crescendo
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C1 noun /krəˈʃɛndoʊ/

crescendo

Meaning
a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music
Example
The orchestra built to a powerful crescendo before the finale.
B2 noun ˈsɜːrkjələr ɪˈkɒnəmi

circular economy

Meaning
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling.
Example
Adopting a circular economy can reduce waste.
B2 adjective ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl

controversial

Meaning
Giving rise to public disagreement or heated discussion.
Example
The policy remains controversial.
B1 noun /kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən/

consideration

Meaning
careful thought or attention to something before making a decision
Example
After much consideration, she accepted the job offer.
A2 adjective ˈkʌmftəbəl

comfortable

Meaning
Giving a feeling of physical ease and relaxation; free from hardship or unpleasant conditions.
Example
Urban planning aims to make cities more comfortable.
B2 adjective /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

Convincing

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

colonnade

Meaning
A row of evenly spaced columns supporting a roof, often in classical architecture.
Example
The visitors admired the grand colonnade at the entrance of the temple.
C1 adjective /ˈkæl.əs/

Callous

Meaning
showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others; emotionally hardened
Example
He showed a callous disregard for others' feelings.
C2 noun /kɪˈrɒpədɪst/

chiropodist

Meaning
A healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats foot problems.
Example
The chiropodist treated her painful corns and calluses.
A2 noun /kraʊd/

crowd

Meaning
a large number of people gathered together
Example
A huge crowd gathered to watch the concert.
C2 noun /ˈkærəm/

Carom

Meaning
aromatic seeds of a plant used as a spice, especially in Indian cooking
Example
Carom seeds are often used in traditional Indian bread recipes.
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.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/

commonplace

Meaning
ordinary or unremarkable; something that is usual or commonly found
Example
Smartphones have become commonplace in modern life.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlieɪtɪd/

ciliated

Meaning
Having minute hairlike projections (cilia) on the surface of cells or organisms.
Example
The ciliated cells in the respiratory tract help move mucus out of the lungs.
B2 noun kənˌtæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən

contamination

Meaning
The process of making something less pure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.
Example
Contamination of air leads to health issues.
C1 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈmoʊ.ni.əl/

Ceremonial

Meaning
relating to or used in ceremonies; formal and ritualistic
Example
The ceremonial dress was worn during the royal wedding.
B1 noun /ˈsɪtɪzən/

citizen

Meaning
a legally recognized subject or national of a state
Example
Every citizen has the right to vote.
C2 noun /ˌkæl.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

calcification

Meaning
The process of calcium accumulation in soil, making it hard.
Example
Calcification reduces soil permeability and affects crop growth.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkriːtʃər/

creature

Meaning
A living being, especially an animal.
Example
The forest is full of strange creatures.
C2 adjective /kænˈtæŋ.kər.əs/

cantankerous

Meaning
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
Example
The cantankerous old man complained about everything.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈsɔːriəs/

censorious

Meaning
severely critical of others
Example
She was always censorious about her colleagues' mistakes.
B1 verb /kənˈfɜːrm/

confirm

Meaning
to establish the truth, accuracy, or validity of something
Example
The hotel will confirm your reservation by email.
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 noun ˈkɔːrəl ˈriːfs

Coral Reefs

Meaning
Underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals, forming diverse marine ecosystems.
Example
Saint Martin's Island is known for its coral reefs.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtuːɪtɪv/

counterintuitive

Meaning
contrary to what one would intuitively expect
Example
His approach seems counterintuitive but it actually works.
B1 verb /kənˈtɪnjuɪŋ/

continuing

Meaning
to keep doing something without stopping
Example
They are continuing their journey despite the rain.
C1 verb /ˈkæptɪveɪt/

captivate

Meaning
to attract and hold the interest of; to charm or fascinate
Example
Her beautiful voice captivated the audience.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːrkɪt/

circuit

Meaning
A roughly circular line, route, or movement that starts and ends at the same place; also an electrical pathway.
Example
The runners completed the circuit around the park.
C1 verb koʊˈɜrs

coerce

Meaning
To force someone to do something against their will using threats or intimidation.
Example
The manager tried to coerce the employees into working overtime.
C1 noun /kənˈveɪəns/

conveyance

Meaning
The action or process of transporting or carrying someone or something from one place to another.
Example
The conveyance of goods was delayed due to bad weather.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpætəbl/

compatible

Meaning
Able to exist or work together without conflict; harmonious.
Example
This software is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.
B1 noun /tʃiːk/

