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B2 noun /ˈkrɪtɪk/

critic

Meaning
A person who judges the merits of something, especially art or literature
Example
The film critic praised the director's latest movie.
A2 noun/verb /ˈsɜːrkəl/

circle

Meaning
a round shape; to move all the way around something
Example
The children sat in a circle.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːrdiəl/

Cordial

Meaning
warmly friendly; sincere; heartfelt
Example
She gave us a cordial welcome at the front door.
B2 verb /kəˈlæps/

collapse

Meaning
to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down completely
Example
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpleɪsənt/

complacent

Meaning
showing self-satisfaction and a lack of concern about potential dangers or problems
Example
The team grew complacent after a few victories and stopped practicing hard.
B2 noun /ˌkɑn.trəˈdɪk.ʃən/

Contradiction

Meaning
a combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another; inconsistency
Example
There was a clear contradiction between his words and his actions.
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 verb /kənˈtɛkstʃuəlaɪz/

contextualize

Meaning
to place something in a context or interpret it in relation to its surroundings
Example
The teacher contextualized the historical event to make it more relevant for students.
A2 noun /ˈkʊki/

cookie

Meaning
a small sweet baked food, usually with flour, sugar, and butter
Example
She offered me a chocolate chip cookie.
B1 noun /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃən/

congratulation

Meaning
an expression of praise or joy for someone’s achievement or good fortune
Example
She sent a congratulation to her friend on winning the award.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
C1 noun /ˈtʃænsələr/

chancellor

Meaning
A senior state or legal official, or the head of a university.
Example
The chancellor delivered an inspiring speech at the graduation ceremony.
C1 verb /tʃɑːr/

char

Meaning
To burn or scorch something so that it becomes blackened.
Example
The cook accidentally charred the steak.
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.
C2 noun /ˈklærɪən/

Clarion

Meaning
a shrill narrow-tubed war trumpet; a medieval trumpet with a clear piercing tone
Example
The clarion sounded across the battlefield to signal the charge.
A2 noun ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən

competition

Meaning
The activity or condition of competing; rivalry for supremacy.
Example
Competition grew between language groups.
C2 verb /kædʒ/

cadge

Meaning
To beg or obtain something, especially food or money, without paying for it.
Example
He tried to cadge a free meal from the restaurant.
C1 noun /ˈtʃɪz.əl/

Chisel

Meaning
a tool with a sharp flat edge used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal
Example
The carpenter used a chisel to carve the wood.
B2 noun /ˌkovuːɪɡˈzɪs.təns/

Co-existence

Meaning
the state of existing together at the same time or in the same place; peaceful cohabitation
Example
The peaceful co-existence of different cultures makes this city unique.
C1 verb /kənˈviːn/

convene

Meaning
to come together or assemble, especially for a meeting or formal gathering
Example
The board will convene tomorrow to discuss the new policy.
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.
C1 verb /siːd/

cede

Meaning
to give up power, territory, or rights to another
Example
The country ceded territory after losing the war.
C1 verb kəˈrɒb.ə.reɪt

corroborate

Meaning
Confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.
Example
The witness corroborated the defendant's testimony.
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.
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.
A2 noun /ˈsen.tʃər.i/

Century

Meaning
a period of one hundred years; a score of one hundred in cricket
Example
The ancient castle has stood for more than five centuries.
A2 verb /kjʊər/

cure

Meaning
to make someone healthy again after an illness
Example
The new medicine cured her of the infection.
C2 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə roʊz/

China-rose

Meaning
a tropical flowering plant with large, showy flowers in various colors
Example
The bright red China-rose flowers decorated the entrance of the house.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmənˌteɪtər/

commentator

Meaning
a person who reports and discusses events, especially on TV or radio
Example
The commentator described the football match in detail.
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.
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 /ˈkrɪptəɡræm/

cryptogram

Meaning
a text written in code or cipher
Example
The detective solved the cryptogram hidden in the letter.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊərdɪs/

cowardice

Meaning
lack of courage; behavior showing fear
Example
His cowardice prevented him from speaking up.
C1 adjective /ˈkrɛdɪtəbl/

creditable

Meaning
Deserving praise or acknowledgment, though not necessarily outstanding.
Example
She made a creditable effort in completing the project on time.
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.
B2 verb /kəmˈpraɪz/

comprise

Meaning
To consist of or be made up of something.
Example
The committee comprises five members.
C1 noun /krɪpt/

