criticism
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B1 noun /ˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/

criticism

Meaning
The expression of disapproval or judgment of the merits of something
Example
The new policy has faced a lot of criticism from the public.
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 /ˈsel.jə.lər/

Cellular

Meaning
relating to cells; consisting of cells; relating to mobile phone technology
Example
Cellular technology has revolutionized communication.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈsɛntənəri/ or /sɛnˈtɛnəri/

centenary

Meaning
The hundredth anniversary of a significant event; relating to a period of 100 years.
Example
The school celebrated its centenary with a grand event.
B1 adjective /kənˈsɪdərəbl/

considerable

Meaning
large in amount, size, or importance
Example
The project required a considerable amount of time and money.
C1 noun /ˈkændɪdnəs/

candidness

Meaning
The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward
Example
Her candidness during the meeting impressed everyone.
B2 noun /kəˈlɛstərɒl/

cholesterol

Meaning
a fatty substance found in the blood, high levels of which can cause health problems
Example
High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
B2 adjective /ˌkɑː.di.əʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/

cardiovascular

Meaning
Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Example
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
C2 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːrt/

controvert

Meaning
to dispute or argue against; to contradict
Example
The scientist controversed the previous research findings.
A1 verb, noun /tʃɛk/

check

Meaning
To examine, inspect, or verify something; also a written order to a bank to pay money.
Example
Please check the report before submitting it.
B1 adjective /ˈkɔːʃəs/

cautious

Meaning
careful to avoid potential problems or dangers
Example
She was cautious about trusting strangers.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɛdʒʊləs/

credulous

Meaning
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
Example
The credulous child believed every story she heard.
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.
C1 adjective /kræs/

crass

Meaning
lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence
Example
His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
B2 noun /ˈklʌstər/

cluster

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

chiromancy

Meaning
The practice of predicting the future by interpreting the lines on the palms of hands; palmistry.
Example
The old woman practiced chiromancy and told fortunes for travelers.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒm.ɪt/

Comet

Meaning
a celestial object consisting of ice and dust that develops a tail when approaching the sun
Example
Halley's Comet appears in the sky every 76 years.
A1 noun /kɑːr/

Car

Meaning
a four-wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation
Example
I drive my car to work every day.
A2 noun /kənˈtrəʊl/

control

Meaning
The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
Example
Proper control measures are necessary.
C1 adjective ˌkɑːr.sɪ.nəˈdʒen.ɪk

carcinogenic

Meaning
Having the potential to cause cancer in living tissue.
Example
Processed meat contains carcinogenic compounds.
C2 noun/verb /ˈkætˌkɔːl/

catcall

Meaning
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval or sexual harassment directed at someone.
Example
The actress ignored the catcalls from the crowd.
C1 adjective /kəmˈplɪsɪt/

complicit

Meaning
involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing
Example
He was found complicit in the crime.
A2 noun tʃɔɪs

choice

Meaning
An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.
Example
Choice enhances decision-making.
B1 noun /ˈkaʊn.səl/

council

Meaning
an assembly of people chosen or elected to make decisions or advise on matters
Example
The city council voted to improve public transportation.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪstəlaɪz/

crystallize

Meaning
to form crystals; to make an idea or plan clear and definite
Example
Her vague thoughts began to crystallize into a solid plan.
B1 verb /kənˈsɪst/

consist

Meaning
to be made up or composed of certain parts or elements
Example
The committee consists of five members.
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.
B1 noun, adjective /ˈkrɪmɪnəl/

criminal

Meaning
A person who has committed a crime; relating to crime
Example
The police arrested a dangerous criminal last night.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkʌn.stə.bəl/

constable

Meaning
a police officer of the lowest rank
Example
The constable directed traffic at the busy intersection.
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.
C2 noun ˈkɑː.dərz

cadres

Meaning
A small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession; a group of activists in a communist or other political organization.
Example
There are 26 cadres under BPSC.
C1 adjective /kəˈlæpsəbl̩/

collapsible

Meaning
able to be folded down or reduced in size
Example
She bought a collapsible chair for camping.
A2 adjective /kjuːt/

cute

Meaning
attractive in a pretty or endearing way
Example
That puppy is so cute!
C1 noun /ˈkɑr.nɪdʒ/

Carnage

Meaning
the killing of a large number of people; widespread slaughter
Example
The battlefield was filled with carnage after the brutal war.
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.
B2 noun /kloʊv/

