Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

verb
/sprɛd/

to open or extend something over an area

"She spread the blanket on the grass for a picnic."

💦

spray

verb
/spreɪ/

to apply liquid to something in a fine mist

"She sprayed perfume on her wrist before leaving."

noun, verb
/spreɪn/

an injury to a joint in which the ligaments are stretched or torn

"She sprained her ankle while running in the park."

noun
/spaʊs/

a person's husband or wife

"Each employee may include their spouse in the health insurance plan."

noun
/ˈspɒt.ɪd sneɪk hed/

a type of freshwater fish with spotted markings and an elongated head resembling a snake

"The spotted snake head is a popular fish for aquaculture in South Asia."

adjective
/ˈspɒtɪd/

having spots or marks; noticed or seen

"The spotted leopard moved silently through the jungle."

noun
/ˈspɒt.laɪt/

a strong beam of light directed onto a particular area; figuratively, public attention

"The singer stood proudly in the spotlight."

spot definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
📍

spot

noun
/spɒt/

a particular place or position

"I found a great spot for a picnic in the park."

noun
/ˈspɔːrtsmən/

A person who is skilled in sports or enjoys participating in athletic activities.

"He is a true sportsman, always fair and respectful to his opponents."

adjective
/ˈspɔːrtɪv/

Playful, lively, or full of fun.

"The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic."

noun
/spɔːt/

an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment

"Football is a popular sport around the world."

sporadic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
🌧️

sporadic

adjective
/spəˈrædɪk/

Occurring irregularly or in scattered instances rather than continuously.

"The region experienced sporadic rain showers throughout the week."

noun
/ˈspuːnərɪzəm/

A verbal error in which the initial sounds of words are swapped to create a humorous effect.

"He made a spoonerism by saying 'queer old dean' instead of 'dear old queen'."

🥄

Spoon

noun
/spuːn/

a utensil consisting of a small shallow bowl with a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serving food

"She stirred her coffee with a silver spoon."

🎭

spoof

noun/verb
/spuːf/

A humorous imitation of something, or to trick or parody someone or something.

"The comedian spoofed the politician’s speech to entertain the audience."

spontaneously definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adverb
/spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs.li/

happening naturally without being planned or forced

"She spontaneously started singing when she heard the music."

adjective
/spɒnˈteɪniəs/

Happening naturally without planning or external cause; impulsive or unplanned.

"Their spontaneous trip to the mountains turned out to be the highlight of the summer."

spontaneity definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˌspɑːntəˈneɪəti/

The quality of being natural, impulsive, and unplanned.

"Her spontaneity made the trip more exciting."

noun
/ˈspɒnsəʃɪp/

the act of supporting an event, activity, person, or organization financially or through other resources

"The event was made possible due to the sponsorship of several big companies."

sponsor definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈspɒnsər/

a person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity in exchange for publicity or support

"The company became the main sponsor of the event."

noun
/spʌndʒ ɡɔːrd/

a fibrous gourd that becomes sponge-like when dried, used for cleaning and in cooking when young

"The sponge gourd can be eaten when young or dried to make natural scrubbers."

adjective
/ˈspʌndʒi/

soft and full of holes like a sponge; porous

"The cake had a light and spongy texture."

noun
/ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

The act of destroying or ruining something, often evidence or property.

"The court punished the company for the spoliation of evidence."

👩‍💼

spokeswoman

noun
/ˈspəʊkswɪmən/

a woman who speaks on behalf of a group or organization

"The spokeswoman for the company announced the new product."

noun
/ˈspəʊkspɜːrsən/

a person who speaks on behalf of others or an organization

"The spokesperson addressed the press conference on behalf of the company."

adverb
/ˈspeʃ.əl.i/

for a particular purpose; especially; specifically

"This gift was specially made for you."

adjective
/ˈspiːtʃləs/

Unable to speak because of shock, surprise, or strong emotion.

"She was speechless when she received the award."

Speech definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
🗣️

Speech

noun
/spiːʧ/

the expression of thoughts and feelings through spoken words

"The president delivered a speech on national unity."

noun
/ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪtər/

A person who forms theories without evidence, or invests in assets hoping for profit.

"The real estate speculator bought land hoping its value would rise."

speculation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/

the forming of ideas or theories without firm evidence; guesswork

"There is a lot of speculation about who will win the election."

verb
/ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪt/

To form a theory or guess without firm evidence; to invest in stocks, property, etc. hoping for profit.

"Experts speculate that the company may expand into new markets."

spectrum definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈspɛktrəm/

A range of different things, often related to colors, ideas, or classifications.

"The festival attracted people from across the political spectrum."

🌫️

spectral

adjective
/ˈspɛktrəl/

Relating to a ghost or specter; ghostly. Also relating to a spectrum.

"The old mansion had a spectral atmosphere at night."

noun
/ˈspɛktər/

A ghost or spirit; something that causes fear or dread.

"The specter of war still haunts the region."

noun
/ˈspɛkteɪtər/

A person who watches an event, show, or game without taking part.

"Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the football match."

spectacular definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/spɛkˈtækjələr/

very impressive, exciting, or dramatic in appearance or effect

"The fireworks display was absolutely spectacular."

spectacle definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˈspɛktəkəl/

a visually striking performance or display

"The fireworks display was a grand spectacle."

🔹

speck

noun
/spɛk/

A very small spot, mark, or particle.

"There was a tiny speck of dust on the glass table."

specious definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/ˈspiːʃəs/

Superficially plausible but actually false; misleading in appearance.

"The politician’s argument was specious, sounding convincing but lacking real evidence."

noun
/ˈspɛsəmən/

an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc., used as an example of its species or type for scientific study

"The museum has a rare butterfly specimen."

verb
/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/

to state or describe something clearly and exactly

"Please specify the time and place of the meeting."

noun
/ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

a detailed description or assessment of something

"The product specification includes all the necessary details."

adverb
/spəˈsɪfɪkli/

in a clear and exact way

"He was specifically asked to handle the finances."

specific definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/spəˈsɪfɪk/

clearly defined or identified

"She gave specific instructions for the project."

noun
/ˈspiːʃiːz/

a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding

"The panda is an endangered species."

noun
/ˈspiːʃiː/

money in the form of coins rather than notes or credit

"The transaction was made in specie."

noun
/ˈspɛʃəlti/

a particular area of study, work, or interest; something in which a person or place excels

"Her specialty is pediatric medicine."

adjective
/spæzˈmɒdɪk/

occurring irregularly or in sudden bursts

"The patient experienced spasmodic coughing during the night."

adjective
/spɑːrs/

thinly scattered or distributed; not dense or abundant

"Vegetation was sparse in the desert."

⚔️

spartan

adjective
/ˈspɑːrtn/

showing simplicity and lack of luxury; austere

"He lived in a spartan room with just a bed and a chair."