complication
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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 /kroʊ/

Crow

Meaning
a large black bird known for its intelligence and harsh call
Example
The crow cawed loudly from the tree branch.
C2 verb /kɔːk/

caulk

Meaning
to seal a crack or gap with a waterproof filler
Example
He caulked the window frames to stop the draft.
B2 verb kəˈlæbəreɪt

collaborate

Meaning
To work jointly with others, especially in an intellectual endeavor; cooperate.
Example
Volunteers often collaborate with local organizations.
C1 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.bəʊn/

Collar-bone

Meaning
either of the pair of bones joining the breastbone to the shoulder blades; clavicle
Example
He broke his collar-bone in the accident.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrkəs/

carcass

Meaning
the dead body of an animal, especially after being slaughtered
Example
Vultures fed on the carcass left in the field.
B2 adjective /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

Convincing

Meaning
believable; credible; persuasive; able to make someone believe something
Example
His convincing argument won over the entire jury.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛl.əˌbreɪ.tɪd/

celebrated

Meaning
Widely known and praised; famous for an achievement.
Example
He is a celebrated author in the field of literature.
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.
B2 noun /kɒt/

Cot

Meaning
a small bed, especially a portable one or one for a baby
Example
The baby sleeps peacefully in her cot.
C1 noun /kənˈdəʊləns/

condolence

Meaning
An expression of sympathy, especially on the occasion of death.
Example
She offered her sincere condolence to the grieving family.
C1 noun /kuːp/

coop

Meaning
a small enclosure or cage for chickens or other birds
Example
The farmer checked the chickens in the coop every morning.
C2 verb /kəˈraʊz/

carouse

Meaning
to drink and enjoy oneself noisily, often with others
Example
They stayed up all night to carouse after the victory.
B2 adjective ˈkʌtɪŋ ˌɛdʒ

cutting-edge

Meaning
The most advanced or innovative; at the forefront of development.
Example
This company develops cutting-edge technology.
B2 noun /ˈtʃɒp.ər/

Chopper

Meaning
a tool with a heavy blade for chopping wood; a helicopter
Example
The lumberjack swung the chopper to cut down the tree.
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.
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 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.
B2 adjective /ˌkɒn.fɪˈden.ʃəl/

Confidential

Meaning
secret; private; intended to be kept secret
Example
Please keep this information confidential.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

Meaning
things that are completely different or opposite to each other
Example
Freedom and slavery are contraries in every sense.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

cord

Meaning
a long, thin, flexible string or rope
Example
He tied the package with a strong cord.
B2 noun /kənˈvɛn.ʃən.əl ˈfɑːr.mɪŋ/

conventional farming

Meaning
Traditional farming method using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and modern technology.
Example
Conventional farming increases crop production using fertilizers.
B1 noun /kɒp/

cop

Meaning
a police officer (informal)
Example
The cop stopped the car for speeding.
B2 adverb /ˈkrɪtɪkli/

critically

Meaning
in a way that expresses disapproval or a very serious, important way
Example
He was critically injured in the accident.
B2 verb /kəˈrɛspɒnd/

correspond

Meaning
to communicate by exchanging letters or messages
Example
I correspond regularly with my old friends.
C1 noun /kəˈmɪtl̩/

committal

Meaning
The action of sending a person to prison or a mental hospital; also the act of committing something to a particular place.
Example
The judge ordered the committal of the accused to custody.
B2 noun /ˈkænjən/

canyon

Meaning
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
Example
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
C1 noun /krʌks/

crux

Meaning
the most important or decisive point of an issue
Example
The crux of the problem lies in poor communication.
B2 noun /ˈkɜːr.tə.si/

Courtesy

Meaning
the showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others; a polite gesture or remark
Example
He showed great courtesy by holding the door open for elderly people.
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 /kəmˈpoʊzd/

composed

Meaning
calm and in control of oneself; made up of or formed from
Example
He remained composed even under pressure.
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.
C1 verb koʊˈɜrs

coerce

Meaning
To force someone to do something against their will using threats or intimidation.
Example
The manager tried to coerce the employees into working overtime.
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 adjective /ˈkʌsɪd/

cussed

Meaning
Annoyingly stubborn or difficult.
Example
He was too cussed to admit his mistake.
B1 adverb /ˈkʌrəntli/

currently

Meaning
at the present time; now
Example
He is currently working on a new project.
C1 noun /ˌkɒndʒʊˈɡeɪʃən/

conjugation

Meaning
the variation of the form of a verb to indicate tense, person, and number
Example
French verbs have complex conjugations.
C1 adjective /kəmˈplaɪənt/

compliant

Meaning
Willing to agree with or follow rules, requests, or demands.
Example
She was compliant with all the safety requirements.
C1 noun /ˈsɪ.nɪk/

