curb
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B2 verb /kɜːrb/

curb

Meaning
to restrain, control, or limit something
Example
The government took steps to curb inflation.
B2 verb /kənˈfaɪn/

confine

Meaning
to restrict someone or something within certain limits; to keep someone in a closed space
Example
The prisoner was confined to his cell for 23 hours a day.
A2 noun ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən

competition

Meaning
The activity or condition of competing; rivalry for supremacy.
Example
Competition grew between language groups.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkæbɪn/

cabin

Meaning
a small shelter or house, often made of wood in a remote area
Example
They spent the weekend in a cozy cabin in the mountains.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpæʃənət/

Compassionate

Meaning
feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others who are suffering
Example
The compassionate nurse took extra time to comfort the worried patients.
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 /ˈkjuːbən/

cuban

Meaning
relating to Cuba, its people, or its culture
Example
We enjoyed delicious Cuban coffee at the café.
C2 noun /ˌkʌmˈʌpəns/

comeuppance

Meaning
A deserved punishment or fate; just deserts.
Example
The corrupt official finally got his comeuppance in court.
C1 verb /kənˈtɛkstʃuəlaɪz/

contextualize

Meaning
to place something in a context or interpret it in relation to its surroundings
Example
The teacher contextualized the historical event to make it more relevant for students.
C2 noun /ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.li/

contumely

Meaning
insulting or humiliating treatment
Example
He endured the contumely of his colleagues with patience.
A2 adverb /ˈker.fə.li/

Carefully

Meaning
with great attention and caution; thoughtfully and attentively
Example
Please read the instructions carefully.
C2 noun /kəˈdɛnzə/

cadenza

Meaning
An elaborate solo passage in a piece of music, usually near the end.
Example
The pianist performed a brilliant cadenza before the final movement.
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 /ˈkriːməri/

creamery

Meaning
a place where milk and cream are processed and dairy products are made
Example
The local creamery produces fresh butter and cheese daily.
A1 verb /keɪm/

came

Meaning
past tense of 'come'
Example
She came to the party on time.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɪvɪks/

civics

Meaning
the study of the rights and duties of citizens and how government works
Example
Civics helps students understand their responsibilities as citizens.
C2 noun /kəˈræf/

carafe

Meaning
a glass container without handles used for serving drinks like water or wine
Example
The waiter brought a carafe of water to the table.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
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 ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv

counterproductive

Meaning
Having the opposite of the desired effect; tending to hinder rather than help.
Example
Counterproductive activities often stem from dissatisfaction.
C1 adjective ˈser.ɪ.brəl

cerebral

Meaning
Of the cerebrum of the brain.
Example
Cerebral functions regulate thoughts.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒpɪraɪt/

copyright

Meaning
the legal right of the creator of a work to control its use and distribution
Example
She holds the copyright for the book.
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/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 /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 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 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.
C2 noun /ˈkærəm/

Carom

Meaning
aromatic seeds of a plant used as a spice, especially in Indian cooking
Example
Carom seeds are often used in traditional Indian bread recipes.
C2 noun /ˈkæn.toʊ/

canto

Meaning
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
Example
The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos.
C2 adjective /kɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

corporeal

Meaning
relating to the physical body; material or tangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as having no corporeal form.
C2 noun /kəˈnɑːrd/

canard

Meaning
a false or unfounded story or rumor
Example
The article turned out to be nothing more than a canard.
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/adjective /ˈkæpɪtəlɪst/

capitalist

Meaning
a person who supports or believes in capitalism; a wealthy business owner
Example
The capitalist believes in the freedom of the market.
A2 adjective /ˈkɒm.ən/

common

Meaning
occurring frequently or widely; shared by all
Example
It is common to see traffic in the city during rush hour.
C2 noun /ˈtʃɜː.nɪŋ stɪk/

Churning stick

Meaning
a wooden stick used for stirring and churning butter, milk, or other liquids
Example
Grandmother used a churning stick to make fresh butter.
A2 noun /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/

childhood

Meaning
the period of being a child
Example
She spent her childhood in a small village.
B2 noun /ˌklærɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

clarification

Meaning
The action of making a statement or situation less confused and more clearly comprehensible.
Example
The manager requested clarification on the project details.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrtrɪdʒ/

cartridge

Meaning
A container holding a substance or device, such as ink for printers or bullets for firearms.
Example
The printer stopped working because the ink cartridge was empty.
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.
B1 noun /kəmˈpænjən/

companion

Meaning
a person or animal you spend time with or travel with
Example
He was my companion during the long journey.
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 adjective /krəˈmætɪk/

chromatic

Meaning
Relating to colors or, in music, notes outside the standard scale.
Example
The artist used a chromatic palette to create vibrant contrasts.
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.
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.
C1 verb /tʃɑːr/

