Cynic
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C1 noun /ˈsɪ.nɪk/

Cynic

Meaning
a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest; someone who is skeptical about human nature
Example
The old cynic believed that politicians only cared about getting votes.
C2 verb /ˈkʌzən/

cozen

Meaning
to deceive, cheat, or trick someone
Example
He cozened the old man out of his money.
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.
C2 noun /kənˈtraɪ.vəns/

contrivance

Meaning
a device or plan that is cleverly or artificially created
Example
The clock was an intricate contrivance of gears and springs.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈkraʊdɪd/

crowded

Meaning
filled with too many people or things
Example
The bus was so crowded that I could hardly move.
A1 noun/verb /ˈkʊkɪŋ/

cooking

Meaning
the process of preparing food by heating it
Example
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.
A2 noun /ˈkænsər/

cancer

Meaning
A disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue.
Example
Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer.
C2 adjective /ˌkæləˈrɪfɪk/

calorific

Meaning
Relating to the amount of energy contained in food or fuel.
Example
Chocolate is highly calorific, so it should be eaten in moderation.
C2 adjective /ˈtʃɜːrlɪʃ/

churlish

Meaning
Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
Example
It would be churlish to refuse her kind invitation.
B2 adverb /ˈkæʒ.u.ə.li/

Casually

Meaning
in a relaxed and informal way; without much thought or preparation
Example
He casually mentioned that he was leaving.
C2 noun /ˌkɒzməˈpɒlɪtənɪzəm/

cosmopolitanism

Meaning
the ideology that all human beings belong to a single community
Example
Cosmopolitanism promotes respect and understanding across cultures.
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.
B2 verb /kɑːrv/

carve

Meaning
To cut or shape something, especially wood or stone, into a desired form.
Example
The artist carved a beautiful statue out of marble.
C2 noun /ˌkɑːnfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/

conformation

Meaning
The shape, structure, or arrangement of something.
Example
The scientist studied the molecular conformation of the protein.
C1 noun ˌkɒm.pjʊˈteɪ.ʃən

computation

Meaning
The action of mathematical calculation.
Example
Complex computation is required for AI models.
B2 verb /tʃænt/

chant

Meaning
to sing or recite in a rhythmic way
Example
The monks chant prayers in the temple.
B2 noun kənˈsen.səs

consensus

Meaning
A general agreement among all members of a group.
Example
Consensus was reached after long deliberation.
C1 noun /ˈkʌntrɪmən/

countryman

Meaning
a person from one's own country or rural area
Example
He was proud to meet a fellow countryman at the international conference.
A2 adjective /ˈsɜːr.tən/

Certain

Meaning
confident and sure; without doubt; definitely true
Example
I am certain that we will succeed.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
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.
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 /ˈklɪn.ɪ.kəl/

clinical

Meaning
Related to the observation and treatment of patients rather than theoretical study.
Example
The doctor conducted a clinical examination.
B1 noun /ˈkaʊnti/

county

Meaning
A territorial division within a country, typically a region with its own local government.
Example
She grew up in a small county in northern England.
B2 noun /kəˈmɒ.dɪ.tiz/

commodities

Meaning
Raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold.
Example
The prices of commodities like oil and gold fluctuate frequently.
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.
C2 verb /ʧeɪf/

chafe

Meaning
To make or become sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience.
Example
The tight shoes began to chafe his heels.
B1 noun /kɑːrt/

Cart

Meaning
a wheeled vehicle for carrying goods; a shopping cart
Example
The farmer loaded hay onto his cart.
C1 noun /kəˈnʌn.drəm/

conundrum

Meaning
A complex problem or puzzle without an easy solution
Example
The ethical conundrum puzzled the researchers.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmɜːs/

commerce

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

crave

Meaning
to have a strong desire for something
Example
She craves adventure and often travels to remote places.
C1 noun /ˈkoʊhɔːrts/

cohorts

Meaning
Groups of people who share a common feature or experience.
Example
Researchers compared the health outcomes of different cohorts.
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.
A2 noun /kɔːrn/

