should
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A1 modal verb /ʃʊd/

should

Meaning
used to indicate obligation or duty
Example
You should study for your exams.
C2 adjective /ˈsfɪŋks laɪk/

sphinx-like

Meaning
Mysterious, enigmatic, or difficult to interpret
Example
Her sphinx-like smile made it hard to guess what she was thinking.
C2 adjective /stəˈkɑː.təʊ/

staccato

Meaning
short and detached in sound or style, often used in music
Example
The pianist played the notes in a staccato rhythm.
B1 noun/verb /skɔːr/

score

Meaning
a number of points achieved in a game or test; to gain points or achieve a goal
Example
He scored the winning goal in the final match.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmp.təmz/

symptoms

Meaning
signs or indications of a disease or condition
Example
Fever and cough are common symptoms of the flu.
B2 verb /swer/

swear

Meaning
to use offensive language; to promise solemnly; to take an oath
Example
I swear to tell the truth.
A2 verb /stʌk/

stuck

Meaning
unable to move; fixed in one position; unable to continue
Example
The door is stuck and won't open.
C2 adjective /splɪˈnɛtɪk/

splenetic

Meaning
bad-tempered, irritable, spiteful
Example
His splenetic remarks offended everyone in the room.
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.
B1 adverb /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/

significantly

Meaning
in a way that is large or important enough to have an effect
Example
The economy has significantly improved over the last decade.
C2 adjective /ˈsuːpaɪn/

supine

Meaning
Lying on the back, face upward; failing to act due to laziness or weakness.
Example
He lay supine on the grass, staring at the stars.
C1 noun /ˈsɒnɪt/

sonnet

Meaning
A poem of 14 lines using formal rhyme schemes, often about love.
Example
Shakespeare wrote many famous sonnets about love and beauty.
B2 adjective /ˌsɪm.pəˈθet.ɪk/

Sympathetic

Meaning
showing compassion or understanding for someone's feelings or situation
Example
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my problems.
C1 adjective /ˈsliːzi/

sleazy

Meaning
morally low, dirty, or cheap in quality
Example
He avoided the sleazy nightclub downtown.
C2 adjective /svelt/

svelte

Meaning
Attractively thin, graceful, and elegant in appearance or movement.
Example
She looked svelte in the elegant black dress.
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 noun, verb /sɪn/

sin

Meaning
an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law; to commit an offense against religious or moral law
Example
He confessed his sin to the priest.
A2 noun səkˈsɛs

success

Meaning
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose; the attainment of popularity or profit
Example
Success requires focus and determination.
B2 adverb /ˈsiː.mɪŋ.li/

seemingly

Meaning
appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
Example
He was seemingly calm despite the chaos around him.
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 /sɑːrˈdɒnɪk/

sardonic

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

slag

Meaning
Stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting process.
Example
The factory dumped the slag near the river.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sangfroid

Meaning
Composure or coolness under pressure.
Example
She impressed everyone with her sangfroid during the interview.
B2 verb /stroʊk/

stroke

Meaning
to move your hand gently over something; to hit or touch something gently
Example
She stroked the cat's fur gently.
A1 noun /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/

shopping

Meaning
the activity of going to shops to buy things
Example
She spent the afternoon shopping for clothes.
A1 noun /suːp/

Soup

Meaning
a liquid food made by boiling meat, vegetables, or other ingredients in water
Example
I had a bowl of chicken soup for lunch.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
B1 adjective /ˈsuːtəbl/

suitable

Meaning
appropriate or right for a particular person, purpose, or situation
Example
This dress is suitable for the wedding.
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.
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.
C1 verb /ˈskʌr.i/

scurry

Meaning
To move quickly with short, hurried steps.
Example
The mice scurried across the kitchen floor when the lights turned on.
B2 noun /ˈsikwəl/

