Words starting with S

Saccharine describes something that is too sweet, or too pleasant in a way that feels fake. It often suggests sweetness that is cloying or insincere.

Feeling unhappy, upset, or not cheerful. It can also describe something that makes you feel this way.

Sadness is the feeling you have when something bad happens, or when you feel unhappy and low. It can be short or last for a long time.

Not likely to cause harm, danger, or injury. Something safe can be used, done, or kept without serious risk.

Having good judgment and sound practical wisdom. A sagacious person sees problems clearly and makes careful, smart decisions.

Sagacity means the ability to make good judgments and understand things well. It often suggests wise thinking and practical insight.

A sales report is a document that shows sales results over a period of time. It may include figures, trends, and comparisons with previous periods.

A sales target is a set amount of money or number of products a person or team aims to sell in a period of time. It is often used in business and retail.

A mixed dish made from many ingredients, especially chopped meat, fish, vegetables, and seasonings. It is now rare and often appears in historical writing.

Tasting of salt, or containing a lot of salt. This is the original, everyday meaning of the word.

Very angry, annoyed, or bitter. It is informal and strong, and often sounds rude or joking.

A sandwich, especially a small or casual one. It is often used in informal speech, mainly in some English varieties.

A small part of something used to show what the whole is like. It is often used for testing, study, or choice.

Official permission or a penalty to enforce rules, depending on context.

A sleeveless shirt or undershirt. In Indian English, it is often used for a simple vest worn under clothes or at home.

Sanitation is the systems and practices that keep places clean and safe from disease. It often means clean water, toilets, waste removal, and good hygiene.

To make something clean and free from germs, dirt, or harmful substances. In modern use, it can also mean to remove unsafe or unwanted content from data or text.

A bitter, mocking attitude that shows scorn. It often sounds cold, sharp, and a little cruel.

To make something completely full, soaked, or covered with a liquid or substance. It can also mean to fill a market, area, or system so much that it cannot take more.

Saucy means rude in a playful, cheeky, or boldly impolite way. It can also describe food with a strong, tasty sauce.

A small kitchen pan with straight sides, a long handle, and a lid. It is used for frying or cooking food quickly over heat.

Very cruel, violent, or brutal. It can describe actions, people, or conditions that are harsh and shocking.

Third person singular present of savor. It means he or she tastes, enjoys, or appreciates something slowly and fully.

A mixture put inside a pastry that is not sweet. It may include meat, vegetables, cheese, eggs, or spices.

The ability of a system, business, or plan to grow and handle more work without breaking down. It also means how easily something can be made bigger or used by more people.

Able to grow in size, capacity, or volume without losing quality or efficiency. A scalable system works just as well when it is small as when it becomes very large.

to burn skin or flesh with very hot liquid or steam, or to hurt it in this way.

Feeling fear or worry because something seems dangerous, bad, or shocking. It also describes someone who is frightened by an experience or idea.

Very frightened or extremely worried. It is informal and often used for strong emphasis.

to go away quickly; leave immediately. It is often used in commands or informal speech.

A scene-stealer is a person in a play, film, or event who gets more attention than the main star. They are so lively, funny, or impressive that people remember them most.

A plan of times and events. It shows when things happen, or the order they happen in.

A thought experiment about a cat in a box that is both alive and dead until someone checks. People use it to talk about uncertainty in quantum physics.

Connected with science or based on scientific methods and evidence. It describes things that use careful testing and facts, not guesswork.

A number or point total that shows how well someone did in a game, test, or competition. It can also mean the result of a match or exam.

A flat surface that shows images, text, or video from a computer, phone, or television. It can also mean the glass display itself.

To move a screen or page downward so you can see content below. It is common in apps, websites, and documents.

To move a page, screen, or document upward with a mouse, touchpad, or finger so earlier content appears. This is common on phones, computers, and tablets.

To clean a surface by rubbing it hard, often with water or soap. It can also mean to remove dirt, stains, or marks by rubbing.

Very pleasant to taste or eat. It is informal and often sounds friendly or childlike.

Examine something very carefully and in detail.

To study how consumers buy, use, and choose products very carefully. It often means looking for patterns, needs, and habits in shopping behavior.

A very careful and thorough examination of something, often to find mistakes, check quality, or hold someone accountable. It suggests a level of critical attention that goes beyond a simple look.

