stilted
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C1 adjective /ˈstɪltɪd/

stilted

Meaning
Speech or writing that is stiff, unnatural, or overly formal.
Example
His speech sounded stilted and rehearsed.
B2 noun /slɒt/

slot

Meaning
a narrow opening into which something fits or is placed
Example
Insert the card into the slot to open the door.
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 noun /spaɪs/

spice

Meaning
a substance used to add flavor to food
Example
She added a pinch of spice to the curry for extra flavor.
C1 noun /ˈspɪnstər/

spinster

Meaning
An unmarried woman, often one who is older and considered unlikely to marry
Example
The novel featured a kind-hearted spinster who cared for the village children.
C1 verb /slɪŋk/

slink

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed
Example
The cat slunk into the room without making a sound.
B2 adjective spekˈtækjʊlər

spectacular

Meaning
Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way; very impressive.
Example
The launch of the spacecraft was a spectacular event.
B2 verb /skoʊld/

scold

Meaning
to criticize angrily; to rebuke
Example
The teacher scolded the students for being late.
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 adjective /strɪkt/

Strict

Meaning
demanding exact conformity to rules; severe; rigorous
Example
The teacher is very strict about homework deadlines.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪp.ʃeɪp/

Shipshape

Meaning
neat and tidy; in good order; well-organized
Example
Everything was shipshape before the inspection.
B2 verb /ˈʃɔːrtn/

shorten

Meaning
To make something shorter in length, duration, or extent
Example
She decided to shorten her speech to fit the time limit.
B2 verb /slæp/

slap

Meaning
to hit someone quickly with the flat part of the hand; to strike sharply
Example
She was so angry that she slapped him across the face.
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.
C1 verb /ˈslɪðər/

slither

Meaning
to move smoothly over a surface with a twisting, sliding motion, like a snake
Example
The snake slithered through the grass.
C1 noun ˌsæn.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

sanitization

Meaning
The process of cleaning and disinfecting to eliminate germs and bacteria.
Example
Regular sanitization keeps appliances germ-free.
C1 noun /ˈseɪ.tən/

Satan

Meaning
the chief evil spirit; the Devil in Christian and Islamic belief
Example
According to religious texts, Satan tempts people to sin.
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.
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 /spɛk/

speck

Meaning
A very small spot, mark, or particle.
Example
There was a tiny speck of dust on the glass table.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌl.ki/

Sulky

Meaning
bad-tempered and sullen; moody
Example
The child became sulky when he couldn't get his favorite toy.
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.
B1 noun səˈluː.ʃənz

solutions

Meaning
A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
Example
Biotechnology provides solutions to environmental challenges.
B1 noun /ˈseɪ.ɪŋ/

Saying

Meaning
a well-known phrase that expresses something true about life; a proverb
Example
There's an old saying that practice makes perfect.
C1 noun /ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

saboteur

Meaning
A person who engages in sabotage.
Example
The saboteur was arrested before he could plant the bomb.
A1 verb /smaɪl/

smile

Meaning
to express happiness or friendliness by turning the corners of the mouth upwards
Example
She smiled when she saw the gift.
B2 verb /soʊk/

soak

Meaning
to make something completely wet by immersing it in liquid
Example
She soaked the clothes in water before washing them.
C2 verb /ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt/

subjugate

Meaning
To bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
Example
The empire sought to subjugate the neighboring kingdoms.
C1 noun ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk ˈseɪvɪŋz

systematic savings

Meaning
A structured and organized approach to regularly saving money according to a planned schedule
Example
Systematic savings can mitigate financial crises in old age.
C1 adjective səˈsaɪ.ə.təl

societal

Meaning
Relating to society or social relationships.
Example
Societal benefits of space tourism are under debate.
C2 verb /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/

sublimate

Meaning
to redirect strong emotions or desires into socially acceptable activities or channels
Example
She sublimated her anger into painting beautiful landscapes.
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.
B2 noun /spaɪn/

Spine

Meaning
the backbone or vertebral column of a vertebrate; the central support of a structure
Example
She injured her spine in the accident.
B2 adjective /ˈskɑː.lət/

Scarlet

Meaning
a bright red color with a slightly orange tinge
Example
The scarlet roses in the garden looked magnificent in the morning light.
C1 adjective /ˈstrætɪfaɪd/

stratified

Meaning
arranged or classified in layers or strata
Example
Society in the past was highly stratified based on class and wealth.
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.
C1 noun /ˈskɛptɪk/

skeptic

Meaning
A person who doubts or questions accepted beliefs or claims.
Example
The scientist was a skeptic of theories without solid evidence.
C1 verb /ˈstæɡ.neɪt/

stagnate

Meaning
to stop developing, progressing, or moving
Example
Without innovation, the business will stagnate.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

