self-esteem
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B2 noun /ˌsɛlf ɪˈstiːm/

self-esteem

Meaning
confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect
Example
Building self-esteem takes time and consistent effort.
B2 noun /ˈspəʊksmən/

spokesman

Meaning
a person who speaks on behalf of others, especially for a group or organization
Example
The spokesman addressed the crowd during the rally.
B2 verb /soʊ/

sow

Meaning
to plant seeds in the ground; to scatter seeds for growing
Example
The farmer will sow wheat seeds in the field tomorrow.
B2 adverb /ˈskeəs.li/

Scarcely

Meaning
hardly; barely; only just
Example
I could scarcely believe my eyes.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

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

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
B2 verb /ˈʃʌfəl/

shuffle

Meaning
to walk by dragging one's feet along or without lifting them fully; to mix or rearrange
Example
He shuffled the cards before dealing them.
B2 adverb /ˈstrɪktli/

strictly

Meaning
in a way that follows rules or limits completely
Example
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building.
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.
B2 noun /ˈspɛktrəm/

spectrum

Meaning
A range of different things, often related to colors, ideas, or classifications.
Example
The festival attracted people from across the political spectrum.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmptəm/

symptom

Meaning
a sign or indication of something, especially of an illness
Example
Fever is a common symptom of the flu.
B2 noun /ˈskriːnɪŋ/

screening

Meaning
the act of examining or testing people to detect disease or evaluate suitability; a showing of a movie or program
Example
The hospital offered free health screening for all employees.
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.
B2 noun /ˈʃuːtɪŋ/

shooting

Meaning
the action of shooting a gun, camera, or similar device
Example
The shooting of the movie took several months.
B2 noun /ˈskɔːr.pi.ən/

Scorpion

Meaning
a small creature with eight legs, two claws, and a curved tail with a poisonous sting
Example
The scorpion hid under the rock during the day.
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.
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.
B2 noun /skwɒd/

squad

Meaning
a small group of people organized for a specific purpose or task, often in the military or sports
Example
The football squad trained hard before the championship match.
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.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈstaɪ.lɪʃ/

Stylish

Meaning
fashionable and attractive; having elegance or taste in appearance
Example
She wore a stylish dress to the party.
B2 adjective /ˈstɛdi/

steady

Meaning
firm, stable, and not likely to change suddenly
Example
He kept his hand steady while painting the picture.
B2 noun /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/

Separation

Meaning
the action or state of moving or being moved apart; the division of something into constituent or distinct elements
Example
The separation of the two countries was peaceful.
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 verb /skoʊld/

scold

Meaning
to criticize angrily; to rebuke
Example
The teacher scolded the students for being late.
B2 adjective /ʃɪər/

Sheer

Meaning
complete; absolute; transparent; very steep
Example
It was sheer luck that we found the place.
B2 verb /straɪv/

strive

Meaning
To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
Example
She strives to be the best student in her class.
B2 noun, adjective /ˈsoʊʃəlɪst/

socialist

Meaning
a person who advocates for socialism; relating to socialism
Example
He is a well-known socialist writer.
B2 noun /ˈsɛntəmənt/

Sentiment

Meaning
a feeling or opinion, especially one based on emotion; tender feelings of affection
Example
Public sentiment was strongly against the new policy.
B2 verb /stɪtʃ/

stitch

Meaning
to sew with needle and thread; to join pieces of fabric
Example
She will stitch the torn dress carefully.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːr.plʌs/

surplus

Meaning
An amount that is more than what is needed.
Example
The country has a surplus of food this year.
B2 verb /stɪə(r)/

steer

Meaning
to guide or control the movement of a vehicle, vessel, or person
Example
He steered the car carefully through the narrow street.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈskeptɪkəl/

Sceptical

Meaning
having doubts; not easily convinced; questioning the truth of something
Example
Many scientists remain sceptical about the new theory.
B2 noun /ˈstɛriəˌtaɪp/

stereotype

Meaning
A widely held but oversimplified and fixed idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Example
It is a stereotype that all gamers are antisocial.
B2 noun /ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃər/

