shale
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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.
C2 noun /sɪnˈtɪl.ə/

scintilla

Meaning
A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.
Example
There wasn’t a scintilla of doubt in her mind.
B2 verb /ˈsuːpərvaɪz/

supervise

Meaning
to watch and direct a person or activity to ensure things are done correctly
Example
The teacher supervises students during the exam.
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.
B2 noun/verb /ˈsɜːveɪ/

survey

Meaning
noun: an examination or inspection; verb: to examine or measure (an area or subject)
Example
They conducted a survey to understand customer preferences.
A2 noun /ʃiːt/

sheet

Meaning
a large piece of cloth or paper, typically used to cover or protect something
Example
I need a clean sheet to cover the bed.
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 noun /ˌsɛkʃuˈæləti/

sexuality

Meaning
a person's capacity for sexual feelings and orientation
Example
She spoke openly about her sexuality and identity.
C2 adjective /ˈsæpɪd/

sapid

Meaning
Having a pleasant taste; flavorful.
Example
The chef prepared a sapid dish that delighted everyone at the table.
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 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 /ˈsɜːr.plʌs/

surplus

Meaning
An amount that is more than what is needed.
Example
The country has a surplus of food this year.
A1 noun /ʃɜːrt/

Shirt

Meaning
a piece of clothing worn on the upper body with sleeves and buttons
Example
He wore a white shirt to the office.
C2 noun /sɛkˈstɛt/

sextet

Meaning
a group of six people playing music or a piece written for six performers
Example
The jazz sextet filled the small club with a warm, layered sound.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsmɑːrt.nəs/

Smartness

Meaning
intelligence; cleverness; neat and fashionable appearance
Example
Her smartness in solving problems impressed everyone.
C2 adjective səˈluː.bri.əs

salubrious

Meaning
Health-giving; healthy; promoting health and well-being.
Example
The mountain air is salubrious and refreshing.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
C2 noun /strəˈmoʊ.ni.əm ˌflaʊ.ər/

Stramonium flower

Meaning
A trumpet-shaped white or purple flower from the jimsonweed plant, known for its toxic properties
Example
The stramonium flower blooms at night with a sweet fragrance.
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.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
C2 noun /ˈstriːmlɪt/

streamlet

Meaning
a small stream; a tiny brook or rivulet
Example
A streamlet flowed through the meadow.
A1 noun /sʌn/

Sun

Meaning
the star around which the earth orbits; the source of light and heat for planets
Example
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
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.
B1 noun /soʊl/

Soul

Meaning
the spiritual or immaterial essence of a human being or animal; a person's emotional or intellectual nature
Example
She poured her heart and soul into her artwork.
B1 verb /ʃaʊt/

shout

Meaning
to say something very loudly
Example
He shouted at the top of his lungs to get their attention.
C2 noun /ˈsɛrəf/

seraph

Meaning
An angelic being associated with light and purity, often depicted as a high-ranking angel in Christian theology.
Example
The stained-glass window depicted a seraph with outstretched wings.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːmi/

seamy

Meaning
Morally degraded, unpleasant, or sordid.
Example
The novel reveals the seamy side of city life.
A1 noun /ˈstɔːri/

story

Meaning
a narrative of real or imaginary events
Example
She told a fascinating story about her travels.
A2 adjective /sɪksθ/

sixth

Meaning
coming after the fifth in order, position, or rank
Example
He finished the race in sixth place.
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.
C2 noun /ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

spoliation

Meaning
The act of destroying or ruining something, often evidence or property.
Example
The court punished the company for the spoliation of evidence.
B2 adjective ˈsɑːləm

solemn

Meaning
Formal and dignified; characterized by deep sincerity.
Example
The day begins with a solemn ceremony at the memorial.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊpi/

Soapy

Meaning
covered with soap; having the characteristics of soap; foamy
Example
The dishes were still soapy after washing.
B1 noun /ˈsʌp.ər/

Supper

Meaning
an evening meal, typically a light or informal one
Example
We usually have supper around seven o'clock.
A2 noun ˈsaɪəns

science

Meaning
The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Example
Science continues to explore the unknown.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/

shocking

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

Spacious

Meaning
having a lot of space; roomy and comfortable
Example
The house has a spacious living room with high ceilings.
B1 verb /ˈsɪzər/

scissor

Meaning
to cut with or as if with scissors
Example
The tailor scissored the fabric neatly.
B2 adjective /senˈseɪʃənəl/

