English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water.
"The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea."
Noun: A single thin length of thread, wire, or similar. Verb: To leave someone or something without a way of moving or leaving.
"The storm stranded many tourists on the island."
Deep understanding and wisdom gained through careful analysis for planning purposes.
"Strategic insights guide policymaking."
arranged or classified in layers or strata
"Society in the past was highly stratified based on class and wealth."
to arrange or divide into layers, classes, or categories
"The researchers plan to stratify the data based on age groups."
The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface.
"The stratosphere provides a unique environment."
a layer or level of material, or a social class in society
"The upper stratum of society enjoyed privileges not available to others."
To make something more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
"The company is streamlining its processes."
The process of making an organization or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps
"Streamlining processes can significantly reduce operational costs."
Requiring or using great effort and energy.
"Climbing the mountain was a strenuous task."
to scatter or spread things untidily over a surface or area
"Clothes were strewn across the floor."
loud and harsh; presenting a point of view in a forceful way
"His strident voice made the debate uncomfortable."
angry or violent conflict; struggle or discord
"The region has been torn apart by political strife."
strict, precise, and exacting
"The government imposed stringent measures during the crisis."
to walk with a stiff, proud, and confident gait, often to show off
"He strutted across the stage after winning the award."
short and thick; having a short, thick appearance
"The stumpy little dog wagged its tail enthusiastically."
extremely impressive; amazing in size, degree, or excellence
"The magician’s performance was simply stupendous."
a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility
"He remained in a stupor after hearing the shocking news."
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."