C Flashcards
(340 cards)
0
Q
Cabinet (the)
A
The group of ministers chosen by the Prime Minister to be responsible for government policy (UK).
1
Q
cab
A
(n)1. A taxi. 2. A compartment for the driver of a train, lorry or crane.
2
Q
cache
A
(n)1. A hiding place for treasures or stores. 2. Hidden treasure or stores (v) to place in a cache.
3
Q
cacophony
A
(n) a harsh discordant sound. Cacophonous (adj).
4
Q
cagey
A
(adj) (cagier, cagiest) (informal) cautious about giving information, secretive. Cagily (adv). Caginess (n).
5
Q
cairn
A
(n) a pyramid of rough stones set up as a landmark or a monument.
6
Q
cajole
A
(v) to coax. Cajolery (n).
7
Q
calamity
A
(n) a disaster. Calamitous (adj).
8
Q
calibre
A
(n)1. The diameter of the inside of a tube or gun barrel. 2. The diameter of a bullets or shell. 3. Ability, importance, (we need a man of your calibre).
9
Q
callous
A
(adj)1. Hardened, having calluses (an area of think hardened skin or tissue). 2. Unsympathetic. Callously (adv). Callousness (n). Calloused (adj): hardened, having calluses.
10
Q
callow
A
(adj) immature and inexperienced. Callowly (adv), callowness (n).
11
Q
calumny
A
(n)1. Slander. 2. A slanderous statement.
12
Q
camaraderie
A
(n) comradeship.
13
Q
campaign
A
(n)1. A series of military operations with a set purpose, usually in one area. 2. A similar set of planned activities, (an advertising campaign). (v) to take part in a campaign. Campaigner (n).
14
Q
campus
A
(n pl campuses) the grounds of a university or college.
15
Q
canal
A
(n)1. A channel cut out through land for navigation or irrigation. 2. A tubular passage through which food or air passes in a plant or animal body, (alimentary canal).
16
Q
cancer
A
(n)1. A tumour, especially a malignant one. 2. A disease in which malignant growths form. 3. Something evil that spreads destructively. Cancerous (adj).
17
Q
candid
A
(adj) frank, not hiding one’s thoughts. Candidly (adv), candidness (n).
18
Q
candidate
A
(n)1. A person who seeks or is nominated for appointment to an office or position or membership. 2. A person taking an examination. Candidacy (n), candidature (n).
19
Q
candour
A
(n) candid speech
20
Q
canister
A
(n)1. A metal box or other container. 2. A cylinder filled with shot or tear gas, that bursts and releases its contents when fired from a gun or thrown.
21
Q
cantankerous
A
(adj) bad-tempered. Cantankerously (adv).
22
Q
canter
A
(n) a slow easy gallop. (v) to ride at a canter, to gallop gently.
23
Q
capitalism
A
(n) an economic system in which trade and industry are controlled by private owners.
24
capitalise on
To profit by, to use (a thing) to one's advantage.
25
capitulate
(v) to surrender. Capitulation (n).
26
capricious
(adj)1. Guided by caprice (a whim), impulsive. 2. Changeable. Capriciously (adv), capriciousness (n).
27
captivate
(v) to capture the fancy of, to charm. Captivating (n).
28
captive
(adj)1. Taken prisoner. 2. Kept as a prisoner, unable to escape. (n) a captive person or animal. Captive audience: people who cannot get away easily and therefore cannot avoid being addressed.
29
carapace
(n) the shell on the bad of a tortoise or crustacean.
30
carburettor
(n) an apparatus for mixing fuel and air in an engine.
31
cardigan
(n) a knitted jacket.
32
careen
(v)1. To tilt or keel over to one side. 2. (Amer.) to swerve.
33
caricature
(n) a picture or description or imitation of a person or thing that exaggerates certain characteristics, especially for comic effect. (v) to make a caricature of.
34
carnage
(n) the killing of many people.
35
carouse
(v) to drink and be merry. Carousal (n).
36
carousel
(n)1. (Amer.) a merry-go-round. 2. A conveyor that rotates like a merry-go-round.
37
carrion
(n) dead and decaying flesh.
38
carte blanche
full power to act as one thinks best.
39
cartography
(n) map-drawing. Cartographer (n), cartographic (adj).
40
cascade
(n)1. A waterfall. 2. Something falling or hanging like this. (v) to fall as or like a cascade.
41
cash crop
a crop grown for selling.
42
cash in on
to make a large profit from; to turn to one's advantage.
43
cashmere
(n)1. A very fine soft wool, especially that from the Kashmir goat. 2. Fabric made from this.
44
casserole
(n)1. A covered dish in which meat etc. is cooked and served. 2. Food cooked in this. (v) to cook (meat etc.) in a casserole.
45
castaway
(n) a shipwrecked person.
