chiaroscuro
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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 /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 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.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒlərɪk/

choleric

Meaning
Easily angered; irritable and hot-tempered.
Example
His choleric nature often got him into arguments.
C2 noun /ˌkæv.əlˈkeɪd/

cavalcade

Meaning
a formal procession of people riding on horses or in vehicles
Example
The king’s arrival was marked by a grand cavalcade.
C2 adjective /kənˈtraɪt/

contrite

Meaning
feeling or showing remorse or guilt
Example
She was contrite after realizing her mistake.
C2 noun /kəˈraʊzl/

carousal

Meaning
A noisy or lively drinking party or festivity.
Example
They were exhausted after a night of wild carousal.
C2 adjective /krʌˈsteɪʃəs/

crustaceous

Meaning
relating to or having a hard shell like a crustacean
Example
The scientist studied the crustaceous fossils.
C2 adjective /kəˈdævərəs/

cadaverous

Meaning
Resembling a corpse; very pale, thin, or bony.
Example
His cadaverous appearance shocked everyone at the party.
C2 verb /koʊˈhɪr/

cohere

Meaning
To stick together; to be united logically or physically.
Example
The ideas in his essay cohere well.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

Meaning
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
Example
The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndaɪn/

condign

Meaning
deserved, appropriate, and fitting (especially punishment)
Example
The criminal received condign punishment for his crimes.
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.
C2 verb /kənˈdəʊl/

condole

Meaning
To express sympathy for someone who is suffering or grieving.
Example
Neighbors came to condole with the family after the tragedy.
C2 noun /kɒn.tɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

contiguity

Meaning
the state of being in direct contact or next to each other
Example
The contiguity of the two countries facilitates trade.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɛəri/

chary

Meaning
cautious or wary about doing something
Example
She was chary of investing in the new business venture.
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.
C2 adjective /kəˈnjuːbiəl/

connubial

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple.
Example
They celebrated their connubial bliss with a honeymoon trip.
C2 adjective /koʊˈtɜːr.mɪ.nəs/

coterminous

Meaning
having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
Example
The two jurisdictions are coterminous, sharing the same borders.
C2 adjective /ˈkjʊərətɪv/

curative

Meaning
Able to cure disease or restore health.
Example
The doctor prescribed a curative treatment for the illness.
C2 noun /kəmˈpɒz.ɪ.tər/

Compositor

Meaning
a person who arranges type for printing or creates musical compositions
Example
The compositor carefully arranged the text for the newspaper.
C2 noun /ʃəˈɡrɪn/

chagrin

Meaning
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
Example
She left the room in chagrin after forgetting her lines.
C2 noun /krəˈdjuːlɪti/

credulity

Meaning
A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
Example
The scam succeeded because of the victim's credulity.
C2 verb /ˈkænənaɪz/

canonize

Meaning
To officially declare a dead person a saint; to regard as great or significant.
Example
The church canonized the martyr after years of investigation.
C2 verb /kənˈdjuːs/

conduce

Meaning
To help bring about a particular result; to contribute to something.
Example
Regular exercise conduces to better health.
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.
C2 noun /kəmˈpɛndiəm/

compendium

Meaning
A collection of concise but detailed information about a subject.
Example
The book is a compendium of ancient myths and legends.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /kɒnˈsæŋɡwɪn/

consanguine

Meaning
Of the same blood or origin; related by birth.
Example
The two families were consanguine through their grandparents.
C2 noun /ˈkrɛməˌtɔːri/

crematory

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are cremated
Example
The crematory was located near the cemetery.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvən/

coven

Meaning
a group or gathering of witches
Example
The witches met secretly in a coven in the forest.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkærəm/

Carom

Meaning
aromatic seeds of a plant used as a spice, especially in Indian cooking
Example
Carom seeds are often used in traditional Indian bread recipes.
C2 noun /kəˈdævər/

cadaver

Meaning
A dead human body, especially one used for medical study.
Example
Medical students dissected the cadaver to learn about human anatomy.
C2 noun /ˈkærəˌpeɪs/

carapace

Meaning
the hard shell covering the back of some animals like turtles and crabs
Example
The turtle withdrew into its carapace for protection.
C2 noun /ˌkɒzməˈpɒlɪtənɪzəm/

cosmopolitanism

Meaning
the ideology that all human beings belong to a single community
Example
Cosmopolitanism promotes respect and understanding across cultures.
C2 adjective /kəmˈprɛsəbl̩/

compressible

Meaning
Capable of being compressed or reduced in volume.
Example
Air is a compressible substance, unlike water.
C2 verb /ˈkɒdʒɪteɪt/

cogitate

Meaning
to think deeply about something; to meditate or reflect
Example
He sat by the river to cogitate on his future plans.
C2 noun /ˈkoʊ.tə.ri/

coterie

Meaning
a small, exclusive group of people with shared interests
Example
He belonged to a coterie of artists who met every Friday.
C2 noun /kjuːˈpɪdəti/