Cynic

Meaning
a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest; someone who is skeptical about human nature
Example
The old cynic believed that politicians only cared about getting votes.
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 verb /ˈkɒmpənseɪtɪd/

compensated

Meaning
to have been given something, typically money, as a recompense for loss, suffering, or work done
Example
The workers were compensated for their overtime hours.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
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.
B1 noun /kriˈeɪ.ʃənz/

creations

Meaning
Things that have been created, especially works of art or imaginative works.
Example
His creations astonished the world.
C2 noun /tʃɜːrl/

churl

Meaning
A rude, boorish, or ill-mannered person.
Example
The waiter was such a churl that customers left unhappy.
B2 noun /kaʊtʃ/

Couch

Meaning
a long upholstered seat for more than one person, typically with a back and arms
Example
The family gathered on the couch to watch a movie.
B2 adverb /kənˈvɜːrsli/

conversely

Meaning
in an opposite or contrary manner
Example
He is rich, conversely, his brother struggles financially.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛntɪɡreɪd/

centigrade

Meaning
Relating to the Celsius temperature scale, where water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.
Example
The weather forecast predicted 30 degrees centigrade.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkælɪbər/

caliber

Meaning
The quality of someone's ability or character; the internal diameter of a gun barrel.
Example
The university attracts students of high caliber.
B1 verb /klæp/

clap

Meaning
To strike the palms of the hands together, usually to express approval or create a sharp sound.
Example
The audience began to clap loudly after the performance.
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.
B2 noun /ˌklærɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

clarification

Meaning
The action of making a statement or situation less confused and more clearly comprehensible.
Example
The manager requested clarification on the project details.
A2 verb /tʃɪər/

cheer

Meaning
to shout in encouragement or support; to make someone feel happier
Example
The fans cheered loudly when their team scored a goal.
B1 adjective /ˈklæsɪk/

classic

Meaning
Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
Example
That movie is a classic example of 90s comedy.
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.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːr.dɪ.nəl/

cardinal

Meaning
As an adjective: of prime importance; as a noun: a high-ranking Catholic clergyman or a type of bird.
Example
Honesty is a cardinal virtue in life.
C1 noun /ˈkɒntrəbænd/

contraband

Meaning
goods that are illegal to import, export, or possess
Example
The police seized a shipment of contraband cigarettes.
A2 noun /klʌb/

club

Meaning
an organization of people with a common interest; also a place for social gatherings or entertainment
Example
He joined the local tennis club to meet new people.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.dɚ/

candor

Meaning
The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.
Example
She spoke with candor about the challenges she faced.
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 noun sɜːrˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm

circadian rhythm

Meaning
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle that occurs within 24 hours
Example
Exposure to natural light regulates the circadian rhythm.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈkræfti/

crafty

Meaning
skilled at achieving goals through cunning or deceit; sly
Example
The crafty fox evaded the hunters again.
A2 adjective /ˈkraʊdɪd/

crowded

Meaning
filled with too many people or things
Example
The bus was so crowded that I could hardly move.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkʌm.fərt/

Comfort

Meaning
a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint; relief from distress or anxiety
Example
The soft sofa provided great comfort after a long day at work.
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 /kɒŋk/

Conck

Meaning
a shell, especially a large spiral one used as a horn or for decoration
Example
The priest blew the conch shell to signal the start of the ceremony.
A2 adjective /ˈkʌlərfəl/

colorful

Meaning
having bright colors; full of variety or interest
Example
The festival was full of colorful decorations.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊ.bɑːr/

Crowbar

Meaning
a heavy iron bar with a curved end used as a lever for prying things apart
Example
He used a crowbar to remove the old nails.
B1 verb /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/

contribute

Meaning
to give something, especially money, time, or effort, to help achieve or provide something
Example
Everyone contributed money to buy a farewell gift for the teacher.
A2 verb /tʃiːt/

cheat

Meaning
to act dishonestly; to break rules for advantage
Example
He cheats on the exam by copying answers.
C1 noun /ˈkɒrənər/

coroner

Meaning
an official who investigates sudden, violent, or suspicious deaths
Example
The coroner determined the cause of death was natural.
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 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.
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 /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.
C2 noun /ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə/

cornucopia

Meaning
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
Example
The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets.
C1 noun /ˈkʌl.ən.dər/

