catastrophe
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B2 noun /kəˈtæstrəfi/

catastrophe

Meaning
A sudden and widespread disaster or misfortune.
Example
The earthquake was a catastrophe for the entire region.
A2 noun /kæp/

Cap

Meaning
a head covering with a visor; a protective covering
Example
He wore a baseball cap to protect himself from the sun.
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.
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.
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 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.
B1 noun /ˈsɛrəˌmoʊni/

ceremony

Meaning
A formal event or occasion, often with rituals and traditions.
Example
The graduation ceremony was held in the university hall.
A2 adjective /ˈkʌmɪŋ/

coming

Meaning
approaching or happening soon
Example
We are preparing for the coming festival.
C2 verb /kəˈdʒoʊl/

cajole

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
Example
She managed to cajole her friend into joining the trip.
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.
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 adjective /ˈsiːs.ləs/

Ceaseless

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

chassis

Meaning
the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine
Example
The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage.
B2 verb /ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/

constitute

Meaning
To make up, form, or establish something.
Example
These documents constitute the legal agreement between the two parties.
A1 noun/verb /ˈkʊkɪŋ/

cooking

Meaning
the process of preparing food by heating it
Example
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.
B2 noun /ˈkænvəs/

canvas

Meaning
A strong, coarse cloth used for tents, sails, or painting.
Example
The artist prepared a canvas for his new painting.
A2 noun /ˈsɪə.ri.əl/

cereal

Meaning
a common breakfast food made from processed grains such as wheat, oats, or corn
Example
She eats a bowl of cereal every morning before work.
B2 noun /kɒd fɪʃ/

Cod fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with white flesh, commonly used for food
Example
The fisherman caught a large cod fish in the North Atlantic.
A2 noun kɒsts

Costs

Meaning
An amount that has to be paid or spent to buy or obtain something.
Example
Reducing costs improves profit margins.
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.
B1 noun /kəmˈpær.ɪ.sən/

Comparison

Meaning
the act of examining the similarities and differences between two or more things
Example
The teacher made a comparison between the two poems to show their different styles.
C2 noun /ˌkæθəˈlɪsɪti/

catholicity

Meaning
Universality; broad-mindedness; acceptance of a wide variety of things.
Example
Her catholicity of interests makes her a fascinating person.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊniˌɪzəm/

cronyism

Meaning
The practice of favoring friends or associates, especially in political appointments or business deals.
Example
The company was accused of cronyism in hiring practices.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪz.mə/

charisma

Meaning
Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Example
His charisma helped him become a great leader.
C1 noun /ˈtʃʌk.əl/

Chuckle

Meaning
a quiet or suppressed laugh; to laugh quietly or with amusement
Example
He gave a soft chuckle when he heard the funny joke.
C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning
Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.
Example
His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl/

conjectural

Meaning
based on guesswork or incomplete evidence rather than certain knowledge
Example
His explanation was purely conjectural and lacked proof.
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.
B1 noun sɪvɪˈlɪzeɪʃənz

civilizations

Meaning
The stage of human social development and organization that is considered most advanced.
Example
Ancient civilizations developed complex systems of governance.
C2 adjective /kənˈfɔːrməbl/

conformable

Meaning
Capable of being adapted or consistent with something; compliant.
Example
His actions were conformable to the rules of the institution.
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.
B1 noun /ˌsɪvɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

civilization

Meaning
the stage of human social and cultural development and organization considered most advanced
Example
Ancient Egypt is known for its remarkable civilization.
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 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 verb /tʃaɪd/

chide

Meaning
to scold or rebuke; to express disapproval
Example
The teacher chided the student for being late.
B2 adjective /kəʊˈhɪə.rənt/

coherent

Meaning
Logical and consistent; forming a unified whole; clear and easy to understand.
Example
His speech was clear and coherent.
B2 noun /tʃɔːr/

chore

Meaning
A routine task, especially a household duty.
Example
Washing the dishes is my least favorite chore.
B2 adjective ˌkæt.əˈstrɑː.fɪk

catastrophic

Meaning
Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.
Example
Climate change has catastrophic consequences.
B2 noun /ˈkʊriər/

courier

Meaning
a person or company that delivers messages, packages, or mail
Example
The courier delivered the documents on time.
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.
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.
C2 verb /kənˈvɑːlv/

convolve

Meaning
to roll or twist together; to coil or entwine
Example
The vines convolve around the tree trunk.
C1 verb /ˈkʌvət/

covet

Meaning
to desire something belonging to someone else
Example
He coveted his neighbor's new car.
B1 noun /ˈker.ləs.nəs/

