skulk
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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.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛreɪtɪd/

serrated

Meaning
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
Example
The bread knife had a serrated blade.
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 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.
A2 noun /sɔːs/

Sauce

Meaning
a liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moisture and flavor
Example
She added tomato sauce to her pasta.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːjər/

Sawyer

Meaning
a person who saws wood, especially as an occupation
Example
The skilled sawyer cut the logs into planks.
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.
B2 noun/verb /stʌnt/

stunt

Meaning
a daring or unusual action performed for entertainment or publicity; to hinder growth or development
Example
The actor performed a dangerous stunt in the movie.
C1 adjective /ˈskænti/

Scanty

Meaning
small in size or amount; insufficient; barely adequate
Example
The refugee camp had scanty food supplies.
C1 adjective /ˌsæŋktɪˈmoʊniəs/

sanctimonious

Meaning
Making a show of being morally superior to others; hypocritically pious.
Example
He gave a sanctimonious speech about honesty while he himself was corrupt.
B2 noun /sɔːrd/

Sword

Meaning
a weapon with a long metal blade and a handle, used for fighting
Example
The knight drew his sword to defend the castle.
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.
B2 verb səˈsteɪnd

sustained

Meaning
Strengthened and supported; not allowed to weaken or fail.
Example
The proposal was not sustained.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

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

surmise

Meaning
to suppose something is true without having evidence
Example
She surmised that he was not coming to the meeting.
B2 adjective /ˈstæt.ɪk/

static

Meaning
Lacking in movement, action, or change; stationary.
Example
Static ideas hinder progress.
B2 verb /ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪt/

speculate

Meaning
To form a theory or guess without firm evidence; to invest in stocks, property, etc. hoping for profit.
Example
Experts speculate that the company may expand into new markets.
C1 verb /skwiːl/

squeal

Meaning
to make a high-pitched cry; to inform on someone
Example
The children squealed with delight when they saw the surprise.
C1 noun/verb /skɜːrdʒ/

scourge

Meaning
A source of great pain or punishment; to whip or inflict suffering on someone.
Example
Disease and poverty remain a scourge in many regions.
B2 noun/verb /swɑːmp/

swamp

Meaning
An area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects; a bog or marsh.
Example
The village was built near a swamp.
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'.
C2 verb /seɪt/

sate

Meaning
To satisfy fully or to excess.
Example
The huge meal sated their hunger after the long journey.
C1 noun /sleɪ/

sleigh

Meaning
A vehicle pulled by horses or reindeer over snow or ice.
Example
Children were excited to ride in the sleigh through the snowy village.
C1 adverb /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋli/

searchingly

Meaning
In a way that seems to look for hidden meanings or truth.
Example
She looked at him searchingly, hoping for an honest answer.
B1 noun /sɛks/

sex

Meaning
the biological distinction between male and female; sexual activity
Example
He was asked about his sex at the doctor's office.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
C1 verb /ˈswɛltər/

swelter

Meaning
to suffer from intense heat
Example
We began to swelter in the midday sun.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌn.dri/

sundry

Meaning
Various or miscellaneous.
Example
The shop sells fruits, clothes, and sundry items.
C1 noun /ʃæk/

Shack

Meaning
a small, crudely built dwelling; a poorly constructed building
Example
The fisherman lived in a small shack near the beach.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊlər/

solar

Meaning
Relating to or determined by the sun
Example
The house is powered by solar energy.
B2 noun, adjective /ˈsoʊʃəlɪst/

socialist

Meaning
a person who advocates for socialism; relating to socialism
Example
He is a well-known socialist writer.
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.
B2 noun /səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/

surroundings

Meaning
The area around a person, place, or thing.
Example
She quickly adapted to her new surroundings.
B2 noun /sneɪl/

Snail

Meaning
a small soft creature with a shell on its back that moves very slowly
Example
The snail left a shiny trail as it crawled across the leaf.
A2 adjective /ˈselfɪʃ/

Selfish

Meaning
caring only about oneself rather than others
Example
He was too selfish to share his food with others.
B2 adverb /səbˈstænʃəli/

substantially

Meaning
to a great extent or degree
Example
The new policy has substantially improved working conditions.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
C1 verb /siːp/

seep

Meaning
to flow or leak slowly through small openings or pores
Example
Water began to seep through the cracks in the wall.
C1 verb/noun /skɒtʃ/

scotch

Meaning
to put an end to something; also a type of whisky
Example
The report scotched the rumors of a merger.
C1 verb /səˈkʌm/

succumb

Meaning
To give in to pressure, temptation, or illness; to yield or fail to resist.
Example
He finally succumbed to his illness after a long struggle.
C1 verb /ˈsɛvər/

sever

Meaning
to cut off or separate, especially by cutting; to end a connection or relationship
Example
He had to sever ties with the company after the dispute.
B2 noun /ˌsɪm.ɪˈlær.ə.ti/

Similarity

Meaning
the quality or state of being similar; resemblance
Example
There is a striking similarity between the two paintings.
B2 adverb /ˈskɪl.fəl.i/

