Suspense
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B2 noun /səˈspens/

Suspense

Meaning
a feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what will happen
Example
The movie kept us in suspense until the very end.
B2 noun, verb /striːk/

streak

Meaning
a long, thin line or mark; to move very quickly in a specified direction
Example
Lightning streaked across the night sky.
C1 adjective /ˌsɛlf əbˈzɔːrbd/

self-absorbed

Meaning
Excessively preoccupied with oneself and one’s own thoughts, feelings, or interests.
Example
He was too self-absorbed to notice his friend's distress.
C2 noun /ˌsɪləbɪˈkeɪʃən/

syllabication

Meaning
The division of words into syllables.
Example
Proper syllabication helps in correct pronunciation.
A2 adjective /sər'praɪz.ɪŋ/

Surprising

Meaning
causing surprise; unexpected; remarkable
Example
It's surprising how quickly children learn new languages.
C2 noun /sɒmˈnæmbjʊlɪst/

somnambulist

Meaning
A person who sleepwalks.
Example
The somnambulist wandered out of the house at night.
B2 noun /ʃɪt/

shit

Meaning
a vulgar term for feces or excrement
Example
The dog made a mess by leaving its shit on the floor.
B2 noun/verb /stʌmp/

stump

Meaning
the base of a tree left after the trunk is cut down; to puzzle or confuse
Example
The question completely stumped the students.
C2 adjective /ˈsækərɪn/

saccharine

Meaning
Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Example
His saccharine smile seemed insincere.
A2 adverb /ˈseɪf.li/

Safely

Meaning
in a safe manner; without danger or risk
Example
Drive safely on the icy road.
B2 adjective /ˈstʌdid/

studied

Meaning
carefully considered, deliberate, or planned
Example
Her response was calm and studied, not impulsive.
C1 verb /sleɪ/

slay

Meaning
to kill violently; informally, to impress greatly
Example
The hero vowed to slay the dragon.
B2 verb /stɑːv/

starve

Meaning
to suffer or die from lack of food
Example
He was left to starve in the desert.
C1 verb /ˈskruː.tɪ.naɪz/

scrutinize

Meaning
Examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Example
The scientist scrutinized the data before publishing his findings.
C1 verb /ˈʃʌdər/

shudder

Meaning
to tremble or shake suddenly, often due to fear, cold, or strong emotion
Example
She shuddered at the thought of walking alone in the dark forest.
B2 verb /suː/

sue

Meaning
to bring a lawsuit against someone in a court of law
Example
She decided to sue the company for damages.
A1 adverb /soʊ/

so

Meaning
to such a degree or extent
Example
She was so happy with the gift.
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?
A1 verb /stænd/

stand

Meaning
to be in an upright position; to tolerate or endure
Example
Please stand up when the teacher enters.
C1 verb /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/

sidetrack

Meaning
To distract from the main subject or activity.
Example
She was sidetracked by an unexpected phone call.
C1 verb /skɒf/

scoff

Meaning
to speak about something in a mocking or dismissive way
Example
He scoffed at the idea of moving abroad.
C2 adjective /ˈslæp.dæʃ/

slapdash

Meaning
done too quickly and carelessly; hasty and careless
Example
The report was written in a slapdash manner, full of errors.
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 adjective /snaɪd/

snide

Meaning
mocking or insulting in an indirect way
Example
He couldn’t resist making a snide comment about her dress.
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.
C1 noun /ˌstætʃuˈɛt/

statuette

Meaning
A small statue, usually decorative or artistic.
Example
The artist won a gold statuette for his work.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /ʃɛrd/

shared

Meaning
used, done, or experienced by two or more people together
Example
They live in a shared apartment near the university.
B1 adjective /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

significant

Meaning
Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.
Example
Social media has a significant impact on relationships.
C1 noun səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi

sustainable technology

Meaning
Technology designed to meet present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.
Example
Sustainable technology ensures a cleaner future.
A2 noun /ˈsɪstəm/

system

Meaning
a set of connected parts forming a complex whole; an organized method
Example
The education system needs major reforms.
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 /skɔːrtʃ/

scorch

Meaning
to burn the surface of something slightly
Example
The fire scorched the walls of the building.
C2 noun /ˈsɛm.ɪ.nɛr.i/

seminary

Meaning
A school or college for training priests, ministers, or rabbis.
Example
He decided to enroll in a seminary to study theology.
C2 adjective /sɛpˈtɛnɪəl/

septennial

Meaning
Occurring every seven years.
Example
The festival is a septennial tradition in the village.
B2 adjective, noun /ˈsɪŋɡjələr/

singular

Meaning
Remarkable, extraordinary; or grammatical form referring to one person or thing.
Example
She has a singular talent for painting.
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.
A1 pronoun /ʃi/

she

Meaning
a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified
Example
She is going to the market to buy vegetables.
B2 adjective /stɪf/

