10 very advanced English words we really use
Level C1 and C2 with explanation and multiple examples
What are fossil words?
Fossil words, also known as fossilized words or linguistic fossils, are words or linguistic elements that have survived in a language, even though their original meaning or usage has become obsolete or significantly changed over time. These words often provide insight into the historical development of a language and may no longer be immediately understood by speakers of the language in their current form.
I prepared 10 fossil words with explanations and many good examples here:
Ado (without any further ado)
Certainly! "Ado" is a somewhat archaic word that means a fuss or commotion, often unnecessary or excessive.
Examples
Without further ado, let me introduce you to our guest speaker for today.
All the ado over the missing pen turned out to be a simple misunderstanding; it was in the drawer all along.
Despite all the ado surrounding the new restaurant opening, the food was quite disappointing.
Sarah managed to complete the project efficiently and without much ado.
The political debate was filled with ado and drama but very little substance.
The whole shebang
"The whole shebang" is an informal expression that means everything or all the elements of something.
Examples
When I ordered the combo meal at the fast-food restaurant, I got the burger, fries, drink, and even a dessert – the whole shebang!
Sarah decided to redecorate her living room, so she bought new furniture, repainted the walls, replaced the old carpet with hardwood flooring, and added some stylish accessories – the whole shebang.
The company offered a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including health insurance, dental coverage, retirement plans, and even gym memberships – the whole shebang.
John was so excited about his birthday party. He invited all his friends, planned games, organised a barbecue, and even rented a bounce house for the kids – the whole shebang.
The wedding ceremony was beautiful, with a stunning venue, elegant decorations, live music, and a delicious banquet – the whole shebang.
In these sentences, "the whole shebang" emphasises the completeness or inclusiveness of something, often indicating that nothing has been left out or omitted.
Bated
The word "bated" is often used in the phrase "with bated breath," which means holding one's breath in anticipation or suspense.
Examples
The entire audience waited with bated breath for the magician to reveal the secret behind his fantastic trick.
Sarah watched the final moments of the championship game with bated breath, hoping her team would score the winning goal.
As the detective interrogated the suspect, everyone in the room listened with bated breath, eager to hear a confession.
With bated breath, he opened the envelope containing the college admissions test results, anxious to see if he had been accepted.
The courtroom fell silent, with the jury and spectators waiting with bated breath for the judge to announce the verdict.
In these sentences, "bated" describes the state of anticipation or suspense in which someone eagerly awaits something.
Fettle
"Fettle" is a word that is often used in British English and means a person's physical or mental condition or state of health.
Examples
After months of rigorous training, the athlete was in excellent fettle for the upcoming championship.
Despite his age, Grandpa remained in excellent fettle and could still outwalk most of his grandchildren.
The long hike left me in quite a sorry fettle; I was exhausted and sore for days afterwards.
The stress of the job took a toll on her fettle, leading to frequent headaches and anxiety.
The doctor assured her that her fettle would improve significantly with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
Amok (to run amok)
"To run amok" is an idiom that means to behave uncontrollably or violently, often causing harm to oneself or others.
Examples
After losing his job, John ran amok, smashing furniture and yelling at his family.
The protest started peacefully, but some crowd members began to run amok, breaking windows and looting stores.
The virus initially spread slowly but eventually ran amok, infecting thousands of people.
The children ran amok in the dark, frightened and disoriented, when the power went out during the storm.
The team's defence fell apart in the second half, allowing the opposing team's offence to run amok on the field.
Beck (from "to becken")
"To beckon" means to make a gesture with your hand or another part of your body to encourage someone to come closer or follow you.
Examples
She stood at the entrance of the park, waving and beckoning her friends to join her for a picnic.
The lifeguard on duty noticed a swimmer struggling in the water and immediately began to beckon for help.
The tour guide used a flashlight to beckon the group to follow him through the dark cave.
With a subtle nod, the detective beckoned the witness to approach and share what they had seen.
The chef could be seen through the restaurant's open kitchen window, using hand signals to beckon the server for an order pickup.
Offing (to be in the offing)
The phrase "to be in the offing" means that something is likely or expected to happen soon.
Examples
With the dark clouds gathering and thunder rumbling, it seems like a storm is in the offing.
The company's quarterly earnings report is in the offing, and investors are eagerly awaiting the results.
After months of negotiations, a peace agreement between the two warring factions appears to be in the offing.
The wedding preparations are in full swing, and the big day is in the offing.
The CEO hinted that a major announcement regarding the company's future direction is in the offing.
Umbrage (to take umbrage)
To take umbrage means to feel offended, insulted, or displeased by something someone has said or done.
Examples
Sarah took umbrage when her colleague claimed credit for her idea during the meeting.
The professor took umbrage at the student's disrespectful comment and asked them to leave the classroom.
Tom couldn't help but take umbrage when his friend made a sarcastic remark about his appearance.
Emily chose not to take umbrage at the constructive criticism from her boss and instead used it as an opportunity for self-improvement.
The politician took umbrage at the opponent's personal attacks during the debate, choosing to focus on the issues instead.
Loggerheads (to be at loggerheads)
"To be at loggerheads" is an idiom that means to be in a state of strong disagreement or conflict with someone.
Examples
Despite being lifelong friends, they were at loggerheads over the decision to sell the family business.
The two political parties have been at loggerheads for years, unable to find common ground on important issues.
The manager and the union leader were at loggerheads during the negotiations, making it difficult to reach a labour agreement.
The siblings were at loggerheads over how to divide their inheritance, leading to a bitter legal dispute.
The scientists were at loggerheads about the best approach to conducting the experiment, causing delays in the research project.
Desert (just deserts)
"Just deserts" is actually a phrase commonly spelt as "just desserts." It means getting what one deserves or receiving fair punishment or reward for one's actions.
Examples
After years of hard work and dedication, Sarah received a promotion at her job, which was truly her just dessert.
The thief was finally caught and sentenced to prison, which many believed was his just dessert for his long history of criminal activities.
Despite his attempts to cheat on the exam, Mark failed miserably, and it was clear that he got his just desserts.
The generous philanthropist who donated millions to the children's hospital was hailed as a hero, receiving the admiration and respect that was her just dessert.
The corrupt politician was exposed and subsequently lost his position, a fitting just dessert for his unethical behaviour.
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