C2 Vocab · Precision Vocabulary — Lesson

Words 1–4

Marginal

of minor importance; very small in size or effect

Negligible

so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering

Substantial

of considerable importance, size, or worth

Profound

very great or intense; having deep meaning or insight

Examples

The improvement was marginal and did not justify the cost.

The risk to the public is negligible at current exposure levels.

Tentative

not definite or certain; done as a first attempt

Provisional

arranged for the present but likely to be changed

Definitive

done or reached decisively and with authority; final

Explicit

stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion

Examples

We reached a tentative agreement, subject to legal review.

The provisional results will be confirmed next week.

Implicit

suggested though not directly expressed

Categorical

unconditional and absolute; allowing no exceptions

Examples

There was an implicit assumption that the deadline would be met.

The minister gave a categorical denial of any wrongdoing.