CEFR Level
A secret group or faction engaged in plotting or intrigue.
"A small cabal was working behind the scenes to influence the election."
The doctrines, practices, or secretive dealings of a cabal.
"The historian wrote extensively about cabalism in the royal court."
Producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
"The cacophonous sounds of the city kept her awake all night."
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
"The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate."
a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward women
"Everyone at the party avoided him because he was known to be a cad."
A dead human body, especially one used for medical study.
"Medical students dissected the cadaver to learn about human anatomy."
Resembling a corpse; very pale, thin, or bony.
"His cadaverous appearance shocked everyone at the party."
An elaborate solo passage in a piece of music, usually near the end.
"The pianist performed a brilliant cadenza before the final movement."
To beg or obtain something, especially food or money, without paying for it.
"He tried to cadge a free meal from the restaurant."
A small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession; a group of activists in a communist or other political organization.
"There are 26 cadres under BPSC."
A contemptible or cowardly person.
"The knight despised the caitiff who betrayed his comrades."
To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
"She managed to cajole her friend into joining the trip."
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
"Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise."
The process of calcium accumulation in soil, making it hard.
"Calcification reduces soil permeability and affects crop growth."
To harden by deposition of calcium salts; to become rigid or inflexible.
"Over time, the tissue began to calcify and lose flexibility."
Capable of being calculated, estimated, or measured.
"The risk involved in the project is calculable."
A large metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking over an open fire.
"The witch stirred her potion in a bubbling caldron."
exercises that use body weight for strength and flexibility
"She practices calisthenics every morning in the park."
To make a boat or ship watertight by filling seams or cracks.
"The workers calked the seams of the old boat to prevent leaks."
A thickened or hardened area of skin; insensitivity or hardness of character.
"Years of manual labor left callosity on his hands."
Inexperienced and immature.
"The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day."
Relating to the amount of energy contained in food or fuel.
"Chocolate is highly calorific, so it should be eaten in moderation."
To make false and damaging statements about someone; to slander.
"He was furious when he realized they had calumniated his reputation."
The making of false and defamatory statements to damage someone's reputation.
"The politician dismissed the accusations as mere calumny."
A Protestant theological system based on John Calvin’s teachings, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.
"Calvinism played a major role in shaping Protestant theology."
to imbue with the principles or doctrines of Calvinism
"The preacher sought to calvinize the community with strict teachings."
a white crystalline substance with a strong aromatic smell, used in medicine and religious ceremonies
"The temple was filled with the fragrant smoke of burning camphor."
a member of a people who lived in the ancient land of Canaan in the Middle East
"The Canaanites were known for their advanced trade networks."
a false or unfounded story or rumor
"The article turned out to be nothing more than a canard."
A fungal disease of plants; an ulcerous sore in the mouth; to corrupt or destroy slowly
"The tree was infected with a canker that damaged its bark."
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
"The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond."
Hypocritical and insincere talk, especially about moral or religious principles.
"The politician's speech was filled with cant about honesty and integrity."
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
"The cantankerous old man complained about everything."
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
"The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival."
To ride a horse at a controlled, easy pace between a trot and a gallop.
"She cantered her horse across the field with ease."
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
"The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos."
A permanent military station or garrison town.
"The army established a new cantonment near the border."
Having a lot of space inside; roomy.
"The capacious hall could seat over five hundred guests."
an ornamental covering for a horse; rich and elaborate clothing or decoration
"The king’s horse was adorned with a golden caparison."
a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior
"She bought the expensive dress on a caprice."
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
"The stock market can be capricious, shifting dramatically without warning."
tending to find fault or raise petty objections
"The captious reviewer criticized even the smallest details of the movie."
a glass container without handles used for serving drinks like water or wine
"The waiter brought a carafe of water to the table."
the hard shell covering the back of some animals like turtles and crabs
"The turtle withdrew into its carapace for protection."
aromatic seeds of the caraway plant used as a spice in cooking and baking
"The bread was flavored with caraway seeds."
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way, especially in a specific direction.
"The car careened down the slippery road."
A proofreading symbol (^) used to indicate where something should be inserted.
"The editor placed a caret to show where the missing word should go."
Showing signs of worry, stress, or exhaustion.
"His careworn face revealed years of struggle."
