BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY
Discover a useful word, hear its pronunciation and use it in a sentence.
YOUR WORD COLLECTION
Choose a letter to browse the full collection. Numbers show how many words are available.
IPA /ˈsɪkəfænt/
A person who flatters someone powerful or influential in order to gain favour or an advantage. Sycophant is a strongly critical word; ordinary kindness, respect or sincere praise does not by itself make someone a sycophant.
The fictional king surrounded himself with sycophants who praised every decision to win rewards.
IPA /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
Found throughout a place or encountered very widely; so common that it seems to be everywhere.
Bright wristbands were ubiquitous throughout the festival.
IPA /ɪmˈplækəbl/
Unable to be calmed, satisfied, or appeased; relentless and unyielding.
The victim's family remained implacable, demanding justice years after the verdict.
IPA /ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊniəs/
Unwilling to spend money or use resources; extremely frugal or stingy.
Despite his wealth, the businessman was notoriously parsimonious—even with tipping waiters.
IPA /ɪkˈskɔːrieɪt/
To criticise someone or something very harshly, often by pointing out serious faults or failures in an angry way.
The journalist excoriated the government’s response as slow and incompetent.
IPA /dɪˈsɛmbəl/
To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to disguise or hide under a false appearance.
She smiled politely, dissembling her disappointment at the rejection.
IPA /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/
A spoken curse; the act of invoking evil or misfortune upon someone.
The villain hurled an imprecation at the hero before vanishing into the shadows.
IPA /ˈdɪlətəri/
Slow to act or intended to cause delay; procrastinating or sluggish.
His dilatory response to the urgent email caused the team to miss the deadline.
IPA /ˈtrɛntʃənt/
Incisive, sharp, or forceful—especially in expression or style; often used to describe keen analysis or biting wit.
Her trenchant critique of the education system left no flaw unexposed.
IPA /vɪˈtjuːpərətɪv/
Bitter and abusive; full of harsh and angry criticism.
The debate turned vituperative as the candidates hurled personal insults.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Choose a word, say it aloud and write a sentence about your day. Then try a short practice to check your understanding.
