self-control
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B2 noun ˌsɛlf.kənˈtrəʊl

self-control

Meaning
The ability to control one's emotions, behavior, and desires in order to obtain some reward, or avoid some punishment, typically in the longer term.
Example
Self-control is important for maintaining a balanced life.
B2 noun, adjective /ˈsoʊʃəlɪst/

socialist

Meaning
a person who advocates for socialism; relating to socialism
Example
He is a well-known socialist writer.
C1 noun /stɪˈlɛtoʊ/

stiletto

Meaning
A small, thin, high-heeled shoe or a dagger with a slender blade.
Example
She wore elegant stiletto heels to the party.
A2 noun /saɪt/

sight

Meaning
the ability to see or something that is seen
Example
The sight of the sunset took her breath away.
B1 adverb /ˈʃɔːt.li/

Shortly

Meaning
soon; in a short time; briefly
Example
The meeting will begin shortly.
A1 noun /stɑːr/

Star

Meaning
a fixed luminous point in the night sky that produces light and heat through nuclear fusion
Example
Thousands of stars are visible in the clear night sky.
C1 noun ˈsɒl.vən.si

solvency

Meaning
The possession of assets in excess of liabilities; ability to pay debts.
Example
The company's solvency improved after restructuring.
B2 noun /ˈspɒnsəʃɪp/

sponsorship

Meaning
the act of supporting an event, activity, person, or organization financially or through other resources
Example
The event was made possible due to the sponsorship of several big companies.
B2 noun /suː.pɪər.iˈɔːr.ə.ti/

Superiority

Meaning
the quality or state of being superior; higher rank or quality
Example
His superiority in mathematics was evident from his test scores.
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.
B1 verb /ʃɪft/

shift

Meaning
To move or change from one place, position, or situation to another.
Example
She had to shift her focus to the new project.
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.
B1 verb /spaɪ/

spy

Meaning
to secretly collect information about a person, group, or country
Example
He was caught spying on his neighbor through the window.
C2 adjective /ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk/

sycophantic

Meaning
Behaving in a way that is excessively obedient or servile to gain favor.
Example
His sycophantic behavior annoyed his colleagues.
C2 adjective /ˈsɑːdn/

sodden

Meaning
thoroughly soaked or saturated with liquid
Example
His clothes were sodden after the heavy rain.
C2 noun /ˈʃaɪstər/

shyster

Meaning
a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous or dishonest methods
Example
The businessman was exposed as a shyster who cheated clients.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈsɛvənθ/

seventh

Meaning
constituting number seven in a sequence; coming after the sixth
Example
Her birthday is on the seventh of July.
C1 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
A2 adjective /ˈsep.ər.ət/

Separate

Meaning
distinct; not connected; individual; apart
Example
Please keep your personal and professional lives separate.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪpend/

Stipend

Meaning
a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance
Example
The research student receives a monthly stipend for living expenses.
C1 verb /ˈstæmər/

stammer

Meaning
To speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words.
Example
The nervous student began to stammer during his speech.
A1 adjective /sæd/

sad

Meaning
feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy
Example
She felt sad after hearing the bad news.
B2 adjective /steɪl/

Stale

Meaning
no longer fresh; lacking originality or novelty
Example
The bread became stale after sitting out for three days.
C1 noun /səbˈmɪtəl/

submittal

Meaning
the act of submitting something, especially a document for consideration or approval
Example
The contractor sent the submittal to the client for approval.
C1 adjective /ˈspeɪʃəl/

spatial

Meaning
relating to space or the position, area, and size of things
Example
The scientist studied the spatial arrangement of stars.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
B2 noun smɔːl ˈɛfərt

Small Effort

Meaning
Minor actions or initiatives that can collectively make a significant impact.
Example
Small efforts can bring big changes in butterfly conservation.
C1 adjective /ˈskænti/

Scanty

Meaning
small in size or amount; insufficient; barely adequate
Example
The refugee camp had scanty food supplies.
A2 verb /stʌk/

stuck

Meaning
unable to move; fixed in one position; unable to continue
Example
The door is stuck and won't open.
B1 noun /ˈsoʊ.lər ˌsɪs.təm/

