severely
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B2 adverb /sɪˈvɪərli/

severely

Meaning
to a great degree; very seriously or harshly
Example
The patient was severely injured in the accident.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnæp.tɪk/

synaptic

Meaning
Related to the signal transmission process between nerve cells.
Example
Learning strengthens synaptic connections in the brain.
C2 adjective, adverb /ˈsaɪdlɔːŋ/

sidelong

Meaning
Directed to the side; indirect, furtive, or not straightforward.
Example
She gave him a sidelong glance across the room.
A2 adverb /ˈslaɪtli/

slightly

Meaning
to a small degree or extent
Example
The temperature has slightly increased today.
B2 noun /ˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃən/

simulation

Meaning
the imitation of a situation or process
Example
The simulation helped the students understand the complex theory.
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 /skɪl/

skill

Meaning
the ability to do something well through training or experience
Example
Her skill in painting impressed everyone.
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 /ˈsʌn.raɪz/

Sunrise

Meaning
the time in the morning when the sun appears above the horizon
Example
We watched the beautiful sunrise from the mountain top.
B1 verb /ˈsɪzər/

scissor

Meaning
to cut with or as if with scissors
Example
The tailor scissored the fabric neatly.
C1 verb /sərˈmaʊnt/

surmount

Meaning
to overcome a difficulty or obstacle
Example
He surmounted all the challenges to achieve his dream.
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.
C1 noun /ˈstænzə/

stanza

Meaning
a group of lines forming a unit in a poem or song
Example
The poem begins with a stanza describing nature.
B2 adjective strəˈtiː.dʒɪk

strategic

Meaning
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Example
Strategic policies enhance competitiveness.
C1 noun /səbˈvɜːrʒən/

subversion

Meaning
the act of trying to destroy or undermine an established system or authority
Example
The government accused the rebels of planning subversion.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈsɪv.ə.laɪzd/

semicivilized

Meaning
Partially civilized; having some aspects of civilization but not fully developed.
Example
The tribe was described as semicivilized by early explorers.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning
highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important
Example
The Supreme Court made the final decision.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsteɪ.dʒi/

stagy

Meaning
Overly theatrical, artificial, or exaggerated in manner or style.
Example
Her performance felt stagy and unnatural.
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.
A2 noun /stoʊn/

stone

Meaning
a hard, naturally occurring mineral material found in the earth
Example
He threw a stone into the lake.
B2 noun, verb /stiːm/

steam

Meaning
the vapor into which water is converted when heated; to emit or treat with steam
Example
The kettle was steaming on the stove.
C1 verb /skɒf/

scoff

Meaning
to speak about something in a mocking or dismissive way
Example
He scoffed at the idea of moving abroad.
C2 verb /ˈstʌltɪfaɪ/

stultify

Meaning
to make someone or something appear foolish, or to hinder effectiveness and enthusiasm
Example
The repetitive tasks seemed to stultify the workers' creativity.
C2 verb /sɪˈkwɛstreɪt/

sequestrate

Meaning
To take legal possession of assets until a debt is paid or disputes are resolved.
Example
The court decided to sequestrate the company's property.
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.
A2 adjective /sər'praɪz.ɪŋ/

Surprising

Meaning
causing surprise; unexpected; remarkable
Example
It's surprising how quickly children learn new languages.
C2 noun /seɪn/

seine

Meaning
A large fishing net that hangs vertically in the water.
Example
The fishermen cast their seine into the river.
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.
C2 noun /skʌlˈdʌɡəri/

skulduggery

Meaning
underhanded or dishonest behavior
Example
The politician was accused of financial skulduggery.
C1 noun /ˈspɔɪlˌspɔːrt/

spoilsport

Meaning
A person who ruins other people's enjoyment or fun.
Example
Don't be a spoilsport and let us enjoy the party.
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.
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.
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.
A1 verb /smaɪl/

smile

Meaning
to express happiness or friendliness by turning the corners of the mouth upwards
Example
She smiled when she saw the gift.
C1 adjective ˌsəʊsɪəʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl

sociopolitical

Meaning
Combining social and political factors.
Example
Sociopolitical factors often influence public policy decisions.
B2 noun ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti

sensitivity

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

solve

Meaning
to find an answer to a problem or question; to resolve a difficulty
Example
The detective finally solved the mysterious case.
C1 noun /ˈʃɜːrbət/

sherbet

Meaning
a sweet flavored drink or a frozen dessert made from sweetened fruit juice
Example
On hot days, she enjoys a glass of lemon sherbet.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɪd.i.ər.i/

