C2 Unit 51: Describing things 5
18 C2 words: antediluvian, unobtrusively, unexceptional, tantalizingly, elephantine, incongruously… Learn them in 4 steps, then review them every day.
Word list
| Word | Meaning | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| antediluvian adj | antediluvianvery old-fashioned or ancient | Dad still uses antediluvian software that was written decades ago.Dad still uses antediluvian software that was written decades ago. | |
| unobtrusively adv | unobtrusivelyin a way that does not attract attention | Mia slipped unobtrusively into the room and sat at the back.Mia slipped unobtrusively into the room and sat at the back. | |
| unexceptional adj | unexceptionalordinary; not special in any way | It was an unexceptional meal, neither good nor bad.It was an unexceptional meal, neither good nor bad. | |
| tantalizingly/ˈtæntəˌlaɪzɪŋli/ adv | tantalizinglyin a tempting way, yet out of reach | The cake sat tantalizingly close but just out of the child’s reach.The cake sat tantalizingly close but just out of the child’s reach. | |
| elephantine/ˌɛləˈfænˌtin/ adj | elephantinevery large and heavy, like an elephant | The elephantine statue in the park was almost ten metres tall.The elephantine statue in the park was almost ten metres tall. | |
| incongruously/ˌɪŋˈkɔŋruəsli/ adv | incongruouslyin a way that seems out of place | A tiny dog sat incongruously beside the huge guard at the gate.A tiny dog sat incongruously beside the huge guard at the gate. | |
| enduringly adv | enduringlyin a way that lasts a long time | The song was enduringly popular and people still sing it today.The song was enduringly popular and people still sing it today. | |
| squirmy adj | squirmymoving about in a wriggly way | The fish felt slimy and squirmy in Leo’s hands.The fish felt slimy and squirmy in Leo’s hands. | |
| formidably/ˈfɔrmədəbli/ adv | formidablyin a way that is frightening or impressive | The team looked formidably strong in the final match.The team looked formidably strong in the final match. | |
| unnervingly adv | unnervinglyin a way that makes you feel nervous | The empty house was unnervingly quiet at midnight.The empty house was unnervingly quiet at midnight. | |
| flatout adv | flatoutat full speed or with all effort | The runners went flat out on the last lap of the race.The runners went flat out on the last lap of the race. | |
| redundantly adv | redundantlyin an unnecessary, repeated way | Sam redundantly repeated the same instructions, so the team groaned.Sam redundantly repeated the same instructions, so the team groaned. | |
| equable/ˈɛkwəbəl/ adj | equablecalm and steady; not changing much | The island has an equable climate, neither too hot nor too cold.The island has an equable climate, neither too hot nor too cold. | |
| austerely/ˌɔˈstɪrli/ adv | austerelyin a plain and simple way | The room was austerely furnished with one table and a chair.The room was austerely furnished with one table and a chair. | |
| mundanity n | mundanityordinary, dull everyday life | Maria wanted to escape the mundanity of her daily routine.Maria wanted to escape the mundanity of her daily routine. | |
| spuriously adv | spuriouslyin a false way that looks real | The ad spuriously claimed that the cream could make you younger.The ad spuriously claimed that the cream could make you younger. | |
| arduously adv | arduouslyin a way that needs great effort | Leo arduously climbed the hill carrying a heavy bag.Leo arduously climbed the hill carrying a heavy bag. | |
| infernally adv | infernallyin an extremely unpleasant way, very hot | It was an infernally hot day, and nobody wanted to move.It was an infernally hot day, and nobody wanted to move. |