cruel
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A2 adjective /ˈkruːəl/

cruel

Meaning
Willfully causing pain or suffering to others, or feeling no concern about it.
Example
It was cruel to make fun of the injured boy.
C1 adjective /kənˈdjuː.sɪv/

conducive

Meaning
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; contributing to or helping to bring about.
Example
A quiet environment is conducive to studying.
B2 adjective kənˈsaɪs

concise

Meaning
Brief and clearly expressed without unnecessary details.
Example
A concise speech is more impactful than a long one.
C2 noun /ˈkɔː.seər/

corsair

Meaning
a pirate, especially one operating along the Mediterranean coasts
Example
The corsair plundered ships along the coast.
A2 noun, verb /kəˈrɪər/

career

Meaning
As a noun: a person’s course of professional life; as a verb: to move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way.
Example
She built a successful career in medicine.
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.
B1 noun /ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/

composition

Meaning
the act of creating a piece of writing, music, or art; the way parts are arranged
Example
Her composition won first prize in the contest.
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 adjective /kəˈlɛktɪd/

collected

Meaning
calm and in control of oneself
Example
She remained calm and collected during the crisis.
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.
C2 adjective /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/

combustible

Meaning
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
Example
Dry leaves are highly combustible.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnsənəns/

consonance

Meaning
Agreement or harmony among parts; a pleasing combination of sounds in music or words.
Example
The consonance between their ideas made the project successful.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsel.ər.i/

Celery

Meaning
a green vegetable with long crisp stems that can be eaten raw or cooked
Example
I added chopped celery to the soup for extra flavor.
C1 noun /ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

cynicism

Meaning
An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism.
Example
His cynicism made it hard for him to trust anyone.
B2 adjective /kənˈtɛmpərɛri/

contemporary

Meaning
belonging to the same time period; modern
Example
She enjoys contemporary art exhibitions.
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.
B1 noun /kræft/

craft

Meaning
an activity involving skill in making things by hand; a trade or occupation
Example
She has mastered the craft of pottery.
C2 noun /ˈkrɛməˌtɔːri/

crematory

Meaning
a place where dead bodies are cremated
Example
The crematory was located near the cemetery.
B2 noun /ˈtʃæpəl/

chapel

Meaning
A small church or a room used for Christian worship, often within a larger building.
Example
The couple got married in a small countryside chapel.
C2 noun /ˈkɒkskoʊm/

Cockscomb

Meaning
a tropical plant with bright, velvety flowers that resemble a rooster's comb
Example
The bright red cockscomb flowers added vibrant color to the garden bed.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪlɒn/

carillon

Meaning
A set of bells played using a keyboard, usually in a tower.
Example
The carillon bells rang across the town square.
A1 adjective /tʃiːp/

Cheap

Meaning
low in price; costing little money
Example
This restaurant serves cheap but delicious food.
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 /ˈkʌpəl/

couple

Meaning
two people or things considered together; a pair
Example
They make a lovely couple and have been married for five years.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒn.ɪ.fər.əs/

coniferous

Meaning
Relating to cone-bearing trees that usually have needle-like leaves and remain green year-round.
Example
Pine trees are coniferous and grow in colder climates.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒnvɛks/

convex

Meaning
curved or rounded outward
Example
The lens has a convex shape to focus light.
C1 noun /ˈkɒrənər/

coroner

Meaning
an official who investigates sudden, violent, or suspicious deaths
Example
The coroner determined the cause of death was natural.
C2 verb /kənˈdjuːs/

conduce

Meaning
To help bring about a particular result; to contribute to something.
Example
Regular exercise conduces to better health.
C2 noun /sɛnˈtjʊəriən/

centurion

Meaning
A commander of a unit of one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
Example
The centurion led his men into battle with courage.
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.
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 adjective /kəmˈpleɪzənt/

complaisant

Meaning
willing to please others or to accept what they do or say without protest
Example
He was too complaisant to refuse their demands.
C2 verb /ˈkɒr.ʌ.skeɪt/

coruscate

Meaning
to sparkle or flash brightly
Example
The fireworks coruscated across the night sky.
B1 noun /kənˈviː.ni.əns/

Convenience

Meaning
the state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty; a thing that contributes to an easy way of life
Example
The convenience of online shopping has changed how people buy products.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæmpiən/

champion

Meaning
a person who has defeated all rivals in a competition or fight.
Example
She became the champion after winning the final match.
A1 noun /kəmˈpjuːtə(r)/

computer

Meaning
an electronic device for storing and processing data
Example
I bought a new computer for my office work.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.dɚ/

candor

Meaning
The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.
Example
She spoke with candor about the challenges she faced.
C1 adjective /kɑːrˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Carnivorous

Meaning
feeding on other animals; meat-eating
Example
Lions are carnivorous animals that hunt other animals for food.
B2 noun /krɑk pɑt/

Crock pot

Meaning
an electric cooking pot that cooks food slowly at low temperatures
Example
I put the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot before going to work.
B2 adverb /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

