Star Anise
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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.
C2 adjective /ˌsɒfəˈmɒrɪk/

sophomoric

Meaning
showing immaturity and overconfidence, like a sophomore
Example
His sophomoric behavior embarrassed his friends.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈskaɪ.lɑːrk/

Sky-Lark

Meaning
a small brown bird known for singing while flying high in the sky
Example
The skylark sang beautifully as it soared above the meadow.
B2 verb /ˈsɪmpəθaɪz/

sympathize

Meaning
to feel sorry for someone; to understand and share someone's feelings
Example
I sympathize with your loss.
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.
C1 noun /ˈskwɒtər/

squatter

Meaning
a person who unlawfully occupies an uninhabited building or unused land
Example
The police removed the squatters from the abandoned house.
C1 verb /sɪˈkluːd/

seclude

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

spending

Meaning
the act of paying money for goods or services
Example
Her spending on clothes was higher than expected.
A2 noun /ˈstrɔːbəri/

Strawberry

Meaning
a small red heart-shaped fruit with tiny seeds on the surface and sweet taste
Example
I love eating fresh strawberries with cream during summer.
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 /ˌsuːpərˈnuːmərɛri/

supernumerary

Meaning
Exceeding the usual number; extra or unnecessary.
Example
The play included several supernumerary actors to fill the background scenes.
B2 verb /ˈskræmbəl/

scramble

Meaning
to move or climb quickly using hands and feet; to mix or arrange in a hurried way
Example
The kids scrambled up the hill to catch the kite.
B1 adjective ˈsteɪbl

stable

Meaning
Not likely to change or fail; firmly established.
Example
Strong nuclear force keeps the nucleus stable.
A2 adjective /ˈsɛvrəl/

several

Meaning
more than one but not many; a few
Example
Several people attended the meeting yesterday.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnətər/

senator

Meaning
a member of a senate, especially in a legislative body
Example
The senator spoke passionately about environmental policies.
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.
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.
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.
B2 noun/verb /swɔːrm/

swarm

Meaning
A large group of insects or people moving together.
Example
A swarm of bees surrounded the tree.
A1 verb /spend/

spend

Meaning
to use money to buy something; to pass time
Example
I spend too much money on books.
C1 noun /sɪˈsɛʃən/

secession

Meaning
The action of formally withdrawing from membership of a federation or body.
Example
The secession of the southern states led to the Civil War.
A2 verb /sɜːrtʃ/

search

Meaning
to look carefully for someone or something; to examine thoroughly
Example
The police searched the house for evidence.
C1 noun /streɪt/

strait

Meaning
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water.
Example
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
B2 noun /ˈspɒt.laɪt/

spotlight

Meaning
a strong beam of light directed onto a particular area; figuratively, public attention
Example
The singer stood proudly in the spotlight.
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 ˈsiːm.ləs

seamless

Meaning
A process or service that works without any interruption.
Example
A seamless checkout process improves user satisfaction.
B1 adjective /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/

straightforward

Meaning
easy to understand or do; simple
Example
Her explanation was straightforward and clear.
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 /ˈʃɪpɪŋ/

shipping

Meaning
the process of transporting goods
Example
The shipping of the products was delayed due to weather conditions.
A2 noun /ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/

Situation

Meaning
a set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs
Example
We need to assess the current situation before making any decisions.
C1 adjective ˌsəʊsɪəʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl

sociopolitical

Meaning
Combining social and political factors.
Example
Sociopolitical factors often influence public policy decisions.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪtʃueɪtɪd/

situated

Meaning
located in a particular place or position
Example
The hotel is situated near the beach.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/

shocking

Meaning
causing surprise or disbelief; startling
Example
The news of the accident was shocking to everyone.
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 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 verb /sɪˈsiːd/

secede

Meaning
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
Example
Several states threatened to secede from the union.
C2 adjective /sæŋˈɡwɪniəs/

sanguineous

Meaning
Relating to blood; bloody.
Example
The surgeon examined the sanguineous discharge from the wound.
B2 verb /snæp/

snap

Meaning
to break suddenly; to speak angrily; to take a photograph quickly
Example
The rope snapped under the weight.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmfəni/

Symphony

Meaning
an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements
Example
The orchestra performed Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
B2 adjective /ˈʃɔːrt ˌsaɪtɪd/

Short-sighted

Meaning
lacking foresight or consideration for the future; myopic
Example
His short-sighted decision to quit school early affected his career prospects.
A1 noun /ˈʃʊɡər/

Sugar

Meaning
sweet crystalline substance used as a sweetener
Example
Please add two teaspoons of sugar to my coffee.
A2 adjective /ˈsɪŋɡəl/

single

Meaning
only one; not one of several
Example
She bought a single ticket for the concert.
C1 adjective /sɪər/

