controversial
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B2 adjective ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl

controversial

Meaning
Giving rise to public disagreement or heated discussion.
Example
The policy remains controversial.
C1 adjective /ˈkɑːr.di.æk/

cardiac

Meaning
Relating to the heart.
Example
The patient was admitted with a cardiac condition.
B1 noun /ˈkæbɪn/

cabin

Meaning
a small shelter or house, often made of wood in a remote area
Example
They spent the weekend in a cozy cabin in the mountains.
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.
B1 verb /kənˈtɪnjuɪŋ/

continuing

Meaning
to keep doing something without stopping
Example
They are continuing their journey despite the rain.
B2 adjective /kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/

Conditional

Meaning
dependent on certain conditions; not absolute
Example
The job offer is conditional upon passing the background check.
B2 noun /ˈklʌstər/

cluster

Meaning
a group of similar things or people positioned close together
Example
The grapes grew in a tight cluster.
C2 verb /kəˈmɪŋɡəl/

commingle

Meaning
To mix or blend different things together.
Example
The charity does not commingle donations with operational funds.
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 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/

commonplace

Meaning
ordinary or unremarkable; something that is usual or commonly found
Example
Smartphones have become commonplace in modern life.
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 /ˈkæn.ə.pi/

canopy

Meaning
The upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of trees; overhead cover.
Example
The rainforest canopy provides shelter to many birds and insects.
B2 noun /kæf/

Calf

Meaning
a young cow or bull; young of various large mammals
Example
The calf stayed close to its mother.
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.
A1 noun /ker/

Care

Meaning
the provision of what is necessary for health, welfare, or protection
Example
The nurse provided excellent care for the elderly patients.
A2 noun /ˈkær.ət/

Carrot

Meaning
a long pointed orange root vegetable that grows underground
Example
Carrots are rich in vitamin A.
A1 adjective /kuːl/

cool

Meaning
moderately cold; calm and composed; fashionable or impressive
Example
She kept a cool head during the crisis.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkændl/

candle

Meaning
a stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light
Example
She lit a candle during the power cut.
C2 noun /kəˈpærɪsən/

caparison

Meaning
an ornamental covering for a horse; rich and elaborate clothing or decoration
Example
The king’s horse was adorned with a golden caparison.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈfɒn/

chiffon

Meaning
A lightweight, sheer fabric often used in dresses or scarves.
Example
She wore a beautiful chiffon dress at the party.
B2 noun /kəmˈpæʃ.ən/

Compassion

Meaning
sympathetic concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others; deep awareness of suffering with a desire to help
Example
She showed great compassion towards the homeless children by providing them food and shelter.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkjuːmɪn/

Cumin

Meaning
A spice made from the dried seeds of a plant in the parsley family, with a warm earthy flavor
Example
Cumin is an essential spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
B2 adjective /kɒzˈmɛt.ɪk/

cosmetic

Meaning
relating to beauty or appearance; intended to improve looks
Example
She bought a new cosmetic cream for her skin.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.zənt/

cognizant

Meaning
Having knowledge or being aware of something.
Example
He was cognizant of the risks before starting the project.
A2 noun kɒsts

Costs

Meaning
An amount that has to be paid or spent to buy or obtain something.
Example
Reducing costs improves profit margins.
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 /ˈkɑː.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/

carbon footprint

Meaning
The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.
Example
Reducing carbon footprint is essential for combating climate change.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒrɪdʒəbl/

corrigible

Meaning
capable of being corrected or improved
Example
The student's mistakes were corrigible with practice.
A1 noun /kæn/

Can

Meaning
a metal container for food or drink
Example
I opened a can of soup for lunch.
B1 adverb /ˈkɑːm.li/

Calmly

Meaning
in a peaceful way without showing strong emotions; quietly and without excitement
Example
She spoke calmly despite being angry.
B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət əˌdæp.teɪ.ʃən/

climate adaptation

Meaning
The process of adjusting to current or expected climate change and its effects.
Example
Climate adaptation ensures resilience to change.
C2 noun /ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm/

catechism

Meaning
A summary of religious principles often in the form of questions and answers; also a set of fixed questions or beliefs.
Example
The priest taught the children the catechism every Sunday.
C1 noun sɪˈmɛntɪd ɡreɪv

cemented grave

Meaning
A grave that is constructed with cement for permanence.
Example
The cemented grave of the martyrs was seen near the river.
C2 noun /kəmˈpɒz.ɪ.tər/

Compositor

Meaning
a person who arranges type for printing or creates musical compositions
Example
The compositor carefully arranged the text for the newspaper.
C1 noun ˈkəmˌpaʊndɪŋ

compounding

Meaning
The process whereby interest is added to an amount of money and future interest is calculated on the total.
Example
Compounding interest increases the value of investments over time.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkændɪdnəs/

candidness

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

crustacean

Meaning
an aquatic animal with a hard shell, such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps
Example
Crabs and lobsters are well-known crustaceans.
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 /kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/

