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Dictionary

Words starting with C

72 words

cadence

/ˈkæd.əns/

A steady, rhythmic flow in speech, music, or movement.

calamity

/kəˈlæməti/

A very serious event causing great damage, suffering, or loss; a disaster.

callous

/ˈkæl.əs/

Showing no concern or sympathy for other people's feelings or pain. A callous person knows that others are suffering but does not care. This word carries a moral judgment — it suggests the person should feel something but has chosen not to.

candor

/ˈkæn.dər/

The quality of speaking openly and honestly, especially about something difficult or uncomfortable. It means saying what you truly think without hiding it, but still with respect for the other person.

cantankerous

/kænˈtæŋkərəs/

bad-tempered and often rude; prone to anger or complaints.

capricious

/kəˈprɪʃ.əs/

Likely to change suddenly and without a clear reason. A capricious person or thing is unpredictable and hard to rely on. The change is often based on a passing mood rather than logic.

captivate

/ˈkæp.tɪ.veɪt/

To attract and hold attention completely; to charm deeply.

cavalier

/ˌkæv.əˈlɪər/

Showing little respect or care, with a dismissive attitude.

censure

/ˈsenʃər/

Strong disapproval or official criticism for something wrong or careless. Less severe than punishment but clearly negative. (Noun). / The expression of severe disapproval; a reprimand (Verb). / To criticize or rebuke strongly. /

cessation

/sɛˈsteɪʃən/

The act of stopping something and not continuing it.

charisma

/kəˈrɪz.mə/

The personal quality that makes people admire and want to follow you; compelling charm and appeal.

chasm

/ˈkæz.əm/

A very large gap, often used for differences or disagreements between people or groups.

cherish

/ˈtʃer.ɪʃ/

to value and protect something carefully because it is important to you.

chronicle

/ˈkɑːn.ə.kəl/

A detailed record of events, in order of time.

circumvent

/ˌsɜːkəmˈvent/

Avoid a problem or rule by using a clever method. The problem still exists, but you move around it.

civility

/sɪˈvɪl.ə.ti/

Polite and respectful behavior toward others.

clandestine

/klænˈdɛs.tɪn/

Done in secret, especially because it is not allowed or would not be approved. It usually suggests something hidden from authorities or the public on purpose.

clarify

/ˈklær.ə.faɪ/

make something clear or easier to understand

cliche

/kliːˈʃeɪ/

A phrase or idea used too often, so it feels unoriginal and boring.

coalesce

/kəʊˈiː.leɪs/

To come together to form one united idea or group.

cogent

/ˈkoʊ.dʒənt/

Clear, logical, and convincing; it makes you agree because the reasoning is strong.

cognizant

/ˈkɒɡnɪzənt/

Aware; mindful; having knowledge.

coherent

/kəʊˈhɪə.rənt/

Logical and consistent; easy to understand because the parts fit well together.

collaborate

/kəˈlæb.ə.ɹeɪt/

Work together with others to achieve a shared goal or result.

compelling

/kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/

Making you pay attention because it is interesting or strong.

complacent

/kəmˈpleɪ.sənt/

Too pleased or satisfied with yourself or your situation, so that you stop trying to improve or fail to notice real problems. The word almost always carries a negative warning — complacency leads to failure.

compliance

/kəmˈplaɪ.əns/

The act of obeying official rules or standards.

composure

/kəmˈpəʊʒə/

1

comprehensive

/ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv/

Detailed and complete; leaving out very little.

concede

/kənˈsiːd/

To admit something is true or accept an outcome, often after resisting.

concept

/ˈkɒn.sɛpt/

An abstract idea or general understanding of something. A concept is usually more developed and structured than a simple idea. It is often used in academic, scientific, or professional discussions.

concise

/kənˈsaɪs/

Short and clear, with no unnecessary words.

conclude

/kənˈkluːd/

To bring something to an end in a deliberate, final way. This sense is common in formal or professional settings — meetings, speeches, reports, and events.

concurrent

/kənˈkɜː.rənt/

Happening or existing at the same time as something else. It describes events, processes, or activities that overlap in time rather than one following after the other.

conducive

/kənˈdjuːsɪv/

Helping something to develop or happen easily; supportive.

conduct

/ˈkɒn.dʌkt/

The way a person or group behaves, especially in a formal or professional setting. It usually implies a standard is being judged — either met or broken.

confine

/kənˈfaɪn/

To keep someone or something within a limited space or area. It often means restricting movement so a person or thing cannot go beyond a certain boundary.

confirm

/kənˈfɜːm/

To say or show that something is true, correct, or definitely happening. You confirm a fact when you give proof or clear agreement.

