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.
C2 noun /ˌkæt ə ˈnaɪn ˌteɪlz/

cat-o-nine-tails

Meaning
A whip with nine knotted cords, historically used for punishment.
Example
The sailor feared the cat-o-nine-tails more than the storm at sea.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːʃənˌɛri/

cautionary

Meaning
serving as a warning; intended to prevent problems or mistakes by giving advice or examples
Example
The report offers a cautionary message about unchecked spending.
C1 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/

contravene

Meaning
to go against or act in opposition to a law, rule, or agreement
Example
He contravened the safety regulations and was fined.
C1 adjective /ˌkævəˈlɪər/

cavalier

Meaning
showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or offhand
Example
He had a cavalier attitude toward safety regulations.
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 /ˌkɒm.pɑːtˈmen.təl.aɪz/

compartmentalize

Meaning
To divide into sections or categories; to separate things into compartments.
Example
To increase efficiency, he compartmentalized his work tasks.
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.
C2 noun /kɔˈrɪkə soˈbɔrnə/

Corica soborna

Meaning
a small silvery fish species found in South Asian rivers, commonly used in local cuisine
Example
Corica soborna is a popular ingredient in traditional Bengali fish curry.
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.
C2 adjective /kəˈrʌp.tə.bəl/

corruptible

Meaning
able to be morally or ethically corrupted
Example
He was known to be corruptible and often accepted bribes.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/

commonplace

Meaning
ordinary or unremarkable; something that is usual or commonly found
Example
Smartphones have become commonplace in modern life.
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 adjective /ˌkɒst.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/

cost-efficient

Meaning
Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Example
Cost-efficient solutions benefit industries.
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.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

Meaning
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate.
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.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæptər/

chapter

Meaning
A main division of a book or a period in someone's life.
Example
I just finished the first chapter of the novel.
C1 adjective /kənˈsɜːrtɪd/

concerted

Meaning
done with great effort, planned and performed together by multiple people
Example
The workers made a concerted effort to improve conditions.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
B2 noun /ˈsɛmɪˌtɛri/

cemetery

Meaning
a place where dead people are buried
Example
The old cemetery is located at the edge of the village.
C2 adjective /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/

combustible

Meaning
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
Example
Dry leaves are highly combustible.
C1 adjective /kɜːrt/

curt

Meaning
Rudely brief in speech or manner.
Example
His curt reply made everyone uncomfortable.
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.
C2 noun /kəˈmɛstɪbəl/

comestible

Meaning
An item of food that can be eaten.
Example
The picnic basket was full of delicious comestibles.
B2 noun ˈkɛmɪkəl weɪst

chemical waste

Meaning
Waste material from industrial or laboratory processes that contains harmful chemicals.
Example
Chemical waste pollutes water bodies.
C2 noun /ˈʃɛvrən/

chevron

Meaning
A V-shaped pattern, often used in military insignia or design.
Example
The sergeant’s uniform displayed three chevrons on the sleeve.
B2 adjective /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/

conservative

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

conscript

Meaning
to force someone into military service
Example
The government conscripted young men during the war.
C2 adjective /ˈkæloʊ/

callow

Meaning
Inexperienced and immature.
Example
The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day.
C1 noun /ˈtʃʌk.əl/

Chuckle

Meaning
a quiet or suppressed laugh; to laugh quietly or with amusement
Example
He gave a soft chuckle when he heard the funny joke.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

conflagaration

Meaning
This is a common misspelling of 'conflagration', which means a large, destructive fire.
Example
The term 'conflagaration' is often incorrectly used instead of 'conflagration'.
C2 noun /kəˈliːdʒən/

collegian

Meaning
a student of a college
Example
The collegians were preparing for the cultural festival.
C1 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns/

counterbalance

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

concatenate

Meaning
To link things together in a series or chain.
Example
The program concatenates two strings into one.
B2 noun /kəˈrʌp.ʃən/

Corruption

Meaning
dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power; the process of decay or decomposition
Example
The government launched a campaign to fight corruption in public offices.
B2 adjective kəˈlɛktɪv

collective

Meaning
Done by people acting as a group; shared by all members of a group.
Example
Victory Day represents our collective pride.
B2 noun ˈkærɪktər dɪˈvɛləpmənt

character development

Meaning
The process of creating a believable character in fiction by giving the character depth and personality.
Example
The character development of Sydney Carton is profound.
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 /kʌˈstoʊ.di.ən/

Custodian

Meaning
a person who has responsibility for or looks after something; a caretaker or guardian
Example
The school custodian ensures that all buildings are clean and secure.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈklæsɪk/

classic

Meaning
Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
Example
That movie is a classic example of 90s comedy.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊərdɪs/

cowardice

Meaning
lack of courage; behavior showing fear
Example
His cowardice prevented him from speaking up.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈkrɪm.zən/

