congested
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B2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛstɪd/

congested

Meaning
Blocked up with too much traffic or crowding.
Example
The road was congested during rush hour.
C1 verb /siːd/

cede

Meaning
to give up power, territory, or rights to another
Example
The country ceded territory after losing the war.
B1 adjective /ˈkriːmi/

creamy

Meaning
having a smooth, rich texture like cream
Example
She poured a creamy sauce over the pasta.
B2 noun ˈkæp.sjuːl

capsule

Meaning
A small soluble case of gelatin containing a dose of medicine, swallowed whole.
Example
Capsules contain controlled environments.
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.
A2 noun ˈtʃælɪndʒ

challenge

Meaning
A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a demanding or stimulating one; a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example
Plastic pollution poses a significant challenge to global health.
B2 verb /kəˈmɛnd/

commend

Meaning
to praise formally or officially
Example
The teacher commended the students for their hard work.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrlər/

curler

Meaning
A small roller used for curling hair.
Example
She used a curler to style her hair for the party.
B2 noun /kɜːrv/

Curve

Meaning
a line or outline that gradually deviates from being straight; a bend or turn in a road or path
Example
The driver slowed down as he approached the sharp curve in the mountain road.
B2 noun /ˈkæbɪnət/

Cabinet

Meaning
a piece of furniture with doors and shelves used for storage
Example
The kitchen cabinet is full of dishes and utensils.
B2 noun /ˈkænvəs/

canvas

Meaning
A strong, coarse cloth used for tents, sails, or painting.
Example
The artist prepared a canvas for his new painting.
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 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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.
A2 adjective /ˈkreɪzi/

Crazy

Meaning
mentally ill; extremely foolish; wildly enthusiastic about something
Example
That's a crazy idea, but it might just work.
C2 noun /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/

chiaroscuro

Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːrəl/

choral

Meaning
Relating to, written for, or performed by a choir or chorus.
Example
The church hosted a choral performance on Sunday.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃən/

convolution

Meaning
a twist, coil, or a complex and intricate shape or arrangement
Example
The brain has many convolutions that increase its surface area.
B2 noun /kʌb/

Cub

Meaning
a young bear, lion, tiger, or other large carnivorous mammal
Example
The bear cub stayed close to its mother for protection.
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.
A2 verb /kaʊnt/

count

Meaning
to determine the total number of something
Example
She carefully counted the money on the table.
C2 noun /koʊˈæɡjələnt/

coagulant

Meaning
a substance that causes blood or another liquid to clot
Example
The doctor applied a coagulant to stop the bleeding quickly.
C1 noun ˌkɒn.ʃiˈen.ʃəs.nəs

conscientiousness

Meaning
The quality of wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly; diligence.
Example
Her conscientiousness in work led to a well-organized project.
C1 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/

contravene

Meaning
to go against or act in opposition to a law, rule, or agreement
Example
He contravened the safety regulations and was fined.
C2 verb /kənˈtɔːrt/

contort

Meaning
to twist or bend out of the normal shape
Example
She contorted her face in pain after the injury.
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 noun /ˈkɒtɪdʒ/

cottage

Meaning
a small simple house, typically in the countryside
Example
They spent their vacation in a cozy cottage by the lake.
B2 noun /kraɪˈtɪəriən/

criterion

Meaning
A standard or rule used to make a judgment or decision.
Example
Honesty is an important criterion for this job.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.zəl/

causal

Meaning
relating to or acting as a cause
Example
There is a causal link between smoking and cancer.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

consequential

Meaning
Having important or significant consequences; resulting from something.
Example
The meeting was consequential for the future of the project.
B2 preposition /kənˈsɜːnɪŋ/

concerning

Meaning
about or relating to something; causing worry or anxiety
Example
There are some reports concerning the new project.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkætˌkɔːl/

catcall

Meaning
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval or sexual harassment directed at someone.
Example
The actress ignored the catcalls from the crowd.
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.
C1 verb /kənˈviːn/

convene

Meaning
to come together or assemble, especially for a meeting or formal gathering
Example
The board will convene tomorrow to discuss the new policy.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrtrɪdʒ/

cartridge

Meaning
A container holding a substance or device, such as ink for printers or bullets for firearms.
Example
The printer stopped working because the ink cartridge was empty.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/

contemptuous

Meaning
showing or expressing contempt; scornful
Example
She gave him a contemptuous glance.
B2 noun /ˈkeɪ.ɒs/

Chaos

Meaning
complete disorder and confusion; a state of total confusion with no order
Example
The earthquake caused chaos in the city as buildings collapsed and people panicked.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndʒʊɡəl/

conjugal

Meaning
relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife
Example
They enjoyed a long life of conjugal happiness.
B2 noun /ˈkɒk.roʊtʃ/

