stratum
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C1 noun /ˈstrɑːtəm/

stratum

Meaning
a layer or level of material, or a social class in society
Example
The upper stratum of society enjoyed privileges not available to others.
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.
C1 verb /ʃɜːrk/

shirk

Meaning
to avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility
Example
He always tries to shirk his responsibilities at work.
C1 noun /ˈsaɪnəs/

sinus

Meaning
A cavity within a bone or tissue, especially those in the bones of the face connected with the nasal cavities.
Example
He suffered from a sinus infection that caused headaches.
C1 noun /sloʊθ/

Sloth

Meaning
laziness; reluctance to work or make an effort
Example
His sloth prevented him from achieving his goals.
C1 verb /swɜːrv/

swerve

Meaning
to change direction suddenly, especially to avoid hitting something
Example
The car swerved to avoid the dog.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːjər/

Sawyer

Meaning
a person who saws wood, especially as an occupation
Example
The skilled sawyer cut the logs into planks.
C1 adjective /ˈswoʊlən/

swollen

Meaning
Enlarged or puffed up, usually due to injury, inflammation, or fluid accumulation
Example
Her ankle was swollen after she twisted it during the hike.
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.
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 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 sælˈveɪʃən

salvation

Meaning
Deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.
Example
The story revolves around the theme of salvation.
C1 verb /ˈsʌkɪŋ/

sucking

Meaning
Drawing in a liquid, air, or other substance through the mouth or a tube by creating a vacuum; also used figuratively for something unpleasant or ineffective
Example
The baby is sucking on a pacifier.
C1 adjective /ˈsted.fæst/

Steadfast

Meaning
firm in belief, determination, or adherence; unwavering
Example
She remained steadfast in her commitment to helping the poor.
C1 noun /ˈsteɪ.ʃən.ər/

Stationer

Meaning
a person who sells paper, pens, pencils, and other office supplies
Example
The stationer recommended the best pens for writing exams.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌn.dri/

sundry

Meaning
Various or miscellaneous.
Example
The shop sells fruits, clothes, and sundry items.
C1 noun /ˈseɪɑːns/

seance

Meaning
A meeting where people attempt to communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Example
They held a seance to contact their late grandmother.
C1 adjective /ˈskænti/

Scanty

Meaning
small in size or amount; insufficient; barely adequate
Example
The refugee camp had scanty food supplies.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːrəɡət/

surrogate

Meaning
A substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office.
Example
The surrogate mother gave birth to the child after carrying it for nine months.
C1 adjective /sɛkˈtɛəriən/

sectarian

Meaning
relating to or characterized by the differences between sects, often leading to conflict
Example
The region has been troubled by sectarian violence for decades.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

sumptuous

Meaning
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
Example
The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet.
C1 adjective /ˌsuːɪˈsaɪdəl/

Suicidal

Meaning
relating to or having thoughts of killing oneself; extremely dangerous or harmful
Example
The reckless driving was suicidal behavior.
C1 verb/noun /stuːp/

stoop

Meaning
To bend one's body forward and downward; also a small porch or staircase at the entrance of a house
Example
He had to stoop to pick up the coin.
C1 noun /səˈbraɪəti/

sobriety

Meaning
the state of being sober; self-restraint and seriousness
Example
He has maintained his sobriety for five years.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˌsɛnsɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən/

sensitization

Meaning
The process of becoming sensitive to a substance, situation, or influence.
Example
The doctor warned about the sensitization caused by repeated exposure to chemicals.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɪd.i.ər.i/

Subsidiary

Meaning
less important than the main thing; secondary; of or relating to a subsidiary company
Example
The subsidiary company handles all overseas operations.
C1 adjective /ˈspjʊəriəs/

spurious

Meaning
Not genuine, authentic, or true; false or fake.
Example
The report was based on spurious claims.
C1 adjective /ˌsʌbˈkɒn.ʃəs/

subconscious

Meaning
Of or concerning the part of the mind which one is not fully aware of but which influences actions and feelings.
Example
Fears often come from the subconscious mind.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪ.li/

Scaly

Meaning
covered with scales; having a rough surface like scales
Example
The fish has scaly skin.
C1 noun stɔːrm ɪnˌtensɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

storm intensification

Meaning
The process by which storms become stronger and more severe in intensity.
Example
Storm intensification is linked to climate change.
C1 verb /skʌf/

scuff

Meaning
to mark or scratch the surface of something by rubbing
Example
He scuffed his shoes on the pavement.
C1 noun /ˈsɛmbləns/

