contraction
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B2 noun kənˈtrækʃən

contraction

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller; a decrease in size or quantity.
Example
The economic contraction resulted in a rise in unemployment.
B2 noun /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

catalog

Meaning
a complete list of items, typically arranged systematically
Example
The library provides an online catalog of all available books.
A2 adjective /kənˈsɜːnd/

concerned

Meaning
worried or anxious about something; involved or interested in something
Example
She was concerned about her mother's health.
B1 noun /ˈkɜːr.ənt/

Current

Meaning
a body of water or air moving in a definite direction; present time
Example
The river current was too strong for swimming.
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.
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 noun /ˈkæmpəs/

campus

Meaning
The grounds and buildings of a university, college, or school.
Example
The university campus is filled with students during the fall semester.
C2 noun /ˈkæl.əm.ni/

Calumny

Meaning
the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation
Example
The politician sued the newspaper for spreading calumny about his personal life.
B2 noun, verb /kɜːrs/

curse

Meaning
a solemn wish that harm or misfortune should befall someone; a rude or offensive word or phrase; to utter offensive words or wish harm upon someone
Example
He cursed loudly when he realized he had lost his wallet.
C2 noun /kəmˈpleɪsəns/

complacence

Meaning
a feeling of quiet pleasure or self-satisfaction, often without awareness of potential danger
Example
His complacence prevented him from noticing the risks.
B2 noun kənˈsen.səs

consensus

Meaning
A general agreement among all members of a group.
Example
Consensus was reached after long deliberation.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkæŋkər/

canker

Meaning
A fungal disease of plants; an ulcerous sore in the mouth; to corrupt or destroy slowly
Example
The tree was infected with a canker that damaged its bark.
C2 adjective kaɪˈmɛr.ɪ.kəl

chimerical

Meaning
Illusory or impossible to achieve; existing only in imagination.
Example
His chimerical ideas often baffled realists.
C1 noun /kənˈsep.ʃən/

Conception

Meaning
the forming of an idea or plan; the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm; the action of conceiving
Example
The conception of this innovative project took several months of brainstorming.
C2 adjective /ˈkoʊltɪʃ/

coltish

Meaning
Playful, energetic, and not fully mature or disciplined.
Example
The coltish boy ran around the field without a care.
A2 verb /kəˈnɛkt/

connect

Meaning
To join or fasten together; to establish a link or relationship.
Example
Social media helps us connect with others.
B2 adjective /ˌkɒn.fɪˈden.ʃəl/

Confidential

Meaning
secret; private; intended to be kept secret
Example
Please keep this information confidential.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsns/

convalescence

Meaning
the period of time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
His convalescence lasted for almost two months after the accident.
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.
B1 noun /tʃɪl/

Chill

Meaning
an unpleasant feeling of coldness; a feeling of fear or anxiety; to relax
Example
There was a chill in the air as autumn approached.
A2 verb /kəˈlɛkt/

collect

Meaning
to gather together; to accumulate items
Example
I collect stamps as a hobby.
C1 noun /ˈkʌn.stə.bəl/

constable

Meaning
a police officer of the lowest rank
Example
The constable directed traffic at the busy intersection.
B2 verb /kənˈfaɪd/

confide

Meaning
To tell someone about a secret or private matter while trusting them not to repeat it.
Example
He confided his worries to his best friend.
C2 noun /kænˈtoʊnmənt/

Cantonment

Meaning
a military base or permanent military station
Example
The soldiers lived in the cantonment outside the city.
B2 adjective /kənˈsek.jə.tɪv/

Consecutive

Meaning
following each other in uninterrupted succession; sequential
Example
She won three consecutive matches in the tournament.
B1 noun /ˈkɜː.ri/

Curry

Meaning
a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in an Indian-style sauce with hot spices
Example
I love spicy chicken curry with rice.
C2 noun /ˈsɪniæst/

cineast

Meaning
A film enthusiast or filmmaker; a person deeply interested in cinema.
Example
As a true cineast, she spends most weekends watching classic films.
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 /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.
A2 verb /ˈkɑːpi/

copy

Meaning
to make an identical reproduction of something
Example
Please copy this document for the meeting.
A2 adjective /ˈsɛntrəl/

central

Meaning
Situated in the middle; of the greatest importance.
Example
Water is central to human survival.
B2 noun /ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

capability

Meaning
The ability or capacity to do something.
Example
The telescope's capability is unparalleled.
C2 verb /ˈkæn.tər/

canter

Meaning
To ride a horse at a controlled, easy pace between a trot and a gallop.
Example
She cantered her horse across the field with ease.
C2 adjective /krʌˈsteɪʃəs/

crustaceous

Meaning
relating to or having a hard shell like a crustacean
Example
The scientist studied the crustaceous fossils.
C2 verb /kɔːk/

calk

Meaning
To make a boat or ship watertight by filling seams or cracks.
Example
The workers calked the seams of the old boat to prevent leaks.
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.
C1 noun /tʃæmp/

champ

Meaning
an informal word for champion or winner.
Example
He is the new champ of the boxing tournament.
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.
B2 adjective /kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/

