surmount
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 verb /sərˈmaʊnt/

surmount

Meaning
to overcome a difficulty or obstacle
Example
He surmounted all the challenges to achieve his dream.
B2 noun səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈvɛləpmənt

Sustainable Development

Meaning
Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Example
Eco-tourism contributes to sustainable development in local communities.
C1 adjective /stjuːˈpɛndəs/

stupendous

Meaning
extremely impressive; amazing in size, degree, or excellence
Example
The magician’s performance was simply stupendous.
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.
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.
C2 verb /sɪˈkwɛstreɪt/

sequestrate

Meaning
To take legal possession of assets until a debt is paid or disputes are resolved.
Example
The court decided to sequestrate the company's property.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛm.ɪ.nəl/

seminal

Meaning
Strongly influencing later developments; highly original and influential.
Example
His seminal book changed the course of modern philosophy.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪ.li/

Scaly

Meaning
covered with scales; having a rough surface like scales
Example
The fish has scaly skin.
C1 adjective /ˈsæk.rəˌsæŋkt/

sacrosanct

Meaning
Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; sacred.
Example
Freedom of speech is considered sacrosanct in democratic societies.
C1 noun /səˈbætɪkəl/

sabbatical

Meaning
A period of paid leave granted to a teacher or worker for study or travel, traditionally every seventh year.
Example
She took a sabbatical to research her new book.
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.
A2 verb /sɑːlv/

solve

Meaning
to find an answer to a problem or question; to resolve a difficulty
Example
The detective finally solved the mysterious case.
B2 noun /sɛnt/

scent

Meaning
a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one
Example
The scent of roses filled the garden.
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 noun /ˈstəʊ.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/

stoicism

Meaning
The endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint.
Example
His stoicism during hardship was admirable.
B2 noun /siːdʒ/

Sieze

Meaning
a military operation to capture a place by surrounding it and cutting off supplies
Example
The siege of the castle lasted for three months.
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.
A2 noun /sɜːr/

sir

Meaning
a respectful or formal form of address used for a man, typically one of higher social status or authority
Example
Sir, may I assist you with your order?
C2 adjective /ˌsuːpərˈæn.ju.eɪ.tɪd/

superannuated

Meaning
old and no longer useful or valid; retired due to age
Example
The factory was filled with superannuated machines that slowed production.
C1 noun /ˈʃʊɡ.ər ˈkæn.di/

Sugar candy

Meaning
crystallized sugar formed into small pieces; rock candy made from sugar syrup
Example
The children enjoyed eating colorful sugar candy at the festival.
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 adjective /sliːk/

sleek

Meaning
smooth, shiny, and stylish
Example
She drove a sleek black sports car.
C1 adjective /ˈsiːzənəbəl/

Seasonable

Meaning
occurring at the right time; appropriate for the season; timely
Example
The seasonable rain helped the farmers with their crops.
B2 noun /ˈsuːpəvaɪzə(r)/

supervisor

Meaning
a person who manages or directs the work of others
Example
The supervisor checked the progress of each employee.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrvɪsəbl/

serviceable

Meaning
fit for use; usable; in working order
Example
The old bicycle is still serviceable despite its age.
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 səˈsteɪnəbəl ænd kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈproʊtʃ

sustainable and collaborative approach

Meaning
A method of working together that can be maintained over time without depleting resources or causing harm.
Example
A sustainable and collaborative approach is crucial for solving environmental problems.
B2 noun /ˈsleɪvəri/

slavery

Meaning
the system or state of being owned and forced to work for someone else
Example
Slavery was abolished in most countries in the 19th century.
C1 adjective /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/

scintillating

Meaning
brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling
Example
Her scintillating conversation kept everyone entertained.
A2 adjective /ˈsuːpər/

super

Meaning
excellent; very good
Example
She did a super job on the project.
B2 noun /ˈsɛntəmənt/

