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C2 verb /kənˈstrɪndʒ/

constringe

contracter
Meaning
to cause to shrink or contract; to constrict
Example
The medicine helped constringe the swollen tissues.
Le médicament a aidé à contracter les tissus enflés.
C2 adjective /ˈkeəwɔːn/

careworn

fatigué et préoccupé
Meaning
Showing signs of worry, stress, or exhaustion.
Example
His careworn face revealed years of struggle.
Son visage fatigué révélait des années de lutte.
C2 noun /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/

chiaroscuro

contraste dramatique entre lumière et ombre
Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
Le tableau de l'artiste a utilisé le chiaroscuro pour mettre en valeur le visage de la figure.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪ.nə.naɪt/

canaanite

cananéen
Meaning
a member of a people who lived in the ancient land of Canaan in the Middle East
Example
The Canaanites were known for their advanced trade networks.
Les cananéens étaient connus pour leurs réseaux commerciaux avancés.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl/

conjectural

conjectural
Meaning
based on guesswork or incomplete evidence rather than certain knowledge
Example
His explanation was purely conjectural and lacked proof.
Son explication était purement conjecturale et manquait de preuves.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkɜːrtsi/

curtsy

révérence
Meaning
a respectful bow made by women by bending the knees with one foot in front of the other
Example
She gave a quick curtsy before leaving the stage.
Elle fit une rapide révérence avant de quitter la scène.
C2 noun /ˈsɛntɔːr/

centaur

centaure
Meaning
A mythological creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
Example
The centaur is a well-known figure in Greek mythology.
Le centaure est une figure bien connue de la mythologie grecque.
C2 noun /ˈkʌstərd ˈæpəl/

Custard Apple

pomme à la crème
Meaning
a tropical fruit with sweet creamy white flesh and black seeds
Example
The custard apple has a sweet and creamy texture.
La pomme à la crème a une texture douce et crémeuse.
C2 noun /kæd/

Cad

scélérat; grossier
Meaning
a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward women
Example
Everyone at the party avoided him because he was known to be a cad.
Tout le monde à la fête l'a évité parce qu'il était connu pour être un scélérat.
C2 adjective /ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs/

comatose

comateux
Meaning
In a state of deep unconsciousness, resembling or related to coma.
Example
The comatose patient was kept under constant observation.
Le patient comateux a été maintenu sous surveillance constante.
C2 noun /ˈkæriən/

carrion

charogne
Meaning
the decaying flesh of dead animals
Example
Vultures feed on carrion left in the fields.
Les vautours se nourrissent de la charogne laissée dans les champs.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtrɪfjʊɡəl/

centrifugal

centrifuge
Meaning
Moving or tending to move away from a center.
Example
The centrifugal force pushes the clothes to the sides of the washing machine.
La force centrifuge pousse les vêtements vers les bords de la machine à laver.
C2 noun /kəˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

commodification

marchandisation
Meaning
The transformation of goods, services, ideas, or social relations into market commodities.
Example
The commodification of education has increased tuition costs.
La marchandisation de l'éducation a augmenté les frais de scolarité.
C2 noun /klaɪm/

clime

climat
Meaning
A region defined by its climate.
Example
He traveled to warmer climes during the winter.
Il a voyagé dans des climats plus chauds pendant l'hiver.
C2 noun /ˈkaɪrəˌmænsi/

chiromancy

chiromancie
Meaning
The practice of predicting the future by interpreting the lines on the palms of hands; palmistry.
Example
The old woman practiced chiromancy and told fortunes for travelers.
La vieille femme pratiquait la chiromancie et prédisait l'avenir des voyageurs.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.kɔː.dæt/

concordat

concordat
Meaning
An agreement or treaty, especially between the Vatican and a secular government.
Example
The concordat established the rights of the church within the country.
Le concordat a établi les droits de l'église dans le pays.
C2 adjective /kəˈmoʊdiəs/

commodious

spacieux
Meaning
spacious and comfortable; having plenty of room
Example
They rented a commodious apartment in the city.
Ils ont loué un appartement spacieux en ville.
C2 noun /ˌkɑːnfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/

