GRE word list

2,892 words · page 2 of 10

GRESAT / ACT

Find a word

• bestow verb to give or grant, especially with a sense of dignity or significance
• betoken verb to indicate or signal; to be a sign or symptom of
• betray verb to reveal or disclose information or a secret, especially in a way that causes harm or damage to another person or cause
• betrothed adjective formally pledged to be married; engaged
• bevy noun a group or collection, especially of women or attractive individuals
• biased adjective showing a preference or favoring one side over another, often due to prejudice or partiality
• bifurcate verb to divide into two distinct parts or branches
• bilious adjective suffering from or showing bitterness, ill-humor, or a tendency to be irritable and resentful; often associated with a sickly or sour disposition
• bilk verb to deceive or defraud someone, especially by trickery or false representation
• blanch verb to turn pale or lose color, especially due to shock or fear
• bland adjective lacking strong flavor, interest, or variety; unexciting or dull
• blatant adjective openly obvious or obvious in a way that is offensive or unacceptable; not concealed or subtle
• bleak adjective describing a situation or environment that is desolate, hopeless, or lacking in hope or warmth
• blight noun a harmful condition or influence that causes decay or deterioration, especially in crops, environments, or moral character
• blighted verb to damage or destroy, especially by neglect, decay, or adverse conditions, so that something is ruined or impoverished in quality or value
• blinkered adjective having a narrow or limited perspective, especially to the point of being blind to broader possibilities or facts
• blithe adjective lacking seriousness or concern; carefree and indifferent to consequences or risks
• bluster noun a showy or aggressive display of strength, confidence, or authority, often without substance or genuine capability
• boast verb to claim or state something with pride, often in a way that implies superiority or exaggeration
• bogus adjective false or fraudulent; not genuine or authentic
• boisterous adjective loud, energetic, and noisy; characterized by exuberant or uncontrolled enthusiasm
• bolster verb to support or strengthen, especially in a way that provides additional confidence or stability
• bolt verb to move or act suddenly and forcefully; to eat or drink quickly and greedily
• bombast noun excessive, pompous, or empty rhetoric or language, often lacking substance
• bombastic adjective excessively grandiose or showy in style, often to the point of being pretentious or insincere
• bonhomie noun a warm, friendly, and cordial atmosphere or disposition, especially among people in social or professional settings
• boon noun a great advantage or benefit, especially one that is unexpected or highly desirable
• boor noun a crude or ignorant person, especially one lacking in good manners or cultural refinement
• boorish adjective lacking refinement or good manners; rude or impolite in a crude or offensive way
• bouillon noun a savory liquid made by simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs, typically used as a base for soups or stews
• bowdlerize verb to alter or edit a text, especially a literary or historical work, in a way that removes or softens controversial, offensive, or mature content, often without regard to the original author's intent or tone
• brandish verb to wave or display something, especially a weapon or object, often in a threatening or dramatic manner
• bravado noun the display of boldness or confidence, often in a way that is exaggerated or intended to impress
• brawn noun physical strength or muscular power, especially in a robust or athletic way
• brazen adjective showing a bold, unashamed, or defiant disregard for rules, norms, or consequences
• brevity noun the quality or state of being brief or concise
• bridle noun a device, typically made of leather or metal, used to control a horse by securing the bit in the horse's mouth and allowing the rider to guide its movement with reins
• bristle verb or noun to become stiff or sharp, especially in response to irritation or threat; to grow or extend in sharp, hair-like projections
• broach verb to bring up or introduce a subject for discussion, especially in a formal or cautious manner; (tested sense) to initiate a topic in conversation or discourse, often delicately or deliberately.
• broadside noun a direct and forceful attack or criticism
• bromide noun a substance, especially a chemical compound, that is often used in small amounts to produce a calming or soothing effect; figuratively, a cliché or trite statement that is considered safe but unoriginal or untruthful.
