severe
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B2 adjective sɪˈvɪər

severe

Meaning
Very great; intense or extreme in degree.
Example
Without action, climate change impacts will become severe.
B2 adjective /səˈpɔːtɪv/

supportive

Meaning
providing encouragement or emotional help to someone
Example
She was very supportive during my difficult times.
B2 adverb /ˈskɪl.fəl.i/

Skilfully/US: Skillfully

Meaning
in a way that shows ability and training; expertly
Example
She skilfully painted the portrait in just two hours.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛksi/

sexy

Meaning
sexually attractive or exciting
Example
She wore a sexy red dress to the party.
A2 adverb /ˈʃʊə.li/

Surely

Meaning
without doubt; certainly
Example
You will surely pass the exam if you study hard.
C1 adjective /səˈnɔːrəs/

sonorous

Meaning
Deep, full, and rich in sound.
Example
The actor's sonorous voice filled the entire theater.
C1 verb /ˈskʌt.əl/

scuttle

Meaning
To run hurriedly with short, quick steps; or to deliberately sink a ship.
Example
The children scuttled back to their seats when the teacher entered.
C2 noun /sɪˈnɛrəsɪs/

syneresis

Meaning
The contraction of two adjacent vowels into a single syllable or the separation of liquid from a gel.
Example
The yogurt showed syneresis when liquid separated on top.
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.
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 /stjuːˈpɪdəti/

stupidity

Meaning
lack of intelligence or common sense
Example
His stupidity caused a lot of problems for the team.
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 adjective /ˈstʌb.ərn/

Stubborn

Meaning
refusing to change opinion or course of action; persistent; obstinate
Example
The stubborn child refused to eat his vegetables.
C1 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈsɒn.ɪk/

Supersonic

Meaning
faster than the speed of sound; relating to speeds greater than the speed of sound
Example
The supersonic jet broke the sound barrier.
B1 verb /stæmp/

stamp

Meaning
To bring down (one's foot) heavily on the ground; to imprint a mark or seal.
Example
She stamped her foot in frustration.
C2 noun /ˈsiːkənt/

secant

Meaning
A straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points.
Example
In geometry, a secant cuts the circle at two distinct points.
C2 adjective ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs

surreptitious

Meaning
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; done stealthily.
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at his notes.
A2 noun /ˈsæd.nəs/

Sadness

Meaning
feeling of sorrow, unhappiness, or grief
Example
Her sadness was evident after hearing the bad news.
A2 noun /ˈsiː.nər.i/

Scenery

Meaning
the natural features of a landscape; the painted background used on a theater stage
Example
The mountain scenery was breathtakingly beautiful.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
A2 noun /ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/

Situation

Meaning
a set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs
Example
We need to assess the current situation before making any decisions.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːrsəri/

sorcery

Meaning
the use of magical powers, especially through spells and enchantments
Example
The villagers believed the illness was caused by sorcery.
C1 adjective /ˈstɪndʒi/

stingy

Meaning
unwilling to spend or give; miserly
Example
He is too stingy to buy a gift for his friend.
C1 noun /stɑːr ˈæn.ɪs/

Star Anise

Meaning
star-shaped spice pod with a licorice-like flavor used in cooking
Example
She added star anise to the soup for aromatic flavor.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

Meaning
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
Example
The new regulations could stymie small businesses.
C1 adjective /stjuːˈpɛndəs/

stupendous

Meaning
extremely impressive; amazing in size, degree, or excellence
Example
The magician’s performance was simply stupendous.
B2 noun /ˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃən/

simulation

Meaning
the imitation of a situation or process
Example
The simulation helped the students understand the complex theory.
B2 noun ˈsiːzənəl ˈvedʒtəbəlz

seasonal vegetables

Meaning
Vegetables that grow during specific seasons or times of the year
Example
Seasonal vegetables grow abundantly in winter.
B2 adjective /ˌsen.tɪˈmen.təl/