char

Meaning
To burn or scorch something so that it becomes blackened.
Example
The cook accidentally charred the steak.
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.
A2 verb /ˈkænsəl/

cancel

Meaning
to decide that something planned will not take place
Example
The flight was canceled due to heavy rain.
C2 adjective /kənˈkɒmɪtənt/

concomitant

Meaning
Naturally accompanying or associated with something.
Example
Increased stress is often concomitant with long working hours.
C2 noun /kənˈtrɪʃ.ən/

contrition

Meaning
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
Example
His contrition was evident after the apology.
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.
B1 noun /ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/

consequences

Meaning
Results or effects of an action or condition.
Example
The consequences of ignoring safety protocols can be severe.
C1 noun kəˈmjuːnɪti ˈsɜːrvɪs aɪˈdiːəlz

community service ideals

Meaning
Principles and standards of serving the community for social good.
Example
Community service ideals must be taught in schools.
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/verb /sɪˈmɛnt/

cement

Meaning
a powdery substance that binds materials together; to make something strong or permanent
Example
The treaty helped cement the relationship between the two countries.
B1 noun /tʃɑːrm/

Charm

Meaning
the power or quality of giving delight or arousing admiration; a magical spell or talisman
Example
Her natural charm and wit made her popular at social gatherings.
B2 noun /ˈkæt fɪʃ/

Cat fish

Meaning
a freshwater fish with whisker-like barbels around the mouth, commonly found in ponds and rivers
Example
Catfish is often fried and served with rice in Bengali cuisine.
B2 noun /krɪˈeɪtə/

creator

Meaning
a person who brings something into existence
Example
He is the creator of many successful startups.
C2 noun /kɪˈrɒpədɪst/

chiropodist

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

counting-house

Meaning
a business office where accounts are kept and financial transactions are managed
Example
The merchant spent most of his day in the counting-house reviewing ledgers.
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.
C1 verb /ˈkætəˌlaɪz/

catalyze

Meaning
To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.
Example
The new law catalyzed reforms across the sector.
C2 adjective /koʊˈtɜːr.mɪ.nəs/

coterminous

Meaning
having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
Example
The two jurisdictions are coterminous, sharing the same borders.
B2 noun /ˈkɑn.ʃəns/

Conscience

Meaning
an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior
Example
His conscience prevented him from lying to his parents about his grades.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndʒʊɡəl/

conjugal

Meaning
relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife
Example
They enjoyed a long life of conjugal happiness.
B2 verb /kəmˈplaɪ/

comply

Meaning
to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law
Example
All companies must comply with safety regulations.
C2 verb /ˈkrɪŋ.kəl/

crinkle

Meaning
To form small creases or wrinkles.
Example
She crinkled her nose at the strange smell.
B2 noun /ˈkɑn.trəˌvɜr.si/

Controversy

Meaning
prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion; a dispute or argument involving opposing viewpoints
Example
The new policy sparked a major controversy among the citizens.
B1 adjective /ˈkɜːrli/

curly

Meaning
having curls or waves; shaped with bends or coils
Example
She has naturally curly hair.
C2 adjective /ˈkɑːrpɪŋ/

carping

Meaning
continually complaining or finding fault in a petty way
Example
His carping attitude makes teamwork difficult.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊərdɪs/

cowardice

Meaning
lack of courage; behavior showing fear
Example
His cowardice prevented him from speaking up.
B1 noun /ˈkwaɪər/

choir

Meaning
An organized group of singers, typically performing in church services or concerts.
Example
The choir sang beautifully during the ceremony.
A2 noun ˈtʃælɪndʒ

challenge

Meaning
A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a demanding or stimulating one; a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example
Plastic pollution poses a significant challenge to global health.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/

countenance

Meaning
a person's face or expression; support or approval
Example
Her cheerful countenance brightened the room.
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.
C1 adjective /kɜːrt/

curt

Meaning
Rudely brief in speech or manner.
Example
His curt reply made everyone uncomfortable.
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 ˌkɒn.əˈteɪ.ʃən

connotation

Meaning
The implied or suggested meaning of a word beyond its literal definition
Example
The word 'home' has a warm connotation of comfort and family.
C2 noun /ˌkɑːnfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/

conformation

Meaning
The shape, structure, or arrangement of something.
Example
The scientist studied the molecular conformation of the protein.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪn.dʒən.si/

contingency

Meaning
A provision for an unforeseen event or circumstance, especially in financial planning.
Example
The company has a contingency plan for economic downturns.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/

counseling

Meaning
professional guidance or therapy to help resolve personal or psychological problems
Example
She decided to go for counseling after feeling stressed for months.
B1 verb /kənˈvɜːrt/

convert

Meaning
to change from one form to another; to transform
Example
We can convert this room into an office.
C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning
Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.
Example
The film ended with a climactic battle scene.
C1 adjective /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/

cumulative

Meaning
Increasing gradually by addition; growing in quantity, force, or effect.
Example
The cumulative effect of stress can harm your health.
C2 noun /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/

chiaroscuro

Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
C2 noun, verb /ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑːrdʒ/

countercharge

Meaning
an opposing charge or accusation; to make an opposing attack
Example
The lawyer filed a countercharge against the accuser.
B2 adverb /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

consequently

Meaning
as a result; therefore
Example
He didn’t study, and consequently he failed the exam.
B1 noun /ˈkɑːr.pən.tər/

