Shabby
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B2 adjective /ˈʃæb.i/

Shabby

Meaning
worn out; in poor condition; showing signs of wear; unfair or mean
Example
His shabby clothes showed that he had been traveling for days.
C1 noun /ˈskwɒlər/

squalor

Meaning
the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially due to poverty or neglect
Example
They lived in squalor without basic facilities.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪmələr/

Similar

Meaning
alike; having characteristics in common
Example
The two sisters have similar interests in music.
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.
C1 noun /ˌsəʊʃəˈbɪləti/

sociability

Meaning
The quality or state of being sociable; friendliness.
Example
Her sociability made her popular in the office.
A2 noun /skɪl/

skill

Meaning
the ability to do something well through training or experience
Example
Her skill in painting impressed everyone.
A2 adverb /ˈsɪə.ri.əs.li/

seriously

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

screech

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched and unpleasant sound
Example
The car screeched to a halt.
C2 noun /sneɪk ɡɔːrd/

Snake gourd

Meaning
a long, curved vegetable that resembles a snake, commonly used in South Asian cuisine
Example
The snake gourd grows in a twisted, serpentine shape in the garden.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlvən/

sylvan

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of the woods or forest.
Example
The cottage was set in a sylvan landscape full of tall trees.
C1 adjective /ˈskrʌmpʃəs/

scrumptious

Meaning
extremely tasty or delicious
Example
She baked a scrumptious chocolate cake for the party.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.krə.ni/

synchrony

Meaning
Coordination in time, harmony in action or movement.
Example
Their dance performance showed perfect synchrony.
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.
C1 noun /ˌsɒl.jʊˈbɪləti/

solubility

Meaning
The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.
Example
The solubility of salt in water is high.
C1 adjective /sɑːrˈdɒnɪk/

sardonic

Meaning
Grimly mocking or cynical.
Example
She gave him a sardonic smile after hearing his excuse.
A2 adverb /ˈslaɪtli/

slightly

Meaning
to a small degree or extent
Example
The temperature has slightly increased today.
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 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
B2 noun ˈsʌbˌaɪtəlz

subtitles

Meaning
Captions displayed at the bottom of a movie or television screen that translate or transcribe the dialogue or narrative.
Example
Use subtitles for better understanding.
A2 noun /soʊp/

Soap

Meaning
a cleaning agent made from fats or oils and used for washing
Example
Please wash your hands with soap and water.
C1 noun /ˈsæf.aɪər/

Saphire

Meaning
a precious stone that is typically blue in color
Example
The royal crown was adorned with a large sapphire.
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 /spaʊs/

spouse

Meaning
a person's husband or wife
Example
Each employee may include their spouse in the health insurance plan.
C1 noun /ˌsʌb.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən/

substitution

Meaning
the action of replacing someone or something with another
Example
The substitution of the old system with the new one was difficult.
B2 noun /siːdʒ/

Sieze

Meaning
a military operation to capture a place by surrounding it and cutting off supplies
Example
The siege of the castle lasted for three months.
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 /sɪnˈserɪti/

Sincerity

Meaning
the quality of being free from pretense or deceit; honesty
Example
His sincerity in apologizing was evident to everyone.
B1 noun /ˈsæm.pəl/

Sample

Meaning
a small part taken as an example of the whole; a specimen
Example
The doctor took a blood sample for testing.
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.
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.
C1 noun /sɛkt/

sect

Meaning
a subgroup of a larger religious or political group, often with differing beliefs
Example
The group split into different sects due to doctrinal differences.
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.
B1 noun ˈsɛʃənz

sessions

Meaning
A meeting of an official body, especially a court of law, to conduct its business; a period devoted to a particular activity.
Example
The sessions lasted for three hours.
B1 noun /sleɪv/

slave

Meaning
a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to work for them
Example
The abolitionist movement fought for the rights of slaves.
C1 verb /səbˈsɪst/

subsist

Meaning
To maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level.
Example
Many villagers still subsist on fishing and farming.
C2 verb /ˈsʌli/

sully

Meaning
to damage the purity, integrity, or reputation of something
Example
The scandal sullied the politician’s reputation.
C1 adjective /ˈsek.j ə.l ər/

Secular

Meaning
not connected with religious or spiritual matters; worldly
Example
The country maintains a secular government that separates religion from politics.
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 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.
B2 noun /stjuːˈpɪdəti/

stupidity

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

Shy

Meaning
nervous or timid in the company of other people
Example
The shy student rarely spoke up in class discussions.
B2 noun /stɔːrk/

Stork

Meaning
large wading bird with long legs and a long neck
Example
The stork built its nest on top of the tall chimney.
C2 noun /spʌndʒ ɡɔːrd/

