steppe
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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.
B1 noun /sɛks/

sex

Meaning
the biological distinction between male and female; sexual activity
Example
He was asked about his sex at the doctor's office.
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.
B2 verb /smæʃ/

smash

Meaning
to break something into pieces violently
Example
She smashed the glass in frustration.
A2 adjective /ˈskeəri/

scary

Meaning
causing fear or making you feel frightened
Example
That horror movie was really scary.
A1 noun /stɑːr/

Star

Meaning
a fixed luminous point in the night sky that produces light and heat through nuclear fusion
Example
Thousands of stars are visible in the clear night sky.
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.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning
highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important
Example
The Supreme Court made the final decision.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛn.sər.i/

sensory

Meaning
Related to the five human senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell).
Example
Sensory feedback enhances the VR experience.
B2 verb /stɜːr/

stir

Meaning
to mix or move something in a circular motion, especially in liquid
Example
She stirred the soup to make sure it didn't burn.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɜːviənt/

subservient

Meaning
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
Example
She was too subservient to challenge his decision.
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.
C2 noun /ˈstrɪk.tʃər/

stricture

Meaning
a restriction or limitation; a critical remark
Example
The new law placed a severe stricture on free speech.
C1 noun /siˈɛrə klʌb/

Sierra Club

Meaning
An American environmental organization founded in 1892 by John Muir, focused on promoting conservation of the natural environment by influencing public policy decisions.
Example
John Muir founded the Sierra Club in 1892 to protect wild areas.
C2 noun /ˈskɜː.vi/

scurvy

Meaning
A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, leading to weakness, gum disease, and bleeding.
Example
Sailors often suffered from scurvy during long sea voyages without fresh fruits.
C2 noun /səˈɡæs.ə.t̬i/

sagacity

Meaning
The quality of being sagacious; having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
Example
His sagacity made him a great leader.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪp.ɡəʊt/

Scapegoat

Meaning
a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others
Example
He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.
B2 noun /ˈstɑːrt.ʌp/

startup

Meaning
A newly established business, especially a small technology or business company that is just beginning operations.
Example
The startup secured funding from investors.
C2 noun /sɪnˈtɪl.ə/

scintilla

Meaning
A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.
Example
There wasn’t a scintilla of doubt in her mind.
C1 adverb /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋli/

searchingly

Meaning
In a way that seems to look for hidden meanings or truth.
Example
She looked at him searchingly, hoping for an honest answer.
B2 verb /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/

succeeding

Meaning
coming after or following in order; continuing to succeed
Example
In the succeeding years, the company expanded rapidly.
A1 determiner /sʌtʃ/

such

Meaning
of the type previously mentioned or specified
Example
I have never seen such a beautiful painting.
B1 noun /ˈsʌb.ɜːb/

Suburb

Meaning
a residential area outside the central part of a city; an outlying district of a city
Example
They moved to a quiet suburb to raise their children away from city noise.
A1 adjective /seɪm/

same

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

surge

Meaning
to move suddenly and powerfully forward or upward
Example
The crowd surged forward when the gates opened.
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.
C2 noun /skɪf/

skiff

Meaning
a small, light boat usually for one person
Example
The fisherman paddled his skiff across the lake.
C1 adjective ˌsɪmbɪˈɒtɪk

symbiotic

Meaning
Involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association.
Example
The relationship between the bee and the flower is symbiotic.
C1 adjective ˈsɒvrɪn

sovereign

Meaning
Possessing supreme or ultimate power; independent.
Example
The sovereign government has control over its currency.
C2 adjective /sɛpˈtɛnɪəl/

septennial

Meaning
Occurring every seven years.
Example
The festival is a septennial tradition in the village.
B1 verb /siːl/

seal

Meaning
to close or secure something tightly or officially confirm something
Example
He sealed the envelope before sending the letter.
C1 verb /spɔːn/

spawn

Meaning
to produce or generate, often in large numbers
Example
The video game has spawned many sequels.
B1 noun /ˈswɛtʃɜːrt/

sweatshirt

Meaning
A casual, long-sleeved pullover garment, typically made of cotton or fleece, worn for warmth or comfort.
Example
He wore a grey sweatshirt while jogging in the park.
B2 noun /stɔːrk/

