Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency) - Fear, Anxiety & Weakness

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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency)

to expect something unpleasant or frightening to happen

Ex: The villagers apprehended the coming storm , preparing for the worst .
apprehensive [adjective]

nervous or worried that something unpleasant may happen

Ex: The students were apprehensive before taking their final exams .
to quail [verb]

to experience or express the feeling of fear

Ex:
qualm [noun]

a slight feeling of nausea or unease, often temporary

Ex: The boat 's rocking motion gave her qualms .
perturbed [adjective]

feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed by something

Ex: The teacher noticed a perturbed look on the student ’s face during the test .
jittery [adjective]

having a nervous or restless energy

Ex: The loud noise unexpectedly startled her , making her feel jittery and anxious .
timorous [adjective]

lacking bravery and confidence

Ex: In the face of confrontation , his timorous nature led him to avoid conflict .

in a state of great anxiety, suspense, or excitement while waiting for something

Ex: He was on tenterhooks until the final exam grades were announced .
tremulous [adjective]

(of the voice or body) shaking in a slight, fragile manner, often due to nerves, fear, age or illness

Ex: He reached out with a tremulous hand to accept the award .

a state of nervousness or fear, anticipating that something bad may occur

Ex: The trepidation in her voice was evident as she spoke about her upcoming surgery .
wince [noun]

an automatic physical reaction to sudden pain, often involving a slight flinch or tightening of the muscles

Ex: A sudden wince escaped him when he stubbed his toe .
fawning [adjective]

trying to gain someone's approval or affection by giving them excessive praise or attention

Ex:
obsequious [adjective]

excessively flattering and obeying a person, particularly in order to gain their approval or favor

Ex: The politician surrounded himself with obsequious aides who never challenged his decisions .
servile [adjective]

very keen to please and obey others

Ex: The servant ’s servile demeanor was a reflection of the rigid hierarchy in the household .

to try to gain someone's favor or friendship by acting friendly or affectionate, often in an insincere way

Ex:
to fawn [verb]

to show affection or admiration excessively, typically to gain favor or advantage

Ex: The politician was surrounded by aides who would fawn on his every decision .

to try to gain advantage by flattery or submissive behavior

Ex: He bought expensive gifts for his in-laws , hoping to curry favor with his new family .
subservient [adjective]

ready to obey others unquestioningly, especially those in authority

Ex: She refused to be subservient to anyone , valuing her independence above all .
unctuous [adjective]

characterized by excessive ingratiation or flattery, often in a way that seems insincere or manipulative

Ex: She found his unctuous demeanor off-putting , as it felt forced and insincere .

to bring oneself into favor with someone by trying to please them

Ex: Politicians often ingratiate themselves with voters by making popular but unrealistic promises .
craven [adjective]

not having even the smallest amount of courage

Ex: His craven refusal to stand up for his beliefs was disappointing .
pusillanimous [adjective]

having a lack of courage or determination

Ex: Her pusillanimous attitude prevented her from taking risks in her career .
dastardly [adjective]

extremely cowardly in a way that is cruel, underhanded, or deserving of strong disapproval

Ex:
lily-livered [adjective]

lacking courage or resolution

Ex: The lily-livered politician avoided taking a stand on controversial issues .
redoubtable [adjective]

causing fear due to greatness or being impressive

Ex: Facing such a redoubtable opponent in the debate proved to be a formidable challenge .
toady [noun]

a person who behaves obsequiously to gain advantage from someone powerful

Ex: She had no respect for the toadies who populated the royal court .
slacker [noun]

someone who avoids work or responsibility, especially by being lazy or trying to escape duties such as military service

Ex: During the war , slackers were publicly shamed for dodging enlistment .
pique [noun]

a brief, intense feeling of anger, irritation, or resentment

Ex: The comment stirred a flash of pique in her voice .

to become unsure, weak, or unsteady in purpose, confidence, or action

Ex: Investors faltered as the market showed signs of instability .

to be undecided and not know what opinion, idea, or course of action to stick to

Ex: They will be vacillating between various options before settling on a plan .
Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency)
Deceitful Qualities & Roles Deception & Corruption Moral Corruption & Wickedness Ailments & Injuries
Treatments & Remedies The Body & Its State Criticism & Censure Sadness, Regret & Apathy
Fear, Anxiety & Weakness Generosity, Kindness & Composure Skill & Wisdom Friendliness & Good Nature
Vigor & Fortitude Favorable States & Qualities Honesty & Integrity Nature & Environment
Declaration & Appeal Casual & Annoying Talk Linguistic Terms & Sayings Styles & Qualities of Speech
Religion & Morality Magic & The Supernatural Time & Duration History & Antiquity
Legal Matters Improvement Foolishness & Folly Hostility, Temper & Aggression
Arrogance & Haughtiness Obstinacy & Stubbornness Social Roles & Archetypes Professions & Roles
Politics & Social Structure Science Hostile Actions Low Quality & Worthlessness
Burdens & Afflictions Physical Conflict Termination & Renunciation Prohibition & Prevention
Weakening & Decline Confusion & Obscurity Connection & Joining Warfare
Abundance & Proliferation Arts & Literature Spoilage Strong Emotional States
Color, Light & Visual Patterns Form, Texture & Structure Suitability & Appropriateness Approval & Agreement
Additions & Attachments Animals & Biology Finance & Valuables Tools & Equipment
Cognition & Understanding Caution, Judgment & Awareness Sound & Noise Movement
Physical Descriptions Landforms Objects & Materials Ceremonies & Revelry
Creation & Causation Argument & Disparagement Agriculture & Food Unconventional States
Family & Marriage Dwelling & Inhabiting Scent & Flavor Conceptual Extremes
Similarity & Difference