English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
having refined knowledge, experience, or complex design
"The city is known for its sophisticated culture and art."
the quality of being refined, cultured, or complex
"Her sophistication impressed everyone at the party."
the use of clever but false arguments, often to deceive
"The politician's speech was full of sophistry."
a student in their second year of study at a university or high school
"He’s a sophomore in college, studying computer science."
showing immaturity and overconfidence, like a sophomore
"His sophomoric behavior embarrassed his friends."
tending to induce drowsiness or sleep; causing sleepiness
"The professor's lecture was so soporific that half the class fell asleep."
the highest female or boy’s singing voice
"She sang beautifully in the soprano range during the concert."
the use of magical powers, especially through spells and enchantments
"The villagers believed the illness was caused by sorcery."
involving immoral or dishonorable actions; dirty or unpleasant
"The newspaper exposed the politician's sordid past."
painful or aching, usually in a specific part of the body
"After the long run, my legs were sore."
a feeling of deep sadness or grief
"She was filled with sorrow after the loss of her friend."
feeling regret or sympathy
"She felt sorry for what had happened."
to arrange or categorize something
"Please sort the files by date."
the spiritual or immaterial part of a person, often thought of as eternal
"She believed her soul would live on after death."
a sensation perceived by the ear; to make or cause to make a noise; in good condition
"The bell sounded across the valley."
impervious to sound; preventing sound from entering or leaving
"The recording studio has sound-proof walls."
a liquid dish, typically made with meat, vegetables, or legumes, and often served hot
"She made a delicious tomato soup for dinner."
a very small quantity of something; a trace
"She added just a soupcon of spice to the dish."
having an acidic taste; unpleasant or bad-tempered
"The milk has gone sour."
a tropical fruit with hard shell and tangy flesh; elephant apple
"The sour wood apple has a unique taste that many people enjoy."
a place, person, or thing from which something originates or is obtained
"The internet is a vast source of information."
the direction towards the bottom of a map, opposite to north
"The sun rises in the east and sets in the south."
a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere
"Brazil is the largest country in South America."
the direction that is between south and east; a region in that direction
"The city is located in the southeast of the country."
located in or facing the south; southern regions
"She moved to a southern city for work."
the direction that is between south and west; a region in that direction
"They traveled to the southwest of the country for their vacation."
an object kept as a reminder of a place, person, or event
"She bought a small souvenir from Paris."
a supreme ruler such as a king; possessing supreme or ultimate power
"The sovereign made a new decree."
Supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself.
"The country declared its sovereignty after years of colonial rule."
relating to the Soviet Union or its government
"The Soviet era saw significant changes in Eastern Europe."
To plant seeds in the ground for growing crops or plants.
"Farmers sow seeds in spring for the harvest in autumn."
a continuous area or expanse that is free, available, or unoccupied
"There was enough space for everyone in the room."
The investigation of outer space by means of manned and unmanned spacecraft.
"Space exploration has expanded our knowledge of the universe."
A learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to improve long-term retention.
"Spaced repetition helps in long-term memory retention."
having a lot of space; roomy and comfortable
"The house has a spacious living room with high ceilings."
a tool with a flat blade for digging; a playing card suit
"The gardener used a spade to dig holes for planting flowers."
unsolicited or unwanted electronic communication, typically in the form of email
"My inbox is full of spam emails that I need to delete."
the full extent or length of something from one end to another
"The bridge has a span of over 500 meters."
To encourage or motivate someone to take action.
"The teacher's praise spurred him to study harder."
an injury to a joint in which the ligaments are stretched or torn
"She sprained her ankle while running in the park."
to apply liquid to something in a fine mist
"She sprayed perfume on her wrist before leaving."
to open or extend something over an area
"She spread the blanket on the grass for a picnic."
full of energy and life; lively
"The sprightly old man danced with joy at the wedding."
the season between winter and summer when plants begin to grow
"Flowers bloom in the spring."
to scatter small drops or particles of a substance over a surface
"She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake."
to begin to grow; to produce new leaves or shoots
"The seeds began to sprout after a few days of rain."
to make neat or tidy in appearance; also refers to an evergreen tree
"He spruced up his room before the guests arrived."
active and lively, especially in old age
"The spry grandmother surprised everyone with her quick dance steps."
Froth or foam, especially found on waves or liquids.
"The waves crashed against the rocks, leaving spume in the air."
the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially due to poverty or neglect
"They lived in squalor without basic facilities."