Sequel

Meaning
a published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one; something that takes place after or as a result of an earlier event
Example
The movie sequel was even more successful than the original.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛksi/

sexy

Meaning
sexually attractive or exciting
Example
She wore a sexy red dress to the party.
B1 verb /sɪˈlekt/

select

Meaning
to choose from a number of alternatives; to pick out
Example
Please select your favorite color.
C1 noun ˌsɛlf.rɪˈstreɪnt

self-restraint

Meaning
The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically an impulse or desire.
Example
Practicing self-restraint helps in avoiding impulsive decisions.
B2 noun /stɑːˈveɪ.ʃən/

Starvation

Meaning
suffering or death caused by lack of food; extreme hunger
Example
Many people died of starvation during the famine.
C1 noun /stɪnt/

stint

Meaning
a period of time spent doing a particular job or activity
Example
She did a short stint as a teacher before moving abroad.
A2 noun sɔːŋz

songs

Meaning
A short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung.
Example
Listen to songs to learn pronunciation.
C2 verb /ʃiːð/

sheathe

Meaning
to put a sword or knife back into its cover
Example
He quickly sheathed his sword after the duel.
C2 noun /ˌsɪləbɪˈkeɪʃən/

syllabication

Meaning
The division of words into syllables.
Example
Proper syllabication helps in correct pronunciation.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtɛnʃəs/

sententious

Meaning
Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner.
Example
His sententious remarks annoyed the audience.
C2 adjective /ˈstɜːr.tər.əs/

stertorous

Meaning
Characterized by heavy snoring or breathing.
Example
The patient’s stertorous breathing alarmed the nurses.
B2 noun /səkˈses.ər/

Successor

Meaning
a person who succeeds another in office; someone who takes over a position or role
Example
The CEO announced his retirement and named his successor for the company.
A2 noun /spuːn/

Spoon

Meaning
an implement consisting of a small, shallow bowl on a long handle, used for eating, stirring, and serving food
Example
He used a spoon to eat his soup.
C2 noun /ˈspɛndˌθrɪft/

spendthrift

Meaning
A person who spends money extravagantly or wastefully.
Example
The young prince was known as a spendthrift, wasting his fortune on lavish parties.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪpend/

Stipend

Meaning
a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance
Example
The research student receives a monthly stipend for living expenses.
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.
A2 adjective /smɑːrt/

Smart

Meaning
intelligent; quick-witted; well-dressed; stylish
Example
She made a smart decision to invest in technology stocks.
C2 verb /ˈsɛreɪt/

serrate

Meaning
To make a saw-toothed edge or notched margin.
Example
The craftsman serrated the knife blade for better cutting.
C2 noun /ˈskɪnˌflɪnt/

skinflint

Meaning
a person who spends as little money as possible; a miser
Example
The landlord was such a skinflint that he never repaired anything.
A2 noun /sɒks/

Socks

Meaning
soft coverings for the feet, typically worn inside shoes
Example
I need to buy new socks for winter.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/

substantive

Meaning
Having a firm basis in reality; important, meaningful, or considerable.
Example
The company made substantive changes to its policy.
B1 verb /stiːl/

steal

Meaning
to take something without permission; to rob
Example
It's wrong to steal from others.
B1 noun, verb /spoʊk/

spoke

Meaning
As a noun, a bar connecting the center of a wheel to its rim; as the past tense of 'speak'.
Example
The bicycle's spoke was bent after the accident.
C1 verb /səˈlɪsɪt/

solicit

Meaning
to ask for or try to obtain something from someone
Example
The charity is soliciting donations for flood victims.
B1 adjective /səˈfɪʃənt/

