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 noun /kəˈmændər ɪn tʃiːf/

Commander-in-chief

Meaning
the supreme leader of a nation's armed forces
Example
The president serves as the commander-in-chief of the military.
C2 noun /ˌkæv.əlˈkeɪd/

cavalcade

Meaning
a formal procession of people riding on horses or in vehicles
Example
The king’s arrival was marked by a grand cavalcade.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/

commonplace

Meaning
ordinary or unremarkable; something that is usual or commonly found
Example
Smartphones have become commonplace in modern life.
B2 adjective /ˈsel.jə.lər/

Cellular

Meaning
relating to cells; consisting of cells; relating to mobile phone technology
Example
Cellular technology has revolutionized communication.
B2 adverb /ˈtʃiːfli/

chiefly

Meaning
mainly; primarily
Example
The festival is celebrated chiefly by young people.
B1 noun /kəmˈpænjən/

companion

Meaning
a person or animal you spend time with or travel with
Example
He was my companion during the long journey.
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.
B2 noun /kriːk/

creek

Meaning
a small stream or narrow river
Example
We went fishing by the creek near our house.
C2 noun /ˈkriːdoʊ/

credo

Meaning
A statement of the beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions.
Example
Honesty has always been the central credo of his life.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪ.sən/

chasten

Meaning
to correct or discipline; to humble or subdue
Example
The coach chastened the team after their poor performance.
C1 noun /ˈkɒrənər/

coroner

Meaning
an official who investigates sudden, violent, or suspicious deaths
Example
The coroner determined the cause of death was natural.
B2 noun kəmˈpet.ɪ.tɪv.nəs

competitiveness

Meaning
The quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature; the ability to compete successfully.
Example
Competitiveness is vital for economic sustainability.
B1 verb /tʃuː/

chew

Meaning
to bite food into smaller pieces with your teeth before swallowing it
Example
You should chew your food properly to help with digestion.
B2 noun /kraɪˈtɪəriə/

criteria

Meaning
Standards or principles by which something is judged or decided.
Example
The candidates were evaluated based on strict criteria.
B1 noun, adjective /ˈkrɪmɪnəl/

criminal

Meaning
A person who has committed a crime; relating to crime
Example
The police arrested a dangerous criminal last night.
A2 noun /ˈkɜːr.tən/

Curtain

Meaning
a piece of material suspended at the top to form a covering or screen, typically movable sideways
Example
She drew the curtains to block out the bright sunlight.
B1 verb /kəˈmɪt/

commit

Meaning
To carry out or perpetrate an act; to pledge or bind to a course of action.
Example
He committed a serious mistake in the report.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːd/

concede

Meaning
to admit something is true or valid, often reluctantly
Example
She finally conceded that she was wrong.
A2 adjective /ˈkjʊriəs/

curious

Meaning
Eager to know or learn something.
Example
The curious explorers asked questions about Antarctica.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrpəskəl/

corpuscle

Meaning
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
Example
Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body.
C1 adjective /ˈkæn.dɪd/

Candid

Meaning
truthful and straightforward; frank and honest in expression
Example
I appreciate your candid opinion about the project.
C2 noun /kænˈtɑː.tə/

cantata

Meaning
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival.
C2 noun /krəˈdjuːlɪti/

credulity

Meaning
A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
Example
The scam succeeded because of the victim's credulity.
B2 verb /kəmˈpraɪz/

comprise

Meaning
To consist of or be made up of something.
Example
The committee comprises five members.
C2 noun, adjective /klɛərˈvɔɪənt/

clairvoyant

Meaning
a person who claims to have clairvoyance; having the ability to see beyond normal senses
Example
The clairvoyant predicted that she would travel abroad soon.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs/

contiguous

Meaning
sharing a common border; touching
Example
The two continguous houses shared a wall.
C1 adjective /kɜːrt/

curt

Meaning
Rudely brief in speech or manner.
Example
His curt reply made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun ˈkəmˌpaʊndɪŋ

compounding

Meaning
The process whereby interest is added to an amount of money and future interest is calculated on the total.
Example
Compounding interest increases the value of investments over time.
C1 noun /ˈkæv.əl.ri/