Sentimental

Meaning
having tender feelings; being emotional about memories or experiences
Example
She became sentimental when looking at old family photographs.
B2 noun /ˈskændəl/

scandal

Meaning
an event or action that causes public outrage or damage to one's reputation
Example
The politician's affair became a public scandal.
B2 adjective /stɜːrn/

Stern

Meaning
serious and demanding exact conformity to rules; strict and severe
Example
The teacher gave the students a stern warning about cheating.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌn.dri/

sundry

Meaning
Various or miscellaneous.
Example
The shop sells fruits, clothes, and sundry items.
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 /ˌsæpəˈneɪʃəs/

saponaceous

Meaning
Soapy or having the qualities of soap.
Example
The plant has saponaceous leaves that produce foam when rubbed in water.
B2 noun /spaɪn/

Spine

Meaning
the backbone or vertebral column of a vertebrate; the central support of a structure
Example
She injured her spine in the accident.
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 noun /strɔː/

straw

Meaning
a thin tube for sucking up liquids; dried stalks of grain plants
Example
She drank the juice through a straw.
C2 adjective /sɪər/

sere

Meaning
Dry or withered, especially vegetation.
Example
The sere leaves crumbled under his feet.
B2 adjective /ˈstɑːrtəld/

startled

Meaning
suddenly shocked or surprised by something unexpected
Example
She was startled by the loud noise outside.
C1 verb /ˈswɛltər/

swelter

Meaning
to suffer from intense heat
Example
We began to swelter in the midday sun.
A1 adjective /stɪl/

still

Meaning
not moving or making a sound
Example
The water was still, reflecting the sky.
A1 noun /ˈsɪstər/

sister

Meaning
a female sibling; a girl or woman in relation to other children of her parents
Example
My sister is coming to visit us next week.
B2 verb /ˈskætər/

scatter

Meaning
to spread or throw around in different directions
Example
The wind scattered the leaves across the yard.
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 /ˈsɪbɪləns/

sibilance

Meaning
A hissing or hushing sound, especially in speech with 's' or 'sh'.
Example
The poet used sibilance to create a soft, hissing effect in the verse.
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.
B2 adjective /ʃɪər/

Sheer

Meaning
complete; absolute; transparent; very steep
Example
It was sheer luck that we found the place.
C1 noun /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/

Sanction

Meaning
official permission or approval; a penalty for disobeying a rule
Example
The government imposed economic sanctions on the country.
C1 noun /ˌspɒn.təˈneɪ.ɪ.ti/

spontaneity

Meaning
The quality of being spontaneous; natural and unplanned behavior.
Example
His spontaneity makes him a great conversationalist.
C2 noun /skriːd/

screed

Meaning
a long, tedious piece of writing or speech; also a layer of material like cement spread on a surface
Example
He delivered a long screed against corruption.
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 /ˈʃeɪ.di/

Shady

Meaning
providing shade; dishonest; suspicious
Example
The shady businessman made a suspicious deal.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌltri/

sultry

Meaning
Uncomfortably hot and humid; also describes someone attractive in a passionate or sensual way.
Example
The sultry weather made it hard to focus on work.
B1 noun /ˈsʌp.ər/

Supper

Meaning
an evening meal, typically a light or informal one
Example
We usually have supper around seven o'clock.
B1 noun /ˈspɪr.ɪt/

