Mastering the English language at a C2 level means you have reached an advanced stage of proficiency. At this level, you are expected to understand and use complex language structures and nuanced vocabulary. To help you on your journey to full fluency, we’ve compiled a list of 50 essential words that will enrich your English and help you express yourself more precisely and elegantly. These words span various domains, including literature, academia, and everyday conversation, and they are crucial for anyone aiming to achieve a sophisticated command of the English language.

1. Abate

To reduce in amount, degree, or severity. For example, “The storm suddenly abated.”

2. Aberration

A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome one. For example, “The test results showed an aberration that could not be ignored.”

3. Abstruse

Difficult to understand; obscure. For example, “The professor’s lectures were so abstruse that many students found them incomprehensible.”

4. Accolade

An award or privilege granted as a special honor. For example, “She received a Grammy as an accolade for her outstanding performance.”

5. Acrimony

Bitterness or ill feeling. For example, “The debate ended with acrimony on both sides.”

6. Alacrity

Brisk and cheerful readiness. For example, “She accepted the invitation with alacrity.”

7. Anachronistic

Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed. For example, “The historical drama was criticized for its anachronistic costumes.”

8. Assiduous

Showing great care and perseverance. For example, “She was assiduous in her studies, never missing a single class.”

9. Austere

Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance. For example, “The austere teacher was known for her no-nonsense approach.”

10. Banal

So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring. For example, “The movie’s plot was banal and predictable.”

11. Belie

To give a false impression of. For example, “His calm manner belied the anxiety he was feeling.”

12. Benevolent

Well-meaning and kindly. For example, “The benevolent donor contributed a large sum to the charity.”

13. Boisterous

Noisy, energetic, and cheerful. For example, “The boisterous crowd cheered their team to victory.”

14. Cacophony

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. For example, “The cacophony of car horns and sirens filled the air.”

15. Capricious

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. For example, “Her capricious decisions often left her friends bewildered.”

16. Circumspect

Wary and unwilling to take risks. For example, “He was circumspect in his financial dealings.”

17. Clandestine

Kept secret or done secretively. For example, “Their clandestine meetings went unnoticed for months.”

18. Coalesce

To come together to form one mass or whole. For example, “The various factions coalesced to form a united front.”

19. Conundrum

A confusing and difficult problem or question. For example, “The mystery novel was full of intriguing conundrums.”

20. Debunk

To expose the falseness of. For example, “The scientist debunked the myth with solid evidence.”

21. Deleterious

Causing harm or damage. For example, “The deleterious effects of smoking are well-documented.”

22. Diaphanous

Light, delicate, and translucent. For example, “She wore a diaphanous gown that fluttered in the breeze.”

23. Disparage

To regard or represent as being of little worth. For example, “He disparaged his competitors’ achievements.”

24. Egregious

Outstandingly bad; shocking. For example, “The company’s egregious disregard for safety regulations was alarming.”

25. Enervate

To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality. For example, “The hot sun enervated the marathon runners.”

26. Ephemeral

Lasting for a very short time. For example, “The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral.”

27. Esoteric

Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge. For example, “The lecture was on an esoteric subject that few could grasp.”

28. Fastidious

Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. For example, “She was fastidious about her appearance, always ensuring she looked perfect.”

29. Furtive

Attempting to avoid notice or attention. For example, “He took a furtive glance at the answer sheet.”

30. Garrulous

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. For example, “The garrulous old man bored everyone with his endless stories.”

31. Gregarious

Fond of company; sociable. For example, “She was a gregarious person who loved hosting parties.”

32. Harangue

A lengthy and aggressive speech. For example, “The politician’s harangue was met with mixed reactions.”

33. Iconoclast

A person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs or institutions. For example, “The artist was an iconoclast, always challenging the status quo.”

34. Idiosyncratic

Relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual. For example, “His idiosyncratic habits made him a unique character.”

35. Impertinent

Not showing proper respect; rude. For example, “The student’s impertinent remarks angered the teacher.”

36. Ineffable

Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words. For example, “The beauty of the landscape was ineffable.”

37. Insidious

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. For example, “The disease was insidious, spreading without any obvious symptoms.”

38. Intransigent

Unwilling or refusing to change one’s views or to agree about something. For example, “The intransigent leader refused to compromise.”

39. Juxtapose

To place close together for contrasting effect. For example, “The artist juxtaposed light and dark colors to create a striking image.”

40. Laconic

Using very few words. For example, “His laconic reply suggested he was not interested in the conversation.”

41. Languid

Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort. For example, “The heat made everyone feel languid and lethargic.”

42. Magnanimous

Generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person. For example, “He was magnanimous in victory, praising his opponent’s efforts.”

43. Misanthrope

A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. For example, “The old hermit was a misanthrope who shunned all company.”

44. Obfuscate

To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. For example, “The bureaucratic jargon only served to obfuscate the issue.”

45. Obsequious

Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree. For example, “His obsequious behavior made him unpopular with his peers.”

46. Ostentatious

Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice. For example, “Her ostentatious outfit drew everyone’s attention.”

47. Panacea

A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases. For example, “There is no panacea for all of life’s problems.”

48. Parsimonious

Unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal. For example, “His parsimonious nature meant he rarely went out with friends.”

49. Pedantic

Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overscrupulous. For example, “His pedantic approach to teaching made his classes dull.”

50. Perfunctory

Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection. For example, “She gave a perfunctory nod and continued with her work.”

Conclusion

Reaching the C2 level of English proficiency is a significant achievement that requires a deep understanding of complex vocabulary and nuanced language use. Integrating these 50 essential words into your lexicon will not only help you to articulate your thoughts more clearly and effectively but also enable you to engage with advanced texts and discussions. Remember, language learning is a continuous journey, and the more you immerse yourself in rich and varied language experiences, the more proficient you will become. Happy learning!