canon
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C1 noun /ˈkænən/

canon

Meaning
A general law, rule, principle, or collection of sacred books accepted as genuine.
Example
The book is now considered part of the literary canon.
C1 verb /kənˈkɜːr/

concur

Meaning
To agree with someone or something.
Example
I concur with your opinion on this matter.
C1 adjective /ˈkrɪm.zən/

Crimson

Meaning
a deep purplish-red color
Example
The crimson sunset painted the sky with beautiful shades.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/

countenance

Meaning
a person's face or expression; support or approval
Example
Her cheerful countenance brightened the room.
C1 noun /ˌkɔːriˈɒɡrəfi/

choreography

Meaning
The art of designing and arranging dances and movements.
Example
The choreography of the ballet was breathtaking.
C1 verb /kriːk/

creak

Meaning
to make a high-pitched, squeaking noise when moved
Example
The old door creaked as she opened it.
C1 verb /ˈkʌn.dʒər/

conjure

Meaning
to summon something as if by magic; to imagine vividly
Example
The magician conjured a rabbit out of the hat.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪsən/

christen

Meaning
to give a name to someone at baptism or to name something officially
Example
They christened the ship after the queen.
C1 noun /kənˈdəʊləns/

condolence

Meaning
An expression of sympathy, especially on the occasion of death.
Example
She offered her sincere condolence to the grieving family.
C1 adjective /kənˈdʒenɪtl/

congenital

Meaning
existing from birth, usually describing a disease or condition
Example
The child was born with a congenital heart defect.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/

counterpoint

Meaning
an argument, idea, or theme contrasting with another; also a musical term for independent melody
Example
Her calm attitude was a counterpoint to his anger.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnskrɪpt/

conscript

Meaning
to force someone into military service
Example
The government conscripted young men during the war.
C1 verb /ˈkætəˌlaɪz/

catalyze

Meaning
To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.
Example
The new law catalyzed reforms across the sector.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsns/

convalescence

Meaning
the period of time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
His convalescence lasted for almost two months after the accident.
C1 noun sɪˈmɛntɪd ɡreɪv

cemented grave

Meaning
A grave that is constructed with cement for permanence.
Example
The cemented grave of the martyrs was seen near the river.
C1 verb /siːd/

cede

Meaning
to give up power, territory, or rights to another
Example
The country ceded territory after losing the war.
C1 verb/noun /ˈkrɒn.ɪ.kəl/

chronicle

Meaning
To record events in the order in which they happened; a written record of historical events.
Example
She decided to chronicle her journey through a blog.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

conflagaration

Meaning
This is a common misspelling of 'conflagration', which means a large, destructive fire.
Example
The term 'conflagaration' is often incorrectly used instead of 'conflagration'.
C1 noun /ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbiə/

claustrophobia

Meaning
an extreme or irrational fear of being in confined spaces
Example
He avoids elevators because of his claustrophobia.
C1 verb /ˈkəʊ.dɪ.faɪ/

codify

Meaning
to arrange laws, rules, or ideas into a clear and systematic code
Example
The committee worked to codify the existing laws.
C1 noun /kliːk/

clique

Meaning
a small, exclusive group of people
Example
The students formed a clique that excluded others.
C1 verb /kɑːrp/

carp

Meaning
to complain or find fault continually, often about trivial matters
Example
She tends to carp about the smallest inconveniences.
C1 noun /krʊk/

crook

Meaning
a dishonest person, especially a criminal
Example
The police finally caught the crook who had been stealing cars.
C1 noun /krʌst/

crust

Meaning
the hard outer surface of something, especially bread or the Earth's outer layer
Example
He cut off the crust of the bread before eating.
C1 noun /ˌkɒmpɪˈleɪʃən/

compilation

Meaning
a collection of things, especially pieces of writing or music, gathered together
Example
The book is a compilation of his best essays.
C1 noun /krəˈvæs/

crevasse

Meaning
a deep crack in a glacier or the earth’s surface
Example
The climbers carefully crossed the icy crevasse.
C1 verb /kɜːrˈteɪl/

curtail

Meaning
to reduce or limit something, especially something considered undesirable
Example
The company had to curtail its spending due to budget cuts.
C1 noun ˈklaɪmət ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən

climate regulation

Meaning
The moderation of climate conditions through natural or artificial processes.
Example
Forests help in climate regulation by stabilizing local temperatures.
C1 noun /kənˈkʌrəns/

concurrence

Meaning
Agreement or union in action, opinion, or occurrence; simultaneous happening of events.
Example
The project was completed with the concurrence of all departments.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛkərd/

chequered

Meaning
Having a pattern of squares, or marked by varied and contrasting experiences or periods.
Example
He had a chequered career with both great successes and failures.
C1 verb /kəˈluːd/

collude

Meaning
To secretly cooperate or conspire with others, often for a deceitful purpose.
Example
The two companies colluded to fix prices in the market.
C1 verb /koʊks/

coax

Meaning
to persuade someone gently or gradually to do something
Example
She managed to coax the cat out of the tree with some food.
C1 noun kəˈlæt.ər.əl

collateral

Meaning
Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default.
Example
The bank requires collateral for loan approval.
C1 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.bəʊn/

