CEFR Level
Voluntary self-punishment as an expression of repentance for wrongdoing.
"He fasted for a week as a penance for his mistakes."
a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something
"She has a penchant for collecting rare books."
a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck
"She wore a silver pendant around her neck."
hanging down or suspended
"The pendent branches touched the ground."
A weight suspended from a pivot so that it swings freely, often used to regulate clocks.
"The pendulum swung back and forth inside the clock."
Relating to or resembling a peninsula.
"The peninsular region is surrounded by water on three sides."
The action or feeling of showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
"His eyes were full of penitence after realizing his mistake."
Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
"She was penitent after shouting at her friend."
A tapering flag used for signaling or as an emblem of victory or achievement.
"The team raised the championship pennant proudly."
having no money; extremely poor; completely without funds
"After losing his job, he became penniless."
Engaged in deep or serious thought.
"She looked pensive as she stared out of the window."
suppressed; restrained; confined
"He had pent-up anger that finally exploded."
A plane figure with five straight sides and five angles; also refers to the US Department of Defense building.
"The Pentagon is one of the most iconic government buildings in the United States."
An athletic contest featuring five different events.
"She trained hard to compete in the modern pentathlon."
second to the last in a sequence or series
"She finished the penultimate chapter before going to sleep."
a low-ranking worker, often performing menial tasks
"The office peon delivered the files to each department."
By or in itself; intrinsically.
"The idea is not bad per se, but it needs improvement."
Able to be seen, noticed, or detected.
"The changes in winter weather are perceivable in rural areas."
Able to be noticed or recognized by the senses or the mind.
"There was a perceptible change in the atmosphere."
Having or showing keen insight, understanding, or awareness.
"She is very perceptive and quickly notices when something is wrong."
To sit or rest on something high or narrow.
"The bird perched on the fence."
To filter gradually through a porous surface or substance; to spread slowly.
"The rainwater percolated through the soil into the groundwater."
A device used for brewing coffee by continually cycling boiling water through coffee grounds.
"She made a fresh pot of coffee using the percolator."
Musical instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping, such as drums or cymbals.
"The percussion section added rhythm and energy to the orchestra."
wandering; traveling; migratory
"The peregrine falcon is known for its incredible speed."
lasting or existing for a long time, or recurring continually
"Climate change is a perennial concern for scientists."
the art, business, or products of making perfumes
"She works in a perfumery that creates luxury scents."
done without much effort, interest, or thought
"He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away."
full of danger or risk
"They undertook a perilous journey through the mountains."
the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or area
"The soldiers guarded the perimeter of the camp."
Relating to or situated on the edge or outer parts of something.
"The town is located on the peripheral area of the city."
The outer edge or boundary of an area or object.
"The soldiers were stationed at the periphery of the camp."
liable to decay quickly; short-lived
"Store perishable foods in the refrigerator."
a small trailing plant with violet-blue or white flowers
"Purple periwinkles covered the garden ground beautifully."
The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after taking an oath.
"She was convicted of perjury after giving false evidence."
The development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
"Permaculture promotes self-sufficient farming systems."
The quality or state of being permeable; allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
"The permeability of the soil affects water retention."
allowing liquids or gases to pass through
"The soil in this area is very permeable to water."
to spread throughout something or to pass into every part
"The smell of fresh coffee permeated the whole house."
allowed or permitted by rules or law
"It is permissible to park here after 6 p.m."
allowing or characterized by great freedom of behavior; tolerant
"Her parents were very permissive and rarely punished her."
An arrangement or reordering of elements, often in mathematics or logic.
"The puzzle can be solved by trying all possible permutations of the tiles."
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
"The pernicious influence of fake news can mislead millions of people."
At an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface.
"The ladder was placed perpendicular to the ground for safety."
To commit or carry out, typically a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.
"The hackers perpetrated a massive cyber attack on the company."
a person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act
"The police arrested the perpetrator of the crime."
never-ending or continuous
"She lived in perpetual fear of being discovered."
to make something continue indefinitely
"This law will perpetuate inequality in society."
To confuse or puzzle someone.
"The complex instructions perplexed the students."
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their religion, race, or beliefs
"Many people were persecuted for their faith during that time."