Sentiment

Meaning
a feeling or opinion, especially one based on emotion; tender feelings of affection
Example
Public sentiment was strongly against the new policy.
A2 noun /ˈsiːkrət/

secret

Meaning
something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others
Example
He told me a secret about his childhood.
B1 noun /swet/

Sweat

Meaning
moisture exuded through the pores of the skin, typically as a reaction to heat, physical exertion, fever, or fear
Example
After running for an hour, he was covered in sweat.
B2 verb /ˈsɪmpəθaɪz/

sympathize

Meaning
to feel sorry for someone; to understand and share someone's feelings
Example
I sympathize with your loss.
B1 adjective /skɪld/

Skilled

Meaning
having or showing the knowledge, ability, or training to perform certain activities or work well
Example
He is a skilled carpenter who can build beautiful furniture.
B2 adjective, verb (past) /səˈspɛndɪd/

suspended

Meaning
Temporarily not allowed, stopped, or hanging.
Example
He was suspended from school for a week.
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 ˈsɛv.ən ˈwʌn.dərz

Seven Wonders

Meaning
The seven most remarkable and famous structures in the world, representing architectural feats and cultural significance.
Example
The Seven Wonders of the world reflect human brilliance.
C2 adjective /ˈskʌr.ɪ.ləs/

scurrilous

Meaning
Using or expressed in coarse, abusive, or slanderous language.
Example
The politician faced criticism for his scurrilous remarks about his opponent.
C1 adjective /ˌsekənd ˈreɪt/

second-rate

Meaning
Of mediocre or inferior quality.
Example
The movie was entertaining but clearly second-rate compared to the original.
C2 adjective /ˈstɪdʒiən/

stygian

Meaning
extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
Example
They walked through the stygian cave with torches.
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.
A2 noun /ʃiːp/

sheep

Meaning
a farm animal with thick wool that is raised for its wool, meat, and milk
Example
The farmer keeps a large flock of sheep.
A2 adjective /skɛrd/

scared

Meaning
feeling afraid or worried
Example
She was scared of the dark.
C2 verb /sʌbˈtɛnd/

subtend

Meaning
To extend across or form an angle at a particular point, often used in geometry.
Example
The arc subtends a 60-degree angle at the center of the circle.
A1 adverb /suːn/

Soon

Meaning
in a short time; before long; quickly
Example
The train will arrive soon.
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 /səˈtɪrɪkəl/

satirical

Meaning
containing or using satire to criticize or mock
Example
The satirical cartoon mocked the government's new policy.
C2 verb /səbˈsjuːm/

subsume

Meaning
To include or absorb something into a larger group or category.
Example
Minor details were subsumed under the main topic.
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 noun /swiːt.laɪm/

Sweetlime

Meaning
a citrus fruit that is sweeter and less acidic than regular lime
Example
The sweetlime juice was refreshing on a hot day.
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.
A1 adjective /smɔːl/

Small

Meaning
little in size; not large; limited in extent or amount
Example
She lives in a small apartment near the university.
C1 adjective /ˈsaɪt.ləs/

Sightless

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

stents

Meaning
Small mesh tubes used to treat narrow or blocked arteries.
Example
Stents were successfully placed using robotic techniques.
C2 adjective /səˈlɪsɪtəs/

solicitous

Meaning
showing concern or care for someone's health, happiness, or comfort
Example
She was always solicitous about the well-being of her students.
B2 adjective /ˈsoʊʃəbəl/

Sociable

Meaning
friendly and enjoys being with other people; outgoing
Example
She is very sociable and makes friends easily.
B1 noun /skriːn/

