CEFR Level
to correct or discipline; to humble or subdue
"The coach chastened the team after their poor performance."
a personal possession; historically, movable property including slaves
"In the past, slaves were considered the chattel of their owners."
Innocent, sweet, and angelic, like a cherub.
"The baby had a cherubic smile that melted everyone’s heart."
A V-shaped pattern, often used in military insignia or design.
"The sergeant’s uniform displayed three chevrons on the sleeve."
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
"The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face."
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose.
"The politician was accused of chicanery to win the election."
A lightweight, sheer fabric often used in dresses or scarves.
"She wore a beautiful chiffon dress at the party."
A mythical creature with parts from different animals; also used to mean a fanciful illusion or unattainable dream.
"The idea of a perfect society is often a chimera."
Imaginary, fanciful, or wildly unrealistic; existing only in the imagination.
"His chimerical plans for building a city on the moon fascinated the young engineers."
a small evergreen shrub with tiny white fragrant flowers
"The China box plant produced clusters of small white flowers."
a tropical flowering plant with large, showy flowers in various colors
"The bright red China-rose flowers decorated the entrance of the house."
The practice of predicting the future by interpreting the lines on the palms of hands; palmistry.
"The old woman practiced chiromancy and told fortunes for travelers."
A healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats foot problems.
"The chiropodist treated her painful corns and calluses."
Easily angered; irritable and hot-tempered.
"His choleric nature often got him into arguments."
to laugh in a breathy, gleeful way
"The audience chortled at the comedian's witty remarks."
the worldwide body or community of Christians
"The news spread quickly across Christendom."
Relating to colors or, in music, notes outside the standard scale.
"The artist used a chromatic palette to create vibrant contrasts."
An instrument for measuring time precisely, especially used in navigation.
"The sailor relied on the chronometer to determine his position at sea."
Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
"It would be churlish to refuse her kind invitation."
a wooden stick used for stirring and churning butter, milk, or other liquids
"Grandmother used a churning stick to make fresh butter."
Having minute hairlike projections (cilia) on the surface of cells or organisms.
"The ciliated cells in the respiratory tract help move mucus out of the lungs."
A film enthusiast or filmmaker; a person deeply interested in cinema.
"As a true cineast, she spends most weekends watching classic films."
A small circular band, typically worn as an ornament on the head.
"The princess wore a golden circlet on her forehead."
Longer than the most direct way; roundabout.
"He took a circuitous route to avoid traffic."
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
"The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution."
to travel all the way around something, especially the earth
"Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the globe."
to limit or restrict something within boundaries
"The rules circumscribe the powers of the committee."
restricted or limited in scope or freedom
"Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules."
careful and unwilling to take risks; cautious
"He was circumspect in his business dealings."
The quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence.
"His circumspection ensured no mistakes were made."
the supposed ability to perceive events beyond normal sensory contact; psychic insight
"She claimed to have clairvoyance and predicted the future."
a person who claims to have clairvoyance; having the ability to see beyond normal senses
"The clairvoyant predicted that she would travel abroad soon."
making a loud and confused noise; expressing strong demands noisily
"The clamorous audience demanded an encore from the band."
A loud, resonant, and continuous noise, often metallic.
"The clangor of the church bells filled the town square."
The free-swinging metal piece inside a bell that strikes it to produce sound.
"The clapper inside the bell was broken."
Loud and clear, like the sound of a trumpet; strongly expressed.
"The leader’s clarion call for unity inspired the crowd."
the collarbone, a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum
"He fractured his clavicle in the accident."
mild or merciful; describing weather as mild and pleasant
"The prisoners hoped for a clement judge."
a climbing plant with fragrant flowers native to tropical regions
"The climbing lang lang vine produces beautiful fragrant flowers."
a type of fish that can climb trees and survive out of water for short periods
"The climbing-fish can move from one pond to another by climbing trees."
A region defined by its climate.
"He traveled to warmer climes during the winter."
a tool used for cutting, or a fast sailing ship of the 19th century
"The barber used clippers to trim his hair."
a covered walk in a convent, monastery, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other.
"The monks walked silently through the cloister."
of a sailing ship, sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing.
"The yacht was close-hauled as it cut through the waves."
a person or company that makes, sells, or deals in clothes.
"The town’s clothier displayed fine suits in his shop window."
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
"The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate."
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
"The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst."
too sweet, rich, or sentimental, making it unpleasant
"The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it."
a person who helps or assists another, especially in a religious or official capacity
"The bishop appointed a coadjutor to assist him with his duties."
