sieve
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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.
B2 noun /ˈsɛsəmi sidz/

Sesame Seeds

Meaning
small edible seeds from the sesame plant used in cooking and baking
Example
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the bread before baking.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsikwəns/

Sequence

Meaning
a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other; a set of related events, movements, or things that follow each other in a particular order
Example
The dance sequence was perfectly choreographed.
C1 noun/verb /sleɪt/

slate

Meaning
a fine-grained rock used for roofing or writing; to schedule or designate for a task
Example
The meeting is slated for next Monday.
B1 noun /ˈsʌn.set/

Sunset

Meaning
the time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon
Example
The romantic sunset painted the sky in golden colors.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊbər/

Sober

Meaning
not affected by alcohol; serious and thoughtful; moderate
Example
He remained sober throughout the celebration.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈsiː.krət.li/

secretly

Meaning
in a way that is hidden or not known by others
Example
She secretly planned a surprise party for her friend.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪ.ə.lɪz.əm/

sciolism

Meaning
pretentious show of superficial knowledge
Example
His speech was full of sciolism, impressing no one.
B2 noun /streɪn/

Strain

Meaning
pressure or tension; excessive demand on strength or resources
Example
Working long hours put a strain on his health.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

Meaning
a doctor who performs medical operations
Example
The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.
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 /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

Meaning
extremely cruel or violent; wild and fierce; uncivilized
Example
The savage attack shocked everyone.
A2 noun /skwɛə(r)/

square

Meaning
a shape with four equal straight sides and four right angles
Example
The table has a square shape.
C1 noun/verb /stæmˈpiːd/

stampede

Meaning
A sudden, uncontrolled rush of people or animals; to cause a mass movement.
Example
The loud noise caused a stampede of the crowd.
B2 verb /ˈstreɪtən/

straighten

Meaning
to make something straight or tidy; to correct or organize
Example
She straightened her hair before the meeting.
B2 adjective /ˈspiːtʃləs/

speechless

Meaning
Unable to speak because of shock, surprise, or strong emotion.
Example
She was speechless when she received the award.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf əbˈzɔːrbd/

self-absorbed

Meaning
Excessively preoccupied with oneself and one’s own thoughts, feelings, or interests.
Example
He was too self-absorbed to notice his friend's distress.
C2 adjective səˈluː.bri.əs

salubrious

Meaning
Health-giving; healthy; promoting health and well-being.
Example
The mountain air is salubrious and refreshing.
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.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈsaɪ.lənt/

Silent

Meaning
making no sound; quiet; not speaking
Example
The library was completely silent during study hours.
C1 verb /ˈseɪ.vər/

savor

Meaning
To enjoy something completely, especially by dwelling on it.
Example
He savored every bite of the delicious cake.
C1 verb /səˈfɪstɪkeɪt/

sophisticate

Meaning
to make something more complex or refined; to educate or develop in taste and manners
Example
Traveling abroad helped sophisticate his worldview.
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.
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.
B1 noun, verb /ʃeɪd/

shade

Meaning
a sheltered or darker area where direct light is blocked; to block light from something
Example
We sat under the tree for some shade.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪmələr/

Similar

Meaning
alike; having characteristics in common
Example
The two sisters have similar interests in music.
B2 adjective /stɜːrn/

Stern

Meaning
serious and demanding exact conformity to rules; strict and severe
Example
The teacher gave the students a stern warning about cheating.
B2 noun /soʊp keɪs/

Soap case

Meaning
a container used to store soap
Example
She bought a beautiful soap case for the bathroom.
C1 adjective /ˈspɛərɪŋ/

sparing

Meaning
Using or giving only a little of something; economical.
Example
She is sparing in her use of words.
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.
C1 verb /səbˈstænʃieɪt/

substantiate

Meaning
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.
Example
The lawyer worked to substantiate the claims with solid evidence.
B2 verb /skriːtʃ/

screech

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched and unpleasant sound
Example
The car screeched to a halt.
C1 verb /ˈsælvɪdʒ/

salvage

Meaning
To save something from loss, damage, or destruction.
Example
They managed to salvage some goods from the fire.
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.
B1 noun /ˈsmoʊkər/

smoker

Meaning
A person who smokes tobacco or other substances
Example
He is a heavy smoker and tries to quit every year.
A2 noun /ˈsoʊldʒərz/

soldiers

Meaning
members of an army who serve their country in war or peace
Example
The soldiers marched proudly down the street.
A2 noun /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə/

social media

Meaning
Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
Example
Social media often causes delays.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

scathing

Meaning
severely critical; harshly scornful
Example
The critic wrote a scathing review of the movie.
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.
B2 noun ˈsoʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti

social responsibility

Meaning
The duty to act in ways that benefit society as a whole.
Example
Social responsibility should be part of the education curriculum.
B2 verb /ˈsmʌɡəl/

smuggle

Meaning
to move goods illegally into or out of a country
Example
The gang tried to smuggle gold across the border.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃuəs/

sensuous

Meaning
Relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect; pleasing to the senses.
Example
The garden was filled with sensuous colors and fragrances.
C1 noun /ˈʃæmbəlz/

shambles

Meaning
a state of complete disorder or ruin
Example
After the storm, the whole town was in shambles.
C1 adjective ˈsɛd(ə)ntəri

sedentary

Meaning
Characterized by much sitting and little physical activity.
Example
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to numerous health problems.
C1 noun /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪti/

serendipity

Meaning
The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
Finding that old photo album was pure serendipity.
B1 verb /skɪp/

skip

Meaning
to omit or pass over something; to move lightly or quickly
Example
He decided to skip breakfast and go straight to work.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌðərn/

southern

Meaning
located in or facing the south; southern regions
Example
She moved to a southern city for work.
C1 noun /skwɔːl/

squall

Meaning
a sudden violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet
Example
A sudden squall caught the sailors off guard.
C1 adjective /ˈsnɒbɪʃ/

snobbish

Meaning
having or showing the attitude of people who think they are better than others
Example
She seemed snobbish because she avoided talking to the waiters.
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 adjective /ˈspiːʃəs/

specious

Meaning
Superficially plausible but actually false; misleading in appearance.
Example
The politician’s argument was specious, sounding convincing but lacking real evidence.
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 adjective /ˌsʌpəzɪˈtɪʃəs/

supposititious

Meaning
Based on assumption rather than fact; not genuine or authentic.
Example
The story turned out to be supposititious, with no evidence to support it.
B1 noun /stoʊv/

Stove

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

sociability

Meaning
The quality or state of being sociable; friendliness.
Example
Her sociability made her popular in the office.
C1 adjective /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/

subterranean

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.
Example
Subterranean water sources help sustain agriculture.
B2 noun /ˈsɪblɪŋ/

sibling

Meaning
A brother or sister.
Example
She has three siblings, two brothers and one sister.
B1 adjective /ˈsoʊ kɔːld/

so-called

Meaning
referred to as or known by a particular name or title, often misleadingly
Example
The so-called expert couldn't answer the question.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪr.i.əl/

Serial

Meaning
happening in a series; consecutive; arranged in order
Example
The serial killer was finally caught after years of investigation.
A1 adjective /seɪm/

same

Meaning
identical; not different or changed
Example
We wore the same dress at the party.
C1 noun /saɪð/

scythe

Meaning
A tool with a long curved blade used for cutting grass or grain.
Example
The farmer sharpened his scythe before harvesting the wheat.
C1 noun /ˈskaɪ.lɑːrk/

Sky-Lark

Meaning
a small brown bird known for singing while flying high in the sky
Example
The skylark sang beautifully as it soared above the meadow.
B2 noun ˌsænɪˈteɪʃən

sanitation

Meaning
Conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.
Example
Good sanitation practices are key to preventing infestations.
B1 noun /saɪt/

site

Meaning
a location or place, often used for a specific purpose, such as a construction site or a website
Example
The construction site is ready for the next phase of the project.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /strɪkt/

Strict

Meaning
demanding exact conformity to rules; severe; rigorous
Example
The teacher is very strict about homework deadlines.
A2 noun /ˈsɪl.vər/

Silver

Meaning
a shiny white precious metal used for making jewelry and ornaments
Example
The silver ring sparkled in the sunlight.
B2 adjective ˈsiːm.ləs

seamless

Meaning
A process or service that works without any interruption.
Example
A seamless checkout process improves user satisfaction.
C1 adjective /ˈspʌndʒi/

Spongy

Meaning
soft and full of holes like a sponge; porous
Example
The cake had a light and spongy texture.
C2 noun /ˈsɪmpəltən/

simpleton

Meaning
a foolish or gullible person
Example
They treated him like a simpleton who could not understand anything complex.
C1 noun /streɪt/

strait

Meaning
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water.
Example
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
B2 verb /suːð/

soothe

Meaning
to calm or comfort; to relieve pain or distress
Example
The mother soothed her crying baby with a gentle lullaby.
C1 verb /ˈspɪərˌhɛd/

spearhead

Meaning
to lead or initiate an action, project, or movement
Example
She spearheaded the campaign for environmental awareness.
B2 noun ˈstɪmjələs

stimulus

Meaning
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Example
Plants respond to external stimulus.
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.
B2 noun /səˈnɛərioʊ/

scenario

Meaning
a possible situation or sequence of events
Example
The company prepared for the worst-case scenario.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪmi/

stymie

Meaning
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
Example
The new regulations could stymie small businesses.
A1 noun /saɪd/

side

Meaning
a position to the left or right of something
Example
The store is on the side of the road.
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.
B1 noun /ˌsæt.ɪsˈfæk.ʃən/

