English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
a small tool used for writing, drawing, or touching screens
"She used a stylus to draw on her tablet."
to prevent or hinder the progress of something
"The new regulations could stymie small businesses."
charming, confident, and elegant, often in a smooth or polished way
"He was a suave gentleman who impressed everyone at the party."
Relating to the part of the mind that influences thoughts and actions without full awareness.
"Her fear of dogs was rooted in her subconscious."
To bring under control, especially by force; to overcome or quiet.
"The army was able to subdue the rebellion quickly."
the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination
"The people suffered under the subjection of a cruel ruler."
based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than facts
"Beauty is often considered a subjective concept."
of such excellence or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe
"The view from the mountain top was simply sublime."
below the threshold of conscious perception but still influencing behavior or feelings
"The advertisement contained subliminal messages to influence consumers."
to put under water or cover with liquid
"The floodwaters threatened to submerge the village."
the act or process of being submerged or going underwater
"The submergence of coastal areas is a major concern due to rising sea levels."
ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive
"She was too submissive to challenge her boss's unfair decision."
the act of submitting something, especially a document for consideration or approval
"The contractor sent the submittal to the client for approval."
lower in rank or position; to treat as less important
"He manages ten subordinates in his department."
a legal document ordering someone to attend court; to summon someone with such a document
"The witness received a subpoena to appear in court next week."
prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important than something else
"She was too subservient to challenge his decision."
to become less intense, violent, or severe; to sink or fall to a lower level
"After the storm, the floodwaters began to subside."
a company controlled by a larger company; serving to assist or supplement something
"The multinational owns a subsidiary in Bangladesh."
The action of supporting an organization or activity financially.
"The government's subsidization of agriculture helped farmers."
To maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level.
"Many villagers still subsist on fishing and farming."
The action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself, especially at a minimal level.
"The family relied on subsistence farming to survive."
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.
"The lawyer worked to substantiate the claims with solid evidence."
Having a firm basis in reality; important, meaningful, or considerable.
"The company made substantive changes to its policy."
the action of replacing someone or something with another
"The substitution of the old system with the new one was difficult."
Existing, occurring, or done under the earth’s surface; hidden or secret.
"The miners discovered a subterranean tunnel."
Hidden meaning or message behind spoken or written words
"The subtext of his speech suggested disagreement."
the quality of being delicate, precise, or difficult to detect
"The beauty of the painting lies in its subtlety of colors."
the act of trying to destroy or undermine an established system or authority
"The government accused the rebels of planning subversion."
seeking or intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority
"The group was banned for its subversive activities."
to undermine or overthrow an established system, authority, or institution
"The rebels tried to subvert the government."
Expressed in a clear and brief manner.
"Her presentation was succinct and easy to follow."
Juicy or full of juice; also refers to a plant with thick, fleshy leaves adapted to storing water.
"The steak was so succulent that everyone enjoyed it."
To give in to pressure, temptation, or illness; to yield or fail to resist.
"He finally succumbed to his illness after a long struggle."
the state of having enough of something; adequacy
"The village had a sufficiency of food after the harvest."
the right to vote in political elections
"The movement fought for women’s suffrage in the early 20th century."
crystallized sugar formed into small pieces; rock candy made from sugar syrup
"The children enjoyed eating colorful sugar candy at the festival."
tending to suggest ideas or images; sometimes implies something sexual or provocative
"The painting was highly suggestive and sparked much debate."
relating to or having thoughts of killing oneself; extremely dangerous or harmful
"The reckless driving was suicidal behavior."
a man who pursues a relationship with a woman, often with the intent to marry
"She had many suitors vying for her attention."
bad-tempered and sullen; moody
"The child became sulky when he couldn't get his favorite toy."
bad-tempered and gloomy; silently resentful
"She gave him a sullen look and walked away."
Uncomfortably hot and humid; also describes someone attractive in a passionate or sensual way.
"The sultry weather made it hard to focus on work."
The process of adding things together; a summary of points.
"The lawyer gave a powerful summation of the case."
A high-level conference focused on addressing future challenges and opportunities.
"The Summit of the Future addressed global challenges."
Splendid and expensive-looking; luxurious.
"The guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet."
the time in the evening when the sun goes below the horizon
"We planned to reach the village before sundown."
Various or miscellaneous.
"The shop sells fruits, clothes, and sundry items."
a serious condition caused by overheating from prolonged exposure to high temperatures
"The worker suffered from sunstroke after working outside all day."