columnist
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
C1 noun /ˈkɒləmnɪst/

columnist

Meaning
a journalist who regularly writes articles or opinions for a newspaper or magazine
Example
The columnist wrote an article about climate change.
A2 noun ˈsen.tərz

centers

Meaning
The middle point of a circle or sphere, equidistant from every point on the circumference or surface; a place or group of buildings where a specified activity is concentrated.
Example
Centers drive regional development.
C2 verb /kɒnˈkætəneɪt/

concatenate

Meaning
To link things together in a series or chain.
Example
The program concatenates two strings into one.
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.
B2 noun /kəˈlɑːʒ/

collage

Meaning
A piece of art made by sticking various materials such as photographs or paper onto a surface.
Example
She created a collage using old magazine pictures.
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 verb/noun /ˈkrɒn.ɪ.kəl/

chronicle

Meaning
To record events in the order in which they happened; a written record of historical events.
Example
She decided to chronicle her journey through a blog.
C2 noun /ˌkʌl.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

culpability

Meaning
responsibility for a fault or wrong; blameworthiness
Example
The jury considered his level of culpability in the crime.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkʌm.pə.ni/

company

Meaning
a business organization; the presence of other people
Example
She started her own company to sell handmade products.
A2 noun /ˈsɪɡəˌrɛt/

cigarette

Meaning
a small roll of finely cut tobacco wrapped in paper for smoking
Example
He lit a cigarette after dinner.
B2 adjective /ˈkɑːmjənl/

communal

Meaning
Shared by all members of a community; for common use.
Example
The villagers worked together in the communal garden.
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.
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.
B2 adjective kəˈləʊ.ni.əl

colonial

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonialism, especially involving the control of one country by another.
Example
Colonial rule suppressed local governance.
B2 verb /kənˈstrʌkt/

construct

Meaning
to build or form something by putting parts together
Example
They plan to construct a new bridge over the river.
C1 noun /ˈkæv.əl.ri/

Cavalry

Meaning
soldiers who fight on horseback; the part of an army formerly composed of troops on horseback
Example
The cavalry charged across the field with great speed.
C1 adjective sɪˈlɛstʃəl

celestial

Meaning
Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy.
Example
The celestial bodies in the sky were clearly visible last night.
C1 verb /kənˈstrɪkt/

constrict

Meaning
to make narrower or tighter; to shrink or compress
Example
The snake constricted its prey before swallowing.
B2 verb /ˈkɑːmpənseɪt/

compensate

Meaning
to give something to make up for loss or damage; to counterbalance
Example
The company will compensate employees for overtime work.
B1 adjective /kriˈeɪtɪv/

creative

Meaning
Having the ability to produce new and original ideas or things.
Example
She is very creative in her writing.
B1 noun /ˌsɪvɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

civilization

Meaning
the stage of human social and cultural development and organization considered most advanced
Example
Ancient Egypt is known for its remarkable civilization.
A1 adjective /kuːl/

cool

Meaning
moderately cold; calm and composed; fashionable or impressive
Example
She kept a cool head during the crisis.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpensətɔːri/

compensatory

Meaning
serving to make up for a loss, damage, or injury
Example
The court awarded him compensatory damages.
B2 noun /ˈsen.tɪ.piːd/

Centipede

Meaning
a long thin creature with many legs that lives in dark places
Example
I found a centipede crawling under the rock.
A2 verb /kəˈnɛkt/

connect

Meaning
To join or fasten together; to establish a link or relationship.
Example
Social media helps us connect with others.
C1 noun /kræɡ/

crag

Meaning
a steep or rugged cliff or rock face
Example
The hikers climbed the jagged crag to reach the summit.
C1 noun /krʌtʃ/

crutch

Meaning
a support used by someone injured to walk; also something relied upon for support or help
Example
He had to use crutches after breaking his leg.
C2 adjective /kəmˈprɛsəbl̩/

compressible

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

corollary

Meaning
a direct or natural consequence or result
Example
One corollary of the new policy was increased public awareness.
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.
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.
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 /ˈkaʊnti/

county

Meaning
A territorial division within a country, typically a region with its own local government.
Example
She grew up in a small county in northern England.
C1 noun ˈkəmˌpaʊndɪŋ

compounding

Meaning
The process whereby interest is added to an amount of money and future interest is calculated on the total.
Example
Compounding interest increases the value of investments over time.
C1 noun /ˈʃɪvəlri/

chivalry

Meaning
The medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious code; courteous behavior, especially toward women.
Example
The knight lived by the code of chivalry.
A1 noun /ˈtʃɪk.ən/

Chicken

Meaning
a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat; the meat of this bird used as food
Example
The chicken laid fresh eggs every morning.
B2 noun kjuːz

cues

Meaning
Signals or hints from conversation or environment that help understanding
Example
Facial expressions provide cues about a person's emotions.
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 noun /kɒŋk/