Cavalry

Meaning
soldiers who fight on horseback; the part of an army formerly composed of troops on horseback
Example
The cavalry charged across the field with great speed.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒlərɪk/

choleric

Meaning
Easily angered; irritable and hot-tempered.
Example
His choleric nature often got him into arguments.
A2 adjective /ˈkloʊ.sɪst/

closest

Meaning
nearest in distance or relationship
Example
He is my closest friend.
C1 noun/verb /kroʊˈʃeɪ/

crochet

Meaning
Needlework made by interlocking loops of thread with a hooked needle; the act of making such items.
Example
She learned how to crochet a scarf for winter.
B1 noun /kɒp/

cop

Meaning
a police officer (informal)
Example
The cop stopped the car for speeding.
C2 noun /kənˌɡlɒməˈreɪʃən/

conglomeration

Meaning
A collection or mixture of different things grouped together.
Example
The market is a conglomeration of small shops and food stalls.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

Meaning
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
Example
The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior.
C2 verb /kəˈraʊz/

carouse

Meaning
to drink and enjoy oneself noisily, often with others
Example
They stayed up all night to carouse after the victory.
B1 noun /ˌsiːiːˈoʊ/

ceo

Meaning
The highest-ranking person in a company, responsible for overall management.
Example
The CEO announced a new strategy for the company.
C1 verb /kəˈmɛmɔˌreɪt/

commemorate

Meaning
To honor and remember someone or something through a ceremony or action.
Example
The statue was built to commemorate the fallen heroes.
B2 noun /kəmˈplaɪ.əns/

compliance

Meaning
The practice of conforming to rules, regulations, or laws; obedience to orders or instructions.
Example
Schools expect compliance with their rules and policies.
A2 adjective /ˈtʃɪə.fəl/

Cheerful

Meaning
happy and optimistic; full of joy and good spirits; bright and lively
Example
She has a cheerful personality that brightens everyone's day.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈsɔːriəs/

censorious

Meaning
severely critical of others
Example
She was always censorious about her colleagues' mistakes.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑːrdʒ/

countercharge

Meaning
an opposing charge or accusation; to make an opposing attack
Example
The lawyer filed a countercharge against the accuser.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒn.ɪ.fər.əs/

coniferous

Meaning
Relating to cone-bearing trees that usually have needle-like leaves and remain green year-round.
Example
Pine trees are coniferous and grow in colder climates.
C1 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə.weər/

China-ware

Meaning
dishes, plates, cups, and other tableware made of porcelain or fine ceramic
Example
The expensive china-ware was displayed in the cabinet.
A2 noun /koʊtʃ/

coach

Meaning
A person who helps improve others' skills or knowledge.
Example
The football coach motivated his team before the match.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs/

comatose

Meaning
In a state of deep unconsciousness, resembling or related to coma.
Example
The comatose patient was kept under constant observation.
B2 adjective /ˈklʌm.zi/

clumsy

Meaning
awkward in movement or lacking skill
Example
He is so clumsy that he drops things all the time.
B2 noun /kraɪst/

christ

Meaning
the title given to Jesus, considered the Messiah in Christianity
Example
Christ is central to Christian faith.
C2 verb /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs/

convalesce

Meaning
to recover health and strength after illness or medical treatment
Example
After the surgery, she spent several weeks convalescing at home.
C1 noun /kɒzˈmɒlədʒi/

cosmology

Meaning
the science of the origin and development of the universe
Example
She studied cosmology to understand the origins of the universe.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
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.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑl/

Cabal

Meaning
a secret political clique or faction
Example
The journalists exposed a cabal of corrupt politicians working together.
B2 noun /ˈkɔːr.əs/

Chorus

Meaning
a large organized group of singers; a part of a song that is repeated after each verse
Example
The school chorus performed beautifully at the annual concert.
B2 verb /koʊˈɔːrdɪˌneɪt/

coordinate

Meaning
to organize people or things so that they work together effectively
Example
We need to coordinate our efforts to finish the project on time.
B2 noun /ˌkɔːrpəˈreɪʃən/

corporation

Meaning
A large company or group of companies that is legally recognized as a single entity.
Example
The corporation invested heavily in renewable energy projects.
C1 noun /ˈkælkjʊləs/

calculus

Meaning
A branch of mathematics concerned with rates of change and accumulation; also a hard mineral deposit in the body such as on teeth.
Example
Calculus is essential for advanced studies in physics and engineering.
B2 noun ˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ

critical thinking

Meaning
The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
Example
Critical thinking helps in making informed decisions.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪstri/

chemistry

Meaning
the branch of science that studies substances and their interactions; also the emotional connection between people
Example
They have great chemistry and work well together.
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.
B2 noun /kwɪˈziːn/

cuisine

Meaning
A style or method of cooking, especially characteristic of a particular country or region.
Example
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world.
B2 noun /kəˈθɒlɪsɪzəm/

catholicism

Meaning
The faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
Catholicism has a long history and rich traditions.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæmpiənʃɪp/

championship

Meaning
a competition to decide who is the best in a particular sport or activity.
Example
The championship will be held next month.
B1 noun /ˌkæl.kjəˈleɪ.ʃən/

