sibilate
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN Englisch BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanisch FR Französisch DE Deutsch RU Russisch ZH Chinesisch JA Japanisch
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 verb /ˈsɪbəleɪt/

sibilate

mit Zischlaut aussprechen
Meaning
To pronounce with a hissing sound.
Example
The actor sibilated his lines for dramatic effect.
Der Schauspieler sprach seine Zeilen mit einem Zischlaut für dramatischen Effekt.
C2 noun /ˈsoʊbrɪˌkeɪ/

sobriquet

Spitzname
Meaning
a person's nickname or descriptive name
Example
The famous leader was known by the sobriquet 'The Iron Lady'.
Der berühmte Führer war unter dem Spitznamen 'Die eiserne Dame' bekannt.
C2 noun ˈsaɪəns ˈdezət

science-desert

Wissenschafts-Wüste
Meaning
A region or area lacking in scientific development, research facilities, or educational institutions.
Example
J.C. Bose thrived in a science-desert.
J.C. Bose gedeihte in einer Wissenschafts-Wüste.
C2 verb /ˈsʌn.dər/

sunder

trennen
Meaning
To split apart or separate, especially with force.
Example
The war sundered families and friends.
Der Krieg hat Familien und Freunde auseinandergerissen.
C2 adjective /ˌsuː.pɚˈsɪl.i.əs/

supercilious

arrogant
Meaning
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant and disdainful.
Example
She gave him a supercilious smile as if he was beneath her.
Sie schenkte ihm ein arrogantes Lächeln, als ob er unter ihr stand.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪzəm/

sophism

Sophismus
Meaning
a clever but misleading argument; fallacious reasoning
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophism designed to mislead voters.
Die Rede des Politikers war voller Sophismen, die darauf abzielten, die Wähler zu täuschen.
C2 verb /skʌlk/

skulk

schleichen
Meaning
to move or hide secretly, often because you are planning something bad or are feeling guilty
Example
He tried to skulk in the shadows to avoid being seen.
Er versuchte, sich im Schatten zu schlichen, um nicht gesehen zu werden.
C2 verb /ˈstʌltɪfaɪ/

stultify

jemanden oder etwas dumm erscheinen lassen oder die Effektivität und Begeisterung behindern
Meaning
to make someone or something appear foolish, or to hinder effectiveness and enthusiasm
Example
The repetitive tasks seemed to stultify the workers' creativity.
Die wiederholten Aufgaben schienen die Kreativität der Arbeiter zu ersticken.
C2 noun /ˈsɛrəf/

seraph

Seraph
Meaning
An angelic being associated with light and purity, often depicted as a high-ranking angel in Christian theology.
Example
The stained-glass window depicted a seraph with outstretched wings.
Das Buntglasfenster zeigte einen Seraph mit ausgebreiteten Flügeln.
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

Glück
Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
Sie konnte ihr Glück nicht verbergen, als sie den Preis erhielt.
C2 noun /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/

shibboleth

eine Phrase oder Überzeugung, die eine bestimmte Gruppe von Menschen unterscheidet
Meaning
A custom, phrase, or belief distinguishing a particular group of people, often used to identify outsiders.
Example
The phrase became a political shibboleth during the campaign.
Der Satz wurde während des Wahlkampfs zu einem politischen Shibboleth.
C2 verb /slʌf/ or /sluː/

slough

Haut abwerfen / Sumpfgebiet
Meaning
To shed or cast off (like dead skin); also a swampy or muddy area.
Example
The snake sloughed off its old skin.
Die Schlange warf ihre alte Haut ab.
C2 verb /ˈsʌplɪˌkeɪt/

supplicate

beten
Meaning
To ask for something earnestly or humbly, often in a religious context.
Example
The villagers supplicated the gods for rain during the drought.
Die Dorfbewohner beteten zu den Göttern um Regen während der Dürre.
C2 noun /sɪˈnɛrəsɪs/

syneresis

Synerese
Meaning
The contraction of two adjacent vowels into a single syllable or the separation of liquid from a gel.
Example
The yogurt showed syneresis when liquid separated on top.
Der Joghurt zeigte Synerese, als sich Flüssigkeit oben absetzte.
C2 adjective /ˈsɑːdn/