Clove

Meaning
aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, used as a spice
Example
She added a few cloves to the mulled wine for extra flavor.
B1 adjective ˈkrɪtɪkəl

critical

Meaning
Extremely important; at a point of crisis or urgency.
Example
Addressing critical issues in education is imperative.
C1 noun /kræɡ/

crag

Meaning
a steep or rugged cliff or rock face
Example
The hikers climbed the jagged crag to reach the summit.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

Meaning
restricted or limited in scope or freedom
Example
Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules.
B1 adjective /ˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd/

complicated

Meaning
consisting of many interconnected parts; difficult to understand
Example
The instructions for the machine are too complicated to follow.
B2 noun kjuːz

cues

Meaning
Signals or hints from conversation or environment that help understanding
Example
Facial expressions provide cues about a person's emotions.
C2 verb /kəˈdʒoʊl/

cajole

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
Example
She managed to cajole her friend into joining the trip.
B1 adjective /kəˈlɛktɪd/

collected

Meaning
calm and in control of oneself
Example
She remained calm and collected during the crisis.
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 /kəˈrɑːləri/

corollary

Meaning
a direct or natural consequence or result
Example
One corollary of the new policy was increased public awareness.
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.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkænsər/

cancer

Meaning
A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue.
Example
Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer.
C2 verb /ˈkɒr.ʌ.skeɪt/

coruscate

Meaning
to sparkle or flash brightly
Example
The fireworks coruscated across the night sky.
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.
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.
B1 noun /kəmˈpær.ɪ.sən/

Comparison

Meaning
the act of examining the similarities and differences between two or more things
Example
The teacher made a comparison between the two poems to show their different styles.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːl/

conceal

Meaning
to hide something or keep it secret
Example
He tried to conceal his disappointment behind a smile.
B2 noun /ˈkɒŋɡrɛs/

congress

Meaning
a formal meeting or assembly, especially of representatives for discussion
Example
The international congress on climate change will be held next year.
B1 noun/verb /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/

compliment

Meaning
a polite expression of praise or admiration; to politely praise someone
Example
She complimented him on his excellent presentation.
B2 verb /kəˈrɛspɒnd/

correspond

Meaning
to communicate by exchanging letters or messages
Example
I correspond regularly with my old friends.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

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

Canoe

Meaning
a narrow boat pointed at both ends and moved with a paddle
Example
They paddled their canoe down the peaceful stream.
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, verb /kriːs/

crease

Meaning
a line or fold produced on paper, cloth, or other material; to make a fold or wrinkle
Example
She ironed the shirt carefully to remove every crease.
B2 noun /ˈkʌmbæk/

comeback

Meaning
A return to a former status or success after a period of decline.
Example
The singer made a remarkable comeback after years of silence.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːrpəskəl/

corpuscle

Meaning
a small particle or cell, especially a blood cell
Example
Red corpuscles carry oxygen throughout the body.
B1 noun /ˈkætəɡɔːri/

category

Meaning
a class or division of things regarded as having particular shared characteristics
Example
Books are arranged by category in the library.
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.
C2 adjective /tʃəˈruːbɪk/

cherubic

Meaning
Innocent, sweet, and angelic, like a cherub.
Example
The baby had a cherubic smile that melted everyone’s heart.
B1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərət/

corporate

Meaning
relating to a corporation or large company; united as a single body
Example
Corporate social responsibility is important for modern businesses.
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.
B2 verb /klɪŋ/

cling

Meaning
to hold on tightly to someone or something
Example
The child clung to his mother in fear.
C1 noun /kənˈstɪtʃuənsi/

constituency

Meaning
A geographical area whose residents elect a representative to a legislative body.
Example
She campaigned tirelessly across her constituency.
C2 noun /kɪˈrɒpədɪst/

chiropodist

Meaning
A healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats foot problems.
Example
The chiropodist treated her painful corns and calluses.
C2 adjective /kɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

corporeal

Meaning
relating to the physical body; material or tangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as having no corporeal form.
C1 noun /ˌkʌl də ˈsæk/

cul de sac

Meaning
A street or passage closed at one end; a dead end.
Example
They bought a house at the end of a quiet cul de sac.
B2 verb /kɑːrv/

carve

Meaning
To cut or shape something, especially wood or stone, into a desired form.
Example
The artist carved a beautiful statue out of marble.
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 /kəˈbɑl/