• brooch noun a decorative piece, typically worn on clothing, that fastens or ornaments a garment, especially a jacket or dress
• brook verb to tolerate or put up with
• browbeat verb to intimidate or pressure someone into submission through threats, manipulation, or emotional coercion
• brusquely adverb in a harsh, abrupt, or impatient manner
• buck noun to resist, oppose, or refuse to accept or comply with
• bucolic adjective characterized by rural simplicity, peace, and natural beauty; idyllically pastoral
• buff adjective having a strong, healthy, or vigorous physical condition; deeply devoted or enthusiastic about a particular activity, person, or thing
• buffer noun a substance or mechanism that reduces the impact of a change or stress by absorbing or mitigating its effects
• buffet verb To strike, batter, or knock about repeatedly; to treat harshly or violently, especially in a physical or emotional sense (distinct from the common meaning of a meal service).
• bullion noun gold or silver in bulk, typically in the form of bars or ingots
• bulwark noun a strong defensive structure or a reliable safeguard against danger or attack
• bumbling adjective characterized by clumsy, awkward, or unskilled actions; lacking precision or grace in performance or behavior
• buoyant adjective easily supported or lifted by a fluid; also, showing confidence, optimism, or a positive attitude
• bureaucracy noun a complex system of administration characterized by rigid rules, hierarchical structure, and formal procedures, often leading to inefficiency and slow decision-making.
• burgeon verb to grow rapidly or develop vigorously, especially in size, strength, or importance
• burnish verb to polish or smooth a surface to a shiny finish, especially by rubbing or friction
• buttonhole verb to accost and detain in conversation (less common usage; contrast with the common meaning of a small hole in clothing for threading a button)
• buttress verb to support, reinforce, or strengthen (a structure, argument, or idea) — distinct from the common, literal sense of a physical support such as a pillar or wall.
• buxom adjective having a full, rounded, or prominent chest, typically in a woman; often used to describe a physically attractive or plump upper torso
• bygone adjective pertaining to a time that is long past
• byzantine adjective extremely complex, intricate, or convoluted, often to the point of being difficult to understand or navigate
• cabal noun a small, secret group of people who work together to achieve a hidden or often illicit objective
• cacophonous adjective producing or characterized by harsh, discordant, or unpleasant sounds
• cacophony noun a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
• cadaverous adjective resembling a corpse; pale, lifeless, and decayed
• cajole verb to persuade someone gently or subtly, often through flattery or appeals to emotion, rather than force or argument
• callous adjective lacking empathy or sensitivity, especially toward the suffering of others
• callow adjective immature, lacking experience or wisdom, especially in judgment or behavior
• calumny noun a malicious and false accusation or statement intended to damage someone's reputation
• camaraderie noun the quality of friendly cooperation and mutual support among members of a group, especially in a shared activity or challenging environment
• cameo noun a brief, often prominent, appearance or reference to someone or something, typically in a larger context
• canard noun a false or malicious claim, especially one spread to damage someone's reputation
• candid adjective honest and straightforward, without concealment or exaggeration
• candidness noun the quality of being frank and open in speech or behavior, without deceit or reservation
• candor noun the quality of being honest and open, especially in speech or expression, without deceit or evasion
• canny adjective showing sharp judgment, alertness, or practical wisdom; shrewd and observant
• canon noun a body of accepted rules, principles, or works that is considered authoritative or standard in a particular field or tradition
• canonical adjective established, traditional, or widely accepted as standard or authoritative
• canonize verb to officially recognize or elevate to a standard or authoritative status, especially in religious or cultural contexts
• cant noun an exaggerated or forced manner of speaking or expressing oneself, often used to impress or deceive; a set of beliefs or practices that are adopted merely for appearance or tradition rather than genuine conviction
• cantankerous adjective irritable, easily angered, or prone to outbursts of frustration or hostility
• canto noun a single section or movement of a longer poetic work, especially a long poem or song, often in a musical or lyrical form
• canvass verb to solicit votes, opinions, or orders from; to examine or investigate thoroughly.
