contradictory
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B2 adjective ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri

contradictory

Meaning
Mutually opposed or inconsistent; containing elements that oppose each other.
Example
Their views on education are contradictory.
B1 adverb /ˈkloʊsli/

closely

Meaning
in a way that is very near in space, time, or relationship; carefully and attentively
Example
The detective examined the evidence closely.
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.
A1 noun /ˈkɒf.i/

Coffee

Meaning
a hot drink made from roasted coffee beans
Example
I need a cup of coffee to start my morning.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʌktəbl̩/

conductible

Meaning
capable of being conducted, especially electricity or heat
Example
Copper is highly conductible to electricity.
C2 noun /ˈklaʊdˌbɜːrst/

cloudburst

Meaning
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
Example
The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvi/

covey

Meaning
a small group of birds, especially partridges or quails
Example
A covey of quails flew across the field.
B2 verb /kəˈlæps/

collapse

Meaning
to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down completely
Example
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
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.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəsli/

Continuously

Meaning
without interruption; in an unbroken sequence
Example
The machine operates continuously for 24 hours.
C2 adjective /ˈkæloʊ/

callow

Meaning
Inexperienced and immature.
Example
The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day.
C2 noun /ˈkruːɪt/

cruet

Meaning
a small container, especially for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar, used at a dining table
Example
She filled the cruet with olive oil for the salad.
B2 adjective /kənˈdʒɛstɪd/

congested

Meaning
Blocked up with too much traffic or crowding.
Example
The road was congested during rush hour.
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.
C2 adjective /koʊˈtɜːr.mɪ.nəs/

coterminous

Meaning
having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
Example
The two jurisdictions are coterminous, sharing the same borders.
A2 noun /ˈkʌl.tʃər/

Culture

Meaning
the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement; the customs and beliefs of a particular society
Example
Learning about different cultures helps us understand and appreciate diversity.
C2 adjective /ˈkræbɪd/

crabbed

Meaning
difficult to read or understand; ill-tempered
Example
His handwriting was crabbed and almost illegible.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒnʃəs/

conscious

Meaning
Aware of and responding to one's surroundings; awake.
Example
She was fully conscious after the surgery.
C1 noun /klæn/

clan

Meaning
a large family group or a close-knit community with shared interests or ancestry
Example
The entire clan gathered to celebrate the festival.
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 adjective /ˈkælkjʊleɪtɪŋ/

calculating

Meaning
acting in a scheming and ruthlessly determined way
Example
He had a cold and calculating approach to business.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/

counterpoint

Meaning
an argument, idea, or theme contrasting with another; also a musical term for independent melody
Example
Her calm attitude was a counterpoint to his anger.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

chicanery

Meaning
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose.
Example
The politician was accused of chicanery to win the election.
C1 noun /klaʊt/

clout

Meaning
influence or power, especially in politics or business
Example
The businessman has a lot of political clout.
B2 noun /kriːk/

creek

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

coin

Meaning
A flat piece of metal used as money; as a verb, to invent a new word or phrase.
Example
The government decided to coin a new term for the program.
A1 noun /kloʊðz/

clothes

Meaning
garments worn on the body
Example
She bought new clothes for the party.
C2 noun /kənˈtrɪʃ.ən/

contrition

Meaning
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
Example
His contrition was evident after the apology.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃaɪld.laɪk/

Childlike

Meaning
innocent and trusting like a child; having the good qualities of a child; pure and simple
Example
She maintained a childlike wonder about the world around her.
B2 noun /ˈkæʃuː nʌts/

Cashew nuts

Meaning
kidney-shaped nuts from the cashew tree, commonly eaten as snacks or used in cooking
Example
Cashew nuts are often used in Indian sweets and curries.
B2 adjective kənˈven.ʃən.əl

conventional

Meaning
Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; traditional, standard, customary.
Example
Many farmers still use conventional farming methods.
B1 adjective /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/

challenging

Meaning
difficult in a way that tests one's abilities
Example
The mountain climb was challenging but rewarding.
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 kənˈsɔː.ti.əm

consortium

Meaning
An association of several companies or organizations formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member.
Example
The consortium worked collaboratively to build the cable.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrfjuː/

curfew

Meaning
a rule requiring people to stay indoors after a certain time, usually at night
Example
The city imposed a curfew during the unrest.
C1 noun /kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/

Compulsion

Meaning
the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way
Example
He felt a strong compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.
A2 noun /ˈkær.ət/

Carrot

Meaning
a long pointed orange root vegetable that grows underground
Example
Carrots are rich in vitamin A.
A2 noun /kriːm/