Sufficient

Meaning
enough; adequate for the purpose; satisfactory
Example
We have sufficient time to complete the project.
B2 noun /ˈsɛktər/

sector

Meaning
a distinct part or area of an economy, society, or industry
Example
The technology sector is growing rapidly.
C2 noun /ˌself əˈbeɪs.mənt/

self-abasement

Meaning
The act of belittling or humiliating oneself.
Example
His constant self-abasement made others uncomfortable.
B2 noun /ˈsliːpər/

sleeper

Meaning
a person or thing that sleeps; something that unexpectedly succeeds
Example
The movie turned out to be a real sleeper hit.
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.
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.
B2 verb /skeər/

scare

Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
B2 verb /ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/

specify

Meaning
to state or describe something clearly and exactly
Example
Please specify the time and place of the meeting.
B1 verb /siːk/

seek

Meaning
to try to find or obtain something; to attempt or desire to achieve
Example
He decided to seek advice from his mentor.
A2 proper noun /ˌsaʊθ əˈmɛrɪkə/

south america

Meaning
a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere
Example
Brazil is the largest country in South America.
C1 verb /slɪŋk/

slink

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed
Example
The cat slunk into the room without making a sound.
C1 verb /ˈʃrɪvəl/

shrivel

Meaning
To become dry, wrinkled, and smaller due to lack of moisture.
Example
The flowers shriveled under the hot sun.
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.
B1 noun /skriːn/

Screen

Meaning
a flat surface on which pictures or words are shown; a movable partition used to divide a room
Example
The movie was displayed on a large screen in the theater.
C1 noun/verb /smʌdʒ/

smudge

Meaning
a dirty mark or smear; to make something dirty or unclear by rubbing or touching
Example
She accidentally smudged her lipstick on the napkin.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪtɪd/

syncopated

Meaning
Characterized by displaced beats or rhythms, especially in music.
Example
The jazz piece had a syncopated rhythm that energized the crowd.
C1 verb /ˈslækən/

slacken

Meaning
to make or become less tight, less active, or slower
Example
The driver slackened his speed as he approached the village.
C1 adjective /spɑːrs/

sparse

Meaning
thinly scattered or distributed; not dense or abundant
Example
Vegetation was sparse in the desert.
B2 noun /ˌsoʊsiˈɑːlədʒi/

sociology

Meaning
the study of society, human relationships, and social institutions
Example
She is studying sociology at university.
C2 noun /ˈsfɛrɔɪd/

spheroid

Meaning
A three-dimensional shape that is almost spherical but slightly flattened or elongated.
Example
The Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid.
C1 noun /ˌsɛnsɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən/

sensitization

Meaning
The process of becoming sensitive to a substance, situation, or influence.
Example
The doctor warned about the sensitization caused by repeated exposure to chemicals.
A2 verb /stɪk/

stick

Meaning
to adhere or attach something to a surface
Example
The glue will stick to the paper.
A2 noun /ˈstændərd/

standard

Meaning
a level of quality or achievement, or a measure of comparison
Example
This car meets all the safety standards.
C1 adjective /ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/

sacrificial

Meaning
Relating to or involving sacrifice.
Example
The lamb was used as a sacrificial offering in the ritual.
B2 noun /ˈsɛtlər/

settler

Meaning
a person who settles in a new area or land
Example
The settlers arrived in the new town and started building homes.
B1 noun /ˌsaʊθˈwɛst/

southwest

Meaning
the direction that is between south and west; a region in that direction
Example
They traveled to the southwest of the country for their vacation.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪt.ləs/

Sightless

Meaning
unable to see; blind; lacking vision
Example
The sightless man navigated the street with his guide dog.
C1 noun ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti

sovereignty

Meaning
The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; supreme power or authority.
Example
Sovereignty is essential for a nation's identity.
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.
A1 adjective /ˈsɪmpəl/

Simple

Meaning
easy to understand or do; not complicated
Example
This is a simple recipe that anyone can follow.
C2 noun /ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪkrəm/

simulacrum

Meaning
an image or representation of someone or something; a superficial likeness
Example
The statue was only a simulacrum of the ancient god.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːr.vɪ.tuːd/

Servitude

Meaning
the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful
Example
Many people fought to escape the servitude imposed by the colonial system.
C1 noun /ˈstoʊəˌweɪ/

stowaway

Meaning
A person who hides on a ship, plane, or other vehicle in order to travel secretly without paying.
Example
The crew discovered a stowaway hiding in the cargo hold.
B2 noun /səˈplaɪə(r)/

supplier

Meaning
a person or company that provides goods or services
Example
The supplier delivered the products on time.
C2 adjective /sɪˈkweɪʃəs/

sequacious

Meaning
Lacking independence of thought; blindly following.
Example
The sequacious students never questioned their teacher's opinions.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

