Captious
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 adjective /ˈkæp.ʃəs/

Captious

Meaning
tending to find fault or raise petty objections; fault-finding; critical
Example
His captious remarks about every small detail made the meeting very unpleasant.
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 /kəˈθɑːrsɪs/

catharsis

Meaning
The process of releasing strong emotions, providing relief.
Example
Writing in her diary was a form of catharsis for her.
B2 noun, verb /kɜːrs/

curse

Meaning
a solemn wish that harm or misfortune should befall someone; a rude or offensive word or phrase; to utter offensive words or wish harm upon someone
Example
He cursed loudly when he realized he had lost his wallet.
B2 noun ˈkɛmɪkəl weɪst

chemical waste

Meaning
Waste material from industrial or laboratory processes that contains harmful chemicals.
Example
Chemical waste pollutes water bodies.
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 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.
C1 noun kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈsɜːrvɪs aɪˈdiːəlz

community service ideals

Meaning
Principles and standards of serving the community for social good.
Example
Community service ideals must be taught in schools.
B1 noun /kənˈstrʌk.ʃən/

construction

Meaning
The building of something, typically a large structure.
Example
Construction dust significantly contributes to pollution.
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 /səˈvɪləti/

civility

Meaning
Polite and courteous behavior.
Example
He treated his opponent with civility despite their differences.
C2 noun /kəˈpærɪsən/

caparison

Meaning
an ornamental covering for a horse; rich and elaborate clothing or decoration
Example
The king’s horse was adorned with a golden caparison.
A1 noun /kæn/

Can

Meaning
a metal container for food or drink
Example
I opened a can of soup for lunch.
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.
B2 adjective ˈkʌl.ɪ.nər.i

culinary

Meaning
Related to cooking or the preparation of food, especially in a sophisticated or professional manner.
Example
Culinary advancements enhance the dining experience.
B2 verb /ˈkɒnvɪkt/

convict

Meaning
to find someone guilty of a crime in a court of law
Example
The court convicted him of theft.
C2 verb /koʊˈæɡjəˌleɪt/

coagulate

Meaning
to cause a liquid, especially blood, to change into a solid or semi-solid state
Example
The blood quickly coagulated after the cut.
B2 noun, verb /kjuːb/

cube

Meaning
As a noun: a solid object with six equal square faces. As a verb: to cut food into small square pieces.
Example
She put a sugar cube in her tea.
A2 noun /ˈkʌm.pə.ni/

company

Meaning
a business organization; the presence of other people
Example
She started her own company to sell handmade products.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmənˌtɛri/

commentary

Meaning
An expression of opinions or explanations about an event, situation, or text.
Example
The professor's commentary on the novel was insightful.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsnt/

convalescent

Meaning
recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
The hospital has a special ward for convalescent patients.
A2 noun /kəˈnɛkʃən/

connection

Meaning
a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else
Example
There is a strong connection between exercise and health.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.aɪ.ɒn ɪksˌtʃeɪndʒ/

cation-exchange

Meaning
A chemical process in soil that helps retain nutrients.
Example
The cation-exchange capacity of soil affects plant growth.
C2 noun /ˈkɒd.ɪ.sɪl/

codicil

Meaning
a legal document that makes changes or additions to an existing will
Example
He added a codicil to his will to include his granddaughter.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/

contemptuous

Meaning
showing or expressing contempt; scornful
Example
She gave him a contemptuous glance.
C2 noun /ˈʃɛvrən/

chevron

Meaning
A V-shaped pattern, often used in military insignia or design.
Example
The sergeant’s uniform displayed three chevrons on the sleeve.
B2 adjective /kræmpt/

cramped

Meaning
uncomfortably small or restricted
Example
The room was so cramped that we could barely move.
B2 noun /kɜːrd/