Collar-bone

Meaning
either of the pair of bones joining the breastbone to the shoulder blades; clavicle
Example
He broke his collar-bone in the accident.
C1 noun /klæn/

clan

Meaning
a large family group or a close-knit community with shared interests or ancestry
Example
The entire clan gathered to celebrate the festival.
C1 noun /ˈkɑr.nɪdʒ/

Carnage

Meaning
the killing of a large number of people; widespread slaughter
Example
The battlefield was filled with carnage after the brutal war.
C1 verb /ˈkænvəs/

canvass

Meaning
to solicit votes or opinions; to examine thoroughly; to discuss in detail
Example
They will canvass the neighborhood for votes.
C1 adjective ˈkɒn.təm.plə.tɪv

contemplative

Meaning
Expressing or involving prolonged thought; meditative and reflective.
Example
He spent a contemplative evening reflecting on his decisions.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɔːri/

conservatory

Meaning
A greenhouse for growing plants or a school for music and the arts.
Example
They grew exotic plants in the conservatory.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrfjuː/

curfew

Meaning
a rule requiring people to stay indoors after a certain time, usually at night
Example
The city imposed a curfew during the unrest.
C1 noun /kəˈluːʒən/

collusion

Meaning
A secret agreement or cooperation, especially for an illegal or dishonest purpose.
Example
There was evidence of collusion between the officials and the contractors.
C1 verb /koʊˈhæbɪt/

cohabit

Meaning
To live together, often as partners without being married.
Example
They decided to cohabit before getting married.
C1 noun /ˈkɔːl.drən/

Cauldron

Meaning
a large metal pot with a lid and handle, used for cooking over a fire
Example
The witch stirred her potion in a large cauldron.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.zəl/

causal

Meaning
relating to or acting as a cause
Example
There is a causal link between smoking and cancer.
C1 adverb /ˈkrɒswaɪz/

Crosswise

Meaning
in the form of a cross; diagonally across
Example
Place the logs crosswise to build a stable fire.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

Meaning
to offset or balance the effect of something
Example
Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress.
C1 verb /kənˈspaɪər/

conspire

Meaning
to secretly plan with others to do something harmful or illegal
Example
They conspired to overthrow the government.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæs.tɪ.ti/

Chastity

Meaning
the practice of refraining from extramarital or premarital sexual relations; sexual purity
Example
Many religious traditions value chastity as a virtue of moral purity.
C1 noun /ˈkʌntrɪmən/

countryman

Meaning
a person from one's own country or rural area
Example
He was proud to meet a fellow countryman at the international conference.
C1 phrase ˌkæt.əˈɡɒr.ɪ.kəl.i rɪˈfjuː.tɪd

categorically refuted

Meaning
Completely and absolutely denied or disproved.
Example
The claims were categorically refuted by officials.
C1 adjective /kɜːrt/

curt

Meaning
Rudely brief in speech or manner.
Example
His curt reply made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 adjective ˈkɒn.və.luː.tɪd

convoluted

Meaning
Extremely complex and difficult to follow; twisted or intricate.
Example
His argument was so convoluted that no one understood it.
C1 noun /ˈklaɪəntɛl/

clientele

Meaning
The clients or customers of a professional person or business.
Example
The salon's clientele includes many high-profile individuals.
C1 adjective /kəˈmɛmərətɪv/

commemorative

Meaning
Serving as a reminder or in honor of a person or event.
Example
They issued a commemorative coin for the independence anniversary.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ɪ.bəl/

Cannibal

Meaning
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
Example
The explorer's journal described rumors of cannibals living on the remote island.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndɪmənt/

condiment

Meaning
a substance such as salt, mustard, or ketchup that is used to add flavor to food
Example
Ketchup is a popular condiment in many countries.
C1 noun /kənˈsep.ʃən/

Conception

Meaning
the forming of an idea or plan; the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm; the action of conceiving
Example
The conception of this innovative project took several months of brainstorming.
C1 noun /kæpˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/

