C1 English Vocabulary

by | Apr 6, 2025 | English Grammar in Use

🚀 Why C1 Vocabulary Matters

Reaching C1 English vocabulary means you can express yourself fluently, understand complex texts, and use language flexibly. But to truly communicate like an advanced speaker, you need a strong and precise vocabulary.

This guide gives you 100 C1-level English words and teaches you how to learn and memorize them effectively.

C1 English Vocabulary

📝 How to Study C1 Vocabulary

Here are some proven strategies to help you make these words part of your active vocabulary:

  1. Chunking: Learn words in categories or themes.
  2. Spaced Repetition (SRS): Use tools like Anki or Quizlet to review words at increasing intervals.
  3. Contextual Learning: Read articles, listen to podcasts, and watch videos using these words in real-life contexts.
  4. Use It or Lose It: Make your own sentences. Use new words in conversations or writing.
  5. Visual & Story Memory: Link the word to an image or create a short story with it.
  6. Word Families: Learn the noun, verb, adjective, and adverb forms together.

🚀 Why Expand Your C1 English Vocabulary?

C1 level (according to CEFR) reflects advanced language ability. Learners at this level should be able to understand complex texts, express ideas clearly, and interact fluently in professional and academic settings. A strong vocabulary helps you:

  • Sound more natural and professional
  • Understand advanced reading and listening materials
  • Speak with nuance and confidence

🔑 100 C1 English Vocabulary Words + Meanings

WordMeaning
1. AssertiveConfident and direct in expressing opinions
2. AmbiguousHaving more than one possible meaning
3. TentativeNot certain or fixed; provisional
4. JustificationA good reason or explanation for something
5. HypothesisA proposed explanation for a phenomenon
6. ImplicationA possible effect or result
7. ViableCapable of working successfully
8. ContradictionA situation where two things are opposed
9. EmpiricalBased on observation or experience
10. PlausibleSeemingly reasonable or probable
11. ArticulateAble to express thoughts clearly
12. ClarifyTo make something easier to understand
13. AssertTo state confidently
14. ReiterateTo say something again for clarity
15. AdvocateTo support or recommend
16. EmphasizeTo give special importance to something
17. ElaborateTo explain in greater detail
18. DiscloseTo reveal information
19. ConveyTo communicate or express
20. NegotiateTo reach an agreement through discussion
21. EvaluateTo judge or assess
22. InterpretTo explain the meaning of something
23. PerceiveTo become aware of through the senses
24. ReflectTo think carefully about something
25. DeduceTo draw a conclusion based on logic
26. SpeculateTo guess based on incomplete info
27. InferTo conclude based on evidence
28. AnalyzeTo examine in detail
29. ScrutinizeTo inspect closely
30. ComprehendTo understand
31. DelegateTo assign responsibility
32. FacilitateTo make easier
33. CollaborateTo work together
34. CoordinateTo organize activities or people
35. MediateTo help settle differences
36. SuperviseTo oversee work or people
37. RecruitTo hire or enlist people
38. PromoteTo support or advertise something
39. CompensateTo repay or make up for something
40. StakeholderA person with interest in a business
41. SustainabilityMaintaining balance with nature
42. EmissionsPollutants released into the air
43. ConservationProtecting natural resources
44. RenewableCan be replaced naturally
45. LegislationLaws created by governments
46. InequalityUnequal access or treatment
47. GlobalizationIntegration of world economies
48. InfrastructureBasic systems for a society (roads, energy)
49. UrbanizationGrowth of cities
50. DemographicA group defined by shared traits
51. InvestmentPutting money in something for profit
52. ProfitabilityAbility to make a profit
53. SubsidyFinancial support from the government
54. AssetSomething valuable owned
55. LiabilityA legal responsibility
56. MergerJoining of two companies
57. DividendProfit shared with shareholders
58. ForecastA prediction (usually economic or weather)
59. InflationIncrease in prices over time
60. ConsumptionThe use of goods/services
61. InnovationA new idea or method
62. AlgorithmA step-by-step procedure in computing
63. AutomationUse of machines instead of humans
64. InterfaceA point of interaction between systems
65. SimulationImitation of a real process
66. IntegrationCombining things into a whole
67. DigitalizationConverting data into digital format
68. EncryptionSecuring data using codes
69. BandwidthData transfer capacity of a network
70. ConnectivityAbility to connect to a network
71. IntricateVery detailed and complex
72. VividBright, clear, or powerful
73. SubtleNot obvious; delicate
74. IntenseVery strong or extreme
75. SereneCalm and peaceful
76. MelancholyA deep, gentle sadness
77. ApprehensiveNervous or worried
78. GrippingVery interesting or exciting
79. NostalgicLonging for the past
80. OverwhelmingToo much to handle or resist
81. JurisdictionLegal authority to make decisions
82. SanctionPenalty or approval (depending on context)
83. TestimonyStatement made in court
84. ArbitrationDispute settlement by a neutral third party
85. InfringementViolation of a law or right
86. ProsecutionLegal action against someone
87. AccusationClaim that someone did something wrong
88. VerdictFinal decision in court
89. CompliantWilling to follow rules
90. LegitimacyLawfulness or acceptability
91. SimultaneousHappening at the same time
92. PredominantMost common or powerful
93. SubsequentComing after something else
94. SpontaneousDone without planning
95. TentativeHesitant or uncertain
96. ResilientAble to recover quickly
97. PerpetualNever-ending or continuous
98. FeasiblePossible to do easily
99. CompellingVery interesting or convincing
100. AmbivalentHaving mixed feelings