Meaning
To distract from the main subject or activity.
Example
She was sidetracked by an unexpected phone call.
C2 noun ˈsɒmnələns

somnolence

Meaning
A state of drowsiness or sleepiness; inclination to sleep.
Example
The somnolence after a heavy meal made it hard to concentrate.
B2 noun, verb /skruː/

screw

Meaning
a metal fastener with a helical ridge; to fasten or tighten something with a screw
Example
He screwed the shelf to the wall tightly.
C2 adjective /sɪər/

sere

Meaning
Dry or withered, especially vegetation.
Example
The sere leaves crumbled under his feet.
C2 noun /sɑːrˈkɒfəɡəs/

sarcophagus

Meaning
A stone coffin, often decorated, used in ancient times.
Example
The museum displayed a beautifully carved sarcophagus from ancient Egypt.
A2 adjective /sɪksθ/

sixth

Meaning
coming after the fifth in order, position, or rank
Example
He finished the race in sixth place.
B2 noun smɔːl ˈɛfərt

Small Effort

Meaning
Minor actions or initiatives that can collectively make a significant impact.
Example
Small efforts can bring big changes in butterfly conservation.
B2 adjective /suːˈpɜːrb/

superb

Meaning
extremely good; excellent
Example
The hotel provided superb service during our stay.
C1 verb /ˌsuːpərˈsiːd/

supersede

Meaning
To replace or take the place of something because it is more modern or effective.
Example
This new law will supersede the old regulations.
B2 adjective /steɪl/

Stale

Meaning
no longer fresh; lacking originality or novelty
Example
The bread became stale after sitting out for three days.
A2 noun /ˈsuː.pəˌmɑː.kɪt/

supermarket

Meaning
a large self-service store selling food and household goods
Example
She went to the supermarket to buy groceries.
C1 adjective skiˈmæt.ɪk

Schematic

Meaning
Presenting some framework or concept briefly
Example
The engineer provided a schematic diagram of the project.
C1 noun /sʌˈmeɪʃən/

summation

Meaning
The process of adding things together; a summary of points.
Example
The lawyer gave a powerful summation of the case.
B2 noun /səkˈsɛʃ.ən/

succession

Meaning
The process of ecological change in which one community of organisms is gradually replaced by another.
Example
Forest succession occurs when old ecosystems are replaced by new ones.
B1 noun /seɪnt/

Saint

Meaning
person recognized as holy or virtuous; very kind or patient person
Example
Mother Teresa was declared a saint by the Catholic Church.
C1 verb /snɪər/

sneer

Meaning
to smile or speak in a mocking or contemptuous way
Example
She sneered at his attempt to sing.
C1 adjective ˌsɪn.əˈdʒɪs.tɪk

synergistic

Meaning
Relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
Example
A synergistic effect occurs when nutrients work together.
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 adverb /səkˈsɛsfəli/

successfully

Meaning
in a way that achieves a desired result
Example
She passed the exam successfully after weeks of studying.
B2 noun /ˈsiː.mən/

Seaman

Meaning
a person who works on a ship; sailor
Example
The experienced seaman navigated the ship through the storm.
C1 noun /sɪlk klɔːθ/

Silk cloth

Meaning
fabric made from natural fibers produced by silkworms
Example
The bride wore a beautiful dress made of silk cloth.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
B2 verb /smæʃ/

smash

Meaning
to break something into pieces violently
Example
She smashed the glass in frustration.
C1 noun səˌsɛp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti

susceptibility

Meaning
The quality of being likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing; vulnerability.
Example
High susceptibility to infections requires extra care.
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.
A1 verb /sliːp/

sleep

Meaning
to rest with eyes closed and reduced consciousness; to be inactive
Example
I need to sleep for eight hours every night.
A2 verb /saɪn/

sign

Meaning
to write your name on something to show agreement or approval; to make a gesture with meaning
Example
Please sign the contract at the bottom of the page.
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 verb, noun /stɔːl/

stall

Meaning
to stop or cause to stop temporarily; a small shop or stand
Example
The car stalled on the way to the office.
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.
C1 adjective /səˈriːn/

serene

Meaning
Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
Example
The lake had a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
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.
B2 verb /ˈstɑːrtl/

startle

Meaning
To surprise or frighten someone suddenly.
Example
The loud noise startled the children.
B2 adjective /ˈsɒl.ɪ.ter.i/

Solitary

Meaning
alone; without companions; single; isolated
Example
He lived a solitary life in the mountains.
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?
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.
B1 adjective /ˈsɪniər/

senior

Meaning
having a higher rank or status; older or more experienced
Example
He is the senior manager in the department.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɪlk.wɜːrm/

