curmudgeon
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C2 noun /kərˈmʌdʒən/

curmudgeon

Meaning
a bad-tempered, cranky, or irritable person, usually old
Example
The old curmudgeon complained about everything in the neighborhood.
C1 verb /tʃæsˈtaɪz/

chastise

Meaning
to criticize or punish severely
Example
The teacher chastised the student for being late.
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 verb /kənˈfaʊnd/

confound

Meaning
to confuse or surprise someone, often by acting against their expectations
Example
The magician's trick seemed to confound the entire audience.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/

circumstance

Meaning
a fact or condition connected with an event or action
Example
She handled the difficult circumstances bravely.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrkəs/

carcass

Meaning
the dead body of an animal, especially after being slaughtered
Example
Vultures fed on the carcass left in the field.
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 /tʃʌŋk/

chunk

Meaning
a thick or solid piece of something
Example
She cut the cake into large chunks.
C1 verb /kənˈstrɪkt/

constrict

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

confederacy

Meaning
a group of states, people, or organizations united for a common purpose
Example
The southern states formed a confederacy during the civil war.
C1 adverb /ˌkɒnfɪˈdenʃəli/

Confidentially

Meaning
in a confidential manner; secretly; privately
Example
The information was shared confidentially between the two managers.
A2 verb /kənˈfjuːz/

confuse

Meaning
To make someone unable to think clearly; to bewilder.
Example
The complex instructions confused the students.
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.
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.
B1 verb /kleɪm/

claim

Meaning
to assert ownership; to state as fact
Example
He claims to be the rightful owner.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɔːtruːm/

courtroom

Meaning
a room in which legal cases are heard and decided by a judge
Example
The witness was called to testify in the courtroom.
C2 adjective /ˌkɑːmənˈsɛnsɪkəl/

commonsensical

Meaning
based on or showing sound practical judgment; sensible
Example
It was commonsensical to carry an umbrella on a rainy day.
C1 adjective /ˈkræfti/

crafty

Meaning
skilled at achieving goals through cunning or deceit; sly
Example
The crafty fox evaded the hunters again.
B1 noun /ˈkɒnflɪkt/

conflict

Meaning
A serious disagreement or argument, often a prolonged one.
Example
The two countries are trying to resolve the conflict through negotiations.
B1 noun /ˈtʃɪl.i ˈpaʊ.dər/

Chilli Powder

Meaning
a spice made from ground dried chili peppers, used to add heat and flavor to food
Example
Add two teaspoons of chilli powder to make the dish spicier.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈkʌrəntli/

currently

Meaning
at the present time; now
Example
He is currently working on a new project.
B2 verb /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/

cultivate

Meaning
to grow crops or plants; to develop or improve something
Example
Farmers cultivate rice in the paddy fields.
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.
C2 noun /kəˈkɒfəni/

cacophony

Meaning
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophony of horns made it impossible to concentrate.
C2 noun /ˈkreɪniəm/

cranium

Meaning
the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain
Example
The archaeologists carefully examined the ancient cranium.
C1 noun /ˈkɒb.lər/

Cobbler

Meaning
a person who repairs shoes and other leather goods
Example
The cobbler fixed my broken shoes perfectly.
C1 noun /ˈsɪtəˌdɛl/

citadel

Meaning
A fortress protecting or dominating a city.
Example
The ancient citadel stood guard over the town for centuries.
B2 noun /ˈtʃer.i ˌblɒs.əm/

Cherry Blossom

Meaning
the pink or white flowers of a cherry tree that bloom in spring
Example
The cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in April.
C2 noun /ˈklævɪkəl/

clavicle

Meaning
the collarbone, a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum
Example
He fractured his clavicle in the accident.
B1 adjective /ˈkriːmi/

creamy

Meaning
having a smooth, rich texture like cream
Example
She poured a creamy sauce over the pasta.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmɜːs/

commerce

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

connoisseur

Meaning
an expert judge in matters of taste, especially in food, art, or wine
Example
She is a true connoisseur of fine art.
C2 adjective /ˈkeəwɔːn/

careworn

Meaning
Showing signs of worry, stress, or exhaustion.
Example
His careworn face revealed years of struggle.
B2 adjective /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/

conservative

Meaning
Favoring traditional views and values; resistant to change.
Example
He has conservative views on family and society.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkʌl.tʃər/

Culture

Meaning
the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement; the customs and beliefs of a particular society
Example
Learning about different cultures helps us understand and appreciate diversity.
B1 noun /kɔːr/

core

Meaning
the central or most important part of something
Example
Honesty is at the core of their values.
A1 modal verb /kʊd/

could

Meaning
Used to indicate possibility, ability, or permission in the past or as a polite suggestion.
Example
He could swim when he was a child.
A2 noun /ˈsen.tər/

center

Meaning
A place or building designated for a particular activity or service.
Example
The first robotic surgery center was established in Rangpur.
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.
B2 verb /kənˈfes/

confess

Meaning
to admit guilt or wrongdoing; to acknowledge
Example
He confessed his mistake to his teacher.
A1 adjective /tʃiːp/

