contretemps
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrətɑː̃/

contretemps

Meaning
an unexpected and unfortunate event or disagreement; a minor dispute
Example
There was a small contretemps between the two colleagues during the meeting.
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.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəli/

Continually

Meaning
without stopping; repeatedly
Example
She continually checked her phone for messages.
C2 noun ˌsaɪ.bəˈnet.ɪks

cybernetics

Meaning
The science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things.
Example
Cybernetics plays a crucial role in artificial intelligence.
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 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.
B2 noun /kənˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

conjunction

Meaning
a word used to connect clauses or sentences, or to coordinate words
Example
The words 'and' and 'but' are common conjunctions.
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 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.
A2 noun, verb /kɒf/

cough

Meaning
a sudden noisy release of air from the lungs to clear the throat or airway; to expel air suddenly from the lungs with a cough
Example
He has a bad cough and stayed home today.
C1 verb /kənˈkɒkt/

concoct

Meaning
to make something, especially food or a story, by mixing or inventing
Example
He concocted a story to explain his absence.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/

competence

Meaning
the ability to do something successfully or efficiently
Example
Her competence as a manager impressed the board.
C1 noun/verb /kroʊˈʃeɪ/

crochet

Meaning
Needlework made by interlocking loops of thread with a hooked needle; the act of making such items.
Example
She learned how to crochet a scarf for winter.
B2 adjective /ˈkeər.friː/

Carefree

Meaning
free from anxiety or responsibility; lighthearted; worry-free
Example
She lived a carefree life, traveling the world without any worries.
B2 noun /ˈkæs.ər.oʊl bɑːks/

Casserole box

Meaning
a covered dish used for cooking and serving food, especially baked dishes
Example
The casserole box kept the food warm during the dinner party.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪstəlaɪz/

crystallize

Meaning
to form crystals; to make an idea or plan clear and definite
Example
Her vague thoughts began to crystallize into a solid plan.
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 /kənˈtɪn.juːd/

continued

Meaning
Kept happening or carried on without stopping.
Example
She continued working despite the challenges.
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.
C1 verb /ˈkæp.saɪz/

capsize

Meaning
to overturn in the water
Example
The small fishing boat capsized during the storm.
B2 noun /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

catalog

Meaning
a complete list of items, typically arranged systematically
Example
The library provides an online catalog of all available books.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.
C1 noun /tʃæmp/

champ

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

contented

Meaning
Feeling or expressing happiness and satisfaction.
Example
She was contented with her simple life.
B2 noun /ˈkreɪ.dəl/

Cradle

Meaning
a small bed for a baby, especially one that rocks from side to side
Example
The baby sleeps peacefully in the cradle.
A1 noun /tʃeər/

Chair

Meaning
a separate seat for one person, typically with a back and four legs
Example
Please sit on the chair.
C1 noun /ˈkælkjʊləs/

calculus

Meaning
A branch of mathematics concerned with rates of change and accumulation; also a hard mineral deposit in the body such as on teeth.
Example
Calculus is essential for advanced studies in physics and engineering.
A2 noun /klaʊd/

Cloud

Meaning
a visible mass of condensed water vapour floating in the atmosphere above the ground
Example
Dark clouds gathered before the storm.
A2 noun /ˈkæptɪn/

Captain

Meaning
a military officer of middle rank; the person in command of a ship or aircraft
Example
The captain ordered his troops to advance forward.
C2 verb /ʧeɪf/

chafe

Meaning
To make or become sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience.
Example
The tight shoes began to chafe his heels.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɪl.i/

Chilly/Chilli

Meaning
noticeably cold; a hot-tasting pod of a variety of capsicum, used as a spice
Example
The chef added red chilli to make the curry spicier.
C2 adjective /kɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

corporeal

Meaning
relating to the physical body; material or tangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as having no corporeal form.
B1 verb /kənˈsʌlt/

consult

Meaning
To seek advice or information from someone with expertise.
Example
You should consult a doctor before starting the treatment.
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 noun ˈkæm.pɪŋ

camping

Meaning
Living outdoors temporarily, especially for recreation; staying in a tent or similar shelter.
Example
Many families go camping during holidays.
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.
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 verb /kəˈluːd/

collude

Meaning
To secretly cooperate or conspire with others, often for a deceitful purpose.
Example
The two companies colluded to fix prices in the market.
A2 noun /ˈkær.ɪk.tər/

