soften
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B2 verb /ˈsɒfən/

soften

Meaning
to make or become less hard, severe, or strong.
Example
Heat will soften the butter quickly.
B2 noun /səˈvaɪvl/

survival

Meaning
the state of continuing to live or exist, typically in difficult conditions
Example
Survival in the wild can be a challenging experience.
C1 adjective /skænt/

Scant

Meaning
barely sufficient; inadequate; small in amount
Example
There was scant evidence to support his claim.
B2 noun /ˈsaɪd.laɪn/

sideline

Meaning
An activity done in addition to one's main job or area of work.
Example
The sideline discussions led to mutual understanding.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛr.aɪl/

sterile

Meaning
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; incapable of producing offspring.
Example
The surgeon worked in a sterile environment to avoid infection.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsæpɪd/

sapid

Meaning
Having a pleasant taste; flavorful.
Example
The chef prepared a sapid dish that delighted everyone at the table.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
A2 noun /stɛps/

steps

Meaning
A measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing.
Example
Taking small steps reduces overwhelm.
B2 noun /ˌsɛlf rɪˈspɛkt/

self-respect

Meaning
A feeling of pride and confidence in oneself; self-worth.
Example
She refused to compromise her self-respect by accepting unfair treatment.
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.
A2 noun /stɛə/

stair

Meaning
a step or set of steps leading from one level to another
Example
He tripped on the stair and fell down.
C1 verb /ˈstæɡ.neɪt/

stagnate

Meaning
to stop developing, progressing, or moving
Example
Without innovation, the business will stagnate.
B1 noun /skriːn/

Screen

Meaning
a flat surface on which pictures or words are shown; a movable partition used to divide a room
Example
The movie was displayed on a large screen in the theater.
C1 noun /ˌsʌb.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən/

substitution

Meaning
the action of replacing someone or something with another
Example
The substitution of the old system with the new one was difficult.
B2 verb /ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/

struggling

Meaning
Making forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction; having difficulty achieving something.
Example
Many regions are struggling with economic recovery.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːmli/

seemly

Meaning
proper or appropriate in behavior or appearance
Example
It was not seemly to argue loudly during the ceremony.
A2 verb /stɔːr/

store

Meaning
to keep things in a place for future use; to save information
Example
She stores her winter clothes in the attic.
A2 noun /spɔːt/

sport

Meaning
an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment
Example
Football is a popular sport around the world.
C1 adjective /sər'pæs.ɪŋ/

Surpassing

Meaning
exceeding; going beyond; outstanding
Example
Her surpassing beauty made everyone stop and stare.
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 ˈsæŋktɪti

sanctity

Meaning
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly; ultimate importance.
Example
The sanctity of life should never be compromised.
C2 verb /ˈsɪmpər/

simper

Meaning
to smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affected way
Example
She simpered at his compliment, clearly embarrassed.
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 adjective /ˈsted.fæst/

Steadfast

Meaning
firm in belief, determination, or adherence; unwavering
Example
She remained steadfast in her commitment to helping the poor.
B1 verb /slɪp/

slip

Meaning
to lose balance or fall while moving, or to accidentally slide from a position
Example
She slipped on the wet floor and fell.
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?
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
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.
B2 noun /sɛnˈseɪʃən/

Sensation

Meaning
a physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body; a widespread reaction of interest and excitement
Example
The new singer became an overnight sensation.
C2 noun /ˈʃaɪstər/

shyster

Meaning
a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous or dishonest methods
Example
The businessman was exposed as a shyster who cheated clients.
A2 noun /ˈstjuːdiəʊ/

studio

Meaning
a room where an artist, photographer, musician, or broadcaster works
Example
The singer recorded her new song in the studio.
C1 adjective /ˈstætʃətɔːri/

statutory

Meaning
Required, permitted, or enacted by law.
Example
The company must comply with all statutory regulations.
A2 noun /stoʊn/

