critical thinking
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
B2 noun ˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ

critical thinking

Meaning
The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
Example
Critical thinking helps in making informed decisions.
B1 noun ˈkʌrənsi

currency

Meaning
A system of money in general use in a particular country; the fact or quality of being generally accepted or in use.
Example
Dual currency systems were proposed.
B1 adjective ˈkruː.ʃəl

crucial

Meaning
Decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
Example
Fault-tolerance is crucial for reliability.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/

circumstance

Meaning
a fact or condition connected with an event or action
Example
She handled the difficult circumstances bravely.
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 /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 /ˈkætərækt/

cataract

Meaning
A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's lens; also a large waterfall.
Example
The old man suffered from cataracts in both eyes.
C1 verb /kənˈtraɪv/

contrive

Meaning
to plan or devise cleverly or skillfully
Example
She contrived a clever plan to surprise her friends.
C1 noun /krəˈvæs/

crevasse

Meaning
a deep crack in a glacier or the earth’s surface
Example
The climbers carefully crossed the icy crevasse.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkær.ə.weɪ siːdz/

Caraway seeds

Meaning
aromatic seeds of the caraway plant used as a spice in cooking and baking
Example
The bread was flavored with caraway seeds.
B2 verb /ˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/

constitute

Meaning
To make up, form, or establish something.
Example
These documents constitute the legal agreement between the two parties.
B1 noun /kræb/

Crab

Meaning
a crustacean with a broad carapace, stalked eyes, and five pairs of legs, the first pair of which are modified as pincers
Example
The crab scuttled sideways across the sand.
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.
A2 adjective /kjuːt/

cute

Meaning
attractive in a pretty or endearing way
Example
That puppy is so cute!
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.
B2 adjective /kəˈmɛndəbl̩/

commendable

Meaning
deserving praise or approval
Example
Her dedication to the project was truly commendable.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔː.zəl/

causal

Meaning
relating to or acting as a cause
Example
There is a causal link between smoking and cancer.
C2 noun /kənˌɡlɒməˈreɪʃən/

conglomeration

Meaning
A collection or mixture of different things grouped together.
Example
The market is a conglomeration of small shops and food stalls.
C1 noun /kəˈlɪɡrəfi/

calligraphy

Meaning
The art of beautiful and decorative handwriting.
Example
She took a course to improve her calligraphy skills.
B2 noun /kənˈfɛkʃəneri/

confectionery

Meaning
sweets, candies, and other food items made with sugar
Example
The shop sells a wide variety of confectionery.
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.
A2 noun /kraʊd/

crowd

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

cavil

Meaning
to make petty or unnecessary objections
Example
She caviled at every detail of the plan.
C2 noun /kəˈnaɪ.vəns/

connivance

Meaning
the act of secretly allowing or being involved in wrongdoing
Example
The theft happened with the connivance of the security guard.
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.
C2 verb /ˈkælvɪnaɪz/

calvinize

Meaning
to imbue with the principles or doctrines of Calvinism
Example
The preacher sought to calvinize the community with strict teachings.
A1 noun /kəmˈpjuːtə(r)/

computer

Meaning
an electronic device for storing and processing data
Example
I bought a new computer for my office work.
B2 verb /ˌkoʊ.ɪnˈsaɪd/

coincide

Meaning
To occur at the same time or to be in agreement.
Example
The meeting coincided with her birthday.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrtɪˌtjuːd/

certitude

Meaning
Absolute certainty or conviction about something.
Example
She spoke with certitude about the outcome of the case.
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.
A2 verb kriˈeɪts

creates

Meaning
To bring something into existence or to cause something to happen
Example
Pollution creates environmental and health issues.
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.
C2 noun /ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/

carte blanche

Meaning
complete freedom to act as one wishes
Example
The manager gave her team carte blanche to design the project.
B2 adjective /ˈklɪn.ɪ.kəl/

clinical

Meaning
Related to the observation and treatment of patients rather than theoretical study.
Example
The doctor conducted a clinical examination.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrtɪlɪdʒ/

cartilage

Meaning
A firm, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body such as joints, ear, and nose.
Example
The doctor explained that the injury damaged the cartilage in his knee.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæs.tɪ.ti/

Chastity

Meaning
the practice of refraining from extramarital or premarital sexual relations; sexual purity
Example
Many religious traditions value chastity as a virtue of moral purity.
A1 verb /kʊk/

cook

Meaning
to prepare food by heating; to make food ready to eat
Example
My mother loves to cook traditional dishes.
B2 noun /ˌkɔr.əˈspɑn.dəns/

Correspondence

Meaning
letters sent or received; similarity or equivalence; communication by exchange of letters
Example
The historical correspondence between the two famous writers was recently published.
A2 noun /ˈkæb.ɪdʒ/

