chequered
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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.
B2 noun /ˈkʊk.uː/

Cuckoo

Meaning
a bird known for its distinctive call and for laying eggs in other birds' nests
Example
We heard the cuckoo calling from the forest early in the morning.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

consequential

Meaning
Having important or significant consequences; resulting from something.
Example
The meeting was consequential for the future of the project.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈkʌltʃəd/

cultured

Meaning
characterized by refined taste, manners, and education
Example
She is a cultured woman who loves art and literature.
B2 noun /ˈkɒk.roʊtʃ/

Cockroach

Meaning
a flat brown insect that is commonly found in kitchens and other warm places
Example
A cockroach ran across the kitchen floor quickly.
B2 verb /kriːp/

creep

Meaning
to move slowly and quietly; to make someone feel uncomfortable
Example
She crept quietly up the stairs to avoid waking anyone.
B1 noun /ˈkʌntrisaɪd/

countryside

Meaning
land outside cities and towns; rural areas with farms, fields, and villages
Example
She enjoys the peace and beauty of the countryside.
C1 noun /kənˈvʌl.ʃən/

convulsion

Meaning
a sudden, violent, involuntary contraction of muscles; a seizure
Example
The medicine helped prevent convulsions in children.
C1 verb /kənˈfaʊnd/

confound

Meaning
to confuse or surprise someone, often by acting against their expectations
Example
The magician's trick seemed to confound the entire audience.
B1 adjective /kənˈsɪdərəbl/

considerable

Meaning
large in amount, size, or importance
Example
The project required a considerable amount of time and money.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpensətɔːri/

compensatory

Meaning
serving to make up for a loss, damage, or injury
Example
The court awarded him compensatory damages.
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.
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.
B2 noun ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk ɪˈvents

catastrophic events

Meaning
Extremely destructive or damaging events that cause widespread devastation.
Example
Cyclones are catastrophic events in Bangladesh.
B2 adjective/verb /kəˈrʌpt/

corrupt

Meaning
dishonest or morally wrong; to make something impure or evil
Example
The politician was accused of corrupt practices.
C2 noun /ˈkaɪrəˌmænsi/

chiromancy

Meaning
The practice of predicting the future by interpreting the lines on the palms of hands; palmistry.
Example
The old woman practiced chiromancy and told fortunes for travelers.
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.
B2 noun kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən

collaboration

Meaning
The action of working with someone to produce or create something
Example
International collaboration is necessary to fight pollution.
A2 noun ˈkɜːrɪdʒ

courage

Meaning
The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery.
Example
Courage is essential in the face of challenges.
B2 noun/verb /kəˈmjuː.tɪŋ/

commuting

Meaning
Regular travel to and from workplace, daily journey for work.
Example
He spends two hours commuting to work every day.
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/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.
B2 noun /ˈkɔːtruːm/

courtroom

Meaning
a room in which legal cases are heard and decided by a judge
Example
The witness was called to testify in the courtroom.
B2 noun /tʃɔːr/

chore

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

Courageous

Meaning
brave; fearless; showing courage in the face of danger
Example
The courageous firefighter rescued the family from the burning building.
C1 noun /ˌkæm.əˈrɑː.dɚ.i/

camaraderie

Meaning
Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Example
The camaraderie among teammates was inspiring.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/

counteract

Meaning
to act against something in order to reduce its effect
Example
The medicine helps counteract the side effects of the treatment.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkænən/

Cannon

Meaning
large heavy gun that fires cannonballs or shells
Example
The castle was defended by several large cannons.
C2 adjective /kəˈrɛlətɪv/

correlative

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

commiserate

Meaning
To express sympathy or compassion for someone's misfortune.
Example
She called her friend to commiserate after his loss.
A2 noun /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/

challenges

Meaning
Difficult tasks or situations that test someone's abilities or resources.
Example
Overcoming challenges is the key to personal growth.
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 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.
B2 verb /kɑːrv/

carve

Meaning
To cut or shape something, especially wood or stone, into a desired form.
Example
The artist carved a beautiful statue out of marble.
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.
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.
A2 adjective /kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/

confusing

Meaning
causing someone to be unable to think clearly or understand; difficult to comprehend
Example
The instructions were confusing and hard to follow.
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.
B2 verb /kənˈvɜːs/

converse

Meaning
to have a conversation; to talk together
Example
They conversed about literature for hours.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈkʌmftəbli/

Comfortably

Meaning
in a comfortable manner; without difficulty or effort; with ease
Example
She was sitting comfortably in her favorite chair.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

compound

Meaning
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
Example
The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab.
B1 noun /klɑːrk/

clerk

Meaning
A person employed in an office or bank to keep records, accounts, and undertake other routine administrative duties.
Example
The clerk helped me find the correct form.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəsli/