Curd

Meaning
a white dairy product made by coagulating milk; yogurt
Example
She added fresh curd to the salad for a tangy flavor.
B1 noun /kluː/

clue

Meaning
a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving a puzzle
Example
The detective found a clue near the window.
C1 adjective kənˈten.ʃəs

contentious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Example
The contentious issue divided global leaders.
B2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛstɪd/

congested

Meaning
Blocked up with too much traffic or crowding.
Example
The road was congested during rush hour.
A2 verb /tʃiːt/

cheat

Meaning
to act dishonestly; to break rules for advantage
Example
He cheats on the exam by copying answers.
B2 verb /kəmˈpɛl/

compel

Meaning
To force or drive someone to do something.
Example
The law compels citizens to pay taxes.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈveɪl/

countervail

Meaning
to offset or counteract the effect of something
Example
The benefits of the new policy countervail its drawbacks.
C1 noun /kəˈloʊkwiəˌlɪzəm/

colloquialism

Meaning
a word or phrase used in informal speech or writing
Example
The novel is full of regional colloquialisms.
B1 noun /ˈkɒtən/

cotton

Meaning
A soft white fibrous substance used to make cloth and thread.
Example
This shirt is made of pure cotton.
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.
A1 verb /kʊk/

cook

Meaning
to prepare food by heating; to make food ready to eat
Example
My mother loves to cook traditional dishes.
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.
B2 noun /ˈklɒzɪt/

closet

Meaning
a small room or enclosed space used for storing clothes or other things
Example
She keeps her winter coats in the closet near the door.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːmənˌwɛlθ/

commonwealth

Meaning
an independent community or state, especially one founded for the common good; also an association of nations
Example
Australia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
B1 adjective kəˈmɜː.ʃəl

commercial

Meaning
Concerned with or engaged in commerce; having profit as a primary aim rather than artistic or other value.
Example
Commercial hubs attract investments.
A2 adjective /ˈsɜːr.tən/

Certain

Meaning
confident and sure; without doubt; definitely true
Example
I am certain that we will succeed.
A2 verb tʃeɪs

chase

Meaning
To pursue in order to catch or overtake; to follow rapidly or eagerly
Example
Don't chase two rabbits at once.
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 verb /kɒnˈkætəneɪt/

concatenate

Meaning
To link things together in a series or chain.
Example
The program concatenates two strings into one.
C2 noun /ˈkɑr.mɪn/

Carmine

Meaning
a vivid crimson color; a red pigment obtained from cochineal
Example
The artist mixed carmine with white to create a beautiful pink shade.
B2 noun /ˌkɒrəˈspɒndənt/

correspondent

Meaning
A journalist who reports news from a particular place or on a particular subject.
Example
The foreign correspondent reported live from Paris.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/

countenance

Meaning
a person's face or expression; support or approval
Example
Her cheerful countenance brightened the room.
C1 adjective ˈkrɪp.tɪk

cryptic

Meaning
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; difficult to understand.
Example
The message was cryptic and hard to decipher.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈsaɪklɔɪd/

cycloid

Meaning
a curve traced by a point on the rim of a circle as it rolls along a straight line
Example
The cycloid is often studied in mathematics and physics.
B2 noun /kənˈfɛʃən/

confession

Meaning
a statement admitting that one is guilty of a crime or has done something wrong
Example
The suspect made a full confession to the police.
A2 noun /tʃæns/

chance

Meaning
An opportunity or possibility of something happening.
Example
He took a chance and applied for the job.
C1 noun/adjective /klɛft/

cleft

Meaning
a split or crack; a space or opening made by cleavage
Example
The goat disappeared into a cleft in the rocks.
B1 noun /ˈkʊkər/

cooker

Meaning
a device or appliance used for cooking food; a person or thing that cooks
Example
The rice cooker makes cooking meals much easier.
B2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkjələr/

circular

Meaning
shaped like a circle; round in form
Example
The kids sat in a circular arrangement around the campfire.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɒnɪk/

chronic

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or constantly recurring, often describing illness.
Example
She suffers from chronic back pain.
B2 noun /kʌb/

