catholic
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
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.
C2 noun /ˈklaʊdˌbɜːrst/

cloudburst

Meaning
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
Example
The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst.
B2 noun kəˈmɪʃ.ən

commission

Meaning
An official group of people entrusted by a government with a particular function.
Example
The commission recommends constitutional reforms.
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 verb kənˈsjuːmz

consumes

Meaning
Use up (a resource); eat, drink, or ingest (food or drink).
Example
An individual consumes around 20 kg of plastic annually.
C1 noun /krɪpt/

crypt

Meaning
an underground chamber, especially one beneath a church, used as a burial place
Example
The tourists explored the ancient crypt beneath the cathedral.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

Meaning
things that are completely different or opposite to each other
Example
Freedom and slavery are contraries in every sense.
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.
C2 noun /klaɪm/

clime

Meaning
A region defined by its climate.
Example
He traveled to warmer climes during the winter.
C2 noun /kroʊn/

crone

Meaning
An old woman, often one who is thin and ugly, sometimes associated with witch-like qualities.
Example
The children were scared by the story of the wicked crone in the forest.
B2 noun /kəmˈpɑːrt.mənt/

Compartment

Meaning
a separate section or division of a larger space, especially in a train
Example
We found seats in the first-class compartment.
B1 adjective /ˈkɒn.fɪ.dənt/

Confident

Meaning
self-assured; certain; having belief in one's abilities
Example
She felt confident about her performance in the exam.
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.
C1 verb /kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

converge

Meaning
to come together from different directions; to meet at a point
Example
The roads converge at the city center.
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 kəˈlɒs.əl

Colossal

Meaning
Extremely large, gigantic, enormous in size or extent.
Example
The colossal pyramids of Egypt are a marvel of architecture.
C1 noun ˌkæl.ɪˈbreɪ.ʃən

calibration

Meaning
The action or process of adjusting or determining the accuracy of measuring instruments.
Example
The accuracy of a scale depends on regular calibration.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒmp(ə)rəbl/

comparable

Meaning
Able to be likened to something else in size, amount, or quality.
Example
The two products are comparable in quality but differ in price.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.li/

contumely

Meaning
insulting or humiliating treatment
Example
He endured the contumely of his colleagues with patience.
A2 noun /ˈsen.tər/

center

Meaning
A place or building designated for a particular activity or service.
Example
The first robotic surgery center was established in Rangpur.
B1 noun /ˈkæmpəs/

campus

Meaning
The grounds and buildings of a university, college, or school.
Example
The university campus is filled with students during the fall semester.
C1 adjective ˌkɑːr.sɪ.nəˈdʒen.ɪk

carcinogenic

Meaning
Having the potential to cause cancer in living tissue.
Example
Processed meat contains carcinogenic compounds.
B1 adjective /kəˈmɪtɪd/

committed

Meaning
Dedicated and loyal to a cause, activity, or relationship.
Example
She is a committed teacher who cares deeply for her students.
C2 adjective /krəˈmætɪk/

chromatic

Meaning
Relating to colors or, in music, notes outside the standard scale.
Example
The artist used a chromatic palette to create vibrant contrasts.
C2 adjective /kəˈrʌp.tə.bəl/

corruptible

Meaning
able to be morally or ethically corrupted
Example
He was known to be corruptible and often accepted bribes.
B1 noun /ˈkætl/

cattle

Meaning
large domesticated animals such as cows and bulls that are kept on a farm for their milk, meat, or hides
Example
The farmer owns a herd of cattle that graze near the river.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈklɔɪ.ɪŋ/

cloying

Meaning
too sweet, rich, or sentimental, making it unpleasant
Example
The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it.
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.
C2 noun /ˌkɒzməˈpɒlɪtənɪzəm/

cosmopolitanism

Meaning
the ideology that all human beings belong to a single community
Example
Cosmopolitanism promotes respect and understanding across cultures.
C1 verb /kənˈstruː/

construe

Meaning
to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Example
His words could be construed as a threat.
B1 adjective /ˈtʃaɪl.dɪʃ/