Conditional

Meaning
dependent on certain conditions; not absolute
Example
The job offer is conditional upon passing the background check.
A2 noun /ˈkɔːrnər/

corner

Meaning
the place where two edges or sides meet
Example
The store is just around the corner.
C1 noun /kəˈpɪl.ər.iz/

capillaries

Meaning
Any of the fine branching blood vessels that form a network between the arterioles and venules.
Example
Broken capillaries cause dark circles.
C1 noun /ˈʃæsi/

chassis

Meaning
the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine
Example
The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage.
B2 adverb /ˈtʃiːfli/

chiefly

Meaning
mainly; primarily
Example
The festival is celebrated chiefly by young people.
C1 noun /kəˈlɪɡrəfi/

calligraphy

Meaning
The art of beautiful and decorative handwriting.
Example
She took a course to improve her calligraphy skills.
A1 noun /kʌp/

Cup

Meaning
a small, round container, typically with a handle, used for drinking tea, coffee, or other hot beverages
Example
She drank tea from her favorite ceramic cup.
B1 noun /ˈkriːtʃər/

creature

Meaning
A living being, especially an animal.
Example
The forest is full of strange creatures.
C1 adjective /kəˈlæpsəbl̩/

collapsible

Meaning
able to be folded down or reduced in size
Example
She bought a collapsible chair for camping.
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.
A1 verb, noun /tʃɛk/

check

Meaning
To examine, inspect, or verify something; also a written order to a bank to pay money.
Example
Please check the report before submitting it.
B2 noun /klɔː/

Claw

Meaning
sharp curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird
Example
The cat extended its sharp claws to climb the tree.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌvətəs/

covetous

Meaning
having or showing a strong desire for someone else's possessions
Example
She gave him a covetous look when he showed his new watch.
C1 noun /ˈsɛtərə/

cetera

Meaning
Latin for 'the rest' or 'others'; commonly used in the phrase 'et cetera' meaning 'and so on'.
Example
We need to buy pens, paper, notebooks, et cetera.
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 noun /kəˈdʒoʊləri/

cajolery

Meaning
Flattering or coaxing talk intended to persuade someone.
Example
Through cajolery, he convinced his boss to grant him a raise.
C2 verb /ˈkælsɪfaɪ/

calcify

Meaning
To harden by deposition of calcium salts; to become rigid or inflexible.
Example
Over time, the tissue began to calcify and lose flexibility.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsɪlər/

councilor

Meaning
an elected member of a council, especially a local government body
Example
The councilor held a public meeting to discuss local issues.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒntræktər/

contractor

Meaning
a person or company that agrees to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job
Example
The contractor completed the building project on time.
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.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkwaɪər/

choir

Meaning
An organized group of singers, typically performing in church services or concerts.
Example
The choir sang beautifully during the ceremony.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/

circumstance

Meaning
a fact or condition connected with an event or action
Example
She handled the difficult circumstances bravely.
B2 verb /kənˈsɒl.ɪ.deɪt/

consolidate

Meaning
To combine things in order to make them more effective or easier to handle.
Example
The company aims to consolidate its market position.
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.
C1 noun/adjective /kənˈfɛdərət/

confederate

Meaning
a person, group, or state joined in an alliance or union; relating to a confederacy
Example
The confederate soldiers fought bravely in the war.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.li/

contumely

Meaning
insulting or humiliating treatment
Example
He endured the contumely of his colleagues with patience.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒr.ə.ɡeɪ.tɪd/

corrugated

Meaning
shaped into ridges and grooves; wrinkled or folded
Example
The roof was made of corrugated metal sheets.
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 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.
B2 noun /ˈklʌstər/

cluster

Meaning
a group of similar things or people positioned close together
Example
The grapes grew in a tight cluster.
A1 noun /kæn/

