secretary
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 English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
B1 noun /ˈsɛkrəteri/

secretary

Meaning
a person employed to handle correspondence and manage routine tasks for an individual or organization
Example
The secretary scheduled the meeting for tomorrow.
B2 adjective səˈfɪs.tɪ.keɪ.tɪd

sophisticated

Meaning
Having great knowledge or experience of the world and knowing about fashion, culture, and other things that people think are socially important; highly developed or complex.
Example
Sophisticated designs enhance aesthetics.
C2 adjective /ˌsɒpəˈrɪfɪk/

soporific

Meaning
tending to induce drowsiness or sleep; causing sleepiness
Example
The professor's lecture was so soporific that half the class fell asleep.
B2 noun /slʌm/

Slum

Meaning
a poor urban area with substandard housing and squalid conditions
Example
The government is working to improve conditions in the slum.
B2 noun /soʊl/

Sole

Meaning
the bottom part of the foot; the bottom part of a shoe
Example
I have a blister on the sole of my foot.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊlər/

solar

Meaning
Relating to or determined by the sun
Example
The house is powered by solar energy.
B1 noun /skriːn/

Screen

Meaning
a flat surface on which pictures or words are shown; a movable partition used to divide a room
Example
The movie was displayed on a large screen in the theater.
C1 noun /sɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

Seduction

Meaning
the action of seducing someone; temptation to do something wrong
Example
He fell victim to the seduction of easy money.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.li.ənt/

salient

Meaning
Most important, prominent, or noticeable
Example
The report highlighted the salient points of the discussion.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
C1 noun /ˈsmætərɪŋ/

smattering

Meaning
A small amount or superficial knowledge of something.
Example
He has a smattering of Spanish.
C1 noun /ˈsʌn.stroʊk/

Sunstroke

Meaning
a serious condition caused by overheating from prolonged exposure to high temperatures
Example
The worker suffered from sunstroke after working outside all day.
B2 adjective /slæk/

slack

Meaning
not tight, firm, or busy; lacking tension or activity
Example
Business is slack during the rainy season.
B2 noun /ˈspɔːrtsmən/

sportsman

Meaning
A person who is skilled in sports or enjoys participating in athletic activities.
Example
He is a true sportsman, always fair and respectful to his opponents.
C1 adjective ˈskruː.pjʊ.ləs

scrupulous

Meaning
Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; having moral integrity; acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper.
Example
He is known for being scrupulous in his work.
B2 noun /sɪnˈserɪti/

Sincerity

Meaning
the quality of being free from pretense or deceit; honesty
Example
His sincerity in apologizing was evident to everyone.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪkəl/

satirical

Meaning
containing or using satire to criticize or mock
Example
The satirical cartoon mocked the government's new policy.
C1 verb ˈsɪn.ɚ.dʒaɪz

synergize

Meaning
combine in such a way as to enhance effectiveness.
Example
The departments must synergize to improve efficiency.
B2 noun /ˈsikwəns/

Sequence

Meaning
a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other; a set of related events, movements, or things that follow each other in a particular order
Example
The dance sequence was perfectly choreographed.
B1 noun/verb /skɔːr/

score

Meaning
a number of points achieved in a game or test; to gain points or achieve a goal
Example
He scored the winning goal in the final match.
B2 noun /stəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Stability

Meaning
the state of being stable; firmness; steadiness
Example
Political stability is essential for economic growth.
C1 adjective /ˈstrætɪfaɪd/

stratified

Meaning
arranged or classified in layers or strata
Example
Society in the past was highly stratified based on class and wealth.
A2 verb /səkˈsiːd/

succeed

Meaning
to achieve the desired aim or result; to do well
Example
She worked hard to succeed in her career.
B2 verb /səˈrɛndər/

surrender

Meaning
to give up or yield to an opponent or authority
Example
The army finally surrendered after weeks of fighting.
C2 verb /ˈsʌli/

sully

Meaning
to damage the purity, integrity, or reputation of something
Example
The scandal sullied the politician’s reputation.
B2 verb /siːz/

seize

Meaning
To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
Example
The police managed to seize the stolen goods.
B1 noun /ˈʃed.juːl/

Schedule

Meaning
a plan that lists things or events and the times when they will happen; timetable
Example
Please check your schedule before confirming the meeting time.
B2 noun /ˈsaɪrən/

siren

Meaning
A device that makes a loud prolonged sound as a signal or warning; in mythology, a creature that lures sailors with enchanting songs.
Example
The police car passed with its siren blaring.
B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈnætʃ.ər.əl/

