circular economy
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B2 noun ˈsɜːrkjələr ɪˈkɒnəmi

circular economy

Meaning
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling.
Example
Adopting a circular economy can reduce waste.
A1 noun /tʃeər/

Chair

Meaning
a separate seat for one person, typically with a back and four legs
Example
Please sit on the chair.
C2 noun /ˈklaʊdˌbɜːrst/

cloudburst

Meaning
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
Example
The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst.
C2 noun /ˈkɒmɪti/

comity

Meaning
Courtesy and considerate behavior towards others; mutual respect.
Example
The meeting was conducted with comity and respect.
C2 noun /ˈkɒrənɛt/

coronet

Meaning
a small crown, especially one worn by a prince, princess, or noble
Example
She wore a delicate coronet on her head for the ceremony.
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.
C1 verb /kʌl/

cull

Meaning
to select or remove from a larger group, often to reduce numbers
Example
The farmers decided to cull the sick animals from the herd.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈkruːəl/

cruel

Meaning
Willfully causing pain or suffering to others, or feeling no concern about it.
Example
It was cruel to make fun of the injured boy.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪsiːn/

Casein

Meaning
the main protein found in milk and cheese, used in food production and supplements
Example
Casein protein powder is popular among athletes for muscle recovery.
B1 verb /kruːz/

cruise

Meaning
to travel smoothly at a moderate speed, especially for pleasure
Example
They decided to cruise along the coast during their vacation.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæptər/

chapter

Meaning
A main division of a book or a period in someone's life.
Example
I just finished the first chapter of the novel.
C2 noun /ˈkæm.fər/

Camphor

Meaning
a white crystalline substance with a strong aromatic smell, used in medicine and religious ceremonies
Example
The temple was filled with the fragrant smoke of burning camphor.
C2 verb /kənˈstrɪndʒ/

constringe

Meaning
to cause to shrink or contract; to constrict
Example
The medicine helped constringe the swollen tissues.
B1 noun /ˈkʌˈs.təm/

Custom

Meaning
a traditional practice or behavior; duties levied on imports; habitual practice
Example
It is a local custom to remove shoes before entering someone's home.
C1 noun /kəˈlɪɡrəfi/

calligraphy

Meaning
The art of beautiful and decorative handwriting.
Example
She took a course to improve her calligraphy skills.
A1 noun /ˈkʌl.ər/

Colour

Meaning
the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects light; hue, tint, shade
Example
What is your favorite colour for painting the bedroom walls?
B2 noun /ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən/

complication

Meaning
A problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with.
Example
His illness led to serious complications after surgery.
B2 noun /ˈkoʊ.brə/

Cobra

Meaning
a venomous snake with a hood that can be spread when threatened
Example
The cobra raised its hood and hissed at the intruder.
B2 adjective kənˈven.ʃən.əl

conventional

Meaning
Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; traditional, standard, customary.
Example
Many farmers still use conventional farming methods.
A2 noun ʃef

chef

Meaning
A professional cook, especially the chief cook in a restaurant or hotel.
Example
The chef specializes in avant-garde dishes.
C1 verb /kɜːrˈteɪl/

curtail

Meaning
to reduce or limit something, especially something considered undesirable
Example
The company had to curtail its spending due to budget cuts.
C2 verb /kəˈmɪŋɡəl/

commingle

Meaning
To mix or blend different things together.
Example
The charity does not commingle donations with operational funds.
A2 adjective /kəˈneɪdiən/

canadian

Meaning
Relating to Canada or its people.
Example
She enjoys Canadian culture and traditions.
C2 adjective /kəˈmoʊdiəs/

commodious

Meaning
spacious and comfortable; having plenty of room
Example
They rented a commodious apartment in the city.
C1 noun /kənˈfɔːrməns/

conformance

Meaning
The act of conforming to a rule, standard, or law.
Example
The product was tested for conformance with safety standards.
C1 noun /ˈkɒz.moʊs/

