slur
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C1 noun, verb /slɜːr/

slur

Meaning
An insulting remark or suggestion; or to speak indistinctly.
Example
He made a slur against her character.
C1 verb /ˈsmoʊldər/

smolder

Meaning
to burn slowly with smoke but no flame; to show suppressed anger or emotion
Example
The fire smoldered for hours before it went out.
C1 noun /sɔɪl ˈmæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/

soil management

Meaning
The application of operations, practices, and treatments to protect soil and enhance its performance.
Example
Proper soil management improves long-term agricultural productivity.
C1 verb ˈsɪn.ɚ.dʒaɪz

synergize

Meaning
combine in such a way as to enhance effectiveness.
Example
The departments must synergize to improve efficiency.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪpend/

Stipend

Meaning
a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance
Example
The research student receives a monthly stipend for living expenses.
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 /ˌsəʊʃəˈbɪləti/

sociability

Meaning
The quality or state of being sociable; friendliness.
Example
Her sociability made her popular in the office.
C1 verb/noun /ˈsɒldər/

solder

Meaning
To join metal parts together by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint
Example
He soldered the broken wires back together.
C1 verb /sɪndʒ/

singe

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

suppression

Meaning
the act of forcibly stopping something or holding back feelings or actions
Example
The suppression of free speech led to protests.
C1 noun ˌskeɪ.ləˈbɪl.ə.ti

scalability

Meaning
The capacity to be changed in size or scale; the ability of a system to handle a growing amount of work.
Example
The new software offers high scalability for large enterprises.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒbəl/

squabble

Meaning
To argue noisily over something small or unimportant.
Example
The children squabbled over the last piece of cake.
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 adjective /sɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/

symmetrical

Meaning
having parts on either side that match or are the same in shape, size, or arrangement
Example
The artist designed a symmetrical pattern on the floor.
C1 adjective /suːˈpɜːr.flu.əs/

superfluous

Meaning
Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.
Example
His speech contained too many superfluous details.
C1 adjective /ˈsliːzi/

sleazy

Meaning
morally low, dirty, or cheap in quality
Example
He avoided the sleazy nightclub downtown.
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 /skwɒt/

squat

Meaning
to crouch or sit with knees bent and body close to the ground
Example
He squatted down to tie his shoes.
C1 verb /ˈsɪn.θə.saɪz/

synthesize

Meaning
To combine a number of things into a coherent whole.
Example
Scientists synthesize new compounds for medical research.
C1 noun /ˈswiːt.miːt/

Sweetmeat

Meaning
a small piece of confectionery or candy; a sweet delicacy
Example
The children enjoyed the traditional sweetmeats during the festival.
C1 adjective /sər'pæs.ɪŋ/

Surpassing

Meaning
exceeding; going beyond; outstanding
Example
Her surpassing beauty made everyone stop and stare.
C1 noun /ˈsʌm.ɪt əv ðə ˈfjuː.tʃər/

Summit of the Future

Meaning
A high-level conference focused on addressing future challenges and opportunities.
Example
The Summit of the Future addressed global challenges.
C1 verb /snʌb/

snub

Meaning
to insult or ignore someone by treating them rudely
Example
He felt hurt when his invitation was snubbed.
C1 noun /sɪˈnɪləti/

senility

Meaning
The state of being old and showing the weaknesses of age, especially mental decline.
Example
His forgetfulness was attributed to senility.
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 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 noun /ˈsɜːrmən/

sermon

Meaning
A religious discourse delivered by a preacher, often offering moral instruction or spiritual guidance.
Example
The pastor gave a moving sermon about compassion and forgiveness.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrvaɪl/ or /ˈsɜːrvəl/

servile

Meaning
having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others
Example
His servile attitude annoyed his colleagues.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsæf.rən/

