voluptuous
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C2 adjective /vəˈlʌptʃuəs/

voluptuous

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by luxury and sensual pleasure; sexually attractive.
Example
The artist painted a voluptuous figure reclining on the couch.
C2 verb /ɪˈfeɪs/

efface

Meaning
To erase or wipe out something; to make oneself inconspicuous.
Example
Time had effaced the letters on the old gravestone.
C2 adjective /ɪˈmɪsəbl/

immiscible

Meaning
Describes liquids that do not mix together.
Example
Oil and water are immiscible liquids.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪdəˈlɑːtrɪəs/

idolatrious

Meaning
Excessively devoted or reverent towards idols or false gods.
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its idolatrious practices.
C2 noun /ˈɡlʌtəni/

gluttony

Meaning
Excessive eating or drinking; overindulgence in food or drink.
Example
His gluttony during the festival left him feeling sick.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv brɑːntʃ/

olive-branch

Meaning
A symbol of peace or reconciliation; an offer to end conflict.
Example
He extended an olive-branch to his rival after years of hostility.
C2 noun /ˈsɪnjuː/

sinew

Meaning
A tendon; figuratively, the source of strength, power, or resilience.
Example
The sinews in his arms stood out as he lifted the heavy box.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Impiety

Meaning
lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god; disrespect or irreverence toward religious matters
Example
His impiety shocked the religious community when he mocked their sacred ceremonies.
C2 noun /hɒtʃ pɒtʃ/

Hotch potch

Meaning
A mixed dish; a hodgepodge of ingredients cooked together
Example
She made a delicious hotch potch with rice, lentils, and vegetables.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrɛfrəɡəbəl/

irrefragable

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

ultramontane

Meaning
beyond the mountains, especially referring to support for the Pope over local church authority
Example
The debate highlighted the ultramontane position in church politics.
C2 adjective /ˈdəʊl.səm/

dolesome

Meaning
Filled with grief or sadness; mournful.
Example
The dolesome ballad brought tears to their eyes.
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 adjective /ˌlækəˈdeɪzɪkəl/

lackadaisical

Meaning
lacking enthusiasm, energy, or determination; careless or lazy
Example
His lackadaisical attitude toward work annoyed his boss.
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 verb /lɔːd/

laud

Meaning
To praise someone or something highly, especially in public.
Example
The critic lauded the actor's performance as a masterpiece.
C2 adjective /spraɪ/

spry

Meaning
active and lively, especially in old age
Example
The spry grandmother surprised everyone with her quick dance steps.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪtʃuː/

Catechu

Meaning
an extract from a tropical Asian plant, used in tanning and dyeing
Example
Catechu extract is commonly used in traditional medicine.
C2 noun /ˌmjuːlˈtɪər/

muleteer

Meaning
a person who drives or takes care of mules
Example
The muleteer guided the animals safely across the mountain path.
C2 noun /ˈrɛk.tɪ.tjuːd/

rectitude

Meaning
Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness and integrity.
Example
His rectitude earned him respect in society.
C2 noun /maɪˈæzmə/

miasma

Meaning
An unpleasant or unhealthy smell or atmosphere.
Example
A miasma of decay hung over the abandoned house.
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 /ˈbroʊmaɪd/

bromide

Meaning
A trite or unoriginal idea or remark; also a chemical compound of bromine.
Example
His speech was full of old bromides about hard work.
C2 noun /ˈlɒkətɪv/

locative

Meaning
a grammatical case indicating location or place
Example
In Latin, the locative case is used to indicate location.
C2 adjective /ˌpəʊstˈprændɪəl/

postprandial

Meaning
Occurring after a meal.
Example
He went for a postprandial walk after dinner.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛsteɪt/

intestate

Meaning
Having died without leaving a valid will.
Example
She died intestate, so her assets were distributed by law.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.lət/

islet

Meaning
A very small island.
Example
The fishermen rested on a tiny islet before continuing their journey.
C2 noun /fɪntʃ/

