B1 noun kəˈpæs.ə.ti

capacity

Meaning

The maximum amount that something can contain or produce; the ability or power to do or understand something.

Example

The cable has the capacity to handle vast data traffic.

C1 verb /ˈkɒr.ə.leɪt/

correlate

Meaning

To have a mutual relationship or connection; to establish a relationship between two or more things.

Example

Researchers found that diet and mental health correlate strongly.

C2 noun kəmˈpʌŋk.ʃən

compunction

Meaning

A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

Example

He felt compunction after lying to his friend.

C1 noun /kənˈsiːt/

conceit

Meaning

excessive pride in oneself; vanity

Example

His conceit made him unpopular among his colleagues.

C1 noun /ˈkɒnsjʊlət/

consulate

Meaning

the building or office where a consul works

Example

He went to the consulate to renew his visa.

B1 verb /kəˈmjuː.nɪ.keɪt/

communicate

Meaning

to share or exchange information, ideas, or feelings

Example

They used gestures to communicate across the noisy room.

A2 adjective /kəˈneɪdiən/

canadian

Meaning

Relating to Canada or its people.

Example

She enjoys Canadian culture and traditions.

C2 noun /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

Meaning

Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.

Example

Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.

B1 noun /kræft/

craft

Meaning

an activity involving skill in making things by hand; a trade or occupation

Example

She has mastered the craft of pottery.

C1 noun /kəˈres/

Caress

Meaning

a gentle or loving touch

Example

The mother's gentle caress calmed the crying baby.

B1 noun /kənˈstrʌk.ʃən/

construction

Meaning

The building of something, typically a large structure.

Example

Construction dust significantly contributes to pollution.

C1 adjective /kənˈkluː.sɪv/

Conclusive

Meaning

final; decisive; settling a matter completely

Example

The evidence was conclusive and left no room for doubt.

C2 adjective /ˈkeəwɔːn/

careworn

Meaning

Showing signs of worry, stress, or exhaustion.

Example

His careworn face revealed years of struggle.

A2 noun,verb /kɔːrt/

court

Meaning

a place where legal cases are heard or to seek favor or attention

Example

He courted the judge with respect.

B2 verb /ˈkɒm.plɪ.keɪt/

complicate

Meaning

To make something more difficult or confusing.

Example

The new rules will only complicate the process.

B2 verb /ˈkaʊnsəl/

counsel

Meaning

to give professional advice or guidance to someone

Example

The teacher counseled the students on their career choices.

C2 noun /ˈkɔːldrən/

caldron

Meaning

A large metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking over an open fire.

Example

The witch stirred her potion in a bubbling caldron.

C1 verb /ˈkɒnfɪskeɪt/

confiscate

Meaning

to take something away officially, often as a punishment

Example

The teacher confiscated the student's phone during class.

B2 noun /ˈsel.ər.i/

Celery

Meaning

a green vegetable with long crisp stems that can be eaten raw or cooked

Example

I added chopped celery to the soup for extra flavor.

B1 noun /ˌkɒn.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/

contribution

Meaning

A gift or payment to a common fund or collection.

Example

His contribution to the project was vital.

C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning

Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.

Example

The film ended with a climactic battle scene.

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?

C2 adjective /ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

contumacious

Meaning

stubbornly disobedient or rebellious

Example

The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules.

C2 noun /ˈkɒksweɪn/

coxswain

Meaning

the person in charge of navigating and steering a boat, especially a racing or small boat

Example

The coxswain shouted instructions to the rowing team.

B2 noun /kənˈstreɪnt/

constraint

Meaning

a limitation or restriction

Example

Time is the biggest constraint in completing the project.

B1 noun, verb /ˈkrɛdɪt/

credit

Meaning

As a noun: the ability to obtain goods or services before payment; recognition for an achievement. As a verb: to publicly acknowledge someone's contribution.

Example

She received credit for her contribution to the project.

B2 noun /kənˈdʌktər/

conductor

Meaning

a person who directs a performance or someone who collects fares on public transport; or a material that conducts electricity

Example

The conductor waved his baton to start the orchestra.

C1 adjective /kənˈtɛmptəbl/

contemptible

Meaning

deserving of contempt; despicable

Example

His deceitful actions were truly contemptible.

C2 noun /kənˈtraɪ.vəns/

contrivance

Meaning

a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created

Example

The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.

B2 adjective /ˈkrɛd.ɪ.bəl/

credible

Meaning

able to be believed; convincing

Example

Her explanation was credible enough to convince the committee.

