self-effacing
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C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/

self-effacing

Meaning
not drawing attention to oneself; modest
Example
Despite his success, he remained self-effacing and humble.
B1 noun /stoʊv/

Stove

Meaning
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food by applying heat
Example
She cooked dinner on the gas stove.
B2 noun /ˈsiːkər/

seeker

Meaning
a person who is looking for something, especially knowledge or truth
Example
The seeker traveled far to find the answers to his questions.
B2 adjective /ˈsændi/

Sandy

Meaning
covered with sand; containing sand; having the texture of sand
Example
The sandy beach stretched for miles along the coast.
C1 noun /ˈsɒl.ɪs/

Solace

Meaning
comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness
Example
She found solace in music after her loss.
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.
B1 noun /ˈsʌn.laɪt/

sunlight

Meaning
Direct light from the sun.
Example
Sunlight does not reach the abyssal depths of the ocean.
B1 noun /ˈsteɪtəs/

status

Meaning
the social or professional position or condition of someone or something
Example
His social status improved after the promotion.
C2 noun /sælv/

salve

Meaning
An ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.
Example
She applied a salve to the burn on her hand.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

Meaning
a doctor who performs medical operations
Example
The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.
B2 adjective /ˈstɑːrtəld/

startled

Meaning
suddenly shocked or surprised by something unexpected
Example
She was startled by the loud noise outside.
B2 adjective /self səˈfɪʃənt/

Self-sufficient

Meaning
able to provide for oneself without depending on others
Example
The farm is completely self-sufficient in producing vegetables.
C2 verb /ˈsʌpjʊˌreɪt/

suppurate

Meaning
to form or discharge pus, usually as a result of infection
Example
The wound began to suppurate after a few days.
B2 adverb ˌsɪməlˈteɪnɪəsli

simultaneously

Meaning
At the same time; occurring or existing at the same time.
Example
He worked on two projects simultaneously.
A2 adjective /ˈsep.ər.ət/

Separate

Meaning
distinct; not connected; individual; apart
Example
Please keep your personal and professional lives separate.
B2 noun /səbˈskraɪbər/

subscriber

Meaning
a person who receives or subscribes to a service, magazine, or service
Example
She is a subscriber to the monthly magazine.
C1 verb /sʌlk/

sulk

Meaning
to be silent and bad-tempered because you are angry or disappointed
Example
She sulked in her room after the argument.
B1 noun /ʃel/

Shell

Meaning
hard outer covering of an animal; explosive projectile for a gun
Example
The artillery fired a shell at the enemy position.
C1 noun /ˈsɛvərəns/

severance

Meaning
the act of ending something, especially a relationship or employment; compensation paid upon termination
Example
The company offered him severance pay after his job ended.
C1 noun /səˈrɛn.ɪ.ti/

serenity

Meaning
The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Example
Meditation helps in achieving inner serenity.
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 adjective /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/

striking

Meaning
very noticeable or impressive in appearance or effect
Example
Her striking beauty caught everyone's attention.
B2 verb /stɪŋ/

sting

Meaning
to pierce with a sharp point; to cause sharp pain
Example
The bee stung him on his arm while he was gardening.
C1 adjective ˈsɒvrɪn

sovereign

Meaning
Possessing supreme or ultimate power; independent.
Example
The sovereign government has control over its currency.
C1 noun /ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

saboteur

Meaning
A person who engages in sabotage.
Example
The saboteur was arrested before he could plant the bomb.
C2 adjective /ˈslɪpʃɒd/

slipshod

Meaning
done in a careless, sloppy, or untidy way
Example
The project failed due to slipshod planning.
C2 noun /skʌlˈdʌɡəri/

skulduggery

Meaning
underhanded or dishonest behavior
Example
The politician was accused of financial skulduggery.
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.
A1 verb /siː/

see

Meaning
to perceive with the eyes; to understand; to meet
Example
I can see the mountain from here.
C1 verb /səbˈvɜːrt/

subvert

Meaning
to undermine or overthrow an established system, authority, or institution
Example
The rebels tried to subvert the government.
A2 verb /siːm/

seem

Meaning
to give the impression of being something or having a particular quality
Example
He seems tired after the long journey.
C2 adjective /ˈsteɪ.dʒi/

stagy

Meaning
Overly theatrical, artificial, or exaggerated in manner or style.
Example
Her performance felt stagy and unnatural.
C2 adjective /ˈʃɪft.ləs/

shiftless

Meaning
Lacking ambition or the ability to accomplish anything; lazy and unmotivated.
Example
He was seen as a shiftless young man with no goals.
B2 noun /səˈvaɪvl/

survival

Meaning
the state of continuing to live or exist, typically in difficult conditions
Example
Survival in the wild can be a challenging experience.
A2 adverb /ˈsɪm.pli/

