CEFR Level
an ancient horse-drawn vehicle used in warfare and racing
"The warrior rode his chariot into battle with great courage."
a deep fissure in the earth's surface or a wide difference between people or ideas
"There was a great chasm between the two political parties."
the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine
"The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage."
to criticize or punish severely
"The teacher chastised the student for being late."
the state of refraining from sexual activity; purity
"The monk took a vow of chastity."
a large French country house or castle
"They stayed in a beautiful chateau in France."
Excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender, often with contempt for others.
"The company's culture was criticized for promoting male chauvinism."
A person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty to a group, cause, or gender.
"He was labeled a chauvinist after his remarks about women in the workplace."
Displaying or characterized by excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support, especially towards one's own gender or group.
"His chauvinistic attitude alienated many of his female colleagues."
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
"He had a checkered career with many highs and lows."
lacking happiness or comfort; gloomy; depressing; without cheer
"The old house looked cheerless and abandoned in the winter rain."
a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or dress hanging straight from the shoulders
"The vintage chemise was made of delicate lace and silk."
Having a pattern of squares, or marked by varied and contrasting experiences or periods.
"He had a chequered career with both great successes and failures."
To scold or rebuke someone mildly.
"The teacher chided the students for being late."
dishes, plates, cups, and other tableware made of porcelain or fine ceramic
"The expensive china-ware was displayed in the cabinet."
A tool with a sharp edge used for cutting or shaping hard materials; or to cut or carve with such a tool.
"The sculptor chiseled the marble into a beautiful statue."
a short note, typically a brief informal letter; a voucher for a sum owed
"She left a chit on the table asking him to call her back."
Behaving in a courteous, gallant, and honorable way, especially toward women.
"He was chivalrous, always opening doors for others."
The medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious code; courteous behavior, especially toward women.
"The knight lived by the code of chivalry."
An infectious disease of the small intestine causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
"The village suffered an outbreak of cholera after the flood."
Relating to, written for, or performed by a choir or chorus.
"The church hosted a choral performance on Sunday."
The art of designing and arranging dances and movements.
"The choreography of the ballet was breathtaking."
to give a name to someone at baptism or to name something officially
"They christened the ship after the queen."
A factual written account of important events in order of time; to record such events.
"The journalist chronicled the events of the war."
The arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.
"The chronology of the dynasty was carefully studied by historians."
A secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
"The spy sent a message written in cipher."
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle that occurs within 24 hours
"Exposure to natural light regulates the circadian rhythm."
to find a way around an obstacle; to avoid a rule or problem cleverly
"The company found a way to circumvent the new tax laws."
A tank or container for storing water, usually for household use.
"The old house still had a cistern to collect rainwater."
A fortress protecting or dominating a city.
"The ancient citadel stood guard over the town for centuries."
a quotation from or reference to a book, paper, or author
"The research paper included a citation from Shakespeare."
a natural acid found in citrus fruits, used as a food preservative and flavoring agent
"Add a pinch of citric acid to preserve the color of the fruit jam."
Polite and courteous behavior.
"He treated his opponent with civility despite their differences."
a person who makes a claim, especially in a legal or financial context
"The claimant filed for compensation after the accident."
to climb with effort or difficulty, often using both hands and feet
"The children clambered over the rocks to reach the cave."
a loud and confused noise, especially of people shouting insistently
"The clamor of the protesting crowd filled the square."
a large family group or a close-knit community with shared interests or ancestry
"The entire clan gathered to celebrate the festival."
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
"They held a clandestine meeting late at night."
to grasp or hold tightly; also a device for fastening
"She clasped her hands together in prayer."
an extreme or irrational fear of being in confined spaces
"He avoids elevators because of his claustrophobia."
to split or cut apart forcefully; to cling or adhere closely
"The axe can cleave the wood in two."
a heavy knife with a broad blade used for chopping meat or vegetables
"The chef used a cleaver to chop the chicken bones."
a split or crack; a space or opening made by cleavage
"The goat disappeared into a cleft in the rocks."
mercy, leniency, or forgiveness shown towards someone
"The judge showed clemency and reduced his sentence."
An overused expression or idea that has lost its originality or impact.
"The speech was filled with old clichés that failed to inspire the audience."
The group of customers who regularly patronize a business or service.
"The restaurant attracts an upscale clientele."
