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C1 noun kəˈlæt.ər.əl

collateral

Meaning
Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default.
Example
The bank requires collateral for loan approval.
C1 noun /kəˈmoʊʃən/

commotion

Meaning
A state of noisy confusion or disturbance.
Example
The sudden commotion in the market drew everyone's attention.
C2 noun /kəˈtæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/

catabolism

Meaning
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.
Example
Catabolism plays a crucial role in cellular energy production.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpætəbl/

compatible

Meaning
Able to exist or work together without conflict; harmonious.
Example
This software is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.
B2 adjective /ˈkɜːrtiəs/

courteous

Meaning
polite, respectful, or considerate in manner
Example
The staff at the hotel were very courteous to all guests.
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 /ˈtʃaɪld.laɪk/

Childlike

Meaning
innocent and trusting like a child; having the good qualities of a child; pure and simple
Example
She maintained a childlike wonder about the world around her.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

Meaning
restricted or limited in scope or freedom
Example
Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules.
B1 noun /kəˈnuː/

Canoe

Meaning
a narrow boat pointed at both ends and moved with a paddle
Example
They paddled their canoe down the peaceful stream.
B2 noun /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

capability

Meaning
The ability or capacity to do something.
Example
The telescope's capability is unparalleled.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/

cartography

Meaning
The science or practice of drawing maps.
Example
She studied cartography at university to learn how to design maps.
A1 verb /kɔːl/

call

Meaning
to say something loudly; to telephone someone; to name
Example
Please call me when you arrive home.
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.
C1 noun /kəˈθɑːrsɪs/

catharsis

Meaning
The process of releasing strong emotions, providing relief.
Example
Writing in her diary was a form of catharsis for her.
C2 adjective /kəˈnaɪ.vɪŋ/

conniving

Meaning
secretly scheming or plotting to help in wrongdoing
Example
He is a conniving politician who manipulates people for power.
C2 adjective /kəˈmɛnʃərət/

commensurate

Meaning
corresponding in size, degree, or extent; proportionate
Example
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnsəl/

consul

Meaning
an official appointed by a government to live in a foreign city and protect its citizens and interests there
Example
The consul assisted travelers who lost their passports.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /kræs/

crass

Meaning
lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence
Example
His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
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.
C1 noun /kənˈfɛdərəsi/

confederacy

Meaning
a group of states, people, or organizations united for a common purpose
Example
The southern states formed a confederacy during the civil war.
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 /ˈkɒn.kɔːd/

concord

Meaning
Agreement or harmony between people or groups.
Example
The leaders worked towards international concord.
C1 noun /kənˈkʌrəns/

concurrence

Meaning
Agreement or union in action, opinion, or occurrence; simultaneous happening of events.
Example
The project was completed with the concurrence of all departments.
C1 noun /ˈkærət/

carat

Meaning
a unit of weight for precious stones, equal to 200 milligrams
Example
She received a two-carat diamond ring for her engagement.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnɪfər/

conifer

Meaning
a type of tree that bears cones and evergreen needle-like leaves, such as pine or fir
Example
The forest is dominated by conifers like pine and spruce.
A2 adverb /kəmˈpliːtli/

completely

Meaning
totally; in every way possible
Example
The room was completely silent.
A1 noun /kæt/

Cat

Meaning
a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws
Example
The cat sat on the windowsill watching birds.
C2 noun /kərˈmʌdʒən/

curmudgeon

Meaning
a bad-tempered, cranky, or irritable person, usually old
Example
The old curmudgeon complained about everything in the neighborhood.
A2 noun /kriːm/

Cream

Meaning
the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid that rises to the top of milk
Example
She whipped the cream until it became fluffy.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/

competence

Meaning
the ability to do something successfully or efficiently
Example
Her competence as a manager impressed the board.
B1 noun/verb /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/

compliment

Meaning
a polite expression of praise or admiration; to politely praise someone
Example
She complimented him on his excellent presentation.
B1 noun ˈkɒnsept

concept

Meaning
An abstract idea or general notion
Example
The concept of chasing two rabbits teaches focus.
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 /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.
B2 adjective ˈkʌtɪŋ ˌɛdʒ

cutting-edge

Meaning
The most advanced or innovative; at the forefront of development.
Example
This company develops cutting-edge technology.
B1 verb /kæst/

cast

Meaning
to throw; to choose actors for a play; to shape metal
Example
The fisherman casts his line into the water.
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 adjective /ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk/

