mildew
/ˈmɪlˌdu/A patchy black or grey growth that spreads over damp walls, tiles and fabric.
Example: There's mildew creeping along the sealant behind the bath again.
C215 words · Proficient
The Home vocabulary — C2
The Home vocabulary for a house at its most run-down or most ornate, including mildew, decrepit, gilded and knick-knacks — the small details that go unnoticed in a room until they go missing.
15 questions
Words in this set
15rickety
/ˈrɪkəti/In such bad condition that it wobbles and breaks easily.
Example:
Don't stand on that rickety old stool — use the ladder.
threadbare
/ˈθrɛdˌbɛr/Worn very thin from years of use.
Example:
The armchair's arms are threadbare but I can't part with it.
decrepit
/dəˈkrɛpɪt/Old and in very poor condition because of age or heavy use.
Example:
The decrepit old sofa finally fell apart.
gilded
/ˈɡɪldɪd/Covered with a thin layer of gold or gold paint.
Example:
The mirror had an elaborate gilded frame.
baroque
/bərˈoʊk/Extremely decorated and elaborate in style (an art and furniture style from the 17th–18th century).
Example:
The palace was full of baroque furniture dripping with gold detail.
worm-eaten
Damaged by tiny insects that have bored small holes into the wood over time.
Example:
The worm-eaten floorboards needed to be replaced.
cumbersome
/ˈkʌmbərsəm/Large, heavy and difficult to carry or move.
Example:
The cumbersome wardrobe barely fit through the doorway.
utilitarian
/juˌtɪləˈtɛriən/Designed to be useful and practical rather than attractive.
Example:
The office furniture was plain and utilitarian.
spartan
/ˈspɑrtən/Very plain and simple, without comfort or decoration.
Example:
The monk's room contained only spartan furniture.
knick-knacks
/ˈnɪkˈnæks/Small cheap ornaments kept around a home purely for decoration.
Example:
Her mantelpiece is crowded with knick-knacks from every holiday.
paraphernalia
/ˌpɛrəfəˈneɪljə/The many small items and bits of equipment that a particular activity needs.
Example:
The cupboard is full of camping paraphernalia we never use.
bric-a-brac
A collection of small ornaments or objects of little value, often old.
Example:
The shop sold vintage bric-a-brac from house clearances.
detritus
/dɪˈtraɪtəs/Rubbish or unwanted objects left scattered around (formal).
Example:
The kitchen table was covered in the detritus of breakfast.
sundries
Various small items too minor to be named separately.
Example:
The drawer holds batteries, string and other household sundries.