• capitulate verb to surrender or yield, especially under pressure or defeat
• caprice noun an arbitrary or unpredictable whim or desire, especially one that is irrational or unreasoned
• capricious adjective unpredictable or changeable in behavior or mood; prone to sudden, arbitrary shifts without clear reason
• captious adjective critically or unfairly critical; prone to finding faults or minor defects in others' actions or statements
• cardinal adjective chief, principal, or most important (in contrast to the common everyday meaning of 'cardinal' as relating to the Catholic Church or a suit of playing cards)
• careen verb to move rapidly and unsteadily, often in a dangerous or uncontrolled manner, especially downhill or in a curved path
• caricature noun an exaggerated or distorted representation, especially of a person's features, to emphasize certain traits or characteristics often for humorous or satirical effect
• carping verb to make persistent, often petty or unconstructive criticisms or complaints
• carrion noun decayed animal flesh, typically consumed by scavengers
• cartographer noun a person who creates or interprets maps
• cartography noun the science and art of making maps
• cashier verb to dismiss from service in disgrace
• castigate verb to severely criticize or rebuke, often in a harsh or public manner
• castigation noun severe criticism or reprimand, especially in a harsh or public manner
• cataclysm noun a sudden, violent, and often destructive event that drastically alters the course of nature or history
• cataclysmic adjective causing or characterized by a sudden, violent, and often devastating change or upheaval
• catalyst noun a substance or factor that accelerates or initiates a chemical reaction or process without being consumed in it; also used metaphorically to describe a person or event that triggers a significant change
• categorical adjective expressing or based on clear, distinct categories; leaving no room for ambiguity or exception
• cathartic adjective producing or causing a sense of emotional release or purification, often through art, expression, or experience
• catholic adjective applicable to or embracing all people, beliefs, or circumstances; universal in scope or application
• caucus noun a small, informal meeting of a group, typically for discussion or decision-making, especially in political or organizational contexts
• caustic adjective harshly critical or biting in tone; especially characterized by sharp, damaging criticism or hostility
• cavalier adjective showing a lack of concern for rules, safety, or consequences; indifferent or careless, especially in a way that is reckless or irresponsible
• cease verb to stop doing or happening; to come to an end
• cede verb to give up, surrender, or allow something to another
• celerity noun the quality or state of being swift or quick in action or movement
• censor verb to examine or restrict content to remove offensive or inappropriate material
• censure noun or verb official disapproval or condemnation, especially by a body of authority
• centrifuge noun a machine that uses centrifugal force to separate substances of different densities, typically by spinning them at high speed
• cerebral adjective relating to the brain; characterized by intelligence, reasoning, or mental acuity
• chaff noun useless or worthless material, especially that which is discarded or considered of little value
• chagrin noun a feeling of disappointment, embarrassment, or annoyance, especially due to a failure or unmet expectation
• chamber noun a room or enclosed space, especially one designed for a specific function or purpose
• champion noun a person who supports, defends, or promotes a cause, idea, or individual, especially through active advocacy or effort
• chance verb to happen or occur by accident or without intention (distinct from the common meaning of 'opportunity' or 'possibility'); to come into one's awareness unexpectedly
• charlatan noun a person who pretends to have knowledge, skills, or expertise but is actually fraudulent or incompetent
• chary adjective extremely cautious or hesitant; unwilling to risk or commit due to fear of loss or failure
• chastise verb to punish severely or reprimand, especially in a way intended to correct behavior
• chauvinism noun an excessive or irrational belief in the superiority of one's own group, often based on gender, race, or nationality, leading to prejudice or discrimination against others.
