Cruelty
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B2 noun /ˈkruː.əl.ti/

Cruelty

Meaning
behavior that causes pain or suffering to others; the quality of being cruel
Example
The documentary exposed the cruelty of factory farming to animals.
B2 adjective ˈkʌtɪŋ ˌɛdʒ

cutting-edge

Meaning
The most advanced or innovative; at the forefront of development.
Example
This company develops cutting-edge technology.
B2 noun ˌkɒn.fɪ.den.ʃiˈæl.ɪ.ti

confidentiality

Meaning
The state of keeping or being kept secret or private
Example
Confidentiality is crucial in data security.
B2 noun /ˌsɜː.kjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

circulation

Meaning
The movement of blood through the body, or the movement of any fluid through a closed system.
Example
Proper circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach every cell.
B2 verb /ˈkɒm.plɪ.keɪt/

complicate

Meaning
To make something more difficult or confusing.
Example
The new rules will only complicate the process.
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.
B2 noun ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən

comprehension

Meaning
The ability to understand something; understanding or grasp of knowledge.
Example
Reading improves vocabulary and comprehension skills.
B2 verb /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/

compromise

Meaning
To expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute.
Example
Excessive sharing can compromise your privacy.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnsəs/

census

Meaning
An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Example
The government conducted a census to update demographic data.
B2 adjective /ˈkɑːmjənl/

communal

Meaning
Shared by all members of a community; for common use.
Example
The villagers worked together in the communal garden.
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 /kɒt/

Cot

Meaning
a small bed, especially a portable one or one for a baby
Example
The baby sleeps peacefully in her cot.
B2 noun /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃən/

correlation

Meaning
a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things
Example
Researchers found a strong correlation between diet and heart disease.
B2 adverb /kənˈtɪnjuəsli/

Continuously

Meaning
without interruption; in an unbroken sequence
Example
The machine operates continuously for 24 hours.
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 /ˌkɑm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/

Compensation

Meaning
something given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, loss, injury, or suffering; payment or reward
Example
The company provided financial compensation to the workers injured in the accident.
B2 adjective /ˈkʌltʃəd/

cultured

Meaning
characterized by refined taste, manners, and education
Example
She is a cultured woman who loves art and literature.
B2 verb /siːs/

cease

Meaning
to bring or come to an end; to stop doing something
Example
The noise ceased as soon as the children went inside.
B2 noun /ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ/

camouflage

Meaning
the act of hiding or disguising something by making it blend with its surroundings
Example
The soldiers used camouflage to hide from the enemy.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛntɪɡreɪd/

centigrade

Meaning
Relating to the Celsius temperature scale, where water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.
Example
The weather forecast predicted 30 degrees centigrade.
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.
B2 adverb /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

Considerably

Meaning
to a notably large degree; significantly; substantially
Example
The price has increased considerably over the past year.
B2 noun /kənˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

conjunction

Meaning
a word used to connect clauses or sentences, or to coordinate words
Example
The words 'and' and 'but' are common conjunctions.
B2 verb /tʃænt/

chant

Meaning
to sing or recite in a rhythmic way
Example
The monks chant prayers in the temple.
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.
B2 verb kəˈlæbəreɪt

collaborate

Meaning
To work jointly with others, especially in an intellectual endeavor; cooperate.
Example
Volunteers often collaborate with local organizations.
B2 verb /klæʃ/

clash

Meaning
to come into conflict or collision with something or someone.
Example
The two cars clashed in the intersection.
B2 adjective /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/

complementary

Meaning
combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other
Example
The two partners have complementary skills.
B2 adjective /ˈkæθəlɪk/

catholic

Meaning
Including a wide variety; all-embracing; relating to the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
She has catholic tastes in music, enjoying everything from jazz to opera.
B2 adjective kənˈven.ʃən.əl

conventional

Meaning
Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; traditional, standard, customary.
Example
Many farmers still use conventional farming methods.
B2 adjective /kɔːrs/

coarse

Meaning
Rough in texture or manner; not smooth or refined.
Example
The fabric felt coarse to the touch.
B2 noun /ˈtʃeɪmbər/

chamber

Meaning
a large room used for formal or public events, or a private room.
Example
The king held meetings in his private chamber.
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.
B2 verb /kəmˈpɛl/

compel

Meaning
To force or drive someone to do something.
Example
The law compels citizens to pay taxes.
B2 adjective /kənˈtɛmpərɛri/

contemporary

Meaning
belonging to the same time period; modern
Example
She enjoys contemporary art exhibitions.
B2 noun /kənˌtɪn.juˈeɪ.ʃən/

continuation

Meaning
the action of carrying something on over time; extension
Example
The continuation of the series was announced after the finale.
B2 noun /kənˈtɛmpt/

contempt

Meaning
a strong feeling of dislike and lack of respect towards someone or something
Example
He spoke with contempt about the corrupt officials.
B2 noun /kɜːrl/