sodden

durchnässt
Meaning
thoroughly soaked or saturated with liquid
Example
His clothes were sodden after the heavy rain.
Seine Kleidung war nach dem starken Regen durchnässt.
C2 verb /ˈsʌpjʊˌreɪt/

suppurate

Eiter absondern
Meaning
to form or discharge pus, usually as a result of infection
Example
The wound began to suppurate after a few days.
Die Wunde begann nach ein paar Tagen zu suppurieren.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtɛnʃəs/

sententious

moralisch; lehrend
Meaning
Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner.
Example
His sententious remarks annoyed the audience.
Seine moralisierenden Bemerkungen verärgerten das Publikum.
C2 adjective /ˈsʌb.æs.ɪd/

subacid

leicht sauer
Meaning
Slightly sour or acidic in taste or nature.
Example
The fruit had a subacid flavor that was refreshing on a hot day.
Die Frucht hatte einen leicht sauren Geschmack, der an einem heißen Tag erfrischend war.
C2 noun /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛndəns/

superintendence

aufsicht
Meaning
the act of overseeing, supervising, or managing
Example
The superintendence of the school is the principal’s duty.
Die Aufsicht der Schule ist die Pflicht des Direktors.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪndʒənsi/

stringency

Strenge
Meaning
the quality of being strict, precise, or severe
Example
The stringency of the new rules surprised everyone.
Die Strenge der neuen Regeln überraschte alle.
C2 adjective səˈluː.bri.əs

salubrious

gesund
Meaning
Health-giving; healthy; promoting health and well-being.
Example
The mountain air is salubrious and refreshing.
Die Bergluft ist gesund und erfrischend.
C2 verb /sɛkˈstuːpəl/

sextuple

sextuplizieren
Meaning
to make or become six times as great or as many
Example
Within two quarters, the campaign sextupled their daily sign-ups.
In zwei Quartalen hat die Kampagne ihre täglichen Anmeldungen versexfacht.
C2 noun /ˈsɒlɪˌsɪzəm/

solecism

Solezismus
Meaning
a grammatical mistake in speech or writing; a breach of good manners or etiquette
Example
His speech was full of solecisms and awkward phrases.
Seine Rede war voller Solezismen und unbeholfener Sätze.
C2 verb /ˈsʌk.əl/

suckle

säugen
Meaning
to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or udder
Example
The mother cat suckled her kittens in the basket.
Die Mutterkatze säugte ihre Kätzchen im Korb.
C2 verb /ˈsnɪvəl/

snivel

weinen oder sich auf eine schwache oder nervige Weise beschweren
Meaning
to cry or complain in a weak or annoying way
Example
He began to snivel when he didn’t get his way.
Er begann zu heulen, als er seinen Willen nicht bekam.
C2 adjective ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs

surreptitious

heimlich
Meaning
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; done stealthily.
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at his notes.
Sie warf einen heimlichen Blick auf seine Notizen.
C2 noun /ˈsteɪtkraft/

statecraft

Staatskunst
Meaning
The art of governing and managing state affairs effectively.
Example
The leader was praised for his exceptional statecraft in handling international relations.
Der Führer wurde für seine außergewöhnliche Staatskunst bei der Handhabung internationaler Beziehungen gelobt.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfrədʒɪst/

suffragist

Suffragistin
Meaning
a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women
Example
The suffragists organized rallies to demand voting rights for women.
Die Suffragistinnen organisierten Kundgebungen, um das Wahlrecht für Frauen zu fordern.
C2 noun /sʌbˈɔːl.tən/

subaltern

eine Person in einer untergeordneten Position; im Militär ein Unteroffizier
Meaning
A person holding a subordinate position; in the military, a junior officer.
Example
The subaltern was responsible for leading a small platoon of soldiers.
Der Subaltern war verantwortlich für die Führung eines kleinen Trupps von Soldaten.
C2 noun /ˈslʌɡərd/

