CEFR Level
giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable
"The sunny weather was a propitious start to the picnic."
To put forward an idea, theory, or point for consideration.
"The professor propounded a new theory on climate change."
Having the power to drive or push something forward.
"The propulsive force of the rocket lifted it off the ground."
to discontinue a session of a parliament or assembly without dissolving it
"The president decided to prorogue parliament until the crisis was resolved."
the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain; the arch framing the stage
"The actors bowed at the proscenium before leaving the stage."
to forbid something by law or authority
"The new law will proscribe the use of harmful chemicals in farming."
the act of forbidding something, especially by law
"The proscription of child labor is an important human rights achievement."
A person who has converted from one belief, opinion, or religion to another.
"She became a proselyte after converting to a new faith."
To try to persuade someone to convert to a different belief or religion.
"They tried to proselytize the villagers with their new ideas."
The patterns of rhythm and sound used in poetry and speech.
"The professor explained how prosody affects the mood of a poem."
tending or able to change frequently or easily; versatile
"She is a protean artist who experiments with many styles."
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
"The small country became a protectorate of the empire."
The first martyr in a cause or religion, often referring to the first Christian martyr.
"St. Stephen is known as the protomartyr of Christianity."
The living substance inside a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus.
"Scientists observed the movement of protoplasm under the microscope."
A rounded swelling or lump on a surface.
"The doctor examined the small protuberance on his arm."
Sticking out or bulging.
"His protuberant belly showed after the meal."
To swell out or bulge.
"The roots began to protuberate from the ground."
food or provisions, especially for livestock
"The barn was filled with provender for the cattle."
making or indicative of timely preparation for the future
"She was provident in saving money for her children’s education."
occurring at a favorable or opportune time, as if guided by divine intervention
"Their timely rescue was considered providential."
conditional; depending on certain terms being met
"The arrangement was only provisory until the final contract was signed."
The study of how people use space and distance to indicate relationships
"Understanding proxemics helps in improving interpersonal communication."
In a near or close manner; nearly.
"The village lies proximately to the river."
A person who is easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; someone overly modest.
"He was called a prude for blushing at the movie scenes."
involving or showing prudence, especially in financial or business matters
"The bank has set prudential rules to protect depositors."
the behavior or attitude of people who are too easily shocked or offended by sexual matters
"His prudery often made others uncomfortable during open discussions."
having or revealing a tendency to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity
"She was too prudish to watch the movie with her friends."
having or showing an excessive interest in sexual matters
"The magazine was criticized for its prurient content."
a false or pretended apostle
"The preacher was condemned as a pseudapostle."
the practice or state of using a pseudonym
"The author maintained pseudonymity throughout her career."
The study and classification of people according to their attitudes, aspirations, and other psychological criteria.
"Psychographics reveal consumer buying motives."
to tighten or contract into small folds or wrinkles
"She puckered her lips before kissing the child."
playfully mischievous
"The child gave a puckish grin before hiding the toy."
slightly fat or chubby in a way that is often cute
"The baby had pudgy cheeks that everyone adored."
childishly silly or immature
"His puerile jokes annoyed the audience."
The practice or sport of boxing.
"He studied the art of pugilism in his youth."
A professional or skilled boxer.
"The pugilist entered the ring with confidence."
Having a quarrelsome or combative nature; eager to fight.
"His pugnacious attitude often got him into trouble."
A natural disposition to be combative or aggressive.
"The coach admired the player's pugnacity on the field."
Great power, strength, or influence.
"The empire showed its puissance through vast armies."
having great power or influence; mighty
"The king was a puissant ruler whose word was law."
physical beauty
"The actress was admired for her pulchritude as well as her talent."
To crush or grind something into a fine powder; to completely defeat or destroy.
"The machine can pulverize stones into dust."
Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior.
"She was punctilious in her attention to etiquette."
The quality of having a strong, sharp taste or smell.
"The pungency of garlic filled the kitchen."
The state of being a pupil or under instruction.
"During his pupilage, he studied law under a senior barrister."
Having impaired or defective vision; lacking insight or understanding.
"The purblind approach to the problem led to many mistakes."
To knit with a purl stitch; to flow with a murmuring sound (as a stream).
"The brook purled softly through the meadow."
The area near or surrounding a place; an outlying or neighboring district.
"They spent the afternoon exploring the purlieus of the ancient city."
to steal something, often in a sneaky or dishonest way
"He tried to purloin a book from the library without being noticed."
