Cambridge C1 Advanced English Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering advanced C1 level English terms from pages 1-3 of the lecture notes.

chirping

Making high-pitched sounds, especially referring to birds or insects.

streams trickling

Gently and softly flowing small streams, where to trickle means to flow slowly and in small quantities.

brushwood

Dense underbrush or thicket consisting of twigs and small branches.

a balm to her soul

Something that is emotionally very comforting, soothing, or pleasing.

cloaking

Veiling, covering, or concealing; to cloak means to cover or hide, often used figuratively.

ash

A species of tree; distinct from ash referring to burnt residue.

beech

A specific species of tree (Buche).

oak

A specific species of tree (Eiche).

covered in foliage

Covered in leaves or plant greenery, where foliage refers to leaves.

undergrowth

Low-growing plants and shrubs beneath the canopy of trees.

stoat

A small predatory animal belonging to the weasel family.

bounding its way

Moving forward by leaping or hopping with large strides; to bound means to run with large leaps.

babbling brook

A gently murmuring or babbling small stream.

quaint

Picturesque, charming, or appealing, often describing old villages or houses; can also refer to something pleasantly old-fashioned.

sedate

Calm, quiet, composed, or tranquil; evoking a formal, serene atmosphere.

reminiscent (of)

Tending to remind one of something (e.g., 'The village is reminiscent of my childhood.').

permeated

Pervaded or completely filled; to permeate means to spread through or saturate entirely.

hued

Colored in a specific tone or shade (e.g., golden-hued meaning golden-colored).

vigour

Energy, physical strength, vitality, or drive (spelled vigor in US English).

grazed

Ate growing grass in a pasture or field (e.g., 'cows grazed in the meadow').

foxgloves

Tall plants with bell-shaped flowers.

geranium

A popular garden plant with colorful flowers.

ferns

A class of flowerless green plants with feathery fronds.

hamlet

A very small human settlement, smaller than a village.

timber

Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry; also used as an exclamation ('timber!') when a tree is falling.

warp

To bend, twist, or distort out of shape, such as timber expanding due to heat or moisture.

haven

A sanctuary, refuge, or safe place (e.g., 'a peaceful haven').

meadow strewn (with)

A field or meadow scattered or covered with items (e.g., 'a meadow strewn with flowers').

mallard

A common species of wild duck.

moorhen

A aquatic bird species found in wetlands.

iron forge

An iron smithy or workshop; forge means a smithy, or as a verb, to shape metal.

anvils

Heavy iron blocks upon which metals are hammered and shaped; plural of anvil.

at dusk

At twilight or nightfall; a fixed expression for the time when evening begins.

kingfisher

A brightly colored bird species.

robin

A small bird species, particularly common in British literary contexts.

wren

A small songbird species.

abundance

A large quantity, overflow, or plentiful supply (e.g., 'an abundance of wildlife').

contingency

A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty; a backup or emergency plan.

bustling

Full of energetic activity, busyness, or crowds (e.g., 'bustling city centre').

traditional pub grub

Hearty, traditional food served in British pubs; pub grub refers to simple, classic British pub dishes.

leisurely

Unhurried, relaxed, or done at one's own pace (e.g., 'a leisurely stroll').

punt

A long, flat-bottomed boat propelled by pushing a long pole against the riverbed.

nestled

Settled or sheltered comfortably and picturesquely (e.g., 'a village nestled in the hills').

picturesque

Visually attractive or charming, like a picture; frequently used for natural scenery or rural locations.

indulge (in sth)

To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something (e.g., 'indulge in a delicious meal').

eclectic

Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

sampling

Tasting or trying a small portion of something (e.g., 'sampling local delicacies').

quirky

Characterized by peculiar, unusual, or eccentric traits, often in a charming or humorous way.

opulent

Ostentatiously rich, grand, luxurious, or lavish.

lively

Full of life, energy, and enthusiasm (e.g., 'a lively atmosphere').

garments

Items of clothing; a more formal term than 'clothes'.

paraphernalia

Miscellaneous articles, equipment, or accessories needed for a particular activity.

lodging

Temporary residence, accommodation, or place to stay.

perturbed

Anxious, disturbed, untroubled, or emotionally upset.

retort

To reply to a remark or accusation, typically in a quick, witty, or sharp manner.

a woman of plain speech

A woman who speaks directly, candidly, and without pretense, expressing exactly what she thinks.

ought (to)

Used to indicate duty, correctness, or advisability; similar to 'should' but more formal.

strange embellishment on the case

An unusual decorative detail or exaggeration added to a story or legal case.

allocated

Officially assigned or designated for a specific person, group, or purpose.

council prefab

A prefabricated house provided by a local city government council.

corrugated

Shaped into alternate parallel ridges and grooves (e.g., corrugated metal).

sheeting panels

Large, flat cladding panels made from metal or other construction materials.

demobbed

Discharged from military service; short form of 'demobilised'.

fitted kitchen

A kitchen containing permanently installed cabinets and appliances.

recollection

A memory or the action of remembering something; more formal than 'memory'.

recall

To remember, retrieve, or call back to mind (e.g., 'I recall…').

detest

To intensely dislike, abhor, or hate.

sternly

In a severe, strict, or serious manner.

reprimanded

Scolded, admonished, or officially censured.

tin (of butter)

A sealed metal container or can holding butter; a particularly British expression.

dreaded Kane

The feared or detested person named Kane; 'dreaded' means feared or hated.

thrashing

A harsh beating, whipping, or severe defeat (e.g., 'to give someone a thrashing').

retrieve

To get or bring back something that was lost or placed out of reach.

reprimand

A formal expression of disapproval, scolding, or rebuke; functions as both a noun and a verb.

reduced to a fit of giggles

Brought to a state of uncontrollable giggling or laughing.

virtually

Nearly, practically, or almost entirely.

disillusioned

Disenchanted; stripped of illusions or positive expectations after realizing the truth.

dispensary products

Medicinal products or health supplies distributed from a dispensary or pharmacy.

gleaming

Shining brightly, glowing, or reflecting light softly.

ailments

Minor physical illnesses, complaints, or ongoing health problems.

snapshot

An informal photograph; figuratively, a quick impression or brief glimpse of a situation.

zest for life

Eagerness, intense enjoyment, and strong enthusiasm for living.