sluggard

Faulpelz
Meaning
A lazy, sluggish person.
Example
The sluggard refused to get out of bed even at noon.
Der Faulpelz weigerte sich, auch mittags aus dem Bett zu steigen.
C2 noun /ˌsɪɡnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

signification

Bedeutung
Meaning
the meaning or sense conveyed by a word, action, or symbol
Example
The signification of the gesture was misunderstood.
Die Bedeutung der Geste wurde missverstanden.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlvən/

sylvan

waldreich
Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of the woods or forest.
Example
The cottage was set in a sylvan landscape full of tall trees.
Das Ferienhaus war in einer waldreichen Landschaft mit hohen Bäumen gelegen.
C2 adjective /sɪmˈfoʊniəs/

symphonious

symphonisch
Meaning
Harmonious; producing a pleasant sound or agreement of sound.
Example
The choir's voices were symphonious and filled the hall with beauty.
Die Stimmen des Chores klangen symphonisch und füllten den Saal mit Schönheit.
C2 noun /ˈsaʊər wʊd ˈæp.əl/

Sour wood apple

elefantenapfel
Meaning
a tropical fruit with hard shell and tangy flesh; elephant apple
Example
The sour wood apple has a unique taste that many people enjoy.
Der Elefantenapfel hat einen einzigartigen Geschmack, den viele Menschen genießen.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlaɪn/

sibylline

sibyllin
Meaning
Prophetic, mysterious, or cryptic in meaning.
Example
The old woman gave a sibylline warning about the future.
Die alte Frau gab eine sibyllinische Warnung über die Zukunft.
C2 noun /ˈsɪlvər kɑrp/

Silver carp

Silberkarpfen
Meaning
a large freshwater fish with silvery scales, commonly farmed for food
Example
Silver carp is widely cultivated in fish farms across Asia.
Der Silberkarpfen wird in Asien weit verbreitet in Fischfarmen gezüchtet.
C2 noun (plural, informal) /skædz/

scads

Mengen
Meaning
A large number or quantity of something (informal).
Example
She has scads of friends in the city.
Sie hat viele Freunde in der Stadt.
C2 adjective /ˌsuː.pər.ɪˈrɑː.ɡə.tɔːr.i/

supererogatory

überflüssig
Meaning
Going beyond what is required or expected; more than necessary.
Example
His donation was supererogatory, far beyond what anyone had asked for.
Seine Spende war überflüssig, weit mehr, als jemand erwartet hatte.
C2 noun /ˈsætər/

satyr

Glück
Meaning
a creature from Greek mythology depicted as a lustful being, often half-man and half-goat; by extension, a lecherous man
Example
In the museum mural, a satyr plays the panpipes while dancing in the woods.
Sie konnte ihr Glück nicht verbergen, als sie den Preis erhielt.
C2 adjective /ˈsætərˌnaɪn/

saturnine

saturnisch
Meaning
slow and gloomy in mood
Example
His saturnine expression made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
Sein saturnischer Gesichtsausdruck ließ alle im Raum unwohl fühlen.
C2 noun /ˈʃʊərəti/

surety

Sicherheit
Meaning
a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as appearing in court or paying a debt
Example
The landlord required a surety before renting the apartment.
Der Vermieter verlangte eine Sicherheit, bevor er die Wohnung vermietete.
C2 noun ˌsʌb.dʒʊˈɡeɪ.ʃən

subjugation

Unterwerfung oder Dominierung
Meaning
The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control, especially by force.
Example
The subjugation of weaker nations by colonial powers shaped history.
Die Unterwerfung schwächerer Nationen durch koloniale Mächte prägte die Geschichte.
C2 noun /sɜːrˈsiːs/

surcease

Beendigung
Meaning
a temporary or final ending or stopping of something
Example
The noise finally came to a surcease after midnight.
Der Lärm kam schließlich nach Mitternacht zu einer Beendigung.
C2 noun /sfɪˈrɒmɪtər/

spherometer

Sphärometer
Meaning
An instrument used for measuring the curvature of spherical surfaces.
Example
The scientist used a spherometer to measure the lens curvature.
Der Wissenschaftler verwendete ein Sphärometer, um die Krümmung der Linse zu messen.
C2 verb /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/