Skilfully/US: Skillfully

Meaning
in a way that shows ability and training; expertly
Example
She skilfully painted the portrait in just two hours.
B1 noun /ˈseɪ.lər/

Sailor

Meaning
a person who works on a ship or boat; a member of a navy
Example
The experienced sailor navigated the ship through the storm.
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.
A1 noun /ˈsekənd/

second

Meaning
a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute; also the position after first
Example
He finished the race in second place.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛpərəbəl/

separable

Meaning
Capable of being separated or divided.
Example
The two issues are separable and should be discussed independently.
A2 noun /ˈsteɪʃən/

station

Meaning
a place where a particular service is provided, especially for transportation
Example
We arrived at the station just in time for the train.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːl.tɪd fɪʃ/

Salted fish

Meaning
fish preserved with salt; dried and salted fish for storage
Example
Salted fish is a traditional way to preserve seafood.
B1 noun /ʃel/

Shell

Meaning
hard outer covering of an animal; explosive projectile for a gun
Example
The artillery fired a shell at the enemy position.
C1 adjective /ʃrɪl/

shrill

Meaning
High-pitched and piercing in sound.
Example
The shrill whistle startled everyone in the room.
B2 adjective /stiːp/

steep

Meaning
Having a sharp inclination or high slope; also can mean excessive (as in price).
Example
The hikers climbed a steep mountain trail.
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.
B2 verb /ˈsʌmən/

summon

Meaning
To order someone to come or to gather courage or strength.
Example
The king summoned his advisors to the court.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈsmoʊ.kɪŋ/

smoking

Meaning
The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances; wearing a tuxedo (adjective, formal context).
Example
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌb.sɪ.kwənt/

subsequent

Meaning
Coming after something in time; following in time or order.
Example
Subsequent events clarified the outcomes.
C2 verb /swɪl/

swill

Meaning
to drink something greedily or in large amounts
Example
He swilled down the beer in seconds.
B1 verb /səˈspɛkt/

suspect

Meaning
to believe that someone has done something wrong; to doubt or mistrust
Example
I suspect he is lying about his whereabouts.
C1 adjective /ˈskwɒlɪd/

squalid

Meaning
extremely dirty and unpleasant, often due to poverty or neglect
Example
He lived in a squalid room with broken furniture.
C1 adjective /ˈskɔːrnfəl/

Scornful

Meaning
showing contempt or disdain; expressing scorn
Example
She gave him a scornful look when he made the rude comment.
B1 adjective ˈsen.sɪ.tɪv

sensitive

Meaning
Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.
Example
Sensitive systems require precise handling.
C1 noun səˈlɪnɪti ɪnˈtruːʒən

salinity intrusion

Meaning
The movement of salt water into freshwater areas, typically affecting coastal regions.
Example
Salinity intrusion affects coastal regions.
B2 noun, verb /slænt/

slant

Meaning
A particular point of view; to slope or lean in a particular direction.
Example
The article had a political slant.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛrid/

serried

Meaning
pressed or crowded together, often in rows or ranks
Example
The soldiers stood in serried ranks, ready for inspection.
B2 adjective /ˈslʌɡ.ɪʃ/

Sluggish

Meaning
slow-moving; lacking energy or alertness; inactive
Example
The old computer became sluggish after running for hours.
C2 verb /ˈskærɪfaɪ/

scarify

Meaning
to make shallow cuts or scratches; to loosen the surface of soil
Example
The farmer scarified the soil before planting seeds.
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 noun /ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ/

shrinkage

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value.
Example
The company reported a shrinkage in profits this quarter.
C1 noun/verb /ˈsuː.tʃər/

suture

Meaning
A stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.
Example
The doctor used a suture to close the wound.
B2 adjective /sɔːr/

sore

Meaning
painful or aching, usually in a specific part of the body
Example
After the long run, my legs were sore.
C2 verb /ʃiːð/

sheathe

Meaning
to put a sword or knife back into its cover
Example
He quickly sheathed his sword after the duel.
A2 verb /ʃeɪk/

shake

Meaning
to move quickly back and forth; to tremble
Example
The earthquake made the building shake.
B2 verb ˈsiːlɪŋ

sealing

Meaning
The action of closing or blocking something to prevent entry or escape.
Example
Sealing cracks in the walls can prevent pests from entering.
B2 verb /swel/

swell

Meaning
to become larger, rounder, or thicker; to increase in size
Example
Her ankle began to swell after the injury.
C1 noun, adjective, verb /səˈbɔːrdənət/ (noun/adjective), /səˈbɔːrdəˌneɪt/ (verb)

subordinate

Meaning
lower in rank or position; to treat as less important
Example
He manages ten subordinates in his department.
B2 verb /ˈskræmbəl/

scramble

Meaning
to move or climb quickly using hands and feet; to mix or arrange in a hurried way
Example
The kids scrambled up the hill to catch the kite.
B1 adjective /ˈsɪniər/

senior

Meaning
having a higher rank or status; older or more experienced
Example
He is the senior manager in the department.
C1 verb /sɪˈdjuːs/

seduce

Meaning
to attract someone into doing something, especially something they might not normally do
Example
The advertisement was designed to seduce customers into buying luxury products.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌl.ki/