conformation

conformation
Meaning
The shape, structure, or arrangement of something.
Example
The scientist studied the molecular conformation of the protein.
Le scientifique a étudié la conformation moléculaire de la protéine.
C2 noun kənˌsep.tʃu.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

conceptualization

conceptualisation
Meaning
The process of forming a concept or idea; the process of developing something in the mind.
Example
The conceptualization of renewable cities is groundbreaking.
La conceptualisation des villes renouvelables est révolutionnaire.
C2 adjective /kəmˈpleɪzənt/

complaisant

trop complaisant
Meaning
willing to please others or to accept what they do or say without protest
Example
He was too complaisant to refuse their demands.
Il était trop complaisant pour refuser leurs demandes.
C2 noun /ˈkɒrənɛt/

coronet

petite couronne
Meaning
a small crown, especially one worn by a prince, princess, or noble
Example
She wore a delicate coronet on her head for the ceremony.
Elle portait une délicate petite couronne sur sa tête pour la cérémonie.
C2 noun /ˈkoʊdə/

coda

coda
Meaning
the concluding passage of a piece of music or a literary work
Example
The novel ends with a reflective coda that ties up the themes.
Le roman se termine par une coda réfléchie qui relie les thèmes.
C2 noun /ˌkʌmˈʌpəns/

comeuppance

châtiment mérité
Meaning
A deserved punishment or fate; just deserts.
Example
The corrupt official finally got his comeuppance in court.
Le fonctionnaire corrompu a enfin reçu sa punition méritée au tribunal.
C2 noun /kroʊn/

crone

vieille femme
Meaning
An old woman, often one who is thin and ugly, sometimes associated with witch-like qualities.
Example
The children were scared by the story of the wicked crone in the forest.
Les enfants ont eu peur de l'histoire de la vieille femme méchante dans la forêt.
C2 noun /ˈkæbəˌlɪzəm/

cabalism

cabalisme
Meaning
The doctrines, practices, or secretive dealings of a cabal.
Example
The historian wrote extensively about cabalism in the royal court.
L'historien a écrit abondamment sur le cabalisme à la cour royale.
C2 noun /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃn/

circumlocution

circonlocution
Meaning
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
Example
The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution.
Le discours du politicien était rempli de circonlocutions.
C2 adjective /ˌkæləˈrɪfɪk/

calorific

calorique
Meaning
Relating to the amount of energy contained in food or fuel.
Example
Chocolate is highly calorific, so it should be eaten in moderation.
Le chocolat est très calorique, il doit donc être consommé avec modération.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əns/

congruence

congruence
Meaning
Harmony, compatibility and agreement between different elements.
Example
The congruence between their ideas made collaboration easy.
La congruence entre leurs idées a facilité la collaboration.
C2 verb /kəˈlʌmnieɪt/

calumniate

calomnier
Meaning
To make false and damaging statements about someone; to slander.
Example
He was furious when he realized they had calumniated his reputation.
Il était furieux lorsqu'il a réalisé qu'ils avaient calomnié sa réputation.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

châtier
Meaning
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
Example
The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior.
Le professeur a châtié les étudiants pour leur mauvais comportement.
C2 noun /ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/

carte blanche

carte blanche
Meaning
complete freedom to act as one wishes
Example
The manager gave her team carte blanche to design the project.
Le responsable a donné à son équipe carte blanche pour concevoir le projet.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl/

centripetal

centripète
Meaning
Moving or directed toward a center.
Example
Centripetal force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.
La force centripète maintient les planètes en orbite autour du soleil.
C2 verb /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs/

convalesce

se rétablir, récupérer la santé et la force après une maladie ou un traitement médical
Meaning
to recover health and strength after illness or medical treatment
Example
After the surgery, she spent several weeks convalescing at home.
Après l'opération, elle a passé plusieurs semaines à récupérer chez elle.
C2 noun /kəˈtæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/

catabolism

catabolisme
Meaning
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.
Example
Catabolism plays a crucial role in cellular energy production.
Le catabolisme joue un rôle crucial dans la production d'énergie cellulaire.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪ.tɪf/

caitiff

lâche
Meaning
A contemptible or cowardly person.
Example
The knight despised the caitiff who betrayed his comrades.
Le chevalier méprisait le lâche qui avait trahi ses camarades.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑl/