Childish

Meaning
immature and silly; behaving in a way that is typical of a child but inappropriate for an adult
Example
His childish behavior during the meeting was quite embarrassing.
B2 adjective /ˌkɑː.di.əʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/

cardiovascular

Meaning
Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Example
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
C1 verb /kəˈpɪtjʊˌleɪt/

capitulate

Meaning
to surrender or give in after resisting
Example
The army had no choice but to capitulate to the enemy.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæplɪn/

chaplain

Meaning
A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.
Example
The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle.
C2 adjective /kənˌtɛmpəˈreɪniəs/

contemporaneous

Meaning
existing, happening, or occurring at the same time
Example
The two artists were contemporaneous and often influenced each other.
C2 noun /kəˈraʊzl/

carousal

Meaning
A noisy or lively drinking party or festivity.
Example
They were exhausted after a night of wild carousal.
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 /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 adjective /ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

consequential

Meaning
Having important or significant consequences; resulting from something.
Example
The meeting was consequential for the future of the project.
A2 noun /ˈkʌpəl/

couple

Meaning
two people or things considered together; a pair
Example
They make a lovely couple and have been married for five years.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
C2 verb /kənˈdʒɔɪn/

conjoin

Meaning
to join together or unite; to combine
Example
The two rivers conjoin just before reaching the sea.
B1 noun /kloʊðz ˈaɪərn/

Clothes iron

Meaning
An electric appliance used to remove wrinkles from clothes by applying heat and pressure
Example
I need to use the clothes iron to make my shirt look neat for the meeting.
B1 noun ˈklaɪ.mət tʃeɪndʒ

climate change

Meaning
A change in global or regional climate patterns, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
Example
Climate change is causing more natural disasters.
A2 verb /kənˈtɪn.juːd/

continued

Meaning
Kept happening or carried on without stopping.
Example
She continued working despite the challenges.
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.
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 noun /ˈkuː.li/

Cooly

Meaning
a laborer who does physical work for wages
Example
The cooly carried heavy bags at the railway station.
B1 noun /ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/

Capital

Meaning
the most important city or town of a country or region; wealth in the form of money or assets
Example
Paris is the capital of France and also a major financial capital.
B2 verb /kənˈsɒl.ɪ.deɪt/

consolidate

Meaning
To combine things in order to make them more effective or easier to handle.
Example
The company aims to consolidate its market position.
B2 noun /ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/

coverage

Meaning
The extent or scope of something, such as insurance protection or media reporting.
Example
The news channel provided extensive coverage of the event.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈtʃeɪmbər/

chamber

Meaning
a large room used for formal or public events, or a private room.
Example
The king held meetings in his private chamber.
A2 noun/verb /ˈsaɪkl/

cycle

Meaning
a series of events that repeat in the same order; or to ride a bicycle
Example
She cycles to school every day.
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 verb /ˈkæp.saɪz/

capsize

Meaning
to overturn in the water
Example
The small fishing boat capsized during the storm.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkælkjʊleɪtər/

calculator

Meaning
an electronic or mechanical device used to perform mathematical calculations
Example
She used a calculator to solve the complex equation.
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 noun /ˈkriː.dəns/

credence

Meaning
belief in or acceptance of something as true
Example
The witness gave credence to the defendant's alibi.
B2 noun /ˈkæʃuː nʌts/

Cashew nuts

Meaning
kidney-shaped nuts from the cashew tree, commonly eaten as snacks or used in cooking
Example
Cashew nuts are often used in Indian sweets and curries.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrpɪŋ/

carping

Meaning
continually complaining or finding fault in a petty way
Example
His carping attitude makes teamwork difficult.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnsjʊlət/

consulate

Meaning
the building or office where a consul works
Example
He went to the consulate to renew his visa.
B2 noun /koʊˈɪn.sɪ.dəns/

Coincidence

Meaning
a remarkable occurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection; chance happening
Example
It was a strange coincidence that they both wore the same dress to the party.
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 adjective /ˌkætəˈɡɒrɪkəl/

categorical

Meaning
Absolute and without exception; expressed clearly and directly.
Example
She gave a categorical denial of the allegations.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɪviəl/

convivial

Meaning
friendly, lively, and enjoyable; sociable
Example
The party had a convivial atmosphere with music and laughter.
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 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.
A2 noun, verb /tʃɪp/

chip

Meaning
A small piece broken off from something; or to cut or break a small piece from something.
Example
He accidentally chipped the edge of the table.
C2 noun /kɒzˈmɒɡ.rə.fi/

cosmography

Meaning
the science or art of mapping the universe or cosmos
Example
Medieval scholars practiced cosmography to chart the stars and planets.
C2 adjective /ˈkælkjʊləbl/

calculable

Meaning
Capable of being calculated, estimated, or measured.
Example
The risk involved in the project is calculable.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsnt/

convalescent

Meaning
recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
The hospital has a special ward for convalescent patients.
C1 adjective /kəˈnɒnɪkəl/

canonical

Meaning
Conforming to a general rule or accepted standard; officially recognized.
Example
Shakespeare’s works are considered canonical in English literature.
B2 adjective /ˈsel.jə.lər/

