▸ Specimen Drawer

Describing Words — Lesson 83

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Specimen

cantankerous

kænˈtæŋkərəs

Stubborn, bad-tempered, and argumentative — she became cantankerous when people questioned her decisions.

My cantankerous uncle always complains about the food at family dinners.

Specimen

capably

ˈkeɪpəbli

In a skilled, competent, and efficient manner — she capably defended her position during the debate.

She managed the project capably under difficult circumstances.

Specimen

capitalistic

kæpɪtəˈlɪstɪk

Relating to private commerce, markets, and free trade — many Western countries operate under capitalistic systems.

Many Western countries operate under capitalistic systems.

Specimen

capricious

kəˈprɪʃəs

Fickle, unpredictable, and changing mood suddenly — the capricious nature of the stock market worries many investors.

The capricious weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.

Specimen

capriciously

kəˈprɪʃəsli

In an erratic, whimsical, or unpredictable manner — she capriciously abandoned her career to pursue art.

The weather changed capriciously throughout the day, switching from sunshine to storms.

Specimen

captious

ˈkæpʃəs

Disposed to find fault and raise petty objections — his captious remarks made everyone uncomfortable at the meeting.

The captious reviewer found fault with every minor detail of the book.

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carcinogenic

ˌkɑːrsɪnəˈdʒenɪk

Having the potential to cause cancer — some processed foods may be carcinogenic.

Cigarette smoke contains many carcinogenic compounds.

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cardiac

ˈkɑːrdiæk

Relating to the heart and its circulation — he has a family history of cardiac disease.

The patient was admitted to the cardiac unit after the surgery.

Specimen

carefully

ˈker.fəl.i

With great attention, caution, and precision — drive carefully on those icy roads.

She carefully folded the letter and put it in her pocket .

Specimen

careworn

ˈkɛrwɔːrn

Showing the effects of prolonged worry, stress, or grief — he looked careworn after the long trial.

Her careworn face revealed months of stress.

Specimen

carnal

ˈkɑːrnəl

Relating to physical appetite and bodily desires — his carnal appetites led him to excess.

The novel explores the tension between carnal desires and spiritual enlightenment.

Specimen

carnivorous

kɑːrˈnɪvərəs

Feeding on the flesh of other animals — lions are carnivorous animals.

Lions are carnivorous animals.

▸ Catalogue Progress 0 / 12 specimens catalogued

Mark each specimen as learned to complete this drawer.

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