Curl

Meaning
a piece of hair that curves or coils; something with a spiral or curved shape
Example
She had beautiful natural curls that framed her face perfectly.
B2 verb /ˌkoʊ.ɪnˈsaɪd/

coincide

Meaning
To occur at the same time or to be in agreement.
Example
The meeting coincided with her birthday.
B2 noun /kaʊtʃ/

Couch

Meaning
a long upholstered seat for more than one person, typically with a back and arms
Example
The family gathered on the couch to watch a movie.
B2 noun /ˈkɒn.trɪ.bjʊ.tər/

contributor

Meaning
a person who gives something to help achieve a result
Example
He was a regular contributor to the local newspaper.
B2 noun /kəmˈpoʊnənt/

component

Meaning
a part or element of a larger whole, especially a machine or system
Example
The engine is the most important component of the car.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkʌs.tə.mər rɪˈten.ʃən/

Customer Retention

Meaning
The ability of a company or product to retain its customers over some specified period.
Example
High customer retention increases business sustainability.
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 adjective kənˈsaɪs

concise

Meaning
Brief and clearly expressed without unnecessary details.
Example
A concise speech is more impactful than a long one.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈtʃiːfli/

chiefly

Meaning
mainly; primarily
Example
The festival is celebrated chiefly by young people.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmənˌtɛri/

commentary

Meaning
An expression of opinions or explanations about an event, situation, or text.
Example
The professor's commentary on the novel was insightful.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnəmən/

Cinnamon

Meaning
aromatic spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species
Example
Cinnamon is often used in baking and desserts.
B2 adjective /kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/

Conditional

Meaning
dependent on certain conditions; not absolute
Example
The job offer is conditional upon passing the background check.
B2 noun ˈkɔːʃən

caution

Meaning
Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes; a warning or piece of advice.
Example
Researchers issued a caution regarding unsustainable fishing.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

chord

Meaning
A group of musical notes played or sung together; also a straight line segment joining two points on a curve.
Example
She strummed a simple chord on the guitar.
B2 verb /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/

cultivate

Meaning
to grow crops or plants; to develop or improve something
Example
Farmers cultivate rice in the paddy fields.
B2 noun /sərˈkʌmfərəns/

circumference

Meaning
the distance around the edge of a circle
Example
The teacher asked us to calculate the circumference of the circle.
B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət əˌdæp.teɪ.ʃən/

climate adaptation

Meaning
The process of adjusting to current or expected climate change and its effects.
Example
Climate adaptation ensures resilience to change.
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.
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 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.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

compound

Meaning
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
Example
The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab.
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.
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.
B2 verb /kənˈsoʊl/

console

Meaning
to comfort someone who is sad or disappointed; to provide solace
Example
She tried to console her friend after the loss.
B2 noun /kleɪ/

clay

Meaning
a natural material made of fine earth that becomes hard when baked, used for making pottery
Example
The artist molded the wet clay into a beautiful vase.
B2 verb /ˈkeɪtər/

cater

Meaning
To provide food, drinks, or services, usually for an event or group.
Example
The company catered the wedding reception.
B2 noun /kəmˈpɑːrt.mənt/

Compartment

Meaning
a separate section or division of a larger space, especially in a train
Example
We found seats in the first-class compartment.
B2 adjective /ˌkɑː.di.əʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/

cardiovascular

Meaning
Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Example
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
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.
B2 verb /kənˈtɛnd/

contend

Meaning
to strive or compete for something; to assert earnestly
Example
Athletes from around the world contend for the championship.
B2 adjective ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv

cognitive

Meaning
Related to mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.
Example
Cognitive functions improve with practice and learning.
B2 verb /kriːp/

creep

Meaning
to move slowly and quietly; to make someone feel uncomfortable
Example
She crept quietly up the stairs to avoid waking anyone.
B2 noun /ˈsaɪkloʊn/

cyclone

Meaning
a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure; a violent tropical storm
Example
The cyclone caused severe flooding along the coast.
B2 noun ˈsɜːrkjələr ɪˈkɒnəmi

circular economy

Meaning
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling.
Example
Adopting a circular economy can reduce waste.
B2 adjective /ˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

chronological

Meaning
Arranged in the order in which events happened.
Example
The events were listed in chronological order.
B2 verb /kənˈsiːv/

conceive

Meaning
to form or imagine an idea in the mind; to become pregnant
Example
It is hard to conceive how such an idea could succeed.
B2 noun /ˈkæp.ʃən/

caption

Meaning
a brief explanation or description accompanying an illustration or photograph
Example
The caption under the photo explained who the people were.
B2 noun /ˈkjuː.bɪ.kəl/

cubicle

Meaning
A small partitioned-off area of a room, typically in an office.
Example
She works in a cubicle with three other colleagues.
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.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpʌlsəri/

compulsory

Meaning
Required by law or a rule; obligatory.
Example
Wearing seat belts is compulsory in most countries.
B2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkjələr/

circular

Meaning
shaped like a circle; round in form
Example
The kids sat in a circular arrangement around the campfire.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃuːzi/

choosy

Meaning
very careful in choosing; selective
Example
She is very choosy about the clothes she wears.
B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mæks/