Crimson

Meaning
a deep purplish-red color
Example
The crimson sunset painted the sky with beautiful shades.
B2 verb /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/

contemplate

Meaning
to think deeply and carefully about something; to consider thoughtfully
Example
She sat quietly to contemplate her future plans.
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 /kənˈtroʊld/

controlled

Meaning
managed or regulated carefully; kept within limits
Example
The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈveɪl/

countervail

Meaning
to offset or counteract the effect of something
Example
The benefits of the new policy countervail its drawbacks.
B1 noun /ˈkɒstjuːm/

costume

Meaning
a set of clothes worn to represent a particular character, culture, or occasion
Example
She wore a beautiful costume for the Halloween party.
C1 noun /kɒzˈmɒlədʒi/

cosmology

Meaning
the science of the origin and development of the universe
Example
She studied cosmology to understand the origins of the universe.
B2 adjective /ˈkrɒnɪk/

chronic

Meaning
Lasting for a long time or constantly recurring, often describing illness.
Example
She suffers from chronic back pain.
A2 noun /kraɪm/

crime

Meaning
An illegal act punishable by law.
Example
The police are investigating the crime.
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.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɛərˌwʊmən/

chairwoman

Meaning
a woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or organization; a female leader of a board or council
Example
She was elected chairwoman of the company after years of experience.
C1 noun /ˌkɔr.diˈæl.ɪ.ti/

Cordiality

Meaning
sincere affection and kindness; warm and friendly behavior
Example
The host's cordiality made all the guests feel welcome and comfortable.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈkʌmftəbli/

Comfortably

Meaning
in a comfortable manner; without difficulty or effort; with ease
Example
She was sitting comfortably in her favorite chair.
B2 verb /klæʃ/

clash

Meaning
to come into conflict or collision with something or someone.
Example
The two cars clashed in the intersection.
C2 noun /ˈkɒntrəriz/

contraries

Meaning
things that are completely different or opposite to each other
Example
Freedom and slavery are contraries in every sense.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
C2 adjective /kɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

corporeal

Meaning
relating to the physical body; material or tangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as having no corporeal form.
A2 adjective /ˈkloʊ.sɪst/

closest

Meaning
nearest in distance or relationship
Example
He is my closest friend.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɛərmən/

chairman

Meaning
the leader or head of a meeting, committee, or organization
Example
The chairman opened the meeting with a short speech.
B2 verb /ˈtʃɛrɪʃ/

cherish

Meaning
To hold something dear, to love and protect, or to keep a hope or memory alive.
Example
She cherishes the memories of her childhood home.
B2 adjective /ˈkɜːrtiəs/

courteous

Meaning
polite, respectful, or considerate in manner
Example
The staff at the hotel were very courteous to all guests.
B2 noun /kraɪˈtɪəriə/

criteria

Meaning
Standards or principles by which something is judged or decided.
Example
The candidates were evaluated based on strict criteria.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛkərd/

chequered

Meaning
Having a pattern of squares, or marked by varied and contrasting experiences or periods.
Example
He had a chequered career with both great successes and failures.
C1 verb /kənˈkɜːr/

concur

Meaning
To agree with someone or something.
Example
I concur with your opinion on this matter.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæn.əl/

Channel

Meaning
a television or radio station; a passage for water or other liquids; a means of communication
Example
The news channel provided live coverage of the important event.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜː.kəm.spekt/

circumspect

Meaning
Wary and unwilling to take risks; careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences.
Example
Investors must be circumspect before making decisions.
A2 adjective /kəˈrɛkt/

correct

Meaning
free from error; accurate
Example
The answer she gave was correct.
C1 noun /ˈsɛtərə/

cetera

Meaning
Latin for 'the rest' or 'others'; commonly used in the phrase 'et cetera' meaning 'and so on'.
Example
We need to buy pens, paper, notebooks, et cetera.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndaɪn/

condign

Meaning
deserved, appropriate, and fitting (especially punishment)
Example
The criminal received condign punishment for his crimes.
C1 noun /ˈsɪtəˌdɛl/

citadel

Meaning
A fortress protecting or dominating a city.
Example
The ancient citadel stood guard over the town for centuries.
B2 adjective /ˈkɑːmjənl/

communal

Meaning
Shared by all members of a community; for common use.
Example
The villagers worked together in the communal garden.
C2 verb /ˈkævəl/

cavil

Meaning
to make petty or unnecessary objections
Example
She caviled at every detail of the plan.
C1 verb /krɪndʒ/

cringe

Meaning
To shrink back in fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Example
She cringed when she remembered her mistake.
B1 noun, verb /ˈkɒndʌkt/ (noun), /kənˈdʌkt/ (verb)

conduct

Meaning
to organize or carry out; or a person's behavior
Example
The teacher conducted the exam fairly.
C1 adjective /kəˈθɑːr.tɪk/

cathartic

Meaning
Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.
Example
Writing about emotions can be a cathartic experience.
B2 adjective /ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i/

