surly
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C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrli/

surly

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

stupor

Meaning
a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility
Example
He remained in a stupor after hearing the shocking news.
C1 noun /stɑːr fruːts/

Star Fruits

Meaning
yellow tropical fruits that form a star shape when sliced crosswise; tangy and crisp taste
Example
When you slice star fruits, they look like beautiful yellow stars on your plate.
C1 noun /ʃoʊl/

shoal

Meaning
a large group of fish swimming together; a shallow place in water
Example
We saw a shoal of fish near the coast.
C1 verb /smɜrk/

smirk

Meaning
to smile in a self-satisfied, smug, or silly way
Example
He smirked when he won the argument.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ˈraɪtʃəs/

self-righteous

Meaning
Having or showing an attitude of moral superiority; believing one’s own beliefs are the only right ones.
Example
His self-righteous comments made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 noun /ˈskæf.əld/

Scaffold

Meaning
a temporary structure used by workers to stand on when building or repairing something high; a platform for execution
Example
The workers erected a scaffold to paint the building's exterior.
C1 noun /sɪv/

sieve

Meaning
a utensil with a mesh or perforated bottom, used for straining or sifting
Example
She used a sieve to strain the pasta.
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 /ˈsʌnˌdaʊn/

sundown

Meaning
the time in the evening when the sun goes below the horizon
Example
We planned to reach the village before sundown.
C1 verb /ˈsælvɪdʒ/

salvage

Meaning
To save something from loss, damage, or destruction.
Example
They managed to salvage some goods from the fire.
C1 noun /ˈsækrɪlɪdʒ/

sacrilege

Meaning
Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
Example
Stealing from the temple was considered an act of sacrilege.
C1 adjective səˈsaɪ.ə.təl

societal

Meaning
Relating to society or social relationships.
Example
Societal benefits of space tourism are under debate.
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 noun /ˈsteɪl.meɪt/

stalemate

Meaning
A situation in which no progress can be made or no party can win.
Example
Negotiations ended in a stalemate.
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 noun ˌsætʃəˈreɪʃən

saturation

Meaning
The state of being saturated; the degree or extent to which something is dissolved or absorbed
Example
The saturation of the market with similar products reduced sales.
C1 adjective /ˈskrɔːni/

scrawny

Meaning
very thin and bony, often looking unhealthy
Example
The scrawny boy could barely lift the heavy bag.
C1 noun /strəˈtiː.dʒɪk ˈɪn.saɪts/

strategic insights

Meaning
Deep understanding and wisdom gained through careful analysis for planning purposes.
Example
Strategic insights guide policymaking.
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 verb/noun /snɑːrl/

snarl

Meaning
to growl aggressively with bared teeth; a tangle or mess
Example
The dog snarled at the stranger near the gate.
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 adjective skiˈmæt.ɪk

Schematic

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

solstice

Meaning
the two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the equator (summer and winter solstice)
Example
People celebrate the summer solstice with festivals and rituals.
C1 adjective /ˈsæv.i/

savvy

Meaning
Having practical knowledge and the ability to make good judgments.
Example
She is a tech-savvy entrepreneur.
C1 adjective, verb /sɪˈdeɪt/

sedate

Meaning
calm, quiet, and composed; or to administer a drug to make someone calm or sleep
Example
The nurse sedated the patient before the operation.
C1 noun ˈstræt.ə.sfɪər

stratosphere

Meaning
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
Example
The stratosphere provides a unique environment.
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 /snɪər/

sneer

Meaning
to smile or speak in a mocking or contemptuous way
Example
She sneered at his attempt to sing.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈsɒlvənt/

solvent

Meaning
a liquid that dissolves other substances; also means able to pay debts
Example
Acetone is a common solvent used in laboratories.
C1 adjective /ˈspjʊəriəs/

spurious

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

simulate

Meaning
to imitate the appearance, character, or behavior of something; to pretend or reproduce conditions artificially
Example
The pilot had to simulate an emergency landing during training.
C1 noun /səbˈmɪtəl/

submittal

Meaning
the act of submitting something, especially a document for consideration or approval
Example
The contractor sent the submittal to the client for approval.
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 /ˈsaɪ.ən/

scion

Meaning
a descendant of a wealthy, aristocratic, or influential family
Example
He is the scion of a wealthy industrialist family.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛptɪk/

septic

Meaning
Infected with harmful bacteria; relating to or causing infection.
Example
The doctor treated the patient's septic wound immediately.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

scathing

Meaning
severely critical; harshly scornful
Example
The critic wrote a scathing review of the movie.
C1 noun /ˌsɛlfsəˈfɪʃənsi/