Character

Meaning
the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual; a person in a novel, play, or film
Example
She showed great character by helping others during the crisis.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːd/

concede

Meaning
to admit something is true or valid, often reluctantly
Example
She finally conceded that she was wrong.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊhɔːrt/

cohort

Meaning
A group of people with a shared characteristic, usually of the same age or with a common experience.
Example
The study tracked a cohort of students over ten years.
C2 adjective /kəˈprɪʃəs/

capricious

Meaning
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Example
The stock market can be capricious, shifting dramatically without warning.
C2 noun /kəˌrɒbəˈreɪʃən/

corroboration

Meaning
evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding
Example
The documents provided strong corroboration of her claims.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪvɪk/

civic

Meaning
relating to a city, town, or the duties of its citizens
Example
The mayor encouraged people to take part in civic activities.
B2 verb /kəˈrɛspɒnd/

correspond

Meaning
to communicate by exchanging letters or messages
Example
I correspond regularly with my old friends.
C2 adjective /kænˈtæŋ.kər.əs/

cantankerous

Meaning
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
Example
The cantankerous old man complained about everything.
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 verb /koʊp/

cope

Meaning
to deal effectively with something difficult
Example
She had to cope with a lot of pressure at work.
B1 adverb /ˈtʃɪəfəli/

cheerfully

Meaning
in a happy and positive manner; with visible good spirits
Example
She greeted everyone cheerfully despite the long day.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈkeər.fəl/

Careful

Meaning
taking care to avoid potential problems or dangers; cautious; attentive
Example
Be careful when crossing the busy street during rush hour.
B1 adjective /ˈkʌtɪŋ/

cutting

Meaning
sharp or severe, often used to describe remarks or actions
Example
Her cutting remarks made everyone feel uncomfortable.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɒnɪk/

chronic

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

cussed

Meaning
Annoyingly stubborn or difficult.
Example
He was too cussed to admit his mistake.
A2 noun /ˈkʌm.pə.ni/

company

Meaning
a business organization; the presence of other people
Example
She started her own company to sell handmade products.
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 /kənˈtɪnjuː/

continue

Meaning
To keep happening, existing, or doing something without stopping.
Example
The rain will continue throughout the night.
B2 adjective /kəʊˈɒpərətɪv/

cooperative

Meaning
willing to work or act together with others for a common purpose
Example
She was very cooperative during the interview process.
B1 adverb /ˈkɒnstəntli/

Constantly

Meaning
continuously over a period of time; always; without stopping
Example
The baby was constantly crying throughout the night.
A1 adjective /kuːl/

cool

Meaning
moderately cold; calm and composed; fashionable or impressive
Example
She kept a cool head during the crisis.
C2 noun /kəˈrɑːləri/

corollary

Meaning
a direct or natural consequence or result
Example
One corollary of the new policy was increased public awareness.
C1 noun /ˈkɒmən kɑːp/

Common Carp

Meaning
A large freshwater fish widely cultivated for food
Example
Common carp is an important fish in aquaculture.
B1 adjective /kənˈtroʊld/

controlled

Meaning
managed or regulated carefully; kept within limits
Example
The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment.
C2 noun, adjective /klɛərˈvɔɪənt/

clairvoyant

Meaning
a person who claims to have clairvoyance; having the ability to see beyond normal senses
Example
The clairvoyant predicted that she would travel abroad soon.
B1 noun /ˈkɒstjuːm/

costume

Meaning
a set of clothes worn to represent a particular character, culture, or occasion
Example
She wore a beautiful costume for the Halloween party.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/

commonplace

Meaning
ordinary or unremarkable; something that is usual or commonly found
Example
Smartphones have become commonplace in modern life.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.səl.ər/

counselor

Meaning
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems
Example
The school counselor helped the student deal with stress.
C1 adjective /kənˈsɪliətɔːri/

conciliatory

Meaning
intended to make someone less angry or more agreeable; soothing
Example
She spoke in a conciliatory tone to ease the tension.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm/

conservatism

Meaning
A political or social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and resistance to change.
Example
Conservatism values tradition and gradual development.
A1 adjective /tʃiːp/

Cheap

Meaning
low in price; costing little money
Example
This restaurant serves cheap but delicious food.
B2 adverb /ˈkæʒ.u.ə.li/

Casually

Meaning
in a relaxed and informal way; without much thought or preparation
Example
He casually mentioned that he was leaving.
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.
B2 noun /kraɪst/

christ

Meaning
the title given to Jesus, considered the Messiah in Christianity
Example
Christ is central to Christian faith.
C2 noun /ˈkaɪrəˌmænsi/

chiromancy

Meaning
The practice of predicting the future by interpreting the lines on the palms of hands; palmistry.
Example
The old woman practiced chiromancy and told fortunes for travelers.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəsli/

