Advanced Vocabulary
Advanced vocabulary is about precision, not showing off. A single well-chosen word — ephemeral, meticulous, tenacious — can replace a whole clumsy phrase and say exactly what you mean. These are the words that stand out in essays, interviews and standardised tests like the GRE. This final set collects them with plain definitions and natural example sentences so they become part of how you actually speak and write, not just words you recognise.
Practice this set for free — no account needed. Loads 15 flashcards into the learner.
Practice in the free learnerHow to study this set
Advanced words stick best when tied to a vivid image or a person you know — picture the most meticulous person you have met as you review the word. Aim to use one new word in real writing each day; production, not just recognition, is what moves a word into active vocabulary.
All 15 flashcards
What does “ephemeral” mean?
Lasting for a very short time
The ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossom lasts barely a week.
What does “ubiquitous” mean?
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern life.
What does “pragmatic” mean?
Dealing with things practically rather than idealistically
She took a pragmatic approach and fixed what she could.
What does “meticulous” mean?
Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
His meticulous notes made the experiment easy to repeat.
What does “candid” mean?
Truthful and straightforward; frank
I asked for her candid opinion of the draft.
What does “eloquent” mean?
Fluent and persuasive in speech or writing
He gave an eloquent speech that moved the whole room.
What does “resilient” mean?
Able to recover quickly from difficulties
The community proved remarkably resilient after the flood.
What does “austere” mean?
Severe or plain in appearance; without comfort or luxury
The monk’s austere room held only a bed and a candle.
What does “gregarious” mean?
Fond of the company of others; sociable
A gregarious host, he knew everyone at the party.
What does “tenacious” mean?
Holding firmly to a purpose; persistent and determined
A tenacious negotiator, she refused to give up.
What does “superfluous” mean?
More than is needed; unnecessary
A good editor cuts every superfluous word.
What does “innocuous” mean?
Harmless; unlikely to offend or cause trouble
It seemed an innocuous question, but it started an argument.
What does “verbose” mean?
Using more words than are needed; long-winded
The report was so verbose that no one finished it.
What does “astute” mean?
Having sharp, accurate judgement; shrewd
An astute investor, she sold just before the crash.
What does “cursory” mean?
Hasty and not thorough; superficial
He gave the contract only a cursory glance before signing.
What to learn next
That completes the English Vocabulary path — everyday, academic and advanced. Keep all three decks in your review rotation so the words stay active, and explore the other subjects to keep learning.