4000 CAE Vocabulary List

Preparing vocabulary for the CAE (C1, Cambridge Advanced) 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.

auger  
n. hand tool for boring holes; hollow drill used to take core samples of soil, ice
It was amazing what they could make just using an ax and an auger.
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aurora  
n. a natural appearance of coloured light in the sky, that is usually seen nearest the Arctic or Antarctic
When I was young, I was lucky enough to see a display of the northern lights or the aurora.
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authoritative  
a. weighting authority; peremptory and dictatorial
Impressed by the young researcher's well-documented presentation, we accepted her analysis of the experiment as authoritative.
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authorization  
n. act of giving authority or legal power; establishment by authority; sanction or warrant
Foreigners wishing to marry a Mexican citizen must obtain authorization from the National Institute for Migration
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autonomy  
n. independence; self-government or the right of self-government; self-determination
The study also called for the three thousand Rapa Nui people of Easter Island to be given greater autonomy.
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auxiliary  
a. helper, additional or subsidiary
To prepare for the emergency, they built an auxiliary power station.
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