Cosmos

Meaning
a colorful annual flower with daisy-like blooms and feathery foliage
Example
The cosmos flowers swayed gently in the summer breeze across the meadow.
B1 adjective /kənˈviː.ni.ənt/

Convenient

Meaning
fitting in well with a person's needs, activities, and plans; suitable and practical
Example
The new shopping mall is very convenient for our family.
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.
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 verb /kənˈkɜːr/

concur

Meaning
To agree with someone or something.
Example
I concur with your opinion on this matter.
C1 noun /kæʃ/

cache

Meaning
A hidden storage of items or a high-speed memory in computing.
Example
The hikers found a cache of supplies hidden under the rocks.
B1 adjective /kriˈeɪtɪv/

creative

Meaning
Having the ability to produce new and original ideas or things.
Example
She is very creative in her writing.
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 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.
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.
C2 verb /ˈkæstreɪt/

castrate

Meaning
To remove the testicles of a male animal or human.
Example
The farmer castrated the young bulls to make them easier to manage.
C2 verb /kəˈnoʊt/

connote

Meaning
To suggest or imply an additional meaning beyond the literal one.
Example
The word 'youthful' connotes energy and vitality.
A2 noun, verb /kɒf/

cough

Meaning
a sudden noisy release of air from the lungs to clear the throat or airway; to expel air suddenly from the lungs with a cough
Example
He has a bad cough and stayed home today.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒpə/

copper

Meaning
a reddish-brown metal used for electrical wiring, coins, and more
Example
Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
B2 noun /kɜːrl/

Curl

Meaning
a piece of hair that curves or coils; something with a spiral or curved shape
Example
She had beautiful natural curls that framed her face perfectly.
A1 adjective /koʊld/

Cold

Meaning
having a low temperature; lacking warmth; unfriendly
Example
The cold winter wind made everyone shiver.
C2 noun /koʊˈædʒətər/

coadjutor

Meaning
a person who helps or assists another, especially in a religious or official capacity
Example
The bishop appointed a coadjutor to assist him with his duties.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrpɪŋ/

carping

Meaning
continually complaining or finding fault in a petty way
Example
His carping attitude makes teamwork difficult.
B1 noun /ˈkæt.ər.pɪl.ər/

Caterpillar

Meaning
the larva of a butterfly or moth that feeds on plants
Example
The caterpillar ate all the leaves on the plant.
B1 noun ˈkeɪ.bəl

cable

Meaning
A thick rope of wire or nonmetallic fiber, typically used for construction, mooring ships, or transmitting electricity or telecommunication signals.
Example
The cable connects countries across continents.
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 kəmˈpet.ɪ.tɪv.nəs

competitiveness

Meaning
The quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature; the ability to compete successfully.
Example
Competitiveness is vital for economic sustainability.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmɜːs/

commerce

Meaning
the activity of buying and selling goods and services
Example
International commerce has expanded significantly in recent years.
A2 adverb /ˈsɜː.tən.li/

Certainly

Meaning
without doubt; definitely; used to agree or give permission
Example
I will certainly help you with this project.
A2 adjective /kənˈsɜːnd/

concerned

Meaning
worried or anxious about something; involved or interested in something
Example
She was concerned about her mother's health.
B1 adverb /ˈkɒmənli/

commonly

Meaning
usually or by most people
Example
This phrase is commonly used in everyday speech.
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.
B1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərət/

corporate

Meaning
relating to a corporation or large company; united as a single body
Example
Corporate social responsibility is important for modern businesses.
B1 noun, adjective /ˈkrɪmɪnəl/

criminal

Meaning
A person who has committed a crime; relating to crime
Example
The police arrested a dangerous criminal last night.
C2 noun /ˈsɪniæst/

cineast

Meaning
A film enthusiast or filmmaker; a person deeply interested in cinema.
Example
As a true cineast, she spends most weekends watching classic films.
C1 noun /ˈtʃɪz.əl/

Chisel

Meaning
a tool with a sharp flat edge used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal
Example
The carpenter used a chisel to carve the wood.
C1 verb /tʃæsˈtaɪz/

chastise

Meaning
to criticize or punish severely
Example
The teacher chastised the student for being late.
C1 verb ˌsɝː.kəmˈvent

circumvent

Meaning
To cleverly avoid or find a way around obstacles or rules.
Example
He tried to circumvent the security system.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒm.pɒ.stɪŋ/

composting

Meaning
The process of recycling organic waste into fertile fertilizer.
Example
Composting reduces waste and enhances soil fertility.
B1 noun /kənˈfjuː.ʒən/

Confusion

Meaning
lack of understanding; uncertainty; the state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind
Example
There was confusion about the meeting time, so half the team arrived late.
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 /kəmˈprɛsəbl̩/

compressible

Meaning
Capable of being compressed or reduced in volume.
Example
Air is a compressible substance, unlike water.
B2 noun /ˈkreɪvɪŋ/

craving

Meaning
a strong desire for something
Example
She has a craving for chocolate every evening.
B1 noun /ˈkriːtʃər/

creature

Meaning
A living being, especially an animal.
Example
The forest is full of strange creatures.
C1 adjective ˌkɑːr.sɪ.nəˈdʒen.ɪk

carcinogenic

Meaning
Having the potential to cause cancer in living tissue.
Example
Processed meat contains carcinogenic compounds.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒŋ.kriːt/

Concrete

Meaning
solid; real; tangible; actual and specific
Example
We need concrete evidence to support our claims.
A1 verb /kʊk/

cook

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

cadet

Meaning
A young trainee in the armed forces, police, or other organization.
Example
The cadet marched proudly in the parade.
C2 adjective ˈkoʊ.dʒənt

cogent

Meaning
Clear, logical, and convincing.
Example
His cogent argument convinced the jury.
B1 verb /koʊˈɑːpəreɪt/

cooperate

Meaning
to work together; to collaborate
Example
The teams cooperate to achieve their common goals.
C1 verb /kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

converge

Meaning
to come together from different directions; to meet at a point
Example
The roads converge at the city center.
B2 noun /ˈkruː.əl.ti/

Cruelty

Meaning
behavior that causes pain or suffering to others; the quality of being cruel
Example
The documentary exposed the cruelty of factory farming to animals.
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.
C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning
Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.
Example
The film ended with a climactic battle scene.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
B2 noun /ˌsɜːrtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

certification

Meaning
the process of officially recognizing or confirming that something or someone meets required standards; an official document proving qualification
Example
She received her professional certification after completing the training program.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːv/

conceive

Meaning
to form or imagine an idea in the mind; to become pregnant
Example
It is hard to conceive how such an idea could succeed.
B1 adjective ˈkruː.ʃəl

crucial

Meaning
Decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
Example
Fault-tolerance is crucial for reliability.
A2 noun /ˈtʃer.i/

Cherry

Meaning
a small round red or black fruit with a hard seed inside
Example
She picked fresh cherries from the tree in her garden.
C2 noun /kəˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

commodification

Meaning
The transformation of goods, services, ideas, or social relations into market commodities.
Example
The commodification of education has increased tuition costs.
C2 noun /ˈkoʊdə/

coda

Meaning
the concluding passage of a piece of music or a literary work
Example
The novel ends with a reflective coda that ties up the themes.
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.
C1 noun ˈkɒnfluəns

confluence

Meaning
An act or process of merging.
Example
The confluence of ideas from different cultures created a rich discussion.
B2 noun /ˌkɒnsərˈveɪʃən ˈmuːvmənt/

Conservation Movement

Meaning
A political, environmental, and social movement that seeks to protect natural resources including plant and animal species as well as their habitat for the future.
Example
The conservation movement began in the 19th century to protect wildlife.
C1 noun /ˈkjuːmɪn/

Cumin

Meaning
A spice made from the dried seeds of a plant in the parsley family, with a warm earthy flavor
Example
Cumin is an essential spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
C1 adjective /klæd/

clad

Meaning
dressed or covered in a particular way
Example
The knight was clad in shining armor.
A2 adjective /ˈkɒmɪk/

comic

Meaning
causing or meant to cause laughter
Example
The movie had several comic scenes.
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.
A1 adjective /kuːl/

cool

Meaning
moderately cold; calm and composed; fashionable or impressive
Example
She kept a cool head during the crisis.
C2 noun /ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/

carte blanche

Meaning
complete freedom to act as one wishes
Example
The manager gave her team carte blanche to design the project.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsɪlər/

councilor

Meaning
an elected member of a council, especially a local government body
Example
The councilor held a public meeting to discuss local issues.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvi/

covey

Meaning
a small group of birds, especially partridges or quails
Example
A covey of quails flew across the field.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwɪnɪti/

consanguinity

Meaning
The fact of being descended from the same ancestor; blood relationship.
Example
The degree of consanguinity was important in inheritance laws.
C2 noun /ˌkæstɪˈɡeɪʃən/

castigation

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

creek

Meaning
a small stream or narrow river
Example
We went fishing by the creek near our house.
C1 verb kəˈrɒb.ə.reɪt

corroborate

Meaning
Confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.
Example
The witness corroborated the defendant's testimony.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈsɛlɪbət/

celibate

Meaning
abstaining from marriage and sexual relations; a person who does so
Example
He chose to remain celibate for religious reasons.
B2 verb /kənˈtɛnd/

contend

Meaning
to strive or compete for something; to assert earnestly
Example
Athletes from around the world contend for the championship.
C1 adjective /kəmˈplɪsɪt/

complicit

Meaning
involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Example
He was found complicit in the crime.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊ.ərd/

Coward

Meaning
a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things
Example
He called himself a coward for not standing up to the bully.
C2 verb /ˈkævəl/

cavil

Meaning
to make petty or unnecessary objections
Example
She caviled at every detail of the plan.
A2 verb /tʃɑːrdʒ/

charge

Meaning
to demand payment; to formally accuse; to rush forward aggressively
Example
The store charges extra for home delivery.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒm.pɪ.tənt/

Competent

Meaning
having the necessary skill or knowledge to do something successfully; capable
Example
She is a competent manager who handles all tasks efficiently.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːr.tən.ti/

Certainty

Meaning
firm conviction that something is the case; the quality of being reliably true
Example
We can say with certainty that the project will be completed on time.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

Meaning
to offset or balance the effect of something
Example
Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.tər/

counter

Meaning
a flat surface in a shop, bank, or kitchen where transactions or work are done
Example
The cashier stood behind the counter.
B2 noun /kənˈsɪstənsi/

consistency

Meaning
The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way; uniformity.
Example
Consistency in quality is key to customer satisfaction.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.kɔːd/

concord

Meaning
Agreement or harmony between people or groups.
Example
The leaders worked towards international concord.
A1 noun /tʃeɪndʒ/

change

Meaning
The act or instance of making or becoming different.
Example
Change is inevitable for growth.
C1 verb /kriːk/

creak

Meaning
to make a high-pitched, squeaking noise when moved
Example
The old door creaked as she opened it.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpæʃənət/

Compassionate

Meaning
feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others who are suffering
Example
The compassionate nurse took extra time to comfort the worried patients.
C1 noun /ˈkævərn/

cavern

Meaning
a large cave or chamber in a cave
Example
The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain.
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.
C1 noun /krɛst/

crest

Meaning
the top of a hill, wave, or mountain; a symbol of identity
Example
The hikers reached the crest of the mountain at sunrise.
B2 noun /ˈkʌs.tə.mər rɪˈten.ʃən/

Customer Retention

Meaning
The ability of a company or product to retain its customers over some specified period.
Example
High customer retention increases business sustainability.
C1 noun /ˈkɒn.vɔɪ/

convoy

Meaning
a group of vehicles or ships traveling together, often for protection
Example
The military convoy moved through the desert at dawn.