Subsidiary

Meaning
less important than the main thing; secondary; of or relating to a subsidiary company
Example
The subsidiary company handles all overseas operations.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒnɪk/

sonic

Meaning
Relating to or involving sound waves or speed of sound.
Example
The jet created a loud boom when it broke the sonic barrier.
B1 noun ˈseɪ.vɪŋ

saving

Meaning
The practice of keeping and accumulating money for future use rather than spending it immediately.
Example
Regular saving habits ensure financial security.
B2 adjective /səˈraʊndɪŋ/

surrounding

Meaning
located all around a particular place or thing; nearby
Example
The surrounding hills were covered in mist.
A1 noun /striːt/

street

Meaning
a public road in a city or town, typically with buildings on one or both sides
Example
He walked down the street to the park.
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 /splaɪs/

splice

Meaning
to join two pieces of rope, film, or other material by weaving or attaching them together
Example
The technician spliced the two wires to restore the connection.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbəraɪt/

sybarite

Meaning
a person who loves luxury and pleasure
Example
The millionaire was a true sybarite who lived only for comfort and enjoyment.
C1 adjective ˌsɪn.əˈdʒɪs.tɪk

synergistic

Meaning
Relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
Example
A synergistic effect occurs when nutrients work together.
B2 adjective /slæk/

slack

Meaning
not tight, firm, or busy; lacking tension or activity
Example
Business is slack during the rainy season.
A2 adjective /swiːt/

Sweet

Meaning
having a pleasant taste; kind and gentle; pleasing
Example
She has a sweet voice that everyone loves to hear.
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.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərˈæn.ju.eɪt/

superannuate

Meaning
to retire someone with a pension, usually due to age or long service
Example
The company decided to superannuate its senior employees after thirty years of service.
B2 adjective /ˈslɒp.i/

Sloppy

Meaning
careless; messy; done without care or attention to detail
Example
His sloppy handwriting was difficult to read.
C1 noun /ʃeɪl/

shale

Meaning
a fine-grained sedimentary rock that can be split into thin layers
Example
The region is rich in shale and natural gas deposits.
C1 verb /siːp/

seep

Meaning
to flow or leak slowly through small openings or pores
Example
Water began to seep through the cracks in the wall.
A2 adjective /skɛrd/

scared

Meaning
feeling afraid or worried
Example
She was scared of the dark.
B1 verb /sɪŋk/

sink

Meaning
to go down below the surface; to descend
Example
The ship sinks in the deep ocean.
B2 adjective spekˈtækjʊlər

spectacular

Meaning
Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way; very impressive.
Example
The launch of the spacecraft was a spectacular event.
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 noun /ˈsɜːfdəm/

serfdom

Meaning
The status or condition of being a serf, bound to work for a lord.
Example
Many peasants in medieval Europe lived under serfdom.
A1 verb /stɑːrt/

start

Meaning
to begin something; to commence; to initiate
Example
Let's start the meeting now.
B2 adjective /ˈsɒl.ɪ.ter.i/

Solitary

Meaning
alone; without companions; single; isolated
Example
He lived a solitary life in the mountains.
A2 noun /stɔːrm/

Storm

Meaning
a violent weather condition with strong winds, rain, thunder, and lightning
Example
The storm caused power outages across the city.
C1 verb /sɪˈdjuːs/

seduce

Meaning
to attract someone into doing something, especially something they might not normally do
Example
The advertisement was designed to seduce customers into buying luxury products.
B2 adjective /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪzd/

specialized

Meaning
designed or developed for a particular purpose or function
Example
He has a specialized knowledge of ancient civilizations.
C1 adjective /ˈʃeɪp.ləs/

Shapeless

Meaning
having no definite or well-defined shape or form
Example
The fog created a shapeless mass in the distance.
B2 adjective /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

Meaning
extremely cruel or violent; wild and fierce; uncivilized
Example
The savage attack shocked everyone.
C1 adverb /suːˈpɜːb.li/

Superbly

Meaning
in an excellent or outstanding manner
Example
She performed superbly in the dance competition.
B1 adjective /spəˈsɪfɪk/

specific

Meaning
Clearly defined or identified; particular; exact.
Example
Make a specific plan to beat procrastination.
B2 noun /spaʊs/

spouse

Meaning
a person's husband or wife
Example
Each employee may include their spouse in the health insurance plan.
C2 adjective /sɪər/

sere

Meaning
Dry or withered, especially vegetation.
Example
The sere leaves crumbled under his feet.
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
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.
C1 adjective /səbˈmɪs.ɪv/

Submissive

Meaning
ready to obey others; yielding to authority; humble and compliant
Example
She became submissive after years of harsh treatment.
A1 noun /ˈʃʊɡər/

