Educated English Vocabulary_02 Flashcards
Definition: To surrender or give in, often after negotiating terms; also refers to ceasing to resist an opponent.
Word: capitulate
Example 1: The army was forced to capitulate after being surrounded by the enemy.
Example 2: Under pressure, he capitulated and agreed to the terms of the deal.
Definition: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; also refers to being unpredictable or whimsical.
Word: capricious
Example 1: The weather in this region is capricious, changing from sunny to stormy in minutes.
Example 2: His capricious decisions made him difficult to work with.
Definition: A brief explanation or description accompanying an illustration or photograph; also refers to a title or heading.
Word: caption
Example 1: The caption under the photo explained the significance of the event.
Example 2: The cartoon’s witty caption added humor to the image.
Definition: Tending to find fault or raise petty objections; also refers to being overly critical.
Word: captious
Example 1: Her captious comments made it hard to enjoy the conversation.
Example 2: The captious reviewer focused on minor flaws rather than the overall quality of the book.
Definition: To attract and hold the attention or interest of someone; also refers to enchanting or fascinating.
Word: captivate
Example 1: The magician’s performance captivated the audience from start to finish.
Example 2: The scenic beauty of the mountains captivated her heart.
Definition: A glass container used for serving drinks, particularly wine or water; also refers to a coffee pot.
Word: carafe
Example 1: The waiter brought a carafe of water to the table.
Example 2: She poured the coffee from a silver carafe into the guests’ cups.
Definition: A short-barreled rifle used by cavalry, paratroopers, or in other situations where space is limited.
Word: carbine
Example 1: The soldier carried a lightweight carbine during the mission.
Example 2: The carbine’s compact size made it ideal for close-quarters combat.
Definition: Having the potential to cause cancer; also refers to substances or agents that are cancer-causing.
Word: carcinogenic
Example 1: The chemical was identified as carcinogenic and banned from use in products.
Example 2: Long-term exposure to carcinogenic materials can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Definition: A type of cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Word: carcinoma
Example 1: The doctor diagnosed the patient with carcinoma of the lung.
Example 2: Carcinoma is one of the most common forms of cancer, often requiring aggressive treatment.
Definition: Most important or essential; also refers to high-ranking officials in the Catholic Church or to the red songbird.
Word: cardinal
Example 1: The cardinal rule in the company is to always put the customer first.
Example 2: The cardinal’s robes were a deep shade of red.
Definition: A doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of heart diseases and conditions.
Word: cardiologist
Example 1: The cardiologist recommended lifestyle changes to improve heart health.
Example 2: He made an appointment with a cardiologist after experiencing chest pains.
Definition: To swerve or lurch while moving; also refers to tilting or leaning dangerously.
Word: careen
Example 1: The car careened off the road during the storm.
Example 2: The ship careened as it was hit by strong waves.
Definition: The decaying flesh of dead animals; also refers to something unwholesome or rotten.
Word: carrion
Example 1: Vultures feed on carrion, helping to clean up the environment.
Example 2: The smell of carrion attracted scavengers to the site.
Definition: A person who makes maps; also refers to someone skilled in the science or practice of mapmaking.
Word: cartographer
Example 1: The cartographer carefully charted the new territory for the explorers.
Example 2: Modern cartographers use advanced technology to create accurate maps.
Definition: A small waterfall or series of waterfalls; also refers to a process where something flows or falls in abundance.
Word: cascade
Example 1: The hikers were delighted by the beautiful cascade they found in the forest.
Example 2: Her long hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall.
Definition: A fine, soft wool from the undercoat of the Kashmir goat; also refers to fabric made from this wool.
Word: cashmere
Example 1: The luxurious cashmere sweater was soft to the touch.
Example 2: She wrapped herself in a warm cashmere scarf during the cold winter.
Definition: A person who predicts misfortune or disaster but whose warnings are ignored; based on the Greek myth of a prophetess cursed to never be believed.
Word: Cassandra
Example 1: He was a modern-day Cassandra, warning about climate change years before it became a global concern.
Example 2: Despite being a Cassandra, she continued to voice her concerns about the impending crisis.
Definition: To criticize or punish severely; also refers to reprimanding or scolding harshly.
Word: castigate
Example 1: The teacher castigated the student for cheating on the exam.
Example 2: He was castigated by his peers for his reckless behavior.
Definition: To remove the testicles of a male animal or man; also refers to depriving of strength, power, or vigor.
Word: castrate
Example 1: The farmer had the young bulls castrated to control breeding.
Example 2: The harsh regulations were seen as an attempt to castrate the industry’s growth.
Definition: The use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; also refers to specious or deceptive argumentation.
Word: casuistry
Example 1: His argument was dismissed as mere casuistry, lacking in true substance.
Example 2: The lawyer’s casuistry attempted to twist the facts in favor of his client.
Definition: A large-scale and violent event in the natural world; also refers to a sudden and disastrous upheaval.
Word: cataclysm
Example 1: The volcanic eruption was a cataclysm that destroyed the surrounding villages.
Example 2: The political revolution was a cataclysm that changed the country forever.
Definition: Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; also refers to being disastrous or extremely harmful.
Word: catastrophic
Example 1: The earthquake had catastrophic effects on the region’s infrastructure.
Example 2: The failure of the dam led to catastrophic flooding in the valley.
Definition: Unambiguously explicit and direct; also refers to something absolute or without exceptions.
Word: categorical
Example 1: The judge issued a categorical denial of the allegations.
Example 2: He gave a categorical assurance that the project would be completed on time.
Definition: Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; also refers to something that has a cleansing or purifying effect.
Word: cathartic
Example 1: Writing in her journal was a cathartic experience, helping her release pent-up emotions.
Example 2: The movie’s ending was cathartic, leaving the audience with a sense of closure.