Sear

Meaning
withered; dried up; burned or scorched
Example
The sear leaves fell from the trees in autumn.
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.
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.
B2 verb /ˈsmʌɡəl/

smuggle

Meaning
to move goods illegally into or out of a country
Example
The gang tried to smuggle gold across the border.
B2 verb /stɑːv/

starve

Meaning
to suffer or die from lack of food
Example
He was left to starve in the desert.
B1 noun, verb /stɒk/

stock

Meaning
a supply of goods kept for sale or use; to keep or fill with goods
Example
The shop stocks a wide variety of products.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːdəˈrɪfɪk/

sudorific

Meaning
causing or increasing sweating
Example
The doctor prescribed a sudorific drug to help reduce the fever.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈsuːtəbl/

suitable

Meaning
appropriate or right for a particular person, purpose, or situation
Example
This dress is suitable for the wedding.
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.
B1 noun /səˈdʒes.tʃən/

Suggestion

Meaning
an idea or plan put forward for consideration; advice or recommendation
Example
Do you have any suggestions for improving our team's productivity?
A1 noun /sɪks/

six

Meaning
the number 6
Example
There are six apples on the table.
C2 verb /ˈsnɪvəl/

snivel

Meaning
to cry or complain in a weak or annoying way
Example
He began to snivel when he didn’t get his way.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfəld/

stifled

Meaning
to suppress, hold back, or prevent something from happening
Example
He stifled a laugh during the serious meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
B2 verb /ˈsɒfən/

soften

Meaning
to make or become less hard, severe, or strong.
Example
Heat will soften the butter quickly.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
A1 determiner /sʌtʃ/

such

Meaning
of the type previously mentioned or specified
Example
I have never seen such a beautiful painting.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
B1 noun, verb /skiːm/

scheme

Meaning
a plan or arrangement, especially one that is secret or dishonest
Example
They devised a scheme to cheat investors.
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.
A2 noun /ˈsɪl.vər/

Silver

Meaning
a shiny white precious metal used for making jewelry and ornaments
Example
The silver ring sparkled in the sunlight.
B2 adjective /sə'spɪʃ.əs/

Suspicious

Meaning
having or showing distrust; doubtful; questionable
Example
The police found his behavior very suspicious.
C1 noun/verb /sleɪt/

slate

Meaning
a fine-grained rock used for roofing or writing; to schedule or designate for a task
Example
The meeting is slated for next Monday.
A1 adjective /ˈspɛʃəl/

special

Meaning
different from what is usual; better or greater than normal
Example
This gift is very special to me.
C2 adjective /spæzˈmɒdɪk/

spasmodic

Meaning
occurring irregularly or in sudden bursts
Example
The patient experienced spasmodic coughing during the night.
C2 noun /ˌsuː.pɚˈfluː.ə.t̬i/

superfluity

Meaning
An excessive amount of something; more than what is needed.
Example
The room was filled with a superfluity of decorations.
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 verb /slɪŋ/

sling

Meaning
to throw or hang something roughly or carelessly
Example
He slung his bag over his shoulder before leaving.
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.
B1 noun /ˈsʌn.raɪz/

Sunrise

Meaning
the time in the morning when the sun appears above the horizon
Example
We watched the beautiful sunrise from the mountain top.
A2 adjective /ˈspænɪʃ/

spanish

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

spy

Meaning
to secretly collect information about a person, group, or country
Example
He was caught spying on his neighbor through the window.
C2 adjective /suːˈpɜːrnəl/

supernal

Meaning
Relating to the heavens; celestial or divine.
Example
The painting captured a supernal beauty that felt otherworldly.
C1 verb /ʃɪə/

shear

Meaning
to cut the wool off a sheep or to cut something with sharp tools like scissors or shears
Example
The farmer will shear the sheep in the spring.
C2 adjective ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs

surreptitious

Meaning
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; done stealthily.
Example
She took a surreptitious glance at his notes.
C1 adjective/noun /ˈsʌkjələnt/

succulent

Meaning
Juicy or full of juice; also refers to a plant with thick, fleshy leaves adapted to storing water.
Example
The steak was so succulent that everyone enjoyed it.
B2 noun /ˈsiːkər/

seeker

Meaning
a person who is looking for something, especially knowledge or truth
Example
The seeker traveled far to find the answers to his questions.
C1 adjective /seɪdʒ/

Sage

Meaning
wise; showing wisdom from experience; prudent; having good judgment
Example
The sage advice from the elder helped solve the problem.
A2 adjective /ˈsʌn.i/

