sophisticated
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
B2 adjective səˈfɪs.tɪ.keɪ.tɪd

sophisticated

Meaning
Having great knowledge or experience of the world and knowing about fashion, culture, and other things that people think are socially important; highly developed or complex.
Example
Sophisticated designs enhance aesthetics.
A2 adjective /streɪndʒ/

strange

Meaning
unusual or not normal
Example
It was strange to see him at the party after so long.
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.
B2 noun /ˈskɔːr.pi.ən/

Scorpion

Meaning
a small creature with eight legs, two claws, and a curved tail with a poisonous sting
Example
The scorpion hid under the rock during the day.
B1 adverb /ˈspeʃ.əl.i/

Specially

Meaning
for a particular purpose; especially; specifically
Example
This gift was specially made for you.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɪndɪkət/

syndicate

Meaning
A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest or carry out a business venture.
Example
A syndicate of investors bought the struggling company.
B1 verb /sɪŋk/

sink

Meaning
to go down below the surface; to descend
Example
The ship sinks in the deep ocean.
C1 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
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.
B2 adjective /swɪft/

swift

Meaning
moving very quickly; happening promptly
Example
The river current was swift after the heavy rain.
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.
B2 verb /ˈsteɪ.bə.laɪz/

stabilize

Meaning
to make something steady, secure, or unlikely to change suddenly
Example
The government took measures to stabilize the economy.
B2 noun /ˈsætaɪər/

satire

Meaning
The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices.
Example
The play was a brilliant satire on modern politics.
C1 noun /ˌsəʊ.ʃi.əʊˈek.ə.nɒm.ɪk ˈprɒɡ.res/

socioeconomic progress

Meaning
Advancement in both social and economic conditions of a society or community.
Example
Socioeconomic progress uplifts marginalized communities.
B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/

superficial

Meaning
Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep.
Example
His understanding of the subject was rather superficial.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈsɒlvənt/

solvent

Meaning
a liquid that dissolves other substances; also means able to pay debts
Example
Acetone is a common solvent used in laboratories.
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.
B1 verb /splɪt/

split

Meaning
to divide or separate into parts or groups
Example
He split the log in two with an axe.
B2 noun /ˌsuːpərˈvɪʒən/

supervision

Meaning
the action or process of overseeing or managing something or someone
Example
The project was completed under the supervision of an experienced manager.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnət/

senate

Meaning
a legislative or governing body, typically the upper chamber in a bicameral legislature
Example
The senate voted in favor of the new healthcare bill.
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.
B2 adjective /səˈpɔːtɪv/

supportive

Meaning
providing encouragement or emotional help to someone
Example
She was very supportive during my difficult times.
A1 noun /sɛpˈtɛmbər/

september

Meaning
The ninth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Example
My birthday is in September, and I always celebrate it with friends.
C2 noun /ˈsweɪʒən/

suasion

Meaning
the act of persuading or influencing someone
Example
The leader used gentle suasion to win support for the plan.
B2 verb /ˈsprɪŋkəl/

sprinkle

Meaning
to scatter small drops or particles of a substance over a surface
Example
She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake.
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.
B2 noun /ˈseɡ.mənt/

Segment

Meaning
each of the parts into which something is divided; a section or portion
Example
The orange was divided into eight segments.
B2 adjective /ˈstaɪ.lɪʃ/

Stylish

Meaning
fashionable and attractive; having elegance or taste in appearance
Example
She wore a stylish dress to the party.
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 noun /ˈstrʌk.tʃərz/

structures

Meaning
Buildings or other objects constructed from several parts.
Example
The region has ancient structures.
B2 verb /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/

succeeding

Meaning
coming after or following in order; continuing to succeed
Example
In the succeeding years, the company expanded rapidly.
B2 noun ˈsəʊ.ʃəl ˈdʒʌs.tɪs

social justice

Meaning
Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
Example
Social justice ensures equality of opportunity.
B2 adjective /ˈstuː.di.əs/

Studious

Meaning
characterized by diligent study; devoted to learning
Example
She is a studious student who spends hours in the library.
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 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.
A2 noun /sɔːlt/

Salt

Meaning
white crystalline substance used for seasoning food; sodium chloride
Example
Please add some salt to the soup to enhance its flavor.
B2 verb, noun /ʃeɪv/

shave

Meaning
To remove hair from the body, typically using a razor; the act of removing hair
Example
He likes to shave every morning before work.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪli/

