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English Words Starting With C

13,732 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

contraplete
nounNone
/ˈkɒn.trə.pliːt/This word is not attested in standard English dictionaries. It does not appear in major lexical databases or corpora as a standard English word.
contrapose
verb-transitiveRare
/ˌkɒn.trə.ˈpəʊz/To place in opposition or set in contrast to; to compare two opposing ideas, arguments, or objects.
contraposition
nounC2
/ˌkɒn.trə.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/The logical relationship where the contrapositive of a conditional statement is formed by negating and swapping its antecedent and consequent.
contrapositive
adjectivenounLow
/ˌkɒn.trəˈpɒz.ɪ.tɪv/In logic, a proposition derived from another by negating both the subject and predicate and then reversing their order. The logical equivalent of an original conditional statement.
contrapposto
nounLow
/ˌkɒntrəˈpɒstəʊ/A pose in sculpture where a figure's weight is shifted onto one leg, creating asymmetry in the hips and shoulders.
contraption
nounC1
/kənˈtræp.ʃən/A mechanical device or gadget that is overly complicated, strange, or makeshift in appearance.
contrapuntist
nounC2+
/ˈkɒn.trəˌpʌn.tɪst/A composer or scholar of counterpoint (the art of combining independent melodic lines in music).
contrarian
nounC1
/kɒnˈtrɛːrɪən/A person who deliberately takes an opposing view or adopts a position contrary to the majority.
contrariety
nounC1
/ˌkɒn.trəˈraɪ.ə.ti/The state of being contrary or opposed in nature, direction, or meaning.
contrary
adjectiveadverbnounB2
/ˈkɒn.trə.ri/ (adj, n); /kənˈtreə.ri/ (in 'on the contrary')Opposed in nature, direction, or purpose; opposite.
contrary motion
nounC1/C2 (Specialized)
/ˈkɒn.trə.ri ˈməʊ.ʃən/Movement of two or more musical parts in opposite directions.
contrasexual
adjectivenounVery Low
/ˌkɒn.trəˈsek.ʃu.əl/Relating to or characterized by opposition to or rejection of traditional sexual norms, roles, or identities.
contrast
nounverbverb-intransitive+1C1
{"noun":"/ˈkɒn.trɑːst/","verb":"/kənˈtrɑːst/"}A noticeable difference between people, ideas, or things, especially when they are compared or placed together.
contrast medium
nounLow
/ˈkɒn.trɑːst ˌmiː.di.əm/A substance (liquid, gas, or powder) administered to a patient to make specific tissues, blood vessels, or organs more visible on medical imaging scans (like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs).
contrastive stress
nounC2
/kənˈtrɑːstɪv ˈstres/A pronunciation pattern where extra emphasis (stress) is placed on a specific word in a sentence to highlight it in contrast to something else, thereby changing the implied meaning.
contravallation
nounExtremely rare/Obsolescent
/ˌkɒn.trə.væˈleɪ.ʃən/A line of fortification or entrenchment built by besieging forces facing outward to protect against attack by a relieving force.
contravene
verbverb-transitiveC2
/ˌkɒn.trəˈviːn/to do something that is prohibited by a law, rule, or agreement; to actively conflict with or violate.
contravention
nounC1
/ˌkɒn.trəˈven.ʃən/An action that violates or goes against a law, rule, agreement, or principle.
contrayerva
nounObsolete / Archaic / Very Low
/ˌkɒntrəˈjɜːvə/A plant (primarily Dorstenia species or other related plants) historically used in medicine, especially as an antidote or counteractive remedy.
contre-jour
adjectivenounC1
/ˌkɒ̃trəˈʒʊə/A photographic technique where the camera is pointed directly at a light source, causing the main subject to appear in silhouette or with strong backlighting.

Showing 9901–9920 of 13732 words.