Contagious

Meaning
likely to spread to and affect others; infectious
Example
Her laughter is contagious and makes everyone smile.
A2 noun /ˈkælkjʊleɪtər/

calculator

Meaning
an electronic or mechanical device used to perform mathematical calculations
Example
She used a calculator to solve the complex equation.
A2 noun /ˈkɒlɪdʒ/

college

Meaning
An educational institution where students study for degrees or professional qualifications.
Example
She hopes to attend college in the city next year.
C1 noun /kənˈvʌl.ʃən/

convulsion

Meaning
a sudden, violent, involuntary contraction of muscles; a seizure
Example
The medicine helped prevent convulsions in children.
B2 noun /ˈtʃæpəl/

chapel

Meaning
A small church or a room used for Christian worship, often within a larger building.
Example
The couple got married in a small countryside chapel.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃuː.zi/

Choosey/Choosy

Meaning
very careful in choosing; selective; particular about what one likes or accepts
Example
He's very choosy about the restaurants where he eats.
C1 verb /ˈkaʊər/

cower

Meaning
to crouch down in fear
Example
The child cowered behind the sofa during the thunderstorm.
B1 noun /ˈkɔːrɪdɔːr/

corridor

Meaning
a long passage in a building from which doors lead into rooms
Example
The students waited quietly in the corridor.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈkɜːrli/

curly

Meaning
having curls or waves; shaped with bends or coils
Example
She has naturally curly hair.
B1 adjective ˈkruː.ʃəl

crucial

Meaning
Decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
Example
Fault-tolerance is crucial for reliability.
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 ˈkæn.dɪ.deɪts

candidates

Meaning
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election; someone being considered for a position.
Example
Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process.
B2 noun/adjective /səˈvɪliən/

civilian

Meaning
a person not in the armed forces or police
Example
The area was evacuated to protect the civilians.
B1 noun ˈkɒnsept

concept

Meaning
An abstract idea or general notion
Example
The concept of chasing two rabbits teaches focus.
A2 noun ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən

competition

Meaning
The activity or condition of competing; rivalry for supremacy.
Example
Competition grew between language groups.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmjʊnɪst/

communist

Meaning
a person who supports or believes in the principles of communism
Example
The communist ideology aims for a classless society.
C2 noun /ˌkɛəriˈætɪd/

caryatid

Meaning
A stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a supporting column in architecture.
Example
The ancient temple featured a caryatid holding up the roof.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæn.əl/

Channel

Meaning
a television or radio station; a passage for water or other liquids; a means of communication
Example
The news channel provided live coverage of the important event.
B2 noun ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən

comprehension

Meaning
The ability to understand something; understanding or grasp of knowledge.
Example
Reading improves vocabulary and comprehension skills.
C1 noun /kɑːɡ/

cog

Meaning
A tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear; metaphorically, a minor but necessary part of a larger system.
Example
He felt like just a small cog in a big machine.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊhɔːrts/

cohorts

Meaning
Groups of people who share a common feature or experience.
Example
Researchers compared the health outcomes of different cohorts.
B2 noun/adjective /kənˈstɪtʃuənt/

constituent

Meaning
Noun: A member of a constituency or an essential part of something. Adjective: Being a necessary part of a whole.
Example
The senator met with his constituents to discuss local issues.
A2 noun, verb /kəˈrɪər/

career

Meaning
As a noun: a person’s course of professional life; as a verb: to move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way.
Example
She built a successful career in medicine.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrsənt/

conversant

Meaning
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
Example
She is conversant with the latest developments in technology.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnɪfər/

conifer

Meaning
a type of tree that bears cones and evergreen needle-like leaves, such as pine or fir
Example
The forest is dominated by conifers like pine and spruce.
B2 verb /kəˈrɛspɒnd/

correspond

Meaning
to communicate by exchanging letters or messages
Example
I correspond regularly with my old friends.
B1 noun /ˈsɪt.ɪ.zənz/

citizens

Meaning
A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth.
Example
Citizens must follow pollution regulations.
A2 adjective /ˈkʌlərfəl/

colorful

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

calligraphy

Meaning
The art of beautiful and decorative handwriting.
Example
She took a course to improve her calligraphy skills.
C1 adjective /ˈkɜːrsəri/

cursory

Meaning
Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.
Example
He gave the report only a cursory glance before the meeting.
A1 noun /ˈsɪti/

city

Meaning
a large town or an urban area with its own government
Example
Dhaka is the largest city in Bangladesh.
C1 noun, verb /klɒt/

clot

Meaning
a thick mass of coagulated liquid, especially blood; to form such a mass.
Example
The doctor removed a blood clot from the patient.
A2 noun /kɑːrˈtuːn/

cartoon

Meaning
a humorous or animated drawing, especially one in newspapers or television
Example
Children love watching cartoons on TV.
C2 noun /ˈkɒkskoʊm/