Stork

Meaning
large wading bird with long legs and a long neck
Example
The stork built its nest on top of the tall chimney.
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.
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.
B2 adjective /saʊər/

Sour

Meaning
having an acid taste like lemon or vinegar; unpleasant or disagreeable
Example
The milk has gone sour and smells terrible.
A2 adjective /səkˈsɛsfəl/

Successful

Meaning
having achieved a desired aim or result; prosperous
Example
She was successful in her career as a doctor.
C2 noun/verb /sluːs/

sluice

Meaning
A sliding gate for controlling the flow of water; to wash or rinse with water in large quantities.
Example
The workers sluiced the mud off the street after the heavy rain.
B2 noun /ˌsɛlf ɪˈstiːm/

self-esteem

Meaning
confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect
Example
Building self-esteem takes time and consistent effort.
B1 adjective ˈsen.sɪ.tɪv

sensitive

Meaning
Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.
Example
Sensitive systems require precise handling.
B2 noun /ˈstɛriəˌtaɪp/

stereotype

Meaning
A widely held but oversimplified and fixed idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Example
It is a stereotype that all gamers are antisocial.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈkɒn.ʃəs/

semiconscious

Meaning
Only partly conscious; not fully aware of surroundings.
Example
He was semiconscious after the accident and could barely respond.
A2 noun /sɒks/

Socks

Meaning
soft coverings for the feet, typically worn inside shoes
Example
I need to buy new socks for winter.
C2 verb /ˈsnʌfəl/

snuffle

Meaning
to breathe noisily through the nose, often because of crying or a cold
Example
The child began to snuffle after crying for a long time.
B2 adjective /ˈsɒl.ɪ.ter.i/

Solitary

Meaning
alone; without companions; single; isolated
Example
He lived a solitary life in the mountains.
B2 noun /ˈsɛsəmi sidz/

Sesame Seeds

Meaning
small edible seeds from the sesame plant used in cooking and baking
Example
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the bread before baking.
B1 noun /ˈsaɪdˌwɔːk/

sidewalk

Meaning
a paved path for pedestrians at the side of a street.
Example
Children were playing on the sidewalk.
B2 noun /səˈnɛərioʊ/

scenario

Meaning
a possible situation or sequence of events
Example
The company prepared for the worst-case scenario.
B2 adjective ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs

simultaneous

Meaning
Occurring, operating, or done at the same time.
Example
Simultaneous crop failures affect global food supply.
A2 noun /skɪl/

skill

Meaning
the ability to do something well through training or experience
Example
Her skill in painting impressed everyone.
B2 noun /skoʊp/

scope

Meaning
the range of one's perception, understanding, or activity
Example
The project is beyond the scope of our resources.
B2 verb /ʃrʌɡ/

shrug

Meaning
To raise and lower the shoulders to express uncertainty or indifference.
Example
He shrugged when asked about the missing file.
B2 adverb /sɪˈvɪərli/

severely

Meaning
to a great degree; very seriously or harshly
Example
The patient was severely injured in the accident.
C1 adjective /ˈstɒdʒi/

stodgy

Meaning
Dull, uninspired, or old-fashioned; also heavy and hard to digest when referring to food.
Example
The lecture was so stodgy that many students struggled to stay awake.
A2 noun /smɔːl boʊl/