Cockroach

Meaning
a flat brown insect that is commonly found in kitchens and other warm places
Example
A cockroach ran across the kitchen floor quickly.
B1 adjective /ˈkæʒ.u.əl/

Casual

Meaning
relaxed and unconcerned; happening by chance; informal
Example
He wore casual clothes to the party.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪ.sən/

chasten

Meaning
to correct or discipline; to humble or subdue
Example
The coach chastened the team after their poor performance.
C2 verb /kəˈnaɪv/

connive

Meaning
to secretly allow or be involved in a wrongdoing
Example
The manager connived with the supplier to cheat the company.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkælvɪnɪzəm/

calvinism

Meaning
A Protestant theological system based on John Calvin’s teachings, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.
Example
Calvinism played a major role in shaping Protestant theology.
B2 verb /klæʃ/

clash

Meaning
to come into conflict or collision with something or someone.
Example
The two cars clashed in the intersection.
A2 adjective /ˈsɜːr.tən/

Certain

Meaning
confident and sure; without doubt; definitely true
Example
I am certain that we will succeed.
B2 verb /kənˈfaɪn/

confine

Meaning
to restrict someone or something within certain limits; to keep someone in a closed space
Example
The prisoner was confined to his cell for 23 hours a day.
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 /kɒzˈmɒlədʒi/

cosmology

Meaning
the science of the origin and development of the universe
Example
She studied cosmology to understand the origins of the universe.
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 /ˈkɒl.ə.kwi/

colloquy

Meaning
A formal conversation or dialogue, often on serious or academic topics.
Example
The professors engaged in a deep colloquy about the future of education.
C2 noun /ˈkjʊriˌoʊ/

curio

Meaning
a small unusual or interesting object, often collected for its rarity
Example
She bought a curio from the antique shop.
C1 noun /ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbiə/

claustrophobia

Meaning
an extreme or irrational fear of being in confined spaces
Example
He avoids elevators because of his claustrophobia.
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.
C2 adjective /kəˈmoʊdiəs/

commodious

Meaning
spacious and comfortable; having plenty of room
Example
They rented a commodious apartment in the city.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnsəs/

census

Meaning
An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Example
The government conducted a census to update demographic data.
B2 noun /ˌkɔːriˈændər/

Coriander

Meaning
aromatic herb with feathery leaves used for flavoring food; also refers to the seeds used as spice
Example
Fresh coriander leaves are sprinkled on top of the curry.
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.
A2 adjective kɑːm

calm

Meaning
Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions; peaceful.
Example
The calm environment supports healing.
C2 noun /ˈʃɛvrən/

chevron

Meaning
A V-shaped pattern, often used in military insignia or design.
Example
The sergeant’s uniform displayed three chevrons on the sleeve.
A2 adjective, noun /tʃaɪˈniːz/

chinese

Meaning
relating to China, its people, or its language
Example
We went to a Chinese restaurant last night.
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.
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 verb kriˈeɪts

creates

Meaning
To bring something into existence or to cause something to happen
Example
Pollution creates environmental and health issues.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊniˌɪzəm/

cronyism

Meaning
The practice of favoring friends or associates, especially in political appointments or business deals.
Example
The company was accused of cronyism in hiring practices.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/

Confidence

Meaning
the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust; self-assurance
Example
She spoke with great confidence during the job interview.
C2 noun /ˈklaɪmɪŋ fɪʃ/

Climbing-fish

Meaning
a type of fish that can climb trees and survive out of water for short periods
Example
The climbing-fish can move from one pond to another by climbing trees.
A2 verb /kəˈlɛkt/

collect

Meaning
to gather together; to accumulate items
Example
I collect stamps as a hobby.
C2 noun /ʃəˈɡrɪn/

chagrin

Meaning
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
Example
She left the room in chagrin after forgetting her lines.
A2 verb /kənˈsɪdər/

consider

Meaning
to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision
Example
She is considering studying abroad next year.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/

cartography

Meaning
The science or practice of drawing maps.
Example
She studied cartography at university to learn how to design maps.
B2 verb /kəmˈplaɪ/

comply

Meaning
to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law
Example
All companies must comply with safety regulations.
A2 noun /koʊtʃ/

coach

Meaning
A person who helps improve others' skills or knowledge.
Example
The football coach motivated his team before the match.
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.
B1 noun kəˈmɪt.mənt

commitment

Meaning
A promise or firm decision to do something; the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
Example
The president reaffirmed his commitment to environmental protection.
A2 verb /kəmˈper/

compare

Meaning
to examine similarities and differences between things
Example
I will compare these two products before buying.
B2 adjective /ˈklɪn.ɪ.kəl/

clinical

Meaning
Related to the observation and treatment of patients rather than theoretical study.
Example
The doctor conducted a clinical examination.
B2 noun /ˌkɒndɛnˈseɪʃən/

condensation

Meaning
The process of water vapor changing into liquid; also, the act of making something more concise.
Example
Condensation formed on the windows during the cold night.
C1 noun /krʌst/

crust

Meaning
the hard outer surface of something, especially bread or the Earth's outer layer
Example
He cut off the crust of the bread before eating.
C2 adjective /ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

contumacious

Meaning
stubbornly disobedient or rebellious
Example
The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules.
B2 noun ˈkɑː.bən

carbon

Meaning
The chemical element of atomic number 6, occurring as diamond, graphite, and charcoal.
Example
Carbon emissions must be controlled.
C1 adjective /kræs/

crass

Meaning
lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence
Example
His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
B1 adjective /ˈkɒn.fɪ.dənt/