Sensational

Meaning
causing great excitement or shock; extremely impressive
Example
The sensational performance left the audience speechless.
C1 noun /speɪt/

spate

Meaning
a large number of things occurring in quick succession
Example
There has been a spate of robberies in the city.
C1 verb /skrɔːl/

scrawl

Meaning
to write or draw something quickly and carelessly, making it hard to read
Example
He scrawled his signature at the bottom of the page.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfərəns/

sufferance

Meaning
patient endurance of pain, hardship, or delay; passive consent or tolerance
Example
He lived in poverty with quiet sufferance.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌn.dri/

sundry

Meaning
Various or miscellaneous.
Example
The shop sells fruits, clothes, and sundry items.
B1 noun/verb /skeɪl/

scale

Meaning
A system of ordered marks used for measurement; also means to climb or to adjust in size.
Example
The company plans to scale its operations globally.
C2 adjective sɑːˈtɔːrɪəl

sartorial

Meaning
Of or relating to clothing or style or manner of dress.
Example
His sartorial choices were always on trend and admired.
C1 noun /ˈstɪɡmə/

stigma

Meaning
a mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality
Example
There is still a stigma around mental health issues in many societies.
C1 adjective /sɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/

symmetrical

Meaning
having parts on either side that match or are the same in shape, size, or arrangement
Example
The artist designed a symmetrical pattern on the floor.
A1 verb /set/

set

Meaning
to put or place something in a position; to establish
Example
She set the book on the table.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒljʊbəl/

soluble

Meaning
able to be dissolved, especially in water
Example
Sugar is soluble in water.
B2 noun /ˈsoʊlər ɪˈklɪps/

Solar eclipse

Meaning
an eclipse in which the sun is obscured by the moon passing between it and the earth
Example
The solar eclipse will be visible from our city next month.
C1 noun /sɪˈnɒpsɪs/

synopsis

Meaning
a brief summary of the main points of a text, film, or research
Example
The publisher asked the author to submit a one-page synopsis of the novel.
A2 adjective /ˈsɛvənθ/

seventh

Meaning
constituting number seven in a sequence; coming after the sixth
Example
Her birthday is on the seventh of July.
C1 verb /ˈʃʌdər/

shudder

Meaning
to tremble or shake suddenly, often due to fear, cold, or strong emotion
Example
She shuddered at the thought of walking alone in the dark forest.
C1 noun sælˈveɪʃən

salvation

Meaning
Deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.
Example
The story revolves around the theme of salvation.
C1 verb/noun /skaʊl/

scowl

Meaning
To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
Example
She scowled when she heard the unfair remark.
B2 verb /skreɪp/

scrape

Meaning
to remove or damage the surface of something by rubbing or scratching; to collect something by effort
Example
He scraped his knee while playing football.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnˌdroʊm/

syndrome

Meaning
a group of symptoms that occur together and characterize a condition or disease
Example
Down syndrome affects a person's physical and mental development.
B1 noun /stiːl/

steel

Meaning
a strong, hard metal made of iron and carbon
Example
The building was made from steel to ensure its durability.
C2 noun /ˈsɒlɪˌsɪzəm/

solecism

Meaning
a grammatical mistake in speech or writing; a breach of good manners or etiquette
Example
His speech was full of solecisms and awkward phrases.
B1 noun səˈluː.ʃənz

solutions

Meaning
A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
Example
Biotechnology provides solutions to environmental challenges.
C1 noun /ˈʃʊɡ.ər ˈkæn.di/

Sugar candy

Meaning
crystallized sugar formed into small pieces; rock candy made from sugar syrup
Example
The children enjoyed eating colorful sugar candy at the festival.
C2 noun /sɒp/

sop

Meaning
a concession or appeasement to pacify someone; also a piece of bread dipped in liquid
Example
The manager offered a bonus as a sop to the unhappy employees.
B1 verb /splɪt/

split

Meaning
to divide or separate into parts or groups
Example
He split the log in two with an axe.
B2 noun /ˈsɑːrˌkæzəm/

sarcasm

Meaning
The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
Example
His sarcasm often made people laugh but sometimes offended them.
C1 noun /stents/

stents

Meaning
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
Example
Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques.
B2 noun /skɛtʃ/

sketch

Meaning
a simple, rough drawing or outline
Example
He made a quick sketch of the landscape.
C1 verb/noun /stuːp/

stoop

Meaning
To bend one's body forward and downward; also a small porch or staircase at the entrance of a house
Example
He had to stoop to pick up the coin.
B2 verb /ʃriːk/

shriek

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched cry
Example
She shrieked when she saw the spider.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːɡə/

saga

Meaning
A long story of heroic achievement, or a long, complex series of events.
Example
The company's rise and fall became a corporate saga.
C1 adjective /ʃruːd/