Small bowl

Meaning
a round, shallow container of small size used for serving food or liquids
Example
She served the soup in a small bowl.
C1 noun /ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/

skepticism

Meaning
A skeptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something.
Example
His skepticism about new technology often makes him resistant to change.
C1 noun /ˈskælpəl/

scalpel

Meaning
A small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery and dissection.
Example
The surgeon carefully used a scalpel to make the first incision.
C1 noun /səˈvænə/

savanna

Meaning
a grassy plain with scattered trees, typical of tropical and subtropical regions
Example
Giraffes browsed on acacia trees across the wide savanna.
C1 noun স্ক্রোলিং অ্যাডিকশন

scrolling addiction

Meaning
A compulsive need to continuously scroll through content on digital devices, particularly smartphones and social media platforms.
Example
Scrolling addiction is a growing concern among smartphone users.
C1 verb /səˈkʌm/

succumb

Meaning
To give in to pressure, temptation, or illness; to yield or fail to resist.
Example
He finally succumbed to his illness after a long struggle.
B2 noun /stəˈtɪstɪks/

statistics

Meaning
the practice or science of collecting and analyzing numerical data
Example
The statistics showed an increase in the number of users last year.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnətər/

senator

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

sustained

Meaning
Strengthened and supported; not allowed to weaken or fail.
Example
The proposal was not sustained.
C2 noun /ˈsɛnʃəns/

sentience

Meaning
The capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively.
Example
Many argue that animals possess sentience.
B2 adjective /ˈspiːtʃləs/

speechless

Meaning
Unable to speak because of shock, surprise, or strong emotion.
Example
She was speechless when she received the award.
A1 adjective strɒŋ

strong

Meaning
Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks.
Example
A strong defense secures victory.
A2 adjective /sɔft/

Soft

Meaning
not hard or firm; gentle; quiet; tender
Example
The pillow is very soft and comfortable.
A2 noun /ˈsɪstəm/

system

Meaning
a set of connected parts forming a complex whole; an organized method
Example
The education system needs major reforms.
C2 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈsɪv.ə.laɪzd/

semicivilized

Meaning
Partially civilized; having some aspects of civilization but not fully developed.
Example
The tribe was described as semicivilized by early explorers.
B2 noun, verb /slænt/

slant

Meaning
A particular point of view; to slope or lean in a particular direction.
Example
The article had a political slant.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnˌdroʊm/

syndrome

Meaning
a group of symptoms that occur together and characterize a condition or disease
Example
Down syndrome affects a person's physical and mental development.
A2 noun /skwɛə(r)/

square

Meaning
a shape with four equal straight sides and four right angles
Example
The table has a square shape.
B2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊ.ɪŋ/

sewing

Meaning
The activity or skill of joining fabric using a needle and thread
Example
She enjoys sewing her own clothes on weekends.
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.
C1 adjective /sɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/

symmetrical

Meaning
having parts on either side that match or are the same in shape, size, or arrangement
Example
The artist designed a symmetrical pattern on the floor.
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.
B2 noun /strɪp/

Strip

Meaning
a long narrow piece of cloth, paper, plastic, or other material
Example
She tore a strip of paper from the notebook.
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.
A2 adjective /ˈsep.ər.ət/

Separate

Meaning
distinct; not connected; individual; apart
Example
Please keep your personal and professional lives separate.
A2 adjective /ˈstuː.pɪd/

Stupid

Meaning
lacking intelligence or common sense; foolish
Example
It was stupid of me to forget my umbrella on a rainy day.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɑːdi/

shoddy

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

serrated

Meaning
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
Example
The bread knife had a serrated blade.
B2 noun /ˈʃəʊ.keɪs/

showcase

Meaning
A display case or exhibition; to present something in an attractive or favorable way.
Example
The exhibition showcased the artist's best works.
C1 adjective /spəˈrædɪk/

sporadic

Meaning
Occurring irregularly or in scattered instances rather than continuously.
Example
The region experienced sporadic rain showers throughout the week.
B2 adverb ˌsɪməlˈteɪnɪəsli

simultaneously

Meaning
At the same time; occurring or existing at the same time.
Example
He worked on two projects simultaneously.
B1 noun /ˈʃel.tər/