Cabbage

Meaning
a cultivated plant eaten as a vegetable, having thick green or purple leaves surrounding a spherical heart
Example
She chopped the fresh cabbage to make coleslaw for dinner.
B1 adjective /ˈkəʊstəl/

coastal

Meaning
relating to or near a coast or shoreline
Example
They built a resort in a coastal area.
C1 adjective /kəˈnɒnɪkəl/

canonical

Meaning
Conforming to a general rule or accepted standard; officially recognized.
Example
Shakespeare’s works are considered canonical in English literature.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒŋɡruənt/

congruent

Meaning
in agreement or harmony; having the same shape and size in geometry
Example
Their values are congruent with the goals of the organization.
B2 adjective kəˈləʊ.ni.əl

colonial

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonialism, especially involving the control of one country by another.
Example
Colonial rule suppressed local governance.
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.
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.
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.
B2 noun /klɔː/

Claw

Meaning
sharp curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird
Example
The cat extended its sharp claws to climb the tree.
C1 noun /ˈkɒntrəbænd/

contraband

Meaning
goods that are illegal to import, export, or possess
Example
The police seized a shipment of contraband cigarettes.
B1 noun kəˈpæs.ə.ti

capacity

Meaning
The maximum amount that something can contain or produce; the ability or power to do or understand something.
Example
The cable has the capacity to handle vast data traffic.
A2 noun /keɪdʒ/

Cage

Meaning
a structure with bars or wire for keeping birds or animals
Example
The parrot lives in a large cage.
B2 adjective /ˈkɔːstli/

costly

Meaning
expensive or causing a lot of money, time, or effort
Example
Their mistake proved to be very costly for the company.
B1 noun /kəʊˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/

cooperation

Meaning
The process of working together to the same end.
Example
Cooperation ensures effective problem-solving.
C1 noun/verb /ˈsaɪ.fər/

cipher

Meaning
A secret or disguised way of writing; a code; to put a message into secret writing.
Example
Military messages are protected using a cipher.
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.
B2 noun /kɜːrd/

Curd

Meaning
a white dairy product made by coagulating milk; yogurt
Example
She added fresh curd to the salad for a tangy flavor.
C1 adjective ˈklaɪ.mət rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt

climate-resilient

Meaning
Able to cope with the adverse effects of climate change; sustainable and adaptable.
Example
Climate-resilient crops can survive extreme weather conditions.
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.
B1 noun /ˈtʃiːtər/

cheater

Meaning
a person who cheats or acts dishonestly to gain an advantage
Example
He was caught and labeled as a cheater during the exam.
B2 noun /ˈkʌlprɪt/

culprit

Meaning
a person who is responsible for a crime or misdeed
Example
The police caught the culprit behind the robbery.
B2 noun /ˈkɒn.ʃəs.nəs/

consciousness

Meaning
The state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, sensations, thoughts, and surroundings.
Example
Meditation helps improve consciousness and clarity of thought.
C1 adverb /ˌkɒnfɪˈdenʃəli/

Confidentially

Meaning
in a confidential manner; secretly; privately
Example
The information was shared confidentially between the two managers.
B2 noun, verb /kloʊk/

cloak

Meaning
a loose outer garment; to cover, hide, or disguise
Example
The spy cloaked his identity with a false name.
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.
C2 noun /kəˈtæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/

catabolism

Meaning
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.
Example
Catabolism plays a crucial role in cellular energy production.
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 /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfər/

cartographer

Meaning
A person who makes maps.
Example
The cartographer carefully drew the map of the new territory.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.kɪn/

Catkin

Meaning
a drooping, often tasseled cluster of small flowers found on willow and birch trees
Example
The willow tree's catkins swayed gently in the spring breeze.
A2 noun /kɔːrn/

Corn

Meaning
a tall cereal plant that produces kernels on large ears; maize
Example
We grilled corn on the cob for dinner.
B2 noun /ˈsen.tɪ.piːd/

Centipede

Meaning
a long thin creature with many legs that lives in dark places
Example
I found a centipede crawling under the rock.
B1 noun /ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/

Capital

Meaning
the most important city or town of a country or region; wealth in the form of money or assets
Example
Paris is the capital of France and also a major financial capital.
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.
A1 adjective /kloʊzd/

closed

Meaning
not open; shut
Example
The store is closed on Fridays.
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.
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.
C1 noun koʊˈhisɪv ˈjunɪts

cohesive units

Meaning
Groups or organizations that work together as unified wholes, with members closely bound together.
Example
Early humans formed cohesive units for survival.
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 /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.
C1 noun ˈkɒnfluəns

confluence

Meaning
An act or process of merging.
Example
The confluence of ideas from different cultures created a rich discussion.
B1 adjective /ˈkɜːrli/

curly

Meaning
having curls or waves; shaped with bends or coils
Example
She has naturally curly hair.
C2 verb /ˈkɒsɪt/