Captivity

Meaning
the condition of being imprisoned or confined
Example
After years of captivity, the prisoner was finally released.
C1 noun kənˈɡlɒm.ər.ət

conglomerate

Meaning
A large corporation formed by the merging of separate and diverse firms.
Example
The company grew into a multinational conglomerate.
C1 noun /ˈkɔːkəs/

caucus

Meaning
A meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy.
Example
The party held a caucus to nominate their candidate for president.
C1 adjective /ˈkræfti/

crafty

Meaning
skilled at achieving goals through cunning or deceit; sly
Example
The crafty fox evaded the hunters again.
C1 verb /kəmˈpjuːt/

compute

Meaning
To calculate or determine by using a computer or mathematical methods.
Example
The software can compute the total cost in seconds.
C1 noun kəmˈpleɪ.sən.si

complacency

Meaning
Excessive self-satisfaction with one's achievements that can hinder progress.
Example
His complacency led to a decline in his performance.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪnjuəm/

continuum

Meaning
A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, but the extremes are quite distinct.
Example
Life and death are often seen as part of the same continuum.
C1 adjective /ˈsiːs.ləs/

Ceaseless

Meaning
continuing without pause or interruption; endless
Example
The ceaseless rain lasted for three days.
C1 noun /koʊlt/

Colt

Meaning
a young male horse, especially one under four years old
Example
The farmer trained the young colt to accept a saddle.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

consequential

Meaning
Having important or significant consequences; resulting from something.
Example
The meeting was consequential for the future of the project.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊhɔːrt/

cohort

Meaning
A group of people with a shared characteristic, usually of the same age or with a common experience.
Example
The study tracked a cohort of students over ten years.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkeɪnaɪn/

canine

Meaning
Relating to dogs; also refers to the pointed teeth in humans and animals
Example
The police trained a canine unit for search operations.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnsɔːrt/

consort

Meaning
To associate with someone, typically with disapproval; also, a spouse of a reigning monarch.
Example
He was criticized for consorting with criminals.
C1 noun kənˈfɔː.mə.ti

conformity

Meaning
Compliance with standards, rules, or laws. Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions.
Example
Strict conformity to the rules ensures order in society.
C1 noun /kɑːɡ/

cog

Meaning
A tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear; metaphorically, a minor but necessary part of a larger system.
Example
He felt like just a small cog in a big machine.
C1 verb /kənˈdəʊn/

condone

Meaning
To accept or allow behavior that is morally wrong or offensive.
Example
The manager refused to condone harassment in the workplace.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪn.dʒən.si/

contingency

Meaning
A provision for an unforeseen event or circumstance, especially in financial planning.
Example
The company has a contingency plan for economic downturns.
C1 noun /kəmˈpəʊ.ʒər/

composure

Meaning
The state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself.
Example
She maintained her composure during the interview.
C1 adjective /kɔɪ/

coy

Meaning
reluctant to give details or reveal feelings; shy or reserved
Example
She gave a coy smile when asked about her plans.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnɪfər/

conifer

Meaning
a type of tree that bears cones and evergreen needle-like leaves, such as pine or fir
Example
The forest is dominated by conifers like pine and spruce.
C1 noun /krəˈnɒlədʒi/

chronology

Meaning
The arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.
Example
The chronology of the dynasty was carefully studied by historians.
C1 verb, noun /klɑːɡ/

clog

Meaning
to block or become blocked; a type of heavy wooden shoe
Example
The sink was clogged with food waste.
C1 noun kənˈsjuː.mə.rɪ.zəm

consumerism

Meaning
The tendency to increase consumption of goods and the importance given to consuming products.
Example
Modern consumerism leads to increased demand for luxury goods.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɪə.ləs/

Cheerless

Meaning
lacking happiness or comfort; gloomy; depressing; without cheer
Example
The old house looked cheerless and abandoned in the winter rain.
C1 adjective /ˈkæni/

canny

Meaning
Having good judgment, especially in business or practical matters; shrewd.
Example
She made a canny investment in real estate.
C1 noun /kəˈres/

Caress

Meaning
a gentle or loving touch
Example
The mother's gentle caress calmed the crying baby.
C1 noun ˈkɑːr.bən ˌsiː.kwəˈstreɪ.ʃən

carbon sequestration

Meaning
The process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate or defer global warming.
Example
Forests play a key role in carbon sequestration.
C1 adjective /kənˈdʒiːniəl/

congenial

Meaning
pleasant and friendly because of having similar interests or qualities
Example
They found the café a congenial place to meet and talk.
C1 noun ˈkɒnfluəns

confluence

Meaning
An act or process of merging.
Example
The confluence of ideas from different cultures created a rich discussion.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnfɪskeɪt/

confiscate

Meaning
to take something away officially, often as a punishment
Example
The teacher confiscated the student's phone during class.
C1 noun koʊˈhisɪv ˈjunɪts

cohesive units

Meaning
Groups or organizations that work together as unified wholes, with members closely bound together.
Example
Early humans formed cohesive units for survival.
C1 verb /ˈkælɪˌbreɪt/

calibrate

Meaning
To adjust or mark something so it can be used accurately; to standardize.
Example
The technician calibrated the machine before starting the experiment.
C1 adjective /kəˈθɑːr.tɪk/