Corn

Meaning
a tall cereal plant that produces kernels on large ears; maize
Example
We grilled corn on the cob for dinner.
C1 adjective /ˈkoʊpiəs/

copious

Meaning
abundant in supply or quantity
Example
She took copious notes during the lecture.
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 /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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈkɒndaɪn/

condign

Meaning
deserved, appropriate, and fitting (especially punishment)
Example
The criminal received condign punishment for his crimes.
C2 noun /kænˈtɑː.tə/

cantata

Meaning
A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful cantata during the festival.
C1 adjective /kənˈstreɪnd/

constrained

Meaning
appearing forced, unnatural, or restricted
Example
He gave a constrained smile during the awkward meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈkoʊvərt/

covert

Meaning
hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged
Example
The spy conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines.
C2 noun /tʃɜːrl/

churl

Meaning
A rude, boorish, or ill-mannered person.
Example
The waiter was such a churl that customers left unhappy.
B2 noun kjuːz

cues

Meaning
Signals or hints from conversation or environment that help understanding
Example
Facial expressions provide cues about a person's emotions.
B2 verb kənˈdem

condemn

Meaning
To express complete disapproval of; to censure.
Example
The leaders condemned the actions as inhumane.
A1 verb /kʊk/

cook

Meaning
to prepare food by heating; to make food ready to eat
Example
My mother loves to cook traditional dishes.
C2 noun /krɪpˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/

cryptography

Meaning
The practice of securing information through encryption or coding techniques
Example
Modern cryptography ensures secure online transactions.
C2 noun /ˈklɔɪstər/

cloister

Meaning
a covered walk in a convent, monastery, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other.
Example
The monks walked silently through the cloister.
A2 verb kriˈeɪt

create

Meaning
To bring something into existence; to make or produce something new.
Example
Unmanaged growth can create complex challenges.
B1 noun /kəʊst/

Coast

Meaning
the part of the land near the sea; the edge of the land
Example
We drove along the coast to enjoy the view.
C1 verb /ˈkriːmeɪt/

cremate

Meaning
to burn a dead body to ashes as a funeral rite
Example
According to his wishes, they cremated his body after the funeral.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈkʌtɪŋ/

cutting

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

chicanery

Meaning
The use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose.
Example
The politician was accused of chicanery to win the election.
C1 adjective /kɔɪ/

coy

Meaning
reluctant to give details or reveal feelings; shy or reserved
Example
She gave a coy smile when asked about her plans.
C2 noun /kəˌrɒbəˈreɪʃən/

corroboration

Meaning
evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding
Example
The documents provided strong corroboration of her claims.
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 /ˈsɪnəmən/

Cinnamon

Meaning
aromatic spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species
Example
Cinnamon is often used in baking and desserts.
B2 noun kənˌtæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən

contamination

Meaning
The process of making something less pure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.
Example
Contamination of air leads to health issues.
C1 noun koʊˈhisɪv ˈjunɪts

cohesive units

Meaning
Groups or organizations that work together as unified wholes, with members closely bound together.
Example
Early humans formed cohesive units for survival.
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.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnfɪdænt/

confidant

Meaning
A person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it.
Example
She found a true confidant in her childhood friend.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkeɪnaɪn/

canine

Meaning
Relating to dogs; also refers to the pointed teeth in humans and animals
Example
The police trained a canine unit for search operations.
B2 adjective /kəmˈpætəbl/

compatible

Meaning
Able to exist or work together without conflict; harmonious.
Example
This software is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.
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.
C1 adjective /kræs/

crass

Meaning
lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence
Example
His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting.
C2 verb /ˈkælsɪfaɪ/

calcify

Meaning
To harden by deposition of calcium salts; to become rigid or inflexible.
Example
Over time, the tissue began to calcify and lose flexibility.
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.
B1 noun ˈkraɪsɪs

crisis

Meaning
A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
Example
The financial crisis affected global markets.
C1 adjective /klænˈdɛstaɪn/

clandestine

Meaning
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
Example
They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
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 noun /kənˈdʌktər/

conductor

Meaning
a person who directs a performance or someone who collects fares on public transport; or a material that conducts electricity
Example
The conductor waved his baton to start the orchestra.
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 /kəˈdævərəs/

cadaverous

Meaning
Resembling a corpse; very pale, thin, or bony.
Example
His cadaverous appearance shocked everyone at the party.
B1 noun /ˈkɒtɪdʒ/

cottage

Meaning
a small simple house, typically in the countryside
Example
They spent their vacation in a cozy cottage by the lake.
B2 adjective ˈkʌtɪŋ ˌɛdʒ

