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A2 adjective /ˈsɪli/

Silly

Meaning
foolish; lacking good sense or judgement
Example
Don't be silly, of course you can do it!
B2 verb /smæʃ/

smash

Meaning
to break something into pieces violently
Example
She smashed the glass in frustration.
B1 noun /ˈspɪr.ɪt/

Spirit

Meaning
the non-physical part of a person; enthusiasm or courage; the essential character of something
Example
The team showed great spirit despite losing the match.
B1 verb /skriːm/

scream

Meaning
to make a loud, high-pitched sound, usually because of fear, pain, or excitement
Example
She screamed when she saw the spider.
B1 verb səˈpɔːrtɪŋ

supporting

Meaning
Giving assistance to; helping to bear the weight of something.
Example
Supporting education initiatives helps reduce child labour.
B2 noun /strɔː/

straw

Meaning
a thin tube for sucking up liquids; dried stalks of grain plants
Example
She drank the juice through a straw.
C1 adjective /ˈsted.fæst/

Steadfast

Meaning
firm in belief, determination, or adherence; unwavering
Example
She remained steadfast in her commitment to helping the poor.
A2 verb /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/

starting

Meaning
beginning to do or experience something
Example
She is starting a new job next week.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbəraɪt/

sybarite

Meaning
a person who loves luxury and pleasure
Example
The millionaire was a true sybarite who lived only for comfort and enjoyment.
B2 noun /səˈspens/

Suspense

Meaning
a feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what will happen
Example
The movie kept us in suspense until the very end.
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 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.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmfəni/

Symphony

Meaning
an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements
Example
The orchestra performed Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
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.
B2 noun /sɛnt/

scent

Meaning
a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one
Example
The scent of roses filled the garden.
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.
C1 /splɪnt/

splint

Meaning
A rigid device used to support and immobilize a broken or injured body part.
Example
The doctor applied a splint to stabilize the patient's broken arm.
B1 noun /ˈspiːʃiːz/

Species

Meaning
a group of living organisms that can reproduce with each other; a type or kind
Example
The Amazon rainforest is home to thousands of animal species.
B2 noun /ˈsɪləbəs/

syllabus

Meaning
An outline or summary of topics to be covered in a course of study.
Example
The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class.
C1 verb /səbˈdjuː/

subdue

Meaning
To bring under control, especially by force; to overcome or quiet.
Example
The army was able to subdue the rebellion quickly.
B2 adjective /ˈstaɪ.lɪʃ/

Stylish

Meaning
fashionable and attractive; having elegance or taste in appearance
Example
She wore a stylish dress to the party.
A2 noun/verb /sɛns/

sense

Meaning
A faculty by which the body perceives external stimuli; or to perceive something without being told.
Example
She had a strong sense of responsibility.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning
highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important
Example
The Supreme Court made the final decision.
C1 adjective /ˌsuːɪˈsaɪdəl/

Suicidal

Meaning
relating to or having thoughts of killing oneself; extremely dangerous or harmful
Example
The reckless driving was suicidal behavior.
C1 noun /ˈstrɑːtəm/

stratum

Meaning
a layer or level of material, or a social class in society
Example
The upper stratum of society enjoyed privileges not available to others.
C1 adjective /ˈstrɛnjuəs/

strenuous

Meaning
Requiring or using great effort and energy.
Example
Climbing the mountain was a strenuous task.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪtəs/

serendipitous

Meaning
Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
Their meeting at the café was purely serendipitous.
A2 noun /ˈsɒftweə/

software

Meaning
the programs and other operating information used by a computer
Example
He installed the software to enhance the performance of his computer.
C2 adjective /ˈsʌpliənt/

suppliant

Meaning
Humbly or earnestly asking for something, especially from a person in authority.
Example
The suppliant man begged for mercy at the king's feet.
A1 noun /striːt/

street

Meaning
a public road in a city or town, typically with buildings on one or both sides
Example
He walked down the street to the park.
B1 noun /ˈʃed.juːl/

Schedule

Meaning
a plan that lists things or events and the times when they will happen; timetable
Example
Please check your schedule before confirming the meeting time.
C2 adjective /sɪˈkweɪʃəs/

sequacious

Meaning
Lacking independence of thought; blindly following.
Example
The sequacious students never questioned their teacher's opinions.
C2 adjective /səˈprɛsəbl̩/

suppressible

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

scission

Meaning
the act of cutting or dividing something
Example
The political party suffered a scission over ideological disputes.
B2 noun ˈskruːtɪni

scrutiny

Meaning
Critical observation or examination
Example
The new law is under scrutiny by the legislative body.
B1 noun /ʃɒk/

shock

Meaning
a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience
Example
The news of his sudden departure was a shock to everyone.
B2 noun /ˈsiː.mən/

Seaman

Meaning
a person who works on a ship; sailor
Example
The experienced seaman navigated the ship through the storm.
C1 noun ˈstræt.ə.sfɪər

stratosphere

Meaning
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
Example
The stratosphere provides a unique environment.
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 /sɪˈtɑːr/