46
castigate
(v) to punish with blows or by criticising severely. Castigation (n), castigator (n).
47
casting vote
a vote that decides the issue when votes on each side are equal.
48
casual
(adj)1. Happening by chance, (a casual encounter). 2. Made or done without forethought, not serious, (a casual remark). 3. Not methodical, (a casual inspection). 4. Informal, for informal occasions, (casual clothes). 5. Irregular, not permanent, (found some casual work);(casual labourers) doing such work. Casually (adv), casualness (n).
49
casualty
(n)1. A person who is killed or injured in war or in an accident. 2. A thing lost or destroyed in some occurrence.
50
cat burglar
A burglar who enters by climbing a wall or drainpipe etc.
51
catastrophe
(n) a sudden great disaster. Catastrophic (adj), catastrophically (adv).
52
catcall
(n) a shrill whistle of disapproval. Catcalling: making catcalls.
53
categorical
(adj) absolute, unconditional, (a categorical refusal). Categorically (adv).
54
cater
(v) to provide what is needed or wanted, especially food or entertainment.
55
caterwaul
(v) to make a cat's howling cry.
56
catgut
(n) a fine strong cord made from the dried intestines of animals, used for the strings of musical instruments and for sewing up surgical wounds.
57
catnap
(n) a short nap. (v) (catnapped, catnapping) to have a catnap.
58
causative
(adj). Acting as a cause, expressing a cause.
59
caustic
(adj)1. Able to burn or corrode things by chemical action. 2. Sarcastic. (n) a caustic substance. Caustically (adv).
60
cavalcade
(n) a procession, especially on horseback or in cars etc.
61
caveat
(n) a warning.
62
cavern
(n) a large cave. Cavernous (adj).
63
caving
(n) the sport of exploring caves.
64
cavort
(v) to caper about excitedly.
65
cede
(v) to give up one's rights to or possession of, (they were compelled to cede certain territories).
66
celestial
(adj)1. Of the sky; (celestial bodies), stars etc. 2. Of heaven, divine.
67
celibate
(adj) remaining unmarked, especially for religious reasons. Celibacy (n).
68
censor
(n) a person authorised to examine letters, books, films, etc. and remove or ban anything regarded as harmful. (v) to examine or remove or ban in this way. Censorship (n).
69
censure
(n) strong criticism or condemnation. (v) to blame and rebuke.
70
census
(n) an official count of the population or of things (eg.traffic).
71
centenarian
(n) a person who is 100 years old or more.
72
cerebral
(adj)1. Of the brain. 2. Intellectual.
73
ceremonious
(adj) full of ceremony, elaborately performed. Ceremoniously (adv).
74
certitude
(n) a feeling of certainty.
75
cessation
(n) ceasing.
76
chafe
(v)1. To warm by rubbing. 2. To make or become sore from rubbing. 3. To become irritated or impatient.
77
chaff
(n)1. Corn husks separated from the seed by threshing or winnowing. 2. Hay or straw cut up as food for cattle. 3. Good-humoured teasing or joking. (v) to tease or joke in a good-humoured way.
78
chagrin
(n) a feeling of annoyance and embarrassment or disappointment. Chagrined (adj): affect with chagrin.
79
challenge (v)
(v)1. To issue a challenge to. 2. To raise a formal objection to. 3. To question the truth or rightness of. Challenger (n).
80
chancy
(adj) risky, uncertain
81
chaos
(n) great disorder. Chaotic (adj), chaotically (adv).
82
chaperon
(n) an older woman in charge of a girl or young unmarried woman on social occasions. (v) to act as chaperon to. Chaperonage (n).
83
chaplain
(n) a clergyman attached to a chapel in a private house or institution, or to a military unit.
84
out of character
not appropriate
85
charade
(n)1. A scene acted as a clue to the word to be guessed in the game of charades. 2. An absurd pretence.
86
charisma
(n) the power to inspire devotion and enthusiasm. Charismatic (adj): having this power.
87
charlatan
(n) a person who falsely claims to be an expert, especially in medicine.
88
charter
(n)1. A document from a ruler or government grating certain rights or defining the form of an institution. 2. The chartering of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle. (v)1. To grant a charter to, to found by charter. 2. To let or hire a ship, aircraft, or vehicle. Charterer (n). Chartered flight: a flight by chartered aircraft.
89
chasm
(n) a deep opening or gap, especially in earth or rock.
90
chastity
(n)1. Being chaste, virginity, celibacy. 2. Simplicity of style.
91
chasten
(v)1. To discipline, to punish by inflicting suffering. 2. To subdue the pride of.
92
chastise
(v) to punish severely, especially by beating. Chastisement (n).
93
chauvinism
(n) exaggerated patriotism. Male chauvinism: men's prejudiced belief in their superiority over women. Chauvinist (n), chauvinistic (adj).
