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.

astound  
v. affect with wonder; surprise; shock
The past events dovetail into those of the present, with parallels that surprise, astound, shock and delight.
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astronomer  
n. a physicist who studies astronomy
He felt much as an astronomer feels who has discovered a new planet--no doubt, as far as strong, deep, unalloyed pleasure is concerned.
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asunder  
ad. into separate parts or pieces; apart
A fierce quarrel split the partnership asunder: the two partners finally sundered their connections because their points of view were poles apart.
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atavism  
n. resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; deformity returning after the passage of two or more generations
The doctors ascribed the child's deformity to an atavism.
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atheistic  
a. denying existence of God; godless
His atheistic remarks shocked the religious worshippers.
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atmosphere  
n. air; a mixture of gases that surrounds any planet
The shuttle burned up while re-entering the earth's atmosphere on Saturday, and any debris will be important in finding out why.
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