Sponse gourd

Meaning
a fibrous gourd that becomes sponge-like when dried, used for cleaning and in cooking when young
Example
The sponge gourd can be eaten when young or dried to make natural scrubbers.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪp.ʃeɪp/

Shipshape

Meaning
neat and tidy; in good order; well-organized
Example
Everything was shipshape before the inspection.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈstændɪŋ/

standing

Meaning
status, reputation, or position; also the act of being upright on the feet
Example
He has high standing in the community for his charity work.
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 /ˌsɛlf rɪˈspɛkt/

self-respect

Meaning
A feeling of pride and confidence in oneself; self-worth.
Example
She refused to compromise her self-respect by accepting unfair treatment.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌn.dri/

sundry

Meaning
Various or miscellaneous.
Example
The shop sells fruits, clothes, and sundry items.
B2 verb /slæʃ/

slash

Meaning
to cut with a sharp blade; to reduce drastically
Example
The company slashed prices to attract more customers.
C2 noun /ˈsɪlədʒɪzəm/

syllogism

Meaning
A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed premises.
Example
The philosopher explained the concept of syllogism using simple examples.
B1 noun /ˈsʌn.flaʊər/

Sun flower

Meaning
a large yellow flower that turns to face the sun
Example
The sunflower field looked amazing in the bright sunlight.
B1 noun ˈstrætədʒi

strategy

Meaning
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.
Example
The strategy ensured success.
A1 adjective /ʃɔːrt/

Short

Meaning
having a small length, height, or duration; not long
Example
The meeting was very short, lasting only ten minutes.
C2 noun /ˈsɪmpəltən/

simpleton

Meaning
a foolish or gullible person
Example
They treated him like a simpleton who could not understand anything complex.
C2 noun /ˈstiː.vəˌdɔːr/

stevedore

Meaning
A person employed to load and unload cargo from ships.
Example
The stevedores worked tirelessly to unload the cargo before dawn.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌpl/

supple

Meaning
Easily bending or moving without breaking; flexible and adaptable.
Example
The gymnast’s body was remarkably supple.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/

shocking

Meaning
causing surprise or disbelief; startling
Example
The news of the accident was shocking to everyone.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈskænti/

Scanty

Meaning
small in size or amount; insufficient; barely adequate
Example
The refugee camp had scanty food supplies.
C2 adjective /ˌsæsərˈdoʊtl/

sacerdotal

Meaning
Relating to priests or the priesthood.
Example
The ritual had a distinctly sacerdotal character.
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.
B1 noun /sɛks/

sex

Meaning
the biological distinction between male and female; sexual activity
Example
He was asked about his sex at the doctor's office.
C1 noun səˌfɪs.tɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

sophistication

Meaning
High level of complexity or refinement.
Example
The sophistication of modern AI technology is remarkable.
B2 noun /ˈsæŋk.tʃuˌɛr.i/

sanctuary

Meaning
A place of safety, refuge, or protection; a sacred place.
Example
The forest is a sanctuary for endangered animals.
C1 verb /skɔːrtʃ/

scorch

Meaning
to burn the surface of something slightly
Example
The fire scorched the walls of the building.
B2 verb /slæm/

slam

Meaning
to close or hit something with great force
Example
He slammed the door angrily after the argument.
C1 adjective/noun /ˈsʌkjələnt/

succulent

Meaning
Juicy or full of juice; also refers to a plant with thick, fleshy leaves adapted to storing water.
Example
The steak was so succulent that everyone enjoyed it.
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.
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.
C1 adverb /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋli/

searchingly

Meaning
In a way that seems to look for hidden meanings or truth.
Example
She looked at him searchingly, hoping for an honest answer.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɜːviənt/

subservient

Meaning
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
Example
She was too subservient to challenge his decision.
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 noun /ˈstrɪplɪŋ/

stripling

Meaning
a young man who is not yet fully grown
Example
The stripling dreamed of becoming a brave knight.
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.
B2 adjective /ʃɪər/

Sheer

Meaning
complete; absolute; transparent; very steep
Example
It was sheer luck that we found the place.
A2 noun /siːn/

scene

Meaning
a place or setting of an event or activity, or the part of a play or film
Example
The final scene of the movie was very emotional.
B2 noun /spaɪs/

spice

Meaning
a substance used to add flavor to food
Example
She added a pinch of spice to the curry for extra flavor.
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.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərˈæd/

superadd

Meaning
to add something to what has already been added
Example
The author chose to superadd a new chapter to the revised edition.
B1 adverb /spəˈsɪfɪkli/

specifically

Meaning
in a clear and exact way
Example
He was specifically asked to handle the finances.
C1 adjective /ˈstraɪ.dənt/

strident

Meaning
loud and harsh; presenting a point of view in a forceful way
Example
His strident voice made the debate uncomfortable.
C1 noun ˌsæn.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

sanitization

Meaning
The process of cleaning and disinfecting to eliminate germs and bacteria.
Example
Regular sanitization keeps appliances germ-free.
C1 verb /ʃʌn/

