CEFR Level
to create or shape something by carving or molding
"The artist sculpted a beautiful statue from marble."
To move quickly with short, hurried steps.
"The mice scurried across the kitchen floor when the lights turned on."
To run hurriedly with short, quick steps; or to deliberately sink a ship.
"The children scuttled back to their seats when the teacher entered."
A tool with a long curved blade used for cutting grass or grain.
"The farmer sharpened his scythe before harvesting the wheat."
A meeting where people attempt to communicate with the spirits of the dead.
"They held a seance to contact their late grandmother."
To burn or scorch the surface of something with intense heat.
"The chef seared the steak to lock in the flavor."
In a way that seems to look for hidden meanings or truth.
"She looked at him searchingly, hoping for an honest answer."
A view or painting of the sea.
"The artist painted a beautiful seascape at sunset."
Appropriate to the time of year or season.
"We had seasonable weather for autumn."
Experienced in a particular activity; also, flavored with spices.
"She is a seasoned teacher with over 20 years of experience."
To formally withdraw from a political or organizational union.
"Several states threatened to secede from the union."
The action of formally withdrawing from membership of a federation or body.
"The secession of the southern states led to the Civil War."
To keep someone away from other people; to isolate.
"The monk chose to seclude himself in the mountains."
Placed apart from other people or things; private and quiet.
"They spent their vacation in a secluded beach house."
The state of being private, away from other people.
"She spent the weekend in complete seclusion in her cabin."
Of mediocre or inferior quality.
"The movie was entertaining but clearly second-rate compared to the original."
to produce and release a substance from a cell, gland, or organ
"The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels."
a process by which substances are produced and discharged from a cell or gland
"Insulin secretion is crucial for blood sugar regulation."
a subgroup of a larger religious or political group, often with differing beliefs
"The group split into different sects due to doctrinal differences."
relating to or characterized by the differences between sects, often leading to conflict
"The region has been troubled by sectarian violence for decades."
Relating to or designed for a particular sector or industry.
"Sector-specific policies attract targeted investments."
not connected with religious or spiritual matters
"The country adopted a secular constitution separating religion from state affairs."
calm, quiet, and composed; or to administer a drug to make someone calm or sleep
"The nurse sedated the patient before the operation."
A substance that calms the nerves or induces sleep.
"The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep."
Characterized by much sitting and little physical activity.
"A sedentary lifestyle can lead to health problems."
Solid particles that settle at the bottom of a liquid.
"The river carries a lot of sediment downstream."
the action of seducing someone; temptation to do something wrong
"He fell victim to the seduction of easy money."
dirty, shabby, or in bad condition; also feeling slightly unwell
"He stayed in a seedy motel near the bus station."
to flow or leak slowly through small openings or pores
"Water began to seep through the cracks in the wall."
To be filled with intense but unexpressed anger or agitation.
"She was seething with anger after the unfair decision."
Relating to earthquakes or vibrations of the earth and its crust.
"The region is known for its seismic activity."
Excessively preoccupied with oneself and one’s own thoughts, feelings, or interests.
"He was too self-absorbed to notice his friend's distress."
The practice of affirming one's own worthiness and value as an individual.
"Daily self-affirmation can boost your confidence."
not drawing attention to oneself; modest
"Despite his success, he remained self-effacing and humble."
The act of allowing oneself to enjoy pleasures or desires excessively.
"His weekend of self-indulgence included eating sweets and watching movies nonstop."
The quality of being calm and confident and in control of one's emotions; composure.
"His self-possession during the crisis was remarkable."
The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically an impulse or desire.
"Practicing self-restraint helps in avoiding impulsive decisions."
Having or showing an attitude of moral superiority; believing one’s own beliefs are the only right ones.
"His self-righteous comments made everyone uncomfortable."
the ability to supply one's own needs without external assistance; independence
"The farm achieved complete self-sufficiency in food production."
The quality of being concerned more with the needs of others than with one's own.
"Selflessness is a key value for community building."
Relating to meaning in language or logic.
"The argument was more about semantic differences than real issues."
The outward appearance or form of something, especially when the reality is different.
"Despite his calm tone, there was only a semblance of control in the room."
Occurring twice a year; every six months.
"The company holds a semiannual meeting with all employees."
Strongly influencing later developments; highly original and influential.
"His seminal book changed the course of modern philosophy."
Showing the weaknesses of old age, especially mental decline.
"The old man became senile and forgot familiar faces."
The state of being old and showing the weaknesses of age, especially mental decline.
"His forgetfulness was attributed to senility."
The ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences; sensitivity.
"Her artistic sensibility impressed everyone."
The process of becoming sensitive to a substance, situation, or influence.
"The doctor warned about the sensitization caused by repeated exposure to chemicals."