Simply

Meaning
in a clear and easy way; merely; just
Example
I simply wanted to help you with your homework.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːrmən/

sermon

Meaning
A religious discourse delivered by a preacher, often offering moral instruction or spiritual guidance.
Example
The pastor gave a moving sermon about compassion and forgiveness.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrvɪsəbl/

serviceable

Meaning
fit for use; usable; in working order
Example
The old bicycle is still serviceable despite its age.
B2 adjective/noun /staʊt/

stout

Meaning
Strong, thick, or heavily built; also a kind of dark beer
Example
The stout man lifted the heavy box with ease.
C2 noun /səˈnɛs.əns/

senescence

Meaning
The process of growing old or the condition of aging.
Example
The biologist studied senescence in plants to understand aging.
B2 noun /stɪŋk/

Stink

Meaning
a strong unpleasant smell; bad odor
Example
The garbage created a terrible stink in the kitchen.
B2 adjective ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs

simultaneous

Meaning
Occurring, operating, or done at the same time.
Example
Simultaneous crop failures affect global food supply.
B1 verb /sɪŋk/

sink

Meaning
to go down below the surface; to descend
Example
The ship sinks in the deep ocean.
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 /skwɔːl/

squall

Meaning
a sudden violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet
Example
A sudden squall caught the sailors off guard.
B2 phrase ˈsɛvən ˈhæbɪts

seven habits

Meaning
Regular behaviors or actions that are done consistently over time, specifically referring to a set of seven key practices.
Example
Even habits help in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
C1 noun /ˈsɔː.dʌst/

sawdust

Meaning
The tiny particles of wood produced by sawing or sanding.
Example
The floor was covered with sawdust from the carpentry work.
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.
B1 adjective ˈsʌb.mə.riːn

submarine

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or used underwater, especially in relation to vessels or cables.
Example
Submarine cables facilitate international communication.
A2 noun /ˈsuːt.keɪs/

suitcase

Meaning
A portable rectangular container for carrying clothes and personal items when traveling
Example
She packed her clothes into a suitcase for the trip.
C1 verb /səˈkʌm/

succumb

Meaning
To give in to pressure, temptation, or illness; to yield or fail to resist.
Example
He finally succumbed to his illness after a long struggle.
B2 noun /ˈseɡ.mənt/

Segment

Meaning
each of the parts into which something is divided; a section or portion
Example
The orange was divided into eight segments.
B1 noun /ˈslɪpər/

Slipper

Meaning
light, comfortable shoe without a back, worn indoors
Example
She put on her slippers before walking around the house.
C1 adjective skiˈmæt.ɪk

Schematic

Meaning
Presenting some framework or concept briefly
Example
The engineer provided a schematic diagram of the project.
B2 verb /ˈsɒfən/

soften

Meaning
to make or become less hard, severe, or strong.
Example
Heat will soften the butter quickly.
B1 noun sɪˈlek.ʃən

selection

Meaning
The action or fact of carefully choosing someone or something as being the best or most suitable.
Example
The selection process is based on merit.
B2 adjective /ˈsɒl.ɪ.ter.i/

Solitary

Meaning
alone; without companions; single; isolated
Example
He lived a solitary life in the mountains.
C1 verb /spɜːr/

spur

Meaning
To encourage or motivate someone to take action.
Example
The teacher's praise spurred him to study harder.
A1 verb /seɪv/

save

Meaning
to rescue from danger; to keep for future use
Example
It's important to save money for emergencies.
C1 verb /ˈsɛvər/

sever

Meaning
to cut off or separate, especially by cutting; to end a connection or relationship
Example
He had to sever ties with the company after the dispute.
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.
B1 noun /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/

