critical
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
B1 adjective ˈkrɪtɪkəl

critical

Meaning
Extremely important; at a point of crisis or urgency.
Example
Addressing critical issues in education is imperative.
B2 noun /kɔːrps/

corpse

Meaning
a dead body, especially of a human
Example
The police discovered a corpse in the abandoned house.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛstˌfɔːlən/

crestfallen

Meaning
sad and disappointed
Example
He looked crestfallen after hearing the bad news.
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.
C2 noun /ˈklaɪmɪŋ fɪʃ/

Climbing-fish

Meaning
a type of fish that can climb trees and survive out of water for short periods
Example
The climbing-fish can move from one pond to another by climbing trees.
A1 noun /kloʊðz/

clothes

Meaning
garments worn on the body
Example
She bought new clothes for the party.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɛd.ɪ.bəl/

credible

Meaning
able to be believed; convincing
Example
Her explanation was credible enough to convince the committee.
C2 adjective /kənˈfɔːrməbl/

conformable

Meaning
Capable of being adapted or consistent with something; compliant.
Example
His actions were conformable to the rules of the institution.
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.
B2 noun /kəmˈplɛksɪti/

complexity

Meaning
The state of being complex; intricacy.
Example
The complexity of the problem required a team of experts.
B2 adjective /ˈkræŋki/

cranky

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, or irritable
Example
The child gets cranky when he is hungry.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsələr/

counsellor

Meaning
a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems; an advisor
Example
She spoke to a counsellor to get advice about her career.
C2 adjective ˈkoʊ.dʒənt

cogent

Meaning
Clear, logical, and convincing.
Example
His cogent argument convinced the jury.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndʒʊɡəl/

conjugal

Meaning
relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife
Example
They enjoyed a long life of conjugal happiness.
C2 noun /ˈkoʊdə/

coda

Meaning
the concluding passage of a piece of music or a literary work
Example
The novel ends with a reflective coda that ties up the themes.
C2 verb /kənˈtjuːz/

contuse

Meaning
to bruise by striking or hitting
Example
He contused his arm when he fell off the bike.
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 adjective /ˈkɒmɪkəl/

comical

Meaning
Funny in a strange or silly way; amusing.
Example
His comical expressions made everyone laugh.
A2 verb /kənˈfjuːz/

confuse

Meaning
To make someone unable to think clearly; to bewilder.
Example
The complex instructions confused the students.
C1 noun /kənˈtɛnʃən/

contention

Meaning
heated disagreement or argument; a point asserted in debate
Example
The main contention between the two parties was over tax reform.
B2 noun /ˈkloʊʒər/

closure

Meaning
the action or process of closing something, or the sense of finality or resolution.
Example
The closure of the company left many employees without jobs.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈsɛlɪbət/

celibate

Meaning
abstaining from marriage and sexual relations; a person who does so
Example
He chose to remain celibate for religious reasons.
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 noun /ˈkɒpə/

copper

Meaning
a reddish-brown metal used for electrical wiring, coins, and more
Example
Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/

circumstance

Meaning
a fact or condition connected with an event or action
Example
She handled the difficult circumstances bravely.
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 /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.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

consequential

Meaning
Having important or significant consequences; resulting from something.
Example
The meeting was consequential for the future of the project.
C2 verb /koʊˈhɪr/

cohere

Meaning
To stick together; to be united logically or physically.
Example
The ideas in his essay cohere well.
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 adjective /ˈkɒn.trər.i/

Contrary

Meaning
opposite in nature, direction, or meaning; completely different
Example
Contrary to popular belief, cats can be very social animals.
B2 noun /koʊˈɔːrdɪˌneɪtər/

coordinator

Meaning
a person who organizes people or activities so that they work well together
Example
The event coordinator managed everything perfectly.
C1 noun kənˈvɜː.dʒəns

convergence

Meaning
The process of coming together from different directions to meet at a common point; unification or integration.
Example
The convergence of technologies is revolutionizing industries.
C2 noun /ˈsɪniæst/

cineast

Meaning
A film enthusiast or filmmaker; a person deeply interested in cinema.
Example
As a true cineast, she spends most weekends watching classic films.
C2 adjective /kəˈkɒfənəs/

cacophonous

Meaning
Producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophonous sounds of the city kept her awake all night.
C1 adjective /kræs/

crass

Meaning
lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence
Example
His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
C1 verb /kriːk/

creak

Meaning
to make a high-pitched, squeaking noise when moved
Example
The old door creaked as she opened it.
B1 noun/adjective /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/

characteristic

Meaning
A distinguishing quality or feature of a person, place, or thing.
Example
Kindness is a characteristic of true leadership.
A2 noun /kəˈnɛkʃən/

connection

Meaning
a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else
Example
There is a strong connection between exercise and health.
A1 noun /ˈkæm.rə/

camera

Meaning
a device used for taking photographs or recording videos
Example
She bought a new camera for her photography class.
B1 verb /ˈkæptʃər/

capture

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

catapult

Meaning
A device for launching objects at high speed; to hurl or launch something suddenly.
Example
The invention catapulted him to international fame.
C1 adjective /ˈkjʊərəbl/

curable

Meaning
Able to be cured or healed.
Example
The doctor assured her that the disease was curable.
B2 noun /ˌkɔːriˈændər/