Sulky

Meaning
bad-tempered and sullen; moody
Example
The child became sulky when he couldn't get his favorite toy.
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.
B2 verb /slæm/

slam

Meaning
to close or hit something with great force
Example
He slammed the door angrily after the argument.
B2 verb /səˈluːt/

salute

Meaning
to greet with respect; to honor
Example
The soldiers saluted their commanding officer.
C1 noun /ˈsʌtlti/

subtlety

Meaning
The quality or state of being subtle.
Example
She understood the subtlety of the situation.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/

sidestep

Meaning
To avoid something by stepping aside; to evade a problem or question indirectly.
Example
The politician tried to sidestep the difficult question.
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.
A1 noun /skaɪ/

Sky

Meaning
the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth
Example
The sky is blue today.
A1 adverb /ˈsʌm.taɪmz/

Sometimes

Meaning
at times; occasionally; now and then
Example
Sometimes I go for a walk in the evening.
A1 noun /ˈsæləd/

salad

Meaning
a dish consisting of various ingredients, typically including vegetables, which are usually mixed with a dressing
Example
She made a fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪk/

satiric

Meaning
Relating to or using satire.
Example
The novel takes a satiric view of urban life.
C2 noun /ˌsuː.pər.əˈbʌn.dəns/

superabundance

Meaning
An excessive or overflowing amount of something.
Example
The garden was filled with a superabundance of flowers.
B2 noun /siːdʒ/

siege

Meaning
A military operation in which a place is surrounded to force its surrender.
Example
The castle fell after a long siege.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɜːrdʒɪk/

synergic

Meaning
Working together in a cooperative and effective manner.
Example
The two departments have a synergic relationship that boosts productivity.
C2 noun /sɪlf/

sylph

Meaning
A mythical spirit of the air; also refers to a slender, graceful woman.
Example
She moved across the stage like a sylph, light and graceful.
B2 verb /ˈstreɪtən/

straighten

Meaning
to make something straight or tidy; to correct or organize
Example
She straightened her hair before the meeting.
A1 noun ˈstjuː.dənt

student

Meaning
A person who is studying at a school or university.
Example
Students participated actively in the protests.
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 ˈskeə.sɪ.ti

scarcity

Meaning
The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.
Example
Water scarcity threatens agriculture.
B1 adjective /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

significant

Meaning
Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.
Example
Social media has a significant impact on relationships.
C1 verb /ˈstriːmlaɪnɪŋ/

streamlining

Meaning
The process of making an organization or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps
Example
Streamlining processes can significantly reduce operational costs.
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 adjective /ˈspɔːrtɪv/

sportive

Meaning
Playful, lively, or full of fun.
Example
The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic.
C1 verb /ˈstɪp.jʊ.leɪt/

stipulate

Meaning
to demand or specify a condition in an agreement or contract
Example
The contract stipulates that payment must be made within 30 days.
B2 noun /stəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Stability

Meaning
the state of being stable; firmness; steadiness
Example
Political stability is essential for economic growth.
C1 noun /sɪr/

seer

Meaning
A person who is supposed to be able to see what will happen in the future; a prophet.
Example
The seer predicted a great change in the kingdom.
C1 adjective /ˈspɛərɪŋ/

sparing

Meaning
Using or giving only a little of something; economical.
Example
She is sparing in her use of words.
C1 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈsɒn.ɪk/

Supersonic

Meaning
faster than the speed of sound; relating to speeds greater than the speed of sound
Example
The supersonic jet broke the sound barrier.
B1 noun /seɪk/

Sake

Meaning
purpose or reason for doing something; benefit or interest
Example
She worked overtime for the sake of her family's future.
B1 noun ˈsaɪləns

silence

Meaning
Complete absence of sound; quietness.
Example
Silence filled the air near the graves.
A1 verb /stænd/

stand

Meaning
to be in an upright position; to tolerate or endure
Example
Please stand up when the teacher enters.
C2 noun /səbˈsɜːviəns/

subservience

Meaning
the condition of being too willing to obey or serve others
Example
His subservience to authority annoyed his colleagues.
B2 noun səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

sustainability

Meaning
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance.
Example
Sustainability ensures long-term environmental health.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈskʌlp.tər/

Sculptor

Meaning
an artist who creates sculptures by carving, modeling, or shaping materials
Example
The sculptor spent months creating a beautiful marble statue.
B1 noun /ˈspɛndɪŋ/

spending

Meaning
the act of paying money for goods or services
Example
Her spending on clothes was higher than expected.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɑːdi/

shoddy

Meaning
badly made or done; of poor quality
Example
The contractor did a shoddy job on the repairs.
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 /sɪˈlekt/

select

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