Signal

Meaning
a gesture, action, or sound that conveys information or instruction
Example
The traffic signal turned red, so we stopped.
B2 adverb /ˈsoʊʃəli/

socially

Meaning
in a way that relates to society or social interaction
Example
He is very active socially and attends many events.
C1 verb /ˈseɪ.vər/

savor

Meaning
To enjoy something completely, especially by dwelling on it.
Example
He savored every bite of the delicious cake.
C1 adjective /stɔːntʃ/

staunch

Meaning
Loyal, committed, and firm in support.
Example
She is a staunch supporter of environmental protection.
C1 noun ˌsɛlf.rɪˈstreɪnt

self-restraint

Meaning
The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically an impulse or desire.
Example
Practicing self-restraint helps in avoiding impulsive decisions.
B2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊ.ɪŋ/

sewing

Meaning
The activity or skill of joining fabric using a needle and thread
Example
She enjoys sewing her own clothes on weekends.
B2 noun /spɑːrk/

Spark

Meaning
a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire; a flash of light; something that triggers or initiates
Example
A spark from the campfire ignited the dry leaves.
C1 adjective /ˈsæv.i/

savvy

Meaning
Having practical knowledge and the ability to make good judgments.
Example
She is a tech-savvy entrepreneur.
A2 adjective /skɛrd/

scared

Meaning
feeling afraid or worried
Example
She was scared of the dark.
C1 noun ˌsʌb.sɪ.dɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

subsidization

Meaning
Financial assistance provided by government to make certain goods or services more affordable.
Example
Subsidization of agriculture helps farmers maintain crop production.
B2 noun /ˈsɪr.i.əs.nəs/

Seriousness

Meaning
the quality of being serious; gravity; importance
Example
The seriousness of the situation became clear when the doctor spoke.
B2 verb /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/

succeeding

Meaning
coming after or following in order; continuing to succeed
Example
In the succeeding years, the company expanded rapidly.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛreɪtɪd/

serrated

Meaning
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
Example
The bread knife had a serrated blade.
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.
C1 noun /stɛntʃ/

stench

Meaning
A very strong and unpleasant smell.
Example
The stench of garbage filled the alley.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪli/

Silly

Meaning
foolish; lacking good sense or judgement
Example
Don't be silly, of course you can do it!
C1 verb /snʌb/

snub

Meaning
to insult or ignore someone by treating them rudely
Example
He felt hurt when his invitation was snubbed.
C1 noun /ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/

skepticism

Meaning
A skeptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something.
Example
His skepticism about new technology often makes him resistant to change.
A2 noun /ˈsoʊ.fə/

Sofa

Meaning
a long upholstered seat for more than one person
Example
The family gathered on the sofa to watch TV.
C1 adjective /ˈsnɒbɪʃ/

snobbish

Meaning
having or showing the attitude of people who think they are better than others
Example
She seemed snobbish because she avoided talking to the waiters.
C1 noun /səˈprɛʃən/

suppression

Meaning
the act of forcibly stopping something or holding back feelings or actions
Example
The suppression of free speech led to protests.
B2 noun /ˈskɛlɪtən/

skeleton

Meaning
The internal framework of bones that supports the body of a human or animal.
Example
The teacher showed the students a human skeleton in the biology class.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːri/

Saree

Meaning
a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from South Asia
Example
She looked elegant in her red silk saree at the festival.
C2 adjective /ˌseɪpiˈɛnʃəl/

sapiential

Meaning
Relating to wisdom or knowledge, often in a religious or philosophical sense.
Example
The monk shared sapiential teachings with his students.
C1 adjective /ˈʃeɪm.ləs/

Shameless

Meaning
having no shame; bold and rude; impudent
Example
The shameless politician refused to apologize for his mistakes.
C2 adjective /ˌsuː.pər.ɪˈrɑː.ɡə.tɔːr.i/

supererogatory

Meaning
Going beyond what is required or expected; more than necessary.
Example
His donation was supererogatory, far beyond what anyone had asked for.
B2 adjective ˈstrʌktʃərəl

structural

Meaning
Relating to or forming part of a structure.
Example
The structural integrity of the bridge was tested after the storm.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfrədʒɪst/

suffragist

Meaning
a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women
Example
The suffragists organized rallies to demand voting rights for women.
B2 verb /ˈskroʊlɪŋ/

scrolling

Meaning
Moving through content on a screen by sliding up or down.
Example
Scrolling through feeds wastes a lot of time.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
B2 adjective /sɪˈlek.tɪv/

Selective

Meaning
relating to or involving careful selection; choosy about what to accept
Example
The university has a selective admission process for new students.
A1 adjective /ʃɔːrt/