Coriander

Meaning
aromatic herb with feathery leaves used for flavoring food; also refers to the seeds used as spice
Example
Fresh coriander leaves are sprinkled on top of the curry.
C2 noun /ˈklæŋər/

clangor

Meaning
A loud, resonant, and continuous noise, often metallic.
Example
The clangor of the church bells filled the town square.
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 noun /kəˈmɒ.dɪ.tiz/

commodities

Meaning
Raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold.
Example
The prices of commodities like oil and gold fluctuate frequently.
B1 verb /kəˈmɪt/

commit

Meaning
To carry out or perpetrate an act; to pledge or bind to a course of action.
Example
He committed a serious mistake in the report.
B1 verb /kræk/

crack

Meaning
To break or cause to break without complete separation; to make a sharp sound.
Example
The glass cracked when it was dropped on the floor.
B2 noun /kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən/

coordination

Meaning
the process of organizing different elements to work together effectively
Example
The coordination between the teams was flawless.
A2 noun, verb /tʃɪp/

chip

Meaning
A small piece broken off from something; or to cut or break a small piece from something.
Example
He accidentally chipped the edge of the table.
B1 adjective /ˈtʃɑːr.mɪŋ/

charming

Meaning
Very pleasing or delightful in a way that attracts people.
Example
The village is full of charming little houses.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsələr/

councillor

Meaning
an elected member of a local council who helps make decisions and represent the community
Example
The councillor spoke to residents about improving local roads.
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.
B2 adjective /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/

conservative

Meaning
Favoring traditional views and values; resistant to change.
Example
He has conservative views on family and society.
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.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsns/

convalescence

Meaning
the period of time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment
Example
His convalescence lasted for almost two months after the accident.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndɪmənt/

condiment

Meaning
a substance such as salt, mustard, or ketchup that is used to add flavor to food
Example
Ketchup is a popular condiment in many countries.
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.
B2 adverb /kənˈvɜːrsli/

conversely

Meaning
in an opposite or contrary manner
Example
He is rich, conversely, his brother struggles financially.
C1 noun /ˈkævərn/

cavern

Meaning
a large cave or chamber in a cave
Example
The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əns/

congruence

Meaning
Harmony, compatibility and agreement between different elements.
Example
The congruence between their ideas made collaboration easy.
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 verb /kliːv/

cleave

Meaning
to split or divide; to cut through forcefully
Example
He used an axe to cleave the wood.
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.
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 verb /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/

civilize

Meaning
to bring a society or group to a more developed, organized, or socially acceptable state; to educate and refine behavior
Example
Education can help civilize communities by promoting shared values and respect.
B1 noun /kənˈstrʌk.ʃən/

construction

Meaning
The building of something, typically a large structure.
Example
Construction dust significantly contributes to pollution.
B2 verb /kənˈstreɪn/

constrain

Meaning
to limit or restrict someone or something; to force or compel
Example
The new regulations constrain businesses from polluting the environment.
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.
B1 noun /kəˈnæl/

canal

Meaning
an artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, or drainage
Example
The canal was built to help transport goods across the region.
C1 noun /kəˈpɪl.ər.iz/

capillaries

Meaning
Any of the fine branching blood vessels that form a network between the arterioles and venules.
Example
Broken capillaries cause dark circles.
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.
B1 noun kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈprəʊɡræmz

Community Programs

Meaning
Organized activities involving local groups to promote environmental conservation.
Example
Community programs raise awareness about butterfly conservation.
A2 adjective /ˈkraʊdɪd/

crowded

Meaning
filled with too many people or things
Example
The bus was so crowded that I could hardly move.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/

compulsive

Meaning
Resulting from or acting on an irresistible urge, especially one that is against one's conscious wishes.
Example
He is a compulsive gambler who cannot stop placing bets.
B1 noun sɪvɪˈlɪzeɪʃənz

civilizations

Meaning
The stage of human social development and organization that is considered most advanced.
Example
Ancient civilizations developed complex systems of governance.
B2 adverb /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

consequently

Meaning
as a result; therefore
Example
He didn’t study, and consequently he failed the exam.
A2 noun /ˈkaʊ.bɔɪ/