Silly

Meaning
foolish; lacking good sense or judgement
Example
Don't be silly, of course you can do it!
A2 adjective /ˈsʌðərn/

southern

Meaning
located in or facing the south; southern regions
Example
She moved to a southern city for work.
A2 adjective /ˈspænɪʃ/

spanish

Meaning
relating to Spain or the Spanish language
Example
She is fluent in Spanish and French.
B1 verb /spred/

spread

Meaning
to extend over a larger area; to distribute; to apply
Example
The news spread quickly through the town.
C1 verb /ˈstoʊnwɔːl/

stonewall

Meaning
To delay or block progress by refusing to cooperate or answer
Example
The witness tried to stonewall during the investigation.
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.
C2 noun /skæd/

scad

Meaning
A type of fish of the jack family; also informally means a large number or quantity.
Example
The fisherman caught a scad in the net.
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 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 adjective /sɛkˈtɛəriən/

sectarian

Meaning
relating to or characterized by the differences between sects, often leading to conflict
Example
The region has been troubled by sectarian violence for decades.
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 noun /ˈsɒkər/

soccer

Meaning
a sport in which two teams of eleven players each try to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing goal
Example
He loves to play soccer with his friends.
B2 noun steɪks

stakes

Meaning
A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground.
Example
The stakes were high for the success of the project.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈnuːmərɛri/

supernumerary

Meaning
Exceeding the usual number; extra or unnecessary.
Example
The play included several supernumerary actors to fill the background scenes.
C1 verb /ˈskwɒbəl/

squabble

Meaning
To argue noisily over something small or unimportant.
Example
The children squabbled over the last piece of cake.
C2 adjective /ˈstraɪ.eɪ.tɪd/

striated

Meaning
marked with thin lines, grooves, or stripes
Example
The muscle fibers appeared striated under the microscope.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
A2 noun /ˈsæd.nəs/

Sadness

Meaning
feeling of sorrow, unhappiness, or grief
Example
Her sadness was evident after hearing the bad news.
B1 verb /ʃaʊt/

shout

Meaning
to say something very loudly
Example
He shouted at the top of his lungs to get their attention.
C1 adjective /ˈspaɪn.ləs/

Spineless

Meaning
lacking courage or determination; weak-willed
Example
He was too spineless to stand up for his beliefs.
C2 adjective /ˈstɜːr.tər.əs/

stertorous

Meaning
Characterized by heavy snoring or breathing.
Example
The patient’s stertorous breathing alarmed the nurses.
B2 verb /səbˈtrækt/

subtract

Meaning
to take away a number or amount from another number or amount
Example
If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
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.
C2 verb, adjective /ˈstraɪeɪt/

striate

Meaning
to mark with stripes or grooves; striped or streaked in appearance
Example
The rock surface was striated by glacial movement.
A2 noun, verb /ˈsɛntəns/

sentence

Meaning
A set of words that expresses a complete thought; or a punishment given by a court of law.
Example
The judge gave him a five-year prison sentence.
A2 noun /seɪl/

sale

Meaning
the exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something
Example
The store is having a sale on winter clothing.
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.
A2 verb /səkˈsiːd/

succeed

Meaning
to achieve the desired aim or result; to do well
Example
She worked hard to succeed in her career.
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.
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 /stɪŋ/

sting

Meaning
to pierce with a sharp point; to cause sharp pain
Example
The bee stung him on his arm while he was gardening.
C1 noun /ˈsɪk.əl/

Sickle

Meaning
a tool with a curved metal blade and short handle used for cutting grain crops
Example
The farmer harvested wheat using a traditional sickle.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɑːdi/

shoddy

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

symbolism

Meaning
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Example
The use of symbolism in the novel is masterful.
B1 adjective /strɪkt/

Strict

Meaning
demanding exact conformity to rules; severe; rigorous
Example
The teacher is very strict about homework deadlines.
A1 noun /ʃɒp/

shop

Meaning
a place where goods are sold to customers
Example
I need to go to the shop to buy some groceries.
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 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.
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.
B1 adjective ˈsteɪbl

stable

Meaning
Not likely to change or fail; firmly established.
Example
Strong nuclear force keeps the nucleus stable.
B2 noun /ˈspesɪmən/

Specimen

Meaning
an individual example of something; a sample collected for scientific study or testing
Example
The scientist collected a blood specimen for analysis.
C2 noun /səˈnɛs.əns/

senescence

Meaning
The process of growing old or the condition of aging.
Example
The biologist studied senescence in plants to understand aging.
B2 verb /stæk/

stack

Meaning
to arrange things in a neat pile or one on top of another
Example
He stacked the books neatly on the shelf.
B2 adjective /ˈʃæl.oʊ/