finch

Meaning
a small songbird with a short, stout bill
Example
A colorful finch perched on the branch singing sweetly.
C2 adjective /ˈmɪnətɔːri/

minatory

Meaning
Expressing a threat; menacing.
Example
The criminal gave the witness a minatory look.
C2 adjective /ˈtɔːni/

tawny

Meaning
A warm, sandy or golden-brown color.
Example
The owl's tawny feathers blended with the tree bark.
C2 noun prɒkˈsiː.mɪks

proxemics

Meaning
The study of how people use space and distance to indicate relationships
Example
Understanding proxemics helps in improving interpersonal communication.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrbɪtər/

arbiter

Meaning
a person who has the authority to settle a dispute or decide an issue
Example
The principal acted as the arbiter in the conflict between the students.
C2 noun /ˈplɛnɪtjuːd/

plenitude

Meaning
the condition of being full or abundant; a great quantity
Example
The garden was a plenitude of flowers in spring.
C2 noun /ˌniːoʊˈlætɪn/

neo-latin

Meaning
The use of Latin language for scholarly, scientific, and literary purposes after the medieval period.
Example
Many scientific names are derived from Neo-Latin.
C2 noun /luːn/

lune

Meaning
A crescent-shaped figure formed by two intersecting arcs; also means 'moon' in French.
Example
The mathematician studied the properties of the lune.
C2 noun /ˈpɒntɪf/

pontiff

Meaning
the pope or a high-ranking bishop in the Christian church
Example
The pontiff addressed the nation in a televised speech.
C2 adjective /ˈhæl.si.ən/

halcyon

Meaning
calm, peaceful, and happy; denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful
Example
She often reminisces about the halcyon days of her childhood.
C2 noun/adjective /ælˈbaɪ.noʊ/

albino

Meaning
A person, animal, or plant lacking normal pigmentation, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes.
Example
The albino rabbit had white fur and pink eyes.
C2 noun /ˌprɪnsɪˈpæləti/

principality

Meaning
a state ruled by a prince
Example
Monaco is a famous principality in Europe.
C2 verb /ˈærəˌɡeɪt/

arrogate

Meaning
To claim or take something without justification.
Example
The dictator arrogated all powers to himself.
C2 noun /ˌmɪsˈtʃæns/

mischance

Meaning
An unfortunate accident or event; bad luck.
Example
By mischance, he missed the last train home.
C2 noun /ˈlɔɪtərər/

loiterer

Meaning
A person who lingers aimlessly in a place without purpose.
Example
The police questioned the loiterer outside the store.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/

ingratiating

Meaning
Charming or flattering in a way intended to gain favor.
Example
His ingratiating smile made everyone trust him quickly.
C2 adjective /səˈlɪsɪtəs/

solicitous

Meaning
showing concern or care for someone's health, happiness, or comfort
Example
She was always solicitous about the well-being of her students.
C2 noun /nuːt/

Newt

Meaning
a small amphibian with a long tail that lives both in water and on land
Example
The newt swam gracefully in the pond.
C2 noun /kəˈdævər/

cadaver

Meaning
A dead human body, especially one used for medical study.
Example
Medical students dissected the cadaver to learn about human anatomy.
C2 noun /ˈtæmbər/ or /ˈtɪmbər/

timbre

Meaning
The character or quality of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and intensity.
Example
Her voice had a warm timbre that soothed the audience.
C2 noun /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈpruːdəns/

jurisprudence

Meaning
The theory, philosophy, or science of law.
Example
She is a professor of jurisprudence at the university.
C2 verb /ˈhɛktər/

hector

Meaning
To talk to someone in a bullying or intimidating way.
Example
The manager hectored the staff into working overtime.
C2 verb, noun /ɡaʊdʒ/