Sitar

Meaning
a traditional Indian stringed musical instrument with a long neck and resonating body
Example
The sitar creates beautiful ragas in Indian classical music.
A2 noun /ˈspiːkər/

speaker

Meaning
a person who speaks or talks, especially as an occupation
Example
The speaker delivered an inspiring speech at the conference.
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 /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 /ˈseɪpiənt/

sapient

Meaning
Wise, or appearing to be wise.
Example
The professor gave a sapient response to the complex question.
C1 noun ˌsɪs.təˈmæt.ɪk ˈstræt.ə.dʒi

systematic strategy

Meaning
A methodical and organized plan or approach to achieve specific objectives.
Example
A systematic strategy was employed to achieve objectives.
C2 noun /skʌlˈdʌɡəri/

skulduggery

Meaning
underhanded or dishonest behavior
Example
The politician was accused of financial skulduggery.
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.
C1 adjective /ʃrɪl/

shrill

Meaning
High-pitched and piercing in sound.
Example
The shrill whistle startled everyone in the room.
C1 noun /ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ/

shrinkage

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value.
Example
The company reported a shrinkage in profits this quarter.
B2 verb /ʃɛd/

shed

Meaning
to let something fall off naturally, such as leaves, hair, or tears
Example
Trees shed their leaves in autumn.
C1 verb /slɪŋ/

sling

Meaning
to throw or hang something roughly or carelessly
Example
He slung his bag over his shoulder before leaving.
B2 noun /ˈsloʊɡən/

slogan

Meaning
a short and memorable phrase used to promote a cause or product
Example
The campaign used a powerful slogan to inspire people.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪmələr/

Similar

Meaning
alike; having characteristics in common
Example
The two sisters have similar interests in music.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪz.mə.ɡræf/

seismograph

Meaning
An instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes, such as force and duration.
Example
The seismograph detected a strong tremor in the area.
B2 adjective /ˈspiː.di/

Speedy

Meaning
moving or happening quickly; fast
Example
The speedy delivery service arrived within an hour.
C2 adverb /ˌsʌb ˈroʊzə/

sub rosa

Meaning
secretly, in confidence, or in private
Example
The deal was made sub rosa to avoid public scrutiny.
B2 verb /ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/

simplify

Meaning
to make easier to understand or do; to reduce complexity
Example
The teacher simplified the complex equation for the students.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːvənt/

servant

Meaning
a person who performs duties for others, especially in a household
Example
The servant opened the door for the guests.
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.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈstæt.ɪk/

static

Meaning
Lacking in movement, action, or change; stationary.
Example
Static ideas hinder progress.
B2 noun /sɜːˈveɪ.ləns/

surveillance

Meaning
Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal; continuous watching of a place, person, or situation.
Example
Government agencies conduct surveillance on cyber threats.
A2 noun /skɪlz/

skills

Meaning
The ability to do something well; expertise.
Example
Learning new skills can increase personal and professional growth.
C1 adjective /ˈspɛktrəl/

spectral

Meaning
Relating to a ghost or specter; ghostly. Also relating to a spectrum.
Example
The old mansion had a spectral atmosphere at night.
C1 noun /ˌsɑːrdʒənt ˈmeɪdʒər/

sergeant-major

Meaning
A senior non-commissioned officer in the army responsible for discipline and administration within a unit.
Example
The sergeant-major inspected the troops before the parade.
B2 adjective /slaɪ/

sly

Meaning
Clever in a deceitful or cunning way.
Example
She gave him a sly smile.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌn.i/

Sunny

Meaning
bright with sunlight; cheerful and optimistic
Example
It's a beautiful sunny day perfect for a picnic.
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 /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.
C2 verb /sɛkˈstuːpəl/

sextuple

Meaning
to make or become six times as great or as many
Example
Within two quarters, the campaign sextupled their daily sign-ups.
B2 verb /snæp/

snap

Meaning
to break suddenly; to speak angrily; to take a photograph quickly
Example
The rope snapped under the weight.
A2 verb /ˈsetəl/

settle

Meaning
to resolve; to establish residence; to calm down
Example
They decided to settle in a quiet village.
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 verb /ˈstriːm.laɪn/

streamline

Meaning
To make a process simpler and more efficient.
Example
The company aims to streamline production to reduce costs.
C1 noun ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk ˈseɪvɪŋz

systematic savings

Meaning
A structured and organized approach to regularly saving money according to a planned schedule
Example
Systematic savings can mitigate financial crises in old age.
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.
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.
C1 noun /sɪˈkluːʒən/

seclusion

Meaning
The state of being private, away from other people.
Example
She spent the weekend in complete seclusion in her cabin.
C2 noun /ˈstænʃən/

stanchion

Meaning
a strong upright bar or post used as support or to control movement
Example
The red rope was attached to the stanchions to guide the crowd.
B2 verb /səbˈskraɪb/

subscribe

Meaning
to pay to receive a service regularly; to agree with or support something
Example
I subscribe to several online magazines.
C1 noun /ˈsɒlstɪs/

solstice

Meaning
the two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the equator (summer and winter solstice)
Example
People celebrate the summer solstice with festivals and rituals.
B2 noun, adjective /ˈsoʊʃəlɪst/

socialist

Meaning
a person who advocates for socialism; relating to socialism
Example
He is a well-known socialist writer.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪp.ʃeɪp/

