CEFR Level
an unexpected and unfortunate event or disagreement; a minor dispute
"There was a small contretemps between the two colleagues during the meeting."
feeling or showing remorse or guilt
"She was contrite after realizing her mistake."
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
"His contrition was evident after the apology."
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
"The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs."
to dispute or argue against; to contradict
"The scientist controversed the previous research findings."
stubbornly disobedient or rebellious
"The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules."
stubborn refusal to obey authority
"His contumacy led to his suspension from the council."
insulting or humiliating treatment
"He endured the contumely of his colleagues with patience."
to bruise by striking or hitting
"He contused his arm when he fell off the bike."
a bruise or injury without breaking the skin
"The boxer had several contusions after the match."
to recover health and strength after illness or medical treatment
"After the surgery, she spent several weeks convalescing at home."
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
"She is conversant with the latest developments in technology."
friendly, lively, and enjoyable; sociable
"The party had a convivial atmosphere with music and laughter."
to call together or summon a meeting or assembly
"The committee convoked an emergency session to discuss the crisis."
a twist, coil, or a complex and intricate shape or arrangement
"The brain has many convolutions that increase its surface area."
to roll or twist together; to coil or entwine
"The vines convolve around the tree trunk."
to shake violently; to suffer sudden involuntary contractions
"The patient convulsed during the seizure."
a laborer who does physical work for wages
"The cooly carried heavy bags at the railway station."
a woman who flirts lightheartedly
"She was a coquette, always charming everyone at the party."
a small silvery fish species found in South Asian rivers, commonly used in local cuisine
"Corica soborna is a popular ingredient in traditional Bengali fish curry."
a large black sea bird that catches fish by diving
"The cormorant perched on the rock, drying its wings after a dive."
an ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling
"The elegant cornice added a classical touch to the living room."
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
"The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets."
a direct or natural consequence or result
"One corollary of the new policy was increased public awareness."
a small crown, especially one worn by a prince, princess, or noble
"She wore a delicate coronet on her head for the ceremony."
relating to the physical body; material or tangible
"Ghosts are often described as having no corporeal form."
fat or obese; having a large bulky body
"The corpulent man struggled to fit into the small chair."
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
"Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body."
having a mutual relationship; corresponding
"The increase in temperature is correlative with the melting of glaciers."
capable of being corrected or improved
"The student's mistakes were corrigible with practice."
evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding
"The documents provided strong corroboration of her claims."
shaped into ridges and grooves; wrinkled or folded
"The roof was made of corrugated metal sheets."
able to be morally or ethically corrupted
"He was known to be corruptible and often accepted bribes."
a pirate, especially one operating along the Mediterranean coasts
"The corsair plundered ships along the coast."
a solemn procession, especially for a funeral
"A cortege of mourners followed the hearse to the cemetery."
to sparkle or flash brightly
"The fireworks coruscated across the night sky."
the study or theory of the origin of the universe
"The book provides an overview of different cosmogonies throughout history."
the science or art of mapping the universe or cosmos
"Medieval scholars practiced cosmography to chart the stars and planets."
the ideology that all human beings belong to a single community
"Cosmopolitanism promotes respect and understanding across cultures."
to care for and protect in an overindulgent way
"The little girl was cosseted by her grandparents."
pampered, treated with excessive care and attention
"The cosseted child always got what he wanted."
a small, exclusive group of people with shared interests
"He belonged to a coterie of artists who met every Friday."
having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
"The two jurisdictions are coterminous, sharing the same borders."
an opposing charge or accusation; to make an opposing attack
"The lawyer filed a countercharge against the accuser."
to revoke or cancel an order or command
"The general countermanded the previous orders immediately."
to offset or counteract the effect of something
"The benefits of the new policy countervail its drawbacks."
a business office where accounts are kept and financial transactions are managed
"The merchant spent most of his day in the counting-house reviewing ledgers."
a swift horse or a hunting horse
"The knight rode a fast courser into battle."
a group or gathering of witches
"The witches met secretly in a coven in the forest."
having or showing a strong desire for someone else's possessions
"She gave him a covetous look when he showed his new watch."
