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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency) - Social Roles & Archetypes

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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency)
apologist
apologist
[noun]

a person who defends or justifies a belief, policy, or institution, often against criticism

Ex: He became an apologist for the government's controversial policies. 
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confidante

a woman trusted with someone's private thoughts, secrets, or personal matters

Ex: She was his closest confidante, the one he told everything to. 
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conformist

a person who goes along with majority opinions, religious norms, and cultural conventions without critical questioning

Ex: The student was labeled a conformist for always agreeing with the teacher without offering their own analysis or critique. 
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coquette
coquette
[noun]

a woman who enjoys flirting or teasing romantic interest, often without intending a serious commitment

Ex: She was known as the town's coquette, charming every man she encountered with her playful demeanor. 
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dissident
dissident
[noun]

someone who declares opposition to the government of one's country, knowing there is punishment for doing so

Ex: Andrei Sakharov was a prominent Soviet physicist who became a dissident due to his campaigns for political and civil rights. 
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fledgling
fledgling
[noun]

a beginner or newcomer to a field or activity, still inexperienced

Ex: The fledgling musician played his first concert with shaky confidence. 
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itinerant
itinerant
[Adjective]

(of a person) traveling from place to place, often for work or a specific purpose

Ex: Farmers often relied on itinerant laborers during the harvest season to ensure they had enough hands on deck. 
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literati
literati
[noun]

intellectuals or well-educated people interested in literature and scholarly writing

Ex: The café was a popular meeting place for the city's literati. 
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itinerant
itinerant
[noun]

a worker or laborer who travels from one place to another, usually to find temporary employment

Ex: The farm relied on itinerants during the harvest season. 
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maverick
maverick
[noun]

an individual who thinks and behaves differently and independently

Ex: He was known as a maverick in the tech industry, always innovating. 
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mendicant
mendicant
[noun]

a person who begs other people for food and money

Ex: The mendicant approached passersby, asking for spare change and food. 
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neophyte
neophyte
[noun]

Someone who is just beginning to engage in a field, skill, or practice

Ex: The coding workshop welcomed neophytes with no prior experience. 
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recluse
recluse
[noun]

an individual who lives by themselves and avoids all sorts of contact with other people

Ex: Deep in the forest, the hermit lived as a recluse for decades in a small cabin he built with his own hands. 
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supplicant

a person who earnestly and respectfully asks for help, mercy, or favor, especially from a deity or higher authority

Ex: The supplicant knelt before the altar, whispering a silent plea. 
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zealot
zealot
[noun]

a person who is fanatically committed to a cause, ideology, or belief, often with uncompromising intensity and willingness to act aggressively in its defense

Ex: The environmental zealot chained himself to the pipeline in protest. 
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hedonist
hedonist
[noun]

an individual who acts according to the belief that pursuing pleasure is of the highest importance in life

Ex: The hedonist lived each day seeking out new experiences and pleasures. 
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iconoclast

a person who challenges or rejects established beliefs, customs, or values, often with the intent to provoke change or expose flaws

Ex: The philosopher was an iconoclast, questioning every moral assumption of his time. 
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cynosure
cynosure
[noun]

something or someone that is the center of attraction or admiration

Ex: The actress was the cynosure of the evening, with everyone admiring her stunning gown. 
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sacred cow

an idea, custom, or institution considered immune from criticism or questioning

Ex: In that company, the founder's management style is a sacred cow. 
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I'm from Missouri

used to express skepticism and demand proof before believing something

Ex: He promised the deal was solid, but I'm from Missouri—I need to see the contract. 
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interloper

a person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted or do not belong

Ex: The locals saw the tourist as an interloper in their quiet village. 
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potentate
potentate
[noun]

someone who rules over people and possesses absolute control and power

Ex: The ancient empire was ruled by a potentate who had control over every aspect of daily life. 
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tyro
tyro
[noun]

a beginner or novice in a particular field or activity

Ex: As a tyro in the world of painting, she eagerly absorbed techniques and styles from experienced artists. 
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confidant
confidant
[noun]

a person in whom one places trust and shares secrets or private thoughts and feelings

Ex: She was his closest confidant, knowing all his fears and hopes. 
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dilettante

a person who has an interest in a particular subject but lacks determination or knowledge on the matter

Ex: He dabbled in painting but considered himself more of a dilettante than a serious artist, rarely devoting enough time to master the craft. 
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nonentity
nonentity
[noun]

a person who lacks influence or importance in a particular setting or community

Ex: The critic dismissed the artist as a nonentity in the art community. 
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octogenarian

a person who is between 80 and 89 years old

Ex: The village celebrated the birthday of its oldest octogenarian. 
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amazon
amazon
[noun]

a woman who is notably tall, strong, or forceful in character or behavior

Ex: The warrior queen was described as an amazon leading her army into battle. 
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tutelary
tutelary
[Adjective]

providing guardianship, protection, or guidance, often in a supervisory or spiritual sense

Ex: The villagers believed the mountain had a tutelary spirit guarding them. 
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aspirant
aspirant
[noun]

an individual who actively seeks a role, title, or achievement, often with ambition and determination

Ex: The aspirant trained for years to become a professional athlete. 
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vogue
vogue
[noun]

the latest fashion trend or style of the time

Ex: The new clothing line quickly became the vogue among fashion enthusiasts. 
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idiosyncrasy

an unusual or strange behavior, thought, or habit that is specific to one person

Ex: His constant humming while working is an idiosyncrasy of his. 
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orthodox
orthodox
[Adjective]

following established beliefs, traditions, or accepted standards

Ex: The school required students to adhere to orthodox dress codes, including uniforms and modest attire. 
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to comport

to act or behave in a particular way, often referring to personal manners, attitude, or bearing

Ex: She always comports herself with grace in public. 
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penchant
penchant
[noun]

a strong tendency to do something or a fondness for something

Ex: She has a penchant for making people laugh. 
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propensity

a natural inclination to behave in a certain way or exhibit particular characteristics

Ex: He has a propensity for taking risks, which makes him a successful entrepreneur. 
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