Showing 50 of 50 words. The full list is free on this page. Optional download below is email-gated for convenience only.
WordMeaningExampleAudio
aberrationL1A departure from what is normal, expected, or typicalThe sudden snowstorm in July was an aberration in the otherwise warm summer.
avariceL2Extreme greed for wealth or material gainHis avarice led him to betray his closest allies.
brazenL3Bold and without shameShe made a brazen attempt to dominate the conversation.
cajoleL4To persuade by flattery or coaxingHe tried to cajole his classmates into joining the club.
coherentL5Logical and consistentHer essay was well structured and coherent.
derideL1To ridicule or mockCritics derided the play for its weak dialogue.
indolentL2Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazyHe spent the afternoon in indolent relaxation.
serendipityL3The occurrence of happy or beneficial events by chanceFinding her old friend at the market felt like serendipity.
venerableL4Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age or wisdomThe venerable professor retired after 50 years of teaching.
avariciousL5Having or showing an extreme greed for wealthThe avaricious businessman prioritized profit over ethics.
chideL1To scold or rebuke gentlyShe chided him for arriving so late.
clandestineL2Kept secret or done secretivelyThey held a clandestine meeting in the basement.
impeccableL3In accordance with the highest standards; faultlessHer impeccable record made her the ideal candidate.
insatiableL4Impossible to satisfyHe had an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
furtiveL5Attempting to avoid notice or attention; secretiveShe cast a furtive glance toward the exit.
gratuitousL1Uncalled for; lacking good reasonHis insulting remarks were gratuitous and hurtful.
haughtyL2Arrogantly superior and disdainfulThe haughty student dismissed others as ignorant.
hypocrisyL3The practice of claiming to have moral standards to which one's own behavior does not conformHis criticism of others revealed his hypocrisy.
imbueL4To inspire or permeate with a feeling or qualityThe teacher sought to imbue her students with a love of literature.
implicitL5Understood though not plainly expressedThere was implicit trust between them.
incessantL1Continuing without pause or interruptionThe incessant rain dampened the town’s spirits.
ineffableL2Too great or extreme to be expressed in wordsThe beauty of the sunset was ineffable.
juxtaposeL3To place side by side for comparison or contrastThe exhibition juxtaposes modern art with classical pieces.
lamentL4To express sorrow, grief, or regretThe poem laments the passing of youth.
lucidL5Expressed clearly; easy to understandHer explanation was lucid and helpful.
magnanimousL1Generous and forgiving, especially towards a rivalHe was magnanimous in victory, praising his opponent.
malevolentL2Having or showing a wish to do evil to othersThe malevolent glare sent shivers down her spine.
meticulousL3Showing great attention to detail; very carefulThe scientist kept meticulous records of her experiments.
nefariousL4Wicked or criminalThe villain’s nefarious schemes were uncovered.
nostalgiaL5A sentimental longing for the pastHe felt nostalgia as he walked through his old school.
obstinateL1Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinionShe remained obstinate despite all the evidence.
ostentatiousL2Characterised by pretentious or showy displayThe millionaire threw an ostentatious party.
paradigmL3A typical example or pattern of something; a modelThis novel became a paradigm of modern literature.
perfunctoryL4Carried out with minimal effort or reflectionHe gave a perfunctory nod before leaving.
pervasiveL5Spreading widely throughout an area or groupThe smell of smoke was pervasive in the house.
placateL1To make someone less angry or hostileThe manager placated the customer with an apology.
precociousL2Having developed certain abilities earlier than usualThe precocious child amazed adults with her vocabulary.
prolificL3Producing much fruit, foliage, or creative workThe prolific writer published three novels in a year.
quintessentialL4Representing the most perfect example of somethingShe is the quintessential romantic heroine.
resilientL5Able to recover quickly from difficultyChildren are often more resilient than adults expect.
sagaciousL1Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgementThe sagacious leader guided the team to success.
scrupulousL2Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; also morally principledHe was scrupulous about keeping accurate records.
spuriousL3Not genuine, authentic, or validThe claim was dismissed as spurious.
substantiateL4To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of somethingThe lawyer failed to substantiate his argument with facts.
superfluousL5Unnecessary, especially through being more than enoughHis explanation was superfluous and lengthy.
tenaciousL1Tending to keep a firm hold; persistent and determinedHer tenacious spirit helped her succeed.
ubiquitousL2Present, appearing, or found everywhereSmartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.
vacillateL3To waver between different opinions or actions; indecisiveShe vacillated between studying law and medicine.
vehementL4Showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intenseHe gave a vehement denial of the accusation.
vindicateL5To clear someone of blame or suspicionThe new evidence vindicated the wrongly accused man.