Sunny

Meaning
bright with sunlight; cheerful and optimistic
Example
It's a beautiful sunny day perfect for a picnic.
C1 verb /ˈskaʊər/

scour

Meaning
to clean or brighten the surface of something by scrubbing; to search thoroughly
Example
She scoured the kitchen until it shone.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlf ɪnˈdʌldʒəns/

self-indulgence

Meaning
The act of allowing oneself to enjoy pleasures or desires excessively.
Example
His weekend of self-indulgence included eating sweets and watching movies nonstop.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

Meaning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example
The waiter gave us a surly look when we asked for more water.
A2 noun /stoʊn/

stone

Meaning
a hard, naturally occurring mineral material found in the earth
Example
He threw a stone into the lake.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈspaɪnəs/

spinous

Meaning
Having spines or thorn-like projections
Example
The spinous cactus was difficult to handle without gloves.
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 adjective /ˈsætɪsfaɪd/

satisfied

Meaning
Pleased or content with what has been achieved or received.
Example
He felt satisfied after finishing his project.
B2 verb, noun /sniːz/

sneeze

Meaning
to expel air involuntarily from the nose and mouth due to irritation; the act of sneezing
Example
I had to sneeze during the meeting.
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.
C2 noun /ʃiːt fɪʃ/

Sheat-fish

Meaning
A large freshwater catfish with a broad flat head and long barbels
Example
The sheat-fish is one of the largest freshwater fish in South Asia.
B1 adjective /ˈsɛpəreɪtɪd/

separated

Meaning
divided or disconnected from something else; not together
Example
They have been living in separated houses since the divorce.
C1 noun /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪti/

serendipity

Meaning
The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
Finding that old photo album was pure serendipity.
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.
A1 adjective /seɪm/

same

Meaning
identical; not different or changed
Example
We wore the same dress at the party.
C2 adjective /ˌsʌpəzɪˈtɪʃəs/

supposititious

Meaning
Based on assumption rather than fact; not genuine or authentic.
Example
The story turned out to be supposititious, with no evidence to support it.
A1 noun /ˈsʌn.deɪ/

sunday

Meaning
The day of the week between Saturday and Monday; often considered a day of rest or worship.
Example
We usually relax at home on Sunday.
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.
C1 verb /ˈstrætɪfaɪ/

stratify

Meaning
to arrange or divide into layers, classes, or categories
Example
The researchers plan to stratify the data based on age groups.
A2 adjective /ˈsəʊʃəl/

social

Meaning
relating to society or its organization
Example
She has a very social personality and enjoys meeting new people.
B2 verb /ˈstʌmbəl/

stumble

Meaning
to trip or lose balance while walking or running; to make a mistake or falter
Example
He stumbled on the uneven pavement.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
C2 verb /ˌsuːpərˈhiːt/

superheat

Meaning
to heat a substance beyond its normal boiling point without it becoming vapor
Example
Engineers superheat the steam to increase the efficiency of the turbine.
C1 noun /ˈʃær.ən fruːt/

Sharon fruit

Meaning
a sweet orange persimmon fruit that can be eaten when firm
Example
The Sharon fruit is sweet and can be eaten like an apple.
C1 noun /ˈsmætərɪŋ/

smattering

Meaning
A small amount or superficial knowledge of something.
Example
He has a smattering of Spanish.
B2 noun ˈskruːtɪni

scrutiny

Meaning
Critical observation or examination
Example
The new law is under scrutiny by the legislative body.
C1 adjective /ˈskræpi/

scrappy

Meaning
Determined and willing to fight or argue; also messy or disorganized.
Example
Despite being small, he was a scrappy fighter.
A2 noun /ˈsɪz.ərz/

Scissors

Meaning
a cutting instrument with two sharp blades that are joined and work against each other
Example
She used scissors to cut the paper into small pieces.
B2 noun /ˈskaɪˌskreɪpər/

Skyscraper

Meaning
a very tall building of many stories
Example
The new skyscraper dominates the city's skyline.
B2 noun /skɑːr/

Scar

Meaning
a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed; lasting emotional damage
Example
The accident left a permanent scar on his forehead.
A1 verb /stænd/

stand

Meaning
to be in an upright position; to tolerate or endure
Example
Please stand up when the teacher enters.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪd.laɪn dɪˈskʌʃənz/

sideline discussions

Meaning
Informal or secondary conversations that occur outside the main agenda of a formal meeting.
Example
Sideline discussions often lead to agreements.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪkəl/

satirical

Meaning
containing or using satire to criticize or mock
Example
The satirical cartoon mocked the government's new policy.
B2 noun /sɪlk/

silk

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