swear-word
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B2 noun /ˈswɛər wɜːrd/

swear-word

Meaning
An offensive or rude word used to express anger or frustration.
Example
He shouted a swear-word when he hit his toe.
A2 adverb /ˈslaɪtli/

slightly

Meaning
to a small degree or extent
Example
The temperature has slightly increased today.
B2 adjective sɪˈvɪər

severe

Meaning
Very great; intense or extreme in degree.
Example
Without action, climate change impacts will become severe.
C1 noun, verb /slɜːr/

slur

Meaning
An insulting remark or suggestion; or to speak indistinctly.
Example
He made a slur against her character.
C2 noun /staɪn/

stein

Meaning
A large beer mug, typically made of glass or stoneware.
Example
He raised his stein to toast his friends.
B2 adjective /ˈsʌt.əl/

subtle

Meaning
So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods.
Example
The artist's use of color was subtle yet powerful.
C1 adjective skiˈmæt.ɪk

Schematic

Meaning
Presenting some framework or concept briefly
Example
The engineer provided a schematic diagram of the project.
C2 adjective /spɪk/

Spick

Meaning
extremely clean and neat; immaculate
Example
The house was spick and span after the cleaning.
C2 verb /ʃʌk/

shuck

Meaning
To remove the outer covering, such as the husk of corn or shell of shellfish.
Example
She learned how to shuck oysters quickly.
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.
C2 adjective səˈluː.bri.əs

salubrious

Meaning
Health-giving; healthy; promoting health and well-being.
Example
The mountain air is salubrious and refreshing.
C1 adjective /ˈskeɪ.li/

Scaly

Meaning
covered with scales; having a rough surface like scales
Example
The fish has scaly skin.
B1 noun /ˈsoʊ.lər ˌsɪs.təm/

Solar system

Meaning
the sun and all the planets, moons, asteroids and other objects that orbit around it
Example
Our solar system has eight planets orbiting the sun.
C2 adjective /svelt/

svelte

Meaning
Attractively thin, graceful, and elegant in appearance or movement.
Example
She looked svelte in the elegant black dress.
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.
C2 adjective /səˈleɪʃəs/

salacious

Meaning
Having or conveying undue or inappropriate sexual interest.
Example
The tabloid published a salacious story about the celebrity.
B1 verb /sɪˈlekt/

select

Meaning
to choose from a number of alternatives; to pick out
Example
Please select your favorite color.
C2 noun /ˈsɪŋkrəˌnɪzəm/

synchronism

Meaning
The simultaneous occurrence of events or actions.
Example
The synchronism of the dancers' movements amazed the audience.
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.
B2 adjective /ˈstɜːrdi/

sturdy

Meaning
strongly and solidly built; not easily weakened
Example
The carpenter made a sturdy wooden table.
A2 noun /ˈstreɪndʒər/

Stranger

Meaning
a person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar
Example
Never take candy from a stranger.
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.
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.
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.
C1 noun /ˈsiːskeɪp/

seascape

Meaning
A view or painting of the sea.
Example
The artist painted a beautiful seascape at sunset.
B2 adverb /ˈskɪl.fəl.i/

Skilfully/US: Skillfully

Meaning
in a way that shows ability and training; expertly
Example
She skilfully painted the portrait in just two hours.
C1 verb /skɔːrtʃ/

scorch

Meaning
to burn the surface of something slightly
Example
The fire scorched the walls of the building.
B2 noun speɪs ɪksplɔːˈreɪʃən

space exploration

Meaning
The investigation of outer space by means of manned and unmanned spacecraft.
Example
Space exploration has expanded our knowledge of the universe.
C2 adjective /ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk/

sycophantic

Meaning
Behaving in a way that is excessively obedient or servile to gain favor.
Example
His sycophantic behavior annoyed his colleagues.
C2 adjective /ˈstɜːr.tər.əs/

stertorous

Meaning
Characterized by heavy snoring or breathing.
Example
The patient’s stertorous breathing alarmed the nurses.
C1 adjective /ˈʃeɪp.ləs/

