CEFR Level
a restriction or limitation; a critical remark
"The new law placed a severe stricture on free speech."
the quality of being strict, precise, or severe
"The stringency of the new rules surprised everyone."
a young man who is not yet fully grown
"The stripling dreamed of becoming a brave knight."
to make someone or something appear foolish, or to hinder effectiveness and enthusiasm
"The repetitive tasks seemed to stultify the workers' creativity."
to make someone unable to think clearly, usually because of surprise or shock
"The magician's tricks stupefied the audience."
extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
"They walked through the stygian cave with torches."
the act of persuading or influencing someone
"The leader used gentle suasion to win support for the plan."
smoothness and charm in manner
"His suavity made him popular in social gatherings."
secretly, in confidence, or in private
"The deal was made sub rosa to avoid public scrutiny."
Slightly sour or acidic in taste or nature.
"The fruit had a subacid flavor that was refreshing on a hot day."
A person holding a subordinate position; in the military, a junior officer.
"The subaltern was responsible for leading a small platoon of soldiers."
Existing, living, or located under water.
"Divers explored the subaquatic cave system filled with rare fish."
The lateral and downward movement of the edge of a plate of the earth's crust into the mantle beneath another plate.
"The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of intense subduction."
lying immediately beneath; underlying
"The geological survey revealed subjacent layers of rock."
to bring under control or domination, often by conquest
"The empire sought to subjugate neighboring lands."
The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control, especially by force.
"The subjugation of weaker nations by colonial powers shaped history."
to redirect strong emotions or desires into socially acceptable activities or channels
"She sublimated her anger into painting beautiful landscapes."
situated or applied under the tongue
"The doctor prescribed a sublingual tablet for faster absorption."
capable of being submerged; a small underwater craft
"The scientists explored the deep ocean using a submersible."
the state of being under water
"The submersion of the fields lasted for several days after the heavy rain."
to bribe or induce someone unlawfully to perform an act, especially to commit perjury
"The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn a witness."
the condition of being too willing to obey or serve others
"His subservience to authority annoyed his colleagues."
To include or absorb something into a larger group or category.
"Minor details were subsumed under the main topic."
To extend across or form an angle at a particular point, often used in geometry.
"The arc subtends a 60-degree angle at the center of the circle."
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick or excuse to evade something.
"They used subterfuge to avoid paying taxes."
a number that is to be subtracted from another number
"In the equation 10 - 4, the number 4 is the subtrahend."
Assistance and support in times of hardship or distress.
"The charity provided succor to the flood victims."
to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or udder
"The mother cat suckled her kittens in the basket."
causing or increasing sweating
"The doctor prescribed a sudorific drug to help reduce the fever."
patient endurance of pain, hardship, or delay; passive consent or tolerance
"He lived in poverty with quiet sufferance."
a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women
"The suffragists organized rallies to demand voting rights for women."
to gradually spread through or over something
"A warm glow suffused her face as she smiled."
easily influenced by the suggestions of others
"Children are highly suggestible and may believe what they are told."
to damage the purity, integrity, or reputation of something
"The scandal sullied the politician’s reputation."
Relating to laws or regulations intended to limit personal spending on luxury goods.
"In medieval Europe, sumptuary laws restricted the wearing of expensive fabrics to the nobility."
To split apart or separate, especially with force.
"The war sundered families and friends."
Rice that has been dried in the sun; parched rice
"The farmers spread the sunned rice on mats to dry completely."
An excessive or overflowing amount of something.
"The garden was filled with a superabundance of flowers."
to add something to what has already been added
"The author chose to superadd a new chapter to the revised edition."
to retire someone with a pension, usually due to age or long service
"The company decided to superannuate its senior employees after thirty years of service."
old and no longer useful or valid; retired due to age
"The factory was filled with superannuated machines that slowed production."
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant and disdainful.
"She gave him a supercilious smile as if he was beneath her."
Going beyond what is required or expected; more than necessary.
"His donation was supererogatory, far beyond what anyone had asked for."
An excessive amount of something; more than what is needed.
"The room was filled with a superfluity of decorations."
to heat a substance beyond its normal boiling point without it becoming vapor
"Engineers superheat the steam to increase the efficiency of the turbine."
to oversee and direct the work or operation of something
"She was hired to superintend the construction project."
the act of overseeing, supervising, or managing
"The superintendence of the school is the principal’s duty."
Relating to the heavens; celestial or divine.
"The painting captured a supernal beauty that felt otherworldly."
Exceeding the usual number; extra or unnecessary.
"The play included several supernumerary actors to fill the background scenes."
Lying on the back, face upward; failing to act due to laziness or weakness.
"He lay supine on the grass, staring at the stars."