Cabal

cabal
Meaning
a secret political clique or faction
Example
The journalists exposed a cabal of corrupt politicians working together.
Les journalistes ont exposé un cabal de politiciens corrompus travaillant ensemble.
C2 adjective /kəˈkɒfənəs/

cacophonous

cacophonique
Meaning
Producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophonous sounds of the city kept her awake all night.
Les bruits cacophoniques de la ville l'ont empêchée de dormir toute la nuit.
C2 noun /kænˈtoʊnmənt/

Cantonment

cantonnement militaire
Meaning
a military base or permanent military station
Example
The soldiers lived in the cantonment outside the city.
Les soldats ont vécu dans le cantonnement militaire en dehors de la ville.
C2 noun /ˈkaʊntɪŋˌhaʊs/

counting-house

bureau de comptabilité
Meaning
a business office where accounts are kept and financial transactions are managed
Example
The merchant spent most of his day in the counting-house reviewing ledgers.
Le marchand passait la majeure partie de sa journée dans le bureau de comptabilité à examiner les livres de comptes.
C2 verb /ˈkɒdʒɪteɪt/

cogitate

méditer
Meaning
to think deeply about something; to meditate or reflect
Example
He sat by the river to cogitate on his future plans.
Il s'est assis près de la rivière pour réfléchir à ses projets futurs.
C2 noun /ˈkruːɪt/

cruet

petit récipient
Meaning
a small container, especially for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar, used at a dining table
Example
She filled the cruet with olive oil for the salad.
Elle a rempli le cruet d'huile d'olive pour la salade.
C2 verb /ˈkæn.tər/

canter

galop lent
Meaning
To ride a horse at a controlled, easy pace between a trot and a gallop.
Example
She cantered her horse across the field with ease.
Elle a canter son cheval à travers le champ avec aisance.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

circonscrit
Meaning
restricted or limited in scope or freedom
Example
Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules.
Sa liberté de choix était circonscrite par les règles sociales.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪfɪŋ/

chafing

irriter par frottement
Meaning
To make sore by rubbing; to become irritated.
Example
The rough shoes were chafing his heels.
Les chaussures rugueuses lui frottaient les talons.
C2 adjective /ˌkɑːmənˈsɛnsɪkəl/

commonsensical

raisonnable
Meaning
based on or showing sound practical judgment; sensible
Example
It was commonsensical to carry an umbrella on a rainy day.
Il était raisonnable d’emporter un parapluie un jour de pluie.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.kɪn/

Catkin

Chaton
Meaning
a drooping, often tasseled cluster of small flowers found on willow and birch trees
Example
The willow tree's catkins swayed gently in the spring breeze.
Les chatons du saule se balançaient doucement dans la brise printanière.
C2 verb /kənˈdʒɔɪn/

conjoin

joindre
Meaning
to join together or unite; to combine
Example
The two rivers conjoin just before reaching the sea.
Les deux rivières se rejoignent juste avant d'atteindre la mer.
C2 noun /koʊˈæɡjələnt/

coagulant

coagulant
Meaning
a substance that causes blood or another liquid to clot
Example
The doctor applied a coagulant to stop the bleeding quickly.
Le médecin a appliqué un coagulant pour arrêter rapidement le saignement.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

grincheux
Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
Le vieux grincheux a crié sur les enfants pour avoir joué près de sa maison.
C2 noun /kɒzˈmɒɡ.rə.fi/

cosmography

cosmographie
Meaning
the science or art of mapping the universe or cosmos
Example
Medieval scholars practiced cosmography to chart the stars and planets.
Les érudits médiévaux pratiquaient la cosmographie pour cartographier les étoiles et les planètes.
C2 noun /kaɪˈmɪərə/

chimera

chimère
Meaning
A mythical creature with parts from different animals; also used to mean a fanciful illusion or unattainable dream.
Example
The idea of a perfect society is often a chimera.
L'idée d'une société parfaite est souvent une chimère.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

chicanery

tromperie
Meaning
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose.
Example
The politician was accused of chicanery to win the election.
Le politicien a été accusé de tromperie pour gagner l'élection.
C2 noun /ˈkloʊtʃər/