Cream

Meaning
the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid that rises to the top of milk
Example
She whipped the cream until it became fluffy.
C2 noun /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃn/

circumlocution

Meaning
the use of many words when fewer would do, especially to avoid stating something directly
Example
The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution.
B2 noun /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃən/

correlation

Meaning
a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things
Example
Researchers found a strong correlation between diet and heart disease.
A2 noun, verb /tʃɪp/

chip

Meaning
A small piece broken off from something; or to cut or break a small piece from something.
Example
He accidentally chipped the edge of the table.
B2 noun /koʊl/

coal

Meaning
a black or dark brown rock used as fuel, formed from decomposed plant matter
Example
The factory still uses coal as its main source of energy.
C1 noun ˈkætəlɪst

catalyst

Meaning
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example
His speech acted as a catalyst for change in the community.
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.
C1 noun /kæʃ/

cache

Meaning
A hidden storage of items or a high-speed memory in computing.
Example
The hikers found a cache of supplies hidden under the rocks.
B1 adjective /kəˈmɪtɪd/

committed

Meaning
Dedicated and loyal to a cause, activity, or relationship.
Example
She is a committed teacher who cares deeply for her students.
B2 verb /ˈkɑːŋkər/

conquer

Meaning
to overcome and take control of; to defeat in war; to master or overcome
Example
The army managed to conquer the enemy territory.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪlɒn/

carillon

Meaning
A set of bells played using a keyboard, usually in a tower.
Example
The carillon bells rang across the town square.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpʌlsəri/

compulsory

Meaning
Required by law or a rule; obligatory.
Example
Wearing seat belts is compulsory in most countries.
B2 noun /kɒd fɪʃ/

Cod fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with white flesh, commonly used for food
Example
The fisherman caught a large cod fish in the North Atlantic.
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.
C2 noun /kæd/

Cad

Meaning
a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward women
Example
Everyone at the party avoided him because he was known to be a cad.
B2 verb /kloʊð/

clothe

Meaning
to put clothes on; to dress; to provide with clothing
Example
She clothed the baby in warm garments.
A2 verb /kənˈfjuːz/

confuse

Meaning
To make someone unable to think clearly; to bewilder.
Example
The complex instructions confused the students.
B2 noun /ˈkɒləni/

colony

Meaning
a territory or community controlled by another country or group of people
Example
India was once a British colony.
A1 noun /keɪk/

Cake

Meaning
a sweet baked dessert made from flour, sugar, and other ingredients
Example
They ordered a chocolate cake for the birthday party.
C1 noun kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈsɜːrvɪs aɪˈdiːəlz

community service ideals

Meaning
Principles and standards of serving the community for social good.
Example
Community service ideals must be taught in schools.
C1 noun /ˈkriː.dəns/

credence

Meaning
belief in or acceptance of something as true
Example
The witness gave credence to the defendant's alibi.
B2 adjective /kənˈtɛntɪd/

contented

Meaning
Feeling or expressing happiness and satisfaction.
Example
She was contented with her simple life.
C2 verb /ˈtʃæfɪŋ/

chaffing

Meaning
Teasing or joking in a lighthearted way.
Example
They were chaffing each other during lunch.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfɪˈdɑːnt/

confidante

Meaning
A woman with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting her not to repeat it.
Example
The queen’s maid became her most trusted confidante.
A2 noun /ˈklæsˌruːm/

classroom

Meaning
A room in which classes are held in a school or college.
Example
The teacher entered the classroom and greeted the students.
C2 noun ˌsɜːkəmˈspekʃən

circumspection

Meaning
The quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence.
Example
His circumspection ensured no mistakes were made.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/

counteract

Meaning
to act against something in order to reduce its effect
Example
The medicine helps counteract the side effects of the treatment.
B2 verb /ˈkærəktəraɪz/

characterize

Meaning
to describe or portray the distinctive features or qualities of someone or something
Example
The author characterizes the hero as brave and selfless.
B2 noun /kəmˈpɑːrt.mənt/

Compartment

Meaning
a separate section or division of a larger space, especially in a train
Example
We found seats in the first-class compartment.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛdʒʊləs/

credulous

Meaning
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
Example
The credulous child believed every story she heard.
C1 adjective /ˈkʌlpəbl̩/

culpable

Meaning
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
Example
The judge found him culpable for the accident.
B1 noun /ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/

consequences

Meaning
Results or effects of an action or condition.
Example
The consequences of ignoring safety protocols can be severe.
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.
C1 verb ˌsɝː.kəmˈvent

circumvent

Meaning
To cleverly avoid or find a way around obstacles or rules.
Example
He tried to circumvent the security system.
A2 noun /ˈsɪɡəˌrɛt/

cigarette

Meaning
a small roll of finely cut tobacco wrapped in paper for smoking
Example
He lit a cigarette after dinner.
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.
B2 adjective ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən.əl

constitutional

Meaning
Relating to an established set of principles governing a state; in accordance with a political constitution.
Example
Constitutional reforms ensure fairness in the system.
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 /ˈkɒndɪmənt/