cosset

Meaning
to care for and protect in an overindulgent way
Example
The little girl was cosseted by her grandparents.
A2 verb /krɒs/

cross

Meaning
to go from one side to another, or to pass through
Example
We crossed the river using a wooden bridge.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.təmˈpleɪ.ʃən/

contemplation

Meaning
The action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time; deep reflective thought.
Example
She sat in contemplation before making her decision.
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 adjective /ˈkɒnfluənt/

confluent

Meaning
Flowing together or merging; coming together at one point.
Example
The confluent streams formed a mighty river.
C1 verb /kliːv/

cleave

Meaning
to split or divide; to cut through forcefully
Example
He used an axe to cleave the wood.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪt/

caret

Meaning
A proofreading symbol (^) used to indicate where something should be inserted.
Example
The editor placed a caret to show where the missing word should go.
B2 noun /ˌkɔːrpəˈreɪʃən/

corporation

Meaning
A large company or group of companies that is legally recognized as a single entity.
Example
The corporation invested heavily in renewable energy projects.
A2 noun /ˈkɒmədi/

comedy

Meaning
A type of entertainment that is intended to make people laugh.
Example
We watched a hilarious comedy at the theater.
C1 noun /ˈkæləs/

callus

Meaning
A thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area subjected to friction.
Example
A callus formed on his palm from using tools every day.
B2 noun /kənˈkʌʃən/

concussion

Meaning
A temporary unconsciousness or shock caused by a blow to the head.
Example
He suffered a concussion after falling from the bike.
B1 noun /ˈkriːtʃər/

creature

Meaning
A living being, especially an animal.
Example
The forest is full of strange creatures.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/

competence

Meaning
the ability to do something successfully or efficiently
Example
Her competence as a manager impressed the board.
B1 verb kənˈsjuːmz

consumes

Meaning
Use up (a resource); eat, drink, or ingest (food or drink).
Example
An individual consumes around 20 kg of plastic annually.
C2 adjective /kəˈdævərəs/

cadaverous

Meaning
Resembling a corpse; very pale, thin, or bony.
Example
His cadaverous appearance shocked everyone at the party.
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 /ˈkloʊtʃər/

cloture

Meaning
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
Example
The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate.
B1 verb /ˈkɒntrækt/

contract

Meaning
to make smaller; to enter into a formal agreement
Example
The company will contract a new supplier for materials.
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 /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.
B2 noun /kreɪn/

Crane

Meaning
a large tall bird with long legs and neck; a machine for lifting heavy objects
Example
The graceful crane stood motionless by the water's edge.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvi/

covey

Meaning
a small group of birds, especially partridges or quails
Example
A covey of quails flew across the field.
B1 verb /kəˈmjuː.nɪ.keɪt/

communicate

Meaning
to share or exchange information, ideas, or feelings
Example
They used gestures to communicate across the noisy room.
B2 noun /ˈkɒpɪraɪt/

copyright

Meaning
the legal right of the creator of a work to control its use and distribution
Example
She holds the copyright for the book.
C2 adjective /kənˈsʌmptɪv/

consumptive

Meaning
Relating to or characterized by consumption; historically used to describe someone suffering from tuberculosis.
Example
The doctor advised against consumptive habits.
A2 noun /klʌb/

club

Meaning
an organization of people with a common interest; also a place for social gatherings or entertainment
Example
He joined the local tennis club to meet new people.
C1 noun /kəˈmoʊʃən/

commotion

Meaning
A state of noisy confusion or disturbance.
Example
The sudden commotion in the market drew everyone's attention.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkæm.fər/

Camphor

Meaning
a white crystalline substance with a strong aromatic smell, used in medicine and religious ceremonies
Example
The temple was filled with the fragrant smoke of burning camphor.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌsɪd/

cussed

Meaning
Annoyingly stubborn or difficult.
Example
He was too cussed to admit his mistake.
B2 adjective + noun kriˈeɪtɪv ɪɡˈzɪbɪts

creative exhibits

Meaning
Artistic displays or presentations that show originality and imagination.
Example
The creative exhibits highlighted recycling possibilities.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/

countermand

Meaning
to revoke or cancel an order or command
Example
The general countermanded the previous orders immediately.
A1 noun/verb /ˈkʊkɪŋ/

cooking

Meaning
the process of preparing food by heating it
Example
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌkævəˈlɪər/

cavalier

Meaning
showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or offhand
Example
He had a cavalier attitude toward safety regulations.
B2 verb /kəmˈpaɪl/

compile

Meaning
to collect information or material and put it together in a list, report, or book
Example
She compiled the research data into a detailed report.
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.
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 /ˈʃeɪndʒ ˈmænɪdʒmənt/

change management

Meaning
The discipline that guides how we prepare, equip and support individuals, teams and organizations in making organizational change.
Example
Change management ensures smooth transitions.