Carelessness

Meaning
failure to give sufficient attention to avoiding harm or errors
Example
His carelessness with money led to serious financial problems.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /kəˈlɛktɪd/

collected

Meaning
calm and in control of oneself
Example
She remained calm and collected during the crisis.
C1 noun /kənˈtʃɛrtoʊ/

concerto

Meaning
a musical composition for one or more solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra
Example
She played a Mozart concerto with the orchestra.
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.
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 kənˌsɒl.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən

Consolidation

Meaning
The process of converting newly learned information into long-term memory
Example
Sleep plays a key role in memory consolidation.
B1 noun /kruː/

crew

Meaning
A group of people working together, especially on a ship, aircraft, or project.
Example
The ship's crew worked tirelessly during the storm.
C1 adjective /kənˈɡrɛʃənl/

congressional

Meaning
relating to a congress, especially the US Congress
Example
The bill received strong congressional support.
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 /krɪˈden.ʃəl/

credential

Meaning
a qualification, achievement, or aspect of a person's background used to indicate suitability for something
Example
She presented her credentials before starting the new job.
A2 noun /kɔːrn/

Corn

Meaning
a tall cereal plant that produces kernels on large ears; maize
Example
We grilled corn on the cob for dinner.
A2 noun, verb /kəˈrɪər/

career

Meaning
As a noun: a person’s course of professional life; as a verb: to move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way.
Example
She built a successful career in medicine.
C1 noun /ˈkɔːrdən/

cordon

Meaning
a line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access
Example
The police set up a cordon around the crime scene.
C2 noun /ˈkælvɪnɪzəm/

calvinism

Meaning
A Protestant theological system based on John Calvin’s teachings, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.
Example
Calvinism played a major role in shaping Protestant theology.
B1 noun /tʃɑːrt/

chart

Meaning
a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram
Example
The teacher used a chart to explain the statistics.
B2 adjective /ˈkɔːstli/

costly

Meaning
expensive or causing a lot of money, time, or effort
Example
Their mistake proved to be very costly for the company.
C1 noun kənˈsɔː.ti.əm

consortium

Meaning
An association of several companies or organizations formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member.
Example
The consortium worked collaboratively to build the cable.
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.
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 verb /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/

civilize

Meaning
to bring a society or group to a more developed, organized, or socially acceptable state; to educate and refine behavior
Example
Education can help civilize communities by promoting shared values and respect.
C1 adjective /ˈkæn.dɪd/

Candid

Meaning
truthful and straightforward; frank and honest in expression
Example
I appreciate your candid opinion about the project.
A2 noun ˈkæm.pɪŋ

camping

Meaning
Living outdoors temporarily, especially for recreation; staying in a tent or similar shelter.
Example
Many families go camping during holidays.
A2 noun/verb /kɔːz/

cause

Meaning
a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition; to make something happen
Example
The heavy rain caused flooding in the city.
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.
A2 noun /kraɪm/

crime

Meaning
An illegal act punishable by law.
Example
The police are investigating the crime.
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.
C1 adjective /kəmˈplɪsɪt/

complicit

Meaning
involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Example
He was found complicit in the crime.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərəl/

corporal

Meaning
relating to the body; a low-ranking officer in the military
Example
He suffered a corporal punishment for his mistake.
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.
B2 verb /ˈklærɪfaɪ/

clarify

Meaning
to make clear; to explain more clearly
Example
The teacher clarifies the difficult concept.
C1 noun kəˈmɑːnd ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi

command economy

Meaning
An economic system where economic activities are controlled by the government.
Example
In a command economy, the government controls production and prices.
B1 noun /ˈkɒntɪnənt/

continent

Meaning
one of the large landmasses on Earth such as Asia, Africa, or Europe
Example
Asia is the largest continent in the world.
C1 noun/verb kənˈdʒɛk.tʃər

conjecture

Meaning
An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; to form an opinion or supposition about something.
Example
The scientist's conjecture was later proven true.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.stɪk/

caustic

Meaning
able to burn or corrode by chemical action; severely sarcastic
Example
Her caustic remarks hurt his feelings.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒs.ɪ.tɪd/

cosseted

Meaning
pampered, treated with excessive care and attention
Example
The cosseted child always got what he wanted.
C1 noun, verb /klɒt/

clot

Meaning
a thick mass of coagulated liquid, especially blood; to form such a mass.
Example
The doctor removed a blood clot from the patient.
B2 noun /ˈʃeɪndʒ ˈmænɪdʒmənt/

change management

Meaning
The discipline that guides how we prepare, equip and support individuals, teams and organizations in making organizational change.
Example
Change management ensures smooth transitions.
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.
B1 verb /ˈkæri aʊt/

carry out

Meaning
to perform or complete a task; to execute a plan
Example
The team carries out the project successfully.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜː.kəm.spekt/

circumspect

Meaning
Wary and unwilling to take risks; careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences.
Example
Investors must be circumspect before making decisions.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

