sibylline
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C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlaɪn/

sibylline

Meaning
Prophetic, mysterious, or cryptic in meaning.
Example
The old woman gave a sibylline warning about the future.
C2 noun /skæd/

scad

Meaning
A type of fish of the jack family; also informally means a large number or quantity.
Example
The fisherman caught a scad in the net.
C2 noun /stɛp/

steppe

Meaning
A large flat area of unforested grassland, especially in southeastern Europe or Siberia.
Example
The nomads traveled across the vast steppe with their herds.
C2 verb /səˈfjuːz/

suffuse

Meaning
to gradually spread through or over something
Example
A warm glow suffused her face as she smiled.
C2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊdʒɜrn/

sojourn

Meaning
A temporary stay at a place; to stay temporarily
Example
She enjoyed a brief sojourn in Paris during the summer.
C2 noun /ˈsɪʒ.ən/

scission

Meaning
the act of cutting or dividing something
Example
The political party suffered a scission over ideological disputes.
C2 verb /swɪl/

swill

Meaning
to drink something greedily or in large amounts
Example
He swilled down the beer in seconds.
C2 adjective /saɪˈdɪəriəl/

sidereal

Meaning
Relating to the stars or constellations; measured relative to the stars.
Example
Astronomers use sidereal time to track the positions of stars.
C2 noun /ˌsɪŋ.krəˈnɪs.ɪ.ti/

synchronicity

Meaning
The meaningful coincidence of two or more events that are not planned.
Example
The synchronicity of their thoughts amazed everyone.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪmiən/

simian

Meaning
Relating to, resembling, or affecting apes or monkeys.
Example
The scientist studied the simian behavior of the chimpanzees.
C2 verb /ˈstɪp.əl/

stipple

Meaning
to cover a surface with numerous small dots or specks, often in drawing or painting
Example
The artist stippled the canvas to create a textured effect.
C2 adjective /səˈprɛsəbl̩/

suppressible

Meaning
capable of being restrained, controlled, or prevented
Example
The symptoms of the disease are suppressible with medication.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪzəm/

sophism

Meaning
a clever but misleading argument; fallacious reasoning
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophism designed to mislead voters.
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.
C2 verb /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/

sublimate

Meaning
to redirect strong emotions or desires into socially acceptable activities or channels
Example
She sublimated her anger into painting beautiful landscapes.
C2 noun /ˈstætɪks/

statics

Meaning
The branch of mechanics dealing with bodies at rest and forces in equilibrium.
Example
She is studying statics as part of her engineering course.
C2 adjective /ˌsæsərˈdoʊtl/

sacerdotal

Meaning
Relating to priests or the priesthood.
Example
The ritual had a distinctly sacerdotal character.
C2 noun /ˈsɛm.ɪ.nɛr.i/

seminary

Meaning
A school or college for training priests, ministers, or rabbis.
Example
He decided to enroll in a seminary to study theology.
C2 noun /ˌsuː.pɚˈfluː.ə.t̬i/

superfluity

Meaning
An excessive amount of something; more than what is needed.
Example
The room was filled with a superfluity of decorations.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪstri/

sophistry

Meaning
the use of clever but false arguments, often to deceive
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophistry.
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 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.
C2 noun /ˈsɔː.dər/

Sawder

Meaning
flattering or wheedling talk; soft soap
Example
His sawder couldn't convince anyone of his sincerity.
C2 noun /sfɪˈrɒmɪtər/

spherometer

Meaning
An instrument used for measuring the curvature of spherical surfaces.
Example
The scientist used a spherometer to measure the lens curvature.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈkɒn.ʃəs/

semiconscious

Meaning
Only partly conscious; not fully aware of surroundings.
Example
He was semiconscious after the accident and could barely respond.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˌʃæŋɡriˈlɑː/

shangri-la

Meaning
a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life is perfect and peaceful
Example
They described the island as a modern-day Shangri-La.
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.
C2 verb /ˈsʌn.dər/

sunder

Meaning
To split apart or separate, especially with force.
Example
The war sundered families and friends.
C2 adjective /spæzˈmɒdɪk/

spasmodic

Meaning
occurring irregularly or in sudden bursts
Example
The patient experienced spasmodic coughing during the night.
C2 adjective /səˈmætɪk/

somatic

Meaning
Relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind.
Example
Yoga can improve both somatic and mental health.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsætərˌnaɪn/

saturnine

Meaning
slow and gloomy in mood
Example
His saturnine expression made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
C2 adjective /ˌsʌb.əˈkwɒt.ɪk/

subaquatic

Meaning
Existing, living, or located under water.
Example
Divers explored the subaquatic cave system filled with rare fish.
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 adjective /ˈʃɑːpwɔːrn/

shopworn

Meaning
worn or faded from being displayed in a shop; no longer fresh or original
Example
The shopworn shoes were sold at a discount.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsʌfərəns/

sufferance

Meaning
patient endurance of pain, hardship, or delay; passive consent or tolerance
Example
He lived in poverty with quiet sufferance.
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.
C2 noun /skɪf/

skiff

Meaning
a small, light boat usually for one person
Example
The fisherman paddled his skiff across the lake.
C2 noun /ˈskɪz.əm/ or /ˈsɪz.əm/

schism

Meaning
A division or split between strongly opposed parties, often in religion or organizations.
Example
The schism in the church led to the formation of two separate groups.
C2 noun /sɪˈkwiːlə/

sequela

Meaning
A condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury.
Example
Lung scarring can be a sequela of severe pneumonia.
C2 noun /sɪˈdɪʃ.ən/