Stiff

Meaning
not easily bent or changed; rigid; firm
Example
The old wooden board was too stiff to bend.
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.
C1 adjective /stɔːntʃ/

staunch

Meaning
Loyal, committed, and firm in support.
Example
She is a staunch supporter of environmental protection.
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 noun /səˈnɑːtə/

sonata

Meaning
A musical composition for one or more instruments, typically in several movements.
Example
She performed a beautiful Beethoven sonata on the piano.
A1 modal verb /ʃʊd/

should

Meaning
used to indicate obligation or duty
Example
You should study for your exams.
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.
B1 noun /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/

Signal

Meaning
a gesture, action, or sound that conveys information or instruction
Example
The traffic signal turned red, so we stopped.
C2 noun /ˈsɒfɪstri/

sophistry

Meaning
the use of clever but false arguments, often to deceive
Example
The politician's speech was full of sophistry.
B2 verb /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/

succeeding

Meaning
coming after or following in order; continuing to succeed
Example
In the succeeding years, the company expanded rapidly.
B1 noun /ˈsɛtʌp/

setup

Meaning
an arrangement of things or the way in which something is organized or prepared
Example
The setup of the event took hours to complete.
A2 noun /skɪn/

Skin

Meaning
the outer covering of the body; the natural outer covering of a fruit or vegetable
Example
Her skin was soft and smooth.
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.
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.
B2 verb /ˈsprɪŋkəl/

sprinkle

Meaning
to scatter small drops or particles of a substance over a surface
Example
She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake.
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.
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.
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.
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 adjective /ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪ.tɪŋ/

scintillating

Meaning
brilliantly clever, exciting, or sparkling
Example
Her scintillating conversation kept everyone entertained.
C2 verb /ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt/

subjugate

Meaning
To bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
Example
The empire sought to subjugate the neighboring kingdoms.
B1 verb /stɛə/

stare

Meaning
to look at something with a fixed gaze
Example
She stared at the painting for hours.
C2 noun /ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

spoliation

Meaning
The act of destroying or ruining something, often evidence or property.
Example
The court punished the company for the spoliation of evidence.
C1 adjective /suːˈpɜːr.flu.əs/

superfluous

Meaning
Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.
Example
His speech contained too many superfluous details.
B1 adjective /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/

straightforward

Meaning
easy to understand or do; simple
Example
Her explanation was straightforward and clear.
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.
A2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.ər/

Singer

Meaning
a person who sings, especially as a job or profession
Example
The singer performed beautifully at the concert last night.
B2 noun /ˈsʌ.plɪ.mənt/

Supplement

Meaning
something that completes or adds to something else; a dietary product
Example
She takes vitamin supplements to maintain her health.
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.
C2 noun /ˈslʌɡərd/

sluggard

Meaning
A lazy, sluggish person.
Example
The sluggard refused to get out of bed even at noon.
B2 noun /ˈskɒlərʃɪp/

scholarship

Meaning
an award or grant to support a student's education
Example
She received a scholarship to study abroad.
C1 noun /ˌsəʊʃəˈbɪləti/

sociability

Meaning
The quality or state of being sociable; friendliness.
Example
Her sociability made her popular in the office.
C2 noun /ˈsɑːrdʒənt ət ɑːrmz/

sergeant-at-arms

Meaning
An officer responsible for maintaining order during meetings or legislative sessions.
Example
The sergeant-at-arms escorted the disruptive member out of the hall.
C1 noun /ˈstɛnsəl/

stencil

Meaning
A thin sheet of material with a design cut out, used to produce the design on the surface below by applying paint or ink through the cut-out holes.
Example
The artist used a stencil to paint identical stars on the wall.
C1 noun səˌfɪs.tɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

sophistication

Meaning
High level of complexity or refinement.
Example
The sophistication of modern AI technology is remarkable.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛlər/

stellar

Meaning
Relating to stars; outstanding or excellent.
Example
She gave a stellar performance in the play.
C1 adjective /ˈsaʊnd.pruːf/

Sound-proof

Meaning
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
Example
The recording studio has sound-proof walls.
B2 noun /ˈsaɪrən/

siren

Meaning
A device that makes a loud prolonged sound as a signal or warning; in mythology, a creature that lures sailors with enchanting songs.
Example
The police car passed with its siren blaring.
C1 noun /ʃeɪl/

shale

Meaning
a fine-grained sedimentary rock that can be split into thin layers
Example
The region is rich in shale and natural gas deposits.
A2 verb /smel/

smell

Meaning
to perceive odor through the nose; to have an odor
Example
The flowers smell sweet.
B1 noun /swiːt pəˈteɪtoʊ/