Climax

Meaning
the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; the highest or most intense point in a process
Example
The movie reached its climax during the final battle scene.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒləni/

colony

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

contraction

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller; a decrease in size or quantity.
Example
The economic contraction resulted in a rise in unemployment.
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 /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 verb /ˈkɑːŋkər/

conquer

Meaning
to overcome and take control of; to defeat in war; to master or overcome
Example
The army managed to conquer the enemy territory.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒmɪkəl/

comical

Meaning
Funny in a strange or silly way; amusing.
Example
His comical expressions made everyone laugh.
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.
B2 noun /kraɪˈtɪəriən/

criterion

Meaning
A standard or rule used to make a judgment or decision.
Example
Honesty is an important criterion for this job.
B2 noun/adjective /səˈvɪliən/

civilian

Meaning
a person not in the armed forces or police
Example
The area was evacuated to protect the civilians.
B2 noun kəmˈpet.ɪ.tɪv.nəs

competitiveness

Meaning
The quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature; the ability to compete successfully.
Example
Competitiveness is vital for economic sustainability.
B2 verb /ˈkæt.ɪ.ɡə.raɪzd/

categorized

Meaning
Placed in a particular class or group.
Example
The city was categorized as highly polluted.
B2 adjective /kɒzˈmɛt.ɪk/

cosmetic

Meaning
relating to beauty or appearance; intended to improve looks
Example
She bought a new cosmetic cream for her skin.
B2 noun /tʃʌŋk/

chunk

Meaning
a thick or solid piece of something
Example
She cut the cake into large chunks.
B2 adjective /kruːd/

crude

Meaning
in a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined
Example
The crude oil is processed into fuel and chemicals.
B2 noun/verb /kjuː/

cue

Meaning
A signal or prompt for action; to give a signal.
Example
The actor waited for his cue before entering the stage.
B2 noun /kəmˈplaɪ.əns/

compliance

Meaning
The practice of conforming to rules, regulations, or laws; obedience to orders or instructions.
Example
Schools expect compliance with their rules and policies.
B2 noun /ˌkoʊəˈlɪʃən/

coalition

Meaning
a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action
Example
Several parties formed a coalition to pass the new law.
B2 noun /kənˈspɪrəsi/

conspiracy

Meaning
A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
Example
The police uncovered a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
B2 noun /kʌlt/

cult

Meaning
a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object
Example
The cult followed their leader with great devotion.
B2 verb /ˈklærɪfaɪ/

clarify

Meaning
to make clear; to explain more clearly
Example
The teacher clarifies the difficult concept.
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.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪkjələm/

curriculum

Meaning
The subjects comprising a course of study in a school, college, or university.
Example
The school updated its curriculum to include more digital literacy courses.
B2 noun /ˌsɜːrtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

certification

Meaning
the process of officially recognizing or confirming that something or someone meets required standards; an official document proving qualification
Example
She received her professional certification after completing the training program.
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 noun /ˈkænvəs/

canvas

Meaning
A strong, coarse cloth used for tents, sails, or painting.
Example
The artist prepared a canvas for his new painting.
B2 noun /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/

catalog

Meaning
a complete list of items, typically arranged systematically
Example
The library provides an online catalog of all available books.
B2 verb /kəˈrɛspɒnd/

correspond

Meaning
to communicate by exchanging letters or messages
Example
I correspond regularly with my old friends.
B2 noun /ˈkæbɪnət/

Cabinet

Meaning
a piece of furniture with doors and shelves used for storage
Example
The kitchen cabinet is full of dishes and utensils.
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.
B2 verb /kəmˈplaɪ/

comply

Meaning
to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law
Example
All companies must comply with safety regulations.
B2 verb /kreɪv/

crave

Meaning
to have a strong desire for something
Example
She craves adventure and often travels to remote places.
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.
B2 noun /kənˈvɜː.ʃən/

Conversion

Meaning
The process of changing or causing something to change from one form to another.
Example
High website conversion rates indicate effective marketing.
B2 noun /ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən/

complication

Meaning
A problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with.
Example
His illness led to serious complications after surgery.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmɜːs/

commerce

Meaning
the activity of buying and selling goods and services
Example
International commerce has expanded significantly in recent years.
B2 noun kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən

collaboration

Meaning
The action of working with someone to produce or create something
Example
International collaboration is necessary to fight pollution.
B2 noun ˈkrɪp.toʊˌkɝː.ən.si

cryptocurrency

Meaning
Decentralized digital currency operated using blockchain technology.
Example
Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency in the market.