Supernatural

Meaning
relating to things that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws; beyond the normal or physical world
Example
The old house was said to have supernatural powers.
C1 verb /ˈsɪn.θə.saɪz/

synthesize

Meaning
To combine a number of things into a coherent whole.
Example
Scientists synthesize new compounds for medical research.
B2 noun /ˌsɛlf əˈwɛə.nəs/

self-awareness

Meaning
Conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
Example
Self-awareness helps in understanding one's emotions and actions.
C1 verb /səbˈdjuː/

subdue

Meaning
To bring under control, especially by force; to overcome or quiet.
Example
The army was able to subdue the rebellion quickly.
C1 verb /smɛlt/

smelt

Meaning
to extract metal from its ore by heating and melting
Example
The workers smelt iron from its ore in the factory.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmwʌn/

someone

Meaning
a person, but not specifically known or named
Example
Someone left their umbrella in the hallway.
A1 noun /ˈswɪmɪŋ/

swimming

Meaning
the activity or sport of moving through water using the limbs
Example
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy.
B2 noun/verb /swɑːmp/

swamp

Meaning
An area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects; a bog or marsh.
Example
The village was built near a swamp.
C2 noun ˈsaɪəns ˈdezət

science-desert

Meaning
A region or area lacking in scientific development, research facilities, or educational institutions.
Example
J.C. Bose thrived in a science-desert.
B2 adjective /ˈsiː.z ə n.əl/

Seasonal

Meaning
relating to or occurring in a particular season; changing according to the seasons
Example
Many businesses hire seasonal workers during the holidays.
B1 noun ˈstæn.dədz

standards

Meaning
A level of quality or attainment; a required or agreed level of quality or attainment.
Example
High standards inspire competitors.
A2 noun /ˈstreɪndʒər/

Stranger

Meaning
a person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar
Example
Never take candy from a stranger.
A2 noun /stɛə/

stair

Meaning
a step or set of steps leading from one level to another
Example
He tripped on the stair and fell down.
B1 noun /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

Shadow

Meaning
a dark area where light is blocked by something; a person's silhouette
Example
The tree cast a long shadow across the garden in the evening.
A2 noun /stoʊn/

stone

Meaning
a hard, naturally occurring mineral material found in the earth
Example
He threw a stone into the lake.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.li.əns/

salience

Meaning
The quality of being particularly noticeable or important; prominence.
Example
The salience of the issue was highlighted in the debate.
C2 adjective /ˈsloʊθfəl/

slothful

Meaning
Lazy, idle, and unwilling to work.
Example
She was too slothful to get out of bed early.
C1 noun səˌsɛp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti

susceptibility

Meaning
The quality of being likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing; vulnerability.
Example
High susceptibility to infections requires extra care.
B2 noun /ˈskɒlərʃɪp/

scholarship

Meaning
an award or grant to support a student's education
Example
She received a scholarship to study abroad.
C1 verb /ˈsnɪkər/

snicker

Meaning
to laugh quietly in a disrespectful or mocking way
Example
The students snickered when the teacher made a mistake.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.krə.ni/

synchrony

Meaning
Coordination in time, harmony in action or movement.
Example
Their dance performance showed perfect synchrony.
A1 noun /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/

shopping

Meaning
the activity of going to shops to buy things
Example
She spent the afternoon shopping for clothes.
C2 noun /staɪn/

stein

Meaning
A large beer mug, typically made of glass or stoneware.
Example
He raised his stein to toast his friends.
C1 verb /səbˈsaɪd/

subside

Meaning
to become less intense, violent, or severe; to sink or fall to a lower level
Example
After the storm, the floodwaters began to subside.
C1 verb /spɔːn/

spawn

Meaning
to produce or generate, often in large numbers
Example
The video game has spawned many sequels.
B1 adjective /ˈspaɪ.si/

Spicy

Meaning
having a strong, hot flavor from spices; containing spices
Example
This curry is too spicy for me to eat.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfəld/

stifled

Meaning
to suppress, hold back, or prevent something from happening
Example
He stifled a laugh during the serious meeting.
A2 noun/verb/adjective /ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/ (noun), /səbˈdʒɛkt/ (verb)

subject

Meaning
noun: a topic or theme; verb: to cause to undergo; adjective: dependent or under authority
Example
The teacher introduced a new subject in class.
C1 adjective /sɛkˈtɛəriən/

sectarian

Meaning
relating to or characterized by the differences between sects, often leading to conflict
Example
The region has been troubled by sectarian violence for decades.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛriəˌtaɪpt/

stereotyped

Meaning
Conforming to a fixed or oversimplified idea of what someone or something is like.
Example
His stereotyped jokes failed to impress the audience.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

