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B1 adjective /spəˈsɪfɪk/

specific

Meaning
Clearly defined or identified; particular; exact.
Example
Make a specific plan to beat procrastination.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːprəˈmʌndeɪn/

supramundane

Meaning
beyond the physical or ordinary world; transcendent
Example
The monk spoke of supramundane peace beyond material life.
B2 noun /ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/

storage

Meaning
the action or method of storing something for future use
Example
The warehouse offers plenty of storage space.
B1 adjective /səˈfɪʃənt/

Sufficient

Meaning
enough; adequate for the purpose; satisfactory
Example
We have sufficient time to complete the project.
B2 noun /ˈskɒl.ər/

Scholar

Meaning
a person who has studied a subject for a long time and knows a lot about it; an academic
Example
The renowned scholar published several books on ancient history.
B2 adjective /ˈʃæl.oʊ/

Shallow

Meaning
not deep; superficial; lacking depth of knowledge
Example
The shallow water is perfect for children to play.
B1 verb /siːl/

seal

Meaning
to close or secure something tightly or officially confirm something
Example
He sealed the envelope before sending the letter.
A2 noun /ˈswɛtər/

sweater

Meaning
a warm knitted piece of clothing worn on the upper body
Example
She wore a red sweater to keep warm in the cold weather.
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.
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.
B1 verb /ˈsɪzər/

scissor

Meaning
to cut with or as if with scissors
Example
The tailor scissored the fabric neatly.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
C2 noun /ˈsɛrəf/

seraph

Meaning
An angelic being associated with light and purity, often depicted as a high-ranking angel in Christian theology.
Example
The stained-glass window depicted a seraph with outstretched wings.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌðərn/

southern

Meaning
located in or facing the south; southern regions
Example
She moved to a southern city for work.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃuəs/

sensuous

Meaning
Relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect; pleasing to the senses.
Example
The garden was filled with sensuous colors and fragrances.
B2 noun ˈsækrɪfaɪs

sacrifice

Meaning
An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else.
Example
The country was freed due to the sacrifice of the warriors.
B2 noun /sfɪər/

sphere

Meaning
a round, three-dimensional shape that is perfectly symmetrical around its center; an area of activity or knowledge
Example
The Earth is almost a perfect sphere.
A2 noun /ˈsoʊ.fə/

Sofa

Meaning
a long upholstered seat for more than one person
Example
The family gathered on the sofa to watch TV.
A2 noun /spɒt/

spot

Meaning
a particular place or position
Example
I found a great spot for a picnic in the park.
B2 noun ˌsænɪˈteɪʃən

sanitation

Meaning
Conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.
Example
Good sanitation practices are key to preventing infestations.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌsɒfəˈmɒrɪk/

sophomoric

Meaning
showing immaturity and overconfidence, like a sophomore
Example
His sophomoric behavior embarrassed his friends.
B2 adverb /ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli/

subsequently

Meaning
at a later time; afterward
Example
He failed his exam and subsequently had to retake it.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːfdəm/

serfdom

Meaning
The status or condition of being a serf, bound to work for a lord.
Example
Many peasants in medieval Europe lived under serfdom.
C2 adjective /səˈluːtəˌtɔri/

salutatory

Meaning
Relating to or expressing a greeting or an address, especially at the beginning of a speech.
Example
She delivered a salutatory address at the graduation ceremony.
A1 verb /steɪ/

stay

Meaning
to remain in the same place; to continue being
Example
Please stay here until I return.
C1 verb /swɜːrv/

swerve

Meaning
to change direction suddenly, especially to avoid hitting something
Example
The car swerved to avoid the dog.
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.
B1 adverb /səkˈsɛsfəli/

successfully

Meaning
in a way that achieves a desired result
Example
She passed the exam successfully after weeks of studying.
C1 adjective /ˈskrʌmpʃəs/

scrumptious

Meaning
extremely tasty or delicious
Example
She baked a scrumptious chocolate cake for the party.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈstɛdɪli/

steadily

Meaning
in a regular and continuous way; without stopping or changing
Example
The company's profits have been increasing steadily.
B2 noun /ˌsɪm.ɪˈlær.ə.ti/

Similarity

Meaning
the quality or state of being similar; resemblance
Example
There is a striking similarity between the two paintings.
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 /ˈstændˌstɪl/

standstill

Meaning
a situation in which all movement or activity stops
Example
The traffic came to a standstill after the accident.
B2 noun /ˈsæb.ə.tɑːʒ/

Sabotage

Meaning
deliberate destruction of equipment or disruption of activities
Example
The factory was shut down due to an act of sabotage.
A2 verb /stʌk/

stuck

Meaning
unable to move; fixed in one position; unable to continue
Example
The door is stuck and won't open.
B2 verb /sɜːrdʒ/

surge

Meaning
to move suddenly and powerfully forward or upward
Example
The crowd surged forward when the gates opened.
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.
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.
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 noun /stɑːr ˈæn.ɪs/