Shapeless

Meaning
having no definite or well-defined shape or form
Example
The fog created a shapeless mass in the distance.
C2 noun /ˈstiː.vəˌdɔːr/

stevedore

Meaning
A person employed to load and unload cargo from ships.
Example
The stevedores worked tirelessly to unload the cargo before dawn.
B2 noun /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/

solitude

Meaning
The state or situation of being alone.
Example
Solitude can provide the opportunity for deep reflection.
A2 adverb /ˈstrɒŋɡli/

strongly

Meaning
in a strong manner or to a great extent
Example
She strongly believes in the power of positive thinking.
C1 adjective/noun /ˈsʌkjələnt/

succulent

Meaning
Juicy or full of juice; also refers to a plant with thick, fleshy leaves adapted to storing water.
Example
The steak was so succulent that everyone enjoyed it.
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.
C2 noun /ˈsaʊər wʊd ˈæp.əl/

Sour wood apple

Meaning
a tropical fruit with hard shell and tangy flesh; elephant apple
Example
The sour wood apple has a unique taste that many people enjoy.
C1 noun /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/

Sanction

Meaning
official permission or approval; a penalty for disobeying a rule
Example
The government imposed economic sanctions on the country.
C1 adjective ˈsek.tər spəˈsɪf.ɪk

sector-specific

Meaning
Relating to or designed for a particular sector or industry.
Example
Sector-specific policies attract targeted investments.
C1 noun /ˈsæf.aɪər/

Saphire

Meaning
a precious stone that is typically blue in color
Example
The royal crown was adorned with a large sapphire.
B2 noun /stɑːr fɪʃ/

Star fish

Meaning
a marine echinoderm with five or more radiating arms, typically found on the sea floor
Example
The starfish slowly moved across the ocean floor searching for food.
C2 adjective /ˈslʌvənli/

slovenly

Meaning
Untidy or careless in appearance, habits, or work.
Example
His slovenly appearance made a bad impression at the interview.
C2 adjective /səˈdʒɛstəbəl/

suggestible

Meaning
easily influenced by the suggestions of others
Example
Children are highly suggestible and may believe what they are told.
C2 adjective /splɪˈnɛtɪk/

splenetic

Meaning
bad-tempered, irritable, spiteful
Example
His splenetic remarks offended everyone in the room.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛreɪtɪd/

serrated

Meaning
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
Example
The bread knife had a serrated blade.
C2 verb /ˈsʌn.dər/

sunder

Meaning
To split apart or separate, especially with force.
Example
The war sundered families and friends.
B1 noun /ˈstʌmək eɪk/

stomach ache

Meaning
Pain in the stomach or abdominal area
Example
I have a stomach ache after eating too much.
C1 adjective /ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/

sacrificial

Meaning
Relating to or involving sacrifice.
Example
The lamb was used as a sacrificial offering in the ritual.
A2 adjective /sɔft/

Soft

Meaning
not hard or firm; gentle; quiet; tender
Example
The pillow is very soft and comfortable.
C1 verb /siːð/

seethe

Meaning
To be filled with intense but unexpressed anger or agitation.
Example
She was seething with anger after the unfair decision.
C2 noun /ˈslʌɡərd/

sluggard

Meaning
A lazy, sluggish person.
Example
The sluggard refused to get out of bed even at noon.
B2 adverb /ˈsel.fɪʃ.li/

Selfishly

Meaning
in a selfish manner; caring only about oneself
Example
He selfishly took all the cookies.
B2 adjective /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

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

Saying

Meaning
a well-known phrase that expresses something true about life; a proverb
Example
There's an old saying that practice makes perfect.
B1 noun /ˈsteɪt.mənt/