Spirit

Meaning
the non-physical part of a person; enthusiasm or courage; the essential character of something
Example
The team showed great spirit despite losing the match.
B2 noun /səkˈsɛʃ.ən/

succession

Meaning
The process of ecological change in which one community of organisms is gradually replaced by another.
Example
Forest succession occurs when old ecosystems are replaced by new ones.
C1 noun ˈsæŋktɪti

sanctity

Meaning
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly; ultimate importance.
Example
The sanctity of life should never be compromised.
C1 adjective /stiːpt/

steeped

Meaning
Completely surrounded by or filled with a particular quality, influence, or experience.
Example
The town is steeped in history and tradition.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛpərəbəl/

separable

Meaning
Capable of being separated or divided.
Example
The two issues are separable and should be discussed independently.
C1 noun /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/

sustainable agriculture

Meaning
Farming practices that meet current food needs while preserving environmental resources and maintaining the ability to produce food for future generations through ecologically sound methods.
Example
Sustainable agriculture practices protect the environment while ensuring food security.
A2 noun/verb /sɛns/

sense

Meaning
A faculty by which the body perceives external stimuli; or to perceive something without being told.
Example
She had a strong sense of responsibility.
B2 noun /skrɪpt/

script

Meaning
The written text of a play, film, or broadcast; handwriting style.
Example
The actor memorized his lines from the script.
C2 adjective /ˈsmɑːrmi/

smarmy

Meaning
Excessively flattering or ingratiating, often insincerely.
Example
The salesman gave a smarmy pitch that felt fake.
A2 noun səkˈsɛs

success

Meaning
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose; the attainment of popularity or profit
Example
Success requires focus and determination.
B1 noun /ˈskwɪr.əl/

Squirrel

Meaning
a small agile tree-dwelling rodent with a long bushy tail
Example
The squirrel gathered nuts for winter.
B2 adjective /ˈskeptɪkəl/

Sceptical

Meaning
having doubts; not easily convinced; questioning the truth of something
Example
Many scientists remain sceptical about the new theory.
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.
A1 adjective /ʃʊr/

Sure

Meaning
completely confident that something is true; certain; definitely true
Example
I am sure that he will come tomorrow.
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.
B2 noun steɪks

stakes

Meaning
A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground.
Example
The stakes were high for the success of the project.
A1 noun /sʌn/

son

Meaning
a male child of a parent
Example
His son is very talented in music.
C1 noun/verb /ˈslʌmbər/

slumber

Meaning
A state of sleep; to sleep lightly or rest.
Example
The child slumbered peacefully through the night.
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.
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 /stɛlθ/

stealth

Meaning
The act of moving, doing, or achieving something quietly and secretly.
Example
The cat moved with stealth towards its prey.
A2 adverb /ˈsʌd.ən.li/

Suddenly

Meaning
quickly and without warning; unexpectedly
Example
The car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road.
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 noun /ˈsɛdətɪv/

sedative

Meaning
A substance that calms the nerves or induces sleep.
Example
The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep.
C1 noun /ˈseɪɑːns/

seance

Meaning
A meeting where people attempt to communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Example
They held a seance to contact their late grandmother.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
C2 noun /ˌsɪləbɪˈkeɪʃən/

syllabication

Meaning
The division of words into syllables.
Example
Proper syllabication helps in correct pronunciation.
A2 noun /ˈsuː.pəˌmɑː.kɪt/

supermarket

Meaning
a large self-service store selling food and household goods
Example
She went to the supermarket to buy groceries.
C1 verb /struː/

strew

Meaning
to scatter or spread things untidily over a surface or area
Example
Clothes were strewn across the floor.
C2 adjective /ˈsætərˌnaɪn/

saturnine

Meaning
slow and gloomy in mood
Example
His saturnine expression made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
A1 noun /ʃɒp/

shop

Meaning
a place where goods are sold to customers
Example
I need to go to the shop to buy some groceries.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛlər/

stellar

Meaning
Relating to stars; outstanding or excellent.
Example
She gave a stellar performance in the play.
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.
C1 verb /slɪŋ/

sling

Meaning
to throw or hang something roughly or carelessly
Example
He slung his bag over his shoulder before leaving.
A2 adjective /ʃɑːrp/

