Level C2 Word List WORD LIST FOR LEVEL C2 http //www peiramak gr/ This publication has made use of the English Vocabulary Profile This resource is based on extensive research using the Cambridge Learn[.]
WORD LIST FOR LEVEL C2 This publication has made use of the English Vocabulary Profile This resource is based on extensive research using the Cambridge Learner Corpus and is part of the English Profile programme, which aims to provide evidence about language use that helps to produce better language teaching materials See http://www.englishprofile.org/ for more information Compiled electronically by Efthimios Mavrogeorgiadis http://www.toe.gr/ Abbreviations ! Culturally Sensitive Word + two objects A verb that has two objects C Countable noun: a noun that has both singular and plural forms C usually no plural or U Countable noun which usually has no plural or uncountable noun I Intransitive verb: a verb that has no object T Transitive verb: a verb that has an object U Uncountable noun: noun with no plural form Cannot be used with 'a', 'an', or 'one' UK British English US American English abbreviation A short form of a word or phrase adjective A word that describes a noun or pronoun adverb A word that describes or gives more information about a verb, adjective or other adverb approving Used in a positive way, to show that you have a good opinion of someone or something auxiliary verb The verbs 'be', 'have' and 'do' when combined with other verbs to make different forms before noun An adjective that always comes before a noun conjunction A word used to join parts of a phrase or sentence determiner Word used before noun or adj to show which person or thing is being referred to disapproving Used in a negative way, to show that you have a bad opinion of someone or something exclamation A word or phrase that you say loudly or suddenly to express strong feelings formal Used in serious writing, or for communicating with people in a serious or polite way informal Used in relaxed situations, for example with friends and family Used more in speech literary Used in books and poems, and not in ordinary conversation modal verb Verb such as can, might, must With another verb, shows an idea such as possibility noun A word that refers to a person, place, idea, event or thing often passive In a passive verb/sentence, the subject does not the action but is affected by it often plural Refers to more than one person or thing phrasal verb Verb with an adverb or preposition, with meaning different from meaning of its parts plural Refers to more than one person or thing preposition Word used before noun, pronoun or -ing form of verb to show place, direction, etc pronoun A word used instead of a noun, which has usually already been talked about specialized Used in connection with a particular area of work or study symbol A sign, shape or object used to represent something else verb A word that describes an action, condition or experience written abbreviation A short form of a word or phrase only used in writing A ̩/ able /ˈeɪ.bl Word family: Nouns: ability, disability, inability Verbs: enable Adjectives: able, disabled, unable ADJECTIVE CLEVER clever or good at doing something Dictionary example: She's a very able student Learner example: They contend that this will lead to better grades, better results in key stage test[s], and a more able work force above /əˈbʌv/ ADVERB; PREPOSITION TOO IMPORTANT too good or important for something Dictionary example: No one is above suspicion in this matter abrupt /əˈbrʌpt/ Word family: Adjectives: abrupt Adverbs: abruptly ADJECTIVE SUDDEN sudden and not expected Dictionary example: Our conversation came to an abrupt end Learner example: Their income came from the revenues obtained by selling milk, fruit, jelly and other perishable goods, but they had to pay John, or their happy lifestyle would come to an abrupt end RUDE dealing with people in a quick way that is unfriendly or rude Dictionary example: She has a rather abrupt manner Learner example: I was poorly received and the general tone of the person assisting me was rude and abrupt abruptly /əˈbrʌp.tli/ Word family: Adjectives: abrupt Adverbs: abruptly ADVERB suddenly and quickly Dictionary examples: They abruptly left the party His speech ended abruptly and he left the stage Learner example: When she became an adolescent, her perspective changed abruptly absolutely /ˈæb.sə.luːt.li/ Word family: Adjectives: absolute Adverbs: absolutely ADVERB Absolutely not used to strongly disagree with