Learn: Advanced Vocabulary: English Words and Definitions for Independent Learners

adieu (interj.)

Goodbye, farewell.

aiguillette (n.)

An ornamental tagged cord or braid on the shoulder of a uniform.

alight (v.)

1. To dismount from a horse, descend from a vehicle, etc. 2. To settle or stay after descending.

auditor (n.)

A hearer, listener.

benediction (n.)

1. An utterance of good wishes. 2. The form of blessing pronounced by an officiating minister, as at the close of divine service.

contempt (n.)

The feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, vile, or worthless, disdain, scorn.

countenance (n.)

Appearance, especially in the look or expression of a face.

decree (n.)

A formal and authoritative order, especially one having the force of law.

deference (n.)

1. Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another. 2. Respectful or courteous regard.

dread (n.)

Terror or apprehension as to something in the future, great fear.

enumerate (v.)

To mention separately as if in counting, name one by one, specify in a list.

ferocious (adj.)

Savagely fierce, as a wild beast, person, action, or aspect, violently cruel.

gird (v.)

1. To encircle or bind with a belt or band. 2. To surround, enclose, hem in. 3. To prepare oneself for action.

haughty (adj.)

Disdainfully proud, scornfully arrogant, snobbish, or supercilious.

hilarity (n.)

Cheerfulness, merriment, mirthfulness.

hilt (n.)

The handle of a sword or dagger.

impertinent (adj.)

Intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions, insolently rude, uncivil.

irascible (adj.)

Easily provoked to anger, very irritable.

legion (n.)

1. Any large group of armed men. 2. Any great number of persons or things, multitude.

minute (adj.)

1. Extremely small, as in size, amount, extent, or degree. 2. Of minor importance, insignificant, trifling. 3. Attentive to or concerned with even the smallest details.

mirth (n.)

1. Gaiety or jollity, especially when accompanied by laughter. 2. Amusement or laughter.

personage (n.)

A person of distinction or importance.

portmanteau (n.)

A case or bag to carry clothing in while traveling, especially a leather trunk or suitcase that opens up into two halves.

prelude (n.)

A preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.

prevail (v.)

To be widespread or current, exist everywhere or generally.

provocation (n.)

Something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.

prudence (n.)

1. The quality or fact of being wise in practical affairs, as by providing for the future. 2. Caution with regard to practical matters, discretion.

repress (v.)

To keep under control, check, or suppress (desires, feelings, actions, tears, etc.).

scabbard (n.)

A sheath for a sword or the like.

stern (adj.)

1. Firm, strict, or uncompromising. 2. Hard, harsh, or severe. 3. Rigorous or austere. 4. Of an unpleasantly serious character.

susceptible (adj.)

1. Admitting or capable of some specified treatment. 2. Accessible or especially liable or subject to some influence, mood, agency, etc. 3. Capable of being affected emotionally, impressionable.

vociferous (adj.)

Crying out noisily, clamorous.

wretched (adj.)

Very unfortunate in condition or circumstances, miserable, pitiable.