4000 CPE Vocabulary List

Preparing vocabulary for the CPE (C2, Cambridge Proficiency) test is a smart move! Since vocabulary plays a huge role in all parts of the exam (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking), here’s a focused vocabulary to help you build and remember the right words effectively.

In addition to the vocabulary, we also provide online tools and exercises to support your studies, along with helpful tips and printable materials.

We organize these 4000 words into 14 groups. Group one is open to all visitors. The rest of the groups are only fully accessible to VIP users.

artless  
a. free of artificiality; natural; open and honest
Sophisticated and cynical, Jack could not believe Jill was as artless and naive as she appeared to be.
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ascendancy  
n. superiority or decisive advantage; domination
Leaders of religious cults maintain ascendancy over their followers by methods that can verge on brainwashing.
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ascetic  
a. leading a life of self-discipline and self-denial; austere
The wealthy, self-indulgent young man felt oddly drawn to the strict, ascetic life led by members of some monastic orders.
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aseptic  
a. preventing infection; having cleansing effect
Hospitals succeeded in lowering the mortality rate as soon as they introduced aseptic conditions.
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asinine  
a. utterly stupid or silly; inanely foolish
Your asinine remarks prove that you have not given this problem any serious consideration.
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askew  
ad. turned or twisted toward one side; at an angle
When he placed his hat askew upon his head, his observers laughed.
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