• chauvinist noun a person who holds an exaggerated or unjustified belief in the superiority of their own group, often in a biased or discriminatory manner, especially regarding gender or nationality
• chauvinistic adjective showing or based on excessive or unjustified pride in one's own group, often in a way that devalues or discriminates against others, especially of a different gender or cultural background
• check verb to restrain, halt, or prevent the progression of (something, often a force, action, or tendency); less common than the everyday meaning of 'to examine' or 'to verify'
• checkered adjective marked with alternating patches of two or more contrasting colors or patterns, often in a regular, repeated design
• cherish verb to hold in deep affection or respect; to value and protect with great care
• chicanery noun deceptive or dishonest practices, especially those intended to gain an unfair advantage or mislead others
• chide verb to reprimand or scold someone gently or formally, often with the intent to correct behavior
• chimera noun a mythical creature composed of parts from different animals, often used metaphorically to describe an impossible or unattainable combination of elements
• chivalrous adjective showing noble and courteous behavior, especially toward women or the weak, as in medieval knightly tradition
• choleric adjective characterized by a tendency to be easily angered or irritable
• chortle verb to laugh in a half-choked, snorting manner; a blend of chuckle and snort
• chronological adjective arranged or occurring in the order of time, from earliest to latest
• churlish adjective showing rudeness, lack of refinement, or ingratitude; lacking politeness or good manners
• circumlocution noun the act of speaking in indirect or roundabout ways to avoid directness, often to evade a difficult topic or to conceal meaning
• circumscribe verb to define the boundaries or limits of (a space, area, or concept)
• circumscribed adjective limited in scope, size, or boundaries; confined to a specific area or range
• circumspect adjective showing careful attention to detail and caution; wary and deliberate in action or judgment
• circumstances noun the conditions or facts that surround a situation or event, especially those that influence or determine its outcome
• circumvent verb to avoid or bypass, especially by indirect or clever means
• cite verb to mention or refer to something formally or specifically, especially in support of a claim or argument
• clad verb to cover or dress with something, especially clothing or a protective layer
• clamber verb to move upward or across a difficult or uneven surface with effort, often in a clumsy or awkward manner
• clamor noun a loud, persistent noise or outcry; a noisy disturbance or public outcry
• clamorous adjective loud and noisy; making a loud, persistent noise
• clandestine adjective secret or hidden; conducted in secrecy to avoid detection
• clangor noun a loud, resonant, and often harsh sound, typically produced by metal or other hard materials colliding
• clarion adjective bright, clear, and resonant, especially in sound or voice; often used to describe a loud, piercing, and authoritative tone.
• cleave verb to cling closely to, adhere firmly (contrary to the more common sense of 'split apart'); this is the less-common, tested sense on the SAT
• clemency noun the quality of showing mercy or forgiveness, especially in punishment or judgment
• clinch verb to secure definitively; to make certain or conclusive
• cloak noun a large, often hooded garment worn to cover the body, especially for concealment or protection
• cloying adjective excessively sweet or satisfying to the point of causing discomfort or satiety; often used to describe food, flavors, or emotions that are overly indulgent and dulling
• coagulate verb to change from a liquid state into a solid or semi-solid mass, typically through chemical or physical processes
• coalesce verb to merge or come together into a single entity or unit
• coax verb to persuade someone gently or persistently to do something they are reluctant to do
• coda noun a concluding section or part of something, especially a musical or narrative ending
• coddle verb to treat with excessive care, affection, or indulgence, often to the point of weakening or undermining independence
• codicil noun a supplementary document added to a will to make minor changes or additions to its original provisions
• coercion noun the act of forcing someone to do something against their will, often through pressure, threats, or force
• coercive adjective compelling someone to act against their will through force, pressure, or threat
• coffer noun a secure container, typically made of metal, used to store money or valuables
• cogent adjective clear, logical, and well-reasoned; persuasive due to sound reasoning
• cognate adjective sharing a common origin or etymological root with another word, especially in a language family
• cognizant adjective aware of or having knowledge of something; mindful of a fact or situation
• cohere verb to be consistent, unified, or connected in a logical or structural way; to form a coherent whole
• cohesive adjective capable of holding together; forming a unified whole; unified in structure or purpose
• cohort noun a group of people who share a common characteristic, such as age, background, or experience, often studied or considered together
• coiffure noun a specific style or arrangement of hair, especially one that is elaborately styled or fashionable
• coin verb to invent or devise (a word, phrase, or concept); to originate or create something new, especially in language or thought (as opposed to the common meaning of 'to make a physical object like a piece of money').
