spoilsport
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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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈskændəl/

scandal

Meaning
an event or action that causes public outrage or damage to one's reputation
Example
The politician's affair became a public scandal.
C1 noun /ˌspɒn.təˈneɪ.ɪ.ti/

spontaneity

Meaning
The quality of being spontaneous; natural and unplanned behavior.
Example
His spontaneity makes him a great conversationalist.
B1 noun /səˈpɔːtər/

supporter

Meaning
a person who supports someone or something
Example
She is a strong supporter of the local animal shelter.
B1 verb /ˈsætɪsfaɪ/

satisfy

Meaning
to fulfill the desires, expectations, or needs of someone; to make content
Example
The delicious meal satisfied our hunger completely.
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.
C1 verb /ˈskʌr.i/

scurry

Meaning
To move quickly with short, hurried steps.
Example
The mice scurried across the kitchen floor when the lights turned on.
A1 verb /seɪv/

save

Meaning
to rescue from danger; to keep for future use
Example
It's important to save money for emergencies.
B1 noun, verb /strɪŋ/

string

Meaning
a thin piece of cord or thread; to tie or fasten with a string
Example
She tied the package with a string.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪtəs/

serendipitous

Meaning
Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
Their meeting at the café was purely serendipitous.
B2 noun/verb /swɔːrm/

swarm

Meaning
A large group of insects or people moving together.
Example
A swarm of bees surrounded the tree.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

Meaning
a doctor who performs medical operations
Example
The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.
A1 adverb /suːn/

Soon

Meaning
in a short time; before long; quickly
Example
The train will arrive soon.
B2 verb /səbˈskraɪb/

subscribe

Meaning
to pay to receive a service regularly; to agree with or support something
Example
I subscribe to several online magazines.
B2 verb /ˈsɒfən/

soften

Meaning
to make or become less hard, severe, or strong.
Example
Heat will soften the butter quickly.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɔː.dʌst/

sawdust

Meaning
The tiny particles of wood produced by sawing or sanding.
Example
The floor was covered with sawdust from the carpentry work.
B2 adjective /ˌsʌp.lɪˈmen.tər.i/

Supplementary

Meaning
completing or making an addition to something; additional; extra
Example
Students need to buy supplementary books for the course.
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.
A2 noun /ʃɪp/

Ship

Meaning
a large watercraft that travels the world's oceans and seas
Example
The cargo ship departed from the port at dawn.
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.
C1 noun /səˈlɪləkwi/

soliloquy

Meaning
a speech in which a character talks to themselves, often used in drama to reveal inner thoughts
Example
Hamlet's soliloquy is one of the most famous passages in Shakespearean drama.
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.
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.
C1 verb /ˈʃʌdər/

shudder

Meaning
to tremble or shake suddenly, often due to fear, cold, or strong emotion
Example
She shuddered at the thought of walking alone in the dark forest.
B2 adjective ˈsiːm.ləs

seamless

Meaning
A process or service that works without any interruption.
Example
A seamless checkout process improves user satisfaction.
A2 adverb /ˈslaɪtli/

slightly

Meaning
to a small degree or extent
Example
The temperature has slightly increased today.
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.
C1 verb /sɪft/

sift

Meaning
to separate or sort through carefully, often using a sieve or by examining closely
Example
She sifted the flour before adding it to the cake mixture.
C1 verb /səbˈvɜːrt/

subvert

Meaning
to undermine or overthrow an established system, authority, or institution
Example
The rebels tried to subvert the government.
C1 noun /ˈstænzə/

stanza

Meaning
a group of lines forming a unit in a poem or song
Example
The poem begins with a stanza describing nature.
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.
A2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.ər/

Singer

Meaning
a person who sings, especially as a job or profession
Example
The singer performed beautifully at the concert last night.
C2 verb /ˈsɪmpər/

simper

Meaning
to smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affected way
Example
She simpered at his compliment, clearly embarrassed.
B2 adjective /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/

striking

Meaning
very noticeable or impressive in appearance or effect
Example
Her striking beauty caught everyone's attention.
B2 noun/verb /skɔːrn/

scorn

Meaning
the feeling or expression of contempt or disdain; to treat with contempt
Example
She looked at him with open scorn.
C1 adjective /stjuːˈpɛndəs/

stupendous

Meaning
extremely impressive; amazing in size, degree, or excellence
Example
The magician’s performance was simply stupendous.
A2 adverb /ˈsloʊli/

slowly

Meaning
in a slow manner
Example
She walked slowly to the door.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪtʃueɪtɪd/

situated

Meaning
located in a particular place or position
Example
The hotel is situated near the beach.
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.
A1 noun/adjective /saʊθ/

south

Meaning
the direction towards the bottom of a map, opposite to north
Example
The sun rises in the east and sets in the south.
A2 noun /skɜːrt/