B2 noun /kreɪn/

Crane

Meaning

a large tall bird with long legs and neck; a machine for lifting heavy objects

Example

The graceful crane stood motionless by the water's edge.

B2 noun /ˈkɒm.pɒ.stɪŋ/

composting

Meaning

The process of recycling organic waste into fertile fertilizer.

Example

Composting reduces waste and enhances soil fertility.

C1 adjective /ˈkrɛdɪtəbl/

creditable

Meaning

Deserving praise or acknowledgment, though not necessarily outstanding.

Example

She made a creditable effort in completing the project on time.

C1 noun /ˈkɒb.lər/

Cobbler

Meaning

a person who repairs shoes and other leather goods

Example

The cobbler fixed my broken shoes perfectly.

B2 noun /ˌsɜː.kjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

circulation

Meaning

The movement of blood through the body, or the movement of any fluid through a closed system.

Example

Proper circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach every cell.

C2 adjective /sərˈkjuːɪtəs/

circuitous

Meaning

Longer than the most direct way; roundabout.

Example

He took a circuitous route to avoid traffic.

C2 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈməʊ.ni.əs/

ceremonious

Meaning

marked by formality, politeness, or strict observance of customs

Example

He gave her a ceremonious bow before entering the hall.

A2 noun /ˈkær.ɪk.tər/

Character

Meaning

the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual; a person in a novel, play, or film

Example

She showed great character by helping others during the crisis.

A1 noun /ˈkrɪsməs/

christmas

Meaning

an annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25

Example

Families gather to celebrate Christmas with joy and love.

C1 noun /ˈsɪtəˌdɛl/

citadel

Meaning

A fortress protecting or dominating a city.

Example

The ancient citadel stood guard over the town for centuries.

B2 noun /kəˈdɛt/

cadet

Meaning

A young trainee in the armed forces, police, or other organization.

Example

The cadet marched proudly in the parade.

B1 noun /kraʊn/

Crown

Meaning

a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority

Example

The queen wore a magnificent crown during the coronation ceremony.

A2 adjective /ˈsɛntrəl/

central

Meaning

Situated in the middle; of the greatest importance.

Example

Water is central to human survival.

A2 adverb /kəˈrɛktli/

correctly

Meaning

in a way that is true, accurate, or without mistakes

Example

She answered all the questions correctly.

B2 noun ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən

consultation

Meaning

The action of consulting or discussing; a meeting with an expert or professional to seek advice.

Example

Consultation was essential.

B1 noun /kənˈsjuːmər/

consumer

Meaning

A person who buys and uses goods and services.

Example

The company focuses on understanding consumer needs.

C1 noun /krʌtʃ/

crutch

Meaning

a support used by someone injured to walk; also something relied upon for support or help

Example

He had to use crutches after breaking his leg.

B2 adjective /ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl/

cynical

Meaning

Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.

Example

She was cynical about the politician's promises.

B2 noun ˈkɑː.bən

carbon

Meaning

The chemical element of atomic number 6, occurring as diamond, graphite, and charcoal.

Example

Carbon emissions must be controlled.

B2 phrase kəˈlek.tɪv ˈæk.ʃən

collective action

Meaning

Action taken by a group of people working together toward a common goal or purpose.

Example

Collective action is needed to mitigate climate change.

C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

Meaning

restricted or limited in scope or freedom

Example

Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules.

A2 noun /ˈkɒlɪdʒ/

college

Meaning

An educational institution where students study for degrees or professional qualifications.

Example

She hopes to attend college in the city next year.

C2 adjective /kənˈsʌmptɪv/

consumptive

Meaning

Relating to or characterized by consumption; historically used to describe someone suffering from tuberculosis.

Example

The doctor advised against consumptive habits.

C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning

a person or group who has captured someone or something

Example

The hostage managed to escape from his captors.

B2 noun /kənˈdenst mɪlk/

Condensed milk

Meaning

milk from which water has been removed and sugar added, creating a thick, sweet product

Example

The recipe calls for a can of condensed milk to make the dessert extra creamy.

B1 noun /ˈtʃɛərˌwʊmən/

chairwoman

Meaning

a woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or organization; a female leader of a board or council

Example

She was elected chairwoman of the company after years of experience.

C1 noun /kənˈspɪrə.tər/

conspirator

Meaning

a person who secretly plans with others to do something unlawful or harmful

Example

The conspirator was arrested before the plan could be carried out.

C1 adjective /kəmˈpensətɔːri/

compensatory

Meaning

serving to make up for a loss, damage, or injury

Example

The court awarded him compensatory damages.