crypt

Meaning
an underground chamber, especially one beneath a church, used as a burial place
Example
The tourists explored the ancient crypt beneath the cathedral.
B2 noun /kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən/

coordination

Meaning
the process of organizing different elements to work together effectively
Example
The coordination between the teams was flawless.
C2 verb /ˈkɔː.tə.raɪz/

cauterize

Meaning
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
Example
The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding.
C2 verb /kənˈvoʊk/

convoke

Meaning
to call together or summon a meeting or assembly
Example
The committee convoked an emergency session to discuss the crisis.
B1 verb /kəmˈbaɪn/

combine

Meaning
To bring two or more things together to form a single unit.
Example
They decided to combine their resources for the project.
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 /ˈkætəˌlaɪz/

catalyze

Meaning
To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.
Example
The new law catalyzed reforms across the sector.
C2 noun /ˈkɒliər/

collier

Meaning
a person who works in coal mines or a ship carrying coal
Example
The collier spent long hours underground extracting coal.
C2 noun /ˈkrɪsəndəm/

christendom

Meaning
the worldwide body or community of Christians
Example
The news spread quickly across Christendom.
C1 adjective /kənˈdʒiːniəl/

congenial

Meaning
pleasant and friendly because of having similar interests or qualities
Example
They found the café a congenial place to meet and talk.
B2 noun /kriːk/

creek

Meaning
a small stream or narrow river
Example
We went fishing by the creek near our house.
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 /kənˈtɛndər/

contender

Meaning
a person or team competing for a title or prize
Example
She is a strong contender for the mayoral position.
C1 noun /kənˈtentmənt/

contentment

Meaning
a state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has
Example
She felt a deep sense of contentment after helping others.
B2 verb /krʌʃ/

crush

Meaning
to press or squeeze something so hard that it is damaged or destroyed
Example
He accidentally crushed the paper cup in his hand.
B2 verb /ˈkɑːmpənseɪt/

compensate

Meaning
to give something to make up for loss or damage; to counterbalance
Example
The company will compensate employees for overtime work.
B2 noun /kwɪˈziːn/

cuisine

Meaning
A style or method of cooking, especially characteristic of a particular country or region.
Example
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world.
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.
B1 verb /ˈkæptʃər/

capture

Meaning
to take control of something or someone by force
Example
The soldiers managed to capture the enemy base.
C1 noun /kliːk/

clique

Meaning
a small, exclusive group of people
Example
The students formed a clique that excluded others.
C1 noun /ˈkrɒkəri/

crockery

Meaning
Dishes, plates, cups, and other items made of earthenware or china.
Example
The hotel provided clean crockery for the guests.
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.
B2 verb /kloʊð/

clothe

Meaning
to put clothes on; to dress; to provide with clothing
Example
She clothed the baby in warm garments.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrklət/

circlet

Meaning
A small circular band, typically worn as an ornament on the head.
Example
The princess wore a golden circlet on her forehead.
B2 noun ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən

consultation

Meaning
The action of consulting or discussing; a meeting with an expert or professional to seek advice.
Example
Consultation was essential.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkæləri/

calorie

Meaning
A unit of energy, often used to measure the energy content of food and drink.
Example
She checks the calorie count before eating any packaged food.
C2 adjective /ˈkjʊərətɪv/

curative

Meaning
Able to cure disease or restore health.
Example
The doctor prescribed a curative treatment for the illness.
B2 noun /ˈtʃɪk piː/

Chick pea

Meaning
round beige legume; protein-rich pulse used in various dishes
Example
Soak the chick peas overnight before cooking them for better digestion.
B1 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət/

climate

Meaning
The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general.
Example
Climate change impacts all regions globally.
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.
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 adjective /klæd/

clad

Meaning
dressed or covered in a particular way
Example
The knight was clad in shining armor.
B2 adjective /kəˈreɪdʒəs/