Skirt

Meaning
a garment that hangs from the waist and covers part or all of the legs
Example
She chose a blue skirt to match her blouse.
B1 adjective /ˈsɪniər/

senior

Meaning
having a higher rank or status; older or more experienced
Example
He is the senior manager in the department.
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.
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.
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 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 /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə/

social media

Meaning
Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
Example
Social media often causes delays.
B2 noun /ˈswɒl.oʊ/

Swallow

Meaning
a small migratory bird with long wings and a forked tail
Example
The swallow built its nest under the roof.
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.
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.
A2 noun /suːt/

suit

Meaning
a set of clothes made of the same fabric, usually consisting of trousers and a jacket
Example
He wore a black suit to the wedding.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈnuːmərɛri/

supernumerary

Meaning
Exceeding the usual number; extra or unnecessary.
Example
The play included several supernumerary actors to fill the background scenes.
C2 noun /ˌsuːpərɪnˈtɛndəns/

superintendence

Meaning
the act of overseeing, supervising, or managing
Example
The superintendence of the school is the principal’s duty.
C1 noun /stɪˈlɛtoʊ/

stiletto

Meaning
A small, thin, high-heeled shoe or a dagger with a slender blade.
Example
She wore elegant stiletto heels to the party.
B2 noun /ˈsʌ.plɪ.mənt/

Supplement

Meaning
something that completes or adds to something else; a dietary product
Example
She takes vitamin supplements to maintain her health.
B2 noun /skɛtʃ/

sketch

Meaning
a simple, rough drawing or outline
Example
He made a quick sketch of the landscape.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪ.ə.lɪz.əm/

sciolism

Meaning
pretentious show of superficial knowledge
Example
His speech was full of sciolism, impressing no one.
B2 verb /spreɪ/

spray

Meaning
to apply liquid to something in a fine mist
Example
She sprayed perfume on her wrist before leaving.
B1 adjective ˈsʌb.mə.riːn

submarine

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or used underwater, especially in relation to vessels or cables.
Example
Submarine cables facilitate international communication.
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 /səˈmætɪk/

somatic

Meaning
Relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind.
Example
Yoga can improve both somatic and mental health.
A1 noun /sʌn/

Sun

Meaning
the star around which the earth orbits; the source of light and heat for planets
Example
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
B2 adjective /ˈsɛksi/

sexy

Meaning
sexually attractive or exciting
Example
She wore a sexy red dress to the party.
C1 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
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.
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.
A2 noun /stres/

stress

Meaning
Physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.
Example
Excessive stress can lead to health issues.
C1 adjective /ˈsæk.rəˌsæŋkt/

sacrosanct

Meaning
Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; sacred.
Example
Freedom of speech is considered sacrosanct in democratic societies.
C1 adjective /səkˈsɪŋkt/

succinct

Meaning
Briefly and clearly expressed; characterized by clear, precise expression in few words.
Example
His speech was succinct and impactful.
A1 adjective /ʃɔːrt/

Short

Meaning
having a small length, height, or duration; not long
Example
The meeting was very short, lasting only ten minutes.
C2 adjective /ˈsloʊθfəl/

slothful

Meaning
Lazy, idle, and unwilling to work.
Example
She was too slothful to get out of bed early.
B1 adverb /spəˈsɪfɪkli/

specifically

Meaning
in a clear and exact way
Example
He was specifically asked to handle the finances.
B2 noun /ˈsɑːrˌkæzəm/

sarcasm

Meaning
The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
Example
His sarcasm often made people laugh but sometimes offended them.
B2 adjective sɪˈvɪər

severe

Meaning
Very great; intense or extreme in degree.
Example
Without action, climate change impacts will become severe.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
C1 adjective /suːˈpɜːr.flu.əs/

superfluous

Meaning
Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.
Example
His speech contained too many superfluous details.
B2 verb /sɑːb/

sob

Meaning
to cry noisily while taking short breaths
Example
She began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the news.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlf əˌfɜːˈmeɪʃən/

self-affirmation

Meaning
The practice of affirming one's own worthiness and value as an individual.
Example
Daily self-affirmation can boost your confidence.
A1 adjective /ˈsɔːri/

sorry

Meaning
feeling regret or sympathy
Example
She felt sorry for what had happened.
C2 noun /sɛnˈsɔːrɪəm/

sensorium

Meaning
The part of the brain or mind concerned with the reception and interpretation of sensory stimuli.
Example
The patient’s sensorium was clouded after the accident.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌpl/

supple

Meaning
Easily bending or moving without breaking; flexible and adaptable.
Example
The gymnast’s body was remarkably supple.
B1 noun /ˈspɪr.ɪt/