To shape stone, wood, clay, or another material by carving, cutting, or modelling it. It can also mean to form something carefully with skill.

Related to sculpture or made to look like sculpture. It often describes a shape, form, or style with strong, clear lines and a solid three-dimensional feel.

A work of art made by shaping stone, wood, metal, clay, or another material. It can be a small object or a large artwork shown in a museum or public place.

Very dirty or unpleasant-looking stuff, often built-up grime or sludge. It can also describe a person who seems sleazy or morally unpleasant.

To burn the surface of something very quickly with high heat. It usually makes a brown crust and keeps the inside juicy.

A search engine is a website or app that helps you find information on the internet. You type words into it, and it shows you results from web pages, images, videos, and more.

One of the four parts of the year: spring, summer, autumn, or winter. It is also a time when a type of weather happens often.

A tasting menu that changes with the season. It usually uses fresh ingredients available at that time of year.

Seasoning is a substance, like salt, pepper, or spices, added to food to improve its taste. It can also mean the act of adding these flavors.

Computation done inside a protected area of a device or processor. Data and code inside the enclave are kept separate from the rest of the system, so outside software cannot easily see them.

Involving much sitting and little physical movement; not active.

Small pieces of solid material that settle at the bottom of a liquid. It can also mean this material itself, especially in rivers, lakes, or bottles.

A seed is the small part of a plant that can grow into a new plant. It is usually found inside fruit, flowers, or cones.

Very angry, so angry that you may lose control. It describes a strong sudden feeling, not a physical change.

To separate a group from others based on race, class, or other traits.

Your own person, mind, or identity. It can also mean the part of you that thinks, feels, and acts.

A feeling of shame about yourself, often because you think other people are watching, judging, or noticing you. It can make you feel awkward, exposed, or very aware of yourself.

To give something to someone for money. In business, it can also mean offering goods to customers.

A shared rule or specification that helps different systems understand data in the same way and work together correctly. It focuses on meaning, not just file format or technical connection.

A theory in language study that says words get their meaning by pointing to things, ideas, or states in the world. It focuses on reference, not just grammar or sound.

A semiconductor is a material that conducts electricity better than an insulator, but not as well as a metal. It is used to make electronic devices like chips and sensors.

To grow old and begin to lose strength or function. It is used mainly in biology, medicine, and formal writing.

A sequence is a series of things, events, or actions that happen in a fixed order. It can also mean one part of a larger pattern or set.

Sequencing is the act of arranging things in a particular order. It is often used in science, study plans, and work processes.

To keep something apart from others, or to take it away and hold it safely. In law, it can also mean to take property or money until a case is decided.

The act of taking and keeping something, often officially or by law. It can also mean removing someone or something from others, especially for a time.

The experience of finding something good or valuable by accident, while looking for something else. It is a pleasant surprise that you did not plan. The feeling is warm and almost magical.

Serenity is the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. It can describe a person, a place, or a feeling.

In a serious or earnest way; with attention and careful thought. It can also mean not joking.

To give food or drink to someone. It can also mean to bring food to a table.

To act as a way to judge something important. It shows what someone really thinks, feels, or can do.

To arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use, start, or happen. It can also mean to create or establish something, like a business or system.

to cause a series of events or reactions that spread from one thing to another. One action starts many later actions.

A painting style where colors and edges blend softly, so there are no hard lines. It creates a hazy, smoky look.

A way of seeing things as not fully good or bad, right or wrong, or black and white. It means there are many small differences between the two extremes.

A painful feeling when you think you have done something wrong or embarrassing. It can also mean a bad feeling about yourself or a situation.

to give some of something to another person, so each person has part of it. It can also mean to let other people use, see, or have access to something.

A shareholder is a person or company that owns shares in a business. Shareholders may receive part of the company's profits and can often vote on important company matters.

To change the usual way of thinking, working, or understanding something in a major way. It suggests a deep change, not a small improvement.

To give off light, or to make something bright by reflecting light. It can also mean to be very bright or clear.

A large boat that travels on seas or oceans. Ships carry people, goods, or both.

A sudden, strong feeling of surprise, fear, or upset. It can happen after bad news or an unexpected event.