Cub

Meaning
a young bear, lion, tiger, or other large carnivorous mammal
Example
The bear cub stayed close to its mother for protection.
C2 verb /ʧeɪf/

chafe

Meaning
To make or become sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience.
Example
The tight shoes began to chafe his heels.
C2 noun /kwɑːˈfjʊr/

coiffure

Meaning
A person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one.
Example
Her elegant coiffure impressed everyone at the party.
B1 verb /ˈkɒnsəntreɪt/

concentrate

Meaning
to focus all one's attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity
Example
She tried to concentrate on her studies despite the noise.
B2 noun ˌkɒn.fɪ.den.ʃiˈæl.ɪ.ti

confidentiality

Meaning
The state of keeping or being kept secret or private
Example
Confidentiality is crucial in data security.
B1 adjective /ˈkæʒ.u.əl/

Casual

Meaning
relaxed and unconcerned; happening by chance; informal
Example
He wore casual clothes to the party.
C1 noun /kəˈres/

Caress

Meaning
a gentle or loving touch
Example
The mother's gentle caress calmed the crying baby.
B2 noun /ˈtʃɒp.ər/

Chopper

Meaning
a tool with a heavy blade for chopping wood; a helicopter
Example
The lumberjack swung the chopper to cut down the tree.
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 /kənˈsɜːrtɪd/

concerted

Meaning
done with great effort, planned and performed together by multiple people
Example
The workers made a concerted effort to improve conditions.
A2 noun tʃɔɪs

choice

Meaning
An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.
Example
Choice enhances decision-making.
C1 noun /tʃɪt/

Chit

Meaning
a short note, typically a brief informal letter; a voucher for a sum owed
Example
She left a chit on the table asking him to call her back.
A2 noun; verb /tʃæt/

chat

Meaning
an informal conversation; to talk in a friendly, informal way
Example
We had a long chat after dinner.
C2 adjective /ˌkɑːmənˈsɛnsɪkəl/

commonsensical

Meaning
based on or showing sound practical judgment; sensible
Example
It was commonsensical to carry an umbrella on a rainy day.
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.
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.
B2 verb /kreɪv/

crave

Meaning
to have a strong desire for something
Example
She craves adventure and often travels to remote places.
B1 noun /ˈkɒstjuːm/

costume

Meaning
a set of clothes worn to represent a particular character, culture, or occasion
Example
She wore a beautiful costume for the Halloween party.
B2 adjective /ˈkæθəlɪk/

catholic

Meaning
Including a wide variety; all-embracing; relating to the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
She has catholic tastes in music, enjoying everything from jazz to opera.
C1 verb /ˈklæmbər/

clamber

Meaning
to climb with effort or difficulty, often using both hands and feet
Example
The children clambered over the rocks to reach the cave.
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.
C2 noun /klɛərˈvɔɪəns/

clairvoyance

Meaning
the supposed ability to perceive events beyond normal sensory contact; psychic insight
Example
She claimed to have clairvoyance and predicted the future.
B1 verb /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/

criticize

Meaning
to express disapproval or find fault with someone or something
Example
The teacher criticized the student's poor handwriting.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl/

centripetal

Meaning
Moving or directed toward a center.
Example
Centripetal force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.
C2 noun /ˌkɒntrəpəˈzɪʃən/

contraposition

Meaning
the act of placing two things in opposition for contrast or comparison
Example
The contraposition of the two theories highlighted their differences.
C1 noun /kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/

Compulsion

Meaning
the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way
Example
He felt a strong compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkɜːrtsi/

curtsy

Meaning
a respectful bow made by women by bending the knees with one foot in front of the other
Example
She gave a quick curtsy before leaving the stage.
C1 noun /ˈklɛmənsi/

clemency

Meaning
mercy, leniency, or forgiveness shown towards someone
Example
The judge showed clemency and reduced his sentence.
A2 noun, adjective /ˈkrɪstʃən/

christian

Meaning
a person who follows the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ
Example
She is a devoted Christian who attends church every Sunday.
A2 noun /kraɪm/

crime

Meaning
An illegal act punishable by law.
Example
The police are investigating the crime.
A2 noun /kraʊd/

crowd

Meaning
a large number of people gathered together
Example
A huge crowd gathered to watch the concert.
B2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrtəbl/

convertible

Meaning
able to be changed into a different form or use; also a car with a roof that can be folded down
Example
She drove her new convertible along the coastal road.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrnəl/

carnal

Meaning
Relating to physical, especially sexual, desires and appetites.
Example
The book explores the conflict between spiritual and carnal desires.
B2 noun /kəmˈplek.ʃən/

Complexion

Meaning
the natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially on the face
Example
Her fair complexion glowed beautifully in the morning sunlight.
B2 verb /saɪt/

cite

Meaning
to quote; to mention as an example or proof
Example
The lawyer cites relevant case law.
B1 verb /kleɪm/

claim

Meaning
to assert ownership; to state as fact
Example
He claims to be the rightful owner.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkɒkˌteɪl/

cocktail

Meaning
a mixed drink typically containing alcohol and other ingredients.
Example
She ordered a cocktail at the bar.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
A2 noun /ˈklæsˌruːm/

classroom

Meaning
A room in which classes are held in a school or college.
Example
The teacher entered the classroom and greeted the students.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɛərmən/

chairman

Meaning
the leader or head of a meeting, committee, or organization
Example
The chairman opened the meeting with a short speech.
C2 adjective /ˈkæloʊ/

callow

Meaning
Inexperienced and immature.
Example
The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day.
C2 noun /ˌser.əˈbreɪ.ʃən/

cerebration

Meaning
the process of thinking or using the brain actively
Example
The lecture sparked intense cerebration among the students.
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 noun /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/

competence

Meaning
the ability to do something successfully or efficiently
Example
Her competence as a manager impressed the board.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæn.əl/

Channel

Meaning
a television or radio station; a passage for water or other liquids; a means of communication
Example
The news channel provided live coverage of the important event.
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.
C2 verb /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/

circumscribe

Meaning
to limit or restrict something within boundaries
Example
The rules circumscribe the powers of the committee.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːl/

conceal

Meaning
to hide something or keep it secret
Example
He tried to conceal his disappointment behind a smile.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒzməˈpɒlɪtən/

cosmopolitan

Meaning
familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures
Example
He has a cosmopolitan outlook due to his extensive travels.
B2 noun ˈkærɪktər dɪˈvɛləpmənt

character development

Meaning
The process of creating a believable character in fiction by giving the character depth and personality.
Example
The character development of Sydney Carton is profound.
C2 noun /ˈkruːɪt/

cruet

Meaning
a small container, especially for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar, used at a dining table
Example
She filled the cruet with olive oil for the salad.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

Meaning
restricted or limited in scope or freedom
Example
Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules.
C1 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Ceremonial

Meaning
relating to or used in ceremonies; formal and ritualistic
Example
The ceremonial dress was worn during the royal wedding.
C1 noun /ˈʃoʊ.və.nɪst/

chauvinist

Meaning
A person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty to a group, cause, or gender.
Example
He was labeled a chauvinist after his remarks about women in the workplace.
C2 noun /kəˈliːdʒən/

collegian

Meaning
a student of a college
Example
The collegians were preparing for the cultural festival.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒnfluənt/

confluent

Meaning
Flowing together or merging; coming together at one point.
Example
The confluent streams formed a mighty river.
B1 verb /tʃɒp/

chop

Meaning
to cut with a sharp tool; to cut into pieces
Example
She chops vegetables for dinner.
C2 noun /ˈkæriən/

carrion

Meaning
the decaying flesh of dead animals
Example
Vultures feed on carrion left in the fields.
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 /ˈklaɪəntɛl/

clientele

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