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.

annoying  
a. bothersome; troublesome; irritating
Please tell us how to get rid of the annoying windows alert balloons.
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annul  
v. make or declare void or invalid; reduce to nothing
The parents of the eloped couple tried to annul the marriage.
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anoint  
v. apply oil or similar substance to; put oil on during religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration.
He described how the prophet Samuel to anoint David with oil crown him king of Israel.
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antagonism  
n. active resistance; condition of being an opposing principle, force, or factor
Barry showed his antagonism toward his new stepmother by ignoring her whenever she tried talking to him.
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antecedents  
n. preceding events or circumstances that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background
Smuggled out of Germany and adopted by a Christian family, she knew nothing of her birth and antecedents until she was reunited with her family in 1989.
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antediluvian  
a. antiquated; extremely old and ancient; belonging to very ancient times
Looking at his great aunt's antique furniture, the young heir exclaimed: Heavens! How positively antediluvian!
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