Cheek

Meaning
either side of the face below the eye; impudent or disrespectful behavior
Example
The baby's rosy cheeks showed she was healthy and happy.
C1 noun kəˈmjunəl ˈhɑrməni

communal harmony

Meaning
Peaceful coexistence and cooperation among different groups in a community.
Example
Maintaining communal harmony requires mutual respect and understanding.
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 adjective /ˈkɒnfluənt/

confluent

Meaning
Flowing together or merging; coming together at one point.
Example
The confluent streams formed a mighty river.
B1 adjective /kənˈtroʊld/

controlled

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

correlative

Meaning
having a mutual relationship; corresponding
Example
The increase in temperature is correlative with the melting of glaciers.
A2 verb /ˈkɑːpi/

copy

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

case

Meaning
A particular situation, occurrence, or an instance of something; also a container or covering for something.
Example
In this case, we should wait for further instructions.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊn.tər kleɪm/

counter-claim

Meaning
a claim made to rebut a previous claim, often in legal contexts
Example
The defendant filed a counter-claim against the plaintiff.
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.
B2 noun ˌsaɪ.bə.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti

cybersecurity

Meaning
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks
Example
Cybersecurity ensures safe digital operations.
B2 adjective /ˈkræŋki/

cranky

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, or irritable
Example
The child gets cranky when he is hungry.
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.
B1 noun /kəʊst/

Coast

Meaning
the part of the land near the sea; the edge of the land
Example
We drove along the coast to enjoy the view.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒnʃəs/

conscious

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

countenance

Meaning
a person's face or expression; support or approval
Example
Her cheerful countenance brightened the room.
A1 adjective /koʊld/

Cold

Meaning
having a low temperature; lacking warmth; unfriendly
Example
The cold winter wind made everyone shiver.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnstənsi/

constancy

Meaning
the quality of being faithful and dependable
Example
Her constancy in friendship is admirable.
C1 noun /ˌkæm.əˈrɑː.dɚ.i/

camaraderie

Meaning
Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Example
The camaraderie among teammates was inspiring.
B2 adjective ˈkʌtɪŋ ˌɛdʒ

cutting-edge

Meaning
The most advanced or innovative; at the forefront of development.
Example
This company develops cutting-edge technology.
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.
B2 verb /kəmˈplaɪ/

comply

Meaning
to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law
Example
All companies must comply with safety regulations.
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.
C1 noun /kʌˈstoʊ.di.ən/

Custodian

Meaning
a person who has responsibility for or looks after something; a caretaker or guardian
Example
The school custodian ensures that all buildings are clean and secure.
C1 noun /ˈkælɪbər/

caliber

Meaning
The quality of someone's ability or character; the internal diameter of a gun barrel.
Example
The university attracts students of high caliber.
B1 noun /ˈkɔːlɪˌflaʊər/

Cauliflower

Meaning
white vegetable with a compact head of undeveloped flower buds
Example
Roasted cauliflower makes a delicious and healthy side dish.
C1 adjective sɪˈlɛstʃəl

celestial

Meaning
Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy.
Example
The celestial bodies in the sky were clearly visible last night.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkʌlvərt/

culvert

Meaning
a tunnel or drain that carries water under a road or railway
Example
The heavy rainwater flowed through the culvert under the bridge.
B1 noun /ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən/

combination

Meaning
The act of joining or mixing two or more things together.
Example
This dish is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
A1 noun /kæn/

Can

Meaning
a metal container for food or drink
Example
I opened a can of soup for lunch.
B2 verb /kənˈfɜːr/

confer

Meaning
to discuss something important or to grant or bestow something
Example
The committee will confer to decide on the new policy.
C1 noun /kənˈteɪdʒən/

contagion

Meaning
The communication of disease from one person to another by close contact; also the spread of harmful ideas or behaviors.
Example
Fear spread like a contagion through the crowd.
B2 adjective /kənˈsek.jə.tɪv/

Consecutive

Meaning
following each other in uninterrupted succession; sequential
Example
She won three consecutive matches in the tournament.
C1 noun /kæpˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/

Captivity

Meaning
the condition of being imprisoned or confined
Example
After years of captivity, the prisoner was finally released.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

Meaning
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒz.mɪk/

cosmic

Meaning
relating to the universe or cosmos; vast
Example
Astronomers study cosmic phenomena to understand the universe.
A2 noun /tʃɜːrtʃ/

church

Meaning
a building used for public Christian worship
Example
The old church in the village was built in the 18th century.
C1 noun/verb /kruːˈseɪd/

crusade

Meaning
a vigorous campaign for a social, political, or religious cause; to fight passionately for a cause
Example
She has been crusading for women's rights all her life.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒn.keɪv/

concave

Meaning
curved inward like the inside of a bowl
Example
The mirror had a concave surface that magnified her reflection.
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.
B2 noun /kəˈdɛt/

cadet

Meaning
A young trainee in the armed forces, police, or other organization.
Example
The cadet marched proudly in the parade.
B2 adverb /ˈkrɪtɪkli/

critically

Meaning
in a way that expresses disapproval or a very serious, important way
Example
He was critically injured in the accident.
B2 noun /kəmˈplɛksɪti/