Star Anise

Meaning
star-shaped spice pod with a licorice-like flavor used in cooking
Example
She added star anise to the soup for aromatic flavor.
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 noun /ˈsʌplɪkənt/

supplicant

Meaning
A person who humbly or earnestly asks for something, usually from a person of authority.
Example
The temple was filled with supplicants seeking blessings.
B2 adjective sɪˈvɪər

severe

Meaning
Very great; intense or extreme in degree.
Example
Without action, climate change impacts will become severe.
B2 noun səbˈstænʃəl ˈɪmpækt

substantial impact

Meaning
A significant, considerable, and meaningful effect or influence.
Example
Substantial impact is possible even with a few hours of volunteering.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊlər/

solar

Meaning
Relating to or determined by the sun
Example
The house is powered by solar energy.
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.
C1 adjective /smʌɡ/

smug

Meaning
having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
Example
He wore a smug smile after winning the debate.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈswɔːrði/

swarthy

Meaning
Having a dark complexion or skin tone.
Example
The sailor had a swarthy face from years under the sun.
B1 adverb /səˈpraɪzɪŋli/

surprisingly

Meaning
in a way that causes surprise or amazement
Example
Surprisingly, she finished the entire project in just one day.
B2 verb /ʃɛd/

shed

Meaning
to let something fall off naturally, such as leaves, hair, or tears
Example
Trees shed their leaves in autumn.
C2 noun /ˈsækrɪsti/

sacristy

Meaning
a room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept
Example
The priest entered the sacristy before the mass began.
A2 adjective /ʃɑːrp/

Sharp

Meaning
having a cutting edge or point; sudden and intense; quick to understand
Example
The knife has a very sharp blade.
B2 verb /smæʃ/

smash

Meaning
to break something into pieces violently
Example
She smashed the glass in frustration.
B1 noun /saɪt/

site

Meaning
a location or place, often used for a specific purpose, such as a construction site or a website
Example
The construction site is ready for the next phase of the project.
B1 noun /ˈsæm.pəl/

Sample

Meaning
a small part taken as an example of the whole; a specimen
Example
The doctor took a blood sample for testing.
B2 noun /ˈʃʌv.əl/

Shovel

Meaning
a tool with a broad flat blade and long handle used for digging and moving earth, snow, or other materials
Example
He grabbed a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway.
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 adjective /səˈnɔːrəs/

sonorous

Meaning
Deep, full, and rich in sound.
Example
The actor's sonorous voice filled the entire theater.
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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈspɔːrtɪv/

sportive

Meaning
Playful, lively, or full of fun.
Example
The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic.
C1 noun /sɔːd fɪʃ/

Sword fish

Meaning
A large marine fish with an elongated bill resembling a sword
Example
The swordfish can swim at speeds up to 60 mph.
B1 adjective /ˈsɔːlti/

Salty

Meaning
having the taste of salt; containing salt; tasting of seawater
Example
The salty ocean water made her thirsty.
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.
C1 noun /stɛntʃ/

stench

Meaning
A very strong and unpleasant smell.
Example
The stench of garbage filled the alley.
B2 adjective /sɔːr/

sore

Meaning
painful or aching, usually in a specific part of the body
Example
After the long run, my legs were sore.
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.
B1 noun ˈstrætədʒi

strategy

Meaning
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.
Example
The strategy ensured success.
B2 adjective /slɪk/

slick

Meaning
Smooth, clever, or efficient, often in a way that seems superficial.
Example
He gave a slick presentation to impress the investors.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌb.sɪ.kwənt/

subsequent

Meaning
Coming after something in time; following in time or order.
Example
Subsequent events clarified the outcomes.
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.
A2 verb /sɜːrv/

serve

Meaning
to provide service; to work for; to offer food or drink
Example
She serves breakfast at 8 AM every morning.
B2 verb /ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/

specify

Meaning
to state or describe something clearly and exactly
Example
Please specify the time and place of the meeting.
B2 verb /spreɪ/

spray

Meaning
to apply liquid to something in a fine mist
Example
She sprayed perfume on her wrist before leaving.
C2 noun /sfɛˈrɪsɪti/

sphericity

Meaning
The quality or state of being spherical; roundness.
Example
The sphericity of the ball made it roll smoothly on the ground.
C1 noun səbˈsɪs.təns

subsistence

Meaning
The action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level.
Example
Many farmers depend on subsistence agriculture.
C2 adjective /səˈdʒɛstəbəl/

suggestible

Meaning
easily influenced by the suggestions of others
Example
Children are highly suggestible and may believe what they are told.
C2 noun /ˈsɪbəraɪt/

sybarite

Meaning
a person who loves luxury and pleasure
Example
The millionaire was a true sybarite who lived only for comfort and enjoyment.
B1 noun /ˈsʌb.mə.riːn/