cataclysmic

Meaning
Relating to or denoting a violent natural event or upheaval.
Example
The war had cataclysmic effects on the nation's economy.
B1 verb /kənˈsʌlt/

consult

Meaning
To seek advice or information from someone with expertise.
Example
You should consult a doctor before starting the treatment.
C2 noun /ˈklæpər/

clapper

Meaning
The free-swinging metal piece inside a bell that strikes it to produce sound.
Example
The clapper inside the bell was broken.
C2 adjective /sərˈkjuːɪtəs/

circuitous

Meaning
Longer than the most direct way; roundabout.
Example
He took a circuitous route to avoid traffic.
B1 noun /kənˌfɜːˈmeɪʃən/

confirmation

Meaning
the action of confirming something or the state of being confirmed
Example
She received a confirmation email for her appointment.
C2 adjective /kəˈmoʊdiəs/

commodious

Meaning
spacious and comfortable; having plenty of room
Example
They rented a commodious apartment in the city.
C1 verb ˌkəʊ.əˈles

coalesce

Meaning
Come together and form one mass or whole; unite to form one organization or group.
Example
The different theories coalesced into one unified idea.
C2 adjective /kənˈtraɪt/

contrite

Meaning
feeling or showing remorse or guilt
Example
She was contrite after realizing her mistake.
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 adjective /ˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd/

complicated

Meaning
consisting of many interconnected parts; difficult to understand
Example
The instructions for the machine are too complicated to follow.
A2 noun /klaʊd/

Cloud

Meaning
a visible mass of condensed water vapour floating in the atmosphere above the ground
Example
Dark clouds gathered before the storm.
A2 verb /tʃiːt/

cheat

Meaning
to act dishonestly; to break rules for advantage
Example
He cheats on the exam by copying answers.
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.
B2 verb /ˈkaʊnsəl/

counsel

Meaning
to give professional advice or guidance to someone
Example
The teacher counseled the students on their career choices.
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.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkɒnflɪkt/

conflict

Meaning
A serious disagreement or argument, often a prolonged one.
Example
The two countries are trying to resolve the conflict through negotiations.
A1 noun /kɑːrd/

card

Meaning
A small, flat piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard used for various purposes, such as identification, greetings, or playing games.
Example
She handed me her business card after the meeting.
C1 verb /ˈsenʃər/

censure

Meaning
to criticize severely; to express strong disapproval
Example
The committee censured the politician for his misconduct.
A2 verb /kjʊər/

cure

Meaning
to make someone healthy again after an illness
Example
The new medicine cured her of the infection.
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 ˌkʌl.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən

culmination

Meaning
The highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time.
Example
The project reached its culmination after years of effort.
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.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɪl.i ˈpaʊ.dər/

Chilli Powder

Meaning
a spice made from ground dried chili peppers, used to add heat and flavor to food
Example
Add two teaspoons of chilli powder to make the dish spicier.
C2 noun /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃn/

circumlocution

Meaning
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
Example
The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution.
A2 noun /ˈkʌstəmər/

customer

Meaning
a person or organization that buys goods or services from a store or business
Example
The shopkeeper greeted the customer with a smile.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

cord

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

component

Meaning
a part or element of a larger whole, especially a machine or system
Example
The engine is the most important component of the car.
B2 adjective ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl

controversial

Meaning
Giving rise to public disagreement or heated discussion.
Example
The policy remains controversial.
B2 noun /ˈkɒləni/

colony

Meaning
a territory or community controlled by another country or group of people
Example
India was once a British colony.
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.
C1 adjective /kənˈvɜːrdʒənt/

convergent

Meaning
tending to move toward a common point or result
Example
The two rivers have a convergent path before entering the lake.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒnvɛks/

convex

Meaning
curved or rounded outward
Example
The lens has a convex shape to focus light.
B1 noun ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwəns

consequence

Meaning
A result or effect of an action or condition.
Example
Every action has a consequence.
C1 verb, noun /klɑːɡ/

clog

Meaning
to block or become blocked; a type of heavy wooden shoe
Example
The sink was clogged with food waste.
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 noun /ˈkjuː.kʌm.bər/

Cucumber

Meaning
a long green vegetable with watery flesh, eaten raw in salads or cooked
Example
I added fresh cucumber slices to my salad.
A2 noun /tʃɜːrtʃ/

church

Meaning
a building used for public Christian worship
Example
The old church in the village was built in the 18th century.
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 noun /kəˈræf/

carafe

Meaning
a glass container without handles used for serving drinks like water or wine
Example
The waiter brought a carafe of water to the table.
A2 noun /ˈkɜːr.tən/