94
keep in check
To keep under control
95
cheek
(n)1. Either side of the face below the eye. 2. Impudent speech, quiet arrogance. (v) to address cheekily. Cheek by jowl: close together.
96
cheeky
(adj) (cheekier, cheekiest) 1. Showing bold or cheerful lack of respect. 2. Coquettish. Cheekily (adv), cheekiness (n).
97
cheque
(n)1. A written ordere to a bank to pay out money from an account. 2. The printed form on which this is written.
98
chequered
(adj) marked with a pattern of squares (a chess-board) or irregularly. Chequered career: one marked by frequent changes of fortune.
99
cherish
(v)1. To look after lovingly. 2. To be fond of. 3. To keep in one's heart, (we cherish hopes of his return).
100
cherubic
(adj) like a cherub (one of the angelic beings/ representation of a chubby infant with wings/ an angelic child), with a plump innocent face.
101
like a Cheshire cat
with a broad fixed grin.
102
chevron
(n) a bent line or stripe.
103
chicanery
(n) trickery used to gain an advantage.
104
chide
(v) (chided or chid, chidden, chiding) (old use) to scold.
105
chiffon
(n)1. A thin almost transparent fabric of silk or nylon etc. 2. A very light pudding made with beaten egg white.
106
chignon
(n) a knot or roll of long hair, worn at the back of the head.
107
chilblain
(n) a painful swelling on the hand, foot, or ear, caused by exposure to cold and by poor circulation.
108
childlike
(adj) having the good qualities of a child, simple and innocent.
109
keep one's chin up
to remain cheerful.
110
china
(n)1. Fine earthenware, porcelain. 2. Articles made of this, (household china).
111
chink (1)
(n) a narrow opening or slit.
112
chip in
(informal) to interrupt with a remark when someone is speaking; to contribute money.
113
chisel
(n) a tool with a bevelled edge for shaping wood, stone, or metal. (v) (chiselled, chiselling) to cut or shape with a chisel.
114
chit (2)
(n)1. A short written note. 2. A note containing an order or statement of money owed.
115
chivalry
(n) courtesy and considerate behaviour, especially towards weaker persons. Chivalrous (adj).
116
chock
(n) a block or wedge used to prevent something from moving. (v) to wedge with a chock or chocks. Chock-a-block: (adj & adv) crammed or crowded together. Chock-full: (adj) crammed full.
117
choker
(n)1. A high stiff collar, a clerical collar. 2. A close-fitting necklace.
118
choleric
(adj) easily angered.
119
chortle
(n) a loud gleeful chuckle. (v) to utter a chortle.
120
chow
(n)1. A long-haired dog of a Chinese breed. 2. (slang) food.
121
chronic
(adj)1. (of a disease) affecting a post for a long time. 2. Having had an illness or a habit for a long time, (a chronic invalid). Chronically (adv).
122
chronicle
(n) a record of events in the order of their happening. (v) to record in a chronicle. Chronicler (n).
123
chuffed
(adj)(slang)1. Pleased. 2. Displeased.
124
chug
(v) (chugged, chugging) to make a dull short repeated sound, like an engine running slowly. (n) this sound.
125
chum
(n)(informal) a close friend. (v)(chummed, chumming) Chum up: (informal) to form a close friendship.
126
churlish
(adj) ill-mannered, surly. Churlishly (adv), churlishness (n).
127
cinch
(n)(Amer. slang) a certainty, an easy task.
128
cipher
(n)1. The symbol 0, representing nought or zero. 2. Any Arabic numeral. 3. A person or thing of no importance. 4. A set of letters or symbols representing others, used to conceal the meaning of a message, etc. (v) to write in cipher.
129
circumcise
(v) to cut off the foreskin of (a male person) as a religious rite or surgically.
130
circumnavigate
(v) to sail completely round. Circumnavigation (n).
131
circumspect
(adj) cautious and watchful, wary. Circumspection (n).
132
circumstantial
(adj)1. Giving full details. 2. Consisting of facts that strongly suggest something but do not provide direct proof, (circumstantial evidence). Circumstantially (adv).
133
circumvent
(v) to evade, to find a way round, (managed to circumvent the rules). Circumvention (n).
134
cite
(v) to quote or mention as an example or to support an argument. Citation (n).
135
civil
(adj)1. Belonging to citizens; (civil liberty), liberty restricted only by those laws established for the good of the community. 2. Of the general public, not the armed forces or the Church; (civil aviation), non-military; (civil marriage), with a civil ceremony not a religious one. 3. Involving civil law not criminal law, (a civil dispute). 4. Polite and obliging. Civilly (adv).
136
clad
(adj) clothed, (warmly clad); (iron-clad), protected with iron.
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clammy
(adj) unpleasantly moist and sticky. Clamminess (n).
138
clan
(n)1. A group with a common ancestor, (the Scottish clans). 2. A large family forming a close group.