cupidity

Meaning
Excessive desire for wealth or possessions; greed.
Example
The king's downfall was caused by his cupidity.
C2 noun /ˈkɔː.seər/

corsair

Meaning
a pirate, especially one operating along the Mediterranean coasts
Example
The corsair plundered ships along the coast.
C2 noun, adjective /klɛərˈvɔɪənt/

clairvoyant

Meaning
a person who claims to have clairvoyance; having the ability to see beyond normal senses
Example
The clairvoyant predicted that she would travel abroad soon.
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 /ˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əns/

congruence

Meaning
Harmony, compatibility and agreement between different elements.
Example
The congruence between their ideas made collaboration easy.
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 noun /kənˈtrɪʃ.ən/

contrition

Meaning
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
Example
His contrition was evident after the apology.
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 noun /kəmˈpleɪsəns/

complacence

Meaning
a feeling of quiet pleasure or self-satisfaction, often without awareness of potential danger
Example
His complacence prevented him from noticing the risks.
C2 noun /tʃɜːrl/

churl

Meaning
A rude, boorish, or ill-mannered person.
Example
The waiter was such a churl that customers left unhappy.
C2 noun /ˈʃɑːrlətən/

charlatan

Meaning
a person who pretends to have knowledge or skills that they do not really possess; a fraud
Example
The so-called healer was exposed as a charlatan.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒliər/

collier

Meaning
a person who works in coal mines or a ship carrying coal
Example
The collier spent long hours underground extracting coal.
C2 verb /ˈkævəl/

cavil

Meaning
to make petty or unnecessary objections
Example
She caviled at every detail of the plan.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌvətəs/

covetous

Meaning
having or showing a strong desire for someone else's possessions
Example
She gave him a covetous look when he showed his new watch.
C2 noun /ˌkæt ə ˈnaɪn ˌteɪlz/

cat-o-nine-tails

Meaning
A whip with nine knotted cords, historically used for punishment.
Example
The sailor feared the cat-o-nine-tails more than the storm at sea.
C2 noun /kwɑːˈfjʊr/

coiffure

Meaning
A person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one.
Example
Her elegant coiffure impressed everyone at the party.
C2 adjective /ˈkreɪvən/

craven

Meaning
cowardly; lacking courage
Example
He was too craven to stand up for his beliefs.
C2 noun /kəˌrɒbəˈreɪʃən/

corroboration

Meaning
evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding
Example
The documents provided strong corroboration of her claims.
C2 verb /ˈkɒsɪt/

cosset

Meaning
to care for and protect in an overindulgent way
Example
The little girl was cosseted by her grandparents.
C2 noun /ˈtʃæt.əl/

chattel

Meaning
a personal possession; historically, movable property including slaves
Example
In the past, slaves were considered the chattel of their owners.
C2 verb /kənˈvɑːlv/

convolve

Meaning
to roll or twist together; to coil or entwine
Example
The vines convolve around the tree trunk.
C2 noun /ˈkælvəri/

calvary

Meaning
A place or experience of intense suffering, originally the site of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Example
For many refugees, the journey across the desert was a calvary.
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.
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.
C2 noun /kɔˈrɪkə soˈbɔrnə/

Corica soborna

Meaning
a small silvery fish species found in South Asian rivers, commonly used in local cuisine
Example
Corica soborna is a popular ingredient in traditional Bengali fish curry.
C2 noun /ˈkʌlvərt/

culvert

Meaning
a tunnel or drain that carries water under a road or railway
Example
The heavy rainwater flowed through the culvert under the bridge.
C2 adjective /ˈklæmərəs/

clamorous

Meaning
making a loud and confused noise; expressing strong demands noisily
Example
The clamorous audience demanded an encore from the band.
C2 noun /ˈkloʊðiər/

clothier

Meaning
a person or company that makes, sells, or deals in clothes.
Example
The town’s clothier displayed fine suits in his shop window.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkræbɪd/

crabbed

Meaning
difficult to read or understand; ill-tempered
Example
His handwriting was crabbed and almost illegible.
C2 verb /kɒnˈkætəneɪt/

concatenate

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

cryptogram

Meaning
a text written in code or cipher
Example
The detective solved the cryptogram hidden in the letter.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/

countermand

Meaning
to revoke or cancel an order or command
Example
The general countermanded the previous orders immediately.
C2 noun /kənˌdʒiː.niˈæl.ə.t̬i/

congeniality

Meaning
The quality of being pleasant, friendly, and easy to talk to.
Example
His congeniality makes him popular among friends.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkætˌkɔːl/

catcall

Meaning
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval or sexual harassment directed at someone.
Example
The actress ignored the catcalls from the crowd.
C2 adjective ˈkoʊ.dʒənt

cogent

Meaning
Clear, logical, and convincing.
Example
His cogent argument convinced the jury.
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.
C2 adjective /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/

combustible

Meaning
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
Example
Dry leaves are highly combustible.
C2 noun /ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks/

calisthenics

Meaning
exercises that use body weight for strength and flexibility
Example
She practices calisthenics every morning in the park.
C2 noun /ˈsɪɡnət/

cygnet

Meaning
a young swan
Example
The cygnet swam closely behind its mother.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈfɒn/

chiffon

Meaning
A lightweight, sheer fabric often used in dresses or scarves.
Example
She wore a beautiful chiffon dress at the party.
C2 noun /ˈtʃæm.pæk/

