slacken
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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 /ʃɑːrd/

shard

Meaning
a broken piece of glass, metal, or pottery
Example
He cut his finger on a shard of glass.
C1 adjective /ˈstɒdʒi/

stodgy

Meaning
Dull, uninspired, or old-fashioned; also heavy and hard to digest when referring to food.
Example
The lecture was so stodgy that many students struggled to stay awake.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛm.ɪ.nəl/

seminal

Meaning
Strongly influencing later developments; highly original and influential.
Example
His seminal book changed the course of modern philosophy.
C1 verb /sʌlk/

sulk

Meaning
to be silent and bad-tempered because you are angry or disappointed
Example
She sulked in her room after the argument.
C1 adjective /ˈstrɛnjuəs/

strenuous

Meaning
Requiring or using great effort and energy.
Example
Climbing the mountain was a strenuous task.
C1 noun /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/

sustainable agriculture

Meaning
Farming practices that meet current food needs while preserving environmental resources and maintaining the ability to produce food for future generations through ecologically sound methods.
Example
Sustainable agriculture practices protect the environment while ensuring food security.
C1 noun /səˈlɪləkwi/

soliloquy

Meaning
a speech in which a character talks to themselves, often used in drama to reveal inner thoughts
Example
Hamlet's soliloquy is one of the most famous passages in Shakespearean drama.
C1 verb /spɜːr/

spur

Meaning
To encourage or motivate someone to take action.
Example
The teacher's praise spurred him to study harder.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪlaɪn/

Saline

Meaning
containing salt; salty; relating to salt water
Example
The saline solution is used for medical treatments.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ˈraɪtʃəs/

self-righteous

Meaning
Having or showing an attitude of moral superiority; believing one’s own beliefs are the only right ones.
Example
His self-righteous comments made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun ˈsæŋktɪti

sanctity

Meaning
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly; ultimate importance.
Example
The sanctity of life should never be compromised.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛriəˌtaɪpt/

stereotyped

Meaning
Conforming to a fixed or oversimplified idea of what someone or something is like.
Example
His stereotyped jokes failed to impress the audience.
C1 noun /speɪt/

spate

Meaning
a large number of things occurring in quick succession
Example
There has been a spate of robberies in the city.
C1 verb /smɛlt/

smelt

Meaning
to extract metal from its ore by heating and melting
Example
The workers smelt iron from its ore in the factory.
C1 verb /ˈʃɪmər/

shimmer

Meaning
To shine with a soft, wavering light.
Example
The lake shimmered under the moonlight.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/

self-effacing

Meaning
not drawing attention to oneself; modest
Example
Despite his success, he remained self-effacing and humble.
C1 noun /ʃruː/

shrew

Meaning
a small mouse-like animal; also a woman with a bad temper
Example
The play describes a strong-willed woman as a shrew.
C1 verb /ˈslɪðər/

slither

Meaning
to move smoothly over a surface with a twisting, sliding motion, like a snake
Example
The snake slithered through the grass.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːɡə/

saga

Meaning
A long story of heroic achievement, or a long, complex series of events.
Example
The company's rise and fall became a corporate saga.
C1 verb /ˈskaʊər/

scour

Meaning
to clean or brighten the surface of something by scrubbing; to search thoroughly
Example
She scoured the kitchen until it shone.
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.
C1 verb /ˈsætʃəˌreɪt/

saturate

Meaning
to fill completely with something until no more can be absorbed
Example
The heavy rain saturated the ground within minutes.
C1 noun /ˈstætʃuːt/

statute

Meaning
A written law passed by a legislative body.
Example
The new statute protects workers' rights.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪp.ʃeɪp/

Shipshape

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

seance

Meaning
A meeting where people attempt to communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Example
They held a seance to contact their late grandmother.
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 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

Meaning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example
The waiter gave us a surly look when we asked for more water.
C1 noun /ˌsɪmbɪˈəʊsɪs/

symbiosis

Meaning
A mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups.
Example
The symbiosis between the two companies led to mutual growth.
C1 noun /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/