• collaborate verb to work together with others to achieve a common goal or produce a shared outcome
• collation noun the act of comparing, arranging, or combining items for examination or evaluation; especially, the process of gathering and reviewing information or data systematically
• collude verb to act together secretly to achieve a common goal, especially one that is illegal or unethical
• collusion noun secret, illegal cooperation between individuals or groups to achieve an unlawful or unethical objective
• colossal adjective enormous in size, scale, or magnitude
• comity noun a state of mutual respect, goodwill, or cooperation between individuals, groups, or nations, especially in legal or diplomatic contexts
• commence verb to begin or start (an action, process, or event)
• commendable adjective worthy of praise or approval; deserving of recognition
• commensurate adjective proportional or matching in amount, degree, or value
• commiserate verb to express sympathy or shared sorrow for someone else's misfortune
• commit verb to formally undertake or pledge oneself to an action, responsibility, or decision, often with lasting consequences
• compel verb to force or urge someone to do something, often against their will or despite resistance
• compelling adjective exerting strong attraction or influence; capable of persuading or convincing strongly
• compendium noun a concise collection or summary of information on a particular subject
• competent adjective capable of performing a task effectively or with skill; qualified and capable in a particular area
• complacent adjective feeling or showing a false sense of security or superiority, often without justification
• complaisance noun the quality or state of being compliant or easily placated; a tendency to yield to requests or demands without resistance
• complaisant adjective eager to please; easily agreeable or accommodating
• complement noun or verb a noun that completes or enhances something else; a verb meaning to complete or add to something to make it whole or more effective
• complementary adjective serving to complete or enhance something else; adding to or supporting a whole without overlapping or conflicting
• compliant adjective agreeing to or following rules, laws, or instructions without resistance
• complicit adjective involved in or sharing responsibility for a wrongdoing or illegal act, especially through active participation or knowledge thereof
• comply verb to adhere to a rule, request, or requirement; to act in accordance with a demand or obligation
• comport verb to behave or act in a certain manner; to conduct oneself
• compound noun a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements or simpler compounds in fixed proportions
• comprehensive adjective including or covering all aspects or elements; thorough and complete in scope or detail
• compromise noun or verb a mutual agreement reached by each party yielding some of their demands to achieve a solution acceptable to all
• compunction noun a deep sense of moral regret or guilt, often arising from a perceived wrongdoing
• concede verb to acknowledge something as true or valid, especially when it is contrary to one's initial belief or position
• conceit noun an elaborate or fanciful idea, often whimsical or impractical, especially one that is expressed in poetry or used to describe a person's inflated self-image
• concern noun a feeling of worry or anxiety about a particular situation or outcome
• conciliate verb to persuade or appease someone, especially to resolve a conflict or gain their approval
• conciliatory adjective designed to calm disputes or ease tensions; intended to win favor or reconciliation
• conclusive adjective providing enough evidence or reasoning to leave no reasonable doubt about the truth or validity of a conclusion
• concomitant adjective occurring at the same time as something else; accompanying or happening together with another event or condition
• concur verb to agree with or support a statement, opinion, or decision
• condemn verb to express complete disapproval of; to censure or denounce
• condolence noun an expression of sympathy offered in response to someone's loss or misfortune
• condone verb to permit or tolerate something that is wrong or unethical, often out of leniency or lack of strong objection