Sedition

Meaning
conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against authority; treason
Example
The activist was charged with sedition for his inflammatory speeches.
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.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtərˌfjuːdʒ/

subterfuge

Meaning
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick or excuse to evade something.
Example
They used subterfuge to avoid paying taxes.
C2 noun /sælv/

salve

Meaning
An ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.
Example
She applied a salve to the burn on her hand.
C2 noun /ˈsoʊbrɪˌkeɪ/

sobriquet

Meaning
a person's nickname or descriptive name
Example
The famous leader was known by the sobriquet 'The Iron Lady'.
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.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈlɪŋɡwəl/

sublingual

Meaning
situated or applied under the tongue
Example
The doctor prescribed a sublingual tablet for faster absorption.
C2 noun /sɜːrˈsiːs/

surcease

Meaning
a temporary or final ending or stopping of something
Example
The noise finally came to a surcease after midnight.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsæŋɡwɪˌnɛri/

sanguinary

Meaning
Involving or causing much bloodshed; bloodthirsty.
Example
The battle was one of the most sanguinary conflicts of the war.
C2 noun /sʌnd raɪs/

Sunned rice

Meaning
Rice that has been dried in the sun; parched rice
Example
The farmers spread the sunned rice on mats to dry completely.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsʌplɪkənt/

supplicant

Meaning
A person who humbly or earnestly asks for something, usually from a person of authority.
Example
The temple was filled with supplicants seeking blessings.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈswɔːrði/

swarthy

Meaning
Having a dark complexion or skin tone.
Example
The sailor had a swarthy face from years under the sun.
C2 adjective /səˈpʌlkrəl/

sepulchral

Meaning
Relating to a tomb or burial; gloomy, dismal.
Example
The abandoned house had a sepulchral silence about it.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪnɪkjʊər/

sinecure

Meaning
a position requiring little or no work but giving financial benefit or status
Example
He was given a sinecure at the university as a reward for his loyalty.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈdʒeɪsənt/

subjacent

Meaning
lying immediately beneath; underlying
Example
The geological survey revealed subjacent layers of rock.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɒptɪk/

synoptic

Meaning
giving a general overview or summary; presenting a broad view
Example
The report offers a synoptic view of climate trends over the past century.
C2 noun /ˈsweɪʒən/

suasion

Meaning
the act of persuading or influencing someone
Example
The leader used gentle suasion to win support for the plan.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛnd/

superintend

Meaning
to oversee and direct the work or operation of something
Example
She was hired to superintend the construction project.
C2 adjective /sɒmˈnɪfərəs/

somniferous

Meaning
Tending to induce sleep; soporific.
Example
The professor's somniferous lecture put half the class to sleep.
C2 adjective /ˌsɒpəˈrɪfɪk/

soporific

Meaning
tending to induce drowsiness or sleep; causing sleepiness
Example
The professor's lecture was so soporific that half the class fell asleep.
C2 noun /ˈstrætədʒəm/

stratagem

Meaning
a plan or scheme designed to achieve a particular goal, often by trickery
Example
The general devised a clever stratagem to outwit the enemy.
C2 noun /slaɪt/

sleight

Meaning
Skill or dexterity, especially in performing tricks.
Example
The magician amazed the crowd with his sleight of hand.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋkrəˌnɪzəm/

synchronism

Meaning
The simultaneous occurrence of events or actions.
Example
The synchronism of the dancers' movements amazed the audience.
C2 noun /ˈskɔːrpiən fɪʃ/

Scorpion fish

Meaning
a type of fish with venomous spines that belongs to the family Scorpaenidae
Example
The scorpion fish has dangerous spines that can inject venom.
C2 noun /ˈspæŋɡəl/

spangle

Meaning
A small shiny piece of metal or plastic used for decoration on clothes.
Example
Her dress was covered with silver spangles that glittered in the light.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
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.
C2 adjective /səˈlɪsɪtəs/

solicitous

Meaning
showing concern or care for someone's health, happiness, or comfort
Example
She was always solicitous about the well-being of her students.
C2 noun /ˈsælvər/

salver

Meaning
A tray, typically made of silver, used for serving food or drinks.
Example
The butler brought in the tea on a silver salver.
C2 noun /seɪn/

seine

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

sequacious

Meaning
Lacking independence of thought; blindly following.
Example
The sequacious students never questioned their teacher's opinions.
C2 noun /ˈskʌl.i.ən/

scullion

Meaning
a servant assigned the most menial kitchen tasks
Example
In medieval times, a scullion was responsible for cleaning pots and pans.
C2 noun /ˈʃæd.ək/