Semblance

Meaning
the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Example
There was only a semblance of order in the chaotic office.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːɡə/

saga

Meaning
A long story of heroic achievement, or a long, complex series of events.
Example
The company's rise and fall became a corporate saga.
C1 verb /smɪr/

smear

Meaning
to spread or apply a substance messily; to damage someone's reputation with false or unfair words
Example
The child smeared paint across the wall.
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.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/

sidestep

Meaning
To avoid something by stepping aside; to evade a problem or question indirectly.
Example
The politician tried to sidestep the difficult question.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃuəl/

sensual

Meaning
Relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical pleasure.
Example
The painting had a sensual quality that captivated viewers.
C1 noun/verb /smʌdʒ/

smudge

Meaning
a dirty mark or smear; to make something dirty or unclear by rubbing or touching
Example
She accidentally smudged her lipstick on the napkin.
C1 adjective /ˈsnɒbɪʃ/

snobbish

Meaning
having or showing the attitude of people who think they are better than others
Example
She seemed snobbish because she avoided talking to the waiters.
C1 noun /ˈsæf.rən/

Saffron

Meaning
a deep yellow-orange color; an expensive spice derived from crocus flowers
Example
The saffron fabric looked beautiful in the sunlight.
C1 noun/verb /stæmˈpiːd/

stampede

Meaning
A sudden, uncontrolled rush of people or animals; to cause a mass movement.
Example
The loud noise caused a stampede of the crowd.
C1 noun /speɪt/

spate

Meaning
a large number of things occurring in quick succession
Example
There has been a spate of robberies in the city.
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 ˌsɛlf.rɪˈstreɪnt

self-restraint

Meaning
The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically an impulse or desire.
Example
Practicing self-restraint helps in avoiding impulsive decisions.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːrtʃɑːrdʒ/

surcharge

Meaning
an additional charge or payment added to the usual cost
Example
The airline ticket had a fuel surcharge added to it.
C1 noun /ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃən/

supposition

Meaning
An assumption or belief that something is true without certain proof.
Example
His plan was based on the supposition that the market would recover quickly.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃənt/

sentient

Meaning
Able to perceive or feel things.
Example
Humans are sentient beings capable of reasoning.
C1 verb /sʌlk/

sulk

Meaning
to be silent and bad-tempered because you are angry or disappointed
Example
She sulked in her room after the argument.
C1 verb /ˈstriːm.laɪn/

streamline

Meaning
To make a process simpler and more efficient.
Example
The company aims to streamline production to reduce costs.
C1 noun /sɛkt/

sect

Meaning
a subgroup of a larger religious or political group, often with differing beliefs
Example
The group split into different sects due to doctrinal differences.
C1 adjective /səˈsɛp.tə.bəl/

susceptible

Meaning
Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Example
Children are more susceptible to infections.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/

self-effacing

Meaning
not drawing attention to oneself; modest
Example
Despite his success, he remained self-effacing and humble.
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.
C1 verb /ˈʃækəl/

shackle

Meaning
to chain or restrain; to restrict someone’s actions or freedom
Example
Outdated regulations shackle small businesses and slow innovation.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪt.ləs/

Sightless

Meaning
unable to see; blind; lacking vision
Example
The sightless man navigated the street with his guide dog.
C1 adjective /səˈdɪs.tɪk/

sadistic

Meaning
Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others.
Example
The villain had a sadistic smile while hurting his enemies.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛr.aɪl/

sterile

Meaning
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; incapable of producing offspring.
Example
The surgeon worked in a sterile environment to avoid infection.
C1 verb /skʌlpt/

sculpt

Meaning
to create or shape something by carving or molding
Example
The artist sculpted a beautiful statue from marble.
C1 noun /ˈsmætərɪŋ/

smattering

Meaning
A small amount or superficial knowledge of something.
Example
He has a smattering of Spanish.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrpənˌtiːn/

serpentine

Meaning
Having the shape, movement, or qualities of a serpent; winding or twisting.
Example
The road took a serpentine path through the mountains.
C1 verb /ˈspɪərˌhɛd/

spearhead

Meaning
to lead or initiate an action, project, or movement
Example
She spearheaded the campaign for environmental awareness.
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 verb, noun /spraʊt/

sprout

Meaning
to begin to grow; to produce new leaves or shoots
Example
The seeds began to sprout after a few days of rain.
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.
C1 adjective /səbˈdʒɛktɪv/

subjective

Meaning
based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than facts
Example
Beauty is often considered a subjective concept.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪk/

satiric

Meaning
Relating to or using satire.
Example
The novel takes a satiric view of urban life.
C1 adjective /ˈsæv.i/

savvy

Meaning
Having practical knowledge and the ability to make good judgments.
Example
She is a tech-savvy entrepreneur.
C1 adverb /suːˈpɜːb.li/

Superbly

Meaning
in an excellent or outstanding manner
Example
She performed superbly in the dance competition.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/

substantive

Meaning
Having a firm basis in reality; important, meaningful, or considerable.
Example
The company made substantive changes to its policy.
C1 adjective /səbˈsɜːviənt/

subservient

Meaning
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
Example
She was too subservient to challenge his decision.
C1 adjective /sɪˈnɒnɪməs/

synonymous

Meaning
having the same or nearly the same meaning; closely associated with something
Example
For many people, her name is synonymous with generosity.
C1 verb /ˈstaɪfəld/

stifled

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

surveyor

Meaning
A person who measures and maps land, buildings, or other features.
Example
The surveyor measured the land for construction.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.li.ənt/

salient

Meaning
Most important, prominent, or noticeable
Example
The report highlighted the salient points of the discussion.
C1 noun /ˈsɔːl.tɪd fɪʃ/

