Adjective
Recalcitrant
IPA /rɪˈkælsɪtrənt/
Stubbornly resistant to authority, control, or guidance.
See example sentence: Recalcitrant
The recalcitrant student refused to follow the classroom rules.
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Noun
Pulchritude
IPA /ˈpʌlkrɪtjuːd/
Physical beauty or attractiveness.
See example sentence: Pulchritude
The garden’s pulchritude was breathtaking, with blooms in every color imaginable.
Noun
Vicissitude
IPA /vɪˈsɪsɪtjuːd/
A change or variation, often unexpected, in circumstances or fortune—typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
See example sentence: Vicissitude
The vicissitudes of life tested her resilience but strengthened her character.
Adjective
Ineffable
IPA /ɪnˈɛfəbl/
Too great, beautiful, or extreme to be expressed in words.
See example sentence: Ineffable
The view from the mountain peak filled her with an ineffable sense of peace.
Adjective
Belligerent
IPA /bəˈlɪdʒərənt/
Hostile and aggressive.
See example sentence: Belligerent
His belligerent attitude made it impossible to have a peaceful conversation.
Adjective
Reticent
IPA /ˈrɛtɪsənt/
Not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily; reserved or habitually silent.
See example sentence: Reticent
He was reticent about his past, choosing to keep most details to himself.
Adjective
Acrimonious
IPA /ˌækrɪˈməʊniəs/
Angry and bitter in tone, especially in speech or debate.
See example sentence: Acrimonious
The divorce proceedings turned acrimonious, with both sides airing personal grievances.
Adjective
Sanguine
IPA /ˈsæŋɡwɪn/
Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
See example sentence: Sanguine
Despite the downturn in the market, the CEO remained sanguine about the company’s future.
Verb
Juxtapose
IPA /ˌdʒʌkstəˈpəʊz/
To place two or more things side by side, especially to highlight contrast or create an effect.
See example sentence: Juxtapose
The artist juxtaposed chaos and calm in the same painting to reflect inner conflict.
Adjective
Esoteric
IPA /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest.
See example sentence: Esoteric
The professor’s lecture on quantum string theory was fascinating—but far too esoteric for the average listener.
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