Cockscomb

Meaning
a tropical plant with bright, velvety flowers that resemble a rooster's comb
Example
The bright red cockscomb flowers added vibrant color to the garden bed.
C2 adjective /sərˈkjuːɪtəs/

circuitous

Meaning
Longer than the most direct way; roundabout.
Example
He took a circuitous route to avoid traffic.
C2 noun /ˈklævɪkəl/

clavicle

Meaning
the collarbone, a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum
Example
He fractured his clavicle in the accident.
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 adjective /ˌkætəˈɡɒrɪkəl/

categorical

Meaning
Absolute and without exception; expressed clearly and directly.
Example
She gave a categorical denial of the allegations.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsnt/

convalescent

Meaning
recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
The hospital has a special ward for convalescent patients.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl/

cynical

Meaning
Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
Example
She was cynical about the politician's promises.
A2 noun /ˈkjuː.kʌm.bər/

Cucumber

Meaning
a long green vegetable with watery flesh, eaten raw in salads or cooked
Example
I added fresh cucumber slices to my salad.
C1 verb /kənˈstruː/

construe

Meaning
to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Example
His words could be construed as a threat.
C2 noun /kəˈpriːs/

caprice

Meaning
a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior
Example
She bought the expensive dress on a caprice.
B1 noun /ˈkændɪdeɪt/

candidate

Meaning
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
Example
The candidate gave a strong speech during the debate.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈkɒn.sə.mət/

consummate

Meaning
To complete or perfect something with great skill
Example
He is a consummate artist with years of experience.
A2 noun /ˈkæs.əl/

Castle

Meaning
a large fortified building or set of buildings; a fortress
Example
The medieval castle stood majestically on top of the hill.
B2 noun /ˌkɑːrboʊˈhaɪdreɪt/

carbohydrate

Meaning
a nutrient that provides energy, found in foods like rice, bread, and sugar
Example
Rice and potatoes are rich in carbohydrates.
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.
B1 noun /kəʊˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/

cooperation

Meaning
The process of working together to the same end.
Example
Cooperation ensures effective problem-solving.
A2 adjective, noun /tʃaɪˈniːz/

chinese

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

catholicity

Meaning
Universality; broad-mindedness; acceptance of a wide variety of things.
Example
Her catholicity of interests makes her a fascinating person.
A2 verb kriˈeɪts

creates

Meaning
To bring something into existence or to cause something to happen
Example
Pollution creates environmental and health issues.
B1 adverb /ˈtʃɪəfəli/

cheerfully

Meaning
in a happy and positive manner; with visible good spirits
Example
She greeted everyone cheerfully despite the long day.
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 noun /ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/

coverage

Meaning
The extent or scope of something, such as insurance protection or media reporting.
Example
The news channel provided extensive coverage of the event.
C2 noun /kɒnˌtek.stʃu.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

contextualization

Meaning
The process of placing something in its proper context or setting to understand it better.
Example
Contextualization of historical events helps students understand them better.
B1 adjective /kəmˈpetətɪv/

competitive

Meaning
relating to or characterized by competition; having a strong desire to win or be more successful
Example
She has a competitive spirit that drives her to excel.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkʌstəmər/

customer

Meaning
a person or organization that buys goods or services from a store or business
Example
The shopkeeper greeted the customer with a smile.
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 noun /ˈkæn.ɪ.bəl/

Cannibal

Meaning
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
Example
The explorer's journal described rumors of cannibals living on the remote island.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmənˌtɛri/

commentary

Meaning
An expression of opinions or explanations about an event, situation, or text.
Example
The professor's commentary on the novel was insightful.
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.
B2 noun /ˌkrɛd.ɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

credibility

Meaning
The quality of being trusted and believed in; trustworthiness.
Example
His credibility as a leader remains unquestioned.
B2 verb /kəˈlæps/

collapse

Meaning
to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down completely
Example
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
A2 verb /kəˈlɛkt/

collect

Meaning
to gather together; to accumulate items
Example
I collect stamps as a hobby.
A2 noun /ˈkɜːr.tən/

Curtain

Meaning
a piece of material suspended at the top to form a covering or screen, typically movable sideways
Example
She drew the curtains to block out the bright sunlight.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɔːtruːm/

courtroom

Meaning
a room in which legal cases are heard and decided by a judge
Example
The witness was called to testify in the courtroom.
C2 adjective /ˈkæp.ʃəs/

Captious

Meaning
tending to find fault or raise petty objections; fault-finding; critical
Example
His captious remarks about every small detail made the meeting very unpleasant.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒmɪkəl/

comical

Meaning
Funny in a strange or silly way; amusing.
Example
His comical expressions made everyone laugh.
B2 noun /kəˈrʌp.ʃən/

Corruption

Meaning
dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power; the process of decay or decomposition
Example
The government launched a campaign to fight corruption in public offices.
C2 adjective /kənˈvɪviəl/

convivial

Meaning
friendly, lively, and enjoyable; sociable
Example
The party had a convivial atmosphere with music and laughter.