English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
Related to the five human senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell).
"Sensory feedback enhances the VR experience."
Relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical pleasure.
"The painting had a sensual quality that captivated viewers."
Relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect; pleasing to the senses.
"The garden was filled with sensuous colors and fragrances."
Able to perceive or feel things.
"Humans are sentient beings capable of reasoning."
A soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch.
"A sentinel stood at the entrance of the camp."
A person who supports the separation of a group from a larger body, often for political or cultural independence.
"The separatist group demanded independence from the central government."
Infected with harmful bacteria; relating to or causing infection.
"The doctor treated the patient's septic wound immediately."
To isolate or hide away; to take possession of assets until a debt has been paid.
"The jury was sequestered during the high-profile trial."
Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
"Their meeting at the café was purely serendipitous."
The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
"Finding that old photo album was pure serendipity."
Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
"She looked serene as she watched the sunset over the ocean."
The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
"Meditation brings a sense of serenity to the mind."
A senior non-commissioned officer in the army responsible for discipline and administration within a unit.
"The sergeant-major inspected the troops before the parade."
A religious discourse delivered by a preacher, often offering moral instruction or spiritual guidance.
"The pastor gave a moving sermon about compassion and forgiveness."
Having the shape, movement, or qualities of a serpent; winding or twisting.
"The road took a serpentine path through the mountains."
Having a notched or saw-toothed edge.
"The bread knife had a serrated blade."
fit for use; usable; in working order
"The old bicycle is still serviceable despite its age."
having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others
"His servile attitude annoyed his colleagues."
the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful
"The prisoners were forced into servitude."
to cut off or separate, especially by cutting; to end a connection or relationship
"He had to sever ties with the company after the dispute."
the act of ending something, especially a relationship or employment; compensation paid upon termination
"The company offered him severance pay after his job ended."
a small, roughly built house or hut, often poor or temporary
"They spent the weekend in a small wooden shack by the river."
to chain or restrain; to restrict someone’s actions or freedom
"Outdated regulations shackle small businesses and slow innovation."
a fine-grained sedimentary rock that can be split into thin layers
"The region is rich in shale and natural gas deposits."
something that is not what it appears to be; a false or fake thing; to pretend
"The deal turned out to be a sham."
a state of complete disorder or ruin
"After the storm, the whole town was in shambles."
having no shame; bold and rude; impudent
"The shameless politician refused to apologize for his mistakes."
having no definite or well-defined shape or form
"The fog created a shapeless mass in the distance."
a broken piece of glass, metal, or pottery
"He cut his finger on a shard of glass."
a sweet orange persimmon fruit that can be eaten when firm
"The Sharon fruit is sweet and can be eaten like an apple."
the act of removing hair with a razor; a thin strip or piece shaved from something
"He bought a new cream for shaving."
to cut the wool off a sheep or to cut something with sharp tools like scissors or shears
"The farmer will shear the sheep in the spring."
a sweet flavored drink or a frozen dessert made from sweetened fruit juice
"On hot days, she enjoys a glass of lemon sherbet."
To shine with a soft, wavering light.
"The lake shimmered under the moonlight."
Neat, tidy, and in good order.
"She kept her office shipshape at all times."
to avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility
"He always tries to shirk his responsibilities at work."
a large group of fish swimming together; a shallow place in water
"We saw a shoal of fish near the coast."
badly made or done; of poor quality
"The contractor did a shoddy job on the repairs."
to tear or cut something into small pieces
"She shredded the old documents before throwing them away."
a small mouse-like animal; also a woman with a bad temper
"The play describes a strong-willed woman as a shrew."
having sharp judgment and practical intelligence
"She made a shrewd investment in real estate."
High-pitched and piercing in sound.
"The shrill whistle startled everyone in the room."
A place regarded as holy, often associated with a saint or deity.
"Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine each year."
The process of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value.
"The company reported a shrinkage in profits this quarter."
To become dry, wrinkled, and smaller due to lack of moisture.
"The flowers shriveled under the hot sun."
to cover or hide; to wrap in cloth
"The mountain peak was shrouded in mist."
to tremble or shake suddenly, often due to fear, cold, or strong emotion
"She shuddered at the thought of walking alone in the dark forest."
to deliberately avoid or stay away from someone or something
"He was shunned by his colleagues after the scandal."
to move or turn aside; to push or divert from one track to another
"The train was shunted onto a different track."
a tool with a curved metal blade and short handle used for cutting grain crops
"The farmer harvested wheat using a traditional sickle."