Short

Meaning
having a small length, height, or duration; not long
Example
The meeting was very short, lasting only ten minutes.
B2 verb səˈsteɪnd

sustained

Meaning
Strengthened and supported; not allowed to weaken or fail.
Example
The proposal was not sustained.
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.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪ.biːz/

Scabies

Meaning
a contagious skin disease caused by mites that causes intense itching
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with scabies after examining the rash.
C1 adjective /səˈriːn/

serene

Meaning
Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
Example
The lake had a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
C1 verb /sɪˈkriːt/

secrete

Meaning
to produce and release a substance from a cell, gland, or organ
Example
The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
B1 noun /ˈsʌb.weɪ/

Subway

Meaning
an underground railway system; an underground passage for pedestrians
Example
I take the subway to work every morning because it's faster than driving.
A2 adverb /ˈsɪə.ri.əs.li/

seriously

Meaning
in a solemn or thoughtful manner
Example
She took the matter very seriously.
B1 verb /spɔɪl/

spoil

Meaning
to damage or ruin something
Example
The rain spoiled the outdoor event.
C2 adjective /səˈleɪʃəs/

salacious

Meaning
Having or conveying undue or inappropriate sexual interest.
Example
The tabloid published a salacious story about the celebrity.
C2 noun /ʃiːt fɪʃ/

Sheat-fish

Meaning
A large freshwater catfish with a broad flat head and long barbels
Example
The sheat-fish is one of the largest freshwater fish in South Asia.
B2 verb /stroʊk/

stroke

Meaning
to move your hand gently over something; to hit or touch something gently
Example
She stroked the cat's fur gently.
C1 verb/noun /ˈswæɡ.ər/

swagger

Meaning
To walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant way.
Example
He swaggered into the room as if he owned the place.
C2 verb /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪt/

scintillate

Meaning
to sparkle or shine brightly; to emit flashes of light
Example
The diamond ring scintillated under the bright lights.
C1 verb /smɜrk/

smirk

Meaning
to smile in a self-satisfied, smug, or silly way
Example
He smirked when he won the argument.
B2 adverb /ˈsiː.mɪŋ.li/

seemingly

Meaning
appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
Example
He was seemingly calm despite the chaos around him.
B2 noun ˈsɛv.ən ˈwʌn.dərz

Seven Wonders

Meaning
The seven most remarkable and famous structures in the world, representing architectural feats and cultural significance.
Example
The Seven Wonders of the world reflect human brilliance.
C2 noun /ˈsɑːrdʒənt ət ɑːrmz/

sergeant-at-arms

Meaning
An officer responsible for maintaining order during meetings or legislative sessions.
Example
The sergeant-at-arms escorted the disruptive member out of the hall.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
B2 noun /ˌsuː.pərˈstɪʃ.ən/

Superstition

Meaning
a belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural
Example
Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck is a common superstition.
A2 verb /stʌk/

stuck

Meaning
unable to move; fixed in one position; unable to continue
Example
The door is stuck and won't open.
C1 noun /ˈseɪ.tən/

Satan

Meaning
the chief evil spirit; the Devil in Christian and Islamic belief
Example
According to religious texts, Satan tempts people to sin.
B2 noun /ˈsiː.mən/

Seaman

Meaning
a person who works on a ship; sailor
Example
The experienced seaman navigated the ship through the storm.
C2 noun /sɪˈrɒkoʊ/

sirocco

Meaning
A hot, dry wind blowing from North Africa across the Mediterranean to southern Europe.
Example
The sirocco made the city unbearably hot and dusty.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːdəˈrɪfɪk/

sudorific

Meaning
causing or increasing sweating
Example
The doctor prescribed a sudorific drug to help reduce the fever.
B2 noun /ˈʃʌv.əl/

Shovel

Meaning
a tool with a broad flat blade and long handle used for digging and moving earth, snow, or other materials
Example
He grabbed a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway.
B2 noun /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl.ɪ.zəm/

socialism

Meaning
An economic system where the means of production are owned by the state or community.
Example
In socialism, resources are distributed equally among citizens.
C1 verb /sərˈmaɪz/

surmise

Meaning
to suppose something is true without having evidence
Example
She surmised that he was not coming to the meeting.
B2 noun /sɜːˈveɪ.ləns/

surveillance

Meaning
Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal; continuous watching of a place, person, or situation.
Example
Government agencies conduct surveillance on cyber threats.
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.