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

Scar

Meaning
a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed; lasting emotional damage
Example
The accident left a permanent scar on his forehead.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪlaɪn/

Saline

Meaning
containing salt; salty; relating to salt water
Example
The saline solution is used for medical treatments.
B2 adjective /ˈskɑː.lət/

Scarlet

Meaning
a bright red color with a slightly orange tinge
Example
The scarlet roses in the garden looked magnificent in the morning light.
A1 verb /ʃoʊ/

show

Meaning
to display or present something to others; to make visible
Example
Can you show me the way to the station?
C1 noun /ˈstɪklər/

stickler

Meaning
a person who insists on a certain quality or standard of behavior
Example
He is a stickler for punctuality and never tolerates delays.
B2 noun ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti

sensitivity

Meaning
The quality or condition of being sensitive; responsiveness to stimuli.
Example
Bose proved plant sensitivity through experiments.
C2 adjective, noun /səbˈmɜːrsəbl/

submersible

Meaning
capable of being submerged; a small underwater craft
Example
The scientists explored the deep ocean using a submersible.
C1 /skwɒt/

squat

Meaning
to crouch or sit with knees bent and body close to the ground
Example
He squatted down to tie his shoes.
C2 noun /sʌbˈɔːl.tən/

subaltern

Meaning
A person holding a subordinate position; in the military, a junior officer.
Example
The subaltern was responsible for leading a small platoon of soldiers.
B2 noun /ˈʃɔːr.tɪdʒ/

Shortage

Meaning
a lack or deficiency of something that is needed or expected
Example
There is a severe water shortage in the region.
B1 noun /ˈsoʊ.lər ˌsɪs.təm/

Solar system

Meaning
the sun and all the planets, moons, asteroids and other objects that orbit around it
Example
Our solar system has eight planets orbiting the sun.
A2 abbreviation (noun/pronoun) /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

sth.

Meaning
abbreviation for 'something'
Example
Can you give me sth. to write with?
B2 verb /səʊ/

sew

Meaning
to join pieces of fabric or material together using a needle and thread
Example
She learned to sew her own clothes at an early age.
C1 noun /ʃɑːrd/

shard

Meaning
a broken piece of glass, metal, or pottery
Example
He cut his finger on a shard of glass.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnsər/

sensor

Meaning
a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or responds to it
Example
The motion sensor turned on the light automatically.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪk/

satiric

Meaning
Relating to or using satire.
Example
The novel takes a satiric view of urban life.
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 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

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

Steadfast

Meaning
firm in belief, determination, or adherence; unwavering
Example
She remained steadfast in her commitment to helping the poor.
B1 noun /ʃeɪm/

Shame

Meaning
a painful feeling of humiliation or distress; something regrettable
Example
He felt deep shame for his dishonest behavior at work.
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 /ˈsɪlvər kɑrp/

Silver carp

Meaning
a large freshwater fish with silvery scales, commonly farmed for food
Example
Silver carp is widely cultivated in fish farms across Asia.
B2 verb /sɑːb/

sob

Meaning
to cry noisily while taking short breaths
Example
She began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the news.
C1 noun /ˈskæf.əld/

Scaffold

Meaning
a temporary structure used by workers to stand on when building or repairing something high; a platform for execution
Example
The workers erected a scaffold to paint the building's exterior.
C2 adjective /ˈsæpɪd/

sapid

Meaning
Having a pleasant taste; flavorful.
Example
The chef prepared a sapid dish that delighted everyone at the table.
B2 adjective /slæk/

slack

Meaning
not tight, firm, or busy; lacking tension or activity
Example
Business is slack during the rainy season.
B2 verb /siːz/

seize

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