Very deeply shocked, upset, or affected. It suggests a strong emotional reaction that stays with you.

Very surprised, shocked, or amazed. It is informal and usually playful, not standard English.

A shop is a place where you buy things. It is usually smaller and more informal than a store or supermarket.

Having little length or height. A short person or thing is not tall or does not extend far.

to stop a debate quickly, often by using a sudden comment, a simple decision, or a stronger point. It can suggest ending discussion before every side is fully heard.

Something so impressive, beautiful, or surprising that people stop and notice it. It can also mean a problem so serious that it stops success or progress.

A shred is a very small thin piece of something, usually paper, cloth, or food. It can also mean a very small amount of something.

To remove the outer covering from corn, peas, oysters, or similar food. It can also mean to strip off a shell or husk.

To stop operating or to close a business, machine, service, or system. It can also mean to force something to stop.

A sign is a thing that gives information or tells people what to do. It can be a symbol, notice, or signal. It can also show that something exists or is happening.

To enter a computer, website, app, or system by giving your username and password. It can also mean to register your name on a list when you arrive somewhere.

To end a session in a computer system, website, or app by following the logout step. It usually protects your account on shared devices.

Containing or made of silica. It is often used in geology, chemistry, and soil science.

A method of printing by pushing ink through a fine mesh screen onto paper, cloth, or another surface. It is often used for posters, T-shirts, and signs.

A sweet tart with a very smooth, creamy custard filling. The filling often feels soft and rich, with a delicate texture.

Not sensible, serious, or intelligent. It can describe a person, idea, action, or comment that seems foolish or childish.

Silvan means relating to woods or forests. It is a literary or poetic word, not common in everyday speech.

A simple solution that seems to solve a difficult problem quickly. It often suggests that no perfect, easy fix really exists.

A person, usually a man, who is excessively devoted or submissive to someone they like romantically. The word suggests the person does too much for that someone, often without getting the same attention back. It is used both as a playful joke and as a genuine insult.

Easy to understand or do, with few parts or steps. It is not complicated or difficult.

Happening at exactly the same time.

Not easily believing something is true. A skeptical person wants proof before accepting an idea, claim, or promise.

In philosophy, the skeptical closure principle says that if you know one thing, and you know it leads to another, then you can know the other thing too. It is often discussed in debates about doubt, knowledge, and proof.

A sketch is a quick, simple drawing that shows the main idea of something. It is not detailed and is often made before a final picture.

A sketch-pad is a pad of blank paper used for drawing, quick sketches, or rough notes. It is usually easy to carry and made for pencil, pen, or charcoal.

A quick, rough drawing that shows an idea, scene, or design without full detail. It is often made fast for planning or note-taking.

If something is sketchy, it is not complete, clear, or well planned. It can also seem doubtful or not fully safe.

Having a high level of ability in a job, activity, or craft. A skilled person can do something well because of training or practice.

The space above the earth that we see as blue during the day or dark at night. It can also mean the weather or the top part of a place.

Very good, lively, or impressive, especially in informal speech. It often sounds playful, casual, or slangy.

To kill a person or creature, usually in a violent or dramatic way. This is the original, traditional meaning and is mostly found in literature, myths, and news.

To rest in bed and not be awake. During sleep, the body and mind are inactive for a time.

A slice is a thin piece cut from a larger object, especially food like bread, cake, or meat. It can also mean a thin part of something larger.

Wet, messy liquid food or waste. It is often thick and unpleasant. In British English, it can also mean thin, watery food or drink.

Moving or happening at a low speed. It can also describe something that takes a long time to happen or finish.

beef stew cooked slowly for a long time, usually until the meat is very soft and the sauce is rich.

At a low speed or with little movement. It can also mean without rushing, over a long time.

Very attractive, impressive, or tasty. It is informal and often used in casual speech, especially in some dialects. It can mean "excellent" or "great-looking" depending on context.

Of little size, amount, or degree. Use it for something not big, not much, or not important in scale.

Quickly aware and clever. A smart person learns and understands things fast. It can also mean neat, well-dressed, or stylish.

A smartphone is a mobile phone that can connect to the internet and run apps. It usually has a touchscreen and many extra features.

A bagel filled or topped with smoked salmon, often served with cream cheese, onion, or capers. It is a common breakfast or brunch food.