Shrewd

Meaning
having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute
Example
The shrewd businessman made a profitable deal in the competitive market.
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.
B2 verb /sʌk/

suck

Meaning
to draw something into the mouth by using the lips and tongue
Example
The baby began to suck her thumb.
B2 noun ˈstræt.ɪ.dʒiz

strategies

Meaning
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim; the art of planning and directing operations.
Example
Effective strategies can mitigate climate change impacts.
C1 noun /ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃən/

supposition

Meaning
An assumption or belief that something is true without certain proof.
Example
His plan was based on the supposition that the market would recover quickly.
C1 noun, verb /spreɪn/

sprain

Meaning
an injury to a joint in which the ligaments are stretched or torn
Example
She sprained her ankle while running in the park.
C2 adjective /ˈstɪdʒiən/

stygian

Meaning
extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
Example
They walked through the stygian cave with torches.
B1 noun, verb /stɒk/

stock

Meaning
a supply of goods kept for sale or use; to keep or fill with goods
Example
The shop stocks a wide variety of products.
A2 noun /siːd/

seed

Meaning
the small, hard part of a plant from which a new plant can grow
Example
I planted a seed in the garden.
C1 noun /ˈstəʊ.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/

stoicism

Meaning
The endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint.
Example
His stoicism during hardship was admirable.
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 /ʃɛd/

shed

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

surroundings

Meaning
The area around a person, place, or thing.
Example
She quickly adapted to her new surroundings.
A2 noun, verb /ʃɒt/

shot

Meaning
a single attempt to hit something, usually with a weapon or a ball
Example
He took a shot at the goal.
C1 adjective /ˈskrɔːni/

scrawny

Meaning
very thin and bony, often looking unhealthy
Example
The scrawny boy could barely lift the heavy bag.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈsmoʊ.kɪŋ/

smoking

Meaning
The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances; wearing a tuxedo (adjective, formal context).
Example
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
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.
C2 noun /səˈvɑːnt/

savant

Meaning
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist or scholar; sometimes used in the phrase ‘savant syndrome’ for someone with exceptional abilities alongside developmental differences
Example
The conference keynote was delivered by a linguistic savant who studies endangered languages.
C1 noun /ˈsteɪl.meɪt/

stalemate

Meaning
A situation in which no progress can be made or no party can win.
Example
Negotiations ended in a stalemate.
B1 noun /slaɪd/

Slide

Meaning
a smooth surface for sliding down; a piece of playground equipment
Example
The children enjoyed playing on the slide at the park.
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.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛnd/

superintend

Meaning
to oversee and direct the work or operation of something
Example
She was hired to superintend the construction project.
A1 verb /seɪ/

say

Meaning
to speak words; to express something in words
Example
She said hello to me.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈnuːmərɛri/

supernumerary

Meaning
Exceeding the usual number; extra or unnecessary.
Example
The play included several supernumerary actors to fill the background scenes.
C1 verb /strʌt/

strut

Meaning
to walk with a stiff, proud, and confident gait, often to show off
Example
He strutted across the stage after winning the award.
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 noun ˈsʌfrɪdʒ

suffrage

Meaning
The right to vote in political elections; the principle of political representation.
Example
Universal suffrage was a key demand.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪk/

satiric

Meaning
Relating to or using satire.
Example
The novel takes a satiric view of urban life.
A1 adjective /seɪm/

same

Meaning
identical; not different or changed
Example
We wore the same dress at the party.
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 /ˈsɪŋɡəl/

single

Meaning
only one; not one of several
Example
She bought a single ticket for the concert.
B2 noun /sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kəns/

Significance

Meaning
the quality of being worthy of attention; importance
Example
The discovery has great significance for medical research.
B2 adjective /slaɪ/

sly

Meaning
Clever in a deceitful or cunning way.
Example
She gave him a sly smile.
C1 verb /səbˈmɜːrdʒ/

submerge

Meaning
to put under water or cover with liquid
Example
The floodwaters threatened to submerge the village.
A2 noun /ˈʃaʊər/

shower

Meaning
a brief fall of rain or snow or a device for taking a bath or washing oneself
Example
After the workout, I took a quick shower to refresh myself.
C2 noun /ˈʃʊərəti/

surety

Meaning
a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as appearing in court or paying a debt
Example
The landlord required a surety before renting the apartment.
C1 adjective /ˈsiː.naɪl/

senile

Meaning
Showing the weaknesses of old age, especially mental decline.
Example
The old man became senile and forgot familiar faces.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪmələr/

Similar

Meaning
alike; having characteristics in common
Example
The two sisters have similar interests in music.
C1 noun /ˌsæl.ɪ.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

salinization

Meaning
The process of increasing salt content in soil.
Example
Excessive irrigation can cause salinization of farmland.
C1 noun speɪst ˌrep.ɪˈtɪʃ.ən

spaced repetition

Meaning
A learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to improve long-term retention.
Example
Spaced repetition helps in long-term memory retention.
C2 verb /səbˈsjuːm/

subsume

Meaning
To include or absorb something into a larger group or category.
Example
Minor details were subsumed under the main topic.
C1 verb /sərˈmaʊnt/

surmount

Meaning
to overcome a difficulty or obstacle
Example
He surmounted all the challenges to achieve his dream.
B2 adjective /ˈstuː.di.əs/

Studious

Meaning
characterized by diligent study; devoted to learning
Example
She is a studious student who spends hours in the library.
B2 noun /ˈspesɪmən/

Specimen

Meaning
an individual example of something; a sample collected for scientific study or testing
Example
The scientist collected a blood specimen for analysis.