Cheap

Meaning
low in price; costing little money
Example
This restaurant serves cheap but delicious food.
C2 noun /ˈkælvəri/

calvary

Meaning
A place or experience of intense suffering, originally the site of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Example
For many refugees, the journey across the desert was a calvary.
A2 noun /ˈkoʊkənʌt/

Coconut

Meaning
a large brown seed with hard shell containing white flesh and coconut water
Example
We drank coconut water directly from the coconut.
C1 adjective /ˈkrɪm.zən/

Crimson

Meaning
a deep purplish-red color
Example
The crimson sunset painted the sky with beautiful shades.
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.
C2 adjective /tʃeɪst/

Chaste

Meaning
pure and morally good; abstaining from sexual activity
Example
She lived a chaste and virtuous life.
B1 adverb /ˈtʃɪəfəli/

cheerfully

Meaning
in a happy and positive manner; with visible good spirits
Example
She greeted everyone cheerfully despite the long day.
C1 verb /ˈkrʌmpəl/

crumple

Meaning
to crush something into folds or wrinkles
Example
He crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin.
B2 noun /ˈkreɪvɪŋ/

craving

Meaning
a strong desire for something
Example
She has a craving for chocolate every evening.
C1 noun /krʌst/

crust

Meaning
the hard outer surface of something, especially bread or the Earth's outer layer
Example
He cut off the crust of the bread before eating.
B2 noun /kæf/

Calf

Meaning
a young cow or bull; young of various large mammals
Example
The calf stayed close to its mother.
B2 verb /kreɪv/

crave

Meaning
to have a strong desire for something
Example
She craves adventure and often travels to remote places.
A2 noun /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/

challenges

Meaning
Difficult tasks or situations that test someone's abilities or resources.
Example
Overcoming challenges is the key to personal growth.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/

Continual

Meaning
happening repeatedly over a long period of time; constant and uninterrupted
Example
The continual noise from the construction site was very annoying.
C1 adverb /ˈkrɒswaɪz/

Crosswise

Meaning
in the form of a cross; diagonally across
Example
Place the logs crosswise to build a stable fire.
B1 adverb /ˈkɒmənli/

commonly

Meaning
usually or by most people
Example
This phrase is commonly used in everyday speech.
C1 noun /kɔːrs flaʊər/

Course flour

Meaning
coarsely ground flour with larger particles, typically used for baking bread
Example
She used course flour to make homemade bread with a rustic texture.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrdəməm/

Cardamom

Meaning
aromatic seeds from a plant in the ginger family, used as a spice
Example
The recipe calls for a pinch of ground cardamom.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːrəl/

choral

Meaning
Relating to, written for, or performed by a choir or chorus.
Example
The church hosted a choral performance on Sunday.
B1 noun /ˌsɪvɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

civilization

Meaning
the stage of human social and cultural development and organization considered most advanced
Example
Ancient Egypt is known for its remarkable civilization.
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.
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.
B1 verb /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/

criticize

Meaning
to express disapproval or find fault with someone or something
Example
The teacher criticized the student's poor handwriting.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm/

conservatism

Meaning
A political or social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and resistance to change.
Example
Conservatism values tradition and gradual development.
C1 noun /kəˈnɛəri/

canary

Meaning
a small, usually yellow bird known for its singing; also used as a warning sign in dangerous conditions
Example
The canary sang beautifully in its cage.
C2 noun /ˈkɔːfər/

coffer

Meaning
A strongbox or small chest for holding valuables, often used metaphorically for funds or financial reserves.
Example
The city's coffers were drained after the costly project.
B1 noun /ˈkɒkˌteɪl/

cocktail

Meaning
a mixed drink typically containing alcohol and other ingredients.
Example
She ordered a cocktail at the bar.
A2 adjective /kəˈneɪdiən/

canadian

Meaning
Relating to Canada or its people.
Example
She enjoys Canadian culture and traditions.
C1 noun /kənˈtʃɛrtoʊ/

concerto

Meaning
a musical composition for one or more solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra
Example
She played a Mozart concerto with the orchestra.
C2 adjective /kəˈnjuːbiəl/

connubial

Meaning
Relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple.
Example
They celebrated their connubial bliss with a honeymoon trip.
B1 noun /kənˈteɪ.nər/

container

Meaning
A receptacle or box used for storage or transportation.
Example
Containers are essential for logistics.
B1 adverb /ˈkloʊsli/