stone

Meaning
a hard, naturally occurring mineral material found in the earth
Example
He threw a stone into the lake.
B1 verb /swɪtʃ/

switch

Meaning
to change from one thing to another; to exchange or replace
Example
I switched from coffee to tea.
C2 noun /stɛp/

steppe

Meaning
A large flat area of unforested grassland, especially in southeastern Europe or Siberia.
Example
The nomads traveled across the vast steppe with their herds.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛptɪk/

septic

Meaning
Infected with harmful bacteria; relating to or causing infection.
Example
The doctor treated the patient's septic wound immediately.
B2 adjective /ˈslɒp.i/

Sloppy

Meaning
careless; messy; done without care or attention to detail
Example
His sloppy handwriting was difficult to read.
A2 adjective /streɪt/

Straight

Meaning
extending or moving uniformly in one direction; not curved or bent; honest
Example
Draw a straight line from point A to point B.
C1 adjective /ˈstɪltɪd/

stilted

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

singular

Meaning
Remarkable, extraordinary; or grammatical form referring to one person or thing.
Example
She has a singular talent for painting.
B2 adjective /ˈstɛdi/

steady

Meaning
firm, stable, and not likely to change suddenly
Example
He kept his hand steady while painting the picture.
B2 noun /speɪd/

Spade

Meaning
a tool with a flat blade for digging; a playing card suit
Example
The gardener used a spade to dig holes for planting flowers.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsiːmi/

seamy

Meaning
Morally degraded, unpleasant, or sordid.
Example
The novel reveals the seamy side of city life.
A2 noun /ˈspiːkər/

speaker

Meaning
a person who speaks or talks, especially as an occupation
Example
The speaker delivered an inspiring speech at the conference.
A1 adjective strɒŋ

strong

Meaning
Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks.
Example
A strong defense secures victory.
B2 verb /soʊk/

soak

Meaning
to make something completely wet by immersing it in liquid
Example
She soaked the clothes in water before washing them.
C1 noun /ˈʃʊɡ.ər ˈkæn.di/

Sugar candy

Meaning
crystallized sugar formed into small pieces; rock candy made from sugar syrup
Example
The children enjoyed eating colorful sugar candy at the festival.
B2 noun /slʌm/

Slum

Meaning
a poor urban area with substandard housing and squalid conditions
Example
The government is working to improve conditions in the slum.
A2 noun /ˈsɒftweə/

software

Meaning
the programs and other operating information used by a computer
Example
He installed the software to enhance the performance of his computer.
B1 noun /ˈsʌp.ər/

Supper

Meaning
an evening meal, typically a light or informal one
Example
We usually have supper around seven o'clock.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːvɪŋ/

serving

Meaning
a portion of food for one person; the act of giving food or drink to someone
Example
He ate a large serving of rice and curry.
C1 noun /sərˈveɪər/

surveyor

Meaning
A person who measures and maps land, buildings, or other features.
Example
The surveyor measured the land for construction.
C1 adjective /sɪˈnɒnɪməs/

synonymous

Meaning
having the same or nearly the same meaning; closely associated with something
Example
For many people, her name is synonymous with generosity.
C1 noun /ˈsɛpərətɪst/

separatist

Meaning
A person who supports the separation of a group from a larger body, often for political or cultural independence.
Example
The separatist group demanded independence from the central government.
A1 adjective /ʃɔːrt/

Short

Meaning
having a small length, height, or duration; not long
Example
The meeting was very short, lasting only ten minutes.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/

shocking

Meaning
causing surprise or disbelief; startling
Example
The news of the accident was shocking to everyone.
A2 noun /spɒt/

spot

Meaning
a particular place or position
Example
I found a great spot for a picnic in the park.
B2 adjective strəˈtiː.dʒɪk

strategic

Meaning
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Example
Strategic policies enhance competitiveness.
B2 adjective /steɪl/