139
clandestine
(adj) kept secret, done secretly. Clandestinely (adv).
140
clarion
(adj) loud, clear and rousing, (a clarion call).
141
clarity
(n) clearness.
142
classic
(adj)1. Having a high quality that is recognised and unquestioned, (Hardy's classic novel). 2. Very typical, (a classic case of malnutrition). 3. having qualities like those of classical art, simple and harmonious. 4. Famous through being long established. (n) a classic author or work etc. ('David Copperfield' is a classic). Classics: (n) the study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, culture, etc.
143
clause
(n)1. A single part in a treaty, law, or contract. 2. A part of a complex sentence, with its own verb.
144
cleave
(v)1. To divide by chopping, to split or become split. 2. To make a way through. (past cleft, cloven)
145
clemency
(n)1. Mildness, especially of weather. 2. Mercy. Clement (adj).
146
clench
(v)1. To close (the teeth or fingers) tightly. 2. To grasp tightly. 3. To fasten (a nail or rivet) by hammering the point sideways after it is driven through. (n) a clenching action, a clenched state.
147
cleric
(n) a clergyman (a member of the clergy - ordained as priests or ministers - especially of the Church of England).
148
cliché
(n) a hackneyed phrase or idea.
149
client
(n)1. A person using the services of a lawyer or architect or a professional person other than a doctor, or of a business. 2. A customer. (pl clientele)
150
clinch
(v)1. To fasten securely, to clench (a nail or rivet). 2. (in boxing) to be too close together for a full-arm blow. 3. To settle conclusively, (clinched the deal). (n) a clinching position in boxing.
151
clique
(n) a small exclusive group.
152
clobber (2)
(v). (slang) to hit repeatedly, to give a beating to, to defeat.
153
clod
(n) a lump of earth or clay.
154
cloistered
(adj) sheltered, secluded.
155
closeted
(adj) shut away in private conference or study etc.
156
clout
(n)1. (informal) a blow. 2. (informal) power of effective action, (trade unions with clout). (v)(informal) to hit.
157
cloy
(v) to sicken by glutting with sweetness or pleasure, (cloy the appetite). Cloying (adj): sickeningly sweet.
158
clutter
(n)1. Things lying about untidily. 2. A crowded untidy state. (v) to fill with clutter, to crowd untidily.
159
coagulate
(v) to change from liquid to semi-solid, to clot. Coagulation (n).
160
coalesce
(v) to combine and form one whole. Coalescence (n).
161
coalition
(n)1. Union. 2. A temporary union between parties.
162
cobble (2)
(v) to put together or mend roughly.
163
cocksure
(adj)1. Quite convinced, very positive. 2. Over-confident of oneself.
164
coddle
(v)1. To cherish and protect carefully. 2. To cook (eggs) in water just below boiling-point.
165
codify
(v)(codified, codifying) to arrange (laws or rules) systematically into a code. Codification (n).
166
coerce
(v) to compel by threats or force. Coercion (n), coercive (adj).
167
cogent
(adj) convincing, compelling belief; (a cogent argument). Cogently (adv), cogency (n).
168
cognition
(n) the mental process by which the mind becomes aware of things.
169
cognisant
(adj) aware, having knowledge. Cognisance (n).
170
coherent
(adj)1. Cohering (sticking together). 2. Connected logically, not rambling in speech or in reasoning. Coherently (adv), coherence (n).
171
cohesion
(n) cohering, a tendency to stick together. Cohesive (adj).
172
colander
(n) a bowl-shaped container with holes for straining water from foods after cooking.
173
collage
(n) an artistic composition made by fixing bits of paper, cloth, string, etc. to a surface.
174
collaborate
(v) to work in partnership. Collaborator (n), collaboration (n).
175
collate
(v)1. To compare in detail. 2. To collect and arrange systematically, (collate information). Collation (n), collator (n).
176
collier
(n)1. A coal-miner. 2. A ship that carries coal as its cargo.
177
colloquial
(adj) suitable for conversation but not for formal speech or writing. Colloquially (adv). Colloquialism (n).
178
colony
(n)1. An area of land settled or conquered by a distant State and controlled by it. 2. Its inhabitants. 3. A group of colonists. 4. People of one nationality or occupation etc. living in a particular area, the area itself, (the artists' colony).
179
colossal
(adj)1. Immense. 2. (informal) remarkable, splendid. Colossally (adv).
180
colourant
(n) colouring matter.
181
colt
(n) a young male horse.
182
columnist
(n) a journalist who regularly writes a column of comments.
183
comatose
(adj) 1. In a coma (a state of deep unconsciousness). 2. Drowsy.
184
combatant
(adj) engaged in fighting. (n) one who is engaged in fighting.
185
comestibles
(pl n) things to eat.
186
commandeer
(v)1. To seize for military purposes. 2. To seize for one's own purposes.