Calculation

Meaning
a mathematical determination of the size or number of something
Example
His calculation of the total cost was accurate to the penny.
C1 noun /ˈkætərækt/

cataract

Meaning
A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's lens; also a large waterfall.
Example
The old man suffered from cataracts in both eyes.
A1 noun /ˈkʌl.ər/

Colour

Meaning
the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects light; hue, tint, shade
Example
What is your favorite colour for painting the bedroom walls?
B2 adjective kənˈsaɪs

concise

Meaning
Brief and clearly expressed without unnecessary details.
Example
A concise speech is more impactful than a long one.
B2 noun /ˈsen.tɪ.piːd/

Centipede

Meaning
a long thin creature with many legs that lives in dark places
Example
I found a centipede crawling under the rock.
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.
B2 noun /ˈklɪərəns/

clearance

Meaning
official permission or authorization; the removal of something unwanted; the distance between two objects
Example
The pilot received clearance to land the plane.
C1 verb /kɑːrp/

carp

Meaning
to complain or find fault continually, often about trivial matters
Example
She tends to carp about the smallest inconveniences.
A1 noun /ˈkæm.rə/

camera

Meaning
a device used for taking photographs or recording videos
Example
She bought a new camera for her photography class.
C1 adjective /kəˈləʊ.kwi.əl/

colloquial

Meaning
Used in ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal language.
Example
His colloquial expressions made the speech relatable.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnsənəns/

consonance

Meaning
Agreement or harmony among parts; a pleasing combination of sounds in music or words.
Example
The consonance between their ideas made the project successful.
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.
A2 verb /kəmˈpliːt/

complete

Meaning
to finish making or doing something; to bring something to an end
Example
She managed to complete the project on time.
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.
B2 noun /kəˈmiː.li.ən/

Chameleon

Meaning
a lizard that can change color to match its surroundings
Example
The chameleon changed its color from green to brown.
A1 noun /klɒk/

Clock

Meaning
an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time
Example
The clock on the wall shows three o'clock.
C2 verb /ˈkɔː.tə.raɪz/

cauterize

Meaning
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
Example
The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.
A1 noun /kæn/

Can

Meaning
a metal container for food or drink
Example
I opened a can of soup for lunch.
B1 noun /ˈsiːlɪŋ/

ceiling

Meaning
the upper interior surface of a room
Example
The ceiling of the hall was painted beautifully.
C1 noun /tʃæmp/

champ

Meaning
an informal word for champion or winner.
Example
He is the new champ of the boxing tournament.
B2 noun /kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/

Consumption

Meaning
The using up of a resource or the amount of a product consumed by consumers.
Example
High energy consumption leads to increased electricity bills.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛdʒʊləs/

credulous

Meaning
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
Example
The credulous child believed every story she heard.
C2 verb /kənˈvɑːlv/

convolve

Meaning
to roll or twist together; to coil or entwine
Example
The vines convolve around the tree trunk.
B2 adjective + noun kriˈeɪtɪv ɪɡˈzɪbɪts

creative exhibits

Meaning
Artistic displays or presentations that show originality and imagination.
Example
The creative exhibits highlighted recycling possibilities.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm/

catechism

Meaning
A summary of religious principles often in the form of questions and answers; also a set of fixed questions or beliefs.
Example
The priest taught the children the catechism every Sunday.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən/

consternation

Meaning
A feeling of anxiety, dismay, or confusion, often caused by something unexpected.
Example
The sudden announcement caused widespread consternation among the employees.
C2 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.kwi/

colloquy

Meaning
A formal conversation or dialogue, often on serious or academic topics.
Example
The professors engaged in a deep colloquy about the future of education.
B1 noun /ˌkjʊr.iˈɑs.ɪ.ti/

