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.

arousal  
n. act of awaking from sleep; arousing from what is like sleep
When arousal is too low, we become bored and seek out activities to stimulate our minds.
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arrangement  
n. composition; a plan for how something will happen
This party is intended to legitimize the power-sharing arrangement and iron out at least some of the inequalities in representation.
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arrogate  
v. claim without justification; claim for oneself without the right
Lynn watch in astonishments as her coworkers arrogate the credit for her brilliant work in the project.
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artifice  
n. subtle but base deception; trickery; cleverness or skill; ingenuity
The Trojan War proved to the Greeks that cunning and artifice were often more effective than the military might.
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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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