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A1 noun /ˈsɪstər/

sister

Meaning
a female sibling; a girl or woman in relation to other children of her parents
Example
My sister is coming to visit us next week.
B1 noun /ˈsʌb.mə.riːn/

Sub-marine

Meaning
a warship with a streamlined hull designed to operate completely submerged in the sea
Example
The submarine dived deep into the ocean to avoid detection.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌb.ərn/

Stubborn

Meaning
refusing to change opinion or course of action; persistent; obstinate
Example
The stubborn child refused to eat his vegetables.
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.
A2 adverb /ˈsɪə.ri.əs.li/

seriously

Meaning
in a solemn or thoughtful manner
Example
She took the matter very seriously.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌltri/

sultry

Meaning
Uncomfortably hot and humid; also describes someone attractive in a passionate or sensual way.
Example
The sultry weather made it hard to focus on work.
B2 noun /ˈʃuːtɪŋ/

shooting

Meaning
the action of shooting a gun, camera, or similar device
Example
The shooting of the movie took several months.
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.
B2 verb /ˈsprɪŋkəl/

sprinkle

Meaning
to scatter small drops or particles of a substance over a surface
Example
She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake.
A2 noun /steɪdʒ/

stage

Meaning
a raised platform or area for performances or presentations
Example
The actor stepped onto the stage to deliver his speech.
C1 adjective /səbˈvɜːrsɪv/

subversive

Meaning
seeking or intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority
Example
The group was banned for its subversive activities.
C1 noun /stæɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

stagnation

Meaning
A state of inactivity or lack of growth, especially in an economy.
Example
High unemployment led to economic stagnation.
A2 noun /skɪlz/

skills

Meaning
The ability to do something well; expertise.
Example
Learning new skills can increase personal and professional growth.
C2 noun /ˈsweɪʒən/

suasion

Meaning
the act of persuading or influencing someone
Example
The leader used gentle suasion to win support for the plan.
C1 noun /ˈstænzə/

stanza

Meaning
a group of lines forming a unit in a poem or song
Example
The poem begins with a stanza describing nature.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning
highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important
Example
The Supreme Court made the final decision.
C2 adjective /ˌseɪpiˈɛnʃəl/

sapiential

Meaning
Relating to wisdom or knowledge, often in a religious or philosophical sense.
Example
The monk shared sapiential teachings with his students.
C1 noun /sloʊθ/

Sloth

Meaning
laziness; reluctance to work or make an effort
Example
His sloth prevented him from achieving his goals.
B2 verb /spɛər/

spare

Meaning
To give something that one has extra of; to refrain from harming or killing.
Example
Could you spare me a few minutes of your time?
B2 adjective /səˈpɔːtɪv/

supportive

Meaning
providing encouragement or emotional help to someone
Example
She was very supportive during my difficult times.
B2 adjective /stɑːrk/

stark

Meaning
Severe, sharp, or clearly defined; plain and without any decoration.
Example
The stark contrast between poverty and wealth was evident in the city.
C2 noun səˈtaɪ.ə.ti

satiety

Meaning
The feeling of being satisfied or full, especially with regard to food.
Example
High-fiber foods provide longer satiety.
B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/

superficial

Meaning
Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep.
Example
His understanding of the subject was rather superficial.
B2 noun /ˌsuː.pərˈstɪʃ.ən/

Superstition

Meaning
a belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural
Example
Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck is a common superstition.
C1 noun /səˈlɪn.ə.t̬i/

salinity

Meaning
The salt content of soil or water, typically measured as a concentration.
Example
The salinity of the ocean varies depending on depth and location.
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.
B2 verb /skoʊld/

scold

Meaning
to criticize angrily; to rebuke
Example
The teacher scolded the students for being late.
A2 adjective /ˈspænɪʃ/

spanish

Meaning
relating to Spain or the Spanish language
Example
She is fluent in Spanish and French.
B2 adjective /sə'spɪʃ.əs/

Suspicious

Meaning
having or showing distrust; doubtful; questionable
Example
The police found his behavior very suspicious.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈslʌɡ.ɪʃ/

Sluggish

Meaning
slow-moving; lacking energy or alertness; inactive
Example
The old computer became sluggish after running for hours.
A2 noun /suːt/

suit

Meaning
a set of clothes made of the same fabric, usually consisting of trousers and a jacket
Example
He wore a black suit to the wedding.
C1 noun /səˈlɛmnɪti/

solemnity

Meaning
the state or quality of being serious and dignified
Example
The ceremony was conducted with great solemnity.
A2 noun /staɪl/

Style

Meaning
a particular way of doing something; a distinctive appearance or manner of expression
Example
She has her own unique style of writing that captivates readers.
B1 verb /stɛə/

stare

Meaning
to look at something with a fixed gaze
Example
She stared at the painting for hours.
C1 verb /stoʊk/

stoke

Meaning
To add fuel to a fire; to encourage or increase a strong feeling or activity.
Example
The politician’s speech stoked anger among the crowd.
A2 noun /ˈsoʊ.fə/