Carpenter

Meaning
a person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures
Example
The carpenter built a beautiful wooden cabinet for the kitchen.
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.
A2 noun /ˈsɪə.ri.əl/

cereal

Meaning
a common breakfast food made from processed grains such as wheat, oats, or corn
Example
She eats a bowl of cereal every morning before work.
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 adjective /ˈklæsɪfaɪd/

classified

Meaning
arranged into categories; officially secret or restricted
Example
The report contains classified information and cannot be shared publicly.
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 /ˈklær.ɪ.ti/

clarity

Meaning
The quality of being coherent and intelligible; transparency or lucidity.
Example
The speaker's clarity made the concept easy to understand.
C1 noun /kənˈteɪdʒən/

contagion

Meaning
The communication of disease from one person to another by close contact; also the spread of harmful ideas or behaviors.
Example
Fear spread like a contagion through the crowd.
B2 noun /ˈkrɪtɪk/

critic

Meaning
A person who judges the merits of something, especially art or literature
Example
The film critic praised the director's latest movie.
C2 noun /kɒzˈmɒɡ.rə.fi/

cosmography

Meaning
the science or art of mapping the universe or cosmos
Example
Medieval scholars practiced cosmography to chart the stars and planets.
B1 noun /ˈkɛmɪkəl/

chemical

Meaning
a substance produced by or used in a chemical process
Example
The factory releases harmful chemicals into the river.
A2 noun /ˈkær.ɪk.tər/

Character

Meaning
the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual; a person in a novel, play, or film
Example
She showed great character by helping others during the crisis.
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.
B1 noun /kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən/

consideration

Meaning
careful thought or attention to something before making a decision
Example
After much consideration, she accepted the job offer.
C1 noun /klaʊt/

clout

Meaning
influence or power, especially in politics or business
Example
The businessman has a lot of political clout.
C1 verb /kənˈstruː/

construe

Meaning
to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Example
His words could be construed as a threat.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːr.i liːvz/

Curry Leaves

Meaning
aromatic leaves from the curry tree used in South Asian cooking
Example
Fresh curry leaves add authentic flavor to Indian dishes.
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.
B1 adjective /kəmˈpetətɪv/

competitive

Meaning
relating to or characterized by competition; having a strong desire to win or be more successful
Example
She has a competitive spirit that drives her to excel.
B2 adjective /kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/

Conditional

Meaning
dependent on certain conditions; not absolute
Example
The job offer is conditional upon passing the background check.
C1 noun /ˈkrɒkəri/

crockery

Meaning
Dishes, plates, cups, and other items made of earthenware or china.
Example
The hotel provided clean crockery for the guests.
C1 verb /kənˈsɛptʃuəlaɪz/

conceptualize

Meaning
to form an idea or concept of something in your mind
Example
The artist conceptualized a new design for the exhibition.
C2 noun /ˈklærɪən/

Clarion

Meaning
a shrill narrow-tubed war trumpet; a medieval trumpet with a clear piercing tone
Example
The clarion sounded across the battlefield to signal the charge.
B2 verb /kənˈstrʌkt/

construct

Meaning
to build or form something by putting parts together
Example
They plan to construct a new bridge over the river.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒn.ʃəs.nəs/

consciousness

Meaning
The state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, sensations, thoughts, and surroundings.
Example
Meditation helps improve consciousness and clarity of thought.
A2 noun /ˈkælɪndər/

calendar

Meaning
a system for organizing days, months, and years; a chart showing days of the year
Example
She marked her birthday on the calendar.
A2 noun /ˈkæs.əl/

Castle

Meaning
a large fortified building or set of buildings; a fortress
Example
The medieval castle stood majestically on top of the hill.
C1 noun /ˈkleɪmənt/

claimant

Meaning
a person who makes a claim, especially in a legal or financial context
Example
The claimant filed for compensation after the accident.
C2 noun /ˈkʌvi/

covey

Meaning
a small group of birds, especially partridges or quails
Example
A covey of quails flew across the field.
B2 noun /kraɪˈtɪəriə/

criteria

Meaning
Standards or principles by which something is judged or decided.
Example
The candidates were evaluated based on strict criteria.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

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