smell
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A2 verb /smel/

smell

Meaning
to perceive odor through the nose; to have an odor
Example
The flowers smell sweet.
B2 noun ˈskruːtɪni

scrutiny

Meaning
Critical observation or examination
Example
The new law is under scrutiny by the legislative body.
C2 noun /ˈsɔː.dər/

Sawder

Meaning
flattering or wheedling talk; soft soap
Example
His sawder couldn't convince anyone of his sincerity.
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 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.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /streɪ/

stray

Meaning
to move away from the correct path or go off course; a person or animal that has wandered off; something that is not where it belongs
Example
The dog strayed from the yard and got lost.
C2 verb /ˈsnʌfəl/

snuffle

Meaning
to breathe noisily through the nose, often because of crying or a cold
Example
The child began to snuffle after crying for a long time.
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 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.
B1 noun /ˈspeʃəlɪst/

Specialist

Meaning
a person who has specialized knowledge or training in a particular area; an expert
Example
She consulted a heart specialist about her condition.
B1 adjective /ˈsoʊ kɔːld/

so-called

Meaning
referred to as or known by a particular name or title, often misleadingly
Example
The so-called expert couldn't answer the question.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.vər.i/

savory

Meaning
Having a pleasant salty or spicy taste; morally acceptable.
Example
The restaurant serves a variety of savory dishes.
B2 noun /ˈstɑːrt.ʌp/

startup

Meaning
A newly established business, especially a small technology or business company that is just beginning operations.
Example
The startup secured funding from investors.
B2 noun /ˈstæm.ɪ.nə/

Stamina

Meaning
the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort
Example
Marathon runners need great stamina to complete the race.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /spɪk/

Spick

Meaning
extremely clean and neat; immaculate
Example
The house was spick and span after the cleaning.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsliːpər/

sleeper

Meaning
a person or thing that sleeps; something that unexpectedly succeeds
Example
The movie turned out to be a real sleeper hit.
B1 noun /ˈsɛkrəteri/

secretary

Meaning
a person employed to handle correspondence and manage routine tasks for an individual or organization
Example
The secretary scheduled the meeting for tomorrow.
B2 noun /ˈsikwəns/

Sequence

Meaning
a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other; a set of related events, movements, or things that follow each other in a particular order
Example
The dance sequence was perfectly choreographed.
C2 noun /ˈsɪnəd/

synod

Meaning
An assembly of the clergy in a Christian church convened to decide on issues of doctrine or administration.
Example
The synod gathered to discuss reforms in the church.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪmələr/

Similar

Meaning
alike; having characteristics in common
Example
The two sisters have similar interests in music.
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.
C1 verb /ˈʃækəl/

shackle

Meaning
to chain or restrain; to restrict someone’s actions or freedom
Example
Outdated regulations shackle small businesses and slow innovation.
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 adjective /ˈsleɪ.vɪʃ/

slavish

Meaning
showing no originality; completely imitative or overly submissive
Example
His slavish devotion to tradition prevented any innovation.
C1 adjective /ˈspɪndli/

spindly

Meaning
Long, thin, and weak-looking
Example
The spindly tree bent under the weight of the snow.
B2 verb /səbˈmɪt/

submit

Meaning
to present for consideration; to surrender; to yield
Example
Please submit your assignment by Friday.
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.
A2 adjective /sər'praɪzd/

Surprised

Meaning
feeling or showing surprise; astonished
Example
I was surprised to see my old friend at the market.
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.
B1 verb /spɛl/

spell

Meaning
to write or name the letters of a word in order; to mean or result in something
Example
Can you spell your name for me?
A2 noun steɪt

state

Meaning
A nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.
Example
The state declared a new language policy.
B2 adverb /ˈstɛdɪli/

steadily

Meaning
in a regular and continuous way; without stopping or changing
Example
The company's profits have been increasing steadily.
B1 noun /stiːl/

steel

Meaning
a strong, hard metal made of iron and carbon
Example
The building was made from steel to ensure its durability.
B2 noun /stəˈtɪstɪks/

statistics

Meaning
the practice or science of collecting and analyzing numerical data
Example
The statistics showed an increase in the number of users last year.
A1 verb /spend/

spend

Meaning
to use money to buy something; to pass time
Example
I spend too much money on books.
B2 noun /səˈnɛərioʊ/

scenario

Meaning
a possible situation or sequence of events
Example
The company prepared for the worst-case scenario.
A2 noun sɔːŋz

songs

Meaning
A short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung.
Example
Listen to songs to learn pronunciation.
C2 noun /skɪf/

skiff

Meaning
a small, light boat usually for one person
Example
The fisherman paddled his skiff across the lake.
B1 adjective ˈʃɔːrt.tɜːrm

short-term

Meaning
Occurring over or involving a relatively short period of time.
Example
Investing in stocks can yield short-term profits.
C1 noun /ˈsɛvərəns/

severance

Meaning
the act of ending something, especially a relationship or employment; compensation paid upon termination
Example
The company offered him severance pay after his job ended.
C2 adjective /ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk/