C2 verb /kəˈvɔrt/

cavort

Meaning

to jump or dance around excitedly

Example

The children cavorted happily in the garden.

B2 verb /kənˈsiːv/

conceive

Meaning

to form or imagine an idea in the mind; to become pregnant

Example

It is hard to conceive how such an idea could succeed.

B2 adjective /ˈkɜːrtiəs/

courteous

Meaning

polite, respectful, or considerate in manner

Example

The staff at the hotel were very courteous to all guests.

C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə roʊz/

China-rose

Meaning

a tropical flowering plant with large, showy flowers in various colors

Example

The bright red China-rose flowers decorated the entrance of the house.

A2 noun /ˈkrɪk.ɪt/

Cricket

Meaning

a jumping insect that makes a chirping sound by rubbing its wings together

Example

We could hear crickets chirping in the evening.

A2 noun /kɑːrˈtuːn/

cartoon

Meaning

a humorous or animated drawing, especially one in newspapers or television

Example

Children love watching cartoons on TV.

B2 noun /klɔː/

Claw

Meaning

sharp curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird

Example

The cat extended its sharp claws to climb the tree.

B1 adjective /kəmˈbaɪnd/

combined

Meaning

formed by bringing together separate parts or elements

Example

The combined effort of the team led to success.

B1 noun /kəʊst/

Coast

Meaning

the part of the land near the sea; the edge of the land

Example

We drove along the coast to enjoy the view.

C2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrsənt/

conversant

Meaning

familiar with or knowledgeable about something

Example

She is conversant with the latest developments in technology.

B2 noun /ˈkaʊntərˌpɑːrt/

counterpart

Meaning

a person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another

Example

The CEO met with his counterpart in the partner company.

C1 verb /ˈkrɒs.briːd/

crossbreed

Meaning

to produce an animal or plant by mating two different breeds, varieties, or species

Example

Farmers crossbreed cows to improve milk production.

B2 adjective /ˌkɒn.fɪˈden.ʃəl/

Confidential

Meaning

secret; private; intended to be kept secret

Example

Please keep this information confidential.

A1 verb, adjective /kloʊz/ (verb), /kloʊs/ (adjective)

close

Meaning

To shut something (verb); near in space or relationship (adjective).

Example

Please close the door when you leave.

B1 noun /kəˈrɛkʃən/

correction

Meaning

the action or process of correcting something

Example

The teacher made a correction to the student's essay.

B2 noun /kleɪ/

clay

Meaning

a natural material made of fine earth that becomes hard when baked, used for making pottery

Example

The artist molded the wet clay into a beautiful vase.

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 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.

C1 verb /tʃaɪd/

chide

Meaning

to scold or rebuke; to express disapproval

Example

The teacher chided the student for being late.

B1 noun /kɒp/

cop

Meaning

a police officer (informal)

Example

The cop stopped the car for speeding.

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 noun /ˈtʃɜː.nɪŋ stɪk/

Churning stick

Meaning

a wooden stick used for stirring and churning butter, milk, or other liquids

Example

Grandmother used a churning stick to make fresh butter.

B2 noun /sərˈkʌmfərəns/

circumference

Meaning

the distance around the edge of a circle

Example

The teacher asked us to calculate the circumference of the circle.

B2 noun /kəˈroʊnə/

corona

Meaning

a crown or crown-like structure; also refers to the outer atmosphere of the sun

Example

The sun's corona was visible during the total solar eclipse.

A1 verb /kɔːl/

call

Meaning

to say something loudly; to telephone someone; to name

Example

Please call me when you arrive home.

C2 noun /kaɪˈmɪərə/

chimera

Meaning

A mythical creature with parts from different animals; also used to mean a fanciful illusion or unattainable dream.

Example

The idea of a perfect society is often a chimera.

B2 verb, noun /ˈkɒntɛst/

contest

Meaning

verb: to compete or challenge; noun: a competition or dispute

Example

She decided to contest the election against the incumbent.

B2 adjective ˈkʌtɪŋ ˌɛdʒ

cutting-edge

Meaning

The most advanced or innovative; at the forefront of development.

Example

This company develops cutting-edge technology.

B2 noun /ˈkaʊ.ərd/

Coward

Meaning

a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things

Example

He called himself a coward for not standing up to the bully.

B2 noun /ˈkɒmənˌteɪtər/

commentator

Meaning

a person who reports and discusses events, especially on TV or radio

Example

The commentator described the football match in detail.