Solar system

Meaning
the sun and all the planets, moons, asteroids and other objects that orbit around it
Example
Our solar system has eight planets orbiting the sun.
B2 adverb /ˈstrɪktli/

strictly

Meaning
in a way that follows rules or limits completely
Example
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building.
C1 noun /ʃɑːrd/

shard

Meaning
a broken piece of glass, metal, or pottery
Example
He cut his finger on a shard of glass.
B1 adverb /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/

significantly

Meaning
in a way that is large or important enough to have an effect
Example
The economy has significantly improved over the last decade.
B2 noun /səˈnɛərioʊ/

scenario

Meaning
a possible situation or sequence of events
Example
The company prepared for the worst-case scenario.
B1 noun /ˈsɛtɪŋ/

setting

Meaning
the environment or place where something happens
Example
The setting of the movie was a beautiful beach.
C1 verb /skwiːl/

squeal

Meaning
to make a high-pitched cry; to inform on someone
Example
The children squealed with delight when they saw the surprise.
C2 verb /səˈfjuːz/

suffuse

Meaning
to gradually spread through or over something
Example
A warm glow suffused her face as she smiled.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
C1 noun ˈsʌs.tɪ.nəns

Sustenance

Meaning
Food or support necessary for sustaining life
Example
Water is essential for human sustenance.
C2 noun /səbˈmɜːrʒən/

submersion

Meaning
the state of being under water
Example
The submersion of the fields lasted for several days after the heavy rain.
B2 noun səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

sustainability

Meaning
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance.
Example
Sustainability ensures long-term environmental health.
C2 adjective /ˈswɔːrði/

swarthy

Meaning
Having a dark complexion or skin tone.
Example
The sailor had a swarthy face from years under the sun.
B1 noun ˈseʃən

session

Meaning
A meeting of an official body, especially a legislature, council, or court of law, to conduct its business.
Example
The session was held on February 25.
C1 adjective ˈsɛd(ə)ntəri

sedentary

Meaning
Characterized by much sitting and little physical activity.
Example
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to numerous health problems.
C1 noun ˌsætʃəˈreɪʃən

saturation

Meaning
The state of being saturated; the degree or extent to which something is dissolved or absorbed
Example
The saturation of the market with similar products reduced sales.
C1 verb/noun /skɒtʃ/

scotch

Meaning
to put an end to something; also a type of whisky
Example
The report scotched the rumors of a merger.
C1 verb /ˌsuːpərˈsiːd/

supersede

Meaning
To replace or take the place of something because it is more modern or effective.
Example
This new law will supersede the old regulations.
B1 verb, adjective /spɛnt/

spent

Meaning
Past tense and past participle of 'spend'; also used as an adjective meaning exhausted or used up.
Example
She spent all her energy preparing for the exam.
A2 adjective /ˈʃaɪ.ni/

Shiny

Meaning
reflecting light; bright and polished; glossy
Example
The shiny new car caught everyone's attention.
B2 noun ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti

sensitivity

Meaning
The quality or condition of being sensitive; responsiveness to stimuli.
Example
Bose proved plant sensitivity through experiments.
C2 adjective /ˈspiːʃəs/

specious

Meaning
Superficially plausible but actually false; misleading in appearance.
Example
The politician’s argument was specious, sounding convincing but lacking real evidence.
C1 adverb /suːˈpɜːb.li/

Superbly

Meaning
in an excellent or outstanding manner
Example
She performed superbly in the dance competition.
C1 noun /ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/

shaving

Meaning
the act of removing hair with a razor; a thin strip or piece shaved from something
Example
He bought a new cream for shaving.
B1 noun /slaɪd/

Slide

Meaning
a smooth surface for sliding down; a piece of playground equipment
Example
The children enjoyed playing on the slide at the park.
C1 noun /stɛlθ/

stealth

Meaning
The act of moving, doing, or achieving something quietly and secretly.
Example
The cat moved with stealth towards its prey.
B1 verb /skriːm/

scream

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched sound, usually because of fear, pain, or excitement
Example
She screamed when she saw the spider.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛkʃʊəl/

sexual

Meaning
relating to the instincts, physiological processes, and activities connected with physical attraction or intimate physical contact between individuals
Example
The sexual health of individuals is an important topic in modern medicine.
B2 noun (plural) /skræps/

scraps

Meaning
Small pieces left over from something; also small fights or quarrels.
Example
The dog ate the scraps from the table.
B2 adverb /ˈsel.fɪʃ.li/