sublimate

in höhere Aktivitäten umwandeln
Meaning
to redirect strong emotions or desires into socially acceptable activities or channels
Example
She sublimated her anger into painting beautiful landscapes.
Sie sublimierte ihren Ärger, indem sie wunderschöne Landschaften malte.
C2 adjective, noun /səbˈmɜːrsəbl/

submersible

tauchbar
Meaning
capable of being submerged; a small underwater craft
Example
The scientists explored the deep ocean using a submersible.
Die Wissenschaftler erforschten den tiefen Ozean mit einem Tauchfahrzeug.
C2 noun səˈtaɪ.ə.ti

satiety

Sättigung
Meaning
The feeling of being satisfied or full, especially with regard to food.
Example
High-fiber foods provide longer satiety.
Ballaststoffreiche Lebensmittel bieten eine längere Sättigung.
C2 noun /səbˈdʌk.ʃən/

subduction

Die seitliche und nach unten gerichtete Bewegung einer Schicht der Erdkruste in den Mantel unter einer anderen Schicht.
Meaning
The lateral and downward movement of the edge of a plate of the earth's crust into the mantle beneath another plate.
Example
The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of intense subduction.
Der pazifische Feuerring ist ein Gebiet intensiver Subduktion.
C2 noun /sɒp/

sop

Kompromiss
Meaning
a concession or appeasement to pacify someone; also a piece of bread dipped in liquid
Example
The manager offered a bonus as a sop to the unhappy employees.
Der Manager bot einen Bonus als Zugeständnis an die unzufriedenen Mitarbeiter an.
C2 adjective /ˈswɔːrði/

swarthy

dunkelhäutig
Meaning
Having a dark complexion or skin tone.
Example
The sailor had a swarthy face from years under the sun.
Der Matrose hatte ein dunkelhäutiges Gesicht nach Jahren unter der Sonne.
C2 verb /ˈsʌli/

sully

beflecken
Meaning
to damage the purity, integrity, or reputation of something
Example
The scandal sullied the politician’s reputation.
Der Skandal befleckte den Ruf des Politikers.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪstri/

sophistry

Sophisterei
Meaning
the use of clever but false arguments, often to deceive
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophistry.
Die Rede des Politikers war voller Sophisterei.
C2 noun /seɪn/

seine

großes Netz
Meaning
A large fishing net that hangs vertically in the water.
Example
The fishermen cast their seine into the river.
Die Fischer warfen ihr großes Netz in den Fluss.
C2 noun/verb /ˈsʌkər/

succor

Hilfe
Meaning
Assistance and support in times of hardship or distress.
Example
The charity provided succor to the flood victims.
Die Wohltätigkeit leistete den Flutopfern Hilfe.
C2 noun /staɪn/

stein

Bierkrug
Meaning
A large beer mug, typically made of glass or stoneware.
Example
He raised his stein to toast his friends.
Er hob seinen stein, um auf seine Freunde anzustoßen.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪz.mə.ɡræf/

seismograph

Seismograph
Meaning
An instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes, such as force and duration.
Example
The seismograph detected a strong tremor in the area.
Das Seismograph hat ein starkes Beben in der Region erkannt.
C2 noun /ˈʃɑːdənfrɔɪdə/

schadenfreude

Freude am Unglück anderer
Meaning
pleasure derived from another person's misfortune
Example
He felt a sense of schadenfreude when his rival failed.
Er fühlte eine Art von Schadenfreude, als sein Rivale scheiterte.
C2 noun /ˈsweɪʒən/

suasion

Überredung
Meaning
the act of persuading or influencing someone
Example
The leader used gentle suasion to win support for the plan.
Der Führer verwendete sanfte Überredung, um Unterstützung für den Plan zu gewinnen.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbɪləns/

sibilance

zischender Klang
Meaning
A hissing or hushing sound, especially in speech with 's' or 'sh'.
Example
The poet used sibilance to create a soft, hissing effect in the verse.
Der Dichter benutzte Sibilanz, um einen sanften, zischenden Effekt im Vers zu erzeugen.
C2 noun /ˈsælvər/

