Words / C2

AR-uh-nt/ˈærənt/

Arrant means complete and unmitigated, used of something bad: arrant nonsense, arrant folly. Utter (already in the dictionary) is complete, of degree; sheer (already in the dictionary) stresses how unmixed something is, and absolute (already in the dictionary) is total and unlimited. Egregious (already in the dictionary) is shockingly bad in a glaring way. “We’ll see” is not a spare key.

Meaning

Complete and unmitigated, used of something bad (arrant nonsense).

Examples

• “Arrant “we’ll see” left the clinic without a spare key.”
• “Utter is complete (already in C1). Sheer is unmixed completeness (already in C1). Absolute is total (already in B1). Egregious is glaringly bad (already in C2). A slow week can still cut a second key. Calling the gap “calm” is how a night post dies. Cut the key; then rest.”

Good to know

Downright (of something bad). Everyday-close: complete / utter (already in this dictionary). Close: sheer (already in C1). Contrast: egregious (glaringly bad — already in C2). Mood ≠ a spare key.

Near in meaning

utter, downright, sheer, complete

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