Selfishly

Meaning
in a selfish manner; caring only about oneself
Example
He selfishly took all the cookies.
C1 noun /ˈskaʊndrəl/

scoundrel

Meaning
a dishonest or unscrupulous person; a villain
Example
That scoundrel cheated the old man out of his savings.
C1 noun /ˈsɪmətri/

symmetry

Meaning
the quality of having balanced proportions or identical parts facing each other
Example
The building’s symmetry impressed the visitors.
C2 adjective /ˈskʌr.ɪ.ləs/

scurrilous

Meaning
Using or expressed in coarse, abusive, or slanderous language.
Example
The politician faced criticism for his scurrilous remarks about his opponent.
C1 noun stɔːrm ɪnˌtensɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

storm intensification

Meaning
The process by which storms become stronger and more severe in intensity.
Example
Storm intensification is linked to climate change.
C2 noun /sfɛˈrɪsɪti/

sphericity

Meaning
The quality or state of being spherical; roundness.
Example
The sphericity of the ball made it roll smoothly on the ground.
C1 noun/verb /ˈslʌmbər/

slumber

Meaning
A state of sleep; to sleep lightly or rest.
Example
The child slumbered peacefully through the night.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/

scintillating

Meaning
brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling
Example
Her scintillating conversation kept everyone entertained.
B2 noun ˈskruːtɪni

scrutiny

Meaning
Critical observation or examination
Example
The new law is under scrutiny by the legislative body.
C2 adjective sɑːˈtɔːrɪəl

sartorial

Meaning
Of or relating to clothing or style or manner of dress.
Example
His sartorial choices were always on trend and admired.
C1 noun /ˈspɛktər/

specter

Meaning
A ghost or spirit; something that causes fear or dread.
Example
The specter of war still haunts the region.
B2 verb /ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/

struggling

Meaning
Making forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction; having difficulty achieving something.
Example
Many regions are struggling with economic recovery.
C1 noun /ˈsɛmbləns/

Semblance

Meaning
the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Example
There was only a semblance of order in the chaotic office.
B1 noun /ˈsiː.hɔːrs/

Sea-horse

Meaning
a small marine fish with segmented bony armor, an upright posture, and a curled prehensile tail
Example
The seahorse gracefully floated among the coral reefs.
B2 verb /stæk/

stack

Meaning
to arrange things in a neat pile or one on top of another
Example
He stacked the books neatly on the shelf.
A2 noun /ˈsɪl.vər/

Silver

Meaning
a shiny white precious metal used for making jewelry and ornaments
Example
The silver ring sparkled in the sunlight.
C1 noun /ˈsækrɪlɪdʒ/

sacrilege

Meaning
Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
Example
Stealing from the temple was considered an act of sacrilege.
B1 adjective /sɪˈlek.tɪd/

selected

Meaning
carefully chosen from a group for a particular purpose
Example
He was one of the selected candidates for the scholarship.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
B2 verb /sniːk/

sneak

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed
Example
He tried to sneak into the house without waking anyone.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

something

Meaning
an unspecified or unknown thing
Example
I think something is wrong with my phone.
C1 noun /ˈsæf.rən/

Saffron

Meaning
a deep yellow-orange color; an expensive spice derived from crocus flowers
Example
The saffron fabric looked beautiful in the sunlight.
C1 noun /ˈstæl.i.ən/

stallion

Meaning
An adult male horse that is not castrated, often used for breeding.
Example
The farm owns a powerful stallion for breeding purposes.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪt.ləs/

Sightless

Meaning
unable to see; blind; lacking vision
Example
The sightless man navigated the street with his guide dog.
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.
B2 noun /sɪlk/

silk

Meaning
a fine, smooth fabric made from the threads produced by silkworms
Example
The dress was made of pure silk.
B2 adjective /suːˈpɪə.ri.ər/

Superior

Meaning
higher in rank, quality, or importance; better than average
Example
This product is superior to all others in the market.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɔːrt ˌsaɪtɪd/

Short-sighted

Meaning
lacking foresight or consideration for the future; myopic
Example
His short-sighted decision to quit school early affected his career prospects.
B1 adjective /ˈsekənderi/

secondary

Meaning
Less important than something else; derived from or dependent on something primary.
Example
Safety is our primary concern, while speed is only secondary.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnθɪsɪs/

synthesis

Meaning
The combination of ideas to form a theory or system.
Example
The synthesis of ideas from multiple perspectives led to innovation.
B1 adjective ˈʃɔːrt.tɜːrm

short-term

Meaning
Occurring over or involving a relatively short period of time.
Example
Investing in stocks can yield short-term profits.
B2 noun /ˈspætʃ.ʊ.lə/