Considerably

Meaning
to a notably large degree; significantly; substantially
Example
The price has increased considerably over the past year.
B1 noun /ˈkɒntɪnənt/

continent

Meaning
one of the large landmasses on Earth such as Asia, Africa, or Europe
Example
Asia is the largest continent in the world.
B1 adjective /kriˈeɪtɪv/

creative

Meaning
Having the ability to produce new and original ideas or things.
Example
She is very creative in her writing.
C1 adjective /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtuːɪtɪv/

counterintuitive

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

Calmly

Meaning
in a peaceful way without showing strong emotions; quietly and without excitement
Example
She spoke calmly despite being angry.
C1 noun /kəˈmændər ɪn tʃiːf/

Commander-in-chief

Meaning
the supreme leader of a nation's armed forces
Example
The president serves as the commander-in-chief of the military.
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.
C2 noun /tʃɜːrl/

churl

Meaning
A rude, boorish, or ill-mannered person.
Example
The waiter was such a churl that customers left unhappy.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃaɪld.laɪk/

Childlike

Meaning
innocent and trusting like a child; having the good qualities of a child; pure and simple
Example
She maintained a childlike wonder about the world around her.
A1 noun /ˈtʃɪk.ən/

Chicken

Meaning
a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat; the meat of this bird used as food
Example
The chicken laid fresh eggs every morning.
C1 verb /kənˈdəʊn/

condone

Meaning
To accept or allow behavior that is morally wrong or offensive.
Example
The manager refused to condone harassment in the workplace.
B2 adjective ˌkɑː.bən ˈnjuː.trəl

carbon-neutral

Meaning
Having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere; not adding to overall carbon emissions.
Example
The company aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030.
A2 verb /tʃɪər/

cheer

Meaning
to shout in encouragement or support; to make someone feel happier
Example
The fans cheered loudly when their team scored a goal.
C2 verb /kənˈtjuːz/

contuse

Meaning
to bruise by striking or hitting
Example
He contused his arm when he fell off the bike.
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.
A2 noun /kæʃ/

cash

Meaning
money in the form of bills or coins, not checks or credit
Example
She paid the bill in cash.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈkæni/

canny

Meaning
Having good judgment, especially in business or practical matters; shrewd.
Example
She made a canny investment in real estate.
B2 adjective /kənˈvɜːrtəbl/

convertible

Meaning
able to be changed into a different form or use; also a car with a roof that can be folded down
Example
She drove her new convertible along the coastal road.
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.
A2 noun/verb /kɔːz/

cause

Meaning
a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition; to make something happen
Example
The heavy rain caused flooding in the city.
B2 phrase kəˈlek.tɪv ˈæk.ʃən

collective action

Meaning
Action taken by a group of people working together toward a common goal or purpose.
Example
Collective action is needed to mitigate climate change.
B1 noun /kəʊˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/

cooperation

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

constrict

Meaning
to make narrower or tighter; to shrink or compress
Example
The snake constricted its prey before swallowing.
C1 noun /kəˈloʊkwiəˌlɪzəm/

colloquialism

Meaning
a word or phrase used in informal speech or writing
Example
The novel is full of regional colloquialisms.
C2 noun /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

chicanery

Meaning
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose.
Example
The politician was accused of chicanery to win the election.
A1 noun /tʃeər/

Chair

Meaning
a separate seat for one person, typically with a back and four legs
Example
Please sit on the chair.
C1 verb /ˈkəʊ.dɪ.faɪ/

codify

Meaning
to arrange laws, rules, or ideas into a clear and systematic code
Example
The committee worked to codify the existing laws.
B2 noun /kɔːrps/

corpse

Meaning
a dead body, especially of a human
Example
The police discovered a corpse in the abandoned house.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfɪˈdɑːnt/

confidante

Meaning
A woman with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting her not to repeat it.
Example
The queen’s maid became her most trusted confidante.
A2 noun /ˈkɒm.ent/

comment

Meaning
a verbal or written remark expressing an opinion or reaction
Example
She posted a kind comment on my photo.
B2 noun /ˈkɒləni/

colony

Meaning
a territory or community controlled by another country or group of people
Example
India was once a British colony.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊn.tər/

counter

Meaning
a flat surface in a shop, bank, or kitchen where transactions or work are done
Example
The cashier stood behind the counter.
B2 adjective /kənˈsek.jə.tɪv/

Consecutive

Meaning
following each other in uninterrupted succession; sequential
Example
She won three consecutive matches in the tournament.
B2 noun ˈkɛmɪkəl weɪst

chemical waste

Meaning
Waste material from industrial or laboratory processes that contains harmful chemicals.
Example
Chemical waste pollutes water bodies.
B2 noun /kənˈdenst mɪlk/

Condensed milk

Meaning
milk from which water has been removed and sugar added, creating a thick, sweet product
Example
The recipe calls for a can of condensed milk to make the dessert extra creamy.
A2 adjective /ˈtʃɪə.fəl/