Continuously

Meaning
without interruption; in an unbroken sequence
Example
The machine operates continuously for 24 hours.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈveɪl/

countervail

Meaning
to offset or counteract the effect of something
Example
The benefits of the new policy countervail its drawbacks.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɜːrlɪʃ/

churlish

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

corrugated

Meaning
shaped into ridges and grooves; wrinkled or folded
Example
The roof was made of corrugated metal sheets.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/

cartography

Meaning
The science or practice of drawing maps.
Example
She studied cartography at university to learn how to design maps.
B1 verb /kənˈsɪst/

consist

Meaning
to be made up or composed of certain parts or elements
Example
The committee consists of five members.
C1 noun /koʊˈɜː.ʃən/

coercion

Meaning
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
Example
Cybercriminals use coercion to extract information.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnsɪkreɪt/

consecrate

Meaning
to make something sacred, usually through a religious ceremony
Example
The church was consecrated by the bishop.
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.
A2 adverb /ˈklɪrli/

clearly

Meaning
In a way that is easy to perceive, understand, or see.
Example
She spoke clearly so that everyone could understand.
C1 noun /kɔːr/

corps

Meaning
a branch of the military or a group organized for a specific purpose
Example
He joined the army corps after graduation.
B2 noun /ˈtʃæpəl/

chapel

Meaning
A small church or a room used for Christian worship, often within a larger building.
Example
The couple got married in a small countryside chapel.
B2 adverb /ˈkrɪtɪkli/

critically

Meaning
in a way that expresses disapproval or a very serious, important way
Example
He was critically injured in the accident.
C2 noun /ˌkæstɪˈɡeɪʃən/

castigation

Meaning
Severe criticism or punishment for wrongdoing.
Example
The manager’s harsh castigation shocked the entire team.
B2 noun /ˈkɒŋɡrɛs/

congress

Meaning
a formal meeting or assembly, especially of representatives for discussion
Example
The international congress on climate change will be held next year.
B2 noun /kəˈkeɪn/

cocaine

Meaning
a powerful and addictive illegal drug made from coca leaves
Example
He was arrested for possessing cocaine.
B2 noun /kæf/

Calf

Meaning
a young cow or bull; young of various large mammals
Example
The calf stayed close to its mother.
B2 noun /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

capability

Meaning
The ability or capacity to do something.
Example
The telescope's capability is unparalleled.
A2 noun ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən

competition

Meaning
The activity or condition of competing; rivalry for supremacy.
Example
Competition grew between language groups.
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 /ˈkær.ə.væn/

Caravan

Meaning
a group of people traveling together, especially through desert areas
Example
The merchant caravan crossed the desert with camels carrying precious goods.
C1 noun /ˈkeɪ.sɪŋ/

Casing

Meaning
a cover or shell that protects or encloses something
Example
The mechanic removed the engine casing to examine the internal parts.
C2 adjective /ˌkrɪp.təˈɡræf.ɪk/

cryptographic

Meaning
Relating to cryptography; involving or using secret codes or ciphers for security.
Example
Banks use cryptographic technology to protect transactions.
C2 verb /ˈkɒd.l̩/

coddle

Meaning
to treat someone with excessive care or kindness, often in a way that is overprotective
Example
Parents should support their children without coddling them.
C2 noun /kwɑːˈfjʊr/

coiffure

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

clip

Meaning
to cut or trim something; a short extract from a film, broadcast, or recording
Example
She clipped the coupon from the newspaper.
B1 noun /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃən/

congratulation

Meaning
an expression of praise or joy for someone’s achievement or good fortune
Example
She sent a congratulation to her friend on winning the award.
C2 noun /ˌkɒl.əˈneɪd/

colonnade

Meaning
A row of evenly spaced columns supporting a roof, often in classical architecture.
Example
The visitors admired the grand colonnade at the entrance of the temple.
C2 noun /ˈkʌstərd ˈæpəl/

Custard Apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with sweet creamy white flesh and black seeds
Example
The custard apple has a sweet and creamy texture.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmpoʊst/

compost

Meaning
decayed organic matter used as fertilizer
Example
The gardener added compost to enrich the soil.
C1 noun /ˈsɪstərn/

cistern

Meaning
A tank or container for storing water, usually for household use.
Example
The old house still had a cistern to collect rainwater.
C2 noun ˈkɑː.dərz

cadres

Meaning
A small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession; a group of activists in a communist or other political organization.
Example
There are 26 cadres under BPSC.
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.
C1 adjective /kəˈrəʊsɪv/

corrosive

Meaning
tending to cause corrosion; harmful or destructive to materials or people
Example
The chemical is highly corrosive and should be handled with care.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ɪ.bəl/