Sanction

Meaning
official permission or approval; a penalty for disobeying a rule
Example
The government imposed economic sanctions on the country.
C1 verb/noun /stuːp/

stoop

Meaning
To bend one's body forward and downward; also a small porch or staircase at the entrance of a house
Example
He had to stoop to pick up the coin.
C1 verb /sɪndʒ/

singe

Meaning
To burn something superficially or lightly, especially at the edges.
Example
The fire singed his eyebrows.
C1 noun /səˈnɑːtə/

sonata

Meaning
A musical composition for one or more instruments, typically in several movements.
Example
She performed a beautiful Beethoven sonata on the piano.
C1 noun, adjective, verb /ʃæm/

sham

Meaning
something that is not what it appears to be; a false or fake thing; to pretend
Example
The deal turned out to be a sham.
C1 adjective /stiːpt/

steeped

Meaning
Completely surrounded by or filled with a particular quality, influence, or experience.
Example
The town is steeped in history and tradition.
C1 verb /skɒf/

scoff

Meaning
to speak about something in a mocking or dismissive way
Example
He scoffed at the idea of moving abroad.
C1 adverb spɒnˈteɪnɪəsli

spontaneously

Meaning
In a spontaneous way; naturally and without planning or external cause.
Example
Children learn spontaneously through peer interactions.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːr.vɪ.tuːd/

Servitude

Meaning
the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful
Example
Many people fought to escape the servitude imposed by the colonial system.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɑːdi/

shoddy

Meaning
badly made or done; of poor quality
Example
The contractor did a shoddy job on the repairs.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfl/

stifle

Meaning
to prevent or restrain an action, idea, or emotion; to suffocate
Example
She tried to stifle a laugh during the serious meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/

substantive

Meaning
Having a firm basis in reality; important, meaningful, or considerable.
Example
The company made substantive changes to its policy.
C1 noun /ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

saboteur

Meaning
A person who engages in sabotage.
Example
The saboteur was arrested before he could plant the bomb.
C1 verb /səbˈvɜːrt/

subvert

Meaning
to undermine or overthrow an established system, authority, or institution
Example
The rebels tried to subvert the government.
C1 noun ˈsɪn.tæks

syntax

Meaning
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
Example
Programming languages follow strict syntax rules.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪz.mɪk/

seismic

Meaning
Relating to earthquakes or vibrations of the earth and its crust.
Example
The region is known for its seismic activity.
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.
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.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

Meaning
To distract from the main subject or activity.
Example
She was sidetracked by an unexpected phone call.
C1 noun /ˈstoʊəˌweɪ/

stowaway

Meaning
A person who hides on a ship, plane, or other vehicle in order to travel secretly without paying.
Example
The crew discovered a stowaway hiding in the cargo hold.
C1 noun /stɛntʃ/

stench

Meaning
A very strong and unpleasant smell.
Example
The stench of garbage filled the alley.
C1 adjective /səˈriːn/

serene

Meaning
Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
Example
The lake had a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
C1 noun /strəˈtiː.dʒɪk ˈɪn.saɪts/

strategic insights

Meaning
Deep understanding and wisdom gained through careful analysis for planning purposes.
Example
Strategic insights guide policymaking.
C1 noun /ˈskælpəl/

scalpel

Meaning
A small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery and dissection.
Example
The surgeon carefully used a scalpel to make the first incision.
C1 noun /ˈsɪlk.wɜːrm/

Silk-worm

Meaning
the caterpillar of a moth that produces silk fibers used to make silk fabric
Example
Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves to produce silk.
C1 noun/verb /smʌdʒ/

smudge

Meaning
a dirty mark or smear; to make something dirty or unclear by rubbing or touching
Example
She accidentally smudged her lipstick on the napkin.
C1 noun /ʃraɪn/

Shrine

Meaning
a holy or sacred place dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, or saint
Example
Pilgrims visit the shrine to pray for good health.
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 noun /ˈstreɪnər/