Shun

Meaning
to deliberately avoid or stay away from someone or something
Example
He shuns public attention and prefers privacy.
A2 noun /seɪl/

sale

Meaning
the exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something
Example
The store is having a sale on winter clothing.
B2 noun /ˌstɪm.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/

stimulation

Meaning
The action of arousing interest, enthusiasm, or excitement.
Example
Stimulation reduces stress and aids relaxation.
C1 noun /səˈlɛmnɪti/

solemnity

Meaning
the state or quality of being serious and dignified
Example
The ceremony was conducted with great solemnity.
B2 adjective /senˈseɪʃənəl/

Sensational

Meaning
causing great excitement or shock; extremely impressive
Example
The sensational performance left the audience speechless.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪm.jʊ.leɪ.tɪd/

simulated

Meaning
Artificially created to look real but not actually real.
Example
The pilot trained in a simulated flight environment.
C1 noun, verb /səˈpiːnə/

subpoena

Meaning
a legal document ordering someone to attend court; to summon someone with such a document
Example
The witness received a subpoena to appear in court next week.
C2 verb /skwɛltʃ/

squelch

Meaning
to make a soft sucking sound, such as when walking on mud; to suppress or silence
Example
His boots squelched in the wet ground.
B2 noun /sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kəns/

Significance

Meaning
the quality of being worthy of attention; importance
Example
The discovery has great significance for medical research.
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.
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.
C1 noun /sɪv/

sieve

Meaning
a utensil with a mesh or perforated bottom, used for straining or sifting
Example
She used a sieve to strain the pasta.
C2 adjective /səˈdʒɛstəbəl/

suggestible

Meaning
easily influenced by the suggestions of others
Example
Children are highly suggestible and may believe what they are told.
B2 verb /səbˈmɪt/

submit

Meaning
to present for consideration; to surrender; to yield
Example
Please submit your assignment by Friday.
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.
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.
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.
B1 adverb /ˈsædli/

sadly

Meaning
in a sorrowful or unhappy manner
Example
She sadly waved goodbye as the train departed.
C2 verb /ˈsnʌfəl/

snuffle

Meaning
to breathe noisily through the nose, often because of crying or a cold
Example
The child began to snuffle after crying for a long time.
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.
A1 noun /sɛpˈtɛmbər/

september

Meaning
The ninth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Example
My birthday is in September, and I always celebrate it with friends.
B2 noun /skɛtʃ/

sketch

Meaning
a simple, rough drawing or outline
Example
He made a quick sketch of the landscape.
B2 verb /ʃriːk/

shriek

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched cry
Example
She shrieked when she saw the spider.
B2 noun /ˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃən/

simulation

Meaning
the imitation of a situation or process
Example
The simulation helped the students understand the complex theory.
C2 noun /ˈsɛkstənt/

sextant

Meaning
a navigational instrument with a graduated arc of 60°, used to measure the angle between a celestial object and the horizon
Example
Using a sextant, the navigator fixed the ship’s position at noon.
B2 adverb /səˈpəʊzɪdli/

supposedly

Meaning
used to show that something is believed or claimed to be true, though it may not be
Example
He is supposedly the best player on the team.
C1 adjective /seɪdʒ/

Sage

Meaning
wise; showing wisdom from experience; prudent; having good judgment
Example
The sage advice from the elder helped solve the problem.
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 (plural, informal) /skædz/

scads

Meaning
A large number or quantity of something (informal).
Example
She has scads of friends in the city.
C1 verb /sərˈmaɪz/

surmise

Meaning
to suppose something is true without having evidence
Example
She surmised that he was not coming to the meeting.
C1 verb /ˈsɪmjʊˌleɪt/

simulate

Meaning
to imitate the appearance, character, or behavior of something; to pretend or reproduce conditions artificially
Example
The pilot had to simulate an emergency landing during training.
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 /slɪk/

slick

Meaning
Smooth, clever, or efficient, often in a way that seems superficial.
Example
He gave a slick presentation to impress the investors.
B2 noun ˈsʌbstɪˌtut

substitute

Meaning
A person or thing acting or serving in place of another.
Example
Money cannot be a substitute for genuine happiness.
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.
C1 verb /swɜːrv/

swerve

Meaning
to change direction suddenly, especially to avoid hitting something
Example
The car swerved to avoid the dog.