someone or to agree with something negative Dictionary example: "Are you suggesting that we should just ignore the problem?" "No, absolutely not." Learner example: Does it mean the parents will allow them to eat anything they please? Absolutely not You have to give the children some options, instead of imposing things on them abuse /əˈbjuːs/ Word family: Nouns: abuse Adjectives: abusive NOUN LANGUAGE ! [U] rude and offensive words said to another person Dictionary example: Rival fans shouted abuse at each other Learner example: I went all the way back cycling on the wrong side of the road, and anyone who said something about it could expect a stream of abuse abusive /əˈbjuːsɪv/ Word family: Nouns: abuse Adjectives: abusive ADJECTIVE saying rude and offensive words to someone Dictionary example: an abusive phone call Learner example: This is partly true, because even [a] slightly abusive expression might result in discord or [rupture] between seemingly close friends academic /ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk/ ADJECTIVE CLEVER clever and good at studying Dictionary example: He's not very academic accelerate /əkˈsel.ə.reɪt/ VERB VEHICLE [I] to move or cause yourself or a vehicle to move faster Dictionary example: The car in front accelerated and left us behind Learner example: When I ride my bike and start accelerating, I feel that I move with the speed of the wind ̩/ accessible /əkˈses.ə.bl Word family: Nouns: access Verbs: access Adjectives: accessible ADJECTIVE UNDERSTAND easy to understand Dictionary example: They are attempting to make opera accessible to a wider audience Learner example: Jacques Prevert, the French poet, changed our way [of seeing] the world by making poetry accessible to everyone accompany /əˈkʌm.pə.ni/ VERB [T] MUSIC to play music to support someone else who is playing or singing Dictionary example: He accompanied me on the piano Learner example: Last year, for instance, the concert became a recital: two singers performed Lieder by Schubert accompanied by the piano and by the sweet sound of Arimany's golden flute 10 wipe /waɪp/ VERB [T] wipe sth out or wipe out sth PHRASAL VERB to destroy something completely Dictionary example: The earthquake wiped out many villages Learner example: We are able to cure diseases that hundreds of years ago would wipe out thousands of people, as, for instance, the Black Plague did wish /wɪʃ/ NOUN [C] SECRET something that you say secretly to yourself about what you want to have or happen Dictionary example: She closed her eyes and made a wish Learner example: I saw a star falling I made a wish with /wɪð/ PREPOSITION with your bare hands without using any type of tool or weapon when doing something that requires a lot of strength Dictionary example: He wrestled the lion to the ground with his bare hands Learner example: You could tell your grand-children about the good old days when you hunted for mammoths and skinned them with your bare hands, just a few million years back (sigh: "seems like yesterday") with bated breath in an excited or anxious way 1057 Dictionary example: I waited with bated breath as the results were read out Learner example: Nevertheless, a huge number of scientists carrying out very useful research, [and] composers, actors, [and] artists making us watch their creations with bated breath, not earn [as much] money as a lot of outstanding sportsmen with the compliments of sb FORMAL used by someone to express good wishes when they give you something free, for example in a restaurant Dictionary example: Please accept this champagne with the compliments of the manager Learner example: The guest can also choose from a selection of wonderful desserts such as mousse au chocolat with fresh ras[p]berries before finishing his/her meal with a rose lique[u]r - with the compliments of the house (and the bill) withdraw /wɪðˈdrɔː/ Word family: Nouns: withdrawal Verbs: withdraw VERB (withdrew, withdrawn) COMPETITION [I] to decide that you will not now be in a race, competition, etc Dictionary example: Christie was forced to withdraw from the race because of injury withdrawal /wɪðˈdrɔː.