Sub-marine

Meaning
a warship with a streamlined hull designed to operate completely submerged in the sea
Example
The submarine dived deep into the ocean to avoid detection.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/

shocking

Meaning
causing surprise or disbelief; startling
Example
The news of the accident was shocking to everyone.
B2 adjective /ˈseɪ.krɪd/

Sacred

Meaning
connected with God or a god; considered holy; worthy of religious worship
Example
The sacred temple was visited by thousands of pilgrims.
B2 verb /skeər/

scare

Meaning
to frighten someone or make them feel afraid
Example
The loud noise scared the baby.
C1 noun ˈsʌb.tɛkst

subtext

Meaning
Hidden meaning or message behind spoken or written words
Example
The subtext of his speech suggested disagreement.
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 verb /ˈstɪntɪŋ/

stinting

Meaning
to supply sparingly or with restrictions
Example
He never stinting his efforts to help the poor.
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.
B2 adjective /self səˈfɪʃənt/

Self-sufficient

Meaning
able to provide for oneself without depending on others
Example
The farm is completely self-sufficient in producing vegetables.
B2 verb /skrʌb/

scrub

Meaning
To rub hard so as to clean, typically with a brush and water.
Example
Excessive scrubbing of the eyes is harmful.
B2 adjective /ˈsteɪʃəˌneri/

stationary

Meaning
Not moving or not intended to be moved.
Example
The car remained stationary at the red light.
C1 noun /ˈspɔɪlˌspɔːrt/

spoilsport

Meaning
A person who ruins other people's enjoyment or fun.
Example
Don't be a spoilsport and let us enjoy the party.
B2 adjective /suːˈpɪə.ri.ər/

Superior

Meaning
higher in rank, quality, or importance; better than average
Example
This product is superior to all others in the market.
B2 adjective /sɪmˈbɒlɪk/

symbolic

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

stimulus

Meaning
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Example
Plants respond to external stimulus.
C2 adjective /sɪˈnɒptɪk/

synoptic

Meaning
giving a general overview or summary; presenting a broad view
Example
The report offers a synoptic view of climate trends over the past century.
C2 verb /skwɛltʃ/

squelch

Meaning
to make a soft sucking sound, such as when walking on mud; to suppress or silence
Example
His boots squelched in the wet ground.
B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning
a person who tends and guards sheep
Example
The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.
B1 noun /ˈsmoʊkər/

smoker

Meaning
A person who smokes tobacco or other substances
Example
He is a heavy smoker and tries to quit every year.
C2 verb /skʌlk/

skulk

Meaning
to move or hide secretly, often because you are planning something bad or are feeling guilty
Example
He tried to skulk in the shadows to avoid being seen.
C1 noun /spæt/

spat

Meaning
a short, petty quarrel or argument
Example
They had a brief spat about who should do the dishes.
A2 adjective /sɔft/

Soft

Meaning
not hard or firm; gentle; quiet; tender
Example
The pillow is very soft and comfortable.
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.
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 /spɪˈlʌŋkər/

spelunker

Meaning
A person who explores caves as a hobby.
Example
The spelunker carried ropes and lights into the dark cave.
C2 noun /səˈvɑːnt/

savant

Meaning
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist or scholar; sometimes used in the phrase ‘savant syndrome’ for someone with exceptional abilities alongside developmental differences
Example
The conference keynote was delivered by a linguistic savant who studies endangered languages.
C1 adjective /ˈstʌm.pi/

Stumpy

Meaning
short and thick; having a short, thick appearance
Example
The stumpy little dog wagged its tail enthusiastically.
B2 verb /sʌk/

suck

Meaning
to draw something into the mouth by using the lips and tongue
Example
The baby began to suck her thumb.
B2 noun /ˈsleɪvəri/

slavery

Meaning
the system or state of being owned and forced to work for someone else
Example
Slavery was abolished in most countries in the 19th century.
C2 verb /ˈskærɪfaɪ/

scarify

Meaning
to make shallow cuts or scratches; to loosen the surface of soil
Example
The farmer scarified the soil before planting seeds.
B2 adverb /ˈsɒftli/

softly

Meaning
in a gentle or quiet way.
Example
She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.
C1 adjective /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

secluded

Meaning
Placed apart from other people or things; private and quiet.
Example
They spent their vacation in a secluded beach house.
A2 noun /streŋθ/

Strength

Meaning
the quality or state of being physically strong; power or force
Example
Regular exercise helps build muscle strength.
C2 adjective /ˈspiːʃəs/

specious

Meaning
Superficially plausible but actually false; misleading in appearance.
Example
The politician’s argument was specious, sounding convincing but lacking real evidence.
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.
B2 noun /səbˈskrɪp.ʃən/

Subscription

Meaning
a payment for regular delivery of a service or product; an arrangement to receive something regularly
Example
I canceled my Netflix subscription because I wasn't watching it enough.
A2 noun /səˈluː.ʃən/

Solution

Meaning
an answer to a problem; a liquid mixture
Example
We need to find a solution to this problem.