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. The learner asks it as shown here: phrase first, meaning second.
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
Swap question and answerLasting for a very short time
What does “ephemeral” mean?
The ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossom lasts barely a week.
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
What does “ubiquitous” mean?
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern life.
Dealing with things practically rather than idealistically
What does “pragmatic” mean?
She took a pragmatic approach and fixed what she could.
Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
What does “meticulous” mean?
His meticulous notes made the experiment easy to repeat.
Truthful and straightforward; frank
What does “candid” mean?
I asked for her candid opinion of the draft.
Fluent and persuasive in speech or writing
What does “eloquent” mean?
He gave an eloquent speech that moved the whole room.
Able to recover quickly from difficulties
What does “resilient” mean?
The community proved remarkably resilient after the flood.
Severe or plain in appearance; without comfort or luxury
What does “austere” mean?
The monk’s austere room held only a bed and a candle.
Fond of the company of others; sociable
What does “gregarious” mean?
A gregarious host, he knew everyone at the party.
Holding firmly to a purpose; persistent and determined
What does “tenacious” mean?
A tenacious negotiator, she refused to give up.
More than is needed; unnecessary
What does “superfluous” mean?
A good editor cuts every superfluous word.
Harmless; unlikely to offend or cause trouble
What does “innocuous” mean?
It seemed an innocuous question, but it started an argument.
Using more words than are needed; long-winded
What does “verbose” mean?
The report was so verbose that no one finished it.
Having sharp, accurate judgement; shrewd
What does “astute” mean?
An astute investor, she sold just before the crash.
Hasty and not thorough; superficial
What does “cursory” mean?
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.