surplus
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B2 noun /ˈsɜːr.plʌs/

surplus

Meaning
An amount that is more than what is needed.
Example
The country has a surplus of food this year.
B2 noun /sərˈvaɪvər/

Survivor

Meaning
a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died
Example
She is a cancer survivor who now helps other patients.
B2 adjective /ˈstɑːrtəld/

startled

Meaning
suddenly shocked or surprised by something unexpected
Example
She was startled by the loud noise outside.
B2 noun, verb /steɪk/

stake

Meaning
A share or interest in a business or venture; to risk or support something of value.
Example
He has a major stake in the new company.
B2 adjective /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪzd/

specialized

Meaning
designed or developed for a particular purpose or function
Example
He has a specialized knowledge of ancient civilizations.
B2 noun /slɛdʒ/

sledge

Meaning
a vehicle for traveling over snow, often pulled by animals
Example
The children rode a sledge down the snowy hill.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌf.i/

Stuffy

Meaning
lacking fresh air; poorly ventilated; formal and conservative in attitude
Example
The room was stuffy and needed fresh air.
B2 verb, noun /ʃeɪv/

shave

Meaning
To remove hair from the body, typically using a razor; the act of removing hair
Example
He likes to shave every morning before work.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌb.sɪ.kwənt/

subsequent

Meaning
Coming after something in time; following in time or order.
Example
Subsequent events clarified the outcomes.
B2 noun /sɪmˈplɪsɪti/

Simplicity

Meaning
the quality of being simple; lack of complexity or intricacy
Example
The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity.
B2 verb /suːð/

soothe

Meaning
to calm or comfort; to relieve pain or distress
Example
The mother soothed her crying baby with a gentle lullaby.
B2 adverb /ˈsiː.krət.li/

secretly

Meaning
in a way that is hidden or not known by others
Example
She secretly planned a surprise party for her friend.
B2 noun ˈsuː.pər.fuːdz

superfoods

Meaning
Nutrient-dense foods that are particularly beneficial for health and well-being.
Example
Blueberries and spinach are superfoods rich in vitamins.
B2 verb səˈsteɪnd

sustained

Meaning
Strengthened and supported; not allowed to weaken or fail.
Example
The proposal was not sustained.
B2 noun /ˈʃʌv.əl/

Shovel

Meaning
a tool with a broad flat blade and long handle used for digging and moving earth, snow, or other materials
Example
He grabbed a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway.
B2 adjective /sɪˈlek.tɪv/

Selective

Meaning
relating to or involving careful selection; choosy about what to accept
Example
The university has a selective admission process for new students.
B2 adjective /ˈʃæl.oʊ/

Shallow

Meaning
not deep; superficial; lacking depth of knowledge
Example
The shallow water is perfect for children to play.
B2 noun /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/

Separation

Meaning
the action or state of moving or being moved apart; the division of something into constituent or distinct elements
Example
The separation of the two countries was peaceful.
B2 verb /swer/

swear

Meaning
to use offensive language; to promise solemnly; to take an oath
Example
I swear to tell the truth.
B2 noun /ˈsɛtlər/

settler

Meaning
a person who settles in a new area or land
Example
The settlers arrived in the new town and started building homes.
B2 adjective sɪˈvɪər

severe

Meaning
Very great; intense or extreme in degree.
Example
Without action, climate change impacts will become severe.
B2 adverb /ˈstɛdɪli/

steadily

Meaning
in a regular and continuous way; without stopping or changing
Example
The company's profits have been increasing steadily.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnət/

senate

Meaning
a legislative or governing body, typically the upper chamber in a bicameral legislature
Example
The senate voted in favor of the new healthcare bill.
B2 noun /ˈspɒnsəʃɪp/

sponsorship

Meaning
the act of supporting an event, activity, person, or organization financially or through other resources
Example
The event was made possible due to the sponsorship of several big companies.
B2 verb /stɑːv/

starve

Meaning
to suffer or die from lack of food
Example
He was left to starve in the desert.
B2 adjective sɪnˈθet̬.ɪk

synthetic

Meaning
Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product; artificial.
Example
Synthetic chemicals are used in processed foods.
B2 noun /ˈsæksəfoʊn/