Colander

Meaning
a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with holes in it used for draining food such as pasta or rice
Example
She drained the pasta using a colander.
C1 verb /ˈsenʃər/

censure

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

competence

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

corps

Meaning
a branch of the military or a group organized for a specific purpose
Example
He joined the army corps after graduation.
A1 noun /kæn/

Can

Meaning
a metal container for food or drink
Example
I opened a can of soup for lunch.
B2 adjective ˈkʌl.ɪ.nər.i

culinary

Meaning
Related to cooking or the preparation of food, especially in a sophisticated or professional manner.
Example
Culinary advancements enhance the dining experience.
A2 noun /ˈkrɒk.ə.daɪl/

Crocodile

Meaning
a large reptile with a long mouth and sharp teeth that lives in rivers and lakes in hot countries
Example
The crocodile slowly moved through the murky water.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːʃənˌɛri/

cautionary

Meaning
serving as a warning; intended to prevent problems or mistakes by giving advice or examples
Example
The report offers a cautionary message about unchecked spending.
B1 noun /krɒp/

crop

Meaning
plants that are grown and harvested for food or other use
Example
The farmers harvested their rice crop in autumn.
B2 verb /koʊˈɔːrdɪˌneɪt/

coordinate

Meaning
to organize people or things so that they work together effectively
Example
We need to coordinate our efforts to finish the project on time.
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.
C1 noun /kɔːrs flaʊər/

Course flour

Meaning
coarsely ground flour with larger particles, typically used for baking bread
Example
She used course flour to make homemade bread with a rustic texture.
A2 noun /ˈkoʊkənʌt/

Coconut

Meaning
a large brown seed with hard shell containing white flesh and coconut water
Example
We drank coconut water directly from the coconut.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpensətɔːri/

compensatory

Meaning
serving to make up for a loss, damage, or injury
Example
The court awarded him compensatory damages.
C1 verb /koʊks/

coax

Meaning
to persuade someone gently or gradually to do something
Example
She managed to coax the cat out of the tree with some food.
C1 verb /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/

civilize

Meaning
to bring a society or group to a more developed, organized, or socially acceptable state; to educate and refine behavior
Example
Education can help civilize communities by promoting shared values and respect.
B2 adjective /kənˈsɪd.ər.ɪt/

Considerate

Meaning
showing careful thought about the feelings or wishes of others; thoughtful
Example
He is always considerate of others' feelings.
B2 adjective /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/

conservative

Meaning
Favoring traditional views and values; resistant to change.
Example
He has conservative views on family and society.
A1 noun /kaʊ/

Cow

Meaning
a large farm animal kept for milk or meat
Example
The cow produces fresh milk every morning.
B1 verb /tʃuː/

chew

Meaning
to bite food into smaller pieces with your teeth before swallowing it
Example
You should chew your food properly to help with digestion.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪ.tɪf/

caitiff

Meaning
A contemptible or cowardly person.
Example
The knight despised the caitiff who betrayed his comrades.
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.
B1 noun /ˌkrɪstiˈænɪti/

christianity

Meaning
the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ
Example
Christianity has millions of followers around the world.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/

contemptuous

Meaning
showing or expressing contempt; scornful
Example
She gave him a contemptuous glance.
B2 adjective ˌkɑː.bən ˈnjuː.trəl

carbon-neutral

Meaning
Having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere; not adding to overall carbon emissions.
Example
The company aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030.
B2 verb /kənˈsɜːrv/

conserve

Meaning
to protect something from harm or destruction; to use resources carefully to avoid waste
Example
We must conserve water during the dry season.
B2 noun /kəˈroʊnə/

corona

Meaning
a crown or crown-like structure; also refers to the outer atmosphere of the sun
Example
The sun's corona was visible during the total solar eclipse.
C1 noun /kənˈspɪrə.tər/

conspirator

Meaning
a person who secretly plans with others to do something unlawful or harmful
Example
The conspirator was arrested before the plan could be carried out.
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.
C2 noun /ˌkæstɪˈɡeɪʃən/

castigation

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

convey

Meaning
To communicate or make known; to transport or carry from one place to another.
Example
The teacher conveys the lesson clearly to students.
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 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.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
C2 adjective /kəˈmɛnʃərət/

commensurate

Meaning
corresponding in size, degree, or extent; proportionate
Example
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

chord

Meaning
A group of musical notes played or sung together; also a straight line segment joining two points on a curve.
Example
She strummed a simple chord on the guitar.
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 noun /ˈtʃæplɪn/

chaplain

Meaning
A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.
Example
The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle.