English is a tough language in general, but when it comes to rarely used words, the difficulty jumps significantly higher! Are you able to define these words that seldom meet even native speakers’ tongues? Take this quiz to find out.

Question 1/10

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What does the word 'surreptitious' mean?
Having good fortune
Secretive or sneaky
Coincidentally
Question 2/10

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Which of the following words means 'sorrowful, downcast?'
Woebegone
Inure
Languor
Question 3/10

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What does the word 'lissome' mean?
Nonchalance
To move musically or lively
Slender or graceful
Question 4/10

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Which of the following words means 'to deceive?'
Gambol
Perplex
Dissemble
Question 5/10

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What does the word 'panoply' mean?
A serious worry
A complete set
A wide variety
Question 6/10

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Which of the following words means 'one of two equal parts?'
Moiety
Panacea
Seraglio
Question 7/10

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What does the word 'scintilla' mean?
An extremely soft sound
A spark or very small thing
A seat close to the floor
Question 8/10

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Which of the following words means 'melodious or resonant?'
Canorous
Coriaceous
Discobolus
Question 9/10

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What does the word 'ensorcell' mean?
To enchant or fascinate
To surprise
To hide or be sneaky
Question 10/10

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Which of the following words means 'a sleepwalker?'
Deipnosophist
Noctambulist
Funambulist
C+, English Novice

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Right!
Oops! Seems like these exotic-sounding words were quite the challenge for you. Never fear though - that's why 'word of the day' websites were started! You'll be able to increase your vocabulary in no time if you visit one of those.
B+, English Enthusiast

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Right!
Sure, you may have gotten a few wrong, but the fact that you got that many words correct definitely qualifies you as an English Enthusiast! You deserve a big round of applause, my friend.
A+, English Expert

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Right!
You, my friend, are so well-versed in English that it may be an understatement to call you an English Expert. Congratulations on a quiz VERY well done!
Check Your Answers
Play Again
1

What does the word 'surreptitious' mean?
Having good fortune
Secretive or sneaky
Coincidentally
2

Which of the following words means 'sorrowful, downcast?'
Woebegone
Inure
Languor
3

What does the word 'lissome' mean?
Nonchalance
To move musically or lively
Slender or graceful
4

Which of the following words means 'to deceive?'
Gambol
Perplex
Dissemble
5

What does the word 'panoply' mean?
A serious worry
A complete set
A wide variety
6

Which of the following words means 'one of two equal parts?'
Moiety
Panacea
Seraglio
7

What does the word 'scintilla' mean?
An extremely soft sound
A spark or very small thing
A seat close to the floor
8

Which of the following words means 'melodious or resonant?'
Canorous
Coriaceous
Discobolus
9

What does the word 'ensorcell' mean?
To enchant or fascinate
To surprise
To hide or be sneaky
10

Which of the following words means 'a sleepwalker?'
Deipnosophist
Noctambulist
Funambulist