salver

Silbertablett
Meaning
A tray, typically made of silver, used for serving food or drinks.
Example
The butler brought in the tea on a silver salver.
Der Butler brachte den Tee auf einem Silbertablett.
C2 adjective /səˈræfɪk/

seraphic

seraphisch
Meaning
Of or like a seraph; angelic, pure, and blissful.
Example
She gave him a seraphic smile that calmed his fears.
Sie schenkte ihm ein seraphisches Lächeln, das seine Ängste beruhigte.
C2 verb /ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt/

subjugate

unterwerfen
Meaning
To bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
Example
The empire sought to subjugate the neighboring kingdoms.
Das Imperium versuchte, die benachbarten Königreiche zu unterwerfen.
C2 verb /stɑːntʃ/

stanch

den Blutfluss stoppen
Meaning
to stop the flow of blood or liquid from a wound or source
Example
The nurse quickly stanched the bleeding from the cut.
die Krankenschwester stoppte schnell die Blutung von dem Schnitt.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈkɒn.ʃəs/

semiconscious

halb bewusst
Meaning
Only partly conscious; not fully aware of surroundings.
Example
He was semiconscious after the accident and could barely respond.
Er war nach dem Unfall semibewusst und konnte kaum reagieren.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːmli/

seemly

angemessen
Meaning
proper or appropriate in behavior or appearance
Example
It was not seemly to argue loudly during the ceremony.
Es war nicht angemessen, während der Zeremonie laut zu streiten.
C2 adjective /sɛpˈtɛnɪəl/

septennial

siebenjährig
Meaning
Occurring every seven years.
Example
The festival is a septennial tradition in the village.
Das Festival ist eine siebenjährige Tradition im Dorf.
C2 verb /ˈstjuːpɪˌfaɪ/

stupefy

verblüffen
Meaning
to make someone unable to think clearly, usually because of surprise or shock
Example
The magician's tricks stupefied the audience.
Die Tricks des Magiers haben das Publikum verblüfft.
C2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊdʒɜrn/

sojourn

vorübergehender Aufenthalt
Meaning
A temporary stay at a place; to stay temporarily
Example
She enjoyed a brief sojourn in Paris during the summer.
Sie genoss einen kurzen Aufenthalt in Paris im Sommer.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

Somnambule
Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
Der Somnambule ging nachts aus dem Haus.
C2 noun /ˈsælvoʊ/

salvo

Salve
Meaning
A simultaneous discharge of guns or release of bombs; a sudden outburst of cheers or applause.
Example
The soldiers fired a salvo to honor the fallen general.
Die Soldaten feuerten eine Salve ab, um den gefallenen General zu ehren.
C2 noun /ˈsɛm.ɪ.nɛr.i/

seminary

Seminar
Meaning
A school or college for training priests, ministers, or rabbis.
Example
He decided to enroll in a seminary to study theology.
Er entschied sich, sich in einem Seminar einzuschreiben, um Theologie zu studieren.
C2 noun /ˌsɪləbɪˈkeɪʃən/

syllabication

Silbentrennung
Meaning
The division of words into syllables.
Example
Proper syllabication helps in correct pronunciation.
Eine richtige Silbentrennung hilft bei der korrekten Aussprache.
C2 noun /səˈɡæs.ə.t̬i/

sagacity

tiefes Wissen
Meaning
The quality of being sagacious; having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
Example
His sagacity made him a great leader.
Seine Sagazität machte ihn zu einem großartigen Führer.
C2 noun /spʌndʒ ɡɔːrd/