cutting-edge

Meaning
The most advanced or innovative; at the forefront of development.
Example
This company develops cutting-edge technology.
C2 noun /koʊˈædʒətər/

coadjutor

Meaning
a person who helps or assists another, especially in a religious or official capacity
Example
The bishop appointed a coadjutor to assist him with his duties.
C1 noun /kɔːr/

corps

Meaning
a branch of the military or a group organized for a specific purpose
Example
He joined the army corps after graduation.
B2 noun /kɔːrd/

cord

Meaning
a long, thin, flexible string or rope
Example
He tied the package with a strong cord.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmənˌteɪtər/

commentator

Meaning
a person who reports and discusses events, especially on TV or radio
Example
The commentator described the football match in detail.
C1 noun /ˈklæmər/

clamor

Meaning
a loud and confused noise, especially of people shouting insistently
Example
The clamor of the protesting crowd filled the square.
C1 noun /kəˈmoʊʃən/

commotion

Meaning
A state of noisy confusion or disturbance.
Example
The sudden commotion in the market drew everyone's attention.
B1 adjective ˈkɒmplɛks

complex

Meaning
Having many interrelated parts or factors; complicated.
Example
The relationship between poverty and education is complex.
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.
C1 noun /saɪˈteɪʃən/

citation

Meaning
a quotation from or reference to a book, paper, or author
Example
The research paper included a citation from Shakespeare.
C1 adjective /ˈkɑːr.di.æk/

cardiac

Meaning
Relating to the heart.
Example
The patient was admitted with a cardiac condition.
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.
C1 noun /kɑst/

Caste

Meaning
a social class system; a hereditary class of Hindu society
Example
The ancient caste system divided society into different social groups.
A2 verb /ˈkɑːpi/

copy

Meaning
to make an identical reproduction of something
Example
Please copy this document for the meeting.
A2 verb /klaɪm/

climb

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

completion

Meaning
the action or process of finishing something
Example
The completion of the project will take another few weeks.
B1 verb /kleɪm/

claim

Meaning
to assert ownership; to state as fact
Example
He claims to be the rightful owner.
C1 noun /kənˈfaɪnmənt/

confinement

Meaning
the state of being confined or restricted
Example
The prisoner endured years of confinement.
C2 noun /kəˈlɒsəti/

callosity

Meaning
A thickened or hardened area of skin; insensitivity or hardness of character.
Example
Years of manual labor left callosity on his hands.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.təmˈpleɪ.ʃən/

contemplation

Meaning
The action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time; deep reflective thought.
Example
She sat in contemplation before making her decision.
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.
C1 verb /kənˈtraɪv/

contrive

Meaning
to plan or devise cleverly or skillfully
Example
She contrived a clever plan to surprise her friends.
A2 noun, verb /kɔɪn/

coin

Meaning
A flat piece of metal used as money; as a verb, to invent a new word or phrase.
Example
The government decided to coin a new term for the program.
B2 noun /ˈkænjən/

canyon

Meaning
A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it.
Example
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.
A2 verb /kəmˈpleɪn/

complain

Meaning
to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
Example
He often complains about the noise in the neighborhood.
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.
B2 adjective ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri

contradictory

Meaning
Mutually opposed or inconsistent; containing elements that oppose each other.
Example
Their views on education are contradictory.
C2 noun /kɒnˌtek.stʃu.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

contextualization

Meaning
The process of placing something in its proper context or setting to understand it better.
Example
Contextualization of historical events helps students understand them better.
B2 verb /kənˈstreɪn/

constrain

Meaning
to limit or restrict someone or something; to force or compel
Example
The new regulations constrain businesses from polluting the environment.
C1 noun /kənˈsiːt/

conceit

Meaning
excessive pride in oneself; vanity
Example
His conceit made him unpopular among his colleagues.
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.
C2 verb /kəˈriːn/

careen

Meaning
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way, especially in a specific direction.
Example
The car careened down the slippery road.
B2 noun /ˈkoʊ.brə/

Cobra

Meaning
a venomous snake with a hood that can be spread when threatened
Example
The cobra raised its hood and hissed at the intruder.
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.
A2 noun /ˈkɔːrnər/

corner

Meaning
the place where two edges or sides meet
Example
The store is just around the corner.
C2 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.kwi/

colloquy

Meaning
A formal conversation or dialogue, often on serious or academic topics.
Example
The professors engaged in a deep colloquy about the future of education.
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.