Confident

Meaning
self-assured; certain; having belief in one's abilities
Example
She felt confident about her performance in the exam.
B2 noun /kəmˈplek.ʃən/

Complexion

Meaning
the natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially on the face
Example
Her fair complexion glowed beautifully in the morning sunlight.
B2 noun /krɪˈeɪtə/

creator

Meaning
a person who brings something into existence
Example
He is the creator of many successful startups.
C1 adjective ˌkɑːr.sɪ.nəˈdʒen.ɪk

carcinogenic

Meaning
Having the potential to cause cancer in living tissue.
Example
Processed meat contains carcinogenic compounds.
B2 noun /ˈkænən/

Cannon

Meaning
large heavy gun that fires cannonballs or shells
Example
The castle was defended by several large cannons.
B1 noun /sɛl/

cell

Meaning
a small basic unit of life; or a small enclosed space like a prison room
Example
The prisoner was locked in a small cell.
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.
C1 noun /kəmˈplɪsəti/

complicity

Meaning
the state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Example
The court revealed his complicity in the fraud scheme.
C1 noun kənˈɡlɒm.ər.ət

conglomerate

Meaning
A large corporation formed by the merging of separate and diverse firms.
Example
The company grew into a multinational conglomerate.
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 adjective /ˈkʌlpəbl̩/

culpable

Meaning
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
Example
The judge found him culpable for the accident.
C2 noun /kɒn.tɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

contiguity

Meaning
the state of being in direct contact or next to each other
Example
The contiguity of the two countries facilitates trade.
C1 adjective /kənˈsɛntrɪk/

concentric

Meaning
having a common center, as in circles or spheres
Example
The artist drew concentric circles on the canvas.
C1 adjective /kənˈdjuː.sɪv/

conducive

Meaning
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; contributing to or helping to bring about.
Example
A quiet environment is conducive to studying.
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 /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.
C1 verb /ˈkrɒs.briːd/

crossbreed

Meaning
to produce an animal or plant by mating two different breeds, varieties, or species
Example
Farmers crossbreed cows to improve milk production.
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.
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.
C2 noun /kɪˈrɒpədɪst/

chiropodist

Meaning
A healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats foot problems.
Example
The chiropodist treated her painful corns and calluses.
C1 noun /kəˈluːʒən/

collusion

Meaning
A secret agreement or cooperation, especially for an illegal or dishonest purpose.
Example
There was evidence of collusion between the officials and the contractors.
C1 verb /ˈkrʌmpəl/

crumple

Meaning
to crush something into folds or wrinkles
Example
He crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin.
C2 noun /kwɑːˈfjʊr/

coiffure

Meaning
A person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one.
Example
Her elegant coiffure impressed everyone at the party.
B2 noun /ˈkɒnsənənt/

consonant

Meaning
A speech sound produced by blocking air flow, or a letter representing such a sound.
Example
The word 'cat' has two consonants and one vowel.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈkloʊ.sɪst/

closest

Meaning
nearest in distance or relationship
Example
He is my closest friend.
B2 noun ˈkærɪktər dɪˈvɛləpmənt

character development

Meaning
The process of creating a believable character in fiction by giving the character depth and personality.
Example
The character development of Sydney Carton is profound.
C2 noun /ˌkəʊ.əˈles.əns/

coalescence

Meaning
The process of coming together to form one mass or whole.
Example
The coalescence of different cultures creates diversity.
C1 adjective /klænˈdɛstaɪn/

clandestine

Meaning
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
Example
They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrsənt/

conversant

Meaning
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
Example
She is conversant with the latest developments in technology.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsaɪˈniː/

consignee

Meaning
the person or company to whom goods are delivered
Example
The consignee received the shipment on time.
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.
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 adjective /ˈkrɪm.zən/

Crimson

Meaning
a deep purplish-red color
Example
The crimson sunset painted the sky with beautiful shades.
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.
A2 adverb /kəmˈpliːtli/

completely

Meaning
totally; in every way possible
Example
The room was completely silent.
B2 noun /ˈkʊk.uː/

Cuckoo

Meaning
a bird known for its distinctive call and for laying eggs in other birds' nests
Example
We heard the cuckoo calling from the forest early in the morning.