Curtain

Meaning
a piece of material suspended at the top to form a covering or screen, typically movable sideways
Example
She drew the curtains to block out the bright sunlight.
C1 noun ˌkɒn.əˈteɪ.ʃən

connotation

Meaning
The implied or suggested meaning of a word beyond its literal definition
Example
The word 'home' has a warm connotation of comfort and family.
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 adjective /kəˈnjuːbiəl/

connubial

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple.
Example
They celebrated their connubial bliss with a honeymoon trip.
C1 noun ˈkɑːr.bən ˌsiː.kwəˈstreɪ.ʃən

carbon sequestration

Meaning
The process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate or defer global warming.
Example
Forests play a key role in carbon sequestration.
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, 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 verb /ˈkɒnsəntreɪt/

concentrate

Meaning
to focus all one's attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity
Example
She tried to concentrate on her studies despite the noise.
B2 noun /kənˈdenst mɪlk/

Condensed milk

Meaning
milk from which water has been removed and sugar added, creating a thick, sweet product
Example
The recipe calls for a can of condensed milk to make the dessert extra creamy.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɪviəl/

convivial

Meaning
friendly, lively, and enjoyable; sociable
Example
The party had a convivial atmosphere with music and laughter.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪstri/

chemistry

Meaning
the branch of science that studies substances and their interactions; also the emotional connection between people
Example
They have great chemistry and work well together.
C2 noun /ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks/

calisthenics

Meaning
exercises that use body weight for strength and flexibility
Example
She practices calisthenics every morning in the park.
B2 verb/noun /ˈsɛnsər/

censor

Meaning
to suppress or remove parts of books, films, or information considered offensive or harmful; a person who does this
Example
The government tried to censor the controversial film.
B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mæks/

Climax

Meaning
the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; the highest or most intense point in a process
Example
The movie reached its climax during the final battle scene.
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.
B1 noun /kəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃən/

communication

Meaning
The act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc.
Example
Effective communication is crucial for any successful project.
B2 adjective /ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i/

Complimentary

Meaning
expressing praise or admiration; given or supplied free of charge as a courtesy
Example
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast for all guests.
A2 noun /kraɪm/

crime

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

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
A2 noun /ˈkæptɪn/

Captain

Meaning
a military officer of middle rank; the person in command of a ship or aircraft
Example
The captain ordered his troops to advance forward.
B1 noun /kraʊn/

Crown

Meaning
a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority
Example
The queen wore a magnificent crown during the coronation ceremony.
B1 noun ˈkɒn.fər.əns

conference

Meaning
A formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically one that takes place over several days.
Example
The climate conference emphasized renewable energy.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɪtəˌdɛl/

citadel

Meaning
A fortress protecting or dominating a city.
Example
The ancient citadel stood guard over the town for centuries.
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.
B1 noun /ˈsiːlɪŋ/

ceiling

Meaning
the upper interior surface of a room
Example
The ceiling of the hall was painted beautifully.
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 /ˈkɑr.ɡoʊ ʃɪp/

Cargo ship

Meaning
a ship or vessel that carries goods and materials from one port to another
Example
The cargo ship transported containers filled with electronics across the ocean.
B2 adverb /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

consequently

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

creations

Meaning
Things that have been created, especially works of art or imaginative works.
Example
His creations astonished the world.
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 /ˈkærɪkətjʊə/

caricature

Meaning
A picture or description that exaggerates certain features for comic or satirical effect.
Example
The magazine published a caricature of the politician.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪkjələm/

curriculum

Meaning
The subjects comprising a course of study in a school, college, or university.
Example
The school updated its curriculum to include more digital literacy courses.
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.
A2 noun/verb /ˈsɜːrkəl/

circle

Meaning
a round shape; to move all the way around something
Example
The children sat in a circle.
B2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛstɪd/

congested

Meaning
Blocked up with too much traffic or crowding.
Example
The road was congested during rush hour.
C2 adjective /kəmˈprɛsəbl̩/

compressible

Meaning
Capable of being compressed or reduced in volume.
Example
Air is a compressible substance, unlike water.
C1 noun ˈkɔː.pəs

corpus

Meaning
A large collection of linguistic data used for language analysis and research.
Example
Linguists use a corpus to analyze language patterns.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

Meaning
to offset or balance the effect of something
Example
Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress.