Oxford 3000 Words Starting with C – Complete List with Meanings & Quizzes

c. abbreviation

Short meaning: used before a date to mean “about” or “approximately.”

Common in history: c. 1900 means “around 1900.”

cabinet noun

Short meaning: a cupboard for storage; or a group of top government ministers.

Used in home furnishing and political contexts.

cable noun

Short meaning: a thick wire that carries electricity or data.

Example: charging cable, internet cable.

cake noun

Short meaning: a sweet baked food, usually eaten at celebrations.

Common: birthday cake, chocolate cake.

calculate verb

Short meaning: to find a number or amount by using mathematics.

Example: calculate your expenses.

calculation noun

Short meaning: the process of finding a number or amount.

Often used in finance, math, and science.

call verb/noun

Short meaning: to phone someone; or to shout to get attention.

Example: call a friend; a phone call.

call back phrasal verb

Short meaning: to return a phone call.

Common in daily conversations and business calls.

calm adjective/verb

Short meaning: not excited, angry, or nervous; or to make someone relaxed.

Example: stay calm; calm the situation.

calm down phrasal verb

Short meaning: to become more relaxed or less angry.

Useful in emotional or stressful situations.

camera noun

Short meaning: a device used to take photographs or record videos.

Common in daily life: phone camera, digital camera.

camp noun/verb

Short meaning: a place where people stay in tents; or to stay outdoors for a short time.

Example: summer camp, camping in the forest.

campaign noun

Short meaning: a series of planned activities to achieve a goal, especially in politics or marketing.

Example: election campaign, awareness campaign.

can modal verb

Short meaning: used to say someone has the ability or permission to do something.

Example: I can help; you can enter.

cancel verb

Short meaning: to decide that something will not happen.

Example: cancel a meeting, cancel a flight.

cancer noun

Short meaning: a serious disease where cells in the body grow out of control.

Common in health and medical topics.

candidate noun

Short meaning: a person who is being considered for a job, position, or election.

Used in job hiring and political elections.

candy noun

Short meaning: a sweet food made mostly of sugar.

U.S. English: candy; U.K. English: sweets.

cap noun

Short meaning: a small hat; or a limit on an amount.

Examples: baseball cap; spending cap.

capable adjective

Short meaning: having the ability or qualities needed to do something.

Example: capable of solving complex problems.

capacity noun

Short meaning: the amount something can hold; or someone’s ability to do something.

Example: seating capacity; capacity to learn.

capital noun

Short meaning: the city where a government is based; or money used for investment.

Example: capital city; financial capital.

captain noun

Short meaning: the person in charge of a team, ship, or aircraft.

Example: team captain; airline captain.

capture verb

Short meaning: to catch or take control of someone or something; or to record an image.

Example: capture a moment; capture a criminal.

car noun

Short meaning: a road vehicle with four wheels used for travel.

Example: drive a car; car engine.

card noun

Short meaning: a small piece of paper or plastic with information.

Examples: credit card, ID card, birthday card.

care noun/verb

Short meaning: attention or help given to someone; or to be concerned about something.

Example: take care; health care.

career noun

Short meaning: the work a person does for most of their life.

Example: career path; career development.

careful adjective

Short meaning: giving attention to avoid mistakes or danger.

Example: be careful while driving.

careless adjective

Short meaning: not giving enough attention, leading to mistakes or accidents.

Opposite of careful: careless error, careless driver.

carpet noun

Short meaning: a thick material used to cover floors.

Common in homes: carpeted room, carpet cleaner.

carrot noun

Short meaning: a long orange vegetable that grows underground.

Used in salads, soups, and everyday cooking.

carry verb

Short meaning: to hold something and take it from one place to another.

Example: carry a bag; carry groceries.

carry on phrasal verb

Short meaning: to continue doing something.

Common phrase: carry on working, carry on talking.

case noun

Short meaning: a particular situation; or a container for holding something.

Examples: in this case; a phone case; a legal case.

cash noun

Short meaning: money in the form of coins or notes.

Example: pay in cash; cash payment.

cast verb/noun

Short meaning: to choose actors for a play or movie; or to throw something.

Example: movie cast; cast a vote; cast a line.

cat noun

Short meaning: a small animal kept as a pet.

Common pets: house cat, stray cat.

catch verb

Short meaning: to grab or hold something that is moving; or to get an illness.

Example: catch a ball; catch a cold.

category noun

Short meaning: a group of things that are of the same type or share similar features.

Example: categories in a website or exam topics.

cattle noun

Short meaning: large farm animals such as cows and bulls.

Used in farming: a herd of cattle.

cause noun/verb

Short meaning: the reason something happens; or to make something happen.

Example: cause damage; cause of illness.

CD noun

Short meaning: a small disc used for storing music or data.

Less common today but still used in media collections.

cease verb

Short meaning: to stop happening or to stop doing something.

Common phrase: cease to exist; cease fire.

ceiling noun

Short meaning: the surface that forms the top of a room.

Example: high ceiling; ceiling fans.

celebrate verb

Short meaning: to do something enjoyable because of a special moment.

Example: celebrate a birthday; celebrate success.

celebration noun

Short meaning: a social event to mark a happy occasion.

Often used with festivals, birthdays, holidays.

cell noun

Short meaning: the smallest unit of living organisms; or a small room such as a prison cell.

Also used in tech: battery cell; cell structure.

cell phone noun

Short meaning: a portable telephone you can take with you.

Modern use: smartphone; mobile device.

cent noun

Short meaning: a unit of money equal to 1/100 of a dollar.

Example: 50 cents; price in cents.

center noun

Short meaning: the middle point or most important part of something.

Example: city center; center of attention.

centimeter noun

Short meaning: a unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter.

Often written as: cm.

central adjective

Short meaning: in the middle; or the most important part of something.

Example: central idea; central location.

century noun

Short meaning: a period of 100 years.

Example: the 21st century.

ceremony noun

Short meaning: a formal event held on a special occasion.

Example: graduation ceremony; award ceremony.

certain adjective

Short meaning: completely sure; or referring to a specific but unnamed thing.

Example: certain people; I’m certain about this.

certainly adverb

Short meaning: used to show agreement or strong belief; definitely.

Example: “Can you help?” — “Certainly!”

certificate noun

Short meaning: an official document proving something is true.

Example: birth certificate; course certificate.

chain noun

Short meaning: a series of connected metal rings; or a group of related businesses.

Examples: bike chain; restaurant chain.

chair noun

Short meaning: a seat for one person; or the person leading a meeting.

Example: office chair; chair of the committee.

chairman noun

Short meaning: the male leader of a meeting, committee, or organization.

Example: chairman of the board.

chairwoman noun

Short meaning: the female leader of a meeting, committee, or organization.

Example: chairwoman of the committee.

challenge noun / verb

Short meaning: something difficult that tests your skill or ability.

Example: take on a new challenge.

chamber noun

Short meaning: a room used for official or special purposes.

Example: the upper chamber of parliament.

chance noun

Short meaning: a possibility that something may happen.

Example: There’s a good chance of success.

change verb / noun

Short meaning: to make something different; or the result of becoming different.

Example: change your mind; climate change.

channel noun

Short meaning: a TV station; or a way to communicate or move something.

Example: news channel; open a communication channel.

chapter noun

Short meaning: a main division of a book.

Example: chapter one; final chapter.

character noun

Short meaning: a person in a book or film; or the qualities that make someone unique.

Example: main character; strong moral character.

characteristic noun / adjective

Short meaning: a typical quality that makes a person or thing different.

Example: a characteristic feature of the style.

charge noun / verb

Short meaning: a price you must pay; or to accuse someone; or to power a device.

Example: charge your phone; free of charge.

charity noun

Short meaning: an organization that helps people in need, or the act of giving help.

Example: donate to charity.

chart noun

Short meaning: a simple drawing or graph that shows information clearly.

Example: a bar chart of results.

chase verb / noun

Short meaning: to run after someone or something in order to catch them.

Example: chase a dog; a police chase.

chat verb / noun

Short meaning: to talk in a friendly, informal way.

Example: chat online; have a quick chat.

cheap adjective

Short meaning: costing very little money.

Example: cheap clothes; cheap tickets.

cheaply adverb

Short meaning: in a way that costs little money.

Example: live cheaply while studying.

cheat verb / noun

Short meaning: to act dishonestly to gain an advantage.

Example: cheat on a test.

check verb / noun

Short meaning: to look at something to make sure it is correct or safe.

Example: check the time; a quick check.

cheerful adjective

Short meaning: happy, positive, and showing joy.

Example: a cheerful attitude.

cheese noun

Short meaning: a food made from milk, usually yellow or white.

Used in sandwiches, snacks, and cooking.

chemical noun / adjective

Short meaning: a substance used or produced in chemistry.

Example: harmful chemicals; chemical reactions.

chemist noun

Short meaning: a person trained to prepare and sell medicines.

Also refers to someone who studies chemistry.

chemistry noun

Short meaning: the scientific study of substances and how they react.

A core branch of science—elements, compounds, reactions.

chest noun

Short meaning: the upper front part of the body, or a large strong box.

Example: chest pain; a wooden chest.

chew verb

Short meaning: to bite food repeatedly before swallowing.

Example: chew your food well.

chicken noun

Short meaning: a common farm bird, or its meat used for food.

Example: chicken soup; grilled chicken.

chief noun / adjective

Short meaning: the leader of a group; or the most important.

Example: police chief; the chief reason.

child noun

Short meaning: a young person who is not yet an adult.

Plural form: children.

childhood noun

Short meaning: the period of time when someone is a child.

Example: childhood memories.

chin noun

Short meaning: the lower part of your face, below your mouth.

Example: raise your chin.

chip noun / verb

Short meaning: a small broken piece; or a thin fried snack; or a tiny computer component.

Example: a chocolate chip; a computer chip.

chocolate noun

Short meaning: a sweet food made from cocoa, often eaten as a bar or used in desserts.

Example: chocolate cake.

choice noun

Short meaning: something you choose; one option among many.

Example: make a choice.

choose verb

Short meaning: to select one thing from several options.

Example: choose wisely.

chop verb

Short meaning: to cut something into small pieces, usually with a knife.

Example: chop onions.

church noun

Short meaning: a building where Christians worship.

Example: go to church on Sunday.

cigarette noun

Short meaning: a thin roll of paper filled with tobacco for smoking.

Example: a pack of cigarettes.

circle noun / verb

Short meaning: a perfectly round shape; or to move around something.

Example: draw a circle; circle the block.

circumstance noun

Short meaning: a fact or condition that affects a situation.

Example: under difficult circumstances.

citizen noun

Short meaning: a person who legally belongs to a country.

Example: a citizen of the United States.

city noun

Short meaning: a large and important town.

Example: New York City.

civil adjective

Short meaning: relating to ordinary citizens; or being polite.

Example: civil law; civil behavior.

claim verb / noun

Short meaning: to say something is true or to request something officially.

Example: file an insurance claim.

class noun

Short meaning: a group of students; or a category of things/people.

Example: an English class; social classes.

classic adjective / noun

Short meaning: well-known, high-quality, and considered a perfect example.

Example: a classic movie; a classic style.

classroom noun

Short meaning: a room where students are taught.

Example: a classroom lesson.

clean verb / adjective

Short meaning: to remove dirt; or free from dirt.

Example: clean your room; clean clothes.

clear adjective / verb

Short meaning: easy to understand; or to remove things blocking something.

Example: a clear explanation; clear the table.

clearly adverb

Short meaning: in a way that is easy to understand or see.

Example: clearly explain your answer.

clear out phrasal verb

Short meaning: to remove things from a place so it becomes empty or tidy.

Example: clear out your old clothes from the closet.

clerk noun

Short meaning: a person whose job is to keep records or help customers in an office, bank, or shop.

Common in office, hotel, and store contexts.

click verb / noun

Short meaning: to press a button on a mouse or screen; or the short sound it makes.

Example: click the link to open the page.

client noun

Short meaning: a person or company that receives professional services.

Example: a lawyer’s client; a design client.

climate noun

Short meaning: the usual weather conditions in a particular place.

Also used for the general situation: the political climate.

climb verb / noun

Short meaning: to go up something, especially using your feet and hands.

Example: climb a mountain; climb the stairs.

clock noun

Short meaning: a device that shows the time of day.

Example: a wall clock; a digital clock.

close adjective / adverb / verb

Short meaning (adjective/adverb): near in distance, time, or relationship.

Example: a close friend; sit close to the window.

Short meaning (verb): to shut something or bring something to an end.

Example: close the door; the meeting will close at 5 PM.

closed adjective

Short meaning: not open for use, business, or entry.

Example: The store is closed on Sundays.

closet noun

Short meaning: a small room or space used for storing clothes or other items.

Example: Hang your jacket in the closet.

cloth noun

Short meaning: material made by weaving or knitting fibers.

Example: a piece of cloth; clean with a cloth.

clothes noun (plural)

Short meaning: things you wear such as shirts, pants, and dresses.

Example: Put your clothes in the drawer.

clothing noun (uncountable)

Short meaning: general term for all items you wear.

Example: winter clothing; sports clothing.

cloud noun

Short meaning: a white or gray mass in the sky made of tiny drops of water.

Example: dark clouds mean rain.

club noun

Short meaning: a group of people with a shared interest; or a place for social activity.

Example: a sports club; join a book club.

cm abbreviation

Short meaning: short for “centimeter,” a unit of length in the metric system.

Example: The table is 90 cm long.

coach noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a person who trains or teaches others, especially in sports.

Short meaning (noun): a comfortable long-distance bus.

Short meaning (verb): to train or teach someone.

Example: a football coach; coach students for exams.

coal noun

Short meaning: a hard black substance burned as fuel.

Example: coal is used in power plants.

coast noun

Short meaning: the land next to or near the sea.

Example: a city on the coast.

coat noun

Short meaning: a piece of clothing worn over other clothes to keep warm.

Example: Put on your coat before you go outside.

code noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a system of symbols, laws, or instructions.

Short meaning (verb): to write instructions for a computer.

Example: write code; a security code; a code of conduct.

coffee noun

Short meaning: a hot drink made from roasted coffee beans.

Example: Would you like a cup of coffee?

coin noun

Short meaning: a small, flat piece of metal used as money.

Example: a ten-cent coin.

cold adjective / noun

Short meaning (adjective): having a low temperature.

Short meaning (noun): a common illness that affects the nose and throat.

Example: cold weather; catch a cold.

coldly adverb

Short meaning: in an unfriendly or unemotional way.

Example: She replied coldly and walked away.

collapse verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to fall down suddenly or fail completely.

Short meaning (noun): the sudden failure or falling apart of something.

Example: The building collapsed after the explosion.

colleague noun

Short meaning: a person you work with.

Example: She discussed the project with her colleagues.

collect verb

Short meaning: to bring things together, or to receive something.

Example: collect information; collect the package.

collection noun

Short meaning: a group of things gathered together.

Example: a collection of books; a fashion collection.

college noun

Short meaning: a place where students study after high school to earn degrees or qualifications.

Example: She hopes to go to college next year.

color noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the quality of an object seen as red, blue, green, etc.

Short meaning (verb): to add color to something, usually by drawing or painting.

Example: What’s your favorite color?

column noun

Short meaning: a vertical block of text or numbers; or a tall stone structure that supports a building.

Example: a newspaper column; a column of figures.

combination noun

Short meaning: two or more things joined together to create a result.

Example: a combination of skill and hard work.

combine verb

Short meaning: to join two or more things so they work together.

Example: Combine flour and water to make dough.

come verb

Short meaning: to move toward a place or person.

Example: Please come here for a moment.

come about phrasal verb

Short meaning: to happen or occur, especially by chance.

Example: How did this situation come about?

come away phrasal verb

Short meaning: to leave a place with a particular feeling or impression.

Example: She came away feeling more confident.

comedy noun

Short meaning: a film, play, or show that is meant to make people laugh.

Example: We watched a comedy last night.

come on phrasal verb / expression

Short meaning (phrasal verb): to begin working or to start operating.

Short meaning (expression): used to encourage or urge someone.

Example: Come on, you can do it!

come over phrasal verb

Short meaning: to visit someone at their home; or for a feeling to suddenly affect you.

Example: Why don’t you come over this evening?

comfort noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a feeling of physical or emotional ease.

Short meaning (verb): to make someone feel less sad or worried.

Example: His words gave her comfort.

comfortable adjective

Short meaning: feeling relaxed and without physical or emotional discomfort.

Example: This chair is very comfortable.

comfortably adverb

Short meaning: in a relaxed, easy, or pleasant way.

Example: The family lives comfortably.

command noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): an order or instruction given with authority.

Short meaning (verb): to give an authoritative order.

Example: The officer gave a clear command.

comment noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a spoken or written remark giving an opinion.

Short meaning (verb): to express an opinion about something.

Example: The teacher made a helpful comment.

commercial adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj): related to business, trade, or making a profit.

Short meaning (noun): an advertisement on TV, radio, or the internet.

Example: The commercial was shown during the game.

commission noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a group officially chosen to study or manage something; or a percentage of money earned from sales.

Short meaning (verb): to formally ask someone to create or produce something.

Example: She earns a 10% commission on sales.

commit verb

Short meaning 1: to do something wrong or illegal (commit a crime).

Short meaning 2: to promise to give time or effort to something.

Example: You must commit to your goals.

commitment noun

Short meaning: a strong promise or responsibility to do something.

Example: Training every day requires real commitment.

committee noun

Short meaning: a group of people chosen to make decisions or manage something.

Example: The committee will review the proposal.

common adjective

Short meaning: happening often or shared by many people.

Example: It is common to make mistakes while learning.

commonly adverb

Short meaning: in most cases; usually; often.

Example: This phrase is commonly used in daily speech.

communicate verb

Short meaning: to share information or express thoughts and feelings.

Example: It's important to communicate clearly.

communication noun

Short meaning: the process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings.

Example: Good communication is key to teamwork.

community noun

Short meaning: a group of people living in the same area or sharing similar interests.

Example: The community came together to help.

company noun

Short meaning: a business organization; or the people you are with.

Example: He works for a large company.

compare verb

Short meaning: to examine two or more things to see how they are similar or different.

Example: Compare your answers with the model.

comparison noun

Short meaning: the act of comparing two or more things.

Example: The comparison shows clear differences.

compete verb

Short meaning: to take part in a contest or try to win against others.

Example: Many companies compete for the same customers.

competition noun

Short meaning: an event or situation where people or groups try to win or be better than others.

Example: The competition was tough this year.

competitive adjective

Short meaning: wanting very much to win or succeed; involving strong competition.

Example: Prices are lower in a competitive market.

complain verb

Short meaning: to say that you are unhappy or not satisfied with something.

Example: She complained about the noise.

complete adjective / verb

Short meaning (adj): whole; with all parts.
Short meaning (verb): to finish something.

Example: Please complete the form.

completely adverb

Short meaning: totally; fully; in every way.

Example: The room was completely silent.

complex adjective

Short meaning: having many parts; difficult to understand.

Example: The situation is more complex than it seems.

complicate verb

Short meaning: to make something harder to understand or deal with.

Example: Extra rules will complicate the process.

complicated adjective

Short meaning: difficult to understand or deal with.

Example: The instructions were too complicated.

component noun

Short meaning: one of the parts that make up a system or machine.

Example: This component controls the power supply.

computer noun

Short meaning: an electronic machine used for storing and processing information.

Example: Every student needs access to a computer.

concentrate verb

Short meaning: to give all your attention or effort to one thing.

Example: I can’t concentrate with so much noise.

concentration noun

Short meaning: the ability to think carefully about one thing for a long time.

Example: This task needs a lot of concentration.

concept noun

Short meaning: an idea or principle about how something works or what it is.

Example: The concept is simple but powerful.

concern noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a feeling of worry about something.
Short meaning (verb): to make someone feel worried or involved.

Example: Rising costs are a major concern.

concerned adjective

Short meaning: worried or anxious about something.

Example: Parents are concerned about online safety.

concerning preposition

Short meaning: about; related to something.

Example: They had a meeting concerning the budget.

concert noun

Short meaning: a live performance of music in front of an audience.

Example: We went to a concert last night.

conclude verb

Short meaning: to finish something, or to decide something after thinking about it.

Example: The report concludes that more research is needed.

conclusion noun

Short meaning: the end of something; a decision or opinion reached after thinking.

Example: They reached the conclusion that changes were necessary.

concrete adjective

Short meaning: clear and specific, not general or vague; or made of the building material concrete.

Example: Please give a concrete example.

condition noun

Short meaning: the state of something or someone; or a requirement for something to happen.

Example: The car is in good condition.

conduct verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to organize or carry out something.
Short meaning (noun): the way someone behaves.

Example: They will conduct an investigation.

conference noun

Short meaning: a large formal meeting for discussion.

Example: She’s attending a marketing conference.

confidence noun

Short meaning: a feeling of trust in your own abilities or in someone/something.

Example: Her confidence grew after practice.

confident adjective

Short meaning: feeling sure of yourself or certain about something.

Example: She is confident about her exam.

confirm verb

Short meaning: to show or say that something is definitely true or will happen.

Example: Please confirm your reservation.

conflict noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a serious disagreement or fight.
Short meaning (verb): to oppose or clash.

Example: There was a conflict between the two groups.

confront verb

Short meaning: to face a difficult situation or person directly.

Example: He confronted his fears.

confuse verb

Short meaning: to make someone unable to think clearly or understand something.

Example: The instructions confused me.

confused adjective

Short meaning: unable to think clearly; not understanding something.

Example: I'm confused by these changes.

confusing adjective

Short meaning: difficult to understand; unclear.

Example: The form is confusing to fill out.

confusion noun

Short meaning: a state of not understanding; disorder or lack of clarity.

Example: There was confusion over the schedule.

congratulation noun

Short meaning: words you say to someone to praise them for success.

Example: She received a warm congratulation from her friends.

congress noun

Short meaning: a large formal meeting of representatives, especially a national law-making body.

Example: The new law was passed by Congress.

connect verb

Short meaning: to join or link two or more things together.

Example: You can connect your phone to the Wi-Fi.

connection noun

Short meaning: a link or relationship between people, things, or ideas.

Example: There is a strong connection between diet and health.

conscious adjective

Short meaning: aware of something; awake and able to think and notice things.

Example: She was fully conscious during the operation.

consequence noun

Short meaning: a result of an action or situation, especially a bad one.

Example: He didn’t think about the consequences of his decision.

conservative adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj.): preferring traditional ideas and not liking big change.
Short meaning (noun): a person with conservative political or social views.

Example: Their parents are quite conservative.

consider verb

Short meaning: to think carefully about something before making a decision.

Example: You should consider all options first.

considerable adjective

Short meaning: fairly large in size, amount, or importance.

Example: The project required considerable time.

considerably adverb

Short meaning: by a large amount; a lot.

Example: Prices have risen considerably.

consideration noun

Short meaning: careful thought before making a decision; or care for other people’s feelings.

Example: After careful consideration, she accepted the job.

consist verb

Short meaning: to be formed or made up of particular parts.

Example: The team consists of ten players.

consistent adjective

Short meaning: always acting or behaving in the same way; not changing.

Example: She has been consistent in her work quality.

constant adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj.): happening all the time; not stopping or changing.
Short meaning (noun): something that stays the same.

Example: The constant noise made it hard to sleep.

constantly adverb

Short meaning: happening repeatedly or all the time.

Example: She is constantly learning new skills.

construct verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to build or create something.
Short meaning (noun): an idea or concept formed by the mind.

Example: They plan to construct a new bridge.

construction noun

Short meaning: the process of building something large such as houses, roads, or bridges.

Example: Construction of the new highway has begun.

consult verb

Short meaning: to ask someone for information or advice.

Example: You should consult a lawyer before signing the contract.

consumer noun

Short meaning: a person who buys or uses goods and services.

Example: Consumers are demanding healthier food options.

contact noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): communication or connection with someone.
Short meaning (verb): to get in touch with someone.

Example: Please contact me if you have questions.

contain verb

Short meaning: to have something inside; to include.

Example: The bottle contains one liter of water.

container noun

Short meaning: an object that can hold or store things inside it.

Example: She put the cookies in a plastic container.

contemporary adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj.): belonging to the same period; modern.
Short meaning (noun): a person living at the same time as someone else.

Example: Contemporary art is often experimental.

content noun / adjective

Short meaning (noun): the information or material inside something.
Short meaning (adj.): pleased or satisfied with what you have.

Example: The book’s content is very informative.

contest noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a competition or event to win something.
Short meaning (verb): to argue against or challenge something.

Example: She won a writing contest.

context noun

Short meaning: the situation or background in which something happens and helps to explain it.

Example: The word has a different meaning in this context.

continent noun

Short meaning: one of the large land masses of the Earth, such as Africa, Asia, or Europe.

Example: Africa is the second-largest continent.

continue verb

Short meaning: to keep doing something without stopping.

Example: Please continue reading until the end of the chapter.

continuous adjective

Short meaning: happening without any break or interruption.

Example: The machine makes a continuous humming sound.

contract noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a formal legal agreement.
Short meaning (verb): to become smaller; or to catch an illness.

Example: The company signed a two-year contract.

contrast noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a clear difference between two things.
Short meaning (verb): to show how two things are different.

Example: There is a strong contrast between the two styles.

contrasting adjective

Short meaning: very different from something else in a noticeable way.

Example: The artist used contrasting colors.

contribute verb

Short meaning: to give or add something (time, effort, ideas, or money) to help achieve a result.

Example: Many volunteers contributed to the project.

contribution noun

Short meaning: something given or done to help a person, group, or activity succeed.

Example: Her contribution was essential for the team’s success.

control noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the power to make decisions or direct something.
Short meaning (verb): to manage or guide something.

Example: You must learn to control your stress.

controlled adjective

Short meaning: managed or kept within limits; not free or uncontrolled.

Example: Scientists worked in a controlled environment.

convenient adjective

Short meaning: useful, easy, or suitable for your needs.

Example: Online shopping is very convenient.

convention noun

Short meaning: a large formal meeting; or a traditional way of doing something.

Example: Thousands attended the annual convention.

conventional adjective

Short meaning: following the usual or traditional methods; not new or different.

Example: She prefers conventional teaching methods.

conversation noun

Short meaning: a talk between two or more people where they exchange ideas.

Example: We had a long conversation about career plans.

convert verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to change something into a different form, purpose, or system.
Short meaning (noun): a person who has changed their beliefs or habits.

Example: They converted the old factory into a museum.

convince verb

Short meaning: to make someone believe or accept something is true; or to persuade someone to do something.

Example: He convinced her to join the team.

cook verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to prepare food by heating it.
Short meaning (noun): a person who prepares food.

Example: She loves to cook Italian food.

cookie noun

Short meaning: a small sweet baked food, often with chocolate or flavoring.

Example: She grabbed a cookie before leaving.

cooking noun

Short meaning: the activity of preparing food to eat.

Example: He enjoys cooking for friends.

cool adjective / verb

Short meaning (adj.): slightly cold; calm; fashionable.
Short meaning (verb): to become less warm.

Example: The room feels cool in the morning.

cooperation noun

Short meaning: the act of working together to achieve a result.

Example: Success requires cooperation from everyone.

cope verb

Short meaning: to deal successfully with something difficult.

Example: It took time to cope with the pressure.

copy noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a version of something that is exactly like the original.
Short meaning (verb): to make something exactly like another.

Example: Please make a copy of this document.

core noun

Short meaning: the central or most important part of something.

Example: Hard work is at the core of their success.

corner noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the place where two lines or surfaces meet.
Short meaning (verb): to force someone or something into a place they cannot escape.

Example: The store is on the corner of the street.

correct adjective / verb

Short meaning (adj.): true or accurate; without mistakes.
Short meaning (verb): to make something right by fixing errors.

Example: Please correct the spelling mistakes.

cost noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the amount of money needed to buy or do something.
Short meaning (verb): to require money or effort.

Example: The project will cost a lot of money.

cottage noun

Short meaning: a small simple house, usually in the countryside.

Example: They rented a cottage near the lake.

cotton noun

Short meaning: a soft white fiber used to make cloth.

Example: This shirt is made of pure cotton.

cough verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to force air out of your throat suddenly.
Short meaning (noun): the act or sound of coughing.

Example: She had a dry cough all night.

could modal verb

Short meaning: used to talk about ability in the past, or to make polite suggestions/requests.

Example: Could you help me for a minute?

council noun

Short meaning: a group of people chosen to make decisions or give advice for a community or organization.

Example: The city council voted on new policies.

count verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to find the total number of something.
Short meaning (noun): the number reached by counting.

Example: She counted the coins carefully.

counter noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a flat surface used for preparing or serving things.
Short meaning (verb): to speak or act in response to something, often to oppose it.

Example: The food was placed on the kitchen counter.

country noun

Short meaning: an area of land with its own government and borders.

Example: Japan is a technologically advanced country.

countryside noun

Short meaning: land outside towns and cities, with fields and natural scenery.

Example: They went hiking in the countryside.

county noun

Short meaning: a large area within a country, used for local government.

Example: She moved to a quiet county in the north.

couple noun / quantifier

Short meaning (noun): two people who are in a relationship.
Short meaning (quantifier): a small number (usually two or a few).

Example: We stayed there for a couple of days.

courage noun

Short meaning: the ability to do something difficult or dangerous without fear.

Example: She showed great courage during the crisis.

course noun

Short meaning: a series of lessons on a subject; or the direction something moves in.

Example: She is taking a course in psychology.

court noun

Short meaning: a place where legal cases are decided; also an area for sports like tennis.

Example: The case will go to court next month.

cousin noun

Short meaning: the child of your aunt or uncle.

Example: My cousin lives in Canada.

cover verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to put something over something else for protection; or to include a topic.
Short meaning (noun): something that lies over or protects something.

Example: The insurance will cover the damage.

covered adjective

Short meaning: having something placed over it; protected or included.

Example: The ground was covered with snow.

covering noun

Short meaning: a layer placed over something for protection or decoration.

Example: A thin covering of dust was on the table.

cow noun

Short meaning: a large farm animal that gives milk.

Example: The cow grazed in the field.

crack verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to break slightly, creating a line on the surface.
Short meaning (noun): a narrow break or line on a surface.

Example: The glass began to crack.

cracked adjective

Short meaning: damaged with one or more thin breaks on the surface.

Example: The bowl was cracked but still usable.

craft noun

Short meaning: a skill in making things by hand; also a boat or aircraft.

Example: Traditional craft skills are still valued.

crash verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to hit something hard and cause damage; or for a computer to stop working suddenly. Short meaning (noun): a violent accident or loud breaking noise.

Example: His computer crashed while he was working.

crazy adjective

Short meaning: very foolish or wild; also used informally to mean extremely enthusiastic about something.

Example: That’s a crazy idea!

cream noun

Short meaning: the thick, fatty part of milk; also a soft substance used as food or medicine.

Example: She added cream to the soup.

create verb

Short meaning: to make something new or cause something to happen.

Example: The company creates digital tools for schools.

creation noun

Short meaning: the act of making something or bringing something into existence.

Example: The artist’s latest creation was displayed yesterday.

creative adjective

Short meaning: having the ability to produce original ideas or things.

Example: She is very creative with her writing.

creature noun

Short meaning: any living being, especially an animal.

Example: Strange creatures live deep in the ocean.

credit noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): praise for something; or an arrangement to borrow money. Short meaning (verb): to add money to an account.

Example: He received credit for his research.

credit card noun

Short meaning: a plastic card used to buy goods and pay for them later.

Example: She paid the bill by credit card.

crime noun

Short meaning: an illegal act that is punishable by law.

Example: Theft is a common crime in large cities.

criminal noun / adjective

Short meaning (noun): a person who commits a crime. Short meaning (adjective): related to illegal acts.

Example: The criminal was arrested yesterday.

crisis noun

Short meaning: a time of serious difficulty or danger.

Example: The company survived a major financial crisis.

crisp adjective

Short meaning: pleasantly firm or fresh; also describes speech or writing that is clear and short.

Example: The air was cool and crisp.

criterion noun

Short meaning: a standard or rule used to judge something.

Example: Test scores are one criterion for university admission.

critic noun

Short meaning: a person who judges or reviews works such as books, films, or art.

Example: Critics praised the movie for its story.

critical adjective

Short meaning: very important; or expressing negative or analytical judgment; also describes a very serious medical condition.

Example: It is critical to solve the issue quickly.

criticism noun

Short meaning: negative comments or opinions about someone or something.

Example: The plan received a lot of criticism.

criticize verb

Short meaning: to express disapproval or point out faults.

Example: She was criticized for being late.

crop noun

Short meaning: plants grown in large amounts for food or materials.

Example: The wheat crop was excellent this year.

cross verb / noun / adjective

Short meaning (verb): to go from one side to the other. Short meaning (noun): a shape with two lines that cross. Short meaning (adjective): slightly angry or annoyed.

Example: Be careful when you cross the road.

crowd noun

Short meaning: a large group of people in one place.

Example: A big crowd gathered to watch the event.

crowded adjective

Short meaning: full of too many people.

Example: The train was extremely crowded.

crown noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a decorative circle worn on the head by a king or queen. Short meaning (verb): to officially make someone a king or queen.

Example: The prince was crowned king last year.

crucial adjective

Short meaning: extremely important and necessary for success.

Example: It is crucial to follow the instructions carefully.

cruel adjective

Short meaning: causing pain or suffering; not kind.

Example: It was cruel to leave the animal outside in the cold.

crush verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to press something so hard that it breaks or loses its shape. Short meaning (noun): a strong, temporary feeling of liking someone.

Example: She accidentally crushed the box.

cry verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to produce tears because of pain, sadness, or strong emotion. Short meaning (noun): the act or sound of crying.

Example: The baby began to cry loudly.

ct. abbreviation

Short meaning: abbreviation for “cent,” a unit of money or measurement.

Example: The item costs 50 ct.

cultural adjective

Short meaning: related to the ideas, traditions, or arts of a society.

Example: The festival celebrates cultural diversity.

culture noun

Short meaning: the customs, arts, beliefs, and way of life of a particular group.

Example: Learning another language helps you understand its culture.

cup noun

Short meaning: a small container used for drinking; also a prize in sports.

Example: He drank a cup of tea.

cupboard noun

Short meaning: a piece of furniture with shelves used for storing things.

Example: The plates are in the kitchen cupboard.

cure noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a treatment that makes a sick person healthy again. Short meaning (verb): to make someone healthy again.

Example: Doctors are searching for a cure.

curious adjective

Short meaning: wanting to know or learn about something.

Example: Children are naturally curious about the world.

curl verb / noun

Short meaning: to form or make something form a curved or spiral shape.

Example: She curled her hair for the event.

curl up phrasal verb

Short meaning: to sit or lie with your arms and legs close to your body.

Example: She curled up on the sofa with a book.

curly adjective

Short meaning: having a lot of curls or waves.

Example: He has thick, curly hair.

current adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj.): happening or existing now. Short meaning (noun): the movement of water, air, or electricity in one direction.

Example: The current price is higher than last year.

currently adverb

Short meaning: at the present time; now.

Example: She is currently living abroad.

curtain noun

Short meaning: a piece of cloth that hangs at a window or around a stage.

Example: She opened the curtains to let light in.

curve noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a smooth, rounded line or shape. Short meaning (verb): to bend or move in a curved way.

Example: The road curves to the left.

curved adjective

Short meaning: having a rounded or bending shape.

Example: The architect designed a curved roof.

custom noun

Short meaning: a traditional way of behaving or doing something in a society.

Example: It is a local custom to greet people with flowers.

customer noun

Short meaning: a person who buys goods or services.

Example: The store always puts customers first.

customs noun (plural)

Short meaning: the place at a border or airport where bags are checked for controlled items.

Example: They inspected our bags at customs.

cut verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to divide something with a sharp tool or reduce something. Short meaning (noun): a small injury made by something sharp.

Example: He cut the paper with scissors.

cut down phrasal verb

Short meaning: to reduce something or to make something fall by cutting.

Example: They cut down the old tree.

cute adjective

Short meaning: pretty and attractive in a charming way.

Example: The puppy looks really cute.

cycle noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a series of events that repeat in the same order. Short meaning (verb): to ride a bicycle.

Example: Water moves through the natural cycle.

cycling noun

Short meaning: the sport or activity of riding a bicycle.

Example: Cycling is a great way to stay healthy.