gouge

Meaning
To cut or scoop out a deep hole or groove; to overcharge unfairly.
Example
He accidentally gouged a hole in the wooden table.
C2 adjective, adverb /ˌmæləprəˈpoʊ/

malapropos

Meaning
inappropriate or unsuitable; at an inconvenient or inappropriate time
Example
His comment was malapropos during the serious discussion.
C2 verb /dɪˈfreɪ/

defray

Meaning
to provide money to pay the costs of something
Example
The grant will help defray the cost of education.
C2 noun/adjective /ɪˈmɒliənt/

emollient

Meaning
a substance that softens or soothes the skin
Example
She used an emollient cream to treat her dry skin.
C2 adjective /ˈoʊ.pən ˈhæn.dɪd/

Open-handed

Meaning
Generous; liberal; giving freely;
Example
He is very open-handed with his money and always helps those in need.
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 verb /ɡɔːk/

gawk

Meaning
To stare openly and rudely.
Example
Tourists gawked at the celebrity walking down the street.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɒs.stɪk/

Joss-stick

Meaning
a thin stick of incense that is burned for its pleasant smell, especially in religious ceremonies
Example
She lit a joss-stick in the temple during her prayers.
C2 noun /fez/

Fez

Meaning
a cone-shaped red hat with a tassel, traditionally worn by men in some Middle Eastern countries
Example
The traditional costume included a red fez with a black tassel.
C2 noun /ˈtrʌmpəri/

trumpery

Meaning
worthless nonsense or showy but worthless things
Example
The speech was full of political trumpery.
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 /ˌɪn.ɪˈbraɪ.ə.ti/

inebriety

Meaning
the state of being drunk or intoxicated
Example
His frequent inebriety led to the loss of his job.
C2 noun /meɪˈlɑːnʒ/

melange

Meaning
A mixture of different things or styles.
Example
The festival offered a melange of music, food, and art.
C2 noun dɪsˈbɜːs.mənt

disbursement

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

pyx

Meaning
a small container, often used in Christian liturgy to carry the consecrated host
Example
The priest placed the consecrated host into the pyx before visiting the sick.
C2 adjective ˌnjʊə.rəʊ.prəˈtek.tɪv

neuroprotective

Meaning
Having the ability to protect nerve cells from damage, degeneration, or impaired function.
Example
Omega-3 fatty acids have neuroprotective benefits.
C2 noun /ˈkrɪsəndəm/

christendom

Meaning
the worldwide body or community of Christians
Example
The news spread quickly across Christendom.
C2 noun /lɒŋ ˈwɪskəd ˈkætfɪʃ/

Long whiskered catfish

Meaning
A type of freshwater fish with long whisker-like barbels around its mouth
Example
The fisherman caught a long whiskered catfish in the river.
C2 adjective /ˈfɪnɪki/

finicky

Meaning
difficult to please; very particular about details
Example
He is so finicky about his food that he only eats organic vegetables.
C2 adjective /ˈpruːdɪʃ/

prudish

Meaning
having or revealing a tendency to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity
Example
She was too prudish to watch the movie with her friends.
C2 noun /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

defoliant

Meaning
a chemical that causes leaves to drop from plants, often used in warfare or agriculture
Example
The army sprayed defoliant to clear the forest cover.
C2 noun /ˈstiː.vəˌdɔːr/

stevedore

Meaning
A person employed to load and unload cargo from ships.
Example
The stevedores worked tirelessly to unload the cargo before dawn.
C2 noun /ˈmɜːkinəs/

murkiness

Meaning
The quality of being dark, gloomy, or unclear.
Example
The murkiness of the water made it hard to see the fish.
C2 noun /ˈɪmpjʊdəns/

impudence

Meaning
Rude and disrespectful behavior.
Example
The student's impudence shocked the entire class.
C2 adjective /bəˈθɛt.ɪk/

bathetic

Meaning
displaying insincere or trivial emotion; producing an unintended ridiculous effect through sudden change from serious to silly
Example
The movie's ending was unintentionally bathetic rather than tragic.
C2 adjective /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/

esoteric

Meaning
intended for or understood by only a small number of people with special knowledge
Example
The professor gave an esoteric lecture on ancient philosophy.
C2 noun /ˌkɒl.əˈneɪd/

colonnade

Meaning
A row of evenly spaced columns supporting a roof, often in classical architecture.
Example
The visitors admired the grand colonnade at the entrance of the temple.
C2 noun /ˈbrɪk.bæt/