Cabal

Meaning
a secret political clique or faction
Example
The journalists exposed a cabal of corrupt politicians working together.
A2 noun, verb /kɔɪn/

coin

Meaning
A flat piece of metal used as money; as a verb, to invent a new word or phrase.
Example
The government decided to coin a new term for the program.
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.
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.
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.
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 adjective /ˈkɔː.zəl/

causal

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

clement

Meaning
mild or merciful; describing weather as mild and pleasant
Example
The prisoners hoped for a clement judge.
C1 verb /klɪntʃ/

clinch

Meaning
To secure or settle something decisively; to grasp tightly.
Example
The team clinched the championship with a last-minute goal.
C1 noun /kənˈfaɪnmənt/

confinement

Meaning
the state of being confined or restricted
Example
The prisoner endured years of confinement.
C1 noun /ˈkrɛvɪs/

crevice

Meaning
a narrow crack or opening, especially in a rock or wall
Example
The lizard hid in a crevice between the stones.
A2 noun /ˈkʌm.fərt/

Comfort

Meaning
a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint; relief from distress or anxiety
Example
The soft sofa provided great comfort after a long day at work.
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 /ˈkɒntræktər/

contractor

Meaning
a person or company that agrees to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job
Example
The contractor completed the building project on time.
B2 noun ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən

constitution

Meaning
A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.
Example
Constitutional reforms ensure equity.
B1 noun /kənˌfɜːˈmeɪʃən/

confirmation

Meaning
the action of confirming something or the state of being confirmed
Example
She received a confirmation email for her appointment.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.kɔːd/

concord

Meaning
Agreement or harmony between people or groups.
Example
The leaders worked towards international concord.
C2 noun ˌsaɪ.bəˈnet.ɪks

cybernetics

Meaning
The science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things.
Example
Cybernetics plays a crucial role in artificial intelligence.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːldrən/

caldron

Meaning
A large metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking over an open fire.
Example
The witch stirred her potion in a bubbling caldron.
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 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.
A2 noun /ˈkʊki/

cookie

Meaning
a small sweet baked food, usually with flour, sugar, and butter
Example
She offered me a chocolate chip cookie.
C2 verb /kənˈvɑːlv/

convolve

Meaning
to roll or twist together; to coil or entwine
Example
The vines convolve around the tree trunk.
B2 noun /ˈkɔːr.əs/

Chorus

Meaning
a large organized group of singers; a part of a song that is repeated after each verse
Example
The school chorus performed beautifully at the annual concert.
C1 noun /kənˈsep.ʃən/

Conception

Meaning
the forming of an idea or plan; the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm; the action of conceiving
Example
The conception of this innovative project took several months of brainstorming.
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.
B1 noun /kɒp/

cop

Meaning
a police officer (informal)
Example
The cop stopped the car for speeding.
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 noun /ˈkɒlərə/

cholera

Meaning
An infectious disease of the small intestine causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Example
The village suffered an outbreak of cholera after the flood.
B2 noun, verb /kɜːrs/

curse

Meaning
a solemn wish that harm or misfortune should befall someone; a rude or offensive word or phrase; to utter offensive words or wish harm upon someone
Example
He cursed loudly when he realized he had lost his wallet.
B1 noun ˈtʃeə.pɜː.sən

chairperson

Meaning
A person who is in charge of a meeting or organization; the presiding officer of a committee, board, or organization.
Example
The chairperson ensures procedural integrity.
B1 noun /kæˈʃɪər/

Cashier

Meaning
a person who handles payments and transactions in a store or bank
Example
The cashier scanned all the items and calculated the total bill.
B2 noun /ˈkæʒ.u.əl.ti/

Casualty

Meaning
a person killed or injured in a war or accident; a victim of circumstances
Example
The hospital treated many casualties from the car accident.
C2 noun /ˈkæt.aɪ.ɒn ɪksˌtʃeɪndʒ/

cation-exchange

Meaning
A chemical process in soil that helps retain nutrients.
Example
The cation-exchange capacity of soil affects plant growth.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪz.mə/

charisma

Meaning
Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Example
His charisma helped him become a great leader.
C2 adjective /ˌkrɪp.təˈɡræf.ɪk/

cryptographic

Meaning
Relating to cryptography; involving or using secret codes or ciphers for security.
Example
Banks use cryptographic technology to protect transactions.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə/

cornucopia

Meaning
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
Example
The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets.
C1 verb /kraʊtʃ/

crouch

Meaning
to bend your knees and lower your body close to the ground
Example
The cat crouched before leaping at its prey.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəsli/

Continuously

Meaning
without interruption; in an unbroken sequence
Example
The machine operates continuously for 24 hours.
A2 verb /kəˈlɛkt/

collect

Meaning
to gather together; to accumulate items
Example
I collect stamps as a hobby.
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.
C1 noun /səˈvɪləti/

civility

Meaning
Polite and courteous behavior.
Example
He treated his opponent with civility despite their differences.