Shallow

Meaning
not deep; superficial; lacking depth of knowledge
Example
The shallow water is perfect for children to play.
C2 noun /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/

sangfroid

Meaning
Composure or coolness under pressure.
Example
She impressed everyone with her sangfroid during the interview.
B1 verb /seɪl/

sail

Meaning
to travel on water in a boat or ship using sails or by wind power
Example
They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean last summer.
B1 noun ˈseʃən

session

Meaning
A meeting of an official body, especially a legislature, council, or court of law, to conduct its business.
Example
The session was held on February 25.
B2 adjective /sə'spɪʃ.əs/

Suspicious

Meaning
having or showing distrust; doubtful; questionable
Example
The police found his behavior very suspicious.
B1 noun sɪˈlek.ʃən

selection

Meaning
The action or fact of carefully choosing someone or something as being the best or most suitable.
Example
The selection process is based on merit.
C1 adjective /ˈsleɪ.vɪʃ/

slavish

Meaning
showing no originality; completely imitative or overly submissive
Example
His slavish devotion to tradition prevented any innovation.
A2 verb /ˈsetəl/

settle

Meaning
to resolve; to establish residence; to calm down
Example
They decided to settle in a quiet village.
B1 adverb /ˈsel.dəm/

Seldom

Meaning
not often; rarely; infrequently
Example
She seldom goes to the cinema.
C1 verb /səˈplænt/

supplant

Meaning
To take the place of something or someone, often by force or strategy.
Example
Digital platforms have supplanted traditional newspapers.
B2 noun /ˈsæksəfoʊn/

Saxophone

Meaning
a wind musical instrument with a curved metal body and a single reed mouthpiece
Example
The jazz musician played a beautiful solo on his saxophone.
B2 noun /spæn/

span

Meaning
the full extent or length of something from one end to another
Example
The bridge has a span of over 500 meters.
C1 noun /ˈskæf.əld/

Scaffold

Meaning
a temporary structure used by workers to stand on when building or repairing something high; a platform for execution
Example
The workers erected a scaffold to paint the building's exterior.
B2 verb /skɪm/

skim

Meaning
to move quickly over a surface or to read something quickly
Example
She skimmed through the report before the meeting.
B1 noun/verb /skeɪl/

scale

Meaning
A system of ordered marks used for measurement; also means to climb or to adjust in size.
Example
The company plans to scale its operations globally.
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 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 adjective /ˈsɒnɪk/

sonic

Meaning
Relating to or involving sound waves or speed of sound.
Example
The jet created a loud boom when it broke the sonic barrier.
A1 adjective /ˈspɛʃəl/

special

Meaning
different from what is usual; better or greater than normal
Example
This gift is very special to me.
B2 adjective /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪzd/

specialized

Meaning
designed or developed for a particular purpose or function
Example
He has a specialized knowledge of ancient civilizations.
B1 adverb /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/

significantly

Meaning
in a way that is large or important enough to have an effect
Example
The economy has significantly improved over the last decade.
C2 noun /ˈskɔːrpiən fɪʃ/

Scorpion fish

Meaning
a type of fish with venomous spines that belongs to the family Scorpaenidae
Example
The scorpion fish has dangerous spines that can inject venom.
C2 noun /sneɪk ɡɔːrd/

Snake gourd

Meaning
a long, curved vegetable that resembles a snake, commonly used in South Asian cuisine
Example
The snake gourd grows in a twisted, serpentine shape in the garden.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
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.
B1 noun /ˈsoʊ.lər ˌsɪs.təm/

Solar system

Meaning
the sun and all the planets, moons, asteroids and other objects that orbit around it
Example
Our solar system has eight planets orbiting the sun.
A2 adverb /ˈsʌm.haʊ/

Somehow

Meaning
in some way; for some reason that is not clear
Example
Somehow, I managed to finish the project on time.
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.
A2 noun /ʃeɪp/

Shape

Meaning
the external form or appearance of something; condition or state
Example
The artist drew a perfect circle shape on the canvas.
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.
C2 adjective /sɛnˈtɛnʃəs/

sententious

Meaning
Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner.
Example
His sententious remarks annoyed the audience.
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.
A1 noun /ˈsændwɪtʃ/

sandwich

Meaning
two pieces of bread with food such as meat, cheese, or salad between them
Example
I made a chicken sandwich for lunch.
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?
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.
B1 noun ˈstrʌɡ.əl

struggle

Meaning
A forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack; a determined effort under difficult circumstances.
Example
The struggle for independence united the nation.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbɪləns/

sibilance

Meaning
A hissing or hushing sound, especially in speech with 's' or 'sh'.
Example
The poet used sibilance to create a soft, hissing effect in the verse.
A2 noun /spiːd/

Speed

Meaning
the rate at which someone or something moves or operates
Example
The car reached a speed of 100 miles per hour.