Saxophone

Meaning
a wind musical instrument with a curved metal body and a single reed mouthpiece
Example
The jazz musician played a beautiful solo on his saxophone.
B2 noun /suː.pɪər.iˈɔːr.ə.ti/

Superiority

Meaning
the quality or state of being superior; higher rank or quality
Example
His superiority in mathematics was evident from his test scores.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈsuː.ɪ.saɪd/

Suicide

Meaning
the act of intentionally killing oneself
Example
Mental health professionals work to prevent suicide.
B2 verb /sʌk/

suck

Meaning
to draw something into the mouth by using the lips and tongue
Example
The baby began to suck her thumb.
B2 adverb /ˈsɒftli/

softly

Meaning
in a gentle or quiet way.
Example
She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.
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.
B2 noun, verb /stɛm/

stem

Meaning
Noun: The main stalk of a plant. Verb: To stop or restrict the flow or development of something.
Example
The gardener cut the stem of the rose; New policies aim to stem the flow of pollution.
B2 noun /spekˈteɪtər/

Spectator

Meaning
a person who watches at a show, game, or other event; an observer
Example
The stadium was filled with excited spectators.
B2 adjective /ˈskɛptɪkəl/

skeptical

Meaning
not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations
Example
She was skeptical about the new plan.
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.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning
highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important
Example
The Supreme Court made the final decision.
B2 verb /ʃrɪŋk/

shrink

Meaning
to become smaller in size; to draw back in fear
Example
The sweater shrank after washing in hot water.
B2 verb /ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/

simplify

Meaning
to make easier to understand or do; to reduce complexity
Example
The teacher simplified the complex equation for the students.
B2 noun /sneɪl/

Snail

Meaning
a small soft creature with a shell on its back that moves very slowly
Example
The snail left a shiny trail as it crawled across the leaf.
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.
B2 verb /soʊ/

sow

Meaning
to plant seeds in the ground; to scatter seeds for growing
Example
The farmer will sow wheat seeds in the field tomorrow.
B2 verb /smæʃ/

smash

Meaning
to break something into pieces violently
Example
She smashed the glass in frustration.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪnɪstər/

sinister

Meaning
Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
Example
The abandoned house had a sinister atmosphere.
B2 noun /ˈsɛktər/

sector

Meaning
a distinct part or area of an economy, society, or industry
Example
The technology sector is growing rapidly.
B2 verb /sɜːrdʒ/

surge

Meaning
to move suddenly and powerfully forward or upward
Example
The crowd surged forward when the gates opened.
B2 adjective /ˈstæt.ɪk/

static

Meaning
Lacking in movement, action, or change; stationary.
Example
Static ideas hinder progress.
B2 verb səˈpres

suppress

Meaning
To forcibly put an end to; to restrain or subdue.
Example
Authorities must suppress criminal activities in campuses.
B2 verb /ˈskroʊlɪŋ/

scrolling

Meaning
Moving through content on a screen by sliding up or down.
Example
Scrolling through feeds wastes a lot of time.
B2 verb /skreɪp/

scrape

Meaning
to remove or damage the surface of something by rubbing or scratching; to collect something by effort
Example
He scraped his knee while playing football.
B2 verb /ˈʃætər/

shatter

Meaning
To break suddenly into many small pieces.
Example
The glass will shatter if you drop it.
B2 noun /ˌsuː.pərˈstɪʃ.ən/

Superstition

Meaning
a belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural
Example
Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck is a common superstition.
B2 adjective /ˈstɑː.ri/

Starry

Meaning
full of stars; shining like stars; relating to stars
Example
We enjoyed the starry night sky while camping in the mountains.
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 /səˈraʊndɪŋ/

surrounding

Meaning
located all around a particular place or thing; nearby
Example
The surrounding hills were covered in mist.
B2 verb /səˈsteɪn/

sustain

Meaning
To support, maintain, or keep something going over time.
Example
The team worked hard to sustain their success.
B2 noun /slæŋ/