Cheerful

Meaning
happy and optimistic; full of joy and good spirits; bright and lively
Example
She has a cheerful personality that brightens everyone's day.
B2 noun /kənˈtroʊlər/

controller

Meaning
a person or device that manages, directs, or regulates something
Example
The game controller made it easy to play the video game.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkloʊðɪŋ/

clothing

Meaning
items worn to cover the body; apparel collectively
Example
Warm clothing is essential in winter.
B2 adjective /ˈkɜːrtiəs/

courteous

Meaning
polite, respectful, or considerate in manner
Example
The staff at the hotel were very courteous to all guests.
B1 noun /ˌkjʊr.iˈɑs.ɪ.ti/

Curiosity

Meaning
a strong desire to know or learn something; an unusual or interesting object or fact
Example
Her curiosity about different cultures led her to travel around the world.
C2 adjective /ˈkeəwɔːn/

careworn

Meaning
Showing signs of worry, stress, or exhaustion.
Example
His careworn face revealed years of struggle.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnfɪskeɪt/

confiscate

Meaning
to take something away officially, often as a punishment
Example
The teacher confiscated the student's phone during class.
C1 verb /kənˈkɜːr/

concur

Meaning
To agree with someone or something.
Example
I concur with your opinion on this matter.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

Meaning
to offset or balance the effect of something
Example
Exercise can counterbalance the negative effects of stress.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnsəvəˌtwɑː/

conservatoire

Meaning
A school specializing in the study of music or drama.
Example
She trained as a pianist at the Paris Conservatoire.
C1 noun /ˈtʃaɪ.nə.weər/

China-ware

Meaning
dishes, plates, cups, and other tableware made of porcelain or fine ceramic
Example
The expensive china-ware was displayed in the cabinet.
C2 noun /ˈklaʊdˌbɜːrst/

cloudburst

Meaning
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
Example
The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst.
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.
B2 adjective /kɔːrs/

coarse

Meaning
Rough in texture or manner; not smooth or refined.
Example
The fabric felt coarse to the touch.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

Meaning
things that are completely different or opposite to each other
Example
Freedom and slavery are contraries in every sense.
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.
B1 adjective ˈkɒmplɛks

complex

Meaning
Having many interrelated parts or factors; complicated.
Example
The relationship between poverty and education is complex.
B2 noun /kənˈvɜːrtər/

converter

Meaning
a device or person that changes something from one form, system, or use to another; a tool that converts data, energy, or materials
Example
The engineer used a converter to change AC power into DC power.
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.
A1 verb /ˈkæri/

carry

Meaning
To support and move something or someone from one place to another.
Example
She carried the bag across the street.
C1 adjective ˈkrɪp.tɪk

cryptic

Meaning
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; difficult to understand.
Example
The message was cryptic and hard to decipher.
C1 adjective /kənˈvɜːrdʒənt/

convergent

Meaning
tending to move toward a common point or result
Example
The two rivers have a convergent path before entering the lake.
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.
C2 noun /ˈkɒnk.leɪv/

conclave

Meaning
a private meeting, especially a secret or important one
Example
The leaders met in a secret conclave to discuss the strategy.
A2 noun /kənˌɡrætʃ.əˈleɪ.ʃənz/

Congratulations

Meaning
words expressing praise for an achievement or good wishes on a special occasion
Example
Congratulations on your promotion! You really deserved this success.
C1 verb /krɪndʒ/

cringe

Meaning
To shrink back in fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
She cringed when she remembered her mistake.
B1 noun /ˈkɑn.træst/

Contrast

Meaning
the state of being strikingly different from something else; comparison showing differences
Example
The contrast between city life and rural life is quite remarkable.
B2 noun /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

catalog

Meaning
a complete list of items, typically arranged systematically
Example
The library provides an online catalog of all available books.
C1 verb /tʃæsˈtaɪz/

chastise

Meaning
to criticize or punish severely
Example
The teacher chastised the student for being late.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɒnɪk/

chronic

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or constantly recurring, often describing illness.
Example
She suffers from chronic back pain.
B2 noun /kənˈstreɪnt/

constraint

Meaning
a limitation or restriction
Example
Time is the biggest constraint in completing the project.
C2 adjective /ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs/

comatose

Meaning
In a state of deep unconsciousness, resembling or related to coma.
Example
The comatose patient was kept under constant observation.
C1 noun /kæsˈkeɪd/

Cascade

Meaning
a waterfall; a succession of stages or operations
Example
The mountain cascade created a beautiful natural swimming pool below.
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 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəli/

Continually

Meaning
without stopping; repeatedly
Example
She continually checked her phone for messages.
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 /ˌʃoʊ.vəˈnɪs.tɪk/

chauvinistic

Meaning
Displaying or characterized by excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support, especially towards one's own gender or group.
Example
His chauvinistic attitude alienated many of his female colleagues.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒnʃəs/

conscious

Meaning
Aware of and responding to one's surroundings; awake.
Example
She was fully conscious after the surgery.
B1 noun, verb /ˈkrɛdɪt/

credit

Meaning
As a noun: the ability to obtain goods or services before payment; recognition for an achievement. As a verb: to publicly acknowledge someone's contribution.
Example
She received credit for her contribution to the project.
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.
B2 noun /kənˈsɪstənsi/

consistency

Meaning
The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way; uniformity.
Example
Consistency in quality is key to customer satisfaction.