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

convex

Meaning
curved or rounded outward
Example
The lens has a convex shape to focus light.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.kɔː.dæt/

concordat

Meaning
An agreement or treaty, especially between the Vatican and a secular government.
Example
The concordat established the rights of the church within the country.
C2 adjective /tʃeɪst/

Chaste

Meaning
pure and morally good; abstaining from sexual activity
Example
She lived a chaste and virtuous life.
C1 noun /kəˈnʌn.drəm/

conundrum

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

contemn

Meaning
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt
Example
He would never contemn honest work, no matter how humble.
A2 verb /klɪk/

click

Meaning
to press a button on a computer mouse or similar device
Example
She clicked the link to open the website.
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 /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.
C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning
a person or group who has captured someone or something
Example
The hostage managed to escape from his captors.
C1 noun /ˈkʌˈs.tə.di/

Custody

Meaning
the protective care or guardianship of someone or something; imprisonment or detention
Example
After the divorce, they shared custody of their children equally.
C1 verb /klɪntʃ/

clinch

Meaning
To secure or settle something decisively; to grasp tightly.
Example
The team clinched the championship with a last-minute goal.
A2 noun ˈtʃælɪndʒ

challenge

Meaning
A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a demanding or stimulating one; a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example
Plastic pollution poses a significant challenge to global health.
B2 noun /ˈkʌm.pəs/

Compass

Meaning
an instrument for finding direction with a magnetic needle pointing to magnetic north
Example
The hiker used a compass to find the right direction.
C1 noun /ˈkruːsɪbəl/

crucible

Meaning
a severe test or trial; a container used for heating substances to very high temperatures
Example
The team emerged stronger from the crucible of competition.
B2 noun /krɑk pɑt/

Crock pot

Meaning
an electric cooking pot that cooks food slowly at low temperatures
Example
I put the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot before going to work.
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.
B2 noun /kənˈtroʊlər/

controller

Meaning
a person or device that manages, directs, or regulates something
Example
The game controller made it easy to play the video game.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl/

centripetal

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

crestfallen

Meaning
sad and disappointed
Example
He looked crestfallen after hearing the bad news.
C2 verb /kəˈvɔrt/

cavort

Meaning
to jump or dance around excitedly
Example
The children cavorted happily in the garden.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnskrɪpt/

conscript

Meaning
to force someone into military service
Example
The government conscripted young men during the war.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

cord

Meaning
a long, thin, flexible string or rope
Example
He tied the package with a strong cord.
B2 noun /ˈkɒm.pɒ.stɪŋ/

composting

Meaning
The process of recycling organic waste into fertile fertilizer.
Example
Composting reduces waste and enhances soil fertility.
C2 noun /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/

chiaroscuro

Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɜːrlɪʃ/

churlish

Meaning
Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
Example
It would be churlish to refuse her kind invitation.
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.
C2 adjective /kəˈrɛlətɪv/

correlative

Meaning
having a mutual relationship; corresponding
Example
The increase in temperature is correlative with the melting of glaciers.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

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

crabbed

Meaning
difficult to read or understand; ill-tempered
Example
His handwriting was crabbed and almost illegible.
B1 noun /kɑːrt/

Cart

Meaning
a wheeled vehicle for carrying goods; a shopping cart
Example
The farmer loaded hay onto his cart.
C2 adjective /kəˈkɒfənəs/

cacophonous

Meaning
Producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophonous sounds of the city kept her awake all night.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvən/

coven

Meaning
a group or gathering of witches
Example
The witches met secretly in a coven in the forest.
B2 noun /kənˈvɛn.ʃən.əl ˈfɑːr.mɪŋ/

conventional farming

Meaning
Traditional farming method using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and modern technology.
Example
Conventional farming increases crop production using fertilizers.
B2 adverb /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

consequently

Meaning
as a result; therefore
Example
He didn’t study, and consequently he failed the exam.