cloture

procédure de cloture
Meaning
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
Example
The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate.
Le Sénat a invoqué la clôture pour mettre fin au débat long.
C2 noun /ʃəˈɡrɪn/

chagrin

chagrin
Meaning
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
Example
She left the room in chagrin after forgetting her lines.
Elle a quitté la pièce dans le chagrin après avoir oublié ses répliques.
C2 adjective /krʌˈsteɪʃəs/

crustaceous

à carapace dure
Meaning
relating to or having a hard shell like a crustacean
Example
The scientist studied the crustaceous fossils.
Le scientifique a étudié les fossiles à carapace dure.
C2 noun /ˈkjʊriˌoʊ/

curio

objet curieux
Meaning
a small unusual or interesting object, often collected for its rarity
Example
She bought a curio from the antique shop.
Elle a acheté un objet curieux dans le magasin d'antiquités.
C2 noun /kəmˈpleɪsəns/

complacence

Meaning
a feeling of quiet pleasure or self-satisfaction, often without awareness of potential danger
Example
His complacence prevented him from noticing the risks.
C2 noun /kɔːrˈteɪʒ/

cortege

cortège funèbre
Meaning
a solemn procession, especially for a funeral
Example
A cortege of mourners followed the hearse to the cemetery.
Un cortège de pleureurs a suivi le corbillard jusqu'au cimetière.
C2 noun kəmˈpʌŋk.ʃən

compunction

remords
Meaning
A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.
Example
He felt compunction after lying to his friend.
Il a ressenti des remords après avoir menti à son ami.
C2 noun /ˌkæstɪˈɡeɪʃən/

castigation

critique sévère ou punition
Meaning
Severe criticism or punishment for wrongdoing.
Example
The manager’s harsh castigation shocked the entire team.
La sévère castigation du manager a choqué toute l'équipe.
C2 noun /ˈkæl.əm.ni/

Calumny

calomnie
Meaning
the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation
Example
The politician sued the newspaper for spreading calumny about his personal life.
Le politicien a poursuivi le journal pour avoir propagé des calomnies sur sa vie personnelle.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvən/

coven

un groupe de sorcières
Meaning
a group or gathering of witches
Example
The witches met secretly in a coven in the forest.
Les sorcières se sont réunies secrètement dans un coven dans la forêt.
C2 noun /kənˈtjuː.ʒən/

contusion

contusion, ecchymose
Meaning
a bruise or injury without breaking the skin
Example
The boxer had several contusions after the match.
Le boxeur avait plusieurs contusions après le match.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʌktəbl̩/

conductible

conductible
Meaning
capable of being conducted, especially electricity or heat
Example
Copper is highly conductible to electricity.
Le cuivre est hautement conductible à l'électricité.
C2 noun /ˈklɪpər/

clipper

tondeuse / bateau rapide du XIXe siècle
Meaning
a tool used for cutting, or a fast sailing ship of the 19th century
Example
The barber used clippers to trim his hair.
Le barbier a utilisé des tondeuses pour couper ses cheveux.
C2 noun ˌsɜːkəmˈspekʃən

circumspection

prudence, éviter les risques
Meaning
The quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence.
Example
His circumspection ensured no mistakes were made.
Sa prudence a garanti qu'aucune erreur n'a été commise.
C2 noun /ˈsɛʃən/

cession

cession de droits ou de propriété
Meaning
The formal giving up of rights, property, or territory, especially by a state.
Example
The treaty resulted in the cession of land to the neighboring country.
Le traité a abouti à la cession de terres au pays voisin.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪt/

caret

caret (^)
Meaning
A proofreading symbol (^) used to indicate where something should be inserted.
Example
The editor placed a caret to show where the missing word should go.
L'éditeur a placé un caret pour montrer où le mot manquant devrait aller.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃən/

convolution

convolution, courbe complexe ou structure
Meaning
a twist, coil, or a complex and intricate shape or arrangement
Example
The brain has many convolutions that increase its surface area.
Le cerveau a de nombreuses convolutions qui augmentent sa surface.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlieɪtɪd/

ciliated

ciliée
Meaning
Having minute hairlike projections (cilia) on the surface of cells or organisms.
Example
The ciliated cells in the respiratory tract help move mucus out of the lungs.
Les cellules ciliées dans le tractus respiratoire aident à déplacer le mucus hors des poumons.
C2 noun /kɒŋk/

