Here are 20 new complex words to add to your vocabulary.
After each word is explained the student should then use the word in a meaningful sentence during a conversation with the teacher.
1. Ephemeral – lasting for a very short time
The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading within minutes.
2. Sagacious – having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment
Her sagacious advice helped us navigate the difficult situation.
3. Obfuscate – to deliberately make something confusing or difficult to understand
The professor’s complex explanation seemed to obfuscate the main point.
4. Perfidious – deceitful and untrustworthy
He was betrayed by his perfidious friend who revealed his secrets.
5. Quintessential – representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
She is the quintessential example of elegance and grace.
6. Recalcitrant – resisting authority or control; stubbornly disobedient
The recalcitrant student refused to follow the teacher’s instructions.
7. Sagacity – wisdom or keen perception
The elder’s sagacity earned him great respect in the community.
8. Ubiquitous – present, appearing, or found everywhere
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.
9. Vociferous – loud and noisy; vehement
The protesters were vociferous in their demands for change.
10. Zephyr – a gentle, mild breeze
A soft zephyr cooled the summer afternoon.
11. Lugubrious – looking or sounding sad and dismal
His lugubrious expression revealed his deep sorrow.
12. Cacophony – a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
The city street was filled with a cacophony of honking horns and shouting.
13. Enigmatic – mysterious, difficult to interpret or understand
The artist’s work remains enigmatic, inviting multiple interpretations.
14. Insidious – proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
The disease was insidious, spreading unnoticed until it was too late.
15. Mellifluous – (of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear
Her mellifluous voice captivated the entire audience.
16. Pernicious – having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
The pernicious influence of social media can affect mental health.
17. Sycophant – a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage
The politician surrounded himself with sycophants eager to flatter him.
18. Vicissitude – a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant
They endured the vicissitudes of life with resilience.
19. Impetuous – acting or done quickly and without thought or care
His impetuous decision led to unforeseen consequences.
20. Obsequious – obedient or attentive to an excessive degree
The waiter’s obsequious manner annoyed the customers.