Signature

Meaning
a person's name written in their own handwriting as identification or authorization
Example
Please put your signature at the bottom of the document.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmbəl/

Symbol

Meaning
a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process
Example
The dove is a symbol of peace.
B2 verb /ˈsmʌɡəl/

smuggle

Meaning
to move goods illegally into or out of a country
Example
The gang tried to smuggle gold across the border.
B2 adverb /ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli/

subsequently

Meaning
at a later time; afterward
Example
He failed his exam and subsequently had to retake it.
B2 adverb /səbˈstænʃəli/

substantially

Meaning
to a great extent or degree
Example
The new policy has substantially improved working conditions.
B2 verb /ˈsprɪŋkəl/

sprinkle

Meaning
to scatter small drops or particles of a substance over a surface
Example
She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake.
B2 noun /ˈsætaɪər/

satire

Meaning
The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices.
Example
The play was a brilliant satire on modern politics.
B2 verb /ʃɛd/

shed

Meaning
to let something fall off naturally, such as leaves, hair, or tears
Example
Trees shed their leaves in autumn.
B2 noun /skʌl/

Skull

Meaning
the bony framework of the head that protects the brain
Example
The doctor examined the skull X-ray carefully.
B2 adjective /stɪf/

Stiff

Meaning
not easily bent or changed; rigid; firm
Example
The old wooden board was too stiff to bend.
B2 adverb ˌsɪməlˈteɪnɪəsli

simultaneously

Meaning
At the same time; occurring or existing at the same time.
Example
He worked on two projects simultaneously.
B2 verb /sɑːb/

sob

Meaning
to cry noisily while taking short breaths
Example
She began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the news.
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, 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 /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 noun /sfɪər/

sphere

Meaning
a round, three-dimensional shape that is perfectly symmetrical around its center; an area of activity or knowledge
Example
The Earth is almost a perfect sphere.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

Meaning
extremely cruel or violent; wild and fierce; uncivilized
Example
The savage attack shocked everyone.
B2 noun ˈsækrɪfaɪs

sacrifice

Meaning
An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else.
Example
The country was freed due to the sacrifice of the warriors.
B2 adjective /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/

striking

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

sue

Meaning
to bring a lawsuit against someone in a court of law
Example
She decided to sue the company for damages.
B2 noun /sɛnˈseɪʃən/

Sensation

Meaning
a physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body; a widespread reaction of interest and excitement
Example
The new singer became an overnight sensation.
B2 adjective /skeərs/

Scarce

Meaning
rare; not easily found; existing in small quantities
Example
Fresh water is becoming increasingly scarce in desert regions.
B2 noun /ˈskuːtər/

scooter

Meaning
a small two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or electricity
Example
She rides a scooter to work every day.
B2 verb /siːz/

seize

Meaning
To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
Example
The police managed to seize the stolen goods.
B2 noun /steɪn/

Stain

Meaning
a colored patch or dirty mark that is difficult to remove; a blemish or damage to reputation
Example
There was a coffee stain on his white shirt.
B2 verb /ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪt/

speculate

Meaning
To form a theory or guess without firm evidence; to invest in stocks, property, etc. hoping for profit.
Example
Experts speculate that the company may expand into new markets.
B2 adjective, verb (past) /səˈspɛndɪd/

suspended

Meaning
Temporarily not allowed, stopped, or hanging.
Example
He was suspended from school for a week.
B2 noun /sɛnt/

scent

Meaning
a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one
Example
The scent of roses filled the garden.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnətər/

senator

Meaning
a member of a senate, especially in a legislative body
Example
The senator spoke passionately about environmental policies.
B2 verb /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/

specialize

Meaning
to focus on a particular subject or activity and become an expert in it
Example
He decided to specialize in cardiology.
B2 noun /strɔː/

straw

Meaning
a thin tube for sucking up liquids; dried stalks of grain plants
Example
She drank the juice through a straw.
B2 noun /slɛdʒ/

sledge

Meaning
a vehicle for traveling over snow, often pulled by animals
Example
The children rode a sledge down the snowy hill.
B2 adjective /steɪl/