Sharp

Meaning
having a cutting edge or point; sudden and intense; quick to understand
Example
The knife has a very sharp blade.
C1 noun /ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

saboteur

Meaning
A person who engages in sabotage.
Example
The saboteur was arrested before he could plant the bomb.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌðərn/

southern

Meaning
located in or facing the south; southern regions
Example
She moved to a southern city for work.
C1 noun /ˈsɛpərətɪst/

separatist

Meaning
A person who supports the separation of a group from a larger body, often for political or cultural independence.
Example
The separatist group demanded independence from the central government.
A2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.ər/

Singer

Meaning
a person who sings, especially as a job or profession
Example
The singer performed beautifully at the concert last night.
C1 noun /sərˈveɪər/

surveyor

Meaning
A person who measures and maps land, buildings, or other features.
Example
The surveyor measured the land for construction.
C1 adjective /swɑːv/

suave

Meaning
charming, confident, and elegant, often in a smooth or polished way
Example
He was a suave gentleman who impressed everyone at the party.
B1 noun /ˈsteɪt.mənt/

Statement

Meaning
a definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing; an official account of facts
Example
The CEO issued a statement about the company's future plans.
C1 noun /sɪˈtɑːr/

Sitar

Meaning
a traditional Indian stringed musical instrument with a long neck and resonating body
Example
The sitar creates beautiful ragas in Indian classical music.
C1 adjective /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

secluded

Meaning
Placed apart from other people or things; private and quiet.
Example
They spent their vacation in a secluded beach house.
A2 noun /ʃiːp/

sheep

Meaning
a farm animal with thick wool that is raised for its wool, meat, and milk
Example
The farmer keeps a large flock of sheep.
B1 noun /ˈsɛtɪŋ/

setting

Meaning
the environment or place where something happens
Example
The setting of the movie was a beautiful beach.
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.
B2 verb ˈsiːlɪŋ

sealing

Meaning
The action of closing or blocking something to prevent entry or escape.
Example
Sealing cracks in the walls can prevent pests from entering.
A2 noun /sɜːr/

sir

Meaning
a respectful or formal form of address used for a man, typically one of higher social status or authority
Example
Sir, may I assist you with your order?
B2 noun /stɑːr fɪʃ/

Star fish

Meaning
a marine echinoderm with five or more radiating arms, typically found on the sea floor
Example
The starfish slowly moved across the ocean floor searching for food.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːrtʃɑːrdʒ/

surcharge

Meaning
an additional charge or payment added to the usual cost
Example
The airline ticket had a fuel surcharge added to it.
C1 adjective /sɔɪld/

soiled

Meaning
dirty or stained; not clean
Example
His clothes were soiled after playing in the mud.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmp.təmz/

symptoms

Meaning
signs or indications of a disease or condition
Example
Fever and cough are common symptoms of the flu.
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.
C1 noun səˈlɪnɪti ɪnˈtruːʒən

salinity intrusion

Meaning
The movement of salt water into freshwater areas, typically affecting coastal regions.
Example
Salinity intrusion affects coastal regions.
C1 adjective /sliːk/

sleek

Meaning
smooth, shiny, and stylish
Example
She drove a sleek black sports car.
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 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.
C1 noun ˈsɛlfləsnɪs

selflessness

Meaning
The quality of being concerned more with the needs of others than with one's own.
Example
Selflessness is a key value for community building.
B1 adverb /ˈʃɔːt.li/

Shortly

Meaning
soon; in a short time; briefly
Example
The meeting will begin shortly.
C1 adjective /səbˈvɜːrsɪv/

subversive

Meaning
seeking or intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority
Example
The group was banned for its subversive activities.
C1 verb/noun /ˈsɒldər/

solder

Meaning
To join metal parts together by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint
Example
He soldered the broken wires back together.
B2 verb səˈsteɪnd

sustained

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

sinus

Meaning
A cavity within a bone or tissue, especially those in the bones of the face connected with the nasal cavities.
Example
He suffered from a sinus infection that caused headaches.
B2 adverb /ˈsoʊlli/

solely

Meaning
only; not involving anyone or anything else
Example
He is solely responsible for the decision.