Spirit

Meaning
the non-physical part of a person; enthusiasm or courage; the essential character of something
Example
The team showed great spirit despite losing the match.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪr.i.əl/

Serial

Meaning
happening in a series; consecutive; arranged in order
Example
The serial killer was finally caught after years of investigation.
C2 adjective /stəˈkɑː.təʊ/

staccato

Meaning
short and detached in sound or style, often used in music
Example
The pianist played the notes in a staccato rhythm.
B1 noun ˈsɪs.təmz

systems

Meaning
A set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole.
Example
Effective systems improve productivity.
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 /ˈsoʊldʒərz/

soldiers

Meaning
members of an army who serve their country in war or peace
Example
The soldiers marched proudly down the street.
C2 noun /ˈswɑːvɪti/

suavity

Meaning
smoothness and charm in manner
Example
His suavity made him popular in social gatherings.
B1 noun /ˈsɛtʌp/

setup

Meaning
an arrangement of things or the way in which something is organized or prepared
Example
The setup of the event took hours to complete.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌn.i/

Sunny

Meaning
bright with sunlight; cheerful and optimistic
Example
It's a beautiful sunny day perfect for a picnic.
C1 noun ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti

sovereignty

Meaning
The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; supreme power or authority.
Example
Sovereignty is essential for a nation's identity.
C1 noun /stents/

stents

Meaning
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
Example
Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪk.tʃər/

stricture

Meaning
a restriction or limitation; a critical remark
Example
The new law placed a severe stricture on free speech.
B2 adjective /ˈʃeɪ.ki/

Shaky

Meaning
unstable; trembling; unreliable; weak
Example
His voice was shaky with nervousness.
A1 noun /ˈsɛvən/

seven

Meaning
the number following six and preceding eight
Example
She has seven apples in her basket.
C2 noun səˈtaɪ.ə.ti

satiety

Meaning
The feeling of being satisfied or full, especially with regard to food.
Example
High-fiber foods provide longer satiety.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
B2 noun /ˈsmɑːrt.nəs/

Smartness

Meaning
intelligence; cleverness; neat and fashionable appearance
Example
Her smartness in solving problems impressed everyone.
C2 noun /ˈsaʊər wʊd ˈæp.əl/

Sour wood apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with hard shell and tangy flesh; elephant apple
Example
The sour wood apple has a unique taste that many people enjoy.
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.
A1 adjective /smɔːl/

Small

Meaning
little in size; not large; limited in extent or amount
Example
She lives in a small apartment near the university.
B2 adjective /ˌsɪm.pəˈθet.ɪk/

Sympathetic

Meaning
showing compassion or understanding for someone's feelings or situation
Example
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my problems.
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 /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 səˌfɪs.tɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

sophistication

Meaning
High level of complexity or refinement.
Example
The sophistication of modern AI technology is remarkable.
C2 noun /ˈsteɪtkraft/

statecraft

Meaning
The art of governing and managing state affairs effectively.
Example
The leader was praised for his exceptional statecraft in handling international relations.
A1 verb /spend/

spend

Meaning
to use money to buy something; to pass time
Example
I spend too much money on books.
C2 noun /spjuːm/

spume

Meaning
Froth or foam, especially found on waves or liquids.
Example
The waves crashed against the rocks, leaving spume in the air.
B2 noun /ˈsɛtlər/

settler

Meaning
a person who settles in a new area or land
Example
The settlers arrived in the new town and started building homes.
C1 noun /sɪˈkluːʒən/

seclusion

Meaning
The state of being private, away from other people.
Example
She spent the weekend in complete seclusion in her cabin.
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.
C1 verb /strʌt/

strut

Meaning
to walk with a stiff, proud, and confident gait, often to show off
Example
He strutted across the stage after winning the award.
C2 adjective /sʌbˈdʒeɪsənt/

subjacent

Meaning
lying immediately beneath; underlying
Example
The geological survey revealed subjacent layers of rock.
A2 noun /səˈluː.ʃən/

Solution

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