Meaning
To distract from the main subject or activity.
Example
She was sidetracked by an unexpected phone call.
C2 adjective /ˈsʌpliənt/

suppliant

Meaning
Humbly or earnestly asking for something, especially from a person in authority.
Example
The suppliant man begged for mercy at the king's feet.
B2 noun /sloʊp/

Slope

Meaning
an inclined surface; a piece of ground that is not level
Example
We walked up the steep slope of the mountain.
B2 adjective /ˈsɜːdʒɪkəl/

surgical

Meaning
relating to or involving surgery
Example
She underwent surgical treatment to repair the damage.
B2 noun /ˈsaɪd.laɪn/

sideline

Meaning
An activity done in addition to one's main job or area of work.
Example
The sideline discussions led to mutual understanding.
A2 verb /ʃʌt/

shut

Meaning
to close something, especially a door or window
Example
Please shut the door before you leave.
C1 adjective /ʃruːd/

Shrewd

Meaning
having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute
Example
The shrewd businessman made a profitable deal in the competitive market.
B2 adjective /swɪft/

swift

Meaning
moving very quickly; happening promptly
Example
The river current was swift after the heavy rain.
B2 noun /sɪˈver.ə.ti/

Severity

Meaning
the quality of being extremely serious or harsh; intensity of something bad
Example
The severity of the storm caused widespread damage across the city.
C1 adjective /ˈspɑːrtn/

spartan

Meaning
showing simplicity and lack of luxury; austere
Example
He lived in a spartan room with just a bed and a chair.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

scathing

Meaning
severely critical; harshly scornful
Example
The critic wrote a scathing review of the movie.
C1 verb /slaʊtʃ/

slouch

Meaning
To stand, sit, or move in a lazy or awkward way.
Example
He slouched in the chair, looking tired.
B2 verb /straɪd/

stride

Meaning
to walk with long, decisive steps; to make progress
Example
She strode confidently across the stage.
C1 verb /sərˈpæs/

surpass

Meaning
to exceed or go beyond
Example
Her performance surpassed all expectations.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛrid/

serried

Meaning
pressed or crowded together, often in rows or ranks
Example
The soldiers stood in serried ranks, ready for inspection.
B1 noun /seɪlz/

sales

Meaning
activities related to selling products or services
Example
The company saw a significant increase in sales during the holiday season.
A2 noun /skɜːrt/

Skirt

Meaning
a garment that hangs from the waist and covers part or all of the legs
Example
She chose a blue skirt to match her blouse.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf əbˈzɔːrbd/

self-absorbed

Meaning
Excessively preoccupied with oneself and one’s own thoughts, feelings, or interests.
Example
He was too self-absorbed to notice his friend's distress.
C1 noun /ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪtər/

speculator

Meaning
A person who forms theories without evidence, or invests in assets hoping for profit.
Example
The real estate speculator bought land hoping its value would rise.
B2 noun /ˌsɒl.ɪˈdær.ə.ti/

Solidarity

Meaning
unity or agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest
Example
The workers showed solidarity during the strike.
C1 noun ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti

sovereignty

Meaning
The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; supreme power or authority.
Example
Sovereignty is essential for a nation's identity.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ˈraɪtʃəs/

self-righteous

Meaning
Having or showing an attitude of moral superiority; believing one’s own beliefs are the only right ones.
Example
His self-righteous comments made everyone uncomfortable.
C2 noun /ˈswɑːvɪti/

suavity

Meaning
smoothness and charm in manner
Example
His suavity made him popular in social gatherings.
B1 verb /spred/

spread

Meaning
to extend over a larger area; to distribute; to apply
Example
The news spread quickly through the town.
C1 adjective /ˈskwiːmɪʃ/

squeamish

Meaning
easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted
Example
She felt squeamish at the sight of blood.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈstændɪŋ/

standing

Meaning
status, reputation, or position; also the act of being upright on the feet
Example
He has high standing in the community for his charity work.
C2 noun /sɪˈkwiːlə/

sequela

Meaning
A condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury.
Example
Lung scarring can be a sequela of severe pneumonia.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪz.mɪk/

seismic

Meaning
Relating to earthquakes or vibrations of the earth and its crust.
Example
The region is known for its seismic activity.
A2 noun /spiːtʃ/

Speech

Meaning
formal address or discourse delivered to an audience; the expression of thoughts in spoken words
Example
The president gave an inspiring speech to the nation.
A2 noun səˈsaɪəti

society

Meaning
The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.
Example
Society plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual's values.
B2 verb /ˈstreɪtən/

straighten

Meaning
to make something straight or tidy; to correct or organize
Example
She straightened her hair before the meeting.
B2 noun /ˈsæb.ə.tɑːʒ/