Silk-worm

Meaning
the caterpillar of a moth that produces silk fibers used to make silk fabric
Example
Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves to produce silk.
C1 adjective /ˈsæljʊˌtɛri/

salutary

Meaning
Producing good effects; beneficial, especially after something unpleasant.
Example
The accident was a salutary reminder to drive carefully.
B2 noun /swiːt/

suite

Meaning
a set of rooms designated for one person's or family's use or for a particular purpose
Example
They stayed in the presidential suite at the hotel.
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.
A1 verb /sel/

sell

Meaning
to give something to someone in exchange for money
Example
They sell fresh fruits at the market.
C1 verb /skwiːl/

squeal

Meaning
to make a high-pitched cry; to inform on someone
Example
The children squealed with delight when they saw the surprise.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌsæŋktɪˈmoʊniəs/

sanctimonious

Meaning
Making a show of being morally superior to others; hypocritically pious.
Example
He gave a sanctimonious speech about honesty while he himself was corrupt.
B2 noun /ˈset.əl.mənt/

Settlement

Meaning
a place where people establish a community; an agreement that ends a dispute
Example
The early settlement was built near the river for easy access to water.
A2 noun /stres/

stress

Meaning
Physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.
Example
Excessive stress can lead to health issues.
C1 noun /ˈskruːpəl/

scruple

Meaning
A moral or ethical consideration that restrains actions.
Example
He had no scruples about lying to get ahead.
A2 noun /səˈpraɪz/

surprise

Meaning
a sudden and unexpected event or situation
Example
His arrival was a pleasant surprise.
B2 noun /ˈswɛər wɜːrd/

swear-word

Meaning
An offensive or rude word used to express anger or frustration.
Example
He shouted a swear-word when he hit his toe.
A1 noun /striːt/

street

Meaning
a public road in a city or town, typically with buildings on one or both sides
Example
He walked down the street to the park.
B2 noun /ˈsʌfərɪŋ/

suffering

Meaning
the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship
Example
They tried to relieve his suffering with medicine.
B2 verb /slæʃ/

slash

Meaning
to cut with a sharp blade; to reduce drastically
Example
The company slashed prices to attract more customers.
A1 pronoun /ˈsʌmwʌn/

someone

Meaning
a person, but not specifically known or named
Example
Someone left their umbrella in the hallway.
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 /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.
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 adjective /ˈskrʌmpʃəs/

scrumptious

Meaning
extremely tasty or delicious
Example
She baked a scrumptious chocolate cake for the party.
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 verb /straɪd/

stride

Meaning
to walk with long, decisive steps; to make progress
Example
She strode confidently across the stage.
B2 adjective /səkˈsɛsɪv/

Successive

Meaning
following one after the other in order; consecutive
Example
The team won three successive matches.
B1 verb /ʃɪft/

shift

Meaning
To move or change from one place, position, or situation to another.
Example
She had to shift her focus to the new project.
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.
C2 noun /ˈslʌɡərd/

sluggard

Meaning
A lazy, sluggish person.
Example
The sluggard refused to get out of bed even at noon.
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 /sɒmˈnɪfərəs/

somniferous

Meaning
Tending to induce sleep; soporific.
Example
The professor's somniferous lecture put half the class to sleep.
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.
B2 noun /stɑːr fɪʃ/

Star fish

Meaning
a marine echinoderm with five or more radiating arms, typically found on the sea floor
Example
The starfish slowly moved across the ocean floor searching for food.
C2 noun /staɪn/

stein

Meaning
A large beer mug, typically made of glass or stoneware.
Example
He raised his stein to toast his friends.
C1 noun /sɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

Seduction

Meaning
the action of seducing someone; temptation to do something wrong
Example
He fell victim to the seduction of easy money.
A2 preposition /sɪns/

since

Meaning
from a particular time in the past until now
Example
I have known her since childhood.
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 /ˈskeɪ.li/

Scaly

Meaning
covered with scales; having a rough surface like scales
Example
The fish has scaly skin.
B2 verb, noun /stæb/

stab

Meaning
to pierce or wound with a pointed weapon or object
Example
He was stabbed in the back during the altercation.
B2 noun/verb /ˈsɜːveɪ/

survey

Meaning
noun: an examination or inspection; verb: to examine or measure (an area or subject)
Example
They conducted a survey to understand customer preferences.
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 ˌsɛlf.kənˈtrəʊl

self-control

Meaning
The ability to control one's emotions, behavior, and desires in order to obtain some reward, or avoid some punishment, typically in the longer term.
Example
Self-control is important for maintaining a balanced life.
C2 adjective /ˈsæpɪd/

sapid

Meaning
Having a pleasant taste; flavorful.
Example
The chef prepared a sapid dish that delighted everyone at the table.
A2 noun /stʌf/

stuff

Meaning
a collection of things or materials, typically unspecified or uncountable
Example
She packed all her stuff into the suitcase.
B2 verb /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/

succeeding

Meaning
coming after or following in order; continuing to succeed
Example
In the succeeding years, the company expanded rapidly.
C1 verb /ˈsætəˌraɪz/

satirize

Meaning
to mock or criticize something using satire
Example
The play satirizes the greed of modern corporations.
B2 noun ˈskeə.sɪ.ti

scarcity

Meaning
The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.
Example
Water scarcity threatens agriculture.