Self-sufficiency

Meaning
the ability to supply one's own needs without external assistance; independence
Example
The farm achieved complete self-sufficiency in food production.
C1 adjective /swɑːv/

suave

Meaning
charming, confident, and elegant, often in a smooth or polished way
Example
He was a suave gentleman who impressed everyone at the party.
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 noun /ˈstændˌstɪl/

standstill

Meaning
a situation in which all movement or activity stops
Example
The traffic came to a standstill after the accident.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/

self-effacing

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

stagnation

Meaning
A state of inactivity or lack of growth, especially in an economy.
Example
High unemployment led to economic stagnation.
C1 adjective /səˈnɔːrəs/

sonorous

Meaning
Deep, full, and rich in sound.
Example
The actor's sonorous voice filled the entire theater.
C1 noun /səˈprɑːnoʊ/

soprano

Meaning
the highest female or boy’s singing voice
Example
She sang beautifully in the soprano range during the concert.
C1 adjective ˈskruː.pjʊ.ləs

scrupulous

Meaning
Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; having moral integrity; acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper.
Example
He is known for being scrupulous in his work.
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 /ˈsʌltri/

sultry

Meaning
Uncomfortably hot and humid; also describes someone attractive in a passionate or sensual way.
Example
The sultry weather made it hard to focus on work.
C1 noun /səˈlɛmnɪti/

solemnity

Meaning
the state or quality of being serious and dignified
Example
The ceremony was conducted with great solemnity.
C1 verb ˈsɪŋ.krə.naɪz

synchronize

Meaning
To coordinate in time; to cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
Example
The dancers need to synchronize their movements.
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 noun /ˈʃæmbəlz/

shambles

Meaning
a state of complete disorder or ruin
Example
After the storm, the whole town was in shambles.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɑːdi/

shoddy

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

slew

Meaning
To turn or slide violently in a particular direction.
Example
The car slewed across the icy road.
C1 noun /ˌsəʊʃəˈbɪləti/

sociability

Meaning
The quality or state of being sociable; friendliness.
Example
Her sociability made her popular in the office.
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 noun /ˈsæl.mən fɪʃ / ˈroʊ.huː/

Salmon fish / Rohu

Meaning
a freshwater fish popular in South Asian cuisine; also refers to salmon which is a different species
Example
Rohu fish is commonly prepared with spices in Bengali households.
C1 noun /səˈlaɪ.və/

Saliva

Meaning
the watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands
Example
The dentist asked her to rinse the saliva from her mouth.
C1 noun /ˌstætʃuˈɛt/

statuette

Meaning
A small statue, usually decorative or artistic.
Example
The artist won a gold statuette for his work.
C1 noun /ˈʃɜːrbət/

sherbet

Meaning
a sweet flavored drink or a frozen dessert made from sweetened fruit juice
Example
On hot days, she enjoys a glass of lemon sherbet.
C1 noun /ˈsɜːrmən/

sermon

Meaning
A religious discourse delivered by a preacher, often offering moral instruction or spiritual guidance.
Example
The pastor gave a moving sermon about compassion and forgiveness.
C1 verb /spɔːn/

spawn

Meaning
to produce or generate, often in large numbers
Example
The video game has spawned many sequels.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌsækrəˈlɪdʒəs/

sacrilegious

Meaning
Showing disrespect or irreverence toward something sacred.
Example
The painting was criticized as being sacrilegious.
C1 verb /ˈʃrɪvəl/

shrivel

Meaning
To become dry, wrinkled, and smaller due to lack of moisture.
Example
The flowers shriveled under the hot sun.
C1 verb /ˈsnɪkər/

snicker

Meaning
to laugh quietly in a disrespectful or mocking way
Example
The students snickered when the teacher made a mistake.
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 verb /skɒf/

scoff

Meaning
to speak about something in a mocking or dismissive way
Example
He scoffed at the idea of moving abroad.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.vər.i/

savory

Meaning
Having a pleasant salty or spicy taste; morally acceptable.
Example
The restaurant serves a variety of savory dishes.
C1 noun /ˈskaʊndrəl/

scoundrel

Meaning
a dishonest or unscrupulous person; a villain
Example
That scoundrel cheated the old man out of his savings.
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.
C1 adjective ˈsɛd(ə)ntəri

sedentary

Meaning
Characterized by much sitting and little physical activity.
Example
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to numerous health problems.
C1 adjective /səbˈmɪs.ɪv/

Submissive

Meaning
ready to obey others; yielding to authority; humble and compliant
Example
She became submissive after years of harsh treatment.
C1 adjective /ˈʃɪp.ʃeɪp/

Shipshape

Meaning
neat and tidy; in good order; well-organized
Example
Everything was shipshape before the inspection.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪ.li/