Strainer

Meaning
a device having holes punched in it or made of crossed wires for separating solid matter from a liquid
Example
Use a strainer to drain the pasta water.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪnləs/

Sinless

Meaning
free from sin; pure and innocent; without moral fault
Example
The innocent child appeared sinless in her pure white dress.
C1 noun, verb /spreɪn/

sprain

Meaning
an injury to a joint in which the ligaments are stretched or torn
Example
She sprained her ankle while running in the park.
C1 adjective /stjuːˈpɛndəs/

stupendous

Meaning
extremely impressive; amazing in size, degree, or excellence
Example
The magician’s performance was simply stupendous.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒljʊbəl/

soluble

Meaning
able to be dissolved, especially in water
Example
Sugar is soluble in water.
C1 noun /suˈpriː.mə.si/

Supremacy

Meaning
the state of being supreme; highest authority or power
Example
The country established naval supremacy in the region.
C1 verb /spɜːrn/

spurn

Meaning
To reject something or someone with disdain or contempt.
Example
She spurned his offer of help.
C1 verb /snɪp/

snip

Meaning
to cut something quickly with scissors or a sharp tool
Example
She snipped the loose thread from her dress.
C1 adjective /sɪmˈfɒnɪk/

symphonic

Meaning
relating to or having the character of a symphony or symphony orchestra
Example
The concert featured a symphonic masterpiece.
C1 verb /ˈstɪɡmətaɪz/

stigmatize

Meaning
to describe or regard someone as worthy of disgrace or disapproval
Example
People with certain illnesses are often unfairly stigmatized.
C1 noun/verb /ˈskɜːrmɪʃ/

skirmish

Meaning
a small or brief fight between groups of soldiers; to engage in such a fight
Example
The soldiers got into a skirmish near the border.
C1 verb /ʃɜːrk/

shirk

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

synergy

Meaning
The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Example
The synergy between the two companies led to a successful partnership.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːrsəri/

sorcery

Meaning
the use of magical powers, especially through spells and enchantments
Example
The villagers believed the illness was caused by sorcery.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɒl.ɪs/

Solace

Meaning
comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness
Example
She found solace in music after her loss.
C1 noun /ˈseɪ.tən/

Satan

Meaning
the chief evil spirit; the Devil in Christian and Islamic belief
Example
According to religious texts, Satan tempts people to sin.
C1 noun /ˈsʌtlti/

subtlety

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

spawn

Meaning
to produce or generate, often in large numbers
Example
The video game has spawned many sequels.
C1 noun /stents/

stents

Meaning
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
Example
Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques.
C1 adjective /sɪmˈplɪstɪk/

simplistic

Meaning
treating complex issues as if they were much simpler than they really are
Example
His explanation was too simplistic and ignored key details.
C1 adjective səˈsaɪ.ə.təl

societal

Meaning
Relating to society or social relationships.
Example
Societal benefits of space tourism are under debate.
C1 noun /stɛlθ/

stealth

Meaning
The act of moving, doing, or achieving something quietly and secretly.
Example
The cat moved with stealth towards its prey.
C1 verb /səˈlɪsɪt/

solicit

Meaning
to ask for or try to obtain something from someone
Example
The charity is soliciting donations for flood victims.
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 /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.
C1 verb /ˈskruː.tɪ.naɪz/

scrutinize

Meaning
Examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Example
The scientist scrutinized the data before publishing his findings.
C1 noun /ˈstɪɡmə/

stigma

Meaning
a mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality
Example
There is still a stigma around mental health issues in many societies.
C1 verb /sɪˈsiːd/

secede

Meaning
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
Example
Several states threatened to secede from the union.
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, adjective, noun /spruːs/

spruce

Meaning
to make neat or tidy in appearance; also refers to an evergreen tree
Example
He spruced up his room before the guests arrived.
C1 noun /ˈstjuːpər/

stupor

Meaning
a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility
Example
He remained in a stupor after hearing the shocking news.
C1 adjective /ˈskwiːmɪʃ/

