complain
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A2 verb /kəmˈpleɪn/

complain

Meaning
to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
Example
He often complains about the noise in the neighborhood.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndɪmənts/

condiments

Meaning
Seasonings or sauces used to add flavor to food.
Example
Ketchup and mustard are popular condiments for burgers.
C1 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Ceremonial

Meaning
relating to or used in ceremonies; formal and ritualistic
Example
The ceremonial dress was worn during the royal wedding.
B2 noun /ˈkɒl.ər/

Collar

Meaning
a band of material around the neck; in jewelry context, a close-fitting necklace
Example
She wore an elegant pearl collar to the formal dinner.
C2 adjective /kəˈmɛnʃərət/

commensurate

Meaning
corresponding in size, degree, or extent; proportionate
Example
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪ.nə.naɪt/

canaanite

Meaning
a member of a people who lived in the ancient land of Canaan in the Middle East
Example
The Canaanites were known for their advanced trade networks.
B2 noun /ˈklɪərəns/

clearance

Meaning
official permission or authorization; the removal of something unwanted; the distance between two objects
Example
The pilot received clearance to land the plane.
C2 noun /ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks/

calisthenics

Meaning
exercises that use body weight for strength and flexibility
Example
She practices calisthenics every morning in the park.
A2 verb /tʃiːt/

cheat

Meaning
to act dishonestly; to break rules for advantage
Example
He cheats on the exam by copying answers.
C2 verb /ˈkævəl/

cavil

Meaning
to make petty or unnecessary objections
Example
She caviled at every detail of the plan.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊərdɪs/

cowardice

Meaning
lack of courage; behavior showing fear
Example
His cowardice prevented him from speaking up.
A1 verb /kɔːst/

cost

Meaning
to have a price of; to require payment; to cause loss
Example
This book will cost twenty dollars.
A2 noun tʃɔɪs

choice

Meaning
An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.
Example
Choice enhances decision-making.
C2 noun /ˈkæʒuɪstri/

casuistry

Meaning
The use of clever but false reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions.
Example
The lawyer’s argument was dismissed as mere casuistry.
C1 noun /kənˈtʃɛrtoʊ/

concerto

Meaning
a musical composition for one or more solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra
Example
She played a Mozart concerto with the orchestra.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkɑːr.pən.tər/

Carpenter

Meaning
a person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures
Example
The carpenter built a beautiful wooden cabinet for the kitchen.
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 /ˈkɒn.ʃəs.nəs/

consciousness

Meaning
The state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, sensations, thoughts, and surroundings.
Example
Meditation helps improve consciousness and clarity of thought.
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.
C1 noun /kɑst/

Caste

Meaning
a social class system; a hereditary class of Hindu society
Example
The ancient caste system divided society into different social groups.
A2 noun/verb /kənˈsɜːrn/

concern

Meaning
to relate to or affect; a matter of worry or interest
Example
Environmental issues concern all of us.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːrkɪt/

circuit

Meaning
A roughly circular line, route, or movement that starts and ends at the same place; also an electrical pathway.
Example
The runners completed the circuit around the park.
A2 noun /tʃæns/

chance

Meaning
An opportunity or possibility of something happening.
Example
He took a chance and applied for the job.
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 adjective /ˈkɔː.zəl/

causal

Meaning
relating to or acting as a cause
Example
There is a causal link between smoking and cancer.
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.
C2 verb /kənˈvɑːlv/

convolve

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

contrivance

Meaning
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
Example
The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.
C1 noun/verb /kruːˈseɪd/

crusade

Meaning
a vigorous campaign for a social, political, or religious cause; to fight passionately for a cause
Example
She has been crusading for women's rights all her life.
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.
A2 verb /klɪk/

click

Meaning
to press a button on a computer mouse or similar device
Example
She clicked the link to open the website.
C2 verb /ˈkrɪŋ.kəl/

crinkle

Meaning
To form small creases or wrinkles.
Example
She crinkled her nose at the strange smell.
C2 verb /kənˈdʒɔɪn/

conjoin

Meaning
to join together or unite; to combine
Example
The two rivers conjoin just before reaching the sea.
B2 noun/verb /ˈtʃɑːrtər/

charter

Meaning
a written document granting rights or privileges; to hire a vehicle or vessel for temporary use
Example
The company decided to charter a bus for the trip.
B2 noun /ˈkæt fɪʃ/

Cat fish

Meaning
a freshwater fish with whisker-like barbels around the mouth, commonly found in ponds and rivers
Example
Catfish is often fried and served with rice in Bengali cuisine.
C1 adjective /kənˈɡrɛʃənl/

congressional

Meaning
relating to a congress, especially the US Congress
Example
The bill received strong congressional support.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːldrən/

caldron

Meaning
A large metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking over an open fire.
Example
The witch stirred her potion in a bubbling caldron.
B1 noun /ˈkɑn.træst/

Contrast

Meaning
the state of being strikingly different from something else; comparison showing differences
Example
The contrast between city life and rural life is quite remarkable.
C1 adjective /ˈkæn.dɪd/