Statement

Meaning
a definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing; an official account of facts
Example
The CEO issued a statement about the company's future plans.
A2 verb /ʃʌt/

shut

Meaning
to close something, especially a door or window
Example
Please shut the door before you leave.
B2 adjective /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪzd/

specialized

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

Stability

Meaning
the state of being stable; firmness; steadiness
Example
Political stability is essential for economic growth.
C2 noun /ˈʃaɪstər/

shyster

Meaning
a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous or dishonest methods
Example
The businessman was exposed as a shyster who cheated clients.
B2 verb /səˈrɛndər/

surrender

Meaning
to give up or yield to an opponent or authority
Example
The army finally surrendered after weeks of fighting.
C2 adjective /ˌsæsərˈdoʊtl/

sacerdotal

Meaning
Relating to priests or the priesthood.
Example
The ritual had a distinctly sacerdotal character.
B1 verb /swɪtʃ/

switch

Meaning
to change from one thing to another; to exchange or replace
Example
I switched from coffee to tea.
B1 noun /ˈspɪn.ɪtʃ/

Spinach

Meaning
a vegetable with large dark green leaves that are eaten cooked or uncooked
Example
Fresh spinach is very nutritious.
C1 verb /ˈsnɪkər/

snicker

Meaning
to laugh quietly in a disrespectful or mocking way
Example
The students snickered when the teacher made a mistake.
B2 noun /ˈspɛk.tə.kəl/

spectacle

Meaning
An impressive display or performance for viewers.
Example
The fireworks created a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky.
B1 noun ˈseɪ.vɪŋ

saving

Meaning
The practice of keeping and accumulating money for future use rather than spending it immediately.
Example
Regular saving habits ensure financial security.
B1 adjective /ˈsʌm.wʌt/

Somewhat

Meaning
to some extent; rather; moderately
Example
The movie was somewhat interesting but not great.
B1 verb /stæmp/

stamp

Meaning
To bring down (one's foot) heavily on the ground; to imprint a mark or seal.
Example
She stamped her foot in frustration.
C1 noun /ˈsɪməli/

simile

Meaning
A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another using 'like' or 'as'.
Example
She used a simile to describe her eyes as bright as stars.
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.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈsensəbəl/

Sensible

Meaning
having or showing good sense; practical and reasonable
Example
It would be sensible to take an umbrella because it might rain.
A2 abbreviation (noun/pronoun) /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

sth.

Meaning
abbreviation for 'something'
Example
Can you give me sth. to write with?
C2 adjective /ˈsfɪŋks laɪk/

sphinx-like

Meaning
Mysterious, enigmatic, or difficult to interpret
Example
Her sphinx-like smile made it hard to guess what she was thinking.
C2 noun /ˌsɪləbɪˈkeɪʃən/

syllabication

Meaning
The division of words into syllables.
Example
Proper syllabication helps in correct pronunciation.
A2 noun /stoʊn/

stone

Meaning
a hard, naturally occurring mineral material found in the earth
Example
He threw a stone into the lake.
B1 adverb /ˈʃɔːt.li/

Shortly

Meaning
soon; in a short time; briefly
Example
The meeting will begin shortly.
C1 adjective /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/

subterranean

Meaning
Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.
Example
Subterranean water sources help sustain agriculture.
C1 adjective /ˈsɒljʊbəl/

soluble

Meaning
able to be dissolved, especially in water
Example
Sugar is soluble in water.
B2 noun /ˈsɪmpəθi/

Sympathy

Meaning
feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune
Example
She expressed her sympathy for the victims of the accident.
A2 noun /spɔːt/

sport

Meaning
an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment
Example
Football is a popular sport around the world.
A1 noun /suːp/

Soup

Meaning
a liquid food made by boiling meat, vegetables, or other ingredients in water
Example
I had a bowl of chicken soup for lunch.
A2 noun /streŋθ/

Strength

Meaning
the quality or state of being physically strong; power or force
Example
Regular exercise helps build muscle strength.
A2 adjective /ʃɑːrp/

Sharp

Meaning
having a cutting edge or point; sudden and intense; quick to understand
Example
The knife has a very sharp blade.
B2 noun /ˈspætʃ.ʊ.lə/

Spatula

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or lifting food
Example
I used a spatula to flip the pancakes in the pan.
C1 verb /ˈseɪ.vər/

savor

Meaning
To enjoy something completely, especially by dwelling on it.
Example
He savored every bite of the delicious cake.
B2 noun /swɪŋ/