Screen

Meaning
a flat surface on which pictures or words are shown; a movable partition used to divide a room
Example
The movie was displayed on a large screen in the theater.
B2 adverb ˌsɪməlˈteɪnɪəsli

simultaneously

Meaning
At the same time; occurring or existing at the same time.
Example
He worked on two projects simultaneously.
B2 noun /ˈsɪɡ.nəlz/

signals

Meaning
A gesture, action, or sound conveying information or instructions.
Example
Signals from deep space were detected last week.
C1 noun /ˈstɪklər/

stickler

Meaning
a person who insists on a certain quality or standard of behavior
Example
He is a stickler for punctuality and never tolerates delays.
C1 adjective /spəˈrædɪk/

sporadic

Meaning
Occurring irregularly or in scattered instances rather than continuously.
Example
The region experienced sporadic rain showers throughout the week.
C2 adjective /ˈstɒlɪd/

stolid

Meaning
Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
Example
Despite the chaos around him, he remained stolid and composed.
C2 noun (plural, informal) /skædz/

scads

Meaning
A large number or quantity of something (informal).
Example
She has scads of friends in the city.
B1 noun sɪˈlek.ʃən

selection

Meaning
The action or fact of carefully choosing someone or something as being the best or most suitable.
Example
The selection process is based on merit.
C1 adjective /sər'pæs.ɪŋ/

Surpassing

Meaning
exceeding; going beyond; outstanding
Example
Her surpassing beauty made everyone stop and stare.
C1 noun /ˈstreɪnər/

Strainer

Meaning
a device having holes punched in it or made of crossed wires for separating solid matter from a liquid
Example
Use a strainer to drain the pasta water.
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 /spæm/

spam

Meaning
unsolicited or unwanted electronic communication, typically in the form of email
Example
My inbox is full of spam emails that I need to delete.
A2 verb /səˈpəʊz/

suppose

Meaning
to assume or believe something is true without proof
Example
I suppose she will be here soon.
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.
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.
B2 verb /skrʌb/

scrub

Meaning
To rub hard so as to clean, typically with a brush and water.
Example
Excessive scrubbing of the eyes is harmful.
C1 noun /ʃɑːrd/

shard

Meaning
a broken piece of glass, metal, or pottery
Example
He cut his finger on a shard of glass.
B2 verb /straɪv/

strive

Meaning
To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
Example
She strives to be the best student in her class.
B1 noun /ˈsɜːdʒəri/

surgery

Meaning
a medical procedure involving the cutting of the body to treat a condition
Example
She underwent surgery to remove the tumor.
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.
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.
B1 verb /səˈspɛkt/

suspect

Meaning
to believe that someone has done something wrong; to doubt or mistrust
Example
I suspect he is lying about his whereabouts.
C1 adjective /ˈsɔːsi/

saucy

Meaning
Boldly rude, cheeky, or playfully disrespectful.
Example
The child gave a saucy reply to his teacher.
A2 noun səkˈsɛs

success

Meaning
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose; the attainment of popularity or profit
Example
Success requires focus and determination.
A2 noun /ʃɔːrts/

shorts

Meaning
a short garment worn on the lower half of the body that covers each leg separately, usually above the knees.
Example
He wore a pair of blue shorts to the beach.
C2 adjective /ˌstaʊtˈhɑːrtɪd/

stouthearted

Meaning
Brave, determined, and courageous
Example
The stouthearted soldier never gave up.
B2 noun /sɔːrd/

Sword

Meaning
a weapon with a long metal blade and a handle, used for fighting
Example
The knight drew his sword to defend the castle.
C1 noun /ˈswɪndlɚ/

swindler

Meaning
a person who cheats or deceives others for money or gain
Example
The police finally caught the notorious swindler.
C1 adjective /spɑːrs/

sparse

Meaning
thinly scattered or distributed; not dense or abundant
Example
Vegetation was sparse in the desert.
B1 noun /ˌsæt.ɪsˈfæk.ʃən/

Satisfaction

Meaning
fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs
Example
She felt great satisfaction after completing the project.
C2 noun /ˈsɔː.dər/