Sofa

Meaning
a long upholstered seat for more than one person
Example
The family gathered on the sofa to watch TV.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfəld/

stifled

Meaning
to suppress, hold back, or prevent something from happening
Example
He stifled a laugh during the serious meeting.
A2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.ər/

Singer

Meaning
a person who sings, especially as a job or profession
Example
The singer performed beautifully at the concert last night.
C2 verb /ˈseɪʃiˌeɪt/

satiate

Meaning
To satisfy fully, especially with food or desire.
Example
The large meal satiated his hunger.
A1 noun /ˈsʌmər/

summer

Meaning
the warmest season of the year, between spring and autumn
Example
We love going to the beach during summer.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒnɪk/

sonic

Meaning
Relating to or involving sound waves or speed of sound.
Example
The jet created a loud boom when it broke the sonic barrier.
C1 adjective ˌsʌbˈlɪm.ɪ.nəl

subliminal

Meaning
Existing or operating below the threshold of consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.
Example
Advertisements often have subliminal messages.
B2 noun /ˈsɪblɪŋ/

sibling

Meaning
A brother or sister.
Example
She has three siblings, two brothers and one sister.
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.
C1 verb /sɪˈkluːd/

seclude

Meaning
To keep someone away from other people; to isolate.
Example
The monk chose to seclude himself in the mountains.
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.
C1 adjective ˌsɪn.əˈdʒɪs.tɪk

synergistic

Meaning
Relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
Example
A synergistic effect occurs when nutrients work together.
B1 verb /stretʃ/

stretch

Meaning
to extend or expand; to make or become longer or wider
Example
Athletes stretch their muscles before exercising.
A2 noun /skɪl/

skill

Meaning
the ability to do something well through training or experience
Example
Her skill in painting impressed everyone.
B2 noun /strɪp/

Strip

Meaning
a long narrow piece of cloth, paper, plastic, or other material
Example
She tore a strip of paper from the notebook.
B2 adverb /səˈpəʊzɪdli/

supposedly

Meaning
used to show that something is believed or claimed to be true, though it may not be
Example
He is supposedly the best player on the team.
C1 verb /ʃɜːrk/

shirk

Meaning
to avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility
Example
He always tries to shirk his responsibilities at work.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntɪnəl/

sentinel

Meaning
A soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch.
Example
A sentinel stood at the entrance of the camp.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛkʃʊəl/

sexual

Meaning
relating to the instincts, physiological processes, and activities connected with physical attraction or intimate physical contact between individuals
Example
The sexual health of individuals is an important topic in modern medicine.
B1 noun /sʌm/

sum

Meaning
the total amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers or items
Example
The sum of 8 and 12 is 20.
C1 noun, verb /ˈskʌf.əl/

scuffle

Meaning
a short, confused fight or struggle; to engage in such a fight
Example
Two players scuffled on the field after the foul.
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.
B2 verb /skrʌb/

scrub

Meaning
To rub hard so as to clean, typically with a brush and water.
Example
Excessive scrubbing of the eyes is harmful.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːmli/

seemly

Meaning
proper or appropriate in behavior or appearance
Example
It was not seemly to argue loudly during the ceremony.
C2 noun /skʌlˈdʌɡəri/

skulduggery

Meaning
underhanded or dishonest behavior
Example
The politician was accused of financial skulduggery.
B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈnætʃ.ər.əl/

Supernatural

Meaning
relating to things that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws; beyond the normal or physical world
Example
The old house was said to have supernatural powers.
B2 adjective /ˈspɒtɪd/

Spotted

Meaning
having spots or marks; noticed or seen
Example
The spotted leopard moved silently through the jungle.
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.
B2 verb /stɪə(r)/

steer

Meaning
to guide or control the movement of a vehicle, vessel, or person
Example
He steered the car carefully through the narrow street.
B1 adjective /sɪˈlek.tɪd/

selected

Meaning
carefully chosen from a group for a particular purpose
Example
He was one of the selected candidates for the scholarship.
C1 noun /ˈstætʃər/

stature

Meaning
A person's natural height or their reputation and importance.
Example
Her intellectual stature made her a respected figure in academia.
B2 noun /ˈskɔːr.pi.ən/

Scorpion

Meaning
a small creature with eight legs, two claws, and a curved tail with a poisonous sting
Example
The scorpion hid under the rock during the day.
B2 adjective /ˈskætərd/

Scattered

Meaning
spread widely apart; dispersed; occurring here and there
Example
Scattered showers are expected throughout the day.
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.
C1 verb ˈsɪn.θə.saɪ.zɪŋ

synthesizing

Meaning
Combine (a number of things) into a coherent whole.
Example
He excels in synthesizing ideas from different sources.
A2 verb /stɪk/

stick

Meaning
to adhere or attach something to a surface
Example
The glue will stick to the paper.
B2 noun /spaɪs/

spice

Meaning
a substance used to add flavor to food
Example
She added a pinch of spice to the curry for extra flavor.
B1 noun /steɪk/

steak

Meaning
a thick slice of meat, typically beef, cooked by grilling or frying
Example
He ordered a grilled steak with vegetables.
C1 adjective skiˈmæt.ɪk