Curiosity

Meaning
a strong desire to know or learn something; an unusual or interesting object or fact
Example
Her curiosity about different cultures led her to travel around the world.
B1 noun ˈkeɪ.bəl

cable

Meaning
A thick rope of wire or nonmetallic fiber, typically used for construction, mooring ships, or transmitting electricity or telecommunication signals.
Example
The cable connects countries across continents.
C1 noun /krʌˈsteɪʃən/

crustacean

Meaning
an aquatic animal with a hard shell, such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps
Example
Crabs and lobsters are well-known crustaceans.
C1 noun /ˈkærət/

carat

Meaning
a unit of weight for precious stones, equal to 200 milligrams
Example
She received a two-carat diamond ring for her engagement.
B2 noun /ˈkreɪvɪŋ/

craving

Meaning
a strong desire for something
Example
She has a craving for chocolate every evening.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.kɪn/

Catkin

Meaning
a drooping, often tasseled cluster of small flowers found on willow and birch trees
Example
The willow tree's catkins swayed gently in the spring breeze.
B1 noun /kəˈsiːnoʊ/

casino

Meaning
a place where people gamble and play games of chance
Example
They spent the evening playing cards at the casino.
B2 noun /ˈkrɪstəl/

crystal

Meaning
a clear, transparent mineral or glass that forms a solid structure with regular patterns
Example
She wore a necklace made of sparkling crystal.
B2 noun /kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən/

coordination

Meaning
the process of organizing different elements to work together effectively
Example
The coordination between the teams was flawless.
B2 noun /kɜːrv/

Curve

Meaning
a line or outline that gradually deviates from being straight; a bend or turn in a road or path
Example
The driver slowed down as he approached the sharp curve in the mountain road.
C1 noun /kəmˈplɪsəti/

complicity

Meaning
the state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Example
The court revealed his complicity in the fraud scheme.
C2 noun /kəˈnaɪ.vəns/

connivance

Meaning
the act of secretly allowing or being involved in wrongdoing
Example
The theft happened with the connivance of the security guard.
B2 noun /ˈklær.ɪ.ti/

clarity

Meaning
The quality of being coherent and intelligible; transparency or lucidity.
Example
The speaker's clarity made the concept easy to understand.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪstəlaɪz/

crystallize

Meaning
to form crystals; to make an idea or plan clear and definite
Example
Her vague thoughts began to crystallize into a solid plan.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪkəl/

chemical

Meaning
a substance produced by or used in a chemical process
Example
The factory releases harmful chemicals into the river.
B2 adjective /kɒzˈmɛt.ɪk/

cosmetic

Meaning
relating to beauty or appearance; intended to improve looks
Example
She bought a new cosmetic cream for her skin.
C2 noun /kɒˈkeɪd/

cockade

Meaning
a rosette or knot of ribbon, usually worn on a hat as a badge of office or party
Example
The soldier wore a red cockade on his cap.
C1 noun ˈkætəlɪst

catalyst

Meaning
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example
His speech acted as a catalyst for change in the community.
B2 adjective /kənˈsek.jə.tɪv/

Consecutive

Meaning
following each other in uninterrupted succession; sequential
Example
She won three consecutive matches in the tournament.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊn.tər kleɪm/

counter-claim

Meaning
a claim made to rebut a previous claim, often in legal contexts
Example
The defendant filed a counter-claim against the plaintiff.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɛd.ɪ.bəl/

credible

Meaning
able to be believed; convincing
Example
Her explanation was credible enough to convince the committee.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊ.bɑːr/

Crowbar

Meaning
a heavy iron bar with a curved end used as a lever for prying things apart
Example
He used a crowbar to remove the old nails.
B2 verb /ˈkaʊnsəl/

counsel

Meaning
to give professional advice or guidance to someone
Example
The teacher counseled the students on their career choices.
A1 noun /keɪk/

Cake

Meaning
a sweet baked dessert made from flour, sugar, and other ingredients
Example
They ordered a chocolate cake for the birthday party.
B1 verb /ˈkɒntrækt/

contract

Meaning
to make smaller; to enter into a formal agreement
Example
The company will contract a new supplier for materials.
C1 noun /kɑst/

Caste

Meaning
a social class system; a hereditary class of Hindu society
Example
The ancient caste system divided society into different social groups.
C2 adjective /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/

combustible

Meaning
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
Example
Dry leaves are highly combustible.
B1 adjective /kənˈtɪn.ju.əs/

continuous

Meaning
forming an unbroken whole; without interruption
Example
The factory operates on a continuous 24-hour schedule.
B1 adverb /ˈkɒmənli/

commonly

Meaning
usually or by most people
Example
This phrase is commonly used in everyday speech.