Conch

Meaning
a large sea shell that can be used as a horn; the marine mollusk that lives in such a shell
Example
The fisherman blew the conch shell to signal the end of the day.
C1 noun /tʃæmp/

champ

Meaning
an informal word for champion or winner.
Example
He is the new champ of the boxing tournament.
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 /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 noun /kwɪˈziːn/

cuisine

Meaning
A style or method of cooking, especially characteristic of a particular country or region.
Example
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world.
C1 noun kəˈmɛns.mənt

commencement

Meaning
The beginning of something; a ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are conferred on graduating students.
Example
The commencement ceremony marked the start of a new journey.
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 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.
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.
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.
A1 verb /kɔːst/

cost

Meaning
to have a price of; to require payment; to cause loss
Example
This book will cost twenty dollars.
B2 noun/adjective /səˈvɪliən/

civilian

Meaning
a person not in the armed forces or police
Example
The area was evacuated to protect the civilians.
C2 adjective /kəˈrɛlətɪv/

correlative

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

comfortable

Meaning
Giving a feeling of physical ease and relaxation; free from hardship or unpleasant conditions.
Example
Urban planning aims to make cities more comfortable.
C1 verb /kəmˈprɛs/

compress

Meaning
to press or squeeze something so that it becomes smaller
Example
The file was compressed to save storage space.
B2 adverb /ˈklɒkwaɪz/

Clockwise

Meaning
in the direction that clock hands move; in a circular direction from left to right
Example
Turn the valve clockwise to tighten it.
B2 noun; verb /ˈkætəlɒɡ/

catalogue

Meaning
a complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or systematic order; to make a systematic list of items
Example
The library decided to catalogue all new books digitally.
C1 verb /kənˈsaɪn/

consign

Meaning
to deliver something to a person or place, often for selling or safekeeping
Example
He consigned the package to the shipping company.
B1 adjective ˈkrɪtɪkəl

critical

Meaning
Extremely important; at a point of crisis or urgency.
Example
Addressing critical issues in education is imperative.
A1 verb /klɪr/

clear

Meaning
to remove obstructions; to make clean or transparent
Example
Please clear the table after dinner.
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.
C1 noun /koʊˈhɪr.əns/

coherence

Meaning
The quality of being logical and consistent; forming a unified whole.
Example
The essay lacked coherence, making it hard to follow.
B1 noun /tʃiːf/

chief

Meaning
a leader or person in charge of a group or organization
Example
The chief of the village made an important decision.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʌktəbl̩/

conductible

Meaning
capable of being conducted, especially electricity or heat
Example
Copper is highly conductible to electricity.
A2 verb /kəmˈpliːt/

complete

Meaning
to finish making or doing something; to bring something to an end
Example
She managed to complete the project on time.
C2 adjective /kəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/

Capacious

Meaning
having a lot of space inside; roomy and spacious
Example
The capacious hall can accommodate five hundred people.
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.
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 /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.
B2 noun /ˈkæʃ.uː nʌt/

Cashew Nut

Meaning
a kidney-shaped nut with a creamy texture and mild flavor
Example
Cashew nuts are often used in cooking and as a healthy snack.
B1 noun /kəˈsiːnoʊ/

casino

Meaning
a place where people gamble and play games of chance
Example
They spent the evening playing cards at the casino.
C1 noun /ˈkʌntrɪmən/

countryman

Meaning
a person from one's own country or rural area
Example
He was proud to meet a fellow countryman at the international conference.
C2 verb /koʊˈæɡjəˌleɪt/

coagulate

Meaning
to cause a liquid, especially blood, to change into a solid or semi-solid state
Example
The blood quickly coagulated after the cut.
B2 noun /ˌkɑm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/

Compensation

Meaning
something given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, loss, injury, or suffering; payment or reward
Example
The company provided financial compensation to the workers injured in the accident.
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.
A2 noun /kəˈlek.ʃən/

Collection

Meaning
a group of objects gathered together; the action or process of collecting
Example
She has an impressive collection of vintage books in her library.
C1 adjective /ˈkæn.dɪd/

Candid

Meaning
truthful and straightforward; frank and honest in expression
Example
I appreciate your candid opinion about the project.
C1 verb /kəˈrəʊd/

corrode

Meaning
to gradually destroy or wear away metal or other materials through chemical action
Example
The iron pipes corroded over time due to exposure to water.
A2 noun /ˌsɛlɪˈbreɪʃən/

celebration

Meaning
a festive event or activity to honor an occasion
Example
The city held a grand celebration on Independence Day.
B2 verb /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/

contemplate

Meaning
to think deeply and carefully about something; to consider thoughtfully
Example
She sat quietly to contemplate her future plans.
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 noun /kriːd/

creed

Meaning
A system of religious or spiritual beliefs or a guiding principle.
Example
Freedom of speech is part of his personal creed.
B1 noun /ˈkɒtɪdʒ/

cottage

Meaning
a small simple house, typically in the countryside
Example
They spent their vacation in a cozy cottage by the lake.
C1 noun /krəˈvæs/

crevasse

Meaning
a deep crack in a glacier or the earth’s surface
Example
The climbers carefully crossed the icy crevasse.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.zəl/

