A–Z Vocabulary
Essential IELTS words starting with C — coherent, compelling, controversial and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
adjective
Definition
Relating to mental processes such as thinking, learning, reasoning, and remembering.
Example sentence
“Prolonged sleep deprivation has been shown to impair cognitive performance and decision-making.”
Memory trick
Same root as 'recognise' — cognitive = of the mind that recognises and thinks.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Logical, consistent, and clearly connected; forming a unified whole.
Example sentence
“Band 9 essays present a coherent argument in which every paragraph supports the central thesis.”
Memory trick
'Co-' (together) + 'here' — ideas stick here together coherently.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Evoking strong interest or admiration; persuasively forceful.
Example sentence
“There is now compelling evidence that early childhood education shapes long-term economic outcomes.”
Memory trick
It 'compels' you — pulls you in so strongly you can't look away.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Complete; including all or nearly all elements of something.
Example sentence
“A comprehensive review of immigration policy is overdue given the changing global labour landscape.”
Memory trick
'Comprehend' everything — comprehensive means it covers everything you can understand.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Giving rise to public disagreement; causing dispute.
Example sentence
“The decision to ban private vehicles from the city centre proved highly controversial among residents.”
Memory trick
'Contra' (against) + 'versial' (turn) — people turn against each other.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Belonging to or occurring in the present; modern.
Example sentence
“Contemporary working patterns require new models of employment law and social protection.”
Memory trick
'Con-' (with) + 'tempor' (time) — with the times.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; helpful in producing something.
Example sentence
“Open-plan offices are not always conducive to deep, focused intellectual work.”
Memory trick
'Conduct' electricity — conducive conditions conduct you toward an outcome.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
General agreement among a group of people.
Example sentence
“There is now a scientific consensus that human activity is the dominant cause of global warming.”
Memory trick
'Con-' (together) + 'sense' — when everyone shares the same sense.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding with additional evidence.
Example sentence
“Independent witnesses corroborated the account given by the original whistleblower.”
Memory trick
Think of 'co-rob' — two robbers backing up each other's story (corroborating).
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Dependent on certain conditions or circumstances; not certain.
Example sentence
“Continued funding for the programme is contingent on demonstrable improvements in student outcomes.”
Memory trick
Touches 'contact' — contingent things only happen if they 'touch' the right conditions.
Common collocations