CEFR Level
a cover or shell that protects or encloses something
"The mechanic removed the engine casing to examine the internal parts."
A social class system often based on hereditary or occupation.
"The caste system influenced many aspects of traditional society."
Relating to or denoting a violent natural event or upheaval.
"The war had cataclysmic effects on the nation's economy."
Something that speeds up or causes an event or change without being changed itself.
"The speech was the catalyst for widespread protests."
To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.
"The new law catalyzed reforms across the sector."
A device for launching objects at high speed; to hurl or launch something suddenly.
"The invention catapulted him to international fame."
A medical condition causing clouding of the eye's lens; also a large waterfall.
"The old man suffered from cataracts in both eyes."
Absolute and without exception; expressed clearly and directly.
"She gave a categorical denial of the allegations."
Completely and absolutely denied or disproved.
"The claims were categorically refuted by officials."
The process of releasing strong emotions, providing relief.
"Writing in her diary was a form of catharsis for her."
Providing psychological relief through open expression of emotions; also refers to a medicine that causes cleansing of the bowels.
"Crying can be a cathartic experience."
A meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy.
"The party held a caucus to nominate their candidate for president."
A large metal pot used for cooking over an open fire; also a situation of intense activity or strong emotions.
"The witch stirred the cauldron filled with strange ingredients."
relating to or acting as a cause
"There is a causal link between smoking and cancer."
able to burn or corrode by chemical action; severely sarcastic
"Her caustic remarks hurt his feelings."
serving as a warning; intended to prevent problems or mistakes by giving advice or examples
"The report offers a cautionary message about unchecked spending."
showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or offhand
"He had a cavalier attitude toward safety regulations."
soldiers who fight on horseback; the part of an army formerly composed of troops on horseback
"The cavalry charged across the field with great speed."
a warning or condition to be considered before taking action
"The proposal was accepted with one caveat."
a large cave or chamber in a cave
"The explorers entered a dark cavern beneath the mountain."
continuing without pause or interruption; endless
"The ceaseless rain lasted for three days."
to give up power, territory, or rights to another
"The country ceded territory after losing the war."
relating to the sky, stars, or heavens
"The telescope revealed many celestial bodies in the night sky."
A grave that is constructed with cement for permanence.
"The cemented grave of the martyrs was seen near the river."
to express severe disapproval, often formally; strong criticism or disapproval
"The senator was censured for his unethical behavior."
The hundredth anniversary of a significant event; relating to a period of 100 years.
"The school celebrated its centenary with a grand event."
A metric unit of capacity equal to one hundredth of a liter.
"The recipe calls for 20 centiliters of milk."
The concentration of control and decision-making power in a central authority.
"Excessive centralization can slow down decision-making."
A machine that spins substances at high speed to separate different components.
"The lab technician used a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the plasma."
relating to the brain or intellect; intellectual rather than emotional
"He is known for his cerebral approach to problem-solving."
relating to or used in a ceremony or formal occasion
"The president wore a ceremonial robe during the inauguration."
The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.
"There was a temporary cessation of hostilities."
Latin for 'the rest' or 'others'; commonly used in the phrase 'et cetera' meaning 'and so on'.
"We need to buy pens, paper, notebooks, et cetera."
an informal word for champion or winner.
"He is the new champ of the boxing tournament."
A senior state or legal official, or the head of a university.
"The chancellor delivered an inspiring speech at the graduation ceremony."
An older person who accompanies and supervises young people in social situations.
"The teacher acted as a chaperon during the school dance."
A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.
"The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle."
an absurd pretense or act intended to deceive; also a word-guessing game
"The trial was nothing more than a political charade."
an ancient horse-drawn vehicle used in warfare and racing
"The warrior rode his chariot into battle with great courage."
a deep fissure in the earth's surface or a wide difference between people or ideas
"There was a great chasm between the two political parties."
the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine
"The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage."
the state of refraining from sexual activity; purity
"The monk took a vow of chastity."
a large French country house or castle
"They stayed in a beautiful chateau in France."
Excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender, often with contempt for others.
"The company's culture was criticized for promoting male chauvinism."
A person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty to a group, cause, or gender.
"He was labeled a chauvinist after his remarks about women in the workplace."
Displaying or characterized by excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support, especially towards one's own gender or group.
"His chauvinistic attitude alienated many of his female colleagues."
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
"He had a checkered career with many highs and lows."