Brickbat

Meaning
a piece of brick, especially one used as a missile; harsh criticism or censure
Example
The angry protesters threw brickbats at the building windows.
C2 noun /ˈɑːrbərɪˌkʌltʃər/

arboriculture

Meaning
the cultivation and management of trees and shrubs
Example
He studied arboriculture to improve urban green spaces.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnɪkˈsɛpʃənəbl/

unexceptionable

Meaning
Not open to objection; acceptable and unobjectionable
Example
His behavior was unexceptionable throughout the event.
C2 verb /əˈdʌltəreɪt/

adulterate

Meaning
to make something poorer in quality by adding another substance, usually of lower quality
Example
The company was fined for adulterating its products with cheap chemicals.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdaʊ.tə.bəl/

redoubtable

Meaning
formidable, especially as an opponent; inspiring fear or respect
Example
She was a redoubtable leader who commanded respect from all.
C2 noun /ˈbeɪleɪ/

Bele

Meaning
a type of freshwater fish found in South Asian rivers, known for its distinctive appearance
Example
The bele fish is commonly caught in the rivers of Bangladesh.
C2 verb /ˈmæk.ɪ.neɪt/

machinate

Meaning
to engage in plots or schemes, usually for harmful or evil purposes
Example
The rebels tried to machinate against the king.
C2 verb /ˈɪməleɪt/

immolate

Meaning
To kill or sacrifice, especially by burning.
Example
The protesters threatened to immolate themselves in front of the building.
C2 adjective /ˌpɪkəˈjuːn/

picayune

Meaning
of little value or importance; trivial
Example
He complained about the picayune details of the contract.
C2 noun /ˈɡoʊld.moʊ.hɜːr/

Goldmohur

Meaning
A tropical tree with bright orange-red flowers, also known as flame tree or royal poinciana
Example
The goldmohur tree bloomed beautifully in the summer heat.
C2 adjective /ˈflɪpənt/

flippant

Meaning
not showing a serious or respectful attitude
Example
His flippant remarks annoyed the teacher.
C2 noun /ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks/

calisthenics

Meaning
exercises that use body weight for strength and flexibility
Example
She practices calisthenics every morning in the park.
C2 noun /ˈmɪs.kri.ənt/

Miscreant

Meaning
A person who behaves badly or illegally; a villain or criminal
Example
The miscreant was caught stealing from the store.
C2 adjective /mɔːrˈdeɪʃəs/

mordacious

Meaning
Sharp or biting in style, tone, or remark; sarcastic.
Example
The critic’s mordacious review offended the author.
C2 verb /ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/

effacing

Meaning
erasing or making oneself inconspicuous; to remove or diminish in significance
Example
She kept effacing herself during the meeting so that others could shine.
C2 noun /ˈkæʒuɪstri/

casuistry

Meaning
The use of clever but false reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions.
Example
The lawyer’s argument was dismissed as mere casuistry.
C2 noun /ˈweɪstrəl/

wastrel

Meaning
A person who wastes time, money, or resources; an idler or spendthrift.
Example
The young man was dismissed as a wastrel by his family.
C2 verb /əˈbʌt/

abut

Meaning
to be next to or share a border with
Example
The park abuts the river on the north side.
C2 noun /baɪˈmɛstər/

bimester

Meaning
A period of two months.
Example
The academic program is divided into six bimesters.
C2 adjective /ˈsæpɪd/

