CEFR Level
Relating to physical, especially sexual, desires and appetites.
"The book explores the conflict between spiritual and carnal desires."
aromatic seeds of a plant used as a spice, especially in Indian cooking
"Carom seeds are often used in traditional Indian bread recipes."
A noisy or lively drinking party or festivity.
"They were exhausted after a night of wild carousal."
to drink and enjoy oneself noisily, often with others
"They stayed up all night to carouse after the victory."
continually complaining or finding fault in a petty way
"His carping attitude makes teamwork difficult."
the decaying flesh of dead animals
"Vultures feed on carrion left in the fields."
complete freedom to act as one wishes
"The manager gave her team carte blanche to design the project."
A stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a supporting column in architecture.
"The ancient temple featured a caryatid holding up the roof."
the main protein found in milk and cheese, used in food production and supplements
"Casein protein powder is popular among athletes for muscle recovery."
To criticize someone severely or to punish harshly.
"The teacher castigated the students for their poor behavior."
Severe criticism or punishment for wrongdoing.
"The manager’s harsh castigation shocked the entire team."
To remove the testicles of a male animal or human.
"The farmer castrated the young bulls to make them easier to manage."
The use of clever but false reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions.
"The lawyer’s argument was dismissed as mere casuistry."
A whip with nine knotted cords, historically used for punishment.
"The sailor feared the cat-o-nine-tails more than the storm at sea."
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones together with the release of energy.
"During fasting, catabolism helps generate energy from stored fat."
A sudden and violent event that causes great destruction or upheaval.
"The earthquake was a cataclysm that reshaped the city."
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval or sexual harassment directed at someone.
"The actress ignored the catcalls from the crowd."
A summary of religious principles often in the form of questions and answers; also a set of fixed questions or beliefs.
"The priest taught the children the catechism every Sunday."
an extract from a tropical Asian plant, used in tanning and dyeing
"Catechu extract is commonly used in traditional medicine."
The negative electrode in a device such as a battery or tube, where electrons enter.
"The cathode emits electrons in the tube."
Universality; broad-mindedness; acceptance of a wide variety of things.
"Her catholicity of interests makes her a fascinating person."
A chemical process in soil that helps retain nutrients.
"The cation-exchange capacity of soil affects plant growth."
a drooping, often tasseled cluster of small flowers found on willow and birch trees
"The willow tree's catkins swayed gently in the spring breeze."
to seal a crack or gap with a waterproof filler
"He caulked the window frames to stop the draft."
to burn tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection
"The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding."
a formal procession of people riding on horses or in vehicles
"The king’s arrival was marked by a grand cavalcade."
to make petty or unnecessary objections
"She caviled at every detail of the plan."
to jump or dance around excitedly
"The children cavorted happily in the garden."
swiftness of movement; speed
"The soldier moved with great celerity to deliver the message."
severely critical of others
"She was always censorious about her colleagues' mistakes."
A mythological creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
"The centaur is a well-known figure in Greek mythology."
Moving or tending to move away from a center.
"The centrifugal force pushes the clothes to the sides of the washing machine."
Moving or directed toward a center.
"Centripetal force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun."
A commander of a unit of one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
"The centurion led his men into battle with courage."
the process of thinking or using the brain actively
"The lecture sparked intense cerebration among the students."
marked by formality, politeness, or strict observance of customs
"He gave her a ceremonious bow before entering the hall."
Absolute certainty or conviction about something.
"She spoke with certitude about the outcome of the case."
The formal giving up of rights, property, or territory, especially by a state.
"The treaty resulted in the cession of land to the neighboring country."
The husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing; worthless or trivial matter.
"The farmer separated the wheat from the chaff."
Teasing or joking in a lighthearted way.
"They were chaffing each other during lunch."
To make sore by rubbing; to become irritated.
"The rough shoes were chafing his heels."
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
"She left the room in chagrin after forgetting her lines."
A large cup or goblet, typically used for drinking wine in religious ceremonies.
"The priest lifted the golden chalice during the ceremony."
a variety of jasmine flower with small white fragrant petals
"The chameli flowers are commonly used to make garlands and perfumes."
a fragrant yellow or white flower from a tree native to South Asia, used in perfumes and religious ceremonies
"The champak tree in the temple courtyard bloomed with golden flowers."
A court of equity or the office of a chancellor.
"The case was taken to the chancery court for resolution."
a person who pretends to have knowledge or skills that they do not really possess; a fraud
"The so-called healer was exposed as a charlatan."
cautious or wary about doing something
"She was chary of investing in the new business venture."
abstaining from sexual relations; pure or simple in style
"She lived a chaste life devoted to her faith."