complexity

Meaning
The state of being complex; intricacy.
Example
The complexity of the problem required a team of experts.
C1 noun kɒɡˈnɪʃ.ən

cognition

Meaning
The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
Example
Cognition plays a key role in learning.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌmli/

comely

Meaning
Attractive or pleasant in appearance.
Example
The actress was known for her comely features.
C2 verb /ˈkrɪŋ.kəl/

crinkle

Meaning
To form small creases or wrinkles.
Example
She crinkled her nose at the strange smell.
A2 noun,verb /kɔːrt/

court

Meaning
a place where legal cases are heard or to seek favor or attention
Example
He courted the judge with respect.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvən/

coven

Meaning
a group or gathering of witches
Example
The witches met secretly in a coven in the forest.
C1 noun /krʌks/

crux

Meaning
the most important or decisive point of an issue
Example
The crux of the problem lies in poor communication.
C2 adjective /ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

contumacious

Meaning
stubbornly disobedient or rebellious
Example
The contumacious student refused to follow the school rules.
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.
B1 noun /ˈker.ləs.nəs/

Carelessness

Meaning
failure to give sufficient attention to avoiding harm or errors
Example
His carelessness with money led to serious financial problems.
C1 verb /kəmˈprɛs/

compress

Meaning
to press or squeeze something so that it becomes smaller
Example
The file was compressed to save storage space.
C2 adjective /ˈkjʊərətɪv/

curative

Meaning
Able to cure disease or restore health.
Example
The doctor prescribed a curative treatment for the illness.
C1 adjective ˈkʌm.bə.səm

cumbersome

Meaning
Heavy, unwieldy, difficult to handle or carry.
Example
The cumbersome luggage slowed him down.
C2 noun /kənˈtɔːrʃənz/

contortions

Meaning
plural form of contortion; multiple twisted or bent shapes
Example
The magician's contortions left the crowd in awe.
B2 noun /kɒk/

Cock

Meaning
an adult male chicken
Example
The cock crowed loudly at dawn to wake everyone up.
C1 verb /tʃɑːr/

char

Meaning
To burn or scorch something so that it becomes blackened.
Example
The cook accidentally charred the steak.
B2 noun kəˈmɒd.ə.ti

commodity

Meaning
A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.
Example
Oil is a valuable commodity in the global market.
A1 verb /kʌm/

come

Meaning
to move toward a place; to arrive at a place
Example
Please come to my birthday party.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/

Charitable

Meaning
generous in giving to those in need; showing kindness
Example
She is known for her charitable work in the community.
C2 adjective /kɒnˈsæŋɡwɪn/

consanguine

Meaning
Of the same blood or origin; related by birth.
Example
The two families were consanguine through their grandparents.
C2 noun /ˈsɛntɔːr/

centaur

Meaning
A mythological creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
Example
The centaur is a well-known figure in Greek mythology.
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.
B2 noun /kənˈspɪrəsi/

conspiracy

Meaning
A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
Example
The police uncovered a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
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.
C1 adjective /koʊˈɜːrsɪv/

coercive

Meaning
Relating to or using force or threats to make someone do something.
Example
The government faced criticism for adopting coercive measures against protestors.
A2 noun ʃef

chef

Meaning
A professional cook, especially the chief cook in a restaurant or hotel.
Example
The chef specializes in avant-garde dishes.
C2 noun /kəˈpriːs/

caprice

Meaning
a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior
Example
She bought the expensive dress on a caprice.
B2 noun /ˈtʃeɪmbər/

chamber

Meaning
a large room used for formal or public events, or a private room.
Example
The king held meetings in his private chamber.
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 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.
B1 adjective /kəmˈbaɪnd/

combined

Meaning
formed by bringing together separate parts or elements
Example
The combined effort of the team led to success.
A2 verb tʃeɪs

chase

Meaning
To pursue in order to catch or overtake; to follow rapidly or eagerly
Example
Don't chase two rabbits at once.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs/

contiguous

Meaning
sharing a common border; touching
Example
The two continguous houses shared a wall.
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.
C1 verb /koʊˈhæbɪt/

cohabit

Meaning
To live together, often as partners without being married.
Example
They decided to cohabit before getting married.
B1 noun /ˈklɪn.ɪk/

clinic

Meaning
A place where people receive medical treatment without staying overnight.
Example
She went to the clinic for a health check-up.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪn.ju.əns/

continuance

Meaning
the state of continuing or being prolonged; persistence
Example
The continuance of the project depended on securing additional funding.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrnɪs/

cornice

Meaning
an ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling
Example
The elegant cornice added a classical touch to the living room.
C2 adjective /ˌkloʊs ˈhɔːld/

close-hauled

Meaning
of a sailing ship, sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing.
Example
The yacht was close-hauled as it cut through the waves.