187
commemorate
(v)1. To keep in the memory by means of a celebration or ceremony. 2. To be a memorial to, (a plaque commemorates the victory). Commemoration (n), commemorative (adj).
188
commence
(v) to begin. Commencement (n).
189
commend
(v)1. To praise. 2. To recommend. 3. To entrust, to commit, (commending his soul to God). Commendation (n). Commendable (adj), commendably (v).
190
commensurate
(adj)1. Of the same size or extent. 2. Proportionate, (the salary is commensurate with the responsibilities).
191
commerce
(n) all forms of trade and the services that assist trading, eg. banking and insurance. Commercial (adj), commercially (adv). Commercialism (n). Commercialise (v), commercialisation (n).
192
commercial
(adj)1. Of or engaged in commerce; (commercial vehicles), those carrying goods or fare-paying passengers; (commercial art), art used in advertising etc.; (produced on a commercial scale), in amounts suitable for marketing widely. 2. Financed by firms etc. whose advertisements are included, (commercial radio). 3. Intended to produce profits rather than to be of artistic or scholarly merit. (n) a broadcast advertisement. Commercially (adv).
193
commiserate
(v) to express pity for, to sympathise. Commiseration (n).
194
commission
(n)1. The giving of authority to someone to perform a certain task or duty. 2. The task etc. given, (a commission to paint a portrait). 3. The body of people to whom such authority is given. 4. A warrant conferring authority especially on officers above a certain rank in the armed forces. 5. Performance, committing, (the commission of a crime). 6. Payment to an agent for selling goods or services etc., often calculated in proportion to the amount sold. (v)1. To give a commission to. 2. To place an order for, (commissioned a portrait).
195
commodious
(adj) roomy.
196
commodity
(n) a useful thing, an article of trade, a product.
197
commoner
(n) one of the common people, not a member of the nobility.
198
communism
(n)1. A social system in which property is owned by the community and each member works for the common benefit. 2. (Communism), a political doctrine or movement seeking to overthrow capitalism and establish a form of communism, such a system established in the USSR(ex) and elsewhere. Communist (n), communistic (adj).
199
commute
(v)1. To exchange for something else. 2. To change (a punishment) into something less severe. 3. To travel regularly by bus or train or car to and from one's daily work in a city.
200
comparable
(adj) able or suitable to be compared, similar. Comparably (adv), comparability (n).
201
comparative
(adj)1. Involving comparison, (a comparative study of the output of two firms). 2. Estimated by comparison; (living in comparative comfort), comfortably when compared against a previous standard or that of others. 3. Of a grammatical form used in comparing, expressing 'more', eg. (bigger, greater, worse). (n) a comparative form of a word. Comparatively (adv).
202
compassion
(n) a feeling of pity that makes one want to help or show mercy. Compassionate (adj), compassionately (adv).
203
compatible
(adj)1. Capable of living together harmoniously. 2. Able to exist or be used together, (at a speed compatible with safety). Compatibly (adv), compatibility (n).
204
compel
(v)(compelled, compelling) 1. To use force or influence to cause (a person) to do something, to allow no choice of action. 2. To arouse irresistibly, (his courage compels admiration).
205
complacent
(adj) self-satisfied. Complacently (adv), complacency (n).
206
complaisant
(adj) willing to do what pleases others. Complaisance (n).
207
complement
(n)1. That which makes a thing complete. 2. The number or quantity needed to fill something, (the bus had its full complement of passengers). 3. A word or words used after verbs meaning 'to be' or 'become', completing what is said about the subject, eg. (happy) in the sentence (we are happy). (v) to make complete, to form a complement to, (the hat complements the outfit). Complementary (adj).
208
compliant
(adj) complying, obedient. Compliance (n).
209
compliment
(n) an expression of praise or admiration either in words or by action. (v) to pay a compliment to, to congratulate. Compliments: (pl n) formal greetings conveyed in a message.
210
complimentary
(adj)1. Expressing a compliment. 2. Given free of charge.
211
comply
(v)(complied, complying) to do as one is asked or ordered; (comply with the rules), obey them.
212
composure
(n) calmness of mind or manner.
213
comprise
(v)1. To include. 2. To consist of. 3. To form, to make up, (these three rooms comprise (or constitute or compose) the apartment).
214
compromise
(n)1. Making a settlement by each side giving up part of its demands. 2. A settlement made in this way. 3. Something that is half-way between opposite opinions or courses of action etc. (v)1. To settle a dispute by a compromise, 2. To expose to danger or suspicion etc. by unwise action.
215
compulsion
(n)1. Compelling, being compelled. 2. An irresistible urge. Compulsive (adj), compulsively (adv).
216
compunction
(n) the pricking of conscience, a slight regret or scruple.