Saffron

Meaning
a deep yellow-orange color; an expensive spice derived from crocus flowers
Example
The saffron fabric looked beautiful in the sunlight.
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 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.
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 /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/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.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌlən/

sullen

Meaning
bad-tempered and gloomy; silently resentful
Example
She gave him a sullen look and walked away.
C1 noun /ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/

shaving

Meaning
the act of removing hair with a razor; a thin strip or piece shaved from something
Example
He bought a new cream for shaving.
C1 adjective /ˌsekənd ˈreɪt/

second-rate

Meaning
Of mediocre or inferior quality.
Example
The movie was entertaining but clearly second-rate compared to the original.
C1 verb /ˈstæɡ.neɪt/

stagnate

Meaning
to stop developing, progressing, or moving
Example
Without innovation, the business will stagnate.
C1 noun /ˌsæl.ɪ.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

salinization

Meaning
The process of increasing salt content in soil.
Example
Excessive irrigation can cause salinization of farmland.
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 verb /ˈstæmər/

stammer

Meaning
To speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words.
Example
The nervous student began to stammer during his speech.
C1 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
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.
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.
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 noun /straɪf/

strife

Meaning
angry or violent conflict; struggle or discord
Example
The region has been torn apart by political strife.
C1 noun səˌfɪs.tɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

sophistication

Meaning
High level of complexity or refinement.
Example
The sophistication of modern AI technology is remarkable.
C1 verb /splaɪs/

splice

Meaning
to join two pieces of rope, film, or other material by weaving or attaching them together
Example
The technician spliced the two wires to restore the connection.
C1 adjective /seɪdʒ/

Sage

Meaning
wise; showing wisdom from experience; prudent; having good judgment
Example
The sage advice from the elder helped solve the problem.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪ.li/

Scaly

Meaning
covered with scales; having a rough surface like scales
Example
The fish has scaly skin.
C1 noun /səˈlaɪ.və/

Saliva

Meaning
the watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands
Example
The dentist asked her to rinse the saliva from her mouth.
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 adjective /ʃruːd/

Shrewd

Meaning
having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute
Example
The shrewd businessman made a profitable deal in the competitive market.
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.
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 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 noun /ˈskruːpəl/

scruple

Meaning
A moral or ethical consideration that restrains actions.
Example
He had no scruples about lying to get ahead.
C1 verb /spɜːr/

spur

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

synopsis

Meaning
a brief summary of the main points of a text, film, or research
Example
The publisher asked the author to submit a one-page synopsis of the novel.
C1 verb /ʃʌn/

Shun

Meaning
to deliberately avoid or stay away from someone or something
Example
He shuns public attention and prefers privacy.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
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.
C1 verb /ˈskævɪndʒ/

scavenge

Meaning
to search through waste or discarded material to find useful items
Example
The children scavenged for food in the garbage dump.
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 adjective /ˈstrɪndʒənt/

stringent

Meaning
strict, precise, and exacting
Example
The government imposed stringent measures during the crisis.
C1 adjective, verb /sɪˈdeɪt/

sedate

Meaning
calm, quiet, and composed; or to administer a drug to make someone calm or sleep
Example
The nurse sedated the patient before the operation.
C1 noun ˈsɒl.vən.si

solvency

Meaning
The possession of assets in excess of liabilities; ability to pay debts.
Example
The company's solvency improved after restructuring.
C1 adjective /ˈspaɪn.ləs/

Spineless

Meaning
lacking courage or determination; weak-willed
Example
He was too spineless to stand up for his beliefs.
C1 adjective /ˈskɔːrnfəl/

Scornful

Meaning
showing contempt or disdain; expressing scorn
Example
She gave him a scornful look when he made the rude comment.
C1 adjective /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/

subterranean

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.
Example
Subterranean water sources help sustain agriculture.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

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

stinting

Meaning
to supply sparingly or with restrictions
Example
He never stinting his efforts to help the poor.
C1 adjective /ˈspʌndʒi/

Spongy

Meaning
soft and full of holes like a sponge; porous
Example
The cake had a light and spongy texture.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪlaɪn/

Saline

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

swollen

Meaning
Enlarged or puffed up, usually due to injury, inflammation, or fluid accumulation
Example
Her ankle was swollen after she twisted it during the hike.
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 /ˈʃær.ən fruːt/

Sharon fruit

Meaning
a sweet orange persimmon fruit that can be eaten when firm
Example
The Sharon fruit is sweet and can be eaten like an apple.
C1 noun /ˈskwɒtər/

squatter

Meaning
a person who unlawfully occupies an uninhabited building or unused land
Example
The police removed the squatters from the abandoned house.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌl.ki/