Sponse gourd

Schwammgurke
Meaning
a fibrous gourd that becomes sponge-like when dried, used for cleaning and in cooking when young
Example
The sponge gourd can be eaten when young or dried to make natural scrubbers.
Die Schwammgurke kann gegessen werden, wenn sie jung ist oder getrocknet werden, um natürliche Schwämme herzustellen.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪk.tʃər/

stricture

Einschränkung, Kritik
Meaning
a restriction or limitation; a critical remark
Example
The new law placed a severe stricture on free speech.
Das neue Gesetz verhängte eine schwere Einschränkung der freien Rede.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnæp.tɪk/

synaptic

synaptisch
Meaning
Related to the signal transmission process between nerve cells.
Example
Learning strengthens synaptic connections in the brain.
Lernen stärkt die synaptischen Verbindungen im Gehirn.
C2 noun /spliːn/

spleen

Milz; Zorn
Meaning
an organ in the body that produces lymphocytes and filters blood; also refers to bad temper or spite
Example
He vented his spleen on his coworkers after the meeting.
Er ließ seinen Zorn an seinen Kollegen nach dem Meeting aus.
C2 noun /ˈsteɪsɪs/ or /ˈstæsɪs/

stasis

Stasis
Meaning
A state of inactivity or equilibrium; a situation where nothing changes.
Example
The negotiations reached a state of stasis with no progress made.
Die Verhandlungen erreichten einen Zustand der Stasis ohne Fortschritt.
C2 adjective /spɪk/

Spick

extrem sauber und ordentlich; makellos
Meaning
extremely clean and neat; immaculate
Example
The house was spick and span after the cleaning.
Das Haus war nach der Reinigung blitzsauber und ordentlich.
C2 adjective /ˈseɪpiənt/

sapient

weise
Meaning
Wise, or appearing to be wise.
Example
The professor gave a sapient response to the complex question.
Der Professor gab eine weise Antwort auf die komplexe Frage.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtrəˌhɛnd/

subtrahend

Minuend
Meaning
a number that is to be subtracted from another number
Example
In the equation 10 - 4, the number 4 is the subtrahend.
In der Gleichung 10 - 4 ist die Zahl 4 der Minuend.
C2 adjective /sɪˈkweɪʃəs/

sequacious

blind folgender
Meaning
Lacking independence of thought; blindly following.
Example
The sequacious students never questioned their teacher's opinions.
Die sequaziösen Studenten hinterfragten nie die Meinungen ihres Lehrers.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈsɪv.ə.laɪzd/

semicivilized

halbzivilisiert
Meaning
Partially civilized; having some aspects of civilization but not fully developed.
Example
The tribe was described as semicivilized by early explorers.
Der Stamm wurde von den frühen Entdeckern als halbzivilisiert beschrieben.
C2 noun /spjuːm/

spume

Schaum
Meaning
Froth or foam, especially found on waves or liquids.
Example
The waves crashed against the rocks, leaving spume in the air.
Die Wellen krachten gegen die Felsen und hinterließen Schaum in der Luft.
C2 noun /ˈsuːθˌseɪər/

soothsayer

Wahrsager
Meaning
a person who claims to predict the future
Example
The king consulted a soothsayer before going to war.
Der König konsultierte einen Wahrsager, bevor er in den Krieg zog.
C2 noun /ˈspuːnərɪzəm/

spoonerism

Spoonerismus
Meaning
A verbal error in which the initial sounds of words are swapped to create a humorous effect.
Example
He made a spoonerism by saying 'queer old dean' instead of 'dear old queen'.
Er machte einen Spoonerismus, als er 'seltsamer alter Dekan' anstelle von 'lieber alter König' sagte.
C2 verb /swɪl/

swill

gierig trinken
Meaning
to drink something greedily or in large amounts
Example
He swilled down the beer in seconds.
Er trank das Bier in Sekunden.
C2 adjective /ˈspiːʃəs/

specious

trügerisch
Meaning
Superficially plausible but actually false; misleading in appearance.
Example
The politician’s argument was specious, sounding convincing but lacking real evidence.
Das Argument des Politikers war trügerisch, es klang überzeugend, hatte aber keine wirklichen Beweise.
C2 noun /səˈvɑːnt/

savant

Meaning
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist or scholar; sometimes used in the phrase ‘savant syndrome’ for someone with exceptional abilities alongside developmental differences
Example
The conference keynote was delivered by a linguistic savant who studies endangered languages.
C2 noun /ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