217
concede
(v)1. To admit that someone is true. 2. To grant, to allow, to yield, (they conceded us the right to cross their land). 3. To admit defeat in, especially before the official end of the contest.
218
concerted
(adj) arranged by mutual agreement, done in co-operation.
219
concession
(n)1. Conceding. 2. Something conceded. 3. A right given by the owners of land to extract minerals, etc. from it or to sell goods there, (an oil concession).
220
concise
(adj) brief, giving much information in few words. Concisely (adv), conciseness (n).
221
conclusive
(adj) ending doubt, completely convincing, (conclusive evidence of his guilt). Conclusively (adv).
222
concoct
(v)1. To prepare by putting ingredients together. 2. To invent, (concocted an excuse). Concoction (n).
223
concomitant
(adj) accompanying. (n) an accompanying thing.
224
concord
(n) agreement or harmony between people or things. Concordant (adj).
225
concur
(v)(concurred, concurring) 1. To agree in opinion. 2. To happen together, to coincide. Concurrence (n), concurrent (adj), concurrently (adv).
226
concussion
(n) injury to the brain caused by a hard blow. Concussed (adj).
227
condole
(v) to express sympathy. condolence (n)
228
conducive
(adj) helping to cause or produce, (an atmosphere that is conducive to work).
229
confer
(v)(conferred, conferring)1. To grant, to bestow. 2. To hold a conference or discussion. Conference (n). Conferment (n), conferrable (adj).
230
confined
(adj) narrow, restricted, (a confined space). Confinement (n). Confines (n).
231
conflagaration
(n) a great and destructive fire.
232
conflict
1. (n)1. A fight, a struggle. 2. Disagreement between people with different ideas or beliefs.
(v) to be in opposition or disagreement.
233
conform
(v) to keep to rules or general custom, (she refuses to conform). Conform to: to act or be in accordance with. Conformist (n). Conformity (n).
234
confront
(v)1. To be or come face to face with, (the problems confronting us). 2. To face boldly as an enemy or in defiance. 3. To bring face to face, (we confronted him with his accusers). Confrontation (n).
235
congregate
(v) to flock together into a crowd. Congregation: (n) a group of people gathered together to take part in religious worship. Congregational (adj).
236
conjugal
(adj) of marriage, of the relationship between husband and wife.
237
conjure
(v)1. To perform tricks which appear to be magical, especially by movements of the hands, (conjuring tricks). 2. To summon (a spirit) to appear. 3. To produce as if from nothing, (managed to conjure up a meal). 4. To produce in the mind, (mention of the Arctic conjures up visions of snow and ice. Conjuror (n).
238
connive
(v) connive at: to take no notice of (wrongdoing), thus seeming to consent to it. Connivance (n).
239
connoisseur
(n) a person with expert understanding of artistic and similar subjects.
240
conscript
(v) to summon for compulsory military service. Conscription (n). (n) a conscripted recruit.
241
conservatory
(n) a greenhouse, especially one built against an outside wall of a house which has an opening into it.
242
considerable
(adj) fairly great in amount or extent etc. Considerably (adv).
243
consistent
(adj)1. Conforming to a regular pattern or style, unchanging, (they have no consistent policy). 2. Not contradictory. Consistently (adv).
244
consolidate
(v)1. To make or become secure and strong, (consolidating his position as leader). 2. To combine or become combined, to merge. Consolidation (n).
245
conspicuous
(adj) easily seen, attracting attention. Conspicuously (adv), conspicuousness (n).
246
conspiracy
(n)1. Conspiring. 2. A plan made by conspiring. Conspiracy of silence: an agreement to say nothing about a certain matter.
247
consternation
(n) great surprise and anxiety or dismay.
248
constitution
(n)1. Constituting (making up, forming). 2. Composition. 3. The principles according to which a country is organised. 4. General condition and character, especially of a person's body, (she has a strong constitution).
249
constrain
(v) to compel, to oblige.
250
construe
(v) to interpret, to explain, (her words were construed as a refusal).
251
consuming
(adj) overwhelming, dominating, (a consuming ambition).
252
consummate
(v) to accomplish, to make complete. Consummation (n). (adj) supremely skilled, (a consummate artist).
253
contemplate
(v)1. To gaze at thoughtfully. 2. To consider. 3. To intend, to have in view as a possibility. 4. To meditate. Contemplation (n).
254
contempt
(n)1. The process or feeling of despising something. 2. The condition of being despised. 3. Disrespect. Contemptible (adj): deserving contempt, contemptibly (adv), contemptability (n). Contemptuous: (adj) feeling or showing contempt. Contemptuously (adv), contemptuousness (n).
255
context
(n)1. The words that come before and after a particular word or phrase and help to fix its meaning. 2. The circumstances in which an event occurs, (shortages were tolerated in the context of war). Out of context: without the surrounding words and therefore giving a false impression of the meaning.