• conducive adjective favoring or promoting the development, occurrence, or success of something
• conduct noun or verb noun: the manner in which someone or something behaves or operates; verb: to manage or carry out an action or process
• confer verb to communicate or exchange information formally, especially to discuss and make a decision or offer a recommendation
• conflagration noun a large, intense, and often destructive fire, especially one that spreads rapidly and involves a vast area
• conflate verb to combine or merge two or more distinct things, ideas, or events into a single, often inaccurate, entity or interpretation
• confluence noun the meeting or joining of two or more streams, bodies of water, or forces, resulting in a single flow or entity
• confound verb to confuse or perplex; to make something difficult to understand or resolve
• congeal verb to become solid or hard, especially through cooling or chemical change
• congenial adjective favorable or pleasant in nature; naturally compatible or harmonious
• conjectural adjective based on speculation or inference rather than on direct evidence or fact
• conjugal adjective relating to or characteristic of a marriage or marital relationship
• conjure verb to call forth or bring into existence, especially in the mind or imagination, often through effort or memory
• conniving adjective characterized by deceitful or underhanded scheming to achieve an advantage, often through dishonest or manipulative means
• connoisseur noun an expert or skilled appreciator, especially in art, wine, or music
• connotation noun The emotional or associative meaning implied by a word beyond its literal definition
• connote verb to suggest or imply indirectly, often involving emotional or associative meaning beyond the literal sense
• conscientious adjective demonstrating careful attention to duty, responsibility, or accuracy; thorough and reliable in one's work or actions
• consecrate verb to dedicate formally or ritually to a sacred or specific purpose, often involving a religious or ceremonial act
• consensus noun a general agreement or shared opinion among a group
• consequential adjective having significant or important results; capable of producing major effects or outcomes
• conservatory noun a building or room, typically attached to a house, designed for the cultivation of plants, especially in a controlled environment; also, a place where musical or artistic skills are taught and practiced.
• console verb to reassure or comfort someone, especially in times of distress or grief
• consolidate verb to combine or unify separate elements into a single, stronger or more coherent whole
• conspicuous adjective easily seen or noticeable due to size, color, or contrast
• constant adjective not changing; enduring; unvarying over time
• consternation noun a state of deep anxiety, confusion, or alarm caused by unexpected or unpleasant news or events
• constituency noun a group of people who share a common interest, identity, or area of influence, especially in political or social contexts
• constituent noun a member or part that makes up a whole; especially, a person who is part of a political body or organization, such as a member of a legislature or a group representing a community.
• constitute verb to make up or form as a whole; to be an essential part of something
• constrained adjective limited or restricted in freedom, movement, or possibility by external conditions or rules
• constraint noun a limitation or restriction that restricts freedom or possibility
• constrict verb to narrow or reduce in size, volume, or scope, especially through physical pressure or tightening
• construe verb to interpret or understand something in a particular way, especially in a figurative or abstract sense
• consummate adjective supremely skilled or complete in a particular task or art; achieving perfection or excellence in a given field or action
• consumption noun the act or process of using up a resource or commodity
• contempt noun a strong feeling of disdain or disapproval, often directed toward someone or something considered inferior or unworthy
• contemptuous adjective showing or expressing contempt; characterized by a feeling of disdain or superiority toward someone or something
• contend verb to assert or claim something, especially in a formal or competitive way; to struggle or fight (for something).