Sugar

Meaning
sweet crystalline substance used as a sweetener
Example
Please add two teaspoons of sugar to my coffee.
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 adjective /ˌsæŋktɪˈmoʊniəs/

sanctimonious

Meaning
Making a show of being morally superior to others; hypocritically pious.
Example
He gave a sanctimonious speech about honesty while he himself was corrupt.
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.
A1 noun /speɪs/

space

Meaning
The dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move.
Example
Space exploration expands human knowledge.
B2 noun ˈskruːtɪni

scrutiny

Meaning
Critical observation or examination
Example
The new law is under scrutiny by the legislative body.
C1 noun /sɪr/

seer

Meaning
A person who is supposed to be able to see what will happen in the future; a prophet.
Example
The seer predicted a great change in the kingdom.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈlɪŋɡwəl/

sublingual

Meaning
situated or applied under the tongue
Example
The doctor prescribed a sublingual tablet for faster absorption.
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 /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.
B1 noun /stoʊv/

Stove

Meaning
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food by applying heat
Example
She cooked dinner on the gas stove.
C1 verb /səˈplænt/

supplant

Meaning
To take the place of something or someone, often by force or strategy.
Example
Digital platforms have supplanted traditional newspapers.
A2 noun /ˈspaɪ.dər/

Spider

Meaning
a small creature with eight legs that makes webs to catch insects
Example
The spider caught a fly in its web.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːdʒəri/

surgery

Meaning
a medical procedure involving the cutting of the body to treat a condition
Example
She underwent surgery to remove the tumor.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪmiən/

simian

Meaning
Relating to, resembling, or affecting apes or monkeys.
Example
The scientist studied the simian behavior of the chimpanzees.
C1 adjective ˌsʌbˈlɪm.ɪ.nəl

subliminal

Meaning
Existing or operating below the threshold of consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.
Example
Advertisements often have subliminal messages.
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 /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 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.
C1 adverb spɒnˈteɪnɪəsli

spontaneously

Meaning
In a spontaneous way; naturally and without planning or external cause.
Example
Children learn spontaneously through peer interactions.
C2 adjective /ˈsætərˌnaɪn/

saturnine

Meaning
slow and gloomy in mood
Example
His saturnine expression made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
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.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
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.
B2 adjective /səˈpɔːtɪv/

supportive

Meaning
providing encouragement or emotional help to someone
Example
She was very supportive during my difficult times.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪtəs/

serendipitous

Meaning
Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
Their meeting at the café was purely serendipitous.
C2 adjective /spraɪ/

spry

Meaning
active and lively, especially in old age
Example
The spry grandmother surprised everyone with her quick dance steps.
B2 noun /ˈʃɔːrt.kʌm.ɪŋ/

Shortcoming

Meaning
a fault or failure to meet a certain standard; a deficiency
Example
Despite his many talents, he has some shortcomings.
A2 adjective /ˈsaɪ.lənt/

Silent

Meaning
making no sound; quiet; not speaking
Example
The library was completely silent during study hours.
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.
B2 noun /siːdʒ/

siege

Meaning
A military operation in which a place is surrounded to force its surrender.
Example
The castle fell after a long siege.
C1 adjective /ˈskrʌfi/

Scruffy

Meaning
untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby and worn
Example
The scruffy old dog wandered through the streets looking for food.
C1 adjective /ˈstrɛnjuəs/

strenuous

Meaning
Requiring or using great effort and energy.
Example
Climbing the mountain was a strenuous task.
C2 verb /skʌlk/

skulk

Meaning
to move or hide secretly, often because you are planning something bad or are feeling guilty
Example
He tried to skulk in the shadows to avoid being seen.
A1 adjective /ʃɔːrt/

Short

Meaning
having a small length, height, or duration; not long
Example
The meeting was very short, lasting only ten minutes.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪnləs/

Sinless

Meaning
free from sin; pure and innocent; without moral fault
Example
The innocent child appeared sinless in her pure white dress.
B1 noun /sɔːrs/

Source

Meaning
a place, person, or thing from which something originates; the origin of information
Example
The river's source is high in the mountains.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.li.ənt/

salient

Meaning
Most important, prominent, or noticeable
Example
The report highlighted the salient points of the discussion.
C2 noun /ˈsætər/

satyr

Meaning
a creature from Greek mythology depicted as a lustful being, often half-man and half-goat; by extension, a lecherous man
Example
In the museum mural, a satyr plays the panpipes while dancing in the woods.
C1 noun /səˈbraɪəti/

sobriety

Meaning
the state of being sober; self-restraint and seriousness
Example
He has maintained his sobriety for five years.
B1 adverb /səˈpraɪzɪŋli/

surprisingly

Meaning
in a way that causes surprise or amazement
Example
Surprisingly, she finished the entire project in just one day.
C2 adjective /səˈpʌlkrəl/

sepulchral

Meaning
Relating to a tomb or burial; gloomy, dismal.
Example
The abandoned house had a sepulchral silence about it.
B2 verb /siːz/

seize

Meaning
To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
Example
The police managed to seize the stolen goods.
C1 noun /sʌˈmeɪʃən/

summation

Meaning
The process of adding things together; a summary of points.
Example
The lawyer gave a powerful summation of the case.