cathartic

Meaning
Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.
Example
Writing about emotions can be a cathartic experience.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊhɔːrts/

cohorts

Meaning
Groups of people who share a common feature or experience.
Example
Researchers compared the health outcomes of different cohorts.
C1 noun /kənˈtɛnʃən/

contention

Meaning
heated disagreement or argument; a point asserted in debate
Example
The main contention between the two parties was over tax reform.
C1 noun /krʌks/

crux

Meaning
the most important or decisive point of an issue
Example
The crux of the problem lies in poor communication.
C1 noun kəˈrəʊ.ʒən

corrosion

Meaning
The gradual destruction of materials by chemical or electrochemical reaction, especially of metals by oxidation.
Example
Corrosion in pipes leads to leakage.
C1 noun /ˈkʌn.stə.bəl/

constable

Meaning
a police officer of the lowest rank
Example
The constable directed traffic at the busy intersection.
C1 noun /kræɡ/

crag

Meaning
a steep or rugged cliff or rock face
Example
The hikers climbed the jagged crag to reach the summit.
C1 noun /ˈʃoʊ.vəˌnɪz.əm/

chauvinism

Meaning
Excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender, often with contempt for others.
Example
The company's culture was criticized for promoting male chauvinism.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.stɪk/

caustic

Meaning
able to burn or corrode by chemical action; severely sarcastic
Example
Her caustic remarks hurt his feelings.
C1 noun /kəˈnɛəri/

canary

Meaning
a small, usually yellow bird known for its singing; also used as a warning sign in dangerous conditions
Example
The canary sang beautifully in its cage.
C1 adjective /klænˈdɛstaɪn/

clandestine

Meaning
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
Example
They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
C1 noun /səˈvɪləti/

civility

Meaning
Polite and courteous behavior.
Example
He treated his opponent with civility despite their differences.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.təmˈpleɪ.ʃən/

contemplation

Meaning
The action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time; deep reflective thought.
Example
She sat in contemplation before making her decision.
C1 noun /kəˈnʌn.drəm/

conundrum

Meaning
A complex problem or puzzle without an easy solution
Example
The ethical conundrum puzzled the researchers.
C1 verb /ˈkaʊər/

cower

Meaning
to crouch down in fear
Example
The child cowered behind the sofa during the thunderstorm.
C1 noun /ˈkævərn/

cavern

Meaning
a large cave or chamber in a cave
Example
The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain.
C1 adverb kəmˈpæktli

compactly

Meaning
In a closely packed or dense manner.
Example
Protons and neutrons are compactly arranged.
C1 noun /krəˈʃɛndoʊ/

crescendo

Meaning
a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music
Example
The orchestra built to a powerful crescendo before the finale.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈsɛntənəri/ or /sɛnˈtɛnəri/

centenary

Meaning
The hundredth anniversary of a significant event; relating to a period of 100 years.
Example
The school celebrated its centenary with a grand event.
C1 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/

contravene

Meaning
to go against or act in opposition to a law, rule, or agreement
Example
He contravened the safety regulations and was fined.
C1 verb /kəˈleɪt/

collate

Meaning
to collect, arrange, and combine in order
Example
The secretary collated the reports before the meeting.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊmə/

coma

Meaning
A deep state of prolonged unconsciousness caused by illness or injury.
Example
The patient remained in a coma for several weeks.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfər/

cartographer

Meaning
A person who makes maps.
Example
The cartographer carefully drew the map of the new territory.
C1 noun /ˈtʃɪz.əl/

Chisel

Meaning
a tool with a sharp flat edge used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal
Example
The carpenter used a chisel to carve the wood.
C1 adjective /kəˈrəʊsɪv/

corrosive

Meaning
tending to cause corrosion; harmful or destructive to materials or people
Example
The chemical is highly corrosive and should be handled with care.
C1 noun kənˈvɜː.dʒəns

convergence

Meaning
The process of coming together from different directions to meet at a common point; unification or integration.
Example
The convergence of technologies is revolutionizing industries.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndɪmənts/

condiments

Meaning
Seasonings or sauces used to add flavor to food.
Example
Ketchup and mustard are popular condiments for burgers.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪn.ju.əns/

continuance

Meaning
the state of continuing or being prolonged; persistence
Example
The continuance of the project depended on securing additional funding.
C1 adjective kəˈlɒs.əl

Colossal

Meaning
Extremely large, gigantic, enormous in size or extent.
Example
The colossal pyramids of Egypt are a marvel of architecture.
C1 verb /kəˈrəʊd/

corrode

Meaning
to gradually destroy or wear away metal or other materials through chemical action
Example
The iron pipes corroded over time due to exposure to water.
C1 adjective /ˈkʌlpəbl̩/

culpable

Meaning
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
Example
The judge found him culpable for the accident.