• contention noun a claim or argument, especially one that is disputed or contested
• contentious adjective marked by or involving dispute, argument, or disagreement
• contextualize verb to interpret or explain something in relation to its surrounding circumstances or environment
• contiguous adjective adjacent or touching without gap or separation
• contingent adjective dependent on a condition or circumstances; not certain or guaranteed
• contraries noun opposing forces or elements; things that are inherently contrary or in conflict with one another
• contravene verb to violate or go against a rule, law, or principle
• contretemps noun an unexpected or awkward situation that causes embarrassment or disruption, especially in a social or formal context
• contrite adjective feeling or showing deep regret for having wronged someone or committed a mistake
• contrition noun a deep sense of remorse or regret for having committed a wrong or sin, often leading to a desire for repentance
• contrive verb to devise or plan something, especially something difficult or ingenious, often through cleverness or effort
• contrived adjective artificially invented or fabricated; not natural or genuine
• contumacious adjective obstinate and defiant, especially in refusing to comply with authority or reasonable demands
• contusion noun a bruise caused by blunt force trauma to the body tissue
• conundrum noun a difficult or puzzling problem that defies easy solution
• convalesce verb to recover from illness or injury, especially after a period of rest or treatment
• convalescent adjective recovering from an illness or injury; in the process of healing
• convention noun a formal meeting or gathering of people, typically for the purpose of discussing a particular subject or establishing standards, rules, or practices
• conventional adjective following established norms, traditions, or accepted practices rather than innovating or deviating from them
• converge verb to come together at a single point or toward a common destination or purpose
• conversant adjective familiar with a subject through study or experience; knowledgeable or skilled in a particular field
• conversely adverb in a way that is opposite or contrary to what was previously stated or assumed
• conversion noun the process of changing something from one form, state, or function to another
• conviction noun a strong and firm belief or opinion, often based on reason or personal experience
• convince verb to make someone believe something by presenting compelling evidence or reasoning
• convivial adjective characterized by friendly, cheerful, and sociable behavior; marked by ease and warmth in social interaction
• convoke verb to call together formally, especially for a specific purpose or meeting
• convoluted adjective extremely complex or complicated, often to the point of being difficult to understand or follow
• copious adjective abundant in quantity; plentiful
• cordial adjective warm, friendly, and genuinely kind, especially in manner or attitude
• cornucopia noun a symbol or representation of abundance, often depicted as a horn-shaped vessel overflowing with goods or resources
• corollary noun a logical conclusion that follows directly from a given statement or principle
• corporeal adjective relating to the physical body; tangible and not spiritual or abstract
• corpulent adjective characterized by excessive fat; overweight or obese, especially in a way that is visibly bulky or rounded
• correlate verb to show a relationship or pattern between two or more variables or phenomena
• corroborate verb to support or confirm with additional evidence or information
• corrosion noun the gradual deterioration of materials, especially metals, due to chemical reaction with their environment
• cosmopolitan adjective familiar with or characteristic of many different cultures; worldly and open-minded in social or cultural matters
• cosset verb to treat with excessive care, attention, or protection, often in a way that may be indulgent or inappropriate for a serious situation
• cosseted past participle of 'cosset' treated with excessive care, protection, or indulgence, often to the point of being sheltered from hardship or responsibility
• coterie noun a small, exclusive group of people who share common interests, often in a social or intellectual context, and who maintain a close, sometimes privileged, relationship with one another.
• coterminous adjective sharing the same boundaries or endpoints; having identical or coincident limits
• couch verb to express or present an idea in a particular manner, especially to frame it clearly, formally, or persuasively; often used in academic or rhetorical contexts to emphasize clarity or tone of presentation (contrast with the common meaning of a piece of furniture).
• countenance verb to tolerate, sanction, or approve (as in allowing or permitting something to happen, even if one does not fully endorse it); contrasted with the common noun sense of 'facial expression'.
• counterintuitive adjective contrary to what is expected or intuitively believed
• countermand verb to formally cancel or revoke a previous order, command, or directive
• counterpoint noun a statement or argument that contrasts with or opposes another, especially in a way that highlights differences or provides a balanced perspective
• counterproductive adjective producing the opposite of the desired effect or hindering progress toward a goal
• covert adjective hidden or secret; not openly visible or acknowledged
• covet verb to strongly desire or wish for something, especially something that is not currently possessed
• cow verb To intimidate or subdue someone through the use of fear or threats; to make someone obey or yield by instilling dread, as opposed to the common everyday meaning of a female domesticated mammal.