Stale

Meaning
no longer fresh; lacking originality or novelty
Example
The bread became stale after sitting out for three days.
A2 noun /sɒks/

Socks

Meaning
soft coverings for the feet, typically worn inside shoes
Example
I need to buy new socks for winter.
B2 noun /səˈspɪʃən/

Suspicion

Meaning
a feeling or thought that someone is guilty of an illegal or dishonest activity
Example
The police arrested him on suspicion of theft.
A1 adjective /ʃʊr/

Sure

Meaning
completely confident that something is true; certain; definitely true
Example
I am sure that he will come tomorrow.
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 noun səˈsteɪnəbəl ænd kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈproʊtʃ

sustainable and collaborative approach

Meaning
A method of working together that can be maintained over time without depleting resources or causing harm.
Example
A sustainable and collaborative approach is crucial for solving environmental problems.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
A2 noun ˈsaɪəns

science

Meaning
The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Example
Science continues to explore the unknown.
B2 verb /ˈʃɔːrtn/

shorten

Meaning
To make something shorter in length, duration, or extent
Example
She decided to shorten her speech to fit the time limit.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɜːviənt/

subservient

Meaning
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
Example
She was too subservient to challenge his decision.
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.
B2 noun /ˈskɒlərʃɪp/

scholarship

Meaning
an award or grant to support a student's education
Example
She received a scholarship to study abroad.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪmiən/

simian

Meaning
Relating to, resembling, or affecting apes or monkeys.
Example
The scientist studied the simian behavior of the chimpanzees.
B2 verb /saɪ/

sigh

Meaning
to let out a long, deep breath as an expression of tiredness, relief, or sadness
Example
She sighed with relief when she heard the good news.
B2 noun /ˈstɑːrtər/

starter

Meaning
a person or thing that starts something; the first course of a meal
Example
The starter of the meal was a fresh salad.
A2 noun /ˈstændərd/

standard

Meaning
a level of quality or achievement, or a measure of comparison
Example
This car meets all the safety standards.
C1 verb /siːð/

seethe

Meaning
To be filled with intense but unexpressed anger or agitation.
Example
She was seething with anger after the unfair decision.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈsɛkʃuəli/

sexually

Meaning
in a way that relates to or involves sexual activity or feelings
Example
The film was considered too sexually explicit for young audiences.
C2 noun /sɒl/

sol

Meaning
The fifth note of the sol-fa musical scale (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti); also the Latin word for sun
Example
The choir practiced singing the note sol during rehearsal.
C2 noun /sɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd/

Similitude

Meaning
the quality or state of being similar; resemblance
Example
The similitude between the two paintings suggested they were by the same artist.
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 noun /spæm/

spam

Meaning
unsolicited or unwanted electronic communication, typically in the form of email
Example
My inbox is full of spam emails that I need to delete.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈspætʃ.ʊ.lə/

Spatula

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or lifting food
Example
I used a spatula to flip the pancakes in the pan.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒndər/

squander

Meaning
to waste money, time, or opportunities in a careless way
Example
He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
C2 noun /sælv/

salve

Meaning
An ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.
Example
She applied a salve to the burn on her hand.
C2 adjective /spraɪ/

spry

Meaning
active and lively, especially in old age
Example
The spry grandmother surprised everyone with her quick dance steps.
C1 adjective /ˈstɔːlwərt/

stalwart

Meaning
Loyal, reliable, and hardworking; strongly built or sturdy.
Example
She has always been a stalwart supporter of the community.
C1 adjective /ˈsiː.naɪl/

senile

Meaning
Showing the weaknesses of old age, especially mental decline.
Example
The old man became senile and forgot familiar faces.
C2 verb /stɑːntʃ/

stanch

Meaning
to stop the flow of blood or liquid from a wound or source
Example
The nurse quickly stanched the bleeding from the cut.
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.
C1 verb/noun /snɑːrl/

snarl

Meaning
to growl aggressively with bared teeth; a tangle or mess
Example
The dog snarled at the stranger near the gate.
B2 verb /swiːp/

sweep

Meaning
to clean by brushing; to move quickly and smoothly
Example
She sweeps the floor every morning.
B2 noun /spɑːrk/

