Most common C2 words · 6

Vocabulary in this set

Learn high-frequency C2 words for everyday understanding and conversation.

1. ostensibly

   Word

   /ɑːˈstɛnsəbli/

   Apparently or according to what is stated, though perhaps not actually.

   The meeting was ostensibly about budgets, but most of the discussion concerned staffing.

2. parsimonious

   Word

   /ˌpɑːrsəˈmoʊniəs/

   Extremely unwilling to spend money or use resources.

   The department's parsimonious approach left essential equipment unreplaced.

3. perfidious

   Word

   /pərˈfɪdiəs/

   Deliberately dishonest and disloyal.

   The general condemned the agreement as a perfidious betrayal.

4. pernicious

   Word

   /pərˈnɪʃəs/

   Having a very harmful effect, especially gradually or subtly.

   The article examines the pernicious influence of persistent misinformation.

5. perspicacious

   Word

   /ˌpɝːspɪˈkeɪʃəs/

   Able to notice and understand things quickly and accurately.

   Her perspicacious analysis identified the flaw before anyone else did.

6. petulant

   Word

   /ˈpɛtʃələnt/

   Childishly irritable or bad-tempered.

   His petulant response undermined an otherwise reasonable argument.

7. pragmatic

   Word

   /præɡˈmætɪk/

   Dealing with problems in a practical way rather than relying only on theory or principle.

   The government adopted a pragmatic compromise to keep the negotiations moving.

8. prevaricate

   Word

   /prɪˈværɪˌkeɪt/

   To avoid telling the truth or giving a direct answer.

   When asked about the missing funds, the director began to prevaricate.

9. prolix

   Word

   /ˈproʊlɪks/

   Using too many words and therefore being tedious or difficult to follow.

   The editor reduced the author's prolix introduction to three concise paragraphs.

10. propitious

    Word

    /prəˈpɪʃəs/

    Likely to lead to success or favorable results.

    Falling interest rates created a propitious environment for investment.