sapid

Meaning
Having a pleasant taste; flavorful.
Example
The chef prepared a sapid dish that delighted everyone at the table.
C2 adjective /fəˈlɪsɪtəs/

felicitous

Meaning
well-chosen, appropriate, or pleasing; marked by good fortune or happiness
Example
She made a felicitous remark that lightened the mood.
C2 adverb /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ/

inasmuch

Meaning
To the extent that; considering that.
Example
Inasmuch as you are their teacher, you should guide them carefully.
C2 verb /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪst/

preexist

Meaning
to exist beforehand or before something else
Example
These customs preexist the arrival of modern technology.
C2 adjective /ˌiːvənˈhændɪd/

evenhanded

Meaning
Fair and impartial; showing no bias or favoritism.
Example
The judge was praised for her evenhanded approach to the case.
C2 verb /ˈtrʌŋkeɪt/

truncate

Meaning
to shorten something by cutting off the top or the end
Example
The article was truncated to fit the limited space.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈkɒn.ʃəs/

semiconscious

Meaning
Only partly conscious; not fully aware of surroundings.
Example
He was semiconscious after the accident and could barely respond.
C2 verb /əˈvaʊtʃ/

avouch

Meaning
to affirm or assert something as true
Example
He avouched his innocence before the judge.
C2 noun /ˈkloʊtʃər/

cloture

Meaning
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
Example
The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate.
C2 noun /ˈbɑːr.kəˌroʊl/

barcarole

Meaning
a traditional Venetian boat song, often in 6/8 time
Example
The orchestra played a beautiful barcarole that reminded me of Venice.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈɡreʃ.ən/

introgression

Meaning
The transfer of genetic information from one species to another through repeated backcrossing.
Example
Introgression plays a significant role in plant breeding.
C2 adjective /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəbl/

exceptionable

Meaning
Open to objection; causing disapproval.
Example
His rude remarks were considered exceptionable by everyone present.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈæn.ju.eɪ.tɪd/

superannuated

Meaning
old and no longer useful or valid; retired due to age
Example
The factory was filled with superannuated machines that slowed production.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

chicanery

Meaning
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose.
Example
The politician was accused of chicanery to win the election.
C2 verb /əˈfaɪəns/

affiance

Meaning
to promise or pledge marriage; to formally engage
Example
They decided to affiance after years of friendship.
C2 adjective /ˈtɜːrbɪd/

turbid

Meaning
Cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter; confused or obscure in meaning.
Example
The river water became turbid after the heavy rains.
C2 adjective /ˈfɛtɪd/

fetid

Meaning
having a strong, unpleasant smell
Example
The fetid smell from the garbage was unbearable.
C2 noun /ˈpiːs ɡʊdz/

Piece-goods

Meaning
textiles or fabrics sold by the yard or meter; cloth materials
Example
The tailor bought piece-goods from the wholesale market to make custom dresses.
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 verb /kənˈtjuːz/

contuse

Meaning
to bruise by striking or hitting
Example
He contused his arm when he fell off the bike.
C2 noun ˈnjʊə.rəʊ ˌfiːd.bæk

neurofeedback

Meaning
A technique that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function.
Example
Neurofeedback enhances cognitive performance and relaxation.
C2 adjective /ˌvɪtriˈɑːlɪk/

vitriolic

Meaning
filled with bitter criticism or malice
Example
His vitriolic remarks hurt everyone in the room.
C2 adjective /əˈsɪdjʊləs/

acidulous

Meaning
slightly sour or sharp in taste or manner
Example
The critic wrote an acidulous review of the movie.
C2 verb /hjuː/

hew

Meaning
To chop or cut something, especially wood or stone, with a tool.
Example
The workers hewed logs to build the cabin.
C2 noun /stɒˈkeɪd/

stockade

Meaning
a defensive barrier made of strong posts or timbers, often around a fort or prison
Example
The prisoners were kept inside the wooden stockade.