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.

altruistic  
a. unselfishly generous; concerned for others
In providing tutorial assistance and college scholarships for hundreds of economically disadvantaged youths, Eugene Lang performed a truly altruistic deed.
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amass  
v. collect; gather for oneself, as for one's pleasure or profit
The miser's aim is to amass and hoard as much gold as possible.
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amazing  
a. awesome; astounding; surprising
It was an amazing year for female performances and to be nominated amongst them was really incredible.
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ambience  
n. particular environment or surrounding influence; an atmosphere of the environment
A certain ambience is lost when you choose a tampon over a cocktail glass at a party.
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ambiguous  
a. unclear or doubtful in meaning
His ambiguous instructions misled us; we did not know which road to take.
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ambitious  
a. aspiring; having a strong desire for success or achievement
After news of Rupert Murdoch's ambitious move, the company's share value rose rapidly, opening at 37 dollars and 12 cents and going up to 57 dollars and 28 cents.
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