CEFR Level
an argument, idea, or theme contrasting with another; also a musical term for independent melody
"Her calm attitude was a counterpoint to his anger."
having the opposite of the desired effect; harmful to achieving goals
"Skipping breakfast is counterproductive to your energy levels."
a person from one's own country or rural area
"He was proud to meet a fellow countryman at the international conference."
a sudden, decisive action that brings about a change, especially in government
"The military staged a coup to overthrow the existing regime."
coarsely ground flour with larger particles, typically used for baking bread
"She used course flour to make homemade bread with a rustic texture."
a formal agreement or promise, often legally binding
"The landlord and tenant signed a covenant to maintain the property."
hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged
"The spy conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines."
to desire something belonging to someone else
"He coveted his neighbor's new car."
lack of courage; behavior showing fear
"His cowardice prevented him from speaking up."
to crouch down in fear
"The child cowered behind the sofa during the thunderstorm."
reluctant to give details or reveal feelings; shy or reserved
"She gave a coy smile when asked about her plans."
skilled at achieving goals through cunning or deceit; sly
"The crafty fox evaded the hunters again."
a steep or rugged cliff or rock face
"The hikers climbed the jagged crag to reach the summit."
lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence
"His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting."
to make a high-pitched, squeaking noise when moved
"The old door creaked as she opened it."
a line or fold produced on paper, cloth, or other material; to make a fold or wrinkle
"She ironed the shirt carefully to remove every crease."
belief in or acceptance of something as true
"The witness gave credence to the defendant's alibi."
a qualification, achievement, or aspect of a person's background used to indicate suitability for something
"She presented her credentials before starting the new job."
Deserving praise or acknowledgment, though not necessarily outstanding.
"She made a creditable effort in completing the project on time."
A system of religious or spiritual beliefs or a guiding principle.
"Freedom of speech is part of his personal creed."
to burn the body of a dead person until only ash remains
"They decided to cremate their relative according to tradition."
a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music
"The orchestra built to a powerful crescendo before the finale."
the top of a hill, wave, or mountain; a symbol of identity
"The hikers reached the crest of the mountain at sunrise."
a deep crack in a glacier or the earth’s surface
"The climbers carefully crossed the icy crevasse."
a narrow crack or opening, especially in a rock or wall
"The lizard hid in a crevice between the stones."
a deep purplish-red color
"The crimson sunset painted the sky with beautiful shades."
To shrink back in fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.
"She cringed when she remembered her mistake."
Needlework made by interlocking loops of thread with a hooked needle; the act of making such items.
"She learned how to crochet a scarf for winter."
Dishes, plates, cups, and other items made of earthenware or china.
"The hotel provided clean crockery for the guests."
The practice of favoring friends or associates, especially in political appointments or business deals.
"The company was accused of cronyism in hiring practices."
a dishonest person, especially a criminal
"The police finally caught the crook who had been stealing cars."
to produce an animal or plant by mating two different breeds, varieties, or species
"Farmers crossbreed cows to improve milk production."
in the form of a cross; diagonally across
"Place the logs crosswise to build a stable fire."
to bend your knees and lower your body close to the ground
"The cat crouched before leaping at its prey."
a heavy iron bar with a curved end used as a lever for prying things apart
"He used a crowbar to remove the old nails."
a severe test or trial; a container used for heating substances to very high temperatures
"The team emerged stronger from the crucible of competition."
to crush something into folds or wrinkles
"He crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin."
a vigorous campaign for a social, political, or religious cause; to fight passionately for a cause
"She has been crusading for women's rights all her life."
the hard outer surface of something, especially bread or the Earth's outer layer
"He cut off the crust of the bread before eating."
an aquatic animal with a hard shell, such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps
"Crabs and lobsters are well-known crustaceans."
a support used by someone injured to walk; also something relied upon for support or help
"He had to use crutches after breaking his leg."
the most important or decisive point of an issue
"The crux of the problem lies in poor communication."
an underground chamber, especially one beneath a church, used as a burial place
"The tourists explored the ancient crypt beneath the cathedral."
having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
"She left a cryptic message on his voicemail."
to form crystals; to make an idea or plan clear and definite
"Her vague thoughts began to crystallize into a solid plan."
A street or passage closed at one end; a dead end.
"They bought a house at the end of a quiet cul de sac."
to select or remove from a larger group, often to reduce numbers
"The farmers decided to cull the sick animals from the herd."
to reach the highest point or final stage
"The negotiations culminated in a successful agreement."
the highest point or final result of something
"Graduation day is the culmination of years of hard work."
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
"The judge found him culpable for the accident."