causal

Meaning
relating to or acting as a cause
Example
There is a causal link between smoking and cancer.
A2 noun /ˈsɛlˌfoʊn/

cellphone

Meaning
a portable telephone that uses a cellular network for wireless communication
Example
She forgot her cellphone at home and couldn’t call anyone.
C2 adjective /kəˈkɒfənəs/

cacophonous

Meaning
Producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophonous sounds of the city kept her awake all night.
C2 verb /ˈkæstɪˌɡeɪt/

castigate

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

circlet

Meaning
A small circular band, typically worn as an ornament on the head.
Example
The princess wore a golden circlet on her forehead.
A2 noun /ˈkʊki/

cookie

Meaning
a small sweet baked food, usually with flour, sugar, and butter
Example
She offered me a chocolate chip cookie.
B2 noun /ˈkʌt.lət/

Cutlet

Meaning
a small piece of meat, especially veal or lamb, for frying or grilling
Example
She served delicious chicken cutlets for dinner.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪz.mə/

charisma

Meaning
Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Example
His charisma helped him become a great leader.
B2 noun /ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

classification

Meaning
the action or process of classifying something into groups based on shared characteristics.
Example
The classification of animals helps in understanding their biology.
C1 noun /ˈklaɪəntɛl/

clientele

Meaning
The clients or customers of a professional person or business.
Example
The salon's clientele includes many high-profile individuals.
B2 verb, noun /kəˈmjuːt/

commute

Meaning
Verb: to travel regularly between home and work; Noun: the journey to and from work.
Example
He commutes two hours every day to reach his office.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊhɔːrts/

cohorts

Meaning
Groups of people who share a common feature or experience.
Example
Researchers compared the health outcomes of different cohorts.
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.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːl/

conceal

Meaning
to hide something or keep it secret
Example
He tried to conceal his disappointment behind a smile.
C2 noun /kərˈmʌdʒən/

curmudgeon

Meaning
a bad-tempered, cranky, or irritable person, usually old
Example
The old curmudgeon complained about everything in the neighborhood.
B2 noun /kleɪ/

clay

Meaning
a natural material made of fine earth that becomes hard when baked, used for making pottery
Example
The artist molded the wet clay into a beautiful vase.
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 adjective /kənˈvɜːrsənt/

conversant

Meaning
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
Example
She is conversant with the latest developments in technology.
C1 verb /klæsp/

clasp

Meaning
to grasp or hold tightly; also a device for fastening
Example
She clasped her hands together in prayer.
B2 noun /kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/

Consumption

Meaning
The using up of a resource or the amount of a product consumed by consumers.
Example
High energy consumption leads to increased electricity bills.
C2 noun /ˈkætəˌklɪzəm/

cataclysm

Meaning
A sudden and violent event that causes great destruction or upheaval.
Example
The earthquake was a cataclysm that reshaped the city.
C1 adjective /ˈkæl.əs/

Callous

Meaning
showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others; emotionally hardened
Example
He showed a callous disregard for others' feelings.
C2 noun /ˈkreɪniəm/

cranium

Meaning
the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain
Example
The archaeologists carefully examined the ancient cranium.
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 /ˈklʌstər/

cluster

Meaning
a group of similar things or people positioned close together
Example
The grapes grew in a tight cluster.
B2 adjective /ˈkælkjuleɪtɪd/

calculated

Meaning
Done with full awareness of the consequences; deliberate or carefully planned.
Example
Her calculated move gave her an advantage over her competitors.
C2 adjective /ˌkloʊs ˈhɔːld/

close-hauled

Meaning
of a sailing ship, sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing.
Example
The yacht was close-hauled as it cut through the waves.
C1 noun /kəˈres/

Caress

Meaning
a gentle or loving touch
Example
The mother's gentle caress calmed the crying baby.
C2 noun /səˈlɛrɪti/

celerity

Meaning
swiftness of movement; speed
Example
The soldier moved with great celerity to deliver the message.
C1 verb /ˈsenʃər/

censure

Meaning
to criticize severely; to express strong disapproval
Example
The committee censured the politician for his misconduct.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɑn.ʃəns/

Conscience

Meaning
an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior
Example
His conscience prevented him from lying to his parents about his grades.
C1 noun /ˌkʌl də ˈsæk/

cul de sac

Meaning
A street or passage closed at one end; a dead end.
Example
They bought a house at the end of a quiet cul de sac.
B1 adverb /ˈkɒmənli/

commonly

Meaning
usually or by most people
Example
This phrase is commonly used in everyday speech.
B2 verb /ˈsɜːrkjəˌleɪt/

circulate

Meaning
to move continuously or freely through a closed system or area
Example
Air circulated freely in the open hall.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪsən/

christen

Meaning
to give a name to someone at baptism or to name something officially
Example
They christened the ship after the queen.
B2 noun /sərˈkʌmfərəns/

circumference

Meaning
the distance around the edge of a circle
Example
The teacher asked us to calculate the circumference of the circle.