Cannibal

Meaning
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
Example
The explorer's journal described rumors of cannibals living on the remote island.
A2 verb /kəmˈper/

compare

Meaning
to examine similarities and differences between things
Example
I will compare these two products before buying.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːdʒ/

centrifuge

Meaning
A machine that spins substances at high speed to separate different components.
Example
The lab technician used a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the plasma.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪ.sən/

chasten

Meaning
to correct or discipline; to humble or subdue
Example
The coach chastened the team after their poor performance.
B1 noun ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən

concentration

Meaning
The action or power of focusing one's attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity
Example
Concentration is key to mastering any skill.
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.
C2 noun /koʊˈkɛt/

coquette

Meaning
a woman who flirts lightheartedly
Example
She was a coquette, always charming everyone at the party.
B2 noun /ˈkɒm.ɪt/

Comet

Meaning
a celestial object consisting of ice and dust that develops a tail when approaching the sun
Example
Halley's Comet appears in the sky every 76 years.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛl.əˌbreɪ.tɪd/

celebrated

Meaning
Widely known and praised; famous for an achievement.
Example
He is a celebrated author in the field of literature.
B1 noun /ˈklaɪənt/

client

Meaning
A person or organization using the services of a professional or company.
Example
The lawyer met with her client to discuss the case.
B2 noun /ˈkreɪ.dəl/

Cradle

Meaning
a small bed for a baby, especially one that rocks from side to side
Example
The baby sleeps peacefully in the cradle.
B1 adjective kənˈsɪs.tənt

consistent

Meaning
Acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.
Example
Consistent performance leads to success.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm/

conservatism

Meaning
A political or social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and resistance to change.
Example
Conservatism values tradition and gradual development.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒmɪkəl/

comical

Meaning
Funny in a strange or silly way; amusing.
Example
His comical expressions made everyone laugh.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkʌdʒ.əl/

cudgel

Meaning
A short, thick stick used as a weapon; to beat with a cudgel.
Example
The guard used a cudgel to chase away the thief.
B2 adverb /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

Considerably

Meaning
to a notably large degree; significantly; substantially
Example
The price has increased considerably over the past year.
B2 adjective /ˌkɑː.di.əʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/

cardiovascular

Meaning
Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Example
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
B2 adjective /ˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

chronological

Meaning
Arranged in the order in which events happened.
Example
The events were listed in chronological order.
C1 adjective /koʊˈɪnsɪdənt/

coincident

Meaning
Occurring at the same time; occupying the same position in space or time.
Example
The festival was coincident with the national holiday.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
C1 noun /kənˈsep.ʃən/

Conception

Meaning
the forming of an idea or plan; the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm; the action of conceiving
Example
The conception of this innovative project took several months of brainstorming.
C1 noun /ˌkɔːriˈɒɡrəfi/

choreography

Meaning
The art of designing and arranging dances and movements.
Example
The choreography of the ballet was breathtaking.
B2 adverb /ˈtʃiːfli/

chiefly

Meaning
mainly; primarily
Example
The festival is celebrated chiefly by young people.
C2 noun /kənˈtɔːrʃən/

contortion

Meaning
a twisted or bent shape; the act of twisting out of the normal shape
Example
The gymnast's contortion amazed the audience.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrtrɪdʒ/

cartridge

Meaning
A container holding a substance or device, such as ink for printers or bullets for firearms.
Example
The printer stopped working because the ink cartridge was empty.
C1 noun /krʊk/

crook

Meaning
a dishonest person, especially a criminal
Example
The police finally caught the crook who had been stealing cars.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkæriən/

carrion

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

Cantonment

Meaning
a military base or permanent military station
Example
The soldiers lived in the cantonment outside the city.
C1 noun /ˌkɒndʒʊˈɡeɪʃən/

conjugation

Meaning
the variation of the form of a verb to indicate tense, person, and number
Example
French verbs have complex conjugations.
C1 verb /ˈkʌn.dʒər/

conjure

Meaning
to summon something as if by magic; to imagine vividly
Example
The magician conjured a rabbit out of the hat.
C2 adjective /krɪˈpʌskjʊlər/

crepuscular

Meaning
relating to twilight or active during twilight
Example
Bats are crepuscular animals, most active at dawn and dusk.
C1 noun /ˌkɒrəˈneɪʃən/

coronation

Meaning
the act or ceremony of crowning a sovereign or monarch
Example
The coronation of the new king was attended by thousands of people.
B2 noun/verb /kjuː/

cue

Meaning
A signal or prompt for action; to give a signal.
Example
The actor waited for his cue before entering the stage.
C1 noun /kəˈnʌn.drəm/

conundrum

Meaning
A complex problem or puzzle without an easy solution
Example
The ethical conundrum puzzled the researchers.
C1 noun /kəˈnɛəri/

canary

Meaning
a small, usually yellow bird known for its singing; also used as a warning sign in dangerous conditions
Example
The canary sang beautifully in its cage.
C2 noun /ˈkæn.toʊ/

canto

Meaning
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
Example
The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈkɒn.sə.mət/

consummate

Meaning
To complete or perfect something with great skill
Example
He is a consummate artist with years of experience.
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.