Candid

Meaning
truthful and straightforward; frank and honest in expression
Example
I appreciate your candid opinion about the project.
A2 noun; verb /tʃæt/

chat

Meaning
an informal conversation; to talk in a friendly, informal way
Example
We had a long chat after dinner.
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.
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 noun ˈkæp.ɪ.təl.ɪ.zəm

capitalism

Meaning
An economic system where trade, industry and production are privately owned and operated for profit.
Example
Capitalism encourages innovation and competition.
B1 adjective /ˈkɔːʃəs/

cautious

Meaning
careful to avoid potential problems or dangers
Example
She was cautious about trusting strangers.
A1 verb, noun /kraɪ/

cry

Meaning
To shed tears as an expression of emotion such as sadness or pain; also a loud call or shout.
Example
The baby began to cry when she was hungry.
C1 adjective /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtuːɪtɪv/

counterintuitive

Meaning
contrary to what one would intuitively expect
Example
His approach seems counterintuitive but it actually works.
C2 noun /ˈsɛntɔːr/

centaur

Meaning
A mythological creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
Example
The centaur is a well-known figure in Greek mythology.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.kɔːd/

concord

Meaning
Agreement or harmony between people or groups.
Example
The leaders worked towards international concord.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnk.leɪv/

conclave

Meaning
a private meeting, especially a secret or important one
Example
The leaders met in a secret conclave to discuss the strategy.
A1 noun /tʃeɪndʒ/

change

Meaning
The act or instance of making or becoming different.
Example
Change is inevitable for growth.
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.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/

constellation

Meaning
a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern in the night sky
Example
Orion is one of the most famous constellations.
C2 noun /ˈkæbəˌlɪzəm/

cabalism

Meaning
The doctrines, practices, or secretive dealings of a cabal.
Example
The historian wrote extensively about cabalism in the royal court.
C1 verb /ˈkæptɪveɪt/

captivate

Meaning
to attract and hold the interest of; to charm or fascinate
Example
Her beautiful voice captivated the audience.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒnvɛks/

convex

Meaning
curved or rounded outward
Example
The lens has a convex shape to focus light.
C2 adjective /tʃeɪst/

Chaste

Meaning
pure and morally good; abstaining from sexual activity
Example
She lived a chaste and virtuous life.
B1 verb /kənˈfɜːrm/

confirm

Meaning
to establish the truth, accuracy, or validity of something
Example
The hotel will confirm your reservation by email.
B1 noun /kəmˈpəʊzə(r)/

composer

Meaning
a person who writes music, especially classical music
Example
The composer is working on a new symphony.
B2 adjective ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl

controversial

Meaning
Giving rise to public disagreement or heated discussion.
Example
The policy remains controversial.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.li/

contumely

Meaning
insulting or humiliating treatment
Example
He endured the contumely of his colleagues with patience.
C1 noun /ˈkruːsɪbəl/

crucible

Meaning
a severe test or trial; a container used for heating substances to very high temperatures
Example
The team emerged stronger from the crucible of competition.
C1 noun /koʊlt/

Colt

Meaning
a young male horse, especially one under four years old
Example
The farmer trained the young colt to accept a saddle.
C1 noun /krəˈʃɛndoʊ/

crescendo

Meaning
a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music
Example
The orchestra built to a powerful crescendo before the finale.
C2 adjective /ˈkæloʊ/

callow

Meaning
Inexperienced and immature.
Example
The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day.
B1 noun /kənˈstrʌk.ʃən/

construction

Meaning
The building of something, typically a large structure.
Example
Construction dust significantly contributes to pollution.
B1 noun /kəmˈpleɪnt/

complaint

Meaning
a statement that something is wrong or not satisfactory
Example
The manager received a complaint from a customer about poor service.
B1 noun/adjective /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/

characteristic

Meaning
A distinguishing quality or feature of a person, place, or thing.
Example
Kindness is a characteristic of true leadership.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/

contemptuous

Meaning
showing or expressing contempt; scornful
Example
She gave him a contemptuous glance.
A2 noun /klaʊn/

Clown

Meaning
a comic entertainer, especially one in a circus, wearing a traditional costume and exaggerated makeup
Example
The children laughed loudly at the funny clown's silly antics.
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.
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 noun /kəˈleɪʃən/

collation

Meaning
the act of collecting, comparing, and arranging in proper order
Example
The librarian spent hours on the collation of old manuscripts.
C1 verb /ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd/

condescend

Meaning
to behave as if one is superior while being gracious to others
Example
He would not condescend to answer such a trivial question.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

conflagration

Meaning
A large, destructive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property.
Example
The forest was devastated by a massive conflagration that lasted for days.
B1 noun /kəmˈpɛtɪtər/

competitor

Meaning
a person, team, or company that competes with others
Example
The company lowered its prices to beat its main competitor.
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.
B2 adjective/verb /kəˈrʌpt/

corrupt

Meaning
dishonest or morally wrong; to make something impure or evil
Example
The politician was accused of corrupt practices.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ə.pi/

canopy

Meaning
The upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of trees; overhead cover.
Example
The rainforest canopy provides shelter to many birds and insects.
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.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæn.əl/