Swing

Meaning
move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side while suspended or on an axis
Example
The children love to swing in the park.
A2 adjective /ˈsuːpər/

super

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

screening

Meaning
the act of examining or testing people to detect disease or evaluate suitability; a showing of a movie or program
Example
The hospital offered free health screening for all employees.
B2 noun /steɪn/

Stain

Meaning
a colored patch or dirty mark that is difficult to remove; a blemish or damage to reputation
Example
There was a coffee stain on his white shirt.
B1 noun /soʊl/

Soul

Meaning
the spiritual or immaterial essence of a human being or animal; a person's emotional or intellectual nature
Example
She poured her heart and soul into her artwork.
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 adjective /ˈsɜːrvɪsəbl/

serviceable

Meaning
fit for use; usable; in working order
Example
The old bicycle is still serviceable despite its age.
B2 noun ˌsɛlf ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn

self-discipline

Meaning
The ability to control one's emotions and behavior.
Example
Self-discipline is crucial for achieving long-term success.
C2 adjective /ˈspɔːrtɪv/

sportive

Meaning
Playful, lively, or full of fun.
Example
The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic.
C1 adjective /ˈsɛnʃənt/

sentient

Meaning
Able to perceive or feel things.
Example
Humans are sentient beings capable of reasoning.
B1 noun /saɪt/

site

Meaning
a location or place, often used for a specific purpose, such as a construction site or a website
Example
The construction site is ready for the next phase of the project.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnənɪm/

Synonym

Meaning
a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language
Example
Happy and joyful are synonyms.
B1 adjective /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

significant

Meaning
Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.
Example
Social media has a significant impact on relationships.
B1 noun /ˈsʌn.set/

Sunset

Meaning
the time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon
Example
The romantic sunset painted the sky in golden colors.
B1 noun /stæf/

staff

Meaning
a group of employees working together in an organization
Example
The staff at the hospital are very helpful.
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.
A1 noun /sɪks/

six

Meaning
the number 6
Example
There are six apples on the table.
B1 noun /sɛks/

sex

Meaning
the biological distinction between male and female; sexual activity
Example
He was asked about his sex at the doctor's office.
C1 adjective /ˈʃeɪm.ləs/

Shameless

Meaning
having no shame; bold and rude; impudent
Example
The shameless politician refused to apologize for his mistakes.
C2 noun /ˈsɪʒ.ən/

scission

Meaning
the act of cutting or dividing something
Example
The political party suffered a scission over ideological disputes.
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.
C2 adjective /səˈpʌlkrəl/

sepulchral

Meaning
Relating to a tomb or burial; gloomy, dismal.
Example
The abandoned house had a sepulchral silence about it.
C1 adjective /sɪər/

Sear

Meaning
withered; dried up; burned or scorched
Example
The sear leaves fell from the trees in autumn.
C1 adjective /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/

substantive

Meaning
Having a firm basis in reality; important, meaningful, or considerable.
Example
The company made substantive changes to its policy.
C2 noun /ˈsɛnʃəns/

sentience

Meaning
The capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively.
Example
Many argue that animals possess sentience.
B2 verb səˈpres

suppress

Meaning
To forcibly put an end to; to restrain or subdue.
Example
Authorities must suppress criminal activities in campuses.
C1 adjective /spəˈrædɪk/

sporadic

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

subacid

Meaning
Slightly sour or acidic in taste or nature.
Example
The fruit had a subacid flavor that was refreshing on a hot day.
B2 noun /səkˈsɛʃ.ən/

succession

Meaning
The process of ecological change in which one community of organisms is gradually replaced by another.
Example
Forest succession occurs when old ecosystems are replaced by new ones.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.li.ənt/

salient

Meaning
Most important, prominent, or noticeable
Example
The report highlighted the salient points of the discussion.
B2 noun ˈskruːtɪni

scrutiny

Meaning
Critical observation or examination
Example
The new law is under scrutiny by the legislative body.
C2 adjective /ˈsed.j ə.l ə s/

Sedulous

Meaning
showing dedication and diligence; persistent and careful in work
Example
She was sedulous in her research, spending hours in the library every day.