Shaddock

Meaning
a large citrus fruit similar to grapefruit; pomelo
Example
The shaddock is the largest citrus fruit in the world.
C2 adjective /ˈskʌr.ɪ.ləs/

scurrilous

Meaning
Using or expressed in coarse, abusive, or slanderous language.
Example
The politician faced criticism for his scurrilous remarks about his opponent.
C2 noun /sɛnˈsɔːrɪəm/

sensorium

Meaning
The part of the brain or mind concerned with the reception and interpretation of sensory stimuli.
Example
The patient’s sensorium was clouded after the accident.
C2 adjective /ˈsteɪ.dʒi/

stagy

Meaning
Overly theatrical, artificial, or exaggerated in manner or style.
Example
Her performance felt stagy and unnatural.
C2 adjective /ˈspɔːrtɪv/

sportive

Meaning
Playful, lively, or full of fun.
Example
The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtɛnʃəs/

sententious

Meaning
Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner.
Example
His sententious remarks annoyed the audience.
C2 verb /ˈsnɪvəl/

snivel

Meaning
to cry or complain in a weak or annoying way
Example
He began to snivel when he didn’t get his way.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.krə.ni/

synchrony

Meaning
Coordination in time, harmony in action or movement.
Example
Their dance performance showed perfect synchrony.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
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 /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 /ˈsmɑːrmi/

smarmy

Meaning
Excessively flattering or ingratiating, often insincerely.
Example
The salesman gave a smarmy pitch that felt fake.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːmi/

seamy

Meaning
Morally degraded, unpleasant, or sordid.
Example
The novel reveals the seamy side of city life.
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.
C2 adjective /stɛnˈtɔːriən/

stentorian

Meaning
Extremely loud and powerful in sound.
Example
The teacher’s stentorian voice quieted the noisy classroom.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪk.tʃər/

stricture

Meaning
a restriction or limitation; a critical remark
Example
The new law placed a severe stricture on free speech.
C2 noun ˌsʌb.dʒʊˈɡeɪ.ʃən

subjugation

Meaning
The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control, especially by force.
Example
The subjugation of weaker nations by colonial powers shaped history.
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.
C2 adjective /sɛpˈtɛnɪəl/

septennial

Meaning
Occurring every seven years.
Example
The festival is a septennial tradition in the village.
C2 adjective /suːˈpɜːrnəl/

supernal

Meaning
Relating to the heavens; celestial or divine.
Example
The painting captured a supernal beauty that felt otherworldly.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sang-froid

Meaning
Composure or coolness, especially in difficult situations.
Example
The leader handled the crisis with remarkable sang-froid.
C2 noun /sɑːrˈkɒfəɡəs/

sarcophagus

Meaning
A stone coffin, often decorated, used in ancient times.
Example
The museum displayed a beautifully carved sarcophagus from ancient Egypt.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪplɪŋ/

stripling

Meaning
a young man who is not yet fully grown
Example
The stripling dreamed of becoming a brave knight.
C2 noun /səˈlɪsɪˌtuːd/

solicitude

Meaning
Care or concern for someone or something.
Example
His mother showed great solicitude for his safety.
C2 verb /ˈsʌli/

sully

Meaning
to damage the purity, integrity, or reputation of something
Example
The scandal sullied the politician’s reputation.
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 /sɪˈlæbɪk/

syllabic

Meaning
Relating to or based on syllables.
Example
The teacher explained the syllabic structure of the word.
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.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/

shibboleth

Meaning
A custom, phrase, or belief distinguishing a particular group of people, often used to identify outsiders.
Example
The phrase became a political shibboleth during the campaign.
C2 adjective /ˈspaɪnəs/

spinous

Meaning
Having spines or thorn-like projections
Example
The spinous cactus was difficult to handle without gloves.
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 /ˈsaʊər wʊd ˈæp.əl/

Sour wood apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with hard shell and tangy flesh; elephant apple
Example
The sour wood apple has a unique taste that many people enjoy.
C2 noun /ˈsɪkəfənt/

sycophant

Meaning
A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.
Example
The manager was surrounded by sycophants who agreed with everything he said.
C2 noun /ˌsɪnjuˈɒsɪti/

sinuosity

Meaning
The quality or state of being winding, curving, or having many turns.
Example
The sinuosity of the river made navigation challenging.
C2 adjective səˈluː.bri.əs

salubrious

Meaning
Health-giving; healthy; promoting health and well-being.
Example
The mountain air is salubrious and refreshing.
C2 adjective /spɪk/

Spick

Meaning
extremely clean and neat; immaculate
Example
The house was spick and span after the cleaning.