əl/ Word family: Nouns: withdrawal Verbs: withdraw NOUN MONEY [C or U] when you take money out of a bank account Dictionary example: The bank became suspicious after several large withdrawals were made from his account in a single week 1058 NOT AVAILABLE [U] when something is taken away so that it is no longer available, or when someone stops being involved in an activity Dictionary examples: Doctors demanded the withdrawal of the drug (from the market) after several cases involving dangerous side-effects were reported Her sudden withdrawal from the championship caused a lot of press speculation about her health the withdrawal of financial support withdrawn /wɪðˈdrɔːn/ ADJECTIVE [NEVER BEFORE NOUN] quiet and not talking to other people Dictionary example: He seemed quiet and withdrawn Learner example: I should have been friendlier and more interested, rather than quiet and withdrawn within /wɪˈðɪn/ PREPOSITION within limits avoiding behaviour that is extreme or silly Dictionary example: You can wear what you want, within limits Learner example: They should be given a choice of food, within limits within (sb's) reach possible for someone to achieve Dictionary example: Winning the championship suddenly seemed within their reach Learner example: We have decided to take action to prevent further damage being inflicted, and are convinced the task is fully within our reach within reason If something is within reason, it is acceptable and possible 1059 Dictionary example: We can wear what we like to the office, within reason Learner example: Although this view may seem too harsh and hard-hearted, I believe it is within reason withstand /wɪðˈstænd/ VERB [T] (withstood) to not be harmed or broken by something Dictionary example: a bridge designed to withstand earthquakes Learner example: In the past older or weaker organisms unable to withstand certain diseases had to die woodland /ˈwʊd.lənd/ NOUN [C or U] an area of land with a lot of trees Dictionary example: A lot of the area is woodland Learner example: Our house, which was quite spacious, was near a river and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and extensive woodland word /wɜːd/ NOUN word for word using the exact words that were originally used Dictionary example: She repeated word for word what he had told her Learner example: This is word for word the beginning of the story that Katrina handed to her French teacher in sb's words used when you repeat what someone said 1060 Dictionary example: In the manager's words, the game was 'a total disaster' Learner example: In the immortal words of the bard " if music be the food of love play on!" be lost for words to be so surprised, angry or moved by something that you not know what to say Dictionary example: This prize is such an honour and so unexpected - I am lost for words Learner example: I was so enraged that I was lost for words for quite a long time at a loss for words not knowing what to say Dictionary example: The question was unexpected and she was temporarily at a loss for words Learner example: If it was James I would be at a loss for words, I didn't know what to tell him work /wɜːk/ Word family: Nouns: work, worker Verbs: work Adjectives: working, overworked VERB work sth out or work out sth PHRASAL VERB UNDERSTAND to understand something or to find the answer to something by thinking about it Dictionary examples: There will be a full investigation to work out what caused the accident Investigators needed several months to work out that a fraud had been committed Learner example: They gathered to work out how the Union [could find] remedies to the problem of unemployment 1061 workaholic /ˌwɜː.kəˈhɒl.ɪk/ NOUN [C] INFORMAL someone who works too much and does not have time to anything else Dictionary example: My husband's a workaholic Learner example: Unless you are a real "workaholic", and there are some of them out there, working like a slave to get more money doesn't pay off workforce /ˈwɜːk.fɔːs/ NOUN [GROUP] COUNTRY all the people in a country who are able to a job Dictionary example: 10% of the workforce are unemployed Learner example: There is hardly a nation without representatives in Germany's workforce world /wɜːld/ NOUN be out of this world INFORMAL to be of extremely good quality Dictionary example: Their chocolate cake is just out of this world! Learner example: The dessert trays are out of this world sb a/the world of good INFORMAL to make someone feel much happier or healthier Dictionary example: That swim has done me a world of good Learner example: I feel a year abroad would her a world of good in letting her care for children, learn to speak English properly, and see life from different aspects 1062 not be the end of the world If something is not the end of the world, it will not cause very serious problems Dictionary example: It won't be the end of the world if I don't get the job be/feel on top of the world INFORMAL to be very happy Dictionary example: I had just won a major tournament and I was feeling on top of the world Learner example: I felt like I was on top of the world and nothing could take that happiness from me worship /ˈwɜː.ʃɪp/ NOUN [U] when you worship God or a god, often through praying or singing Dictionary examples: daily acts of worship Christian/Sikh/Muslim worship For Jews, the synagogue is the centre for community worship and study Local people have complained about improperly dressed tourists entering places of worship Learner example: There were Holy Masses celebrated by him in several cities and places of worship worst /wɜːst/ ADVERB fear the worst to worry that something very bad will happen or that something very bad has happened Dictionary example: When there was no sign of the children, the rescuers feared the worst Learner example: Her parents had been quar[re]lling constantly now for almost half [a] year, and she feared the worst 1063 worth /wɜːθ/ Word family: Adjectives: worth, worthless, worthy ADJECTIVE be worth your while If it is worth your while doing something, it is useful or enjoyable to it Dictionary examples: It's worth your while taking out travel insurance before you travel It isn't worth my while going all that way just for one day Learner example: It would be worth your while to visit the country's capital Havana, and don't forget to go into the Folklore Museum and Library, the War Museum and the Archeological [Museum] worthless /ˈwɜːθ.ləs/ Word family: Adjectives: worth, worthless, worthy ADJECTIVE MONEY having no value in money Dictionary example: The painting's a fake - it's completely worthless Learner example: I think that many people have these kinds of "worthless" objects, which they actually hold more dear to them than the gramophone they bought in an auction, or the car they won in a quiz-show, or even the wedding dress they inherited from their great-grandmother worthy /ˈwɜː.ði/ Word family: Adjectives: worth, worthless, worthy ADJECTIVE worthy of attention/notice, etc FORMAL deserving to be given attention, noticed, etc Dictionary example: Two points in this report are especially worthy of notice 1064 Learner example: Try as I might, getting good grades was always met more with a sense of mission accomplished duly noted - than a feat worthy of congratulations would /wʊd/ MODAL VERB would sooner would prefer Dictionary example: I'd sooner spend a bit more money than take chances with safety Learner example: However, with many living examples of unemploye[d] [people] getting by on benefits, some young people have been influenced to think that they would sooner live on benefits than work all week and receive moderate wages would-be /ˈwʊd.bi/ ADJECTIVE wanting or trying to be Dictionary example: a would-be artist/politician Learner example: Her schoolmates were greatly surprised that a would-be lawyer with a promising career like her had made such a decision wreck /rek/ Word family: Nouns: wreck, wreckage Verbs: wreck VERB [T] to destroy or badly damage something Dictionary example: The explosion wrecked several cars and damaged nearby buildings 1065 Learner example: In addition, they [agree] that the solution to the traffic is of utmost importance in a big city, because noise and pollution from car exhaust pipes wreck the nerves of city dwellers NOUN [C] VEHICLE a vehicle or ship that has been destroyed or badly damaged Dictionary examples: Divers exploring the wreck managed to salvage some coins and jewellery The burnt-out wrecks of two police cars littered the road Learner example: We turned around and saw fumes rising in the air from the wreck of the plane PERSON someone who is in a bad physical or mental condition Dictionary example: I was a complete wreck by the end of my exams Learner example: So much of what I really appreciate in this life is connected to music and the events that surround it, so a loss of that would totally dev[a]state me and turn me into a wreck! wreckage /ˈrek.ɪdʒ/ Word family: Nouns: wreck, wreckage Verbs: wreck NOUN [U] the parts that remain of a car, ship, or aircraft that has been destroyed Dictionary example: Two survivors were pulled from the wreckage Learner example: When resting next to the wreckage he had got bitten by a snake and had crept into the cockpit to die there wretched /ˈretʃ.