Spark

Meaning
a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire; a flash of light; something that triggers or initiates
Example
A spark from the campfire ignited the dry leaves.
C2 noun /stɒˈkeɪd/

stockade

Meaning
a defensive barrier made of strong posts or timbers, often around a fort or prison
Example
The prisoners were kept inside the wooden stockade.
C1 noun /ˈsmætərɪŋ/

smattering

Meaning
A small amount or superficial knowledge of something.
Example
He has a smattering of Spanish.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtərˌfjuːdʒ/

subterfuge

Meaning
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick or excuse to evade something.
Example
They used subterfuge to avoid paying taxes.
B1 adjective /spəˈsɪfɪk/

specific

Meaning
Clearly defined or identified; particular; exact.
Example
Make a specific plan to beat procrastination.
B2 adverb ˌsɪməlˈteɪnɪəsli

simultaneously

Meaning
At the same time; occurring or existing at the same time.
Example
He worked on two projects simultaneously.
C2 verb /səˈbɔːrn/

suborn

Meaning
to bribe or induce someone unlawfully to perform an act, especially to commit perjury
Example
The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn a witness.
C2 adjective /səˈpʌlkrəl/

sepulchral

Meaning
Relating to a tomb or burial; gloomy, dismal.
Example
The abandoned house had a sepulchral silence about it.
C2 adjective /ˈsmɑːrmi/

smarmy

Meaning
Excessively flattering or ingratiating, often insincerely.
Example
The salesman gave a smarmy pitch that felt fake.
C2 noun /ˈsɒlɪˌsɪzəm/

solecism

Meaning
a grammatical mistake in speech or writing; a breach of good manners or etiquette
Example
His speech was full of solecisms and awkward phrases.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɔːrt ˌtempərd/

Short-tempered

Meaning
quick to lose one's temper; easily angered
Example
She became short-tempered when the traffic made her late for the meeting.
A2 verb /sɔːrt/

sort

Meaning
to arrange or categorize something
Example
Please sort the files by date.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪkəl/

satirical

Meaning
containing or using satire to criticize or mock
Example
The satirical cartoon mocked the government's new policy.
B2 adjective /ˈsiː.z ə n.əl/

Seasonal

Meaning
relating to or occurring in a particular season; changing according to the seasons
Example
Many businesses hire seasonal workers during the holidays.
A2 noun /ˈseɪf.ti/

Safety

Meaning
condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury
Example
The company prioritizes workplace safety above all else.
B2 noun /skwɒd/

squad

Meaning
a small group of people organized for a specific purpose or task, often in the military or sports
Example
The football squad trained hard before the championship match.
C2 adjective /ˈstɪdʒiən/

stygian

Meaning
extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
Example
They walked through the stygian cave with torches.
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 /ˈsɜːrpənˌtiːn/

serpentine

Meaning
Having the shape, movement, or qualities of a serpent; winding or twisting.
Example
The road took a serpentine path through the mountains.
C2 noun /ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

spoliation

Meaning
The act of destroying or ruining something, often evidence or property.
Example
The court punished the company for the spoliation of evidence.
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.
B2 adjective/noun /staʊt/

stout

Meaning
Strong, thick, or heavily built; also a kind of dark beer
Example
The stout man lifted the heavy box with ease.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrvɪsəbl/

serviceable

Meaning
fit for use; usable; in working order
Example
The old bicycle is still serviceable despite its age.
C1 noun /ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪtər/

speculator

Meaning
A person who forms theories without evidence, or invests in assets hoping for profit.
Example
The real estate speculator bought land hoping its value would rise.