Stale

Meaning
no longer fresh; lacking originality or novelty
Example
The bread became stale after sitting out for three days.
B2 noun /ˈstɑːrtər/

starter

Meaning
a person or thing that starts something; the first course of a meal
Example
The starter of the meal was a fresh salad.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɔːrt ˌtempərd/

Short-tempered

Meaning
quick to lose one's temper; easily angered
Example
She became short-tempered when the traffic made her late for the meeting.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪk.li/

Sickly

Meaning
weak and unhealthy; prone to illness; appearing weak or pale
Example
The sickly child needed extra care and attention.
B2 verb /spɪn/

spin

Meaning
To turn around quickly or cause something to rotate
Example
The dancer began to spin gracefully on the stage.
B2 noun /stɪŋk/

Stink

Meaning
a strong unpleasant smell; bad odor
Example
The garbage created a terrible stink in the kitchen.
B2 noun /swiːt/

suite

Meaning
a set of rooms designated for one person's or family's use or for a particular purpose
Example
They stayed in the presidential suite at the hotel.
B2 adjective /ˈstɑː.ri/

Starry

Meaning
full of stars; shining like stars; relating to stars
Example
We enjoyed the starry night sky while camping in the mountains.
B2 verb /stɑːv/

starve

Meaning
to suffer or die from lack of food
Example
He was left to starve in the desert.
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.
B2 verb /swaɪp/

swipe

Meaning
to move your finger across a touch screen or to hit with a sweeping motion
Example
He swiped left on the photo.
B2 adjective /sɔːr/

sore

Meaning
painful or aching, usually in a specific part of the body
Example
After the long run, my legs were sore.
B2 noun /spaɪt/

spite

Meaning
a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone
Example
She refused the gift out of spite.
B2 noun /səˈplaɪə(r)/

supplier

Meaning
a person or company that provides goods or services
Example
The supplier delivered the products on time.
B2 adjective /ˈslɒp.i/

Sloppy

Meaning
careless; messy; done without care or attention to detail
Example
His sloppy handwriting was difficult to read.
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.
B2 noun sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒən

soil erosion

Meaning
The wearing away of topsoil by water, wind, or other natural forces.
Example
Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile land.
B2 noun /ˈskʌlp.tər/

Sculptor

Meaning
an artist who creates sculptures by carving, modeling, or shaping materials
Example
The sculptor spent months creating a beautiful marble statue.
B2 adjective /səkˈsɛsɪv/

Successive

Meaning
following one after the other in order; consecutive
Example
The team won three successive matches.
B2 noun /ˈskaɪˌskreɪpər/

Skyscraper

Meaning
a very tall building of many stories
Example
The new skyscraper dominates the city's skyline.
B2 verb /səˈrɛndər/

surrender

Meaning
to give up or yield to an opponent or authority
Example
The army finally surrendered after weeks of fighting.
B2 adjective ˈstrʌktʃərd

structured

Meaning
Having a clear organization or framework; systematically arranged.
Example
A structured execution plan is crucial for success.
B2 noun /sliːv/

Sleeve

Meaning
the part of a garment that covers the arm
Example
She rolled up her sleeves before starting to cook.
B2 noun /speɪd/

Spade

Meaning
a tool with a flat blade for digging; a playing card suit
Example
The gardener used a spade to dig holes for planting flowers.
B2 noun /səˈspɛnʃən/

suspension

Meaning
The act of temporarily stopping something; also refers to a system in vehicles that absorbs shock.
Example
The player received a three-game suspension for misconduct.
B2 noun sɛlf rɪˈlaɪ.əns

self-reliance

Meaning
Reliance on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others; independence.
Example
Self-reliance helps build confidence.
B2 adverb /ˈstɛdɪli/

steadily

Meaning
in a regular and continuous way; without stopping or changing
Example
The company's profits have been increasing steadily.
B2 adjective /ˈʃeɪ.di/

