Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

Casing definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈkeɪ.sɪŋ/

a cover or shell that protects or encloses something

"The mechanic removed the engine casing to examine the internal parts."

Caste definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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Caste

noun C1
/kæst/

A social class system often based on hereditary or occupation.

"The caste system influenced many aspects of traditional society."

cataclysmic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk/

Relating to or denoting a violent natural event or upheaval.

"The war had cataclysmic effects on the nation's economy."

catalyst definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈkætəlɪst/

Something that speeds up or causes an event or change without being changed itself.

"The speech was the catalyst for widespread protests."

catalyze definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/ˈkætəˌlaɪz/

To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.

"The new law catalyzed reforms across the sector."

catapult definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun/verb C1
/ˈkætəpʌlt/

A device for launching objects at high speed; to hurl or launch something suddenly.

"The invention catapulted him to international fame."

cataract definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈkætərækt/

A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's lens; also a large waterfall.

"The old man suffered from cataracts in both eyes."

categorical definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌkætəˈɡɒrɪkəl/

Absolute and without exception; expressed clearly and directly.

"She gave a categorical denial of the allegations."

categorically refuted definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
phrase C1
ˌkæt.əˈɡɒr.ɪ.kəl.i rɪˈfjuː.tɪd

Completely and absolutely denied or disproved.

"The claims were categorically refuted by officials."

catharsis definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/kəˈθɑːrsɪs/

The process of releasing strong emotions, providing relief.

"Writing in her diary was a form of catharsis for her."

cathartic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/kəˈθɑːrtɪk/

Providing psychological relief through open expression of emotions; also refers to a medicine that causes cleansing of the bowels.

"Crying can be a cathartic experience."

caucus definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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caucus

noun C1
/ˈkɔːkəs/

A meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy.

"The party held a caucus to nominate their candidate for president."

Cauldron definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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Cauldron

noun C1
/ˈkɔːldrən/

A large metal pot used for cooking over an open fire; also a situation of intense activity or strong emotions.

"The witch stirred the cauldron filled with strange ingredients."

causal definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˈkɔː.zəl/

relating to or acting as a cause

"There is a causal link between smoking and cancer."

caustic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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caustic

adjective C1
/ˈkɔː.stɪk/

able to burn or corrode by chemical action; severely sarcastic

"Her caustic remarks hurt his feelings."

cautionary definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˈkɔːʃənˌɛri/

serving as a warning; intended to prevent problems or mistakes by giving advice or examples

"The report offers a cautionary message about unchecked spending."

cavalier definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌkævəˈlɪər/

showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or offhand

"He had a cavalier attitude toward safety regulations."

Cavalry definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈkæv.əl.ri/

soldiers who fight on horseback; the part of an army formerly composed of troops on horseback

"The cavalry charged across the field with great speed."

caveat definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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caveat

noun C1
/ˈkæviˌæt/

a warning or condition to be considered before taking action

"The proposal was accepted with one caveat."

cavern definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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cavern

noun C1
/ˈkævərn/

a large cave or chamber in a cave

"The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain."

Ceaseless definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˈsiːs.ləs/

continuing without pause or interruption; endless

"The ceaseless rain lasted for three days."

cede definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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cede

verb C1
/siːd/

to give up power, territory, or rights to another

"The country ceded territory after losing the war."

celestial definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/səˈlɛstiəl/

relating to the sky, stars, or heavens

"The telescope revealed many celestial bodies in the night sky."

celibate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective, noun C1
/ˈsɛlɪbət/

abstaining from marriage and sexual relations; a person who does so

"He chose to remain celibate for religious reasons."

cemented grave definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
sɪˈmɛntɪd ɡreɪv

A grave that is constructed with cement for permanence.

"The cemented grave of the martyrs was seen near the river."

censure definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb/noun C1
/ˈsɛnʃər/

to express severe disapproval, often formally; strong criticism or disapproval

"The senator was censured for his unethical behavior."

centenary definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun, adjective C1
/ˈsɛntənəri/ or /sɛnˈtɛnəri/

The hundredth anniversary of a significant event; relating to a period of 100 years.

"The school celebrated its centenary with a grand event."

centiliter definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈsɛntɪˌliːtər/

A metric unit of capacity equal to one hundredth of a liter.

"The recipe calls for 20 centiliters of milk."

centralization definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˌsɛn.trə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

The concentration of control and decision-making power in a central authority.

"Excessive centralization can slow down decision-making."

centrifuge definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːdʒ/

A machine that spins substances at high speed to separate different components.

"The lab technician used a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the plasma."

cerebral definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/səˈriː.brəl/

relating to the brain or intellect; intellectual rather than emotional

"He is known for his cerebral approach to problem-solving."

Ceremonial definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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Ceremonial

adjective C1
/ˌser.ɪˈməʊ.ni.əl/

relating to or used in a ceremony or formal occasion

"The president wore a ceremonial robe during the inauguration."

cessation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/sɛˈseɪʃən/

The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.

"There was a temporary cessation of hostilities."

cetera definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈsɛtərə/

Latin for 'the rest' or 'others'; commonly used in the phrase 'et cetera' meaning 'and so on'.

"We need to buy pens, paper, notebooks, et cetera."

champ definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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champ

noun C1
/tʃæmp/

an informal word for champion or winner.

"He is the new champ of the boxing tournament."

chancellor definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈtʃænsələr/

A senior state or legal official, or the head of a university.

"The chancellor delivered an inspiring speech at the graduation ceremony."

chaperon definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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chaperon

noun C1
/ˈʃæpəroʊn/

An older person who accompanies and supervises young people in social situations.

"The teacher acted as a chaperon during the school dance."

chaplain definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈtʃæplɪn/

A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.

"The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle."

char definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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char

verb C1
/tʃɑːr/

To burn or scorch something so that it becomes blackened.

"The cook accidentally charred the steak."

charade definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ʃəˈreɪd/

an absurd pretense or act intended to deceive; also a word-guessing game

"The trial was nothing more than a political charade."

Chariot definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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Chariot

noun C1
/ˈtʃæriət/

an ancient horse-drawn vehicle used in warfare and racing

"The warrior rode his chariot into battle with great courage."

chasm definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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chasm

noun C1
/ˈkæzəm/

a deep fissure in the earth's surface or a wide difference between people or ideas

"There was a great chasm between the two political parties."

chassis definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈʃæsi/

the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine

"The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage."

chastise definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/tʃæsˈtaɪz/

to criticize or punish severely

"The teacher chastised the student for being late."

Chastity definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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Chastity

noun C1
/ˈtʃæs.tə.ti/

the state of refraining from sexual activity; purity

"The monk took a vow of chastity."

chateau definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ʃæˈtoʊ/

a large French country house or castle

"They stayed in a beautiful chateau in France."

chauvinism definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈʃoʊ.vəˌnɪz.əm/

Excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender, often with contempt for others.

"The company's culture was criticized for promoting male chauvinism."

chauvinist definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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chauvinist

noun C1
/ˈʃoʊ.və.nɪst/

A person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty to a group, cause, or gender.

"He was labeled a chauvinist after his remarks about women in the workplace."

chauvinistic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌʃoʊ.vəˈnɪs.tɪk/

Displaying or characterized by excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support, especially towards one's own gender or group.

"His chauvinistic attitude alienated many of his female colleagues."

checkered definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.

"He had a checkered career with many highs and lows."