English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
To deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct something, especially for political or military advantage.
"The rebels tried to sabotage the railway lines."
a large bag made of strong material for holding things
"He carried a sack of rice on his shoulder."
connected with God or a religion and considered holy or deserving respect
"The temple is a sacred place for the community."
To give up something valuable for the sake of others or a higher purpose.
"Parents often sacrifice their own comfort for their children."
A seat fastened on the back of a horse for riding; to burden someone with a responsibility.
"He saddled the horse before going for a ride."
To protect from harm or damage; a measure taken to ensure safety.
"Laws exist to safeguard the rights of children."
A place of safety, refuge, or protection; a sacred place.
"The forest is a sanctuary for endangered animals."
covered with sand; containing sand; having the texture of sand
"The sandy beach stretched for miles along the coast."
The systems and practices for maintaining hygiene and public health, especially through clean water and sewage disposal.
"Improving sanitation can reduce the spread of diseases."
The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
"His sarcasm often made people laugh but sometimes offended them."
Using irony or mockery to convey contempt or humor.
"She made a sarcastic remark about his cooking."
An artificial body placed in orbit around the earth or another planet to collect information or for communication.
"The weather satellite provided real-time images of the storm."
The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices.
"The play was a brilliant satire on modern politics."
fierce, violent, or uncontrolled; cruel or brutal
"The storm brought savage winds that tore branches from the trees."
a wind musical instrument with a curved metal body and a single reed mouthpiece
"The jazz musician played a beautiful solo on his saxophone."
To look at something carefully or quickly; to digitally copy or capture an image or document.
"She scanned the document before sending it by email."
an event or action that causes public outrage or damage to one's reputation
"The politician's affair became a public scandal."
a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed; lasting emotional damage
"The accident left a permanent scar on his forehead."
insufficient in quantity; hard to find
"Water was scarce during the long drought."
a situation where something is in short supply
"The scarcity of jobs forced many people to leave the town."
a bright red color with a slightly orange tinge
"The scarlet roses in the garden looked magnificent in the morning light."
to throw or spread things over a wide area in different directions
"The farmer scattered seeds across the field."
Spread irregularly or widely in different directions.
"The toys were scattered all over the floor."
a possible situation or sequence of events
"The company prepared for the worst-case scenario."
a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one
"The scent of roses filled the garden."
having doubts; not easily convinced; questioning the truth of something
"Many scientists remain sceptical about the new theory."
a person who studies a particular subject or academic field
"The scholar presented a research paper on ancient civilizations."
Having or showing knowledge, learning, or devotion to academic study.
"She wrote a scholarly article on medieval literature."
an award or grant to support a student's education
"She received a scholarship to study abroad."
a small two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or electricity
"She rides a scooter to work every day."
the range of one's perception, understanding, or activity
"The project is beyond the scope of our resources."
the feeling or expression of contempt or disdain; to treat with contempt
"She looked at him with open scorn."
a small creature with eight legs, two claws, and a curved tail with a poisonous sting
"The scorpion hid under the rock during the day."
to move or climb quickly using hands and feet; to mix or arrange in a hurried way
"The kids scrambled up the hill to catch the kite."
A small piece of something; to discard or get rid of something.
"He used a scrap of paper to jot down the number."
to remove or damage the surface of something by rubbing or scratching; to collect something by effort
"He scraped his knee while playing football."
Small pieces left over from something; also small fights or quarrels.
"The dog ate the scraps from the table."
the act of examining or testing people to detect disease or evaluate suitability; a showing of a movie or program
"The hospital offered free health screening for all employees."
a metal fastener with a helical ridge; to fasten or tighten something with a screw
"He screwed the shelf to the wall tightly."
The written text of a play, film, or broadcast; handwriting style.
"The actor memorized his lines from the script."
Moving through content on a screen by sliding up or down.
"Scrolling through feeds wastes a lot of time."
To rub hard so as to clean, typically with a brush and water.
"Excessive scrubbing of the eyes is harmful."
critical observation or examination
"The project's financial records were under close scrutiny."
an artist who creates sculptures by carving, modeling, or shaping materials
"The sculptor spent months creating a beautiful marble statue."