Sabotage

Meaning
deliberate destruction of equipment or disruption of activities
Example
The factory was shut down due to an act of sabotage.
C2 noun /sʌbˈɔːl.tən/

subaltern

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.
B2 noun, verb /slænt/

slant

Meaning
A particular point of view; to slope or lean in a particular direction.
Example
The article had a political slant.
B2 noun /ˈstrʌk.tʃərz/

structures

Meaning
Buildings or other objects constructed from several parts.
Example
The region has ancient structures.
A2 noun, verb /ʃɒt/

shot

Meaning
a single attempt to hit something, usually with a weapon or a ball
Example
He took a shot at the goal.
C1 noun /skraɪb/

scribe

Meaning
a person who writes documents, especially in ancient times; a professional copyist
Example
In ancient Egypt, scribes recorded important events.
B2 noun ˌspɛk.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

speculation

Meaning
Investment in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.
Example
Stock market speculation can lead to high volatility.
B2 adverb /ˈsmɑːt.li/

Smartly

Meaning
in a clever or intelligent way; neatly and stylishly; quickly
Example
He was smartly dressed for the business meeting.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːvənt/

servant

Meaning
a person who performs duties for others, especially in a household
Example
The servant opened the door for the guests.
A2 noun /seɪl/

sale

Meaning
the exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something
Example
The store is having a sale on winter clothing.
C1 noun ˈsʌb.tɛkst

subtext

Meaning
Hidden meaning or message behind spoken or written words
Example
The subtext of his speech suggested disagreement.
B2 adjective /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

Meaning
extremely cruel or violent; wild and fierce; uncivilized
Example
The savage attack shocked everyone.
B2 adverb /səbˈstænʃəli/

substantially

Meaning
to a great extent or degree
Example
The new policy has substantially improved working conditions.
C1 noun /ˈspiːʃiː/

specie

Meaning
money in the form of coins rather than notes or credit
Example
The transaction was made in specie.
B2 adjective /slɪm/

slim

Meaning
thin in an attractive or healthy way; small in amount or chance
Example
She looked slim in her new dress.
C1 verb/noun /skaʊl/

scowl

Meaning
To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
Example
She scowled when she heard the unfair remark.
C2 noun /ˌʃæŋɡriˈlɑː/

shangri-la

Meaning
a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life is perfect and peaceful
Example
They described the island as a modern-day Shangri-La.
C2 noun /sfɪˈrɒmɪtər/

spherometer

Meaning
An instrument used for measuring the curvature of spherical surfaces.
Example
The scientist used a spherometer to measure the lens curvature.
C2 verb /səˈbɔːrn/

suborn

Meaning
to bribe or induce someone unlawfully to perform an act, especially to commit perjury
Example
The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn a witness.
B2 noun /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛndənt/

superintendent

Meaning
a person who oversees, manages, or directs an organization, building, or project
Example
The superintendent visited the classrooms to check on progress.
B2 verb /skæn/

scan

Meaning
To look at something carefully or quickly; to digitally copy or capture an image or document.
Example
She scanned the document before sending it by email.
C1 verb /ˈspɪərˌhɛd/

spearhead

Meaning
to lead or initiate an action, project, or movement
Example
She spearheaded the campaign for environmental awareness.
B2 verb, noun /stæb/

stab

Meaning
to pierce or wound with a pointed weapon or object
Example
He was stabbed in the back during the altercation.
A1 noun /ˈsætərdeɪ/

saturday

Meaning
The day of the week between Friday and Sunday; traditionally the sixth day of the week
Example
We are going to the beach on Saturday.
A2 noun /suːt/

suit

Meaning
a set of clothes made of the same fabric, usually consisting of trousers and a jacket
Example
He wore a black suit to the wedding.
C2 adjective /ˌstætʃuˈɛsk/

statuesque

Meaning
Having the grace, beauty, or dignity of a statue; tall and attractively proportioned.
Example
She had a statuesque figure that turned heads wherever she went.
C2 noun /ˌsɪɡnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

signification

Meaning
the meaning or sense conveyed by a word, action, or symbol
Example
The signification of the gesture was misunderstood.
C1 adjective /ˈskɔːrnfəl/

Scornful

Meaning
showing contempt or disdain; expressing scorn
Example
She gave him a scornful look when he made the rude comment.
C1 noun ˈsɪnədʒi

synergy

Meaning
The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Example
The synergy between the two companies led to a successful partnership.
B1 noun ˈsaɪləns

silence

Meaning
Complete absence of sound; quietness.
Example
Silence filled the air near the graves.
A2 noun steɪt

state

Meaning
A nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.
Example
The state declared a new language policy.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌb.sɪ.kwənt/

subsequent

Meaning
Coming after something in time; following in time or order.
Example
Subsequent events clarified the outcomes.