Shady

Meaning
providing shade; dishonest; suspicious
Example
The shady businessman made a suspicious deal.
B2 noun ˌsɛlf ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn

self-discipline

Meaning
The ability to control one's emotions and behavior.
Example
Self-discipline is crucial for achieving long-term success.
B2 noun /sɔːrd/

Sword

Meaning
a weapon with a long metal blade and a handle, used for fighting
Example
The knight drew his sword to defend the castle.
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.
B2 noun /sɪv/

Seive

Meaning
a utensil consisting of a wire or plastic mesh held in a frame, used for straining solids from liquids
Example
She used a sieve to separate the flour from lumps.
B2 adjective /stɑːrk/

stark

Meaning
Severe, sharp, or clearly defined; plain and without any decoration.
Example
The stark contrast between poverty and wealth was evident in the city.
B2 noun /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/

solitude

Meaning
The state or situation of being alone.
Example
Solitude can provide the opportunity for deep reflection.
B2 adjective /ˈseɪ.krɪd/

Sacred

Meaning
connected with God or a god; considered holy; worthy of religious worship
Example
The sacred temple was visited by thousands of pilgrims.
B2 noun /sɪmˈplɪsɪti/

Simplicity

Meaning
the quality of being simple; lack of complexity or intricacy
Example
The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌb.ərn/

Stubborn

Meaning
refusing to change opinion or course of action; persistent; obstinate
Example
The stubborn child refused to eat his vegetables.
B2 noun /ˌsɪm.ɪˈlær.ə.ti/

Similarity

Meaning
the quality or state of being similar; resemblance
Example
There is a striking similarity between the two paintings.
B2 adjective /senˈseɪʃənəl/

Sensational

Meaning
causing great excitement or shock; extremely impressive
Example
The sensational performance left the audience speechless.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌt.əl/

subtle

Meaning
So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods.
Example
The artist's use of color was subtle yet powerful.
B2 adjective /stəˈtɪstɪkəl/

statistical

Meaning
relating to the use or analysis of numerical data
Example
The report provides statistical data about population growth.
B2 noun /ˈsloʊɡən/

slogan

Meaning
a short and memorable phrase used to promote a cause or product
Example
The campaign used a powerful slogan to inspire people.
B2 verb /ˈsteɪ.bə.laɪz/

stabilize

Meaning
to make something steady, secure, or unlikely to change suddenly
Example
The government took measures to stabilize the economy.
B2 verb /ˈskrɪbəl/

scribble

Meaning
to write or draw carelessly or quickly
Example
The child scribbled all over the wall.
B2 adjective /ˈʃeɪ.ki/

Shaky

Meaning
unstable; trembling; unreliable; weak
Example
His voice was shaky with nervousness.
B2 adjective /ˈspɒtɪd/

Spotted

Meaning
having spots or marks; noticed or seen
Example
The spotted leopard moved silently through the jungle.
B2 noun /ˈstɑːrt.ʌp/

startup

Meaning
A newly established business, especially a small technology or business company that is just beginning operations.
Example
The startup secured funding from investors.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/

shocking

Meaning
causing surprise or disbelief; startling
Example
The news of the accident was shocking to everyone.
B2 verb /straɪd/

stride

Meaning
to walk with long, decisive steps; to make progress
Example
She strode confidently across the stage.
B2 verb /ˈsʌfəkeɪt/

suffocate

Meaning
to cause someone to die or have difficulty breathing by depriving them of air
Example
The child nearly suffocated when trapped in the locked room.
B2 verb /sweɪ/

sway

Meaning
To move or cause to move slowly or rhythmically back and forth; to influence someone's opinion or decision.
Example
The trees swayed gently in the breeze.
B2 verb /ʃʌv/

shove

Meaning
to push someone or something roughly
Example
He shoved the box into the corner.