Schematic

Meaning
Presenting some framework or concept briefly
Example
The engineer provided a schematic diagram of the project.
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.
B1 adjective /səˈpəʊzd/

supposed

Meaning
generally believed or assumed, but not necessarily true
Example
This is the supposed solution to the problem.
A2 noun /spiːd/

Speed

Meaning
the rate at which someone or something moves or operates
Example
The car reached a speed of 100 miles per hour.
B2 noun /ˈsɒr.oʊ/

Sorrow

Meaning
a feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment
Example
His heart was filled with sorrow after the tragedy.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈdʒeɪsənt/

subjacent

Meaning
lying immediately beneath; underlying
Example
The geological survey revealed subjacent layers of rock.
B2 adjective /suːˈpɪə.ri.ər/

Superior

Meaning
higher in rank, quality, or importance; better than average
Example
This product is superior to all others in the market.
B2 adjective /ˈstɑːrtəld/

startled

Meaning
suddenly shocked or surprised by something unexpected
Example
She was startled by the loud noise outside.
B2 adjective /ˈseɪ.krɪd/

Sacred

Meaning
connected with God or a god; considered holy; worthy of religious worship
Example
The sacred temple was visited by thousands of pilgrims.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪr.i.əs/

Serious

Meaning
thoughtful; grave; requiring careful consideration; not joking
Example
This is a serious matter that needs immediate attention.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋkrəˌnɪzəm/

synchronism

Meaning
The simultaneous occurrence of events or actions.
Example
The synchronism of the dancers' movements amazed the audience.
C1 noun /slæb/

slab

Meaning
a large, thick, flat piece of stone, concrete, or other hard material
Example
The workers laid a concrete slab for the foundation.
B2 noun /swiːt/

suite

Meaning
a set of rooms designated for one person's or family's use or for a particular purpose
Example
They stayed in the presidential suite at the hotel.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈstætʃətɔːri/

statutory

Meaning
Required, permitted, or enacted by law.
Example
The company must comply with all statutory regulations.
A1 adjective /stɪl/

still

Meaning
not moving or making a sound
Example
The water was still, reflecting the sky.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈnuːmərɛri/

supernumerary

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

Submissive

Meaning
ready to obey others; yielding to authority; humble and compliant
Example
She became submissive after years of harsh treatment.
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.
C1 verb /ˈswɛltər/

swelter

Meaning
to suffer from intense heat
Example
We began to swelter in the midday sun.
A1 verb /sɪt/

sit

Meaning
to rest in a seated position; to be located
Example
Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
B2 adjective /stɪf/

Stiff

Meaning
not easily bent or changed; rigid; firm
Example
The old wooden board was too stiff to bend.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒljʊbəl/

soluble

Meaning
able to be dissolved, especially in water
Example
Sugar is soluble in water.
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.
A1 noun /sɪks/

six

Meaning
the number 6
Example
There are six apples on the table.
C2 noun /ˈsteɪsɪs/ or /ˈstæsɪs/

stasis

Meaning
A state of inactivity or equilibrium; a situation where nothing changes.
Example
The negotiations reached a state of stasis with no progress made.
A2 noun/verb/adjective /ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/ (noun), /səbˈdʒɛkt/ (verb)

subject

Meaning
noun: a topic or theme; verb: to cause to undergo; adjective: dependent or under authority
Example
The teacher introduced a new subject in class.
C1 adjective səˈsaɪ.ə.təl

societal

Meaning
Relating to society or social relationships.
Example
Societal benefits of space tourism are under debate.
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 adjective sɪˈvɪər

severe

Meaning
Very great; intense or extreme in degree.
Example
Without action, climate change impacts will become severe.
B1 adjective ˈsen.sɪ.tɪv

sensitive

Meaning
Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.
Example
Sensitive systems require precise handling.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛksi/

sexy

Meaning
sexually attractive or exciting
Example
She wore a sexy red dress to the party.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪplɪŋ/

stripling

Meaning
a young man who is not yet fully grown
Example
The stripling dreamed of becoming a brave knight.
C1 verb /səbˈvɜːrt/

subvert

Meaning
to undermine or overthrow an established system, authority, or institution
Example
The rebels tried to subvert the government.
B2 noun /sərˈvaɪvər/

Survivor

Meaning
a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died
Example
She is a cancer survivor who now helps other patients.
B2 verb /smæʃ/

smash

Meaning
to break something into pieces violently
Example
She smashed the glass in frustration.
B1 verb /sərˈvaɪv/

survive

Meaning
To continue to live or exist after a difficult event or situation.
Example
He managed to survive the storm.
C2 adverb /ˌsʌb ˈroʊzə/

sub rosa

Meaning
secretly, in confidence, or in private
Example
The deal was made sub rosa to avoid public scrutiny.
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 səbˈstænʃəl ˈɪmpækt

substantial impact

Meaning
A significant, considerable, and meaningful effect or influence.
Example
Substantial impact is possible even with a few hours of volunteering.
C2 noun /spɪˈlʌŋkər/

spelunker

Meaning
A person who explores caves as a hobby.
Example
The spelunker carried ropes and lights into the dark cave.