CEFR Level
A very strong and unpleasant smell.
"The stench of garbage filled the alley."
A thin sheet of material with a design cut out, used to produce the design on the surface below by applying paint or ink through the cut-out holes.
"The artist used a stencil to paint identical stars on the wall."
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
"Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques."
Conforming to a fixed or oversimplified idea of what someone or something is like.
"His stereotyped jokes failed to impress the audience."
A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
"Stereotyping people based on their race is harmful."
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; incapable of producing offspring.
"The surgeon worked in a sterile environment to avoid infection."
British money, especially pounds; of excellent quality.
"She was praised for her sterling work on the project."
a person who insists on a certain quality or standard of behavior
"He is a stickler for punctuality and never tolerates delays."
to prevent or restrain an action, idea, or emotion; to suffocate
"She tried to stifle a laugh during the serious meeting."
to suppress, hold back, or prevent something from happening
"He stifled a laugh during the serious meeting."
a mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality
"There is still a stigma around mental health issues in many societies."
to describe or regard someone as worthy of disgrace or disapproval
"People with certain illnesses are often unfairly stigmatized."
A small, thin, high-heeled shoe or a dagger with a slender blade.
"She wore elegant stiletto heels to the party."
Speech or writing that is stiff, unnatural, or overly formal.
"His speech sounded stilted and rehearsed."
A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.
"Coffee is a common stimulant that helps people stay awake."
Things or events that evoke a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
"Bright lights and loud noises are strong stimuli for the brain."
unwilling to spend or give; miserly
"He is too stingy to buy a gift for his friend."
a period of time spent doing a particular job or activity
"She did a short stint as a teacher before moving abroad."
to supply sparingly or with restrictions
"He never stinting his efforts to help the poor."
a fixed regular payment, usually for services or to cover living expenses
"The university provides a monthly stipend to its research students."
to demand or specify a condition in an agreement or contract
"The contract stipulates that payment must be made within 30 days."
Dull, uninspired, or old-fashioned; also heavy and hard to digest when referring to food.
"The lecture was so stodgy that many students struggled to stay awake."
Showing little or no emotion, even in difficult situations.
"She remained stoic during the crisis, never showing fear or panic."
The endurance of pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.
"He faced the loss of his job with remarkable stoicism."
To delay or block progress by refusing to cooperate or answer
"The witness tried to stonewall during the investigation."
To bend one's body forward and downward; also a small porch or staircase at the entrance of a house
"He had to stoop to pick up the coin."
The act of stopping or ceasing; a halt in operation or activity
"The sudden stoppage of the train caused delays for all passengers."
A place where goods, supplies, or valuables are stored; a repository
"The warehouse acted as a storehouse for all the imported goods."
The process by which storms become stronger and more severe in intensity.
"Storm intensification is linked to climate change."
A person who hides on a ship, plane, or other vehicle in order to travel secretly without paying.
"The crew discovered a stowaway hiding in the cargo hold."
a device having holes punched in it or made of crossed wires for separating solid matter from a liquid
"Use a strainer to drain the pasta water."
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water.
"The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea."
Noun: A single thin length of thread, wire, or similar. Verb: To leave someone or something without a way of moving or leaving.
"The storm stranded many tourists on the island."
Deep understanding and wisdom gained through careful analysis for planning purposes.
"Strategic insights guide policymaking."
arranged or classified in layers or strata
"Society in the past was highly stratified based on class and wealth."
to arrange or divide into layers, classes, or categories
"The researchers plan to stratify the data based on age groups."
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
"The stratosphere provides a unique environment."
a layer or level of material, or a social class in society
"The upper stratum of society enjoyed privileges not available to others."
To make something more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
"The company is streamlining its processes."
The process of making an organization or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps
"Streamlining processes can significantly reduce operational costs."
Requiring or using great effort and energy.
"Climbing the mountain was a strenuous task."
to scatter or spread things untidily over a surface or area
"Clothes were strewn across the floor."
loud and harsh; presenting a point of view in a forceful way
"His strident voice made the debate uncomfortable."
angry or violent conflict; struggle or discord
"The region has been torn apart by political strife."
strict, precise, and exacting
"The government imposed stringent measures during the crisis."
to walk with a stiff, proud, and confident gait, often to show off
"He strutted across the stage after winning the award."
short and thick; having a short, thick appearance
"The stumpy little dog wagged its tail enthusiastically."
extremely impressive; amazing in size, degree, or excellence
"The magician’s performance was simply stupendous."
a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility
"He remained in a stupor after hearing the shocking news."