ɪd/ ADJECTIVE UNHAPPY LITERARY very unhappy or ill 1066 Dictionary example: I'd been feeling wretched all day so I went to bed early Learner example: As a result, some people will realise they were unable to achieve their ends when they were younger and will feel wretched BAD very bad or of poor quality Dictionary example: The refugees were living in wretched conditions Learner example: Because working leads to self-esteem, that is most vital for people, especially when they are in wretched conditions wrinkle /ˈrɪŋ.kl/ Word family: Nouns: wrinkle Adjectives: wrinkled NOUN [C] a small line on your face that you get when you grow old Dictionary example: This cream reduces the appearance of wrinkles Learner example: And so time goes by and old age is closing [in] One morning you notice the wrinkles around your eyes and the grey hair that doesn't keep any of the old colour wrinkled /ˈrɪŋ.kəld/ Word family: Nouns: wrinkle Adjectives: wrinkled ADJECTIVE with a lot of wrinkles Dictionary example: a wrinkled face Learner example: To this day, and for many years to come, this piece of music brings back the dirty wrinkled face of the loneliest person I've ever known 1067 write /raɪt/ (wrote, written) Word family: Nouns: writer, writing Verbs: rewrite, write Adjectives: written PHRASAL VERB write sb/sth off or write off sb/sth PHRASAL VERB to decide that someone or something is not useful or important Dictionary example: They had written him off before they even met him Learner example: She had written that man off wrong /rɒŋ/ Word family: Adjectives: wrong Adverbs: wrong, wrongly ADJECTIVE get off/start on the wrong foot to start a relationship or activity badly Dictionary example: He got off on the wrong foot with my parents by arriving late Learner example: One of the greatest pleasure[s] of reading "The Remains of the Day" would be to see the gradual development of the relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton From the beginning, they get off on the wrong foot ADVERB Don't get me wrong INFORMAL used when you not want someone to think that you not like someone or something Dictionary example: Don't get me wrong, I like her, but she can be very annoying Learner example: Don't get me wrong, I love my aunts, I really do, but not as houseguests 1068 X xenophobia /ˌzen.əʊˈfəʊ.bi.ə/ NOUN [U] extreme dislike or fear of people from other countries Dictionary example: They accused her of xenophobia Learner example: This creates a climate of social tension The number of poor people increase while the rich become richer and the middle-class tends to disappear; xenophobia and other cultural 'harassment' become popular, accompanied by more violence and increasing crime rates 1069 Y year /jɪər/ NOUN 10/20, etc years sb's junior 10/20, etc years younger than someone Dictionary example: My wife is years my junior Learner example: I have a sister four years my junior and in my opinion we have no reason to complain yearn /jɜːn/ VERB yearn for sth; yearn to sth to want something very much with a feeling of sadness Dictionary examples: They yearned for peace She yearned to get away Learner example: I yearn to go there because I have never been to Africa before yet /jet/ ADVERB yet another/more, etc used to show that you are surprised or annoyed that something is being repeated or increased Dictionary example: He's given us yet more work to 1070 Learner example: The awe-inspiring view of the park must not be destroyed for yet another building could/may/might, etc yet used to say there is still a possibility that something will happen Dictionary example: He may win yet Learner example: Weakened, the tunnel could yet crumble and fall at any time be/have yet to sth to not have done something that was expected before this time Dictionary example: They have yet to make a decision Learner example: But she had yet to inform her fiancé yield /jiːld/ VERB to produce or provide something Dictionary examples: to yield a profit The investigation yielded results Learner example: It is to be hoped that my suggestion will be implemented and will yield immediate results 1071 ... English US American English abbreviation A short form of a word or phrase adjective A word that describes a noun or pronoun adverb A word that describes or gives more information about a verb,... something else verb A word that describes an action, condition or experience written abbreviation A short form of a word or phrase only used in writing A ̩/ able /ˈeɪ.bl Word family: Nouns: ability,... loss for words not knowing what to say Dictionary example: The question was unexpected and she was temporarily at a loss for words Learner example: If it was James I would be at a loss for words,