spoliation

Zerstörung
Meaning
The act of destroying or ruining something, often evidence or property.
Example
The court punished the company for the spoliation of evidence.
Das Gericht bestrafte das Unternehmen für die Zerstörung von Beweismitteln.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Übermaß
Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
Es gab ein Übermaß an Essen auf dem Festival.
C2 adjective /ˌsʌb.əˈkwɒt.ɪk/

subaquatic

subaquatisch
Meaning
Existing, living, or located under water.
Example
Divers explored the subaquatic cave system filled with rare fish.
Taucher erkundeten das subaquatische Höhlensystem, das mit seltenen Fischen gefüllt war.
C2 noun /ˈsɪnjuː/

sinew

sehne
Meaning
A tendon; figuratively, the source of strength, power, or resilience.
Example
The sinews in his arms stood out as he lifted the heavy box.
Die Sehnen in seinen Armen traten hervor, als er die schwere Kiste hob.
C2 noun /sɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd/

Similitude

ähnlichkeit; ähnlichkeit
Meaning
the quality or state of being similar; resemblance
Example
The similitude between the two paintings suggested they were by the same artist.
Die Ähnlichkeit zwischen den beiden Gemälden deutete darauf hin, dass sie vom gleichen Künstler geschaffen wurden.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbəraɪt/

sybarite

Sybarit
Meaning
a person who loves luxury and pleasure
Example
The millionaire was a true sybarite who lived only for comfort and enjoyment.
Der Millionär war ein wahrer Sybarit, der nur für Komfort und Genuss lebte.
C2 verb /ˈskærɪfaɪ/

scarify

boden lockern
Meaning
to make shallow cuts or scratches; to loosen the surface of soil
Example
The farmer scarified the soil before planting seeds.
Der Bauer eskariert den Boden vor dem Pflanzen von Samen.
C2 noun /ˌʃæŋɡriˈlɑː/

shangri-la

imaginäres Paradies
Meaning
a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life is perfect and peaceful
Example
They described the island as a modern-day Shangri-La.
Sie beschrieben die Insel als ein modernes Shangri-La.
C2 noun /sɪnˈtɪl.ə/

scintilla

kleiner Funken
Meaning
A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.
Example
There wasn’t a scintilla of doubt in her mind.
Es gab keinen Funken Zweifel in ihrem Geist.
C2 noun /səbˈsɜːviəns/

subservience

Unterwürfigkeit
Meaning
the condition of being too willing to obey or serve others
Example
His subservience to authority annoyed his colleagues.
Seine Unterwürfigkeit gegenüber der Autorität ärgerte seine Kollegen.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

tapferherzig
Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
Der tapfere Soldat gab nie auf.
C2 adjective /səˈpʌlkrəl/

sepulchral

mit einem Grab in Verbindung, düster
Meaning
Relating to a tomb or burial; gloomy, dismal.
Example
The abandoned house had a sepulchral silence about it.
Das verlassene Haus hatte eine sepulkrale Stille.
C2 verb /sɪˈkwɛstreɪt/

sequestrate

beschlagnahmen
Meaning
To take legal possession of assets until a debt is paid or disputes are resolved.
Example
The court decided to sequestrate the company's property.
Das Gericht entschied, das Eigentum des Unternehmens zu beschlagnahmen.
C2 noun /sɪˈkwiːlə/

sequela

Folgeerscheinung
Meaning
A condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury.
Example
Lung scarring can be a sequela of severe pneumonia.
Lungenschäden können eine Folgeerscheinung einer schweren Lungenentzündung sein.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sangfroid

Gelassenheit
Meaning
Composure or coolness under pressure.
Example
She impressed everyone with her sangfroid during the interview.
Sie beeindruckte alle mit ihrer Gelassenheit während des Interviews.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈlɪŋɡwəl/

sublingual

sublingual
Meaning
situated or applied under the tongue
Example
The doctor prescribed a sublingual tablet for faster absorption.
Der Arzt verschrieb eine sublinguale Tablette für eine schnellere Aufnahme.
C2 noun /sɪˈdɪʃ.ən/