Continuously

Meaning
without interruption; in an unbroken sequence
Example
The machine operates continuously for 24 hours.
C1 noun /ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

cynicism

Meaning
An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism.
Example
His cynicism made it hard for him to trust anyone.
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.
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.
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 /ˈkrɪk.ɪt/

Cricket

Meaning
a jumping insect that makes a chirping sound by rubbing its wings together
Example
We could hear crickets chirping in the evening.
A2 adverb /kəˈrɛktli/

correctly

Meaning
in a way that is true, accurate, or without mistakes
Example
She answered all the questions correctly.
B2 noun /kənˌtɪn.juˈeɪ.ʃən/

continuation

Meaning
the action of carrying something on over time; extension
Example
The continuation of the series was announced after the finale.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈklɔɪ.ɪŋ/

cloying

Meaning
too sweet, rich, or sentimental, making it unpleasant
Example
The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it.
C2 noun /kənˈkɔːrdəns/

concordance

Meaning
Agreement; also an alphabetical index of the principal words in a book.
Example
There is a strong concordance between the two reports.
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.
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.
B2 noun ˌkɒn.fɪ.den.ʃiˈæl.ɪ.ti

confidentiality

Meaning
The state of keeping or being kept secret or private
Example
Confidentiality is crucial in data security.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈkraʊdɪd/

crowded

Meaning
filled with too many people or things
Example
The bus was so crowded that I could hardly move.
C2 noun /ˈsɪɡnət/

cygnet

Meaning
a young swan
Example
The cygnet swam closely behind its mother.
B1 verb /kənˈkluːd/

conclude

Meaning
to bring to an end; to decide or determine after consideration
Example
We will conclude the meeting at five o'clock.
C1 adjective /kəˈθɑːr.tɪk/

cathartic

Meaning
Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.
Example
Writing about emotions can be a cathartic experience.
C1 noun kəˈmɑːnd ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi

command economy

Meaning
An economic system where economic activities are controlled by the government.
Example
In a command economy, the government controls production and prices.
C1 noun ˈkɒnfluəns

confluence

Meaning
An act or process of merging.
Example
The confluence of ideas from different cultures created a rich discussion.
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 /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.
A2 noun /kæmp/

Camp

Meaning
a place where soldiers live temporarily; a place with tents or huts for temporary accommodation
Example
The military established a camp near the border.
B2 verb /kəmˈpoʊz/

compose

Meaning
to create music or writing; to make up; to calm oneself
Example
She composes beautiful songs.
C2 noun /kəmˈpleɪsəns/

complaisance

Meaning
willingness to please others; courteous compliance
Example
Her complaisance made her popular among her colleagues.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒz.mɪk/

cosmic

Meaning
relating to the universe or cosmos; vast
Example
Astronomers study cosmic phenomena to understand the universe.
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.
C1 noun /kənˈfɛdərəsi/

confederacy

Meaning
a group of states, people, or organizations united for a common purpose
Example
The southern states formed a confederacy during the civil war.
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.
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.
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.
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 /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 /kraɪˈtɪəriə/

criteria

Meaning
Standards or principles by which something is judged or decided.
Example
The candidates were evaluated based on strict criteria.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪkəl/

chemical

Meaning
a substance produced by or used in a chemical process
Example
The factory releases harmful chemicals into the river.
C2 adjective ˈkoʊ.dʒənt

cogent

Meaning
Clear, logical, and convincing.
Example
His cogent argument convinced the jury.
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.
C1 adjective /kənˈkluː.sɪv/

Conclusive

Meaning
final; decisive; settling a matter completely
Example
The evidence was conclusive and left no room for doubt.
B1 noun, verb /ˈkrɛdɪt/

credit

Meaning
As a noun: the ability to obtain goods or services before payment; recognition for an achievement. As a verb: to publicly acknowledge someone's contribution.
Example
She received credit for her contribution to the project.
C1 adjective /kənˈdʒenɪtl/

congenital

Meaning
existing from birth, usually describing a disease or condition
Example
The child was born with a congenital heart defect.
A2 adverb /ˈklɪrli/

clearly

Meaning
In a way that is easy to perceive, understand, or see.
Example
She spoke clearly so that everyone could understand.
B1 adjective ˈkrɪtɪkəl

critical

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