Conch

conque
Meaning
a large sea shell that can be used as a horn; the marine mollusk that lives in such a shell
Example
The fisherman blew the conch shell to signal the end of the day.
Le pêcheur a soufflé dans la conque pour signaler la fin de la journée.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnfəˈriː/

conferee

participant à la conférence
Meaning
a person who takes part in a conference
Example
Each conferee received a badge at the registration desk.
Chaque participant à la conférence a reçu un badge au comptoir d'inscription.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒrɪdʒəbl/

corrigible

corrigeable
Meaning
capable of being corrected or improved
Example
The student's mistakes were corrigible with practice.
Les erreurs de l'étudiant étaient corrigibles avec de la pratique.
C2 noun /klɛərˈvɔɪəns/

clairvoyance

clairvoyance
Meaning
the supposed ability to perceive events beyond normal sensory contact; psychic insight
Example
She claimed to have clairvoyance and predicted the future.
Elle a prétendu avoir de la clairvoyance et a prédit l'avenir.
C2 noun /ˈkætəˌklɪzəm/

cataclysm

cataclysme
Meaning
A sudden and violent event that causes great destruction or upheaval.
Example
The earthquake was a cataclysm that reshaped the city.
Le tremblement de terre a été un cataclysme qui a redessiné la ville.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɪviəl/

convivial

amical, animé et agréable; sociable
Meaning
friendly, lively, and enjoyable; sociable
Example
The party had a convivial atmosphere with music and laughter.
La fête avait une atmosphère conviviale avec de la musique et des rires.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwɪnɪti/

consanguinity

consanguinité
Meaning
The fact of being descended from the same ancestor; blood relationship.
Example
The degree of consanguinity was important in inheritance laws.
Le degré de consanguinité était important dans les lois de l'héritage.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɛəri/

chary

prudent
Meaning
cautious or wary about doing something
Example
She was chary of investing in the new business venture.
Elle était prudente à investir dans la nouvelle entreprise.
C2 noun /kənˈtraɪ.vəns/

contrivance

appareil ou plan
Meaning
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
Example
The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.
L'horloge était un dispositif complexe de rouages et de ressorts.
C2 noun /ˈkɒd.ɪ.sɪl/

codicil

codicille
Meaning
a legal document that makes changes or additions to an existing will
Example
He added a codicil to his will to include his granddaughter.
Il a ajouté un codicille à son testament pour inclure sa petite-fille.
C2 adjective /kənˈkɒmɪtənt/

concomitant

concomitant
Meaning
Naturally accompanying or associated with something.
Example
Increased stress is often concomitant with long working hours.
Le stress accru est souvent concomitant avec de longues heures de travail.
C2 adjective /ˈkælkjʊləbl/

calculable

calculable
Meaning
Capable of being calculated, estimated, or measured.
Example
The risk involved in the project is calculable.
Le risque impliqué dans le projet est calculable.
C2 verb /kənˈdəʊl/

condole

exprimer des condoléances
Meaning
To express sympathy for someone who is suffering or grieving.
Example
Neighbors came to condole with the family after the tragedy.
Les voisins sont venus exprimer des condoléances à la famille après la tragédie.
C2 verb /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/

circumscribe

circonscrire
Meaning
to limit or restrict something within boundaries
Example
The rules circumscribe the powers of the committee.
Les règles circonscrivent les pouvoirs du comité.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkʌdʒ.əl/

cudgel

matraque
Meaning
A short, thick stick used as a weapon; to beat with a cudgel.
Example
The guard used a cudgel to chase away the thief.
Le garde a utilisé une matraque pour chasser le voleur.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm/

catechism

catéchisme
Meaning
A summary of religious principles often in the form of questions and answers; also a set of fixed questions or beliefs.
Example
The priest taught the children the catechism every Sunday.
Le prêtre a enseigné aux enfants le catéchisme chaque dimanche.
C2 noun /ˈkɑr.mɪn/

