
Example
The threat of inflation became a political bugaboo.
C2 noun /ˈhɒdʒ.pɒdʒ/

hodgepodge

Meaning
A confusing mixture of different things; a jumble.
Example
The essay was a hodgepodge of unrelated ideas.
C2 noun /ˌdeɪnuːˈmɒ̃/

denouement

Meaning
The final resolution or conclusion of a story, drama, or complicated situation.
Example
The novel's denouement was both surprising and satisfying.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfɛrəbəl/

referable

Meaning
able to be related or directed to something
Example
The issue is referable to the new policy changes.