256
contingency
(n)1. Something unforeseen. 2. A possibility, something that may occur at a future date; (contingency plans), plans made in case something happens. Contingent (adj).
257
contraband
(n)1. Smuggled goods. 2. Smuggling.
258
contraption
(n)(informal) an odd-looking gadget or machine.
259
contrary (1)
(adj)1. Opposite in nature, opposed, (the result was contrary to expectation). 2. Opposite in direction; (delayed by contrary winds), by unfavourable ones. (n) the opposite. (adv) in opposition, against, (acting contrary to instructions). On the contrary: in denial of what was just said and stating that the opposite is true. To the contrary: proving or indicating the opposite, (there is no evidence to the contrary).
260
contravene
(v) to act in opposition to, to conflict with, (contravening the law). Contravention (n).
261
contrite
(adj) penitent, feeling guilty. Contritely (adv), contrition (n).
262
contrive
(v) to plan cleverly, to achieve in a clever or resourceful way, to manage. Contriver (n). Contrivance (n).
263
controversy
(n) a prolonged argument or dispute. Controversial (adj).
264
conundrum
(n) a hard question, a riddle.
265
convention
(n)1. A formal assembly. 2. A formal agreement, especially between countries, (the Geneva Convention). 3. An accepted custom. Conventional: (adj) done according to conventions, traditional; (conventional weapons). Non-nuclear. Conventionally (adv).
266
conversant
(adj) conversant with: having a knowledge of.
267
convict
(v)1. To prove or declare (a person) to be guilty of a crime. (n) a convicted person who is in prison for his crime; also, a firm opinion or belief. Carry conviction: to be convincing.
268
convoluted
(adj)1. Twisted. 2. Complex. Convolution (n)
269
convoy
(v) to escort and protect, especially with an armed force or warships. (n) a group of ships or vehicles travelling under escort or together.
270
convulsion
(n) 1. A violent movement of the body, especially one caused by muscles contracting involuntarily. 2. A violent upheaval. Convulsive (adj), convulsively (adj). Convulse (v).
271
copious
(adj) existing in large amounts, plentiful. Copiously (adv).
272
cordon
(n)1. A ring of people or military posts etc. enclosing or guarding something. 2. An ornaments cord or braid worn as a badge of honour. 3. A fruit tree with its branches pruned so that it grows as a single stem, usually against a wall or along wires. (v) to enclose with a cordon.
273
cornucopia
(n) a horn of plenty, a horn-shaped container overflowing with fruit and flowers.
274
corporal
1. (adj) of the body. Corporal punishment: punishment by whipping or beating.
275
corpulent
(adj) having a bulky body, fat. Corpulence (n)
276
corral
(n)(Amer.) an enclosure for horses, cattle, etc.
277
corroborate
(v) to get or give supporting evidence. Corroboration (n), corroborative (adj), corroboratory (adj).
278
corruptible
(adj) able to be corrupted.
279
cosmos
(n) the universe.
280
council
(n)1. An assembly or people to advise on or discuss or organise something. 2. An elected body organising municipal affairs. Council house/flat: one owned and let by a local council (in UK) Council estate: an estate of council houses. Conouncillor (n): a member of a council.
281
counsel
(n)1. Advice, suggestions, (give counsel). 2. (pl counsel) a barrister or group of barristers giving advice in a legal case. (v)(counselled, counselling) to advise, to give advice to people professionally on social problems. Keep one's own counsel: to keep one's views or plans secret. Counsellor (n): an adviser.
282
countenance
(n)1. The expression of the face. 2. An appearance of approval, (lending countenance to their plan). (v) to give approval to.
283
counteract
(v) to reduce or prevent the effects of. Counteraction (n).
284
counterpart
(n) a person or thing corresponding to another in position or use.
285
counter-productive
(adj) having the opposite of the desired effect.
286
county
(n)1. One of the main areas into which a country is divided for local government. 2. the people of such an area. 3. The families of high social level long-established in a county.
287
coup d'état
the sudden overthrowing of a government by force or by unconstitutional means.
288
couturier
(n) a designer of high-class fashionable clothes. Couture (n).
289
cove
(n) a small bay.
290
covert
(n) 1. An area of thick undergrowth in which animals hide. 2. A bird's feather covering the base of another. (adj) concealed, done secretly, (covert glances). Covertly (adj).
291
covet
(v)(covet, coveting) to desire eagerly, especially something belonging to another person. Covetous (adj). Covetously (adj), covetousness (n).
292
cow (v)
(v) to subdue by frightening with threats or force.
293
cower
(v) o crouch or shrink in fear.
294
coy
(n) pretending to be shy or embarrassed, bashful. Coyly (adv), coyness (n).
295
crackpot
(n)(slang) a person with crazy or impractical ideas.
296
crafty
(adj)(craftier, craftiest) cunning, using underhand methods. Craftily (adv), craftiness (n).