Carmine

carmine
Meaning
a vivid crimson color; a red pigment obtained from cochineal
Example
The artist mixed carmine with white to create a beautiful pink shade.
L'artiste a mélangé le carmine avec du blanc pour créer une belle teinte rose.
C2 noun /ˈtʃænsəri/

chancery

tribunal de chancellerie
Meaning
A court of equity or the office of a chancellor.
Example
The case was taken to the chancery court for resolution.
L'affaire a été portée devant le tribunal de chancellerie pour résolution.
C2 noun /kənˌɡlɒməˈreɪʃən/

conglomeration

conglomérat
Meaning
A collection or mixture of different things grouped together.
Example
The market is a conglomeration of small shops and food stalls.
Le marché est un conglomérat de petites boutiques et de stands de nourriture.
C2 noun /kənˈtɔːrʃən/

contortion

une forme tordue ou pliée; l'action de tordre hors de la forme normale
Meaning
a twisted or bent shape; the act of twisting out of the normal shape
Example
The gymnast's contortion amazed the audience.
La contorsion du gymnaste a étonné le public.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

choses opposées
Meaning
things that are completely different or opposite to each other
Example
Freedom and slavery are contraries in every sense.
La liberté et l'esclavage sont des contraires dans tous les sens.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrklət/

circlet

diadème
Meaning
A small circular band, typically worn as an ornament on the head.
Example
The princess wore a golden circlet on her forehead.
La princesse portait un diadème en or sur le front.
C2 adjective /kænˈtæŋ.kər.əs/

cantankerous

grincheux
Meaning
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
Example
The cantankerous old man complained about everything.
Le vieux grincheux se plaignait de tout.
C2 verb /kəˈraʊz/

carouse

faire la fête bruyamment
Meaning
to drink and enjoy oneself noisily, often with others
Example
They stayed up all night to carouse after the victory.
Ils sont restés éveillés toute la nuit pour faire la fête après la victoire.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑːrdʒ/

countercharge

contre-accusation
Meaning
an opposing charge or accusation; to make an opposing attack
Example
The lawyer filed a countercharge against the accuser.
L'avocat a déposé une contre-accusation contre l'accusateur.
C2 verb /ˈkɔː.tə.raɪz/

cauterize

cautériser
Meaning
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
Example
The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.
Le médecin a cautérisé la blessure pour arrêter le saignement.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

bruit discordant
Meaning
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate.
Le bruit discordant des klaxons rendait la concentration impossible.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɜːrlɪʃ/

churlish

rude
Meaning
Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
Example
It would be churlish to refuse her kind invitation.
Ce serait impoli de refuser son aimable invitation.
C2 noun ˌsaɪ.bəˈnet.ɪks

cybernetics

cybernétique
Meaning
The science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things.
Example
Cybernetics plays a crucial role in artificial intelligence.
La cybernétique joue un rôle crucial dans l'intelligence artificielle.
C2 noun /ˈklæpər/

clapper

pièce métallique à l'intérieur d'une cloche qui la frappe pour produire un son
Meaning
The free-swinging metal piece inside a bell that strikes it to produce sound.
Example
The clapper inside the bell was broken.
La pièce métallique à l'intérieur de la cloche était cassée.
C2 verb /kɔːk/

calk

calfeutrer les fissures d'un bateau
Meaning
To make a boat or ship watertight by filling seams or cracks.
Example
The workers calked the seams of the old boat to prevent leaks.
Les ouvriers ont calfeutré les coutures du vieux bateau pour éviter les fuites.
C2 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.kwi/

colloquy

conversation formelle
Meaning
A formal conversation or dialogue, often on serious or academic topics.
Example
The professors engaged in a deep colloquy about the future of education.
Les professeurs ont engagé une conversation approfondie sur l'avenir de l'éducation.
C2 noun /ˈkæn.toʊ/

canto

canto
Meaning
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
Example
The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos.
La Divine Comédie est divisée en plusieurs cantos.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.kɔːd/

concord

accord ou harmonie
Meaning
Agreement or harmony between people or groups.
Example
The leaders worked towards international concord.
Les dirigeants ont travaillé pour la concorde internationale.
C2 noun /ˈklæŋər/