C2 noun /kɒzˈmɒɡ.ə.ni/

cosmogony

Meaning

the study or theory of the origin of the universe

Example

The book provides an overview of different cosmogonies throughout history.

B2 noun /ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ/

camouflage

Meaning

the act of hiding or disguising something by making it blend with its surroundings

Example

The soldiers used camouflage to hide from the enemy.

A2 noun /ˈkɒnsət/

concert

Meaning

A musical performance given by one or more singers or musicians.

Example

We went to a concert last night and enjoyed the live music.

B1 adjective /kriˈeɪtɪv/

creative

Meaning

Having the ability to produce new and original ideas or things.

Example

She is very creative in her writing.

C1 adjective /koʊˈɜːrsɪv/

coercive

Meaning

Relating to or using force or threats to make someone do something.

Example

The government faced criticism for adopting coercive measures against protestors.

C2 noun /ˈkɔːrmərənt/

cormorant

Meaning

a large black sea bird that catches fish by diving

Example

The cormorant perched on the rock, drying its wings after a dive.

B2 adjective /kənˈtɛntɪd/

contented

Meaning

Feeling or expressing happiness and satisfaction.

Example

She was contented with her simple life.

A2 noun /ˈkæm.əl/

Camel

Meaning

a large animal with one or two humps on its back that lives in hot dry places

Example

The camel walked slowly across the desert sand.

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.

B1 noun ˈkɒn.fər.əns

conference

Meaning

A formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically one that takes place over several days.

Example

The climate conference emphasized renewable energy.

B1 adjective /kənˈvɪnst/

convinced

Meaning

completely certain or sure about something

Example

She was convinced that he was telling the truth.

C2 verb /kəˈlʌmnieɪt/

calumniate

Meaning

To make false and damaging statements about someone; to slander.

Example

He was furious when he realized they had calumniated his reputation.

C2 adjective /ˌkloʊs ˈhɔːld/

close-hauled

Meaning

of a sailing ship, sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing.

Example

The yacht was close-hauled as it cut through the waves.

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/noun /ˈkɜːrsɪv/

cursive

Meaning

Written with characters joined together in a flowing manner.

Example

The teacher asked students to write the essay in cursive handwriting.

A2 noun ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən

competition

Meaning

The activity or condition of competing; rivalry for supremacy.

Example

Competition grew between language groups.

C2 noun /kəˈleɪʃən/

collation

Meaning

the act of collecting, comparing, and arranging in proper order

Example

The librarian spent hours on the collation of old manuscripts.

C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning

Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.

Example

His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.

B1 verb /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/

calculate

Meaning

to determine by mathematical computation; to estimate

Example

I need to calculate the total cost.

C1 adjective ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv

counterproductive

Meaning

Having the opposite of the desired effect; tending to hinder rather than help.

Example

Counterproductive activities often stem from dissatisfaction.

B2 noun /kənˈstɪtʃ.u.ənts/

constituents

Meaning

Components or elements used to create something.

Example

Proteins and vitamins are essential constituents of a healthy diet.

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 /ˈkɑːrtɪlɪdʒ/

cartilage

Meaning

A firm, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body such as joints, ear, and nose.

Example

The doctor explained that the injury damaged the cartilage in his knee.

C2 adjective /ˈklɛmənt/

clement

Meaning

mild or merciful; describing weather as mild and pleasant

Example

The prisoners hoped for a clement judge.

B1 noun /ˈkemɪst/

chemist

Meaning

a scientist who studies chemistry; a person trained to prepare and dispense medicines

Example

The chemist analyzed the sample to determine its composition.

C2 noun /ˈkloʊtʃər/

cloture

Meaning

a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.

Example

The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate.

B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət əˌdæp.teɪ.ʃən/

climate adaptation

Meaning

The process of adjusting to current or expected climate change and its effects.

Example

Climate adaptation ensures resilience to change.

C1 noun /ˈkɑːrkəs/

carcass

Meaning

the dead body of an animal, especially after being slaughtered

Example

Vultures fed on the carcass left in the field.

C1 noun /sɛˈseɪʃən/

cessation

Meaning

The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.

Example

There was a temporary cessation of hostilities.

C1 verb /kənˈtraɪv/

contrive

Meaning

to plan or devise cleverly or skillfully

Example

She contrived a clever plan to surprise her friends.

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 /tʃiːk/

Cheek

Meaning

either side of the face below the eye; impudent or disrespectful behavior

Example

The baby's rosy cheeks showed she was healthy and happy.

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.