Sweet potato

Meaning
A root vegetable with sweet flesh, typically orange or purple in color
Example
Roasted sweet potato makes a healthy and delicious side dish.
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.
C1 noun /sɪlt/

silt

Meaning
Fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment.
Example
The river deposited layers of silt along its banks.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈswɔːrði/

swarthy

Meaning
Having a dark complexion or skin tone.
Example
The sailor had a swarthy face from years under the sun.
C2 noun /ˌsuː.pɚˈfluː.ə.t̬i/

superfluity

Meaning
An excessive amount of something; more than what is needed.
Example
The room was filled with a superfluity of decorations.
B1 noun/adjective /ˈsmoʊ.kɪŋ/

smoking

Meaning
The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or other substances; wearing a tuxedo (adjective, formal context).
Example
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
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.
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 /ˈsætʃəˌreɪt/

saturate

Meaning
to fill completely with something until no more can be absorbed
Example
The heavy rain saturated the ground within minutes.
B2 noun sɛlf rɪˈlaɪ.əns

self-reliance

Meaning
Reliance on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others; independence.
Example
Self-reliance helps build confidence.
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?
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.
C2 noun /ˈsuːpsɒ̃/

soupcon

Meaning
a very small quantity of something; a trace
Example
She added just a soupcon of spice to the dish.
C2 noun /sʌbˈɔːl.tən/

subaltern

Meaning
A person holding a subordinate position; in the military, a junior officer.
Example
The subaltern was responsible for leading a small platoon of soldiers.
B2 noun ˈstɪmjələs

stimulus

Meaning
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Example
Plants respond to external stimulus.
B1 noun /steɪk/

steak

Meaning
a thick slice of meat, typically beef, cooked by grilling or frying
Example
He ordered a grilled steak with vegetables.
C1 verb /ˈstriːm.laɪn/

streamline

Meaning
To make a process simpler and more efficient.
Example
The company aims to streamline production to reduce costs.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
C1 noun /ˈskeɪ.biːz/

Scabies

Meaning
a contagious skin disease caused by mites that causes intense itching
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with scabies after examining the rash.
A1 verb /set/

set

Meaning
to put or place something in a position; to establish
Example
She set the book on the table.
B2 adjective /ˈstæt.ɪk/

static

Meaning
Lacking in movement, action, or change; stationary.
Example
Static ideas hinder progress.
C2 noun /sɪˈrɒkoʊ/

sirocco

Meaning
A hot, dry wind blowing from North Africa across the Mediterranean to southern Europe.
Example
The sirocco made the city unbearably hot and dusty.
B2 verb /ˈsuːpərvaɪz/

supervise

Meaning
to watch and direct a person or activity to ensure things are done correctly
Example
The teacher supervises students during the exam.
B1 noun /ˈsaɪdˌwɔːk/

sidewalk

Meaning
a paved path for pedestrians at the side of a street.
Example
Children were playing on the sidewalk.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈstɪdʒiən/

stygian

Meaning
extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
Example
They walked through the stygian cave with torches.
B2 noun ˈsoʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti

social responsibility

Meaning
The duty to act in ways that benefit society as a whole.
Example
Social responsibility should be part of the education curriculum.
B2 adjective səˈfɪs.tɪ.keɪ.tɪd

sophisticated

Meaning
Having great knowledge or experience of the world and knowing about fashion, culture, and other things that people think are socially important; highly developed or complex.
Example
Sophisticated designs enhance aesthetics.
C1 adjective /ˈspraɪtli/

sprightly

Meaning
full of energy and life; lively
Example
The sprightly old man danced with joy at the wedding.
C1 noun /ˈstɪm.jʊ.laɪ/

stimuli

Meaning
Things that create reactions or provide motivation.
Example
Bright light and loud sounds are common stimuli for alertness.
C2 noun /ˈsɜːrfɪt/

surfeit

Meaning
an excessive amount of something
Example
There was a surfeit of food at the festival.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋ.krə.ni/

synchrony

Meaning
Coordination in time, harmony in action or movement.
Example
Their dance performance showed perfect synchrony.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈsɛpərəbəl/

separable

Meaning
Capable of being separated or divided.
Example
The two issues are separable and should be discussed independently.
A2 adjective /ˈsaɪ.lənt/

Silent

Meaning
making no sound; quiet; not speaking
Example
The library was completely silent during study hours.
B2 noun /ˈʃɔːrt.kʌm.ɪŋ/

Shortcoming

Meaning
a fault or failure to meet a certain standard; a deficiency
Example
Despite his many talents, he has some shortcomings.
C2 verb /ˈseɪʃiˌeɪt/

satiate

Meaning
To satisfy fully, especially with food or desire.
Example
The large meal satiated his hunger.
C2 verb /ˈsnʌfəl/

snuffle

Meaning
to breathe noisily through the nose, often because of crying or a cold
Example
The child began to snuffle after crying for a long time.
A1 adjective /sloʊ/

slow

Meaning
moving or happening at a low speed
Example
The car moved slowly down the street.
C1 noun ˈsʌfrɪdʒ

suffrage

Meaning
The right to vote in political elections; the principle of political representation.
Example
Universal suffrage was a key demand.
C1 noun/verb /spuːf/

spoof

Meaning
A humorous imitation of something, or to trick or parody someone or something.
Example
The comedian spoofed the politician’s speech to entertain the audience.