closely

Meaning
in a way that is very near in space, time, or relationship; carefully and attentively
Example
The detective examined the evidence closely.
B1 noun kəˈmɪt.i

committee

Meaning
A group of people appointed for a specific function by a larger group.
Example
A 65-member committee was formed.
C2 noun /krəˈnɒmɪtər/

chronometer

Meaning
An instrument for measuring time precisely, especially used in navigation.
Example
The sailor relied on the chronometer to determine his position at sea.
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.
A2 noun /ˈklɑːsmeɪt/

classmate

Meaning
a person who is in the same class or course of study as another
Example
I met one of my old classmates at the university event.
C2 noun /ˌkɛəriˈætɪd/

caryatid

Meaning
A stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a supporting column in architecture.
Example
The ancient temple featured a caryatid holding up the roof.
C1 noun /ˈkɒləmnɪst/

columnist

Meaning
a journalist who regularly writes articles or opinions for a newspaper or magazine
Example
The columnist wrote an article about climate change.
C1 verb, noun /klɑːɡ/

clog

Meaning
to block or become blocked; a type of heavy wooden shoe
Example
The sink was clogged with food waste.
C2 adjective /ˈklɔɪ.ɪŋ/

cloying

Meaning
too sweet, rich, or sentimental, making it unpleasant
Example
The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
C2 adjective /ˈkæp.ʃəs/

Captious

Meaning
tending to find fault or raise petty objections; fault-finding; critical
Example
His captious remarks about every small detail made the meeting very unpleasant.
C2 adjective /kəˈkɒfənəs/

cacophonous

Meaning
Producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example
The cacophonous sounds of the city kept her awake all night.
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 /ˈklɒzɪt/

closet

Meaning
a small room or enclosed space used for storing clothes or other things
Example
She keeps her winter coats in the closet near the door.
C1 verb /kənˈsaɪn/

consign

Meaning
to deliver something to a person or place, often for selling or safekeeping
Example
He consigned the package to the shipping company.
C1 noun /ˈsɪtrɪk ˈæsɪd/

Citric Acid

Meaning
a natural acid found in citrus fruits, used as a food preservative and flavoring agent
Example
Add a pinch of citric acid to preserve the color of the fruit jam.
C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning
a person or group who has captured someone or something
Example
The hostage managed to escape from his captors.
C2 noun /ˈkɒmɪti/

comity

Meaning
Courtesy and considerate behavior towards others; mutual respect.
Example
The meeting was conducted with comity and respect.
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 adjective /kəmˈpoʊzd/

composed

Meaning
calm and in control of oneself; made up of or formed from
Example
He remained composed even under pressure.
C1 noun /kuː/

coup

Meaning
a sudden, decisive action that brings about a change, especially in government
Example
The military staged a coup to overthrow the existing regime.
B2 noun /kəˈkeɪn/

cocaine

Meaning
a powerful and addictive illegal drug made from coca leaves
Example
He was arrested for possessing cocaine.
C1 noun /kjʊˈreɪtər/

curator

Meaning
a person who is responsible for the care and management of a museum, gallery, or collection
Example
The curator organized a new exhibition of ancient artifacts.
C1 adjective /kəˈmɛmərətɪv/

commemorative

Meaning
Serving as a reminder or in honor of a person or event.
Example
They issued a commemorative coin for the independence anniversary.
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.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊnsələr/

councillor

Meaning
an elected member of a local council who helps make decisions and represent the community
Example
The councillor spoke to residents about improving local roads.
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.
B1 verb /kəmˈpiːt/

compete

Meaning
to try to win or be more successful than others in a contest or activity
Example
Several companies compete for dominance in the market.
C2 noun /kjuːˈpɪdəti/

cupidity

Meaning
Excessive desire for wealth or possessions; greed.
Example
The king's downfall was caused by his cupidity.
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.
C1 verb /ˈsɪvɪlaɪz/

civilize

Meaning
to bring a society or group to a more developed, organized, or socially acceptable state; to educate and refine behavior
Example
Education can help civilize communities by promoting shared values and respect.
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.
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.
A2 verb kriˈeɪts

creates

Meaning
To bring something into existence or to cause something to happen
Example
Pollution creates environmental and health issues.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɛmptəbl/

contemptible

Meaning
deserving of contempt; despicable
Example
His deceitful actions were truly contemptible.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl/

centripetal

Meaning
Moving or directed toward a center.
Example
Centripetal force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
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.
C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning
Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.
Example
The film ended with a climactic battle scene.
B2 adjective /ˈkaʊntləs/

countless

Meaning
too many to be counted; innumerable
Example
There are countless stars in the sky.
A2 noun /ˈkɜːr.tən/

Curtain

Meaning
a piece of material suspended at the top to form a covering or screen, typically movable sideways
Example
She drew the curtains to block out the bright sunlight.