Scaly

Meaning
covered with scales; having a rough surface like scales
Example
The fish has scaly skin.
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/adjective /ˈstɜː.lɪŋ/

sterling

Meaning
British money, especially pounds; of excellent quality.
Example
She was praised for her sterling work on the project.
C1 adjective /ˈsæŋɡwɪn/

sanguine

Meaning
Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.
Example
Despite the challenges, she remained sanguine about the future.
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 /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

secluded

Meaning
Placed apart from other people or things; private and quiet.
Example
They spent their vacation in a secluded beach house.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌlən/

sullen

Meaning
bad-tempered and gloomy; silently resentful
Example
She gave him a sullen look and walked away.
C1 verb /ˈsmʌðər/

smother

Meaning
to kill someone by covering their nose and mouth to prevent breathing; to cover something completely; to overwhelm with excessive attention or affection
Example
She smothered the fire with a blanket.
C1 noun /ˈsɑːri/

Saree

Meaning
a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from South Asia
Example
She looked elegant in her red silk saree at the festival.
C1 noun /ʃæk/

Shack

Meaning
a small, crudely built dwelling; a poorly constructed building
Example
The fisherman lived in a small shack near the beach.
C1 noun /ˈspɛktər/

specter

Meaning
A ghost or spirit; something that causes fear or dread.
Example
The specter of war still haunts the region.
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.
C1 noun /sɪˈtɑːr/

Sitar

Meaning
a traditional Indian stringed musical instrument with a long neck and resonating body
Example
The sitar creates beautiful ragas in Indian classical music.
C1 verb /sərˈmaɪz/

surmise

Meaning
to suppose something is true without having evidence
Example
She surmised that he was not coming to the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈspaɪn.ləs/

Spineless

Meaning
lacking courage or determination; weak-willed
Example
He was too spineless to stand up for his beliefs.
C1 noun səˈfɪʃənsi

sufficiency

Meaning
The condition of being adequate or enough; adequacy.
Example
The sufficiency of food supply is critical for survival.
C1 adjective /ˈspɪndli/

spindly

Meaning
Long, thin, and weak-looking
Example
The spindly tree bent under the weight of the snow.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛriəˌtaɪpt/

stereotyped

Meaning
Conforming to a fixed or oversimplified idea of what someone or something is like.
Example
His stereotyped jokes failed to impress the audience.
C1 noun/verb /ˈslʌmbər/

slumber

Meaning
A state of sleep; to sleep lightly or rest.
Example
The child slumbered peacefully through the night.
C1 noun səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈpræktɪsɪz

sustainable practices

Meaning
Methods and activities that can be maintained over time without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.
Example
Sustainable practices are vital for environmental preservation.
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 noun ˌsɪs.təˈmæt.ɪk ˈstræt.ə.dʒi

systematic strategy

Meaning
A methodical and organized plan or approach to achieve specific objectives.
Example
A systematic strategy was employed to achieve objectives.
C1 verb, noun /sæp/

sap

Meaning
As a noun: the vital fluid in plants; As a verb: to gradually weaken or drain strength.
Example
The long journey began to sap his energy.
C1 noun /ˈsɒnɪt/

sonnet

Meaning
A poem of 14 lines using formal rhyme schemes, often about love.
Example
Shakespeare wrote many famous sonnets about love and beauty.
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.
C1 adjective /ˈspʌndʒi/

Spongy

Meaning
soft and full of holes like a sponge; porous
Example
The cake had a light and spongy texture.
C1 noun /ʃraɪn/

Shrine

Meaning
a holy or sacred place dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, or saint
Example
Pilgrims visit the shrine to pray for good health.
C1 noun /ˈstɪɡmə/

stigma

Meaning
a mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality
Example
There is still a stigma around mental health issues in many societies.
C1 noun /skwɔːl/

squall

Meaning
a sudden violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet
Example
A sudden squall caught the sailors off guard.
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 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 /ˈsmoʊldər/

smolder

Meaning
to burn slowly with smoke but no flame; to show suppressed anger or emotion
Example
The fire smoldered for hours before it went out.
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 noun /ˈstɒpɪdʒ/

stoppage

Meaning
The act of stopping or ceasing; a halt in operation or activity
Example
The sudden stoppage of the train caused delays for all passengers.
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 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.
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.
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 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 verb /ˈskwɒbəl/

squabble

Meaning
To argue noisily over something small or unimportant.
Example
The children squabbled over the last piece of cake.
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.
C1 noun /stents/

stents

Meaning
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
Example
Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques.
C1 adjective ˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs

synchronous

Meaning
Existing or occurring at the same time.
Example
Synchronous learning involves live online classes.
C1 adverb /suːˈpɜːb.li/

Superbly

Meaning
in an excellent or outstanding manner
Example
She performed superbly in the dance competition.
C1 verb /ˈseɪ.vər/

savor

Meaning
To enjoy something completely, especially by dwelling on it.
Example
He savored every bite of the delicious cake.
C1 noun /ˈstætʃuːt/

statute

Meaning
A written law passed by a legislative body.
Example
The new statute protects workers' rights.
C1 verb /sɪˈkriːt/

secrete

Meaning
to produce and release a substance from a cell, gland, or organ
Example
The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.