Champak

Meaning
a fragrant yellow or white flower from a tree native to South Asia, used in perfumes and religious ceremonies
Example
The champak tree in the temple courtyard bloomed with golden flowers.
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.
C2 noun /kənˈtjuː.ʒən/

contusion

Meaning
a bruise or injury without breaking the skin
Example
The boxer had several contusions after the match.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛdʒʊləs/

credulous

Meaning
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
Example
The credulous child believed every story she heard.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndʒʊɡəl/

conjugal

Meaning
relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife
Example
They enjoyed a long life of conjugal happiness.
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.
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.
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 verb /ˈkɒr.ʌ.skeɪt/

coruscate

Meaning
to sparkle or flash brightly
Example
The fireworks coruscated across the night sky.
C2 noun /kərˈmʌdʒən/

curmudgeon

Meaning
a bad-tempered, cranky, or irritable person, usually old
Example
The old curmudgeon complained about everything in the neighborhood.
C2 noun /kənˈtɔːrʃənz/

contortions

Meaning
plural form of contortion; multiple twisted or bent shapes
Example
The magician's contortions left the crowd in awe.
C2 noun /kənˈkɔːrdəns/

concordance

Meaning
Agreement; also an alphabetical index of the principal words in a book.
Example
There is a strong concordance between the two reports.
C2 noun /kɒˈkeɪd/

cockade

Meaning
a rosette or knot of ribbon, usually worn on a hat as a badge of office or party
Example
The soldier wore a red cockade on his cap.
C2 noun /kəˈliːdʒən/

collegian

Meaning
a student of a college
Example
The collegians were preparing for the cultural festival.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tɪ.nəns/

continence

Meaning
self-restraint, especially regarding bodily functions or desires
Example
He practiced continence to maintain focus on his studies.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

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

calk

Meaning
To make a boat or ship watertight by filling seams or cracks.
Example
The workers calked the seams of the old boat to prevent leaks.
C2 verb /ˈkɔː.tə.raɪz/

cauterize

Meaning
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
Example
The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.
C2 noun /kɒnˌtek.stʃu.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

contextualization

Meaning
The process of placing something in its proper context or setting to understand it better.
Example
Contextualization of historical events helps students understand them better.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.
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.
C2 noun kənˌsep.tʃu.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

conceptualization

Meaning
The process of forming a concept or idea; the process of developing something in the mind.
Example
The conceptualization of renewable cities is groundbreaking.
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.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʌktəbl̩/

conductible

Meaning
capable of being conducted, especially electricity or heat
Example
Copper is highly conductible to electricity.
C2 verb /kruːn/

croon

Meaning
to sing or hum in a soft, low, and gentle voice
Example
She crooned a lullaby to help the baby fall asleep.
C2 noun /kɒɡˈnoʊmən/

cognomen

Meaning
A family name or surname; an additional name or nickname.
Example
His cognomen became widely known in literary circles.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlieɪtɪd/

ciliated

Meaning
Having minute hairlike projections (cilia) on the surface of cells or organisms.
Example
The ciliated cells in the respiratory tract help move mucus out of the lungs.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnfəˈriː/

conferee

Meaning
a person who takes part in a conference
Example
Each conferee received a badge at the registration desk.
C2 noun /ˈkɒɡneɪt/

cognate

Meaning
a word related to another word in origin; having the same linguistic root
Example
The Spanish word 'madre' and the English word 'mother' are cognates.
C2 noun /kəˈpriːs/

caprice

Meaning
a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior
Example
She bought the expensive dress on a caprice.
C2 verb /kənˈtɔːrt/

contort

Meaning
to twist or bend out of the normal shape
Example
She contorted her face in pain after the injury.
C2 noun /ˌkɒməˈsɛəriət/

commissariat

Meaning
A department responsible for supplying food and equipment, especially in the military.
Example
The army commissariat ensured that the soldiers had enough supplies.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪtʃuː/

Catechu

Meaning
an extract from a tropical Asian plant, used in tanning and dyeing
Example
Catechu extract is commonly used in traditional medicine.
C2 noun /krɪpˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/

cryptography

Meaning
The practice of securing information through encryption or coding techniques
Example
Modern cryptography ensures secure online transactions.
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 /kænˈtoʊnmənt/

Cantonment

Meaning
a military base or permanent military station
Example
The soldiers lived in the cantonment outside the city.
C2 noun /kənˌɡlɒməˈreɪʃən/

conglomeration

Meaning
A collection or mixture of different things grouped together.
Example
The market is a conglomeration of small shops and food stalls.
C2 noun /ˈkæθoʊd/

cathode

Meaning
The negative electrode in a device such as a battery or tube, where electrons enter.
Example
The cathode emits electrons in the tube.