CEFR Level
beyond the physical or ordinary world; transcendent
"The monk spoke of supramundane peace beyond material life."
a temporary or final ending or stopping of something
"The noise finally came to a surcease after midnight."
a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as appearing in court or paying a debt
"The landlord required a surety before renting the apartment."
an excessive amount of something
"There was a surfeit of food at the festival."
a freshwater fish species found in the Surma river system of Bangladesh and northeastern India
"Surma fish is native to the rivers of Sylhet region."
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
"They carried out a surreptitious meeting late at night."
Attractively thin, graceful, and elegant in appearance or movement.
"She looked svelte in the elegant black dress."
Having a dark complexion or skin tone.
"The sailor had a swarthy face from years under the sun."
To wrap or cover closely or completely.
"She swathed the baby in a soft blanket."
to drink something greedily or in large amounts
"He swilled down the beer in seconds."
a person who loves luxury and pleasure
"The millionaire was a true sybarite who lived only for comfort and enjoyment."
A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.
"The manager was surrounded by sycophants who agreed with everything he said."
Behaving in a way that is excessively obedient or servile to gain favor.
"His sycophantic behavior annoyed his colleagues."
Relating to or based on syllables.
"The teacher explained the syllabic structure of the word."
The division of words into syllables.
"Proper syllabication helps in correct pronunciation."
A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed premises.
"The philosopher explained the concept of syllogism using simple examples."
A mythical spirit of the air; also refers to a slender, graceful woman.
"She moved across the stage like a sylph, light and graceful."
Relating to or characteristic of the woods or forest.
"The cottage was set in a sylvan landscape full of tall trees."
Harmonious; producing a pleasant sound or agreement of sound.
"The choir's voices were symphonious and filled the hall with beauty."
Of or relating to a synapse or synapses.
"Synaptic connections strengthen as we learn new things."
The meaningful coincidence of two or more events that are not planned.
"The synchronicity of their thoughts amazed everyone."
The simultaneous occurrence of events or actions.
"The synchronism of the dancers' movements amazed the audience."
Coordination in time, harmony in action or movement.
"Their dance performance showed perfect synchrony."
Characterized by displaced beats or rhythms, especially in music.
"The jazz piece had a syncopated rhythm that energized the crowd."
The contraction of two adjacent vowels into a single syllable or the separation of liquid from a gel.
"The yogurt showed syneresis when liquid separated on top."
Working together in a cooperative and effective manner.
"The two departments have a synergic relationship that boosts productivity."
An assembly of the clergy in a Christian church convened to decide on issues of doctrine or administration.
"The synod gathered to discuss reforms in the church."
giving a general overview or summary; presenting a broad view
"The report offers a synoptic view of climate trends over the past century."
a small side drum or tambourine used especially in folk music
"The folk musician played a lively tune on his tabour."
reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
"He was a taciturn man who rarely spoke in meetings."
An object believed to have magical powers or bring good luck.
"He always carried a small talisman in his pocket for luck."
A claw, especially one belonging to a bird of prey.
"The eagle gripped the fish with its sharp talons."
to press down tightly by packing
"He tamped the soil around the plant to secure it."
the condition of touching but not intersecting, especially in geometry
"The circle and the line are in a state of tangency at one point."
A small mountain lake or pool.
"We camped near a tranquil tarn in the highlands."
To delay or linger; to stay longer than intended.
"Do not tarry, or you will miss the train."
A person dressed in ragged clothes; ragged or dilapidated in appearance.
"A tatterdemalion wandered the streets in search of food."
expressing something by repeating the same idea in different words; redundant
"Saying 'free gift' is considered tautological."
the unnecessary repetition of the same idea in different words
"The phrase 'it will happen or it won’t' is a tautology."
cheap and showy but of poor quality
"She wore a tawdry necklace that broke easily."
A warm, sandy or golden-brown color.
"The owl's tawny feathers blended with the tree bark."
The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals for display.
"The museum had a large collection of taxidermy animals."
A scientist who classifies organisms into groups based on their characteristics.
"The taxonomist discovered a new species of insect."
the descriptive study or writing about the practical arts, technologies, or technical methods of a society
"The anthropologist specialized in technography to understand indigenous tool-making traditions."
the practice or principle of abstaining completely from alcoholic drinks
"He practiced teetotalism throughout his life."
The process of recording and transmitting the readings of an instrument.
"The spacecraft transmitted telemetry data back to Earth."
the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by cause
"Aristotle is often associated with the concept of teleology in philosophy."
Reckless or rash; showing a lack of caution.
"It was a temerarious decision to cross the river during the storm."
Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.
"He had the temerity to challenge the professor’s argument."
To delay making a decision or taking action in order to gain time.
"The politician temporized when asked about the controversial issue."
