Lesson 26

(of a place or setting) extremely beautiful, peaceful, and perfect in a way that seems like it is from an idealized picture or story

Their cottage by the lake provided an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

(of food) dense in calories and may be fattening if eaten in excess

That triple-layer chocolate mousse is incredibly calorific but impossible to resist.

conveying something whilst using a very small number of words

His laconic reply left everyone wondering about his true feelings.

of or relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy

lacking excitement or imagination

Their conversation remained prosaic, lacking any creative or stimulating topics.

relating or resembling the angles of the highest order

(of a novel, etc.) written or made in a spooky and mysterious way and often focus on creepy places like old castles or haunted houses, with themes of darkness and the supernatural

Gothic stories transport readers to ancient castles and haunted mansions, where eerie atmospheres and mysterious events unfold.

intended for or understood by only a small, specialized group, often due to complexity

The professor's esoteric lecture on philosophy was difficult for most students to follow.

a substance that induces sleep

The patient was given a soporific to help with insomnia.

relating to or causing improvements of the properties of seeds or infants

having a lot of energy

With his dynamic personality, he brings enthusiasm and energy to every situation.

relating to a disease or condition that is commonly found in a specific area or group of people

Malaria is endemic to tropical regions, where the climate provides a suitable environment for the transmission of the disease.

a memory aid or technique that helps individuals recall information more easily by associating it with familiar patterns or cues

She relied on a mnemonic to remember the colors of the rainbow: "Roy G. Biv" stood for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

relating to the sudden, reflective, and involuntary movement or contraction of muscles

relating to actors, acting, or the theater

The director praised her histrionic instincts during rehearsal.

displaying a natural simplicity and warmth that evokes traditional rural life

The rustic inn had stone walls, wooden beams, and a cozy fireplace.

showing a mixture of confusion, curiosity, or mild disbelief

He wore a quizzical expression after hearing the surprising news.

relating to government revenue or public money, especially taxes

The government faces challenges in balancing fiscal priorities while addressing social needs.

relating to, living, or taking place in a river