Sedition

Hochverrat
Meaning
conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against authority; treason
Example
The activist was charged with sedition for his inflammatory speeches.
Der Aktivist wurde wegen seiner aufrührerischen Reden wegen Hochverrats angeklagt.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlənt/

sibilant

mit zischendem Geräusch
Meaning
Making or characterized by a hissing sound.
Example
The word 'snake' starts with a sibilant sound.
Das Wort 'snake' beginnt mit einem sibilanten Laut.
C2 noun /ˈstriːmlɪt/

streamlet

Bachlauf
Meaning
a small stream; a tiny brook or rivulet
Example
A streamlet flowed through the meadow.
Ein Bachlauf floss durch die Wiese.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪmiən/

simian

affenähnlich
Meaning
Relating to, resembling, or affecting apes or monkeys.
Example
The scientist studied the simian behavior of the chimpanzees.
Der Wissenschaftler studierte das affenähnliche Verhalten der Schimpansen.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛpərəbəl/

separable

trennbar
Meaning
Capable of being separated or divided.
Example
The two issues are separable and should be discussed independently.
Die beiden Themen sind trennbar und sollten unabhängig besprochen werden.
C2 verb /səˈfjuːz/

suffuse

durchdringen
Meaning
to gradually spread through or over something
Example
A warm glow suffused her face as she smiled.
Ein warmer Glanz durchzog ihr Gesicht, als sie lächelte.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɒptɪk/

synoptic

synoptisch
Meaning
giving a general overview or summary; presenting a broad view
Example
The report offers a synoptic view of climate trends over the past century.
Der Bericht bietet eine synoptische Sicht auf die Klimatrends des letzten Jahrhunderts.
C2 adjective /ˌsæpəˈneɪʃəs/

saponaceous

seifig
Meaning
Soapy or having the qualities of soap.
Example
The plant has saponaceous leaves that produce foam when rubbed in water.
Die Pflanze hat seifige Blätter, die Schaum erzeugen, wenn sie in Wasser gerieben werden.
C2 verb /sweɪð/

swathe

wickeln
Meaning
To wrap or cover closely or completely.
Example
She swathed the baby in a soft blanket.
Sie wickelte das Baby in eine weiche Decke.
C2 noun /ˈskɜː.vi/

scurvy

Skorbut
Meaning
A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, leading to weakness, gum disease, and bleeding.
Example
Sailors often suffered from scurvy during long sea voyages without fresh fruits.
Seefahrer litten oft an Skorbut während langer Seereisen ohne frisches Obst.
C2 noun /ˌself əˈbeɪs.mənt/

self-abasement

Selbsterniedrigung
Meaning
The act of belittling or humiliating oneself.
Example
His constant self-abasement made others uncomfortable.
Seine ständige Selbsterniedrigung machte andere unwohl.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtərˌfjuːdʒ/

subterfuge

Hinterlist
Meaning
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick or excuse to evade something.
Example
They used subterfuge to avoid paying taxes.
Sie haben Hinterlist verwendet, um die Steuerzahlung zu vermeiden.
C2 adjective /sæŋˈɡwɪniəs/

sanguineous

mit Blut verbunden
Meaning
Relating to blood; bloody.
Example
The surgeon examined the sanguineous discharge from the wound.
Der Chirurg untersuchte die sanguinische Entladung aus der Wunde.
C2 noun /ˈstænʃən/

stanchion

Stütze
Meaning
a strong upright bar or post used as support or to control movement
Example
The red rope was attached to the stanchions to guide the crowd.
Das rote Seil war an den Stangen befestigt, um die Menge zu führen.
C2 noun /ˈspæŋɡəl/

spangle

Glitzersteine
Meaning
A small shiny piece of metal or plastic used for decoration on clothes.
Example
Her dress was covered with silver spangles that glittered in the light.
Ihr Kleid war mit silbernen Glitzersteinen bedeckt, die im Licht funkelten.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfərəns/

sufferance

Toleranz
Meaning
patient endurance of pain, hardship, or delay; passive consent or tolerance
Example
He lived in poverty with quiet sufferance.
Er lebte in Armut mit stiller Toleranz.