Cellular

Meaning
relating to cells; consisting of cells; relating to mobile phone technology
Example
Cellular technology has revolutionized communication.
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 adjective ˈklaɪ.mət rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt

climate-resilient

Meaning
Able to cope with the adverse effects of climate change; sustainable and adaptable.
Example
Climate-resilient crops can survive extreme weather conditions.
C1 noun /kʌˈstoʊ.di.ən/

Custodian

Meaning
a person who has responsibility for or looks after something; a caretaker or guardian
Example
The school custodian ensures that all buildings are clean and secure.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkæs.əl/

Castle

Meaning
a large fortified building or set of buildings; a fortress
Example
The medieval castle stood majestically on top of the hill.
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.
C1 adjective /kənˈsɛntrɪk/

concentric

Meaning
having a common center, as in circles or spheres
Example
The artist drew concentric circles on the canvas.
C2 noun /kəmˈpleɪsəns/

complaisance

Meaning
willingness to please others; courteous compliance
Example
Her complaisance made her popular among her colleagues.
B2 noun kənˈtrækʃən

contraction

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller; a decrease in size or quantity.
Example
The economic contraction resulted in a rise in unemployment.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃən/

convolution

Meaning
a twist, coil, or a complex and intricate shape or arrangement
Example
The brain has many convolutions that increase its surface area.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrdəməm/

Cardamom

Meaning
aromatic seeds from a plant in the ginger family, used as a spice
Example
The recipe calls for a pinch of ground cardamom.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌsɪd/

cussed

Meaning
Annoyingly stubborn or difficult.
Example
He was too cussed to admit his mistake.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/

countermand

Meaning
to revoke or cancel an order or command
Example
The general countermanded the previous orders immediately.
C2 adjective /kəˈrɛlətɪv/

correlative

Meaning
having a mutual relationship; corresponding
Example
The increase in temperature is correlative with the melting of glaciers.
A2 adjective /ˈkɒmɪk/

comic

Meaning
causing or meant to cause laughter
Example
The movie had several comic scenes.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkʌp.bɔːrd/

Cupboard

Meaning
a piece of furniture with doors and shelves for storing dishes, food, or clothes
Example
She stored all the plates and bowls in the kitchen cupboard.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒnvɛks/

convex

Meaning
curved or rounded outward
Example
The lens has a convex shape to focus light.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/

Continual

Meaning
happening repeatedly over a long period of time; constant and uninterrupted
Example
The continual noise from the construction site was very annoying.
C1 verb /ˌkɒm.pɑːtˈmen.təl.aɪz/

compartmentalize

Meaning
To divide into sections or categories; to separate things into compartments.
Example
To increase efficiency, he compartmentalized his work tasks.
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 noun /kəˈres/

Caress

Meaning
a gentle or loving touch
Example
The mother's gentle caress calmed the crying baby.
A1 noun /kəmˈpjuːtə(r)/

computer

Meaning
an electronic device for storing and processing data
Example
I bought a new computer for my office work.
B2 noun ˌkʌl.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən

cultivation

Meaning
The practice of preparing and using land for crops or gardening; the action of improving or developing something.
Example
The cultivation of organic crops has increased worldwide.
B2 noun kəˈmɒd.ə.ti

commodity

Meaning
A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.
Example
Oil is a valuable commodity in the global market.
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.
B2 noun /kənˈfɛkʃəneri/

confectionery

Meaning
sweets, candies, and other food items made with sugar
Example
The shop sells a wide variety of confectionery.
C1 noun /ʃæˈtoʊ/

chateau

Meaning
a large French country house or castle
Example
They stayed in a beautiful chateau in France.
B2 verb /ˈkɒmpənseɪtɪd/

compensated

Meaning
to have been given something, typically money, as a recompense for loss, suffering, or work done
Example
The workers were compensated for their overtime hours.
C1 verb /ˈkriːmeɪt/

cremate

Meaning
to burn a dead body to ashes as a funeral rite
Example
According to his wishes, they cremated his body after the funeral.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːrɡoʊ/

cargo

Meaning
goods carried by a ship, plane, or other transport
Example
The ship was loaded with valuable cargo.
B1 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət/

climate

Meaning
The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general.
Example
Climate change impacts all regions globally.
B1 noun /səˈlɛbrɪti/

celebrity

Meaning
a famous person, especially in entertainment or sports
Example
The celebrity was surrounded by fans at the airport.
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.
A2 noun /kæb/

cab

Meaning
a taxi or car for hire with a driver
Example
We took a cab to the airport.
C1 noun /kəˈlæm.ɪ.ti/

Calamity

Meaning
an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster
Example
The earthquake was a terrible calamity that affected thousands of families.