Shipshape

Meaning
neat and tidy; in good order; well-organized
Example
Everything was shipshape before the inspection.
C1 noun /ˈsɛdətɪv/

sedative

Meaning
A substance that calms the nerves or induces sleep.
Example
The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep.
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.
A2 noun, verb /ˈsɛntəns/

sentence

Meaning
A set of words that expresses a complete thought; or a punishment given by a court of law.
Example
The judge gave him a five-year prison sentence.
A1 noun /ˈʃʊɡər/

Sugar

Meaning
sweet crystalline substance used as a sweetener
Example
Please add two teaspoons of sugar to my coffee.
C2 noun /ˈspuːnərɪzəm/

spoonerism

Meaning
A verbal error in which the initial sounds of words are swapped to create a humorous effect.
Example
He made a spoonerism by saying 'queer old dean' instead of 'dear old queen'.
A1 adjective /ˈspɛʃəl/

special

Meaning
different from what is usual; better or greater than normal
Example
This gift is very special to me.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈsteɪʃəˌneri/

stationary

Meaning
Not moving or not intended to be moved.
Example
The car remained stationary at the red light.
C1 noun /ˈʃɜːrbət/

sherbet

Meaning
a sweet flavored drink or a frozen dessert made from sweetened fruit juice
Example
On hot days, she enjoys a glass of lemon sherbet.
C2 noun /ˈskæb.ərd/

scabbard

Meaning
A sheath for the blade of a sword or dagger, typically made of leather or metal.
Example
The knight drew his sword from the scabbard.
C2 adjective /ˈsteɪ.dʒi/

stagy

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

sublingual

Meaning
situated or applied under the tongue
Example
The doctor prescribed a sublingual tablet for faster absorption.
A2 noun /siːt/

seat

Meaning
a place to sit, especially a chair or other place for sitting
Example
I reserved a seat for you at the concert.
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.
C1 adjective ˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs

synchronous

Meaning
Existing or occurring at the same time.
Example
Synchronous learning involves live online classes.
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 adjective /səbˈstæn.ʃəl/

Substantial

Meaning
large in size, amount, or importance; considerable; significant
Example
There was a substantial increase in sales this quarter.
B1 noun /ˈsaɪdˌwɔːk/

sidewalk

Meaning
a paved path for pedestrians at the side of a street.
Example
Children were playing on the sidewalk.
C1 noun /ˈskrɪmɪdʒ/

scrimmage

Meaning
A practice game or informal match, often in sports, especially football.
Example
The team had a scrimmage before the official season started.
B2 adjective /senˈseɪʃənəl/

Sensational

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

stoic

Meaning
Showing little or no emotion, even in difficult situations.
Example
She remained stoic during the crisis, never showing fear or panic.
C1 noun /səˈvænə/

savanna

Meaning
a grassy plain with scattered trees, typical of tropical and subtropical regions
Example
Giraffes browsed on acacia trees across the wide savanna.
B2 noun /ˈsleɪvəri/

slavery

Meaning
the system or state of being owned and forced to work for someone else
Example
Slavery was abolished in most countries in the 19th century.
B2 noun ˈskeə.sɪ.ti

scarcity

Meaning
The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.
Example
Water scarcity threatens agriculture.
C1 noun /spɛk/

speck

Meaning
A very small spot, mark, or particle.
Example
There was a tiny speck of dust on the glass table.
C1 noun /ˈstɛə.rɪ.əʊˌtaɪ.pɪŋ/

stereotyping

Meaning
A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Example
Stereotyping people based on their race is harmful.
C1 verb /ˈstoʊnwɔːl/

stonewall

Meaning
To delay or block progress by refusing to cooperate or answer
Example
The witness tried to stonewall during the investigation.
B2 verb /skeər/

scare

Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
B1 noun /stoʊv/

Stove

Meaning
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food by applying heat
Example
She cooked dinner on the gas stove.
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 verb /ˈsʌk.əl/

suckle

Meaning
to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or udder
Example
The mother cat suckled her kittens in the basket.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɜːrdʒɪk/

synergic

Meaning
Working together in a cooperative and effective manner.
Example
The two departments have a synergic relationship that boosts productivity.
B2 verb, noun /stæb/

stab

Meaning
to pierce or wound with a pointed weapon or object
Example
He was stabbed in the back during the altercation.
A2 verb /sɔːrt/

sort

Meaning
to arrange or categorize something
Example
Please sort the files by date.