For advanced learners who want the rare, literary words well-read native speakers use to describe everyday feelings, habits, and situations with precision.
Free Everyday Basics vocabulary flashcards at the C2 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and use these words precisely, including nuance most learners miss.
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solace
comfort given to someone during a time of deep sadness.
respite
a short period of rest from something difficult and tiring.
vestige
a small trace that remains of something which no longer exists.
malaise
a vague feeling of unease and discomfort with no clear cause.
gravitas
a serious and dignified manner that makes other people take someone seriously.
acumen
sharp judgement and skill in dealing with a particular kind of situation.
proclivity
a natural tendency to behave in a particular way, often one that is negative.
languor
a pleasant feeling of tiredness and a complete lack of energy.
equanimity
a calm and steady state of mind, especially under pressure.
vicissitude
an unexpected and often unwelcome change in someone's circumstances.
foible
a minor, slightly odd habit that is part of a person's character.
semblance
an outward appearance of something that may not match what is really true.
conundrum
a problem that is extremely puzzling and very difficult to solve.
inkling
a slight feeling that something is true, often before you have any proof.
reverie
a pleasant state of being lost in your own thoughts and daydreams.
decorum
behaviour that is polite, calm, and suitable for a formal situation.
penchant
a strong and lasting liking for a particular kind of activity.
mettle
the courage and determination needed to keep going in a hard situation.
assuage
to make a painful, unpleasant feeling noticeably less intense.
eschew
to deliberately choose to avoid doing something entirely.
languish
to remain in an unwanted, unpleasant situation for a long time.
meander
to move slowly without following any fixed direction.
vindicate
to prove that someone was right after other people doubted them.
extol
to praise something with great and open enthusiasm.
rue
to feel deep regret about a decision you made in the past.
exude
to clearly display a particular quality in a very strong way.
flout
to openly and deliberately break a rule without any concern.
ephemeral
lasting for only a very short time before disappearing completely.
innocuous
not harmful and completely unlikely to offend anyone.
ostensible
appearing to be true, although this might not actually be the case.
inexorable
impossible to stop once it has already begun.
ubiquitous
seeming to be present absolutely everywhere at once.
surreptitious
done secretly and quietly so that other people do not notice.
unassuming
modest and not seeking attention, despite having good reason to.
wistful
feeling a quiet, gentle longing for something that is now lost.