Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

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Spoon

noun
/spuːn/

a utensil consisting of a small shallow bowl with a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serving food

"She stirred her coffee with a silver spoon."

noun
/ˈspuːnərɪzəm/

A verbal error in which the initial sounds of words are swapped to create a humorous effect.

"He made a spoonerism by saying 'queer old dean' instead of 'dear old queen'."

sporadic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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sporadic

adjective
/spəˈrædɪk/

Occurring irregularly or in scattered instances rather than continuously.

"The region experienced sporadic rain showers throughout the week."

noun
/spɔːt/

an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment

"Football is a popular sport around the world."

adjective
/ˈspɔːrtɪv/

Playful, lively, or full of fun.

"The children were in a sportive mood during the picnic."

noun
/ˈspɔːrtsmən/

A person who is skilled in sports or enjoys participating in athletic activities.

"He is a true sportsman, always fair and respectful to his opponents."

spot definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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spot

noun
/spɒt/

a particular place or position

"I found a great spot for a picnic in the park."

noun
/ˈspɒt.laɪt/

a strong beam of light directed onto a particular area; figuratively, public attention

"The singer stood proudly in the spotlight."

adjective
/ˈspɒtɪd/

having spots or marks; noticed or seen

"The spotted leopard moved silently through the jungle."

noun
/ˈspɒt.ɪd sneɪk hed/

a type of freshwater fish with spotted markings and an elongated head resembling a snake

"The spotted snake head is a popular fish for aquaculture in South Asia."

noun
/spaʊs/

a person's husband or wife

"Each employee may include their spouse in the health insurance plan."

noun, verb
/spreɪn/

an injury to a joint in which the ligaments are stretched or torn

"She sprained her ankle while running in the park."

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spray

verb
/spreɪ/

to apply liquid to something in a fine mist

"She sprayed perfume on her wrist before leaving."

verb
/sprɛd/

to open or extend something over an area

"She spread the blanket on the grass for a picnic."

adjective
/ˈspraɪtli/

full of energy and life; lively

"The sprightly old man danced with joy at the wedding."

noun
/sprɪŋ/

the season between winter and summer when plants begin to grow

"Flowers bloom in the spring."

verb
/ˈsprɪŋkəl/

to scatter small drops or particles of a substance over a surface

"She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake."

verb, noun
/spraʊt/

to begin to grow; to produce new leaves or shoots

"The seeds began to sprout after a few days of rain."

verb, adjective, noun
/spruːs/

to make neat or tidy in appearance; also refers to an evergreen tree

"He spruced up his room before the guests arrived."

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spry

adjective
/spraɪ/

active and lively, especially in old age

"The spry grandmother surprised everyone with her quick dance steps."

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spume

noun
/spjuːm/

Froth or foam, especially found on waves or liquids.

"The waves crashed against the rocks, leaving spume in the air."

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spur

verb
/spɜːr/

To encourage or motivate someone to take action.

"The teacher's praise spurred him to study harder."

⚠️

spurious

adjective
/ˈspjʊəriəs/

Not genuine, authentic, or true; false or fake.

"The report was based on spurious claims."

🚫

spurn

verb
/spɜːrn/

To reject something or someone with disdain or contempt.

"She spurned his offer of help."

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spy

verb
/spaɪ/

to secretly collect information about a person, group, or country

"He was caught spying on his neighbor through the window."

👶🍰

squabble

verb
/ˈskwɒbəl/

To argue noisily over something small or unimportant.

"The children squabbled over the last piece of cake."

squad definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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squad

noun
/skwɒd/

a small group of people organized for a specific purpose or task, often in the military or sports

"The football squad trained hard before the championship match."

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squalid

adjective
/ˈskwɒlɪd/

extremely dirty and unpleasant, often due to poverty or neglect

"He lived in a squalid room with broken furniture."

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squall

noun
/skwɔːl/

a sudden violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet

"A sudden squall caught the sailors off guard."

squalor definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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squalor

noun
/ˈskwɒlər/

the state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially due to poverty or neglect

"They lived in squalor without basic facilities."

squander definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb
/ˈskwɒndər/

to waste something, especially money or time, in a reckless or foolish manner

"He squandered all his savings on gambling."

noun
/skwɛə(r)/

a shape with four equal straight sides and four right angles

"The table has a square shape."

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stalwart

adjective
/ˈstɔːlwərt/

Loyal, reliable, and hardworking; strongly built or sturdy.

"She has always been a stalwart supporter of the community."

🎭

stagy

adjective
/ˈsteɪ.dʒi/

Overly theatrical, artificial, or exaggerated in manner or style.

"Her performance felt stagy and unnatural."

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staid

adjective
/steɪd/

Serious, respectable, and unadventurous.

"He came from a staid family background."

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Stain

verb
/steɪn/

to mark or discolor something permanently; a spot or mark left behind

"The coffee spilled and stained the tablecloth."

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stair

noun
/stɛə/

a step or set of steps leading from one level to another

"He tripped on the stair and fell down."

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stake

noun, verb
/steɪk/

A share or interest in a business or venture; to risk or support something of value.

"He has a major stake in the new company."

stakes definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
steɪks

A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground.

"The stakes were high for the success of the project."

🍞

Stale

adjective
/steɪl/

no longer fresh; lacking originality or novelty

"The bread became stale after sitting out for three days."

noun
/ˈsteɪl.meɪt/

A situation in which no progress can be made or no party can win.

"Negotiations ended in a stalemate."

🛑

stall

verb, noun
/stɔːl/

to stop or cause to stop temporarily; a small shop or stand

"The car stalled on the way to the office."

noun
/ˈstæl.i.ən/

An adult male horse that is not castrated, often used for breeding.

"The farm owns a powerful stallion for breeding purposes."

noun
/stæns/

a person's attitude, opinion, or position on an issue

"The company took a strong stance on environmental protection."

standards definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
ˈstæn.dədz

A level of quality or attainment.

"Institutions must meet international standards."

noun
/ˈstændərd/

a level of quality or achievement, or a measure of comparison

"This car meets all the safety standards."

stand definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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stand

verb
/stænd/

to be in an upright position, supported by one's feet

"He stood by the window and looked outside."

noun
/ˈstænʃən/

a strong upright bar or post used as support or to control movement

"The red rope was attached to the stanchions to guide the crowd."

verb
/stɑːntʃ/

to stop the flow of blood or liquid from a wound or source

"The nurse quickly stanched the bleeding from the cut."

📮

stamp

verb
/stæmp/

To bring down (one's foot) heavily on the ground; to imprint a mark or seal.

"She stamped her foot in frustration."