squeamish

Meaning
easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted
Example
She felt squeamish at the sight of blood.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.li.ənt/

salient

Meaning
Most important, prominent, or noticeable
Example
The report highlighted the salient points of the discussion.
C1 noun ˈsʌfrɪdʒ

suffrage

Meaning
The right to vote in political elections; the principle of political representation.
Example
Universal suffrage was a key demand.
C1 noun səˌsɛp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti

susceptibility

Meaning
The quality of being likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing; vulnerability.
Example
High susceptibility to infections requires extra care.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɪd.i.ər.i/

Subsidiary

Meaning
less important than the main thing; secondary; of or relating to a subsidiary company
Example
The subsidiary company handles all overseas operations.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒmbər/

somber

Meaning
Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy or serious.
Example
The funeral had a somber atmosphere.
C1 noun /ˌstætɪˈstɪʃən/

statistician

Meaning
A person who specializes in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting numerical data.
Example
The statistician presented the survey results with great clarity.
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 /ˌsɛlfsəˈfɪʃənsi/

Self-sufficiency

Meaning
the ability to supply one's own needs without external assistance; independence
Example
The farm achieved complete self-sufficiency in food production.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/

scintillating

Meaning
brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling
Example
Her scintillating conversation kept everyone entertained.
C1 noun ˈsɛlf pəˈzɪʃən

self-possession

Meaning
The quality of being calm and confident and in control of one's emotions; composure.
Example
His self-possession during the crisis was remarkable.
C1 noun /stɪˈlɛtoʊ/

stiletto

Meaning
A small, thin, high-heeled shoe or a dagger with a slender blade.
Example
She wore elegant stiletto heels to the party.
C1 noun /ˈsteɪ.ʃən.ər/

Stationer

Meaning
a person who sells paper, pens, pencils, and other office supplies
Example
The stationer recommended the best pens for writing exams.
C1 noun /səˈbætɪkəl/

sabbatical

Meaning
A period of paid leave granted to a teacher or worker for study or travel, traditionally every seventh year.
Example
She took a sabbatical to research her new book.
C1 verb /ˈʃrɪvəl/

shrivel

Meaning
To become dry, wrinkled, and smaller due to lack of moisture.
Example
The flowers shriveled under the hot sun.
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 verb /ˈsʌkɪŋ/

sucking

Meaning
Drawing in a liquid, air, or other substance through the mouth or a tube by creating a vacuum; also used figuratively for something unpleasant or ineffective
Example
The baby is sucking on a pacifier.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌpl/

supple

Meaning
Easily bending or moving without breaking; flexible and adaptable.
Example
The gymnast’s body was remarkably supple.
C1 noun /ˈsʌnˌdaʊn/

sundown

Meaning
the time in the evening when the sun goes below the horizon
Example
We planned to reach the village before sundown.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
C1 noun /straɪf/

strife

Meaning
angry or violent conflict; struggle or discord
Example
The region has been torn apart by political strife.
C1 adjective /ˈsiːzənəbəl/

Seasonable

Meaning
occurring at the right time; appropriate for the season; timely
Example
The seasonable rain helped the farmers with their crops.
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 /ˈskɛtʃi/

sketchy

Meaning
not thorough or detailed; suspicious or unsafe
Example
The details of the project were still sketchy.
C1 verb /sluː/

slew

Meaning
To turn or slide violently in a particular direction.
Example
The car slewed across the icy road.
C1 noun sælˈveɪʃən

salvation

Meaning
Deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.
Example
The story revolves around the theme of salvation.
C1 adjective /ˈsted.fæst/

Steadfast

Meaning
firm in belief, determination, or adherence; unwavering
Example
She remained steadfast in her commitment to helping the poor.
C1 adjective /ˈstrætɪfaɪd/

stratified

Meaning
arranged or classified in layers or strata
Example
Society in the past was highly stratified based on class and wealth.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈstætʃətɔːri/

statutory

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