Can

Meaning
a metal container for food or drink
Example
I opened a can of soup for lunch.
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.
B2 noun /ˌsɜː.kjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

circulation

Meaning
The movement of blood through the body, or the movement of any fluid through a closed system.
Example
Proper circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach every cell.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkændɪdnəs/

candidness

Meaning
The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward
Example
Her candidness during the meeting impressed everyone.
C1 verb /kənˈtraɪv/

contrive

Meaning
to plan or devise cleverly or skillfully
Example
She contrived a clever plan to surprise her friends.
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 noun ˈkɛmɪkəl weɪst

chemical waste

Meaning
Waste material from industrial or laboratory processes that contains harmful chemicals.
Example
Chemical waste pollutes water bodies.
C2 noun /kəˈlɒsəs/

colossus

Meaning
A person or thing of enormous size, importance, or ability.
Example
Einstein was a colossus in the world of science.
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 /tʃʌŋk/

chunk

Meaning
a thick or solid piece of something
Example
She cut the cake into large chunks.
C2 verb /kənˈtjuːz/

contuse

Meaning
to bruise by striking or hitting
Example
He contused his arm when he fell off the bike.
B2 noun kəˈmɪʃ.ən

commission

Meaning
An official group of people entrusted by a government with a particular function.
Example
The commission recommends constitutional reforms.
B2 noun /ˈkæp.tɪv/

Captive

Meaning
a person who has been taken prisoner or an animal that has been confined
Example
The captive was held in a small cell for several months.
A1 adjective /kloʊzd/

closed

Meaning
not open; shut
Example
The store is closed on Fridays.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
C2 noun /ˈkreɪniəm/

cranium

Meaning
the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain
Example
The archaeologists carefully examined the ancient cranium.
A2 adjective /ˈklɛvər/

clever

Meaning
Quick to understand, learn, and devise ideas or solutions; intelligent.
Example
She is clever enough to solve the puzzle quickly.
C1 adverb kəmˈpæktli

compactly

Meaning
In a closely packed or dense manner.
Example
Protons and neutrons are compactly arranged.
C2 noun /ˈkloʊtʃər/

cloture

Meaning
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
Example
The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate.
B2 noun ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən

constitution

Meaning
A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.
Example
Constitutional reforms ensure equity.
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.
C1 noun /ˈklɛmənsi/

clemency

Meaning
mercy, leniency, or forgiveness shown towards someone
Example
The judge showed clemency and reduced his sentence.
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.
B2 noun /krɪˈeɪtə/

creator

Meaning
a person who brings something into existence
Example
He is the creator of many successful startups.
C1 adjective ˈkʌm.bə.səm

cumbersome

Meaning
Heavy, unwieldy, difficult to handle or carry.
Example
The cumbersome luggage slowed him down.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.səl.ɪŋ/

counselling

Meaning
the process of giving professional guidance and support to help someone deal with personal, social, psychological, or career-related problems
Example
She decided to seek counselling to manage stress and anxiety.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒŋɡruənt/

congruent

Meaning
in agreement or harmony; having the same shape and size in geometry
Example
Their values are congruent with the goals of the organization.
C1 verb /ˈkætəˌlaɪz/

catalyze

Meaning
To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.
Example
The new law catalyzed reforms across the sector.
B1 noun /klɪf/

cliff

Meaning
a high, steep face of rock or earth
Example
The waves crashed against the bottom of the cliff.
A2 adjective /ˈkloʊ.sɪst/

closest

Meaning
nearest in distance or relationship
Example
He is my closest friend.
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 verb /kəmˈpiːt/

compete

Meaning
to try to win or be more successful than others in a contest or activity
Example
Several companies compete for dominance in the market.
C2 noun /ˈkænə/

Canna

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, colorful flowers and broad leaves
Example
The bright orange canna lilies grew tall beside the pond.
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.
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.
B1 verb kənˈsjuːmz

consumes

Meaning
Use up (a resource); eat, drink, or ingest (food or drink).
Example
An individual consumes around 20 kg of plastic annually.
C2 noun /ˈkeɪsiːn/

Casein

Meaning
the main protein found in milk and cheese, used in food production and supplements
Example
Casein protein powder is popular among athletes for muscle recovery.
C1 adjective /klænˈdɛstaɪn/

clandestine

Meaning
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
Example
They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
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.
C1 adjective /kəˈləʊ.kwi.əl/

colloquial

Meaning
Used in ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal language.
Example
His colloquial expressions made the speech relatable.
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 adjective /ˈkæloʊ/

callow

Meaning
Inexperienced and immature.
Example
The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day.
C2 adjective /ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

contumacious

Meaning
stubbornly disobedient or rebellious
Example
The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules.
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.
C1 adjective kənˈkɝː.ənt

concurrent

Meaning
Existing, happening, or done at the same time.
Example
The conference had concurrent sessions on various topics.
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.