Cowboy

Meaning
a man who tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western United States
Example
The cowboy rode his horse across the vast prairie to find the cattle.
B2 adjective /kəʊˈhɪə.rənt/

coherent

Meaning
Logical and consistent; forming a unified whole; clear and easy to understand.
Example
His speech was clear and coherent.
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 noun /ˈtʃer.i ˌblɒs.əm/

Cherry Blossom

Meaning
the pink or white flowers of a cherry tree that bloom in spring
Example
The cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in April.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊtʃ.mən/

Coachman

Meaning
a person who drives a horse-drawn carriage or coach
Example
The coachman skillfully guided the horses through the busy streets.
B2 noun /ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

classification

Meaning
the action or process of classifying something into groups based on shared characteristics.
Example
The classification of animals helps in understanding their biology.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəli/

Continually

Meaning
without stopping; repeatedly
Example
She continually checked her phone for messages.
B1 noun ˈklaɪ.mət tʃeɪndʒ

climate change

Meaning
A change in global or regional climate patterns, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
Example
Climate change is causing more natural disasters.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnstənsi/

constancy

Meaning
the quality of being faithful and dependable
Example
Her constancy in friendship is admirable.
A1 verb /tʃuːz/

choose

Meaning
to pick or select from several options
Example
I always choose healthy food options.
C2 noun /koʊˈæɡjələnt/

coagulant

Meaning
a substance that causes blood or another liquid to clot
Example
The doctor applied a coagulant to stop the bleeding quickly.
B1 verb /kruːz/

cruise

Meaning
to travel smoothly at a moderate speed, especially for pleasure
Example
They decided to cruise along the coast during their vacation.
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.
B2 noun /kɒd fɪʃ/

Cod fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with white flesh, commonly used for food
Example
The fisherman caught a large cod fish in the North Atlantic.
C1 noun ˈkɑːr.bən ˌsiː.kwəˈstreɪ.ʃən

carbon sequestration

Meaning
The process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate or defer global warming.
Example
Forests play a key role in carbon sequestration.
C1 noun/verb kənˈdʒɛk.tʃər

conjecture

Meaning
An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; to form an opinion or supposition about something.
Example
The scientist's conjecture was later proven true.
B2 verb /kənˈtæmɪneɪt/

contaminate

Meaning
To make something impure, dirty, or harmful by contact with a poisonous or polluting substance.
Example
The river was contaminated by industrial waste.
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.
C1 noun /kəˈlæm.ɪ.ti/

Calamity

Meaning
an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster
Example
The earthquake was a terrible calamity that affected thousands of families.
C2 adjective /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/

combustible

Meaning
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
Example
Dry leaves are highly combustible.
B1 noun /ˌsɪvɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

civilization

Meaning
the stage of human social and cultural development and organization considered most advanced
Example
Ancient Egypt is known for its remarkable civilization.
C2 noun /kɒn.tɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

contiguity

Meaning
the state of being in direct contact or next to each other
Example
The contiguity of the two countries facilitates trade.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsɛmɪˌtɛri/

cemetery

Meaning
a place where dead people are buried
Example
The old cemetery is located at the edge of the village.
C1 adjective /klæd/

clad

Meaning
dressed or covered in a particular way
Example
The knight was clad in shining armor.
C1 noun kəˈmɛns.mənt

commencement

Meaning
The beginning of something; a ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are conferred on graduating students.
Example
The commencement ceremony marked the start of a new journey.
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.
B2 adverb /kənˈsɪstəntli/

consistently

Meaning
in a way that does not vary; regularly and dependably
Example
She has been performing consistently well in her studies.
B2 verb /kɜːrb/

curb

Meaning
to restrain, control, or limit something
Example
The government took steps to curb inflation.
C2 noun /kɒŋk/

Conch

Meaning
a large sea shell that can be used as a horn; the marine mollusk that lives in such a shell
Example
The fisherman blew the conch shell to signal the end of the day.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

Meaning
to offset or balance the effect of something
Example
Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress.
B1 verb /tʃuː/

chew

Meaning
to bite food into smaller pieces with your teeth before swallowing it
Example
You should chew your food properly to help with digestion.
B2 verb /kəˈmɛns/

commence

Meaning
to begin or start something
Example
The ceremony will commence at noon.
B1 noun /ˈsɛrəˌmoʊni/

ceremony

Meaning
A formal event or occasion, often with rituals and traditions.
Example
The graduation ceremony was held in the university hall.
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.
C1 verb /krɪndʒ/

cringe

Meaning
To shrink back in fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
She cringed when she remembered her mistake.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛdʒʊləs/

credulous

Meaning
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
Example
The credulous child believed every story she heard.
B1 noun /ˈkær.ə.væn/

Caravan

Meaning
a group of people traveling together, especially through desert areas
Example
The merchant caravan crossed the desert with camels carrying precious goods.
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.