sycophantic

Meaning
Behaving in a way that is excessively obedient or servile to gain favor.
Example
His sycophantic behavior annoyed his colleagues.
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 /ˈsɜːvənt/

servant

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

shibboleth

Meaning
A custom, phrase, or belief distinguishing a particular group of people, often used to identify outsiders.
Example
The phrase became a political shibboleth during the campaign.
C1 adjective /ˈstɪltɪd/

stilted

Meaning
Speech or writing that is stiff, unnatural, or overly formal.
Example
His speech sounded stilted and rehearsed.
B2 adjective /sɪmˈbɒlɪk/

symbolic

Meaning
serving as a symbol or representing something else
Example
The dove is symbolic of peace and freedom.
B2 noun /səˈspɛnʃən/

suspension

Meaning
The act of temporarily stopping something; also refers to a system in vehicles that absorbs shock.
Example
The player received a three-game suspension for misconduct.
B2 noun ˈsiːzənəl ˈvedʒtəbəlz

seasonal vegetables

Meaning
Vegetables that grow during specific seasons or times of the year
Example
Seasonal vegetables grow abundantly in winter.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnənɪm/

Synonym

Meaning
a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language
Example
Happy and joyful are synonyms.
A2 noun /spɒt/

spot

Meaning
a particular place or position
Example
I found a great spot for a picnic in the park.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.krə.ni/

synchrony

Meaning
Coordination in time, harmony in action or movement.
Example
Their dance performance showed perfect synchrony.
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.
C2 adjective /səˈprɛsəbl̩/

suppressible

Meaning
capable of being restrained, controlled, or prevented
Example
The symptoms of the disease are suppressible with medication.
C1 verb /səˈfɪstɪkeɪt/

sophisticate

Meaning
to make something more complex or refined; to educate or develop in taste and manners
Example
Traveling abroad helped sophisticate his worldview.
A2 noun /ʃiːt/

sheet

Meaning
a large piece of cloth or paper, typically used to cover or protect something
Example
I need a clean sheet to cover the bed.
A2 noun /ʃɛlf/

shelf

Meaning
a flat surface used for storing or displaying things, typically fixed to a wall or inside a cabinet
Example
I placed the books on the shelf next to the window.
C1 noun /ˈskɛptɪk/

skeptic

Meaning
A person who doubts or questions accepted beliefs or claims.
Example
The scientist was a skeptic of theories without solid evidence.
C1 noun ˈsɛlfləsnɪs

selflessness

Meaning
The quality of being concerned more with the needs of others than with one's own.
Example
Selflessness is a key value for community building.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈæn.ju.eɪ.tɪd/

superannuated

Meaning
old and no longer useful or valid; retired due to age
Example
The factory was filled with superannuated machines that slowed production.
B1 noun, verb /ˈseɪ.lɪŋ/

sailing

Meaning
The act of traveling in a boat or ship using sails; the sport or activity of navigating a boat with sails.
Example
We went sailing on the lake during the summer.
C1 adjective /ˈstætʃətɔːri/

statutory

Meaning
Required, permitted, or enacted by law.
Example
The company must comply with all statutory regulations.
C1 adjective /səˈdʒɛstɪv/

suggestive

Meaning
tending to suggest ideas or images; sometimes implies something sexual or provocative
Example
The painting was highly suggestive and sparked much debate.
B2 noun /stɔːrk/

Stork

Meaning
large wading bird with long legs and a long neck
Example
The stork built its nest on top of the tall chimney.
B1 noun /ʃrɪmp/

Shrimp

Meaning
a small marine crustacean with a slender body and long legs
Example
We ordered grilled shrimp with garlic butter for dinner.
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 /skeər/

scare

Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
A2 adverb /ˈsɪə.ri.əs.li/

seriously

Meaning
in a solemn or thoughtful manner
Example
She took the matter very seriously.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪnɪkjʊər/

sinecure

Meaning
a position requiring little or no work but giving financial benefit or status
Example
He was given a sinecure at the university as a reward for his loyalty.
C2 noun /ˈslæt.ən/

slattern

Meaning
a woman who is untidy or slovenly in appearance or habits
Example
The house looked as if a slattern lived there.
C1 adjective /ˈʃeɪp.ləs/

Shapeless

Meaning
having no definite or well-defined shape or form
Example
The fog created a shapeless mass in the distance.
B1 noun sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti

security

Meaning
The state of being free from danger, threat, or loss.
Example
Food security is essential for human survival.
C1 verb /snɪər/

sneer

Meaning
to smile or speak in a mocking or contemptuous way
Example
She sneered at his attempt to sing.
C1 adjective /spəˈrædɪk/

sporadic

Meaning
Occurring irregularly or in scattered instances rather than continuously.
Example
The region experienced sporadic rain showers throughout the week.
C1 noun /ˈsɪməli/

simile

Meaning
A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another using 'like' or 'as'.
Example
She used a simile to describe her eyes as bright as stars.
A1 noun /skaɪ/