Satisfaction

Meaning
fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs
Example
She felt great satisfaction after completing the project.
B2 noun /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/

Separation

Meaning
the action or state of moving or being moved apart; the division of something into constituent or distinct elements
Example
The separation of the two countries was peaceful.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtrəˌhɛnd/

subtrahend

Meaning
a number that is to be subtracted from another number
Example
In the equation 10 - 4, the number 4 is the subtrahend.
C1 noun/verb /spuːf/

spoof

Meaning
A humorous imitation of something, or to trick or parody someone or something.
Example
The comedian spoofed the politician’s speech to entertain the audience.
A2 noun /stɛp/

step

Meaning
a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a new position
Example
She took a step towards the door.
B2 adjective /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/

systematic

Meaning
Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical.
Example
The company took a systematic approach to solving the issue.
C2 noun /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛndəns/

superintendence

Meaning
the act of overseeing, supervising, or managing
Example
The superintendence of the school is the principal’s duty.
A1 verb /sliːp/

sleep

Meaning
to rest with eyes closed and reduced consciousness; to be inactive
Example
I need to sleep for eight hours every night.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnət/

senate

Meaning
a legislative or governing body, typically the upper chamber in a bicameral legislature
Example
The senate voted in favor of the new healthcare bill.
A1 noun /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/

shopping

Meaning
the activity of going to shops to buy things
Example
She spent the afternoon shopping for clothes.
B1 adjective /ˈsætɪsfaɪd/

satisfied

Meaning
Pleased or content with what has been achieved or received.
Example
He felt satisfied after finishing his project.
C1 adjective /ˈstʌm.pi/

Stumpy

Meaning
short and thick; having a short, thick appearance
Example
The stumpy little dog wagged its tail enthusiastically.
B2 adverb /ˈsel.fɪʃ.li/

Selfishly

Meaning
in a selfish manner; caring only about oneself
Example
He selfishly took all the cookies.
C1 adjective səˈblaɪm

sublime

Meaning
Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.
Example
The sublime beauty of the mountain landscape took my breath away.
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.
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 /səbˈsaɪd/

subside

Meaning
to become less intense, violent, or severe; to sink or fall to a lower level
Example
After the storm, the floodwaters began to subside.
C1 adjective /ˌsuːɪˈsaɪdəl/

Suicidal

Meaning
relating to or having thoughts of killing oneself; extremely dangerous or harmful
Example
The reckless driving was suicidal behavior.
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 adjective /spɪk/

Spick

Meaning
extremely clean and neat; immaculate
Example
The house was spick and span after the cleaning.
B2 noun /skʌl/

Skull

Meaning
the bony framework of the head that protects the brain
Example
The doctor examined the skull X-ray carefully.
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.
B2 adjective /slæk/

slack

Meaning
not tight, firm, or busy; lacking tension or activity
Example
Business is slack during the rainy season.
B2 adjective sɪnˈθet̬.ɪk

synthetic

Meaning
Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product; artificial.
Example
Synthetic chemicals are used in processed foods.
B1 adjective /spəˈsɪfɪk/

specific

Meaning
Clearly defined or identified; particular; exact.
Example
Make a specific plan to beat procrastination.
C2 adjective /stɛnˈtɔːriən/

stentorian

Meaning
Extremely loud and powerful in sound.
Example
The teacher’s stentorian voice quieted the noisy classroom.
B1 adjective /ˈsɛpəreɪtɪd/

separated

Meaning
divided or disconnected from something else; not together
Example
They have been living in separated houses since the divorce.
C1 noun /ˌsɛnsəˈbɪləti/

Sensibility

Meaning
the ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences; sensitivity
Example
Her artistic sensibility made her appreciate fine details in paintings.
C1 adjective /ʃrɪl/

shrill

Meaning
High-pitched and piercing in sound.
Example
The shrill whistle startled everyone in the room.
C2 noun /səbˈmɜːrʒən/

submersion

Meaning
the state of being under water
Example
The submersion of the fields lasted for several days after the heavy rain.
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.
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.
C1 adjective ˈsek.tər spəˈsɪf.ɪk

sector-specific

Meaning
Relating to or designed for a particular sector or industry.
Example
Sector-specific policies attract targeted investments.
B2 adjective ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs

simultaneous

Meaning
Occurring, operating, or done at the same time.
Example
Simultaneous crop failures affect global food supply.
C1 noun /sərˈveɪər/

surveyor

Meaning
A person who measures and maps land, buildings, or other features.
Example
The surveyor measured the land for construction.