Vocab C2C

Difficult to understand; obscure

The abstruse mathematical theory was too complex for most students to grasp.

Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative

The cantankerous old man complained about everything his neighbors did.

Using pompous or extravagant language to impress others

The professor's grandiloquent speech confused students with its complicated vocabulary.

Too great or extreme to be expressed in words

The beauty of the sunset was ineffable and left everyone speechless.

Unable to be resisted or avoided; inevitable

The ineluctable passage of time reminded him that he was getting older.

Having a particular habit or behavior for a long time and unlikely to change

He was an inveterate smoker who found it impossible to quit despite health warnings.

Looking or sounding sad and dismal

The funeral director's lugubrious expression matched the somber occasion.

Having a smooth, sweet, and pleasant sound

The singer's mellifluous voice captivated the entire audience.

To deliberately make something confusing or unclear

The politician tried to obfuscate the issue instead of giving a direct answer.

Noisy and difficult to control; unruly

The obstreperous children refused to listen to their teacher and kept shouting.

Done without care or interest as a routine duty

He gave a perfunctory apology that seemed insincere and rushed.

Having a harmful effect, especially gradually or subtly

The pernicious effects of pollution on children's health became evident over time.

Having a keen understanding and insight; able to see things clearly

The perspicacious detective quickly solved the mystery that puzzled everyone else.

Showing a lack of courage or determination; cowardly

His pusillanimous behavior disappointed his friends when he refused to stand up for what was right.

Belonging to ordinary daily life; commonplace

She found the quotidian tasks of cooking and cleaning boring and repetitive.

Stubbornly refusing to obey authority or follow rules

The recalcitrant student continued to break school rules despite multiple warnings.

Optimistic and confident, especially in difficult situations

Despite losing his job, he remained sanguine about finding new employment.

Behaving in a way that excessively praises someone to gain favor

Her sycophantic comments to the boss made her colleagues uncomfortable.

Eager to fight or argue; aggressively hostile

The truculent customer shouted at the store manager about his complaint.

Bitter and abusive in speech or writing

The critic's vituperative review destroyed the young actor's confidence.