Sulky

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

spire

Meaning
a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, especially a church
Example
The church spire could be seen from miles away.
C1 adjective ˈskruː.pjʊ.ləs

scrupulous

Meaning
Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; having moral integrity; acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper.
Example
He is known for being scrupulous in his work.
C1 adjective səˈsaɪ.ə.təl

societal

Meaning
Relating to society or social relationships.
Example
Societal benefits of space tourism are under debate.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌn.dri/

sundry

Meaning
Various or miscellaneous.
Example
The shop sells fruits, clothes, and sundry items.
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 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.
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 verb /ˈsælvɪdʒ/

salvage

Meaning
To save something from loss, damage, or destruction.
Example
They managed to salvage some goods from the fire.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːri/

Saree

Meaning
a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from South Asia
Example
She looked elegant in her red silk saree at the festival.
C1 noun /səbˈmɪtəl/

submittal

Meaning
the act of submitting something, especially a document for consideration or approval
Example
The contractor sent the submittal to the client for approval.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsækrɪlɪdʒ/

sacrilege

Meaning
Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
Example
Stealing from the temple was considered an act of sacrilege.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/

scintillating

Meaning
brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling
Example
Her scintillating conversation kept everyone entertained.
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 /səbˈsɜːviənt/

subservient

Meaning
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
Example
She was too subservient to challenge his decision.
C1 noun /ˈstæl.i.ən/

stallion

Meaning
An adult male horse that is not castrated, often used for breeding.
Example
The farm owns a powerful stallion for breeding purposes.
C1 noun /ˈsmætərɪŋ/

smattering

Meaning
A small amount or superficial knowledge of something.
Example
He has a smattering of Spanish.
C1 noun /ˈstɛnsəl/

stencil

Meaning
A thin sheet of material with a design cut out, used to produce the design on the surface below by applying paint or ink through the cut-out holes.
Example
The artist used a stencil to paint identical stars on the wall.
C1 adjective /swɑːv/

suave

Meaning
charming, confident, and elegant, often in a smooth or polished way
Example
He was a suave gentleman who impressed everyone at the party.
C1 noun /səbˈmɜːrdʒəns/

submergence

Meaning
the act or process of being submerged or going underwater
Example
The submergence of coastal areas is a major concern due to rising sea levels.
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 noun /səbˈdʒɛkʃən/

subjection

Meaning
the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination
Example
The people suffered under the subjection of a cruel ruler.
C1 verb/noun /skaʊl/

scowl

Meaning
To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
Example
She scowled when she heard the unfair remark.
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 adjective /stjuːˈpɛndəs/

stupendous

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

sect

Meaning
a subgroup of a larger religious or political group, often with differing beliefs
Example
The group split into different sects due to doctrinal differences.
C1 adjective /ˈspjʊəriəs/

spurious

Meaning
Not genuine, authentic, or true; false or fake.
Example
The report was based on spurious claims.
C1 verb /sleɪ/

slay

Meaning
to kill violently; informally, to impress greatly
Example
The hero vowed to slay the dragon.
C1 noun /ˈsed.ɪ.mənt/

Sediment

Meaning
matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid; particles deposited by water or wind
Example
The river carried sediment downstream during the flood.
C1 verb/noun /ˈswæɡ.ər/

swagger

Meaning
To walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant way.
Example
He swaggered into the room as if he owned the place.
C1 adjective /ˈstɪltɪd/

stilted

Meaning
Speech or writing that is stiff, unnatural, or overly formal.
Example
His speech sounded stilted and rehearsed.
C1 adjective /ˈskɪtɪʃ/

skittish

Meaning
easily frightened or nervous; unpredictable
Example
The horse was too skittish to ride.
C1 noun /ˈslændər/

Slander

Meaning
the action of making false spoken statements damaging to someone's reputation
Example
The politician sued the newspaper for slander.
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 adjective /sɪər/

Sear

Meaning
withered; dried up; burned or scorched
Example
The sear leaves fell from the trees in autumn.