Channel

Meaning
a television or radio station; a passage for water or other liquids; a means of communication
Example
The news channel provided live coverage of the important event.
A2 noun, adjective /ˈkrɪstʃən/

christian

Meaning
a person who follows the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ
Example
She is a devoted Christian who attends church every Sunday.
B1 adjective /ˈkoʊzi/

cozy

Meaning
giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation
Example
We sat in a cozy little café on a rainy day.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊmə/

coma

Meaning
A deep state of prolonged unconsciousness caused by illness or injury.
Example
The patient remained in a coma for several weeks.
C1 verb /kəˈleɪt/

collate

Meaning
to collect, arrange, and combine in order
Example
The secretary collated the reports before the meeting.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɒnɪk/

chronic

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or constantly recurring, often describing illness.
Example
She suffers from chronic back pain.
B2 adjective kəˈlɛktɪv

collective

Meaning
Done by people acting as a group; shared by all members of a group.
Example
Victory Day represents our collective pride.
B1 adjective ˈkrɪtɪkəl

critical

Meaning
Extremely important; at a point of crisis or urgency.
Example
Addressing critical issues in education is imperative.
C2 adjective /koʊˈiːvəl/

coeval

Meaning
Having the same age, date of origin, or duration; contemporary.
Example
The philosopher was coeval with the rise of modern science.
C2 noun /ˈkaʊntɪŋˌhaʊs/

counting-house

Meaning
a business office where accounts are kept and financial transactions are managed
Example
The merchant spent most of his day in the counting-house reviewing ledgers.
C2 noun /ˈtʃænsəri/

chancery

Meaning
A court of equity or the office of a chancellor.
Example
The case was taken to the chancery court for resolution.
A2 adjective kɑːm

calm

Meaning
Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions; peaceful.
Example
The calm environment supports healing.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːl/

conceal

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

composition

Meaning
the act of creating a piece of writing, music, or art; the way parts are arranged
Example
Her composition won first prize in the contest.
B1 noun /koʊm/

Comb

Meaning
a toothed device for arranging or cleaning the hair
Example
She used a comb to style her hair before the party.
C2 noun /ˈtʃælɪs/

chalice

Meaning
A large cup or goblet, typically used for drinking wine in religious ceremonies.
Example
The priest lifted the golden chalice during the ceremony.
B1 noun /ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/

citizenship

Meaning
the status of being a recognized member of a state or country, with rights and duties
Example
He applied for American citizenship after living there for ten years.
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 /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.
B2 noun /ˌkovuːɪɡˈzɪs.təns/

Co-existence

Meaning
the state of existing together at the same time or in the same place; peaceful cohabitation
Example
The peaceful co-existence of different cultures makes this city unique.
C1 adjective /kənˈstreɪnd/

constrained

Meaning
appearing forced, unnatural, or restricted
Example
He gave a constrained smile during the awkward meeting.
B2 noun /kənˈspɪrəsi/

conspiracy

Meaning
A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
Example
The police uncovered a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
C1 adjective /kəˈnɒnɪkəl/

canonical

Meaning
Conforming to a general rule or accepted standard; officially recognized.
Example
Shakespeare’s works are considered canonical in English literature.
C1 verb /tʃæsˈtaɪz/

chastise

Meaning
to criticize or punish severely
Example
The teacher chastised the student for being late.
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.
A1 noun /klɑːs/

class

Meaning
a group of students taught together or a category of people or things with shared characteristics
Example
Our class meets every morning at nine.
C1 adjective /kənˈtraɪvd/

contrived

Meaning
artificial or forced; not natural or spontaneous
Example
The ending of the movie felt contrived and unrealistic.
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 /kriːk/

creek

Meaning
a small stream or narrow river
Example
We went fishing by the creek near our house.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈtʃiːtər/

cheater

Meaning
a person who cheats or acts dishonestly to gain an advantage
Example
He was caught and labeled as a cheater during the exam.
B2 noun /kənˈstreɪnt/

constraint

Meaning
a limitation or restriction
Example
Time is the biggest constraint in completing the project.
B1 noun /ˈkætl/

cattle

Meaning
large domesticated animals such as cows and bulls that are kept on a farm for their milk, meat, or hides
Example
The farmer owns a herd of cattle that graze near the river.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndaɪn/

condign

Meaning
deserved, appropriate, and fitting (especially punishment)
Example
The criminal received condign punishment for his crimes.
B2 adjective /keɪˈɒtɪk/

Chaotic

Meaning
in a state of complete confusion and disorder
Example
The situation became chaotic after the announcement.
C1 noun, verb /ˈkɒmjuːn/

commune

Meaning
Noun: a group of people living together and sharing possessions; Verb: to share one's thoughts or feelings intimately.
Example
She went to the countryside to commune with nature.
C1 verb /kənˈsɛptʃuəlaɪz/

conceptualize

Meaning
to form an idea or concept of something in your mind
Example
The artist conceptualized a new design for the exhibition.
B2 noun /ˈkæʒ.u.əl.ti/

Casualty

Meaning
a person killed or injured in a war or accident; a victim of circumstances
Example
The hospital treated many casualties from the car accident.