condiment

Meaning
a substance such as salt, mustard, or ketchup that is used to add flavor to food
Example
Ketchup is a popular condiment in many countries.
C1 verb /ˌkɒm.pɑːtˈmen.təl.aɪz/

compartmentalize

Meaning
To divide into sections or categories; to separate things into compartments.
Example
To increase efficiency, he compartmentalized his work tasks.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɪvɪks/

civics

Meaning
the study of the rights and duties of citizens and how government works
Example
Civics helps students understand their responsibilities as citizens.
C2 adjective /krʌˈsteɪʃəs/

crustaceous

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

cudgel

Meaning
A short, thick stick used as a weapon; to beat with a cudgel.
Example
The guard used a cudgel to chase away the thief.
C1 noun /kəˈθɑːrsɪs/

catharsis

Meaning
The process of releasing strong emotions, providing relief.
Example
Writing in her diary was a form of catharsis for her.
B2 preposition /kənˈsɜːnɪŋ/

concerning

Meaning
about or relating to something; causing worry or anxiety
Example
There are some reports concerning the new project.
A2 noun /koʊt/

Coat

Meaning
an outer garment worn over other clothes for warmth or protection
Example
He put on his winter coat before going outside.
B1 adjective ˈkʌltʃərəl

cultural

Meaning
Relating to the arts and to intellectual achievements.
Example
Schools organize cultural programs to honor Victory Day.
C2 adjective /kəˈnaɪ.vɪŋ/

conniving

Meaning
secretly scheming or plotting to help in wrongdoing
Example
He is a conniving politician who manipulates people for power.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrpɪŋ/

carping

Meaning
continually complaining or finding fault in a petty way
Example
His carping attitude makes teamwork difficult.
A1 modal verb /kʊd/

could

Meaning
Used to indicate possibility, ability, or permission in the past or as a polite suggestion.
Example
He could swim when he was a child.
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.
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.
A2 verb /ˈkænsəl/

cancel

Meaning
to decide that something planned will not take place
Example
The flight was canceled due to heavy rain.
B2 noun /ˈkɑn.trəˌvɜr.si/

Controversy

Meaning
prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion; a dispute or argument involving opposing viewpoints
Example
The new policy sparked a major controversy among the citizens.
B1 verb /ˈkɒnsəntreɪt/

concentrate

Meaning
to focus all one's attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity
Example
She tried to concentrate on her studies despite the noise.
B2 noun /kloʊv/

Clove

Meaning
aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, used as a spice
Example
She added a few cloves to the mulled wine for extra flavor.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɒnɪk/

chronic

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or constantly recurring, often describing illness.
Example
She suffers from chronic back pain.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkæt.ər.pɪl.ər/

Caterpillar

Meaning
the larva of a butterfly or moth that feeds on plants
Example
The caterpillar ate all the leaves on the plant.
B1 noun ˈtʃeə.pɜː.sən

chairperson

Meaning
A person who is in charge of a meeting or organization; the presiding officer of a committee, board, or organization.
Example
The chairperson ensures procedural integrity.
B1 noun /ˈkʊkər/

cooker

Meaning
a device or appliance used for cooking food; a person or thing that cooks
Example
The rice cooker makes cooking meals much easier.
B2 adjective /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

Convincing

Meaning
believable; credible; persuasive; able to make someone believe something
Example
His convincing argument won over the entire jury.
C2 noun ˌkɒdʒɪˈteɪʃən

cogitation

Meaning
The action of thinking deeply about something; contemplation
Example
After much cogitation, he made the final decision.
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 /ˈkɔːr.əs/

Chorus

Meaning
a large organized group of singers; a part of a song that is repeated after each verse
Example
The school chorus performed beautifully at the annual concert.
B1 adjective /ˈkɔːʃəs/

cautious

Meaning
careful to avoid potential problems or dangers
Example
She was cautious about trusting strangers.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkɒtən/

cotton

Meaning
A soft white fibrous substance used to make cloth and thread.
Example
This shirt is made of pure cotton.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

Meaning
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate.
C2 noun /ˈsɪɡnət/

cygnet

Meaning
a young swan
Example
The cygnet swam closely behind its mother.
B2 verb /klæʃ/

clash

Meaning
to come into conflict or collision with something or someone.
Example
The two cars clashed in the intersection.
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 /kɒzˈmɒɡ.ə.ni/

cosmogony

Meaning
the study or theory of the origin of the universe
Example
The book provides an overview of different cosmogonies throughout history.
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.
B1 noun /klɪf/

cliff

Meaning
a high, steep face of rock or earth
Example
The waves crashed against the bottom of the cliff.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːrɡoʊ/

cargo

Meaning
goods carried by a ship, plane, or other transport
Example
The ship was loaded with valuable cargo.