Spatula

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or lifting food
Example
I used a spatula to flip the pancakes in the pan.
C2 noun /ˈsteɪtkraft/

statecraft

Meaning
The art of governing and managing state affairs effectively.
Example
The leader was praised for his exceptional statecraft in handling international relations.
C2 adjective /ˈsloʊθfəl/

slothful

Meaning
Lazy, idle, and unwilling to work.
Example
She was too slothful to get out of bed early.
A2 noun /ʃiːt/

sheet

Meaning
a large piece of cloth or paper, typically used to cover or protect something
Example
I need a clean sheet to cover the bed.
C1 verb /ˈskruː.tɪ.naɪz/

scrutinize

Meaning
Examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Example
The scientist scrutinized the data before publishing his findings.
B2 noun /ˈsɛsəmi sidz/

Sesame Seeds

Meaning
small edible seeds from the sesame plant used in cooking and baking
Example
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the bread before baking.
C2 verb /seɪt/

sate

Meaning
To satisfy fully or to excess.
Example
The huge meal sated their hunger after the long journey.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪŋɡəl/

single

Meaning
only one; not one of several
Example
She bought a single ticket for the concert.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒndər/

squander

Meaning
to waste money, time, or opportunities in a careless way
Example
He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
B1 noun /ˌsaʊθˈiːst/

southeast

Meaning
the direction that is between south and east; a region in that direction
Example
The city is located in the southeast of the country.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/

sidestep

Meaning
To avoid something by stepping aside; to evade a problem or question indirectly.
Example
The politician tried to sidestep the difficult question.
B2 adjective /stiːp/

steep

Meaning
Having a sharp inclination or high slope; also can mean excessive (as in price).
Example
The hikers climbed a steep mountain trail.
C1 adjective /ˈskɪtɪʃ/

skittish

Meaning
easily frightened or nervous; unpredictable
Example
The horse was too skittish to ride.
B1 verb /skrætʃ/

scratch

Meaning
to rub a surface or skin with something sharp or rough, often to relieve itching
Example
The cat scratched the door to be let in.
B1 verb/adjective /sɪˈkjʊər/

secure

Meaning
to make safe or protect; to fix something firmly in place
Example
Please secure the door before you leave.
A1 verb /spend/

spend

Meaning
to use money to buy something; to pass time
Example
I spend too much money on books.
B2 verb səˈpres

suppress

Meaning
To forcibly put an end to; to restrain or subdue.
Example
Authorities must suppress criminal activities in campuses.
B2 verb /səbˈskraɪb/

subscribe

Meaning
to pay to receive a service regularly; to agree with or support something
Example
I subscribe to several online magazines.
B2 verb /sæk/

sack

Meaning
to dismiss from a job; to put something in a sack
Example
The company sacked him for poor performance.
A2 noun /sneɪk/

Snake

Meaning
a long, legless reptile that moves by sliding along the ground
Example
The snake slithered through the grass quietly.
B2 noun /ˈspɛʃəlti/

specialty

Meaning
a particular area of study, work, or interest; something in which a person or place excels
Example
Her specialty is pediatric medicine.
C2 noun /ˈsætræp/

satrap

Meaning
a governor of a province in ancient Persia; also used figuratively for a subordinate ruler
Example
The king appointed a satrap to oversee the distant province.
B2 noun /səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/

surroundings

Meaning
The area around a person, place, or thing.
Example
She quickly adapted to her new surroundings.
C2 adjective /ˌsuː.pɚˈsɪl.i.əs/

supercilious

Meaning
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant and disdainful.
Example
She gave him a supercilious smile as if he was beneath her.
C2 verb /ˈsʌplɪˌkeɪt/

supplicate

Meaning
To ask for something earnestly or humbly, often in a religious context.
Example
The villagers supplicated the gods for rain during the drought.
A2 noun ˈsaɪən.tɪst

scientist

Meaning
A person who is studying or has expert knowledge of one or more of the natural or physical sciences.
Example
The scientist proposed data-driven reforms.
B1 verb /swɪtʃ/

switch

Meaning
to change from one thing to another; to exchange or replace
Example
I switched from coffee to tea.
C1 adjective /spɑːrs/

sparse

Meaning
thinly scattered or distributed; not dense or abundant
Example
Vegetation was sparse in the desert.
A2 adverb /ˈstrɒŋɡli/

strongly

Meaning
in a strong manner or to a great extent
Example
She strongly believes in the power of positive thinking.
B2 verb /ˈsʌməraɪz/

summarize

Meaning
To give a brief statement of the main points of something
Example
She summarized the report in just a few minutes.
C1 noun /səˈprɑːnoʊ/

soprano

Meaning
the highest female or boy’s singing voice
Example
She sang beautifully in the soprano range during the concert.