CEFR Level
the science of the origin and development of the universe
"She studied cosmology to understand the origins of the universe."
familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures
"He has a cosmopolitan outlook due to his extensive travels."
the universe seen as a well-ordered whole
"Astronomers study the cosmos to learn about the universe's structure."
textile made from cotton fibers, known for being soft, breathable, and comfortable
"Cotton fabric is perfect for summer clothing."
a person's face or expression; support or approval
"Her cheerful countenance brightened the room."
a claim made to rebut a previous claim, often in legal contexts
"The defendant filed a counter-claim against the plaintiff."
to act against something in order to reduce its effect
"The medicine helps counteract the side effects of the treatment."
to offset or balance the effect of something
"Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress."
made to look like something genuine in order to deceive
"The police seized a batch of counterfeit currency."
contrary to what one would intuitively expect
"His approach seems counterintuitive but it actually works."
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."