Complimentary

Meaning
expressing praise or admiration; given or supplied free of charge as a courtesy
Example
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast for all guests.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪvəlrəs/

chivalrous

Meaning
Behaving in a courteous, gallant, and honorable way, especially toward women.
Example
He was chivalrous, always opening doors for others.
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 /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 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.
C1 noun /ˈkælkjʊləs/

calculus

Meaning
A branch of mathematics concerned with rates of change and accumulation; also a hard mineral deposit in the body such as on teeth.
Example
Calculus is essential for advanced studies in physics and engineering.
C2 noun /ˈklaʊdˌbɜːrst/

cloudburst

Meaning
a sudden and very heavy rainfall
Example
The picnic was ruined by a sudden cloudburst.
B2 noun /ˌkɒn.tɪˈnjuː.ɪ.ti/

continuity

Meaning
the state of being continuous or connected; consistency over time
Example
Maintaining continuity in leadership is essential for organizational stability.
B2 verb /ˈkaʊnsəl/

counsel

Meaning
to give professional advice or guidance to someone
Example
The teacher counseled the students on their career choices.
B2 adjective /ˈkʌltʃəd/

cultured

Meaning
characterized by refined taste, manners, and education
Example
She is a cultured woman who loves art and literature.
A1 noun /ˈkɒf.i/

Coffee

Meaning
a hot drink made from roasted coffee beans
Example
I need a cup of coffee to start my morning.
A1 adjective /ˈtʃɒk.lət/

Chocolate

Meaning
a dark brown color like chocolate; the color of cocoa
Example
The chocolate brown sofa looks elegant in the living room.
A2 adjective /ˈkʌmɪŋ/

coming

Meaning
approaching or happening soon
Example
We are preparing for the coming festival.
C1 verb /ˈkʌvət/

covet

Meaning
to desire something belonging to someone else
Example
He coveted his neighbor's new car.
C1 noun /ˈʃoʊ.vəˌnɪz.əm/

chauvinism

Meaning
Excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender, often with contempt for others.
Example
The company's culture was criticized for promoting male chauvinism.
A2 noun /ˈklæsˌruːm/

classroom

Meaning
A room in which classes are held in a school or college.
Example
The teacher entered the classroom and greeted the students.
B2 verb /kənˈvɜːs/

converse

Meaning
to have a conversation; to talk together
Example
They conversed about literature for hours.
B2 verb /kreɪv/

crave

Meaning
to have a strong desire for something
Example
She craves adventure and often travels to remote places.
C2 verb /ˈkæstreɪt/

castrate

Meaning
To remove the testicles of a male animal or human.
Example
The farmer castrated the young bulls to make them easier to manage.
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 adjective /kənˈtɛntɪd/

contented

Meaning
Feeling or expressing happiness and satisfaction.
Example
She was contented with her simple life.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvən/

coven

Meaning
a group or gathering of witches
Example
The witches met secretly in a coven in the forest.
A2 noun /ˈtʃer.i/

Cherry

Meaning
a small round red or black fruit with a hard seed inside
Example
She picked fresh cherries from the tree in her garden.
B2 adjective /ˈkɒm.pɪ.tənt/

Competent

Meaning
having the necessary skill or knowledge to do something successfully; capable
Example
She is a competent manager who handles all tasks efficiently.
C2 noun /ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwɪnɪti/

consanguinity

Meaning
The fact of being descended from the same ancestor; blood relationship.
Example
The degree of consanguinity was important in inheritance laws.
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 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.
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.
A2 noun, verb /kɒf/

cough

Meaning
a sudden noisy release of air from the lungs to clear the throat or airway; to expel air suddenly from the lungs with a cough
Example
He has a bad cough and stayed home today.
A1 verb /keɪm/

came

Meaning
past tense of 'come'
Example
She came to the party on time.
A2 verb /klaɪm/

climb

Meaning
to go up using hands and feet; to ascend
Example
We decided to climb the mountain.
B2 verb /ˈkɒmbæt/

combat

Meaning
to fight against something, especially to reduce or stop it
Example
The government is taking steps to combat corruption.
B1 adjective /ˈkʌtɪŋ/

cutting

Meaning
sharp or severe, often used to describe remarks or actions
Example
Her cutting remarks made everyone feel uncomfortable.
B2 adjective /ˈkʌnɪŋ/

cunning

Meaning
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion; cleverness in a tricky way.
Example
The cunning fox tricked the farmer.
C1 noun /koʊlt/

Colt

Meaning
a young male horse, especially one under four years old
Example
The farmer trained the young colt to accept a saddle.
C1 verb /ˈkaʊər/

cower

Meaning
to crouch down in fear
Example
The child cowered behind the sofa during the thunderstorm.
A2 noun, adjective /ˈkrɪstʃən/

christian

Meaning
a person who follows the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ
Example
She is a devoted Christian who attends church every Sunday.
C2 noun /ˈkɔː.seər/

corsair

Meaning
a pirate, especially one operating along the Mediterranean coasts
Example
The corsair plundered ships along the coast.
B1 noun /ˈkɒliːɡ/

colleague

Meaning
a person with whom one works, especially in a profession or business
Example
She invited her colleagues to the office party.
A2 noun /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/

childhood

Meaning
the period of being a child
Example
She spent her childhood in a small village.