Salted fish

Meaning
fish preserved with salt; dried and salted fish for storage
Example
Salted fish is a traditional way to preserve seafood.
C1 noun /spæt/

spat

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

status quo

Meaning
The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.
Example
The government decided to maintain the status quo until further review.
C1 verb /sɪˈsiːd/

secede

Meaning
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
Example
Several states threatened to secede from the union.
C1 adjective /ˈstrɛnjuəs/

strenuous

Meaning
Requiring or using great effort and energy.
Example
Climbing the mountain was a strenuous task.
C1 adjective /steɪd/

staid

Meaning
Serious, respectable, and unadventurous.
Example
He came from a staid family background.
C1 noun /ˈstaɪləs/

stylus

Meaning
a small tool used for writing, drawing, or touching screens
Example
She used a stylus to draw on her tablet.
C1 adjective /ˈskwɒlɪd/

squalid

Meaning
extremely dirty and unpleasant, often due to poverty or neglect
Example
He lived in a squalid room with broken furniture.
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 adjective /ˈstɪndʒi/

stingy

Meaning
unwilling to spend or give; miserly
Example
He is too stingy to buy a gift for his friend.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛreɪtɪd/

serrated

Meaning
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
Example
The bread knife had a serrated blade.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛm.iˈæn.ju.əl/

semiannual

Meaning
Occurring twice a year; every six months.
Example
The company holds a semiannual meeting with all employees.
C1 noun /ˌsʌb.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən/

substitution

Meaning
the action of replacing someone or something with another
Example
The substitution of the old system with the new one was difficult.
C1 adjective /ˈstætʃətɔːri/

statutory

Meaning
Required, permitted, or enacted by law.
Example
The company must comply with all statutory regulations.
C1 noun /sɪˈnɪləti/

senility

Meaning
The state of being old and showing the weaknesses of age, especially mental decline.
Example
His forgetfulness was attributed to senility.
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 adjective ˌsʌbˈlɪm.ɪ.nəl

subliminal

Meaning
Existing or operating below the threshold of consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.
Example
Advertisements often have subliminal messages.
C1 verb /sərˈpæs/

surpass

Meaning
to exceed or go beyond
Example
Her performance surpassed all expectations.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪtər/

speculator

Meaning
A person who forms theories without evidence, or invests in assets hoping for profit.
Example
The real estate speculator bought land hoping its value would rise.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈsteɪtli/

stately

Meaning
Having a dignified, majestic, and impressive appearance or manner.
Example
The stately mansion stood at the end of the long driveway.
C1 noun /səˈprɛʃən/

suppression

Meaning
the act of forcibly stopping something or holding back feelings or actions
Example
The suppression of free speech led to protests.
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 verb /sɪndʒ/

singe

Meaning
To burn something superficially or lightly, especially at the edges.
Example
The fire singed his eyebrows.
C1 noun /sleɪ/

sleigh

Meaning
A vehicle pulled by horses or reindeer over snow or ice.
Example
Children were excited to ride in the sleigh through the snowy village.
C1 verb /ˈstɪntɪŋ/

stinting

Meaning
to supply sparingly or with restrictions
Example
He never stinting his efforts to help the poor.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

Meaning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Example
The waiter gave us a surly look when we asked for more water.
C1 verb /ˈslækən/

slacken

Meaning
to make or become less tight, less active, or slower
Example
The driver slackened his speed as he approached the village.
C1 verb /spɜːrn/

spurn

Meaning
To reject something or someone with disdain or contempt.
Example
She spurned his offer of help.
C1 noun/verb /snɛər/

snare

Meaning
a trap for catching animals; to catch or trap
Example
The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits.
C1 noun speɪst ˌrep.ɪˈtɪʃ.ən

spaced repetition

Meaning
A learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to improve long-term retention.
Example
Spaced repetition helps in long-term memory retention.
C1 noun /slæɡ/

slag

Meaning
Stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting process.
Example
The factory dumped the slag near the river.
C1 adjective /ˈstoʊɪk/

stoic

Meaning
Showing little or no emotion, even in difficult situations.
Example
She remained stoic during the crisis, never showing fear or panic.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒljʊbəl/

soluble

Meaning
able to be dissolved, especially in water
Example
Sugar is soluble in water.
C1 adjective /ˈskɔːrnfəl/

Scornful

Meaning
showing contempt or disdain; expressing scorn
Example
She gave him a scornful look when he made the rude comment.
C1 noun, verb /spreɪn/

sprain

Meaning
an injury to a joint in which the ligaments are stretched or torn
Example
She sprained her ankle while running in the park.
C1 adjective /sɪmˈplɪstɪk/

simplistic

Meaning
treating complex issues as if they were much simpler than they really are
Example
His explanation was too simplistic and ignored key details.