conform

/kənˈfɔːm/

To behave in the way that most people in a group behave. It means fitting in with social rules, expectations, or cultural norms.

conjecture

/kənˈdʒɛktʃə/

An opinion or guess formed with some information, not certain proof.

conscientious

/ˌkɒn.ʃiˈen.ʃəs/

Describes a person who takes their duties very seriously and tries hard to do everything correctly and completely. A conscientious person acts from a strong inner sense of what is right, not just to impress others.

consensus

/kənˈsɛnsəs/

General agreement or shared opinion within a group or society; formal collective acceptance of a view or decision after discussion and accommodation of differing positions or concerns.

consequent

/ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwənt/

Happening as a direct result of something else. It shows that one thing caused the other — not just that one thing came after the other.

consist

/kənˈsɪst/

Used as 'consist of': to be made up of specific parts, people, or things. It describes the complete makeup of something — nothing is left out.

conspicuous

/kənˈspɪk.wəs/

Easy to see or notice; very obvious.

constant

/ˈkɒn.stənt/

Happening all the time, without stopping or pausing. If something is constant, it does not take breaks or have gaps.

consume

/kənˈsjuːm/

To eat or drink something, especially in a large amount. This use is more formal than 'eat' or 'drink' and is common in academic and official writing.

contemplate

/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/

Think deeply about something, usually before making a decision or judgment.

contemporary

/kənˈtɛm.pər.ər.i/

Belonging to the present time; happening or existing now. This sense is very common in academic and IELTS writing.

contend

/kənˈtend/

to assert or maintain an opinion; to compete or fight against something or someone.

contention

/kənˈtɛnʃ(ə)n/

a strong disagreement or the topic people disagree about.

context

/ˈkɒn.tekst/

The conditions, events, or facts that surround something and help you understand it better. Without context, a situation can seem confusing or misleading.

contingent

/kənˈtɪndʒənt/

Possible but not certain; dependent on a condition, or a group of people temporarily assembled.

contradict

/ˌkɒn.trəˈdɪkt/

To say or claim the opposite of what someone else has said. If you contradict a person, you tell them their statement is wrong by saying something that directly goes against it.

controversy

/ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si/

A strong, public disagreement about something that involves many people with opposing views. It usually continues over a period of time and often appears in the news or in public discussion.

convene

/kənˈviːn/

To officially call people together for a meeting or formal gathering. It can also mean for a group to come together for an official purpose.

converge

/kənˈvɜːdʒ/

To move or come together from different directions toward the same point or place. Lines, paths, rivers, or people can all converge.

conversely

/ˈkɒn.vɜːs.li/

Used to introduce a statement that is the direct opposite or reverse of what was just said. It shows that two things have a mirror relationship — if one is true, the opposite is also true in the other direction.

convert

/kənˈvɜːt/

To change something from one form, purpose, or system into a different one. The original thing still exists but now works differently or serves a new function.

convoluted

/ˈkɒn.və.luː.tɪd/

1

coordinate

/koʊˈɔːr.dɪ.neɪt/

To organize different people, tasks, or activities so they work together smoothly and at the right time. You use this word when several parts need to connect and align, not just be arranged.

cope

/koʊp/

To deal with something difficult or stressful without being overwhelmed. It often suggests real effort — you are managing, but it is not easy.

copious

/ˈkoʊpi.əs/

Very large in quantity; abundant.

corroborate

/kəˈrɒb.ə.reɪt/

to give support or proof to something, making it more believable.

credence

/ˈkred.əns/

Belief that something is true or real.

cringe

/krɪndʒ/

To pull your body back slightly because of pain, fear, or embarrassment. You also cringe when something makes you feel deep discomfort or awkwardness, even without moving.

criterion

/kraɪˈtɪər.i.ən/

A standard or rule that you use to judge or decide something. When you evaluate options or make a choice, a criterion is the specific condition that something must meet.

crucial

/ˈkruː.ʃəl/

Extremely important in a way that affects the result of something. A crucial thing is not just important — it is the key factor that decides success or failure.

culminate

/ˈkʌlmɪneɪt/

To reach a final point or peak after a process.

curate

/ˈkjʊə.reɪt/

Select and organize items for an exhibition or media; choose carefully for quality and fit. The word focuses on careful, intentional selection and presentation.

cut-corners

/kʌt ˈkɔːr.nərz/

To do something in a quick, cheap, or easy way by skipping important steps. It usually results in lower quality, safety risks, or mistakes.

cynical

/ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl/

Believing people act only for selfish reasons; distrustful of others' motives.

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