1. hailed (verb) – To praise or acknowledge something enthusiastically.

   • The scientist was hailed as a genius after her groundbreaking discovery.

2. overwhelmingly (adverb) – To a very great degree; strongly or decisively.

   • The new policy was overwhelmingly supported by the public.

3. arbitrary (adjective) – Based on personal choice or random decision rather than reason or law.

   • The manager’s decision seemed arbitrary and unfair to the employees.

4. fostering (verb) – Encouraging or promoting the growth or development of something.

   • The school focuses on fostering creativity among students.

5. absolute (adjective) – Total, complete, or without restriction.

   • The dictator ruled with absolute power, allowing no opposition.

6. dynasty (noun) – A powerful family or group of rulers that maintains power for a long time.

   • The Ming dynasty ruled China for nearly 300 years.

7. pretender (noun) – Someone who claims a right to a throne or title, often without legitimacy.

   • The pretender to the throne gathered an army to challenge the king.

8. banner (noun) – A flag or symbol used to represent a cause or movement.

   • The protesters marched under the banner of freedom and justice.

9. secure (adjective/verb) – Safe, stable, or protected from danger.

   • The government worked to secure the nation’s borders.

10. alarm (noun) – A feeling of fear or anxiety about something dangerous.

    • There was growing alarm over the spread of the disease.

11. reinforcements (noun) – Additional troops or resources sent to strengthen a force.

    • The general called for reinforcements to support the weakened army.

12. dispirited (adjective) – Having lost enthusiasm, hope, or confidence.

    • After repeated failures, the team felt dispirited and exhausted.

13. desertion (noun) – The act of abandoning one’s duty, especially in the military.

    • The soldier was punished for desertion after fleeing the battlefield.

14. mustering (verb) – Gathering or assembling people, especially for military purposes.

    • The commander was mustering his troops for battle.

15. subordinate (adjective/noun) – Lower in rank or position.

    • She refused to take orders from a subordinate officer.

16. disciplinarian (noun) – A person who enforces strict discipline.

    • The new principal was known as a strict disciplinarian.

17. confidence (noun) – A belief in one’s abilities or a sense of trust.

    • He spoke with confidence about his plans for the company.

18. pursuit (noun) – The act of chasing or striving to achieve something.

    • The police were in pursuit of the fleeing suspect.

19. casualties (noun) – People who are killed or injured in an accident or battle.

    • The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

20. authenticity (noun) – The quality of being genuine or real.

    • The museum checked the authenticity of the ancient artifact.

21. determined (adjective) – Having a firm decision or strong will to achieve something.

    • She was determined to finish her degree despite many challenges.

22. excesses (noun) – Extreme or over-the-top actions or behaviors.

    • The excesses of the royal court led to public outrage.

23. legacy (noun) – Something handed down from the past, such as traditions or impact.

    • His greatest legacy was the education reform he introduced.

24. restricting (verb) – Limiting or controlling something.

    • The new law is restricting access to certain areas of the city.

25. succession (noun) – The process of inheriting a position, especially a throne.

    • The king had no direct heir, so the succession was uncertain.

26. interference (noun) – Unwanted involvement or meddling in someone else’s affairs.

    • The government warned foreign countries against interference in domestic politics.

27. cloaked (verb/adjective) – Covered, hidden, or disguised.

    • His true intentions were cloaked in mystery.

28. harsh (adjective) – Severe, strict, or cruel.

    • The prisoners faced harsh conditions in the remote prison.

29. approval (noun) – Agreement or official permission for something.

    • She waited for her manager’s approval before proceeding with the project.

30. challenging (verb/adjective) – Questioning or disputing something; difficult.

    • The lawyer was challenging the validity of the contract.

31. exploding (verb) – Bursting outward; also used metaphorically to mean exposing a falsehood.

    • The journalist’s report exploded the myth of the politician’s honesty.

32. sacrificed (verb) – Gave up something valuable for a greater cause.

    • Many soldiers sacrificed their lives for their country.

33. loyal (adjective) – Faithful and devoted to a cause or person.

    • The dog remained loyal to its owner despite being abandoned.

C2-Level Words (Proficient)

1. presage (verb) – To predict or indicate a future event.

   • Dark clouds presaged an approaching storm.

2. converging (verb) – Coming together or meeting at a point.

   • The two rivers converged to form a larger one.

3. incipient (adjective) – Just beginning to develop or appear.

   • The doctor identified the incipient signs of the disease.

4. mustered (verb) – Gathered together, especially troops.

   • He mustered all his courage before giving the speech.

5. motley (adjective) – A diverse or mixed collection of things or people.

   • The audience was a motley mix of students and professors.

6. calibres (noun) – Levels of quality, ability, or measurement (such as bullet sizes).

   • The company only hires employees of the highest calibres.

7. cannonaded (verb) – Bombarded with artillery fire.

   • The enemy fort was cannonaded throughout the night.

8. unleashed (verb) – Released something powerful, often suddenly.

   • The speech unleashed a wave of protests across the city.

9. flanks (noun) – The sides of an army or a physical area.

   • The general ordered his soldiers to attack from the flanks.

10. rout (noun) – A chaotic and overwhelming defeat.

    • The battle turned into a rout as the soldiers fled in panic.

11. fêted (verb) – Publicly celebrated or honored.

    • The athlete was fêted as a national hero after winning the gold medal.

12. harried (verb) – Attacked or harassed repeatedly.

    • The villagers were harried by bandits for months.

13. pilgrimage (noun) – A journey for religious or special purposes.

    • Thousands of people make a pilgrimage to the sacred site each year.

14. reproached (verb) – Criticized or blamed someone.

    • She reproached him for being late to the meeting.

15. ultimately (adverb) – In the end, finally.

    • The decision ultimately rested with the board of directors.