Sky

Meaning
the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth
Example
The sky is blue today.
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 noun /skoʊp/

scope

Meaning
the range of one's perception, understanding, or activity
Example
The project is beyond the scope of our resources.
C2 noun /ˈslʌɡərd/

sluggard

Meaning
A lazy, sluggish person.
Example
The sluggard refused to get out of bed even at noon.
A2 noun/verb /ˈsiːzən/

season

Meaning
One of the four periods of the year characterized by specific weather conditions; also, to add flavor to food.
Example
Spring is my favorite season of the year.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊloʊ/

solo

Meaning
performed by one person alone; a single performance
Example
She decided to perform a solo dance at the talent show.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈsɛp.ər.ət.li/

separately

Meaning
in a way that is apart or individually; not together
Example
They decided to travel separately to the conference.
B1 noun /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

Shadow

Meaning
a dark area where light is blocked by something; a person's silhouette
Example
The tree cast a long shadow across the garden in the evening.
B2 verb /stroʊk/

stroke

Meaning
to move your hand gently over something; to hit or touch something gently
Example
She stroked the cat's fur gently.
B2 verb, noun /stɔːl/

stall

Meaning
to stop or cause to stop temporarily; a small shop or stand
Example
The car stalled on the way to the office.
C2 adjective /sɪˈbeɪʃəs/

sebaceous

Meaning
Relating to or secreting sebum, an oily substance from the skin.
Example
Acne is often caused by overactive sebaceous glands.
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.
A2 adverb /ˈseɪf.li/

Safely

Meaning
in a safe manner; without danger or risk
Example
Drive safely on the icy road.
C2 noun /sɪˈrɒkoʊ/

sirocco

Meaning
A hot, dry wind blowing from North Africa across the Mediterranean to southern Europe.
Example
The sirocco made the city unbearably hot and dusty.
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.
C1 verb /sɪˈkluːd/

seclude

Meaning
To keep someone away from other people; to isolate.
Example
The monk chose to seclude himself in the mountains.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːdʒəri/

surgery

Meaning
a medical procedure involving the cutting of the body to treat a condition
Example
She underwent surgery to remove the tumor.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪləs/

stylus

Meaning
a small tool used for writing, drawing, or touching screens
Example
She used a stylus to draw on her tablet.
C1 verb /skɪmp/

skimp

Meaning
to use less of something than is necessary in order to save money or effort
Example
Don’t skimp on quality when buying a new laptop.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪlvən/

sylvan

Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of the woods or forest.
Example
The cottage was set in a sylvan landscape full of tall trees.
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 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 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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsɒmnələnt/

somnolent

Meaning
Sleepy or drowsy; causing a desire to sleep.
Example
The somnolent lecture made half the class fall asleep.
C2 adjective /ˌsɒpəˈrɪfɪk/

soporific

Meaning
tending to induce drowsiness or sleep; causing sleepiness
Example
The professor's lecture was so soporific that half the class fell asleep.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/

shocking

Meaning
causing surprise or disbelief; startling
Example
The news of the accident was shocking to everyone.
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.
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 adverb spɒnˈteɪnɪəsli

spontaneously

Meaning
In a spontaneous way; naturally and without planning or external cause.
Example
Children learn spontaneously through peer interactions.
B1 adverb /ˈspeʃ.əl.i/

Specially

Meaning
for a particular purpose; especially; specifically
Example
This gift was specially made for you.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.li.əns/

salience

Meaning
The quality of being particularly noticeable or important; prominence.
Example
The salience of the issue was highlighted in the debate.
C1 noun /ˈskruːpəl/

scruple

Meaning
A moral or ethical consideration that restrains actions.
Example
He had no scruples about lying to get ahead.
C2 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃuˌɛr.i/

sumptuary

Meaning
Relating to laws or regulations intended to limit personal spending on luxury goods.
Example
In medieval Europe, sumptuary laws restricted the wearing of expensive fabrics to the nobility.
B1 noun /swiːt pəˈteɪtoʊ/

Sweet potato

Meaning
A root vegetable with sweet flesh, typically orange or purple in color
Example
Roasted sweet potato makes a healthy and delicious side dish.
C1 verb /snʌb/

snub

Meaning
to insult or ignore someone by treating them rudely
Example
He felt hurt when his invitation was snubbed.
B2 noun /sɪlk/

silk

Meaning
a fine, smooth fabric made from the threads produced by silkworms
Example
The dress was made of pure silk.
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.
B2 noun/verb /skræp/

scrap

Meaning
A small piece of something; to discard or get rid of something.
Example
He used a scrap of paper to jot down the number.
B2 adjective /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

Meaning
extremely cruel or violent; wild and fierce; uncivilized
Example
The savage attack shocked everyone.
C2 noun /ˈsɪlvər kɑrp/

Silver carp

Meaning
a large freshwater fish with silvery scales, commonly farmed for food
Example
Silver carp is widely cultivated in fish farms across Asia.
A1 noun ˈstjuː.dənt

student

Meaning
A person who is studying at a school or university.
Example
Students participated actively in the protests.
B2 noun /ˈsɛm.ɪ.nɑːr/

seminar

Meaning
A meeting for discussion or training, especially in an academic setting.
Example
The professor invited all students to attend the seminar on climate change.