Courageous

Meaning
brave; fearless; showing courage in the face of danger
Example
The courageous firefighter rescued the family from the burning building.
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.
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.
A2 verb /kənˈteɪn/

contain

Meaning
to have or include within; to restrain or control
Example
This box contains important documents.
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.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪnjuəm/

continuum

Meaning
A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, but the extremes are quite distinct.
Example
Life and death are often seen as part of the same continuum.
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.
B2 noun /ˌkɒndɛnˈseɪʃən/

condensation

Meaning
The process of water vapor changing into liquid; also, the act of making something more concise.
Example
Condensation formed on the windows during the cold night.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwɪnɪti/

consanguinity

Meaning
The fact of being descended from the same ancestor; blood relationship.
Example
The degree of consanguinity was important in inheritance laws.
B1 adjective kəˈmɜː.ʃəl

commercial

Meaning
Concerned with or engaged in commerce; having profit as a primary aim rather than artistic or other value.
Example
Commercial hubs attract investments.
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.
C1 noun /ʃəˈreɪd/

charade

Meaning
an absurd pretense or act intended to deceive; also a word-guessing game
Example
The trial was nothing more than a political charade.
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.
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.
B1 adjective ˈkruː.ʃəl

crucial

Meaning
Decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
Example
Fault-tolerance is crucial for reliability.
A2 noun ˈkɜːrɪdʒ

courage

Meaning
The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery.
Example
Courage is essential in the face of challenges.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
C2 verb /ˈkɒd.l̩/

coddle

Meaning
to treat someone with excessive care or kindness, often in a way that is overprotective
Example
Parents should support their children without coddling them.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/

constellation

Meaning
a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern in the night sky
Example
Orion is one of the most famous constellations.
B2 noun /kənˈstɪtʃ.u.ənts/

constituents

Meaning
Components or elements used to create something.
Example
Proteins and vitamins are essential constituents of a healthy diet.
B2 adjective /ˌkɒst.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/

cost-efficient

Meaning
Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Example
Cost-efficient solutions benefit industries.
B2 adjective /keɪˈɒtɪk/

Chaotic

Meaning
in a state of complete confusion and disorder
Example
The situation became chaotic after the announcement.
B2 noun /ˈkɒk.roʊtʃ/

Cockroach

Meaning
a flat brown insect that is commonly found in kitchens and other warm places
Example
A cockroach ran across the kitchen floor quickly.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.si/

contumacy

Meaning
stubborn refusal to obey authority
Example
His contumacy led to his suspension from the council.
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 /kənˈtɪn.ju.əns/

continuance

Meaning
the state of continuing or being prolonged; persistence
Example
The continuance of the project depended on securing additional funding.
A1 noun /tʃiːz/

Cheese

Meaning
a food made from the pressed curds of milk; used for photography to make people smile
Example
She added grated cheese to the pasta for extra flavor.
C1 noun /kəˈluːʒən/

collusion

Meaning
A secret agreement or cooperation, especially for an illegal or dishonest purpose.
Example
There was evidence of collusion between the officials and the contractors.
B2 noun /ˈkʊriər/

courier

Meaning
a person or company that delivers messages, packages, or mail
Example
The courier delivered the documents on time.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrmərənt/

cormorant

Meaning
a large black sea bird that catches fish by diving
Example
The cormorant perched on the rock, drying its wings after a dive.
B1 noun /ˈkʌˈs.təm/

Custom

Meaning
a traditional practice or behavior; duties levied on imports; habitual practice
Example
It is a local custom to remove shoes before entering someone's home.
B2 noun /ˈkæriər/

carrier

Meaning
A person or thing that carries, transports, or conveys something; also an organization that provides transport services.
Example
The airline is the largest carrier in the country.
A1 noun /kæt/

Cat

Meaning
a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws
Example
The cat sat on the windowsill watching birds.
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 ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri

contradictory

Meaning
Mutually opposed or inconsistent; containing elements that oppose each other.
Example
Their views on education are contradictory.
B2 noun kənˈsen.səs

consensus

Meaning
A general agreement among all members of a group.
Example
Consensus was reached after long deliberation.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkɔːpjʊlənt/

corpulent

Meaning
fat or obese; having a large bulky body
Example
The corpulent man struggled to fit into the small chair.
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.
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.
B2 noun /kraɪst/

christ

Meaning
the title given to Jesus, considered the Messiah in Christianity
Example
Christ is central to Christian faith.
A2 verb /ˈkænsəl/

cancel

Meaning
to decide that something planned will not take place
Example
The flight was canceled due to heavy rain.
C1 noun kəˈlæt.ər.əl

collateral

Meaning
Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default.
Example
The bank requires collateral for loan approval.
C1 adjective /kəmˈplɪsɪt/

complicit

Meaning
involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Example
He was found complicit in the crime.
C1 noun /ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən/

congregation

Meaning
a group of people assembled for religious worship or a common purpose
Example
The congregation gathered to hear the sermon.
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.