Sawder

Meaning
flattering or wheedling talk; soft soap
Example
His sawder couldn't convince anyone of his sincerity.
C2 noun /ˈsʌbtərˌfjuːdʒ/

subterfuge

Meaning
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick or excuse to evade something.
Example
They used subterfuge to avoid paying taxes.
B2 verb /spɪt/

spit

Meaning
to force liquid, especially saliva, out of the mouth
Example
He spat on the ground in anger.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

Meaning
extremely cruel or violent; wild and fierce; uncivilized
Example
The savage attack shocked everyone.
B1 noun, verb /ˈseɪ.lɪŋ/

sailing

Meaning
The act of traveling in a boat or ship using sails; the sport or activity of navigating a boat with sails.
Example
We went sailing on the lake during the summer.
B2 phrase ˈsɛvən ˈhæbɪts

seven habits

Meaning
Regular behaviors or actions that are done consistently over time, specifically referring to a set of seven key practices.
Example
Even habits help in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
B2 noun ˈsʌbstɪˌtut

substitute

Meaning
A person or thing acting or serving in place of another.
Example
Money cannot be a substitute for genuine happiness.
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.
B1 adjective /slaɪt/

Slight

Meaning
small in degree; not severe or intense; slim; thin
Example
There was a slight delay in the train schedule.
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.
C2 noun /ˌʃæŋɡriˈlɑː/

shangri-la

Meaning
a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life is perfect and peaceful
Example
They described the island as a modern-day Shangri-La.
C1 noun /səˈrɛn.ɪ.ti/

serenity

Meaning
The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Example
Meditation helps in achieving inner serenity.
C1 adjective /ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/

sacrificial

Meaning
Relating to or involving sacrifice.
Example
The lamb was used as a sacrificial offering in the ritual.
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 adjective /steɪd/

staid

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

Solace

Meaning
comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness
Example
She found solace in music after her loss.
B1 verb /siːl/

seal

Meaning
to close or secure something tightly or officially confirm something
Example
He sealed the envelope before sending the letter.
B2 verb /siːz/

seize

Meaning
To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
Example
The police managed to seize the stolen goods.
C2 verb /ˈsɪmpər/

simper

Meaning
to smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affected way
Example
She simpered at his compliment, clearly embarrassed.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪst/

sophist

Meaning
a person who uses clever but misleading arguments
Example
He was dismissed as a sophist who twisted facts to win debates.
A1 noun /ˈsɪstər/

sister

Meaning
a female sibling; a girl or woman in relation to other children of her parents
Example
My sister is coming to visit us next week.
C1 noun /səbˈmɜːrdʒəns/

submergence

Meaning
the act or process of being submerged or going underwater
Example
The submergence of coastal areas is a major concern due to rising sea levels.
B1 noun /ʃeɪm/

Shame

Meaning
a painful feeling of humiliation or distress; something regrettable
Example
He felt deep shame for his dishonest behavior at work.
B1 adverb /ˈsel.dəm/

Seldom

Meaning
not often; rarely; infrequently
Example
She seldom goes to the cinema.
C1 adjective /skəˈlæstɪk/

scholastic

Meaning
Relating to schools, education, or academic learning.
Example
The school organizes scholastic competitions every year.
C1 noun ˈsæŋktɪti

sanctity

Meaning
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly; ultimate importance.
Example
The sanctity of life should never be compromised.
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.
A1 noun /ˈswɪmɪŋ/

swimming

Meaning
the activity or sport of moving through water using the limbs
Example
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy.
A2 noun /ˈsiː.nər.i/

Scenery

Meaning
the natural features of a landscape; the painted background used on a theater stage
Example
The mountain scenery was breathtakingly beautiful.
A2 noun /steɪdʒ/

stage

Meaning
a raised platform or area for performances or presentations
Example
The actor stepped onto the stage to deliver his speech.
C1 noun /ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ/

shrinkage

Meaning
The process of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value.
Example
The company reported a shrinkage in profits this quarter.
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.
A2 noun ˈsɜːrvɪs

service

Meaning
An act of helping or doing work for someone.
Example
True education promotes the value of service to others.