Slang

Meaning
very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written
Example
The teenagers used slang that their parents couldn't understand.
B2 adjective strəˈtiː.dʒɪk

strategic

Meaning
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Example
Strategic policies enhance competitiveness.
B2 verb /spɛər/

spare

Meaning
To give something that one has extra of; to refrain from harming or killing.
Example
Could you spare me a few minutes of your time?
B2 noun /ˈsɜːvɪŋ/

serving

Meaning
a portion of food for one person; the act of giving food or drink to someone
Example
He ate a large serving of rice and curry.
B2 noun /ˈspəʊksmən/

spokesman

Meaning
a person who speaks on behalf of others, especially for a group or organization
Example
The spokesman addressed the crowd during the rally.
B2 adjective ˈsiːm.ləs

seamless

Meaning
A process or service that works without any interruption.
Example
A seamless checkout process improves user satisfaction.
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 /ˈstiː.mər/

Steamer

Meaning
a ship or boat powered by steam engines
Example
The old steamer crossed the river slowly.
B2 verb /səˈspɛnd/

suspend

Meaning
To temporarily stop something from being active or valid.
Example
The company decided to suspend his membership.
B2 adjective /ˈspɒtɪd/

Spotted

Meaning
having spots or marks; noticed or seen
Example
The spotted leopard moved silently through the jungle.
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.
B2 noun /soʊl/

Sole

Meaning
the bottom part of the foot; the bottom part of a shoe
Example
I have a blister on the sole of my foot.
B2 noun /skrɪpt/

script

Meaning
The written text of a play, film, or broadcast; handwriting style.
Example
The actor memorized his lines from the script.
B2 noun (plural) /skræps/

scraps

Meaning
Small pieces left over from something; also small fights or quarrels.
Example
The dog ate the scraps from the table.
B2 adverb /ˈsoʊlli/

solely

Meaning
only; not involving anyone or anything else
Example
He is solely responsible for the decision.
B2 noun sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒən

soil erosion

Meaning
The wearing away of topsoil by water, wind, or other natural forces.
Example
Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile land.
B2 noun /ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

specification

Meaning
a detailed description or assessment of something
Example
The product specification includes all the necessary details.
B2 noun /stjuːˈpɪdəti/

stupidity

Meaning
lack of intelligence or common sense
Example
His stupidity caused a lot of problems for the team.
B2 noun /sliːv/

Sleeve

Meaning
the part of a garment that covers the arm
Example
She rolled up her sleeves before starting to cook.
B2 verb /swiːp/

sweep

Meaning
to clean by brushing; to move quickly and smoothly
Example
She sweeps the floor every morning.
B2 adverb /ˈsmuːð.li/

Smoothly

Meaning
without problems or difficulties; in an even and regular way
Example
The car runs smoothly on the new highway.
B2 noun steɪks

stakes

Meaning
A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground.
Example
The stakes were high for the success of the project.
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 /stɪŋ/

sting

Meaning
to pierce with a sharp point; to cause sharp pain
Example
The bee stung him on his arm while he was gardening.
B2 noun /slʌm/

Slum

Meaning
a poor urban area with substandard housing and squalid conditions
Example
The government is working to improve conditions in the slum.
B2 verb ˈstɪmjəleɪt

stimulate

Meaning
To encourage or promote the development or growth of something
Example
Proper sunlight stimulates plant growth.
B2 adverb /səbˈstænʃəli/

substantially

Meaning
to a great extent or degree
Example
The new policy has substantially improved working conditions.
B2 verb /sɑːb/

sob

Meaning
to cry noisily while taking short breaths
Example
She began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the news.
B2 noun ˈsəʊ.lər ˈen.ə.dʒi

solar energy

Meaning
Energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.
Example
Solar energy is vital for reducing carbon emissions.
B2 verb /sniːk/

sneak

Meaning
to move quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed
Example
He tried to sneak into the house without waking anyone.
B2 noun /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/

solitude

Meaning
The state or situation of being alone.
Example
Solitude can provide the opportunity for deep reflection.
B2 adjective /stiːp/

steep

Meaning
Having a sharp inclination or high slope; also can mean excessive (as in price).
Example
The hikers climbed a steep mountain trail.
B2 adjective /ˌsɪm.pəˈθet.ɪk/