297
crag
(n) a steep or rugged rock. Craggy (adj).
298
crank (2)
(n) a person with very strange ideas. Cranky (adj), crankiness (n).
299
crass
(adj)1. Gross, (crass stupidity). 2. Very stupid. Crassly (adv), crassness (n).
300
crave
(v)1. To long for, to have a strong desire. 2. To ask earnestly for, (crave mercy or (crave) for mercy). Craving (n).
301
crèche
(n) a day nursery for babies.
302
credentials
(pl n) letters or papers showing that a person is who or what he claims to be. Credence (n): belief.
303
credible
(adj) able to be believed, convincing. Credibly (adv). Credibility (n).
304
creditable
(adj) deserving praise. Creditably (adv).
305
creek
(n)1. A narrow inlet of water especially in the coast. 2. (Am.) a small stream, a tributary to a river. 3. (Austral. & NZ) a stream, a brook.
306
crestfallen
(adj) downcast, disappointed at failure.
307
crevasse
(n) a narrow opening or crack, especially in a rock or wall.
308
crevice
(n) a narrow opening or crack, especially in a rock or wall.
309
cringe
(v) to shrink back in fear, to cower.
310
critic
(n)1. A person who finds fault with something. 2. A person who forms and expresses judgments about books or art or musical works etc.
311
critical
(adj)1. Looking for faults. 2. Expressing criticism, (critical remarks). 3. Of or at a crisis; (the critical moment), one when there will be a decisive change; (the patient's condition is critical), he is dangerously ill. Critically (adv).
312
critique
(n) a critical essay or review.
313
crony
(n) a close friend or companion.
314
crook
(n)1. A hooked stick or staff, that used by a shepherd. 2. Something bent or curved, (carrie it in the crook of her arm). 3. (informal) a person who makes a living dishonestly. (adj)1. Crooked. 2. (Austral. & NZ informal) unsatisfactory, unpleasant, bad-tempered, ailing or injured. (v) to bend into a crook. Crooked (adj). Crookedly (adv), crookedness (n).
315
crossfire
(n) the firing of guns from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross.
316
cross-patch
(n) a bad-tempered person.
317
as the crow flies
in a straight line
318
crucial
(adj) very important, deciding an important issue. Crucially (adv).
319
crude
(adj)1. In a natural state, not refined, (crude oil). 2. Not well finished or worked out, rough, (a crude attempt). 3. Without good manners, vulgar. (n) crude oil. Crudely (adv), crudity (n).
320
crusade
(n)1. Any of the military expeditions made by Europeans in the Middle Ages to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims. 2. A campaign against something believed to be bad. (v) to take part in a crusade. Crusader (n).
321
crux
(n)(pl cruxes) the vital part of a problem
322
cryptic
(adj) concealing its meaning in a puzzling way. Cryptically (adv). (crypt: a room below the floor of a church.)
323
cudgel
(n) a short thick stick used as a weapon. (v)(cudgelled, cudgelling) to beat with a cudgel. Cudgel one's brains: to think hard about a problem. Take up the cudgels for: to defend vigorously.
324
culminate
(v) to reach its highest point or degree, (the argument culminated in a fight). Culmination (n).
325
culpable
(adj) deserving blame. Culpably (adv), culpability (n).
326
Cupid
(n) a picture or statue of a boy with wings and a bow and arrows. Named after the Roman god of love.
327
curator
(n) a person in charge of a museum or other collection.
328
curdle (v)
(v) to form or cause to form curds (he thick soft substance formed when milk turns sour). Curdle one's blood: to fill one with horror.
329
curio
(pl curios) an object that is interesting because it is rare or unusual.
330
curfew
(n) a signal or time after which people must remain indoors until the next day.
331
cursory
(adj) hasty and not thorough, (a cursory inspection). Cursorily (adv).
332
curt
(adj) noticeably or rudely brief. Curtly (adv), curtness (n).
333
curtail
(v) to cut short, to reduce. Curtailment (n).
334
curtsy
(n) a movement of respect made by women and girls, bending he knees and lowering the body with one foot forward. (v)(curtsied, curtsying) to make a curtsy.
335
custody
(n)1. The right or duty of taking care of something, guardianship; (in safe custody), safely guarded. 2. Imprisonment. Take into custody: to arrest.
336
customary
(adj) in accordance with custom, usual. Customarily (adv).
337
customs
(n)1. Duty charged on goods imported from other countries. 2. (Customs), the government department dealing with these. 3. The area at a port or airport where Customs officials examine goods and baggage brought into a country.
338
be cut out for
To have the qualities and abilities needed for.
339
cynic
(n)1. A person who believes people's motives are bad or selfish and shows this by sneering at them. 2. (Cynics), a sect of ancient Greek philosophers who despised all ease and pleasure. Cynical (adj), cynically (adv).