clangor

bruit, fracas
Meaning
A loud, resonant, and continuous noise, often metallic.
Example
The clangor of the church bells filled the town square.
Le fracas des cloches de l'église remplissait la place du village.
C2 noun /ˌkæv.əlˈkeɪd/

cavalcade

cortège
Meaning
a formal procession of people riding on horses or in vehicles
Example
The king’s arrival was marked by a grand cavalcade.
L'arrivée du roi a été marquée par un grand cortège.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːldrən/

caldron

grand chaudron en métal
Meaning
A large metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking over an open fire.
Example
The witch stirred her potion in a bubbling caldron.
La sorcière remuait sa potion dans un chaudron bouillonnant.
C2 noun /kəmˈpleɪsəns/

complaisance

complaisance
Meaning
willingness to please others; courteous compliance
Example
Her complaisance made her popular among her colleagues.
Sa complaisance l'a rendue populaire parmi ses collègues.
C2 noun /ˈkɔː.seər/

corsair

pirate
Meaning
a pirate, especially one operating along the Mediterranean coasts
Example
The corsair plundered ships along the coast.
Le corsaire a pillé des navires le long de la côte.
C2 verb /kəˈriːn/

careen

se déplacer de manière incontrôlée
Meaning
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way, especially in a specific direction.
Example
The car careened down the slippery road.
La voiture a dévalé la route glissante de manière incontrôlée.
C2 noun /ˈkreɪniəm/

cranium

crâne
Meaning
the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain
Example
The archaeologists carefully examined the ancient cranium.
Les archéologues ont soigneusement examiné le crâne ancien.
C2 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːrt/

controvert

contredire
Meaning
to dispute or argue against; to contradict
Example
The scientist controversed the previous research findings.
Le scientifique a contredit les résultats de la recherche précédente.
C2 noun /ˈkrɛməˌtɔːri/

crematory

crématorium
Meaning
a place where dead bodies are cremated
Example
The crematory was located near the cemetery.
Le crématorium était situé près du cimetière.
C2 noun /ˌkɛəriˈætɪd/

caryatid

colonne avec une figure féminine sculptée
Meaning
A stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a supporting column in architecture.
Example
The ancient temple featured a caryatid holding up the roof.
Le temple antique comportait une caryatide soutenant le toit.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrətɑː̃/

contretemps

malentendu inattendu
Meaning
an unexpected and unfortunate event or disagreement; a minor dispute
Example
There was a small contretemps between the two colleagues during the meeting.
Il y a eu un petit malentendu entre les deux collègues pendant la réunion.
C2 verb /kɔːk/

caulk

calfeutrer
Meaning
to seal a crack or gap with a waterproof filler
Example
He caulked the window frames to stop the draft.
Il a calfeutré les cadres de fenêtres pour arrêter le courant d'air.
C2 noun /ˈklaɪmɪŋ fɪʃ/

Climbing-fish

poisson grimpeur
Meaning
a type of fish that can climb trees and survive out of water for short periods
Example
The climbing-fish can move from one pond to another by climbing trees.
Le poisson grimpeur peut se déplacer d'un étang à l'autre en grimpant aux arbres.
C2 verb /kəmˈpɔːrt/

comport

se comporter
Meaning
to behave or conduct oneself in a particular way
Example
She comported herself with grace during the ceremony.
Elle s'est comportée avec grâce lors de la cérémonie.
C2 noun /kjuːˈpɪdəti/

cupidity

cupidité
Meaning
Excessive desire for wealth or possessions; greed.
Example
The king's downfall was caused by his cupidity.
La chute du roi a été causée par sa cupidité.
C2 noun /koʊˈædʒətər/

coadjutor

adjoint
Meaning
a person who helps or assists another, especially in a religious or official capacity
Example
The bishop appointed a coadjutor to assist him with his duties.
L'évêque a nommé un adjoint pour l'aider dans ses devoirs.
C2 noun /sɛnˈtjʊəriən/

centurion

centurion
Meaning
A commander of a unit of one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
Example
The centurion led his men into battle with courage.
Le centurion a mené ses hommes au combat avec courage.