Covered with smoke or full of smoke. It can also describe air, a room, or a smell that has smoke in it.

A small amount of food eaten between meals. It is usually quick and not a full meal.

Informal plural word for small snacks or bite-sized foods. It is often used in casual speech, especially in some varieties of Indian English.

Snacky describes food or a person as likely to want snacks, or as suitable for snacking. It is informal and often used in speech.

To break suddenly with a sharp sound, or to make something do this. It can also mean to lose control and react quickly.

Snow is soft white pieces of ice that fall from the sky when it is cold. It also means a layer or mass of this frozen water on the ground.

Used to say that things are okay up to this point, but the situation may change later. It often shows cautious optimism.

A decorative Spanish tile, often painted or carved, used in traditional building and design. It is especially linked to Mediterranean architecture.

A feeling of worry or fear about being judged by other people. It often happens in speaking, presenting, or being watched.

People in general, or people living together in an organized community. It can also mean the group of people in a country with shared rules, values, and institutions.

Soft means not hard, firm, or stiff. It can also mean gentle, mild, or quiet.

Relating to the sun or powered by the sun. It is often used for energy, heat, light, or systems that use sunlight.

Care and concern for someone or something. It often sounds formal or literary, and it suggests warm attention.

Firm, hard, and not easily bent, broken, or changed. It can also mean made of a single material with no empty spaces.

To speak your thoughts aloud when you are alone, especially in a play or dramatic scene. It can also mean to talk to yourself in a private, thoughtful way.

Solipsistic means thinking too much about yourself and your own feelings, with little interest in other people or the outside world. It can also describe writing or ideas that feel closed off inside one person's mind.

Spending time alone; not with others.

Solitude is the state of being alone, often by choice. It can feel calm and peaceful, not lonely.

The ability of a solid, liquid, or gas to dissolve in a liquid. It is often used in science, especially chemistry.

Able to pay debts and meet financial obligations. A solvent person or business has enough money to continue operating.

a formal phrase for understanding or noticing something through body sensations, not only through thought. It is rare and mainly used in psychology or academic writing.

The sudden, striking realization that every stranger around you has a life as full, complex, and real as your own. It is a quiet moment of awareness — the feeling that you are just one small story among billions of stories happening at once.

Complex and advanced in design or development; refined and cultured.

The soul is the spiritual part of a person, thought to live after the body dies. In many religions, it is the inner self or spirit.

Something you hear when vibrations travel through air, water, or another material. It can be loud or quiet, pleasant or unpleasant.

Having a sharp, acid taste, like lemon or vinegar. Sour food or drink is not sweet.

Source code is the human-readable text of a computer program. It tells a computer what to do and can be read and changed by programmers.

An area that is empty or not filled. It can be a place, room, or opening between things.

The ability to understand where objects, people, or your own body are in relation to each other. It helps you move, judge distance, and work with shapes or spaces.

You say this when a person appears just after you were talking about them. It is usually playful, and sometimes a little joking.

A species is a group of living things that are similar and can usually breed with each other. It is a basic category used in biology.

the scientific measurement of how much light a substance absorbs or transmits at different wavelengths. It is used in labs to identify or compare materials.

Spectroscopy is the study of how light or other radiation interacts with matter. Scientists use it to find what something is made of.

To form possible explanations without certain proof; to guess based on limited information.

Having a strong, hot taste because of spices such as chilli or pepper. It can also mean full of spice flavour, even if it is not very hot.

A soup made with noodles in a hot, spiced broth. It is often eaten as a meal, especially in Asian cooking.

A sharp point or thin piece of metal, wood, or bone. It can be used for fastening, climbing, or as a weapon.

To reveal a secret, often by accident or without meaning to. The secret is usually something others were trying to keep hidden. You can also use it when someone reveals a surprise on purpose.

A shape or line that curves around a center and gets farther from it as it turns. It can also mean a movement or process that keeps getting worse.

Describes something getting worse or more intense very quickly. It suggests a situation is moving out of control, with more problems appearing fast.

Connected with religion, faith, or the human soul, not with the physical body. It can also mean deeply peaceful or meaningful in a personal way.

to force saliva or liquid out of your mouth. It can also mean to say something rudely and quickly.

Happening sometimes, not regular or steady; occurring in isolated bursts with long