What’s your English level?

Discover your level now: A1/A2/B1/B2/C1/C2 and GET your certificate!

📊 C1 Vocabulary Quiz – 20 Sample Questions

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does “plausible” mean?
A) Strange
B) Likely to be true ✅
C) Boring
D) Dangerous

2. “Empirical” evidence is based on…
A) Theory
B) Belief
C) Observation ✅
D) Memory

3. A “stakeholder” is…
A) Someone who eats meat
B) A business competitor
C) Someone affected by a decision ✅
D) A lawyer

4. To “scrutinize” means…
A) To ignore
B) To look closely at ✅
C) To delete
D) To sketch

5. “Tentative” means…
A) Bold
B) Aggressive
C) Uncertain ✅
D) Confirmed

6. What does “advocate” mean?
A) To fight against
B) To support something ✅
C) To translate
D) To punish

7. “Vivid” colors are…
A) Faded
B) Dull
C) Bright ✅
D) Pastel

8. To “elaborate” means…
A) To cancel
B) To explain in more detail ✅
C) To make errors
D) To simplify

9. What is “inflation”?
A) Price increase ✅
B) Job increase
C) Interest rate decrease
D) Money saving

10. “Melancholy” describes a feeling of…
A) Joy
B) Sadness ✅
C) Anger
D) Hunger

11. A “contradiction” is…
A) A clear answer
B) A type of book
C) A conflict between ideas ✅
D) A new theory

12. If something is “feasible”, it is…
A) Unlikely
B) Expensive
C) Impossible
D) Achievable ✅

13. To “negotiate” means to…
A) Buy quickly
B) Argue
C) Discuss and reach agreement ✅
D) Complain loudly

14. “Simultaneous” events happen…
A) Repeatedly
B) Slowly
C) At the same time ✅
D) Unexpectedly

15. “Overwhelming” means…
A) Easy
B) Too strong to handle ✅
C) Boring
D) Irrelevant

16. “Compliant” people usually…
A) Disagree
B) Follow rules ✅
C) Refuse
D) Argue

17. “Sustainability” refers to…
A) Short-term profit
B) Economic growth
C) Long-term balance ✅
D) Innovation

18. “Resilient” people are…
A) Easily discouraged
B) Strong and recover quickly ✅
C) Lazy
D) Nervous

19. “Encryption” is related to…
A) Taxes
B) Data security ✅
C) Agriculture
D) Business law

20. “Urbanization” means…
A) Moving to cities ✅
B) Farming expansion
C) Rural living
D) Migration to other countries

🎯 Final Tip: Practice Daily

Even just 10 minutes a day with focused vocabulary study will grow your word power tremendously over time.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t just memorize — activate the words. Use them in writing, speaking, and thinking.

What’s your English level?

Discover your level now: A1/A2/B1/B2/C1/C2 and GET your certificate!

📤 Ready to Take the Next Step?

✅ Save this list
✅ Choose 10 words today
✅ Start using them in real life!

Let me know if you’d like this content formatted for social media (Instagram carousel, LinkedIn post, or X thread), or if you want a printable version of the word list with sample sentences!

🧩 How to Memorize These C1 Words Easily

MethodWhat to Do
📒 FlashcardsCreate digital or physical flashcards. Front = word, Back = meaning + sample sentence.
📓 Notebook PracticeWrite each word in your own sentence. Review weekly.
🎧 Audio RepetitionRecord the words and listen during walks or chores.
🎭 Role PlayUse new words in pretend situations (job interview, debate, etc.)
🔁 SRS AppsUse tools like Anki to review words scientifically.

Test your English level and get your certificate!

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Takes only ~20 minutes 🎉

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