Shelter

Meaning
a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger
Example
The hikers found shelter in a cave during the heavy rain.
B1 noun /ˈspɛndɪŋ/

spending

Meaning
the act of paying money for goods or services
Example
Her spending on clothes was higher than expected.
C1 noun /skraɪb/

scribe

Meaning
a person who writes documents, especially in ancient times; a professional copyist
Example
In ancient Egypt, scribes recorded important events.
B1 noun /ˌsaʊθˈwɛst/

southwest

Meaning
the direction that is between south and west; a region in that direction
Example
They traveled to the southwest of the country for their vacation.
B2 noun /ˈskaɪˌskreɪpər/

Skyscraper

Meaning
a very tall building of many stories
Example
The new skyscraper dominates the city's skyline.
C2 adjective /ˈseɪpiənt/

sapient

Meaning
Wise, or appearing to be wise.
Example
The professor gave a sapient response to the complex question.
B2 adverb /ˈsmɑːt.li/

Smartly

Meaning
in a clever or intelligent way; neatly and stylishly; quickly
Example
He was smartly dressed for the business meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈspraɪtli/

sprightly

Meaning
full of energy and life; lively
Example
The sprightly old man danced with joy at the wedding.
B2 verb /skæn/

scan

Meaning
To look at something carefully or quickly; to digitally copy or capture an image or document.
Example
She scanned the document before sending it by email.
B1 verb /skrætʃ/

scratch

Meaning
to rub a surface or skin with something sharp or rough, often to relieve itching
Example
The cat scratched the door to be let in.
A2 noun /sɔːs/

Sauce

Meaning
a liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moisture and flavor
Example
She added tomato sauce to her pasta.
B1 verb /sɪˈlekt/

select

Meaning
to choose from a number of alternatives; to pick out
Example
Please select your favorite color.
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.
C1 noun ˌskeɪ.ləˈbɪl.ə.ti

scalability

Meaning
The capacity to be changed in size or scale; the ability of a system to handle a growing amount of work.
Example
The new software offers high scalability for large enterprises.
B2 noun ˌspɛk.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

speculation

Meaning
Investment in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.
Example
Stock market speculation can lead to high volatility.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlaɪn/

sibylline

Meaning
Prophetic, mysterious, or cryptic in meaning.
Example
The old woman gave a sibylline warning about the future.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈsmoʊ.kɪŋ/

smoking

Meaning
The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances; wearing a tuxedo (adjective, formal context).
Example
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
A1 noun /ˈstɔːri/

story

Meaning
a narrative of real or imaginary events
Example
She told a fascinating story about her travels.
C2 noun /sɜːrˈsiːs/

surcease

Meaning
a temporary or final ending or stopping of something
Example
The noise finally came to a surcease after midnight.
C2 adjective /səˈræfɪk/

seraphic

Meaning
Of or like a seraph; angelic, pure, and blissful.
Example
She gave him a seraphic smile that calmed his fears.
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 noun /ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

specification

Meaning
a detailed description or assessment of something
Example
The product specification includes all the necessary details.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfl/

stifle

Meaning
to prevent or restrain an action, idea, or emotion; to suffocate
Example
She tried to stifle a laugh during the serious meeting.
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.
B2 adjective /sə'spɪʃ.əs/

Suspicious

Meaning
having or showing distrust; doubtful; questionable
Example
The police found his behavior very suspicious.
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.
C2 adjective /sɪˈbeɪʃəs/

sebaceous

Meaning
Relating to or secreting sebum, an oily substance from the skin.
Example
Acne is often caused by overactive sebaceous glands.
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/verb /stʌnt/

stunt

Meaning
a daring or unusual action performed for entertainment or publicity; to hinder growth or development
Example
The actor performed a dangerous stunt in the movie.
A2 noun /ˈsɛlər/

seller

Meaning
a person who sells something
Example
The seller offered a discount on bulk purchases.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪpend/

Stipend

Meaning
a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance
Example
The research student receives a monthly stipend for living expenses.
A2 verb /səkˈsiːd/

succeed

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