Sympathetic

Meaning
showing compassion or understanding for someone's feelings or situation
Example
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my problems.
B2 adjective /ˈʃeɪ.ki/

Shaky

Meaning
unstable; trembling; unreliable; weak
Example
His voice was shaky with nervousness.
B2 verb /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/

specialize

Meaning
to focus on a particular subject or activity and become an expert in it
Example
He decided to specialize in cardiology.
B2 noun /səbˈmɪʃən/

submission

Meaning
the act of yielding to authority or presenting something for consideration
Example
Her submission of the report was appreciated by the manager.
B2 adjective/noun /staʊt/

stout

Meaning
Strong, thick, or heavily built; also a kind of dark beer
Example
The stout man lifted the heavy box with ease.
B2 noun/verb /skɔːrn/

scorn

Meaning
the feeling or expression of contempt or disdain; to treat with contempt
Example
She looked at him with open scorn.
B2 adjective /suːˈpɪə.ri.ər/

Superior

Meaning
higher in rank, quality, or importance; better than average
Example
This product is superior to all others in the market.
B2 noun /səˈspɪʃən/

Suspicion

Meaning
a feeling or thought that someone is guilty of an illegal or dishonest activity
Example
The police arrested him on suspicion of theft.
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.
B2 noun ˈstræt.ɪ.dʒiz

strategies

Meaning
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim; the art of planning and directing operations.
Example
Effective strategies can mitigate climate change impacts.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

Meaning
a doctor who performs medical operations
Example
The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.
B2 noun /ˈskændəl/

scandal

Meaning
an event or action that causes public outrage or damage to one's reputation
Example
The politician's affair became a public scandal.
B2 verb, noun /sniːz/

sneeze

Meaning
to expel air involuntarily from the nose and mouth due to irritation; the act of sneezing
Example
I had to sneeze during the meeting.
B2 noun /ˈsɒr.oʊ/

Sorrow

Meaning
a feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment
Example
His heart was filled with sorrow after the tragedy.
B2 noun /səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/

surroundings

Meaning
The area around a person, place, or thing.
Example
She quickly adapted to her new surroundings.
B2 noun /ˌsɛlf əˈwɛə.nəs/

self-awareness

Meaning
Conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
Example
Self-awareness helps in understanding one's emotions and actions.
B2 adverb /ˈskeəs.li/

Scarcely

Meaning
hardly; barely; only just
Example
I could scarcely believe my eyes.
B2 verb /sweɪ/

sway

Meaning
To move or cause to move slowly or rhythmically back and forth; to influence someone's opinion or decision.
Example
The trees swayed gently in the breeze.
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.
B2 verb /stɪtʃ/

stitch

Meaning
to sew with needle and thread; to join pieces of fabric
Example
She will stitch the torn dress carefully.
B2 noun ˈskeə.sɪ.ti

scarcity

Meaning
The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.
Example
Water scarcity threatens agriculture.
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.
B2 verb /swaɪp/

swipe

Meaning
to move your finger across a touch screen or to hit with a sweeping motion
Example
He swiped left on the photo.
B2 verb /səbˈmɪt/

submit

Meaning
to present for consideration; to surrender; to yield
Example
Please submit your assignment by Friday.
B2 adjective /ˈskætərd/

Scattered

Meaning
spread widely apart; dispersed; occurring here and there
Example
Scattered showers are expected throughout the day.
B2 adjective /ˈsændi/

Sandy

Meaning
covered with sand; containing sand; having the texture of sand
Example
The sandy beach stretched for miles along the coast.
B2 verb /səbˈtrækt/

subtract

Meaning
to take away a number or amount from another number or amount
Example
If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.
B2 noun /skʌl/

Skull

Meaning
the bony framework of the head that protects the brain
Example
The doctor examined the skull X-ray carefully.
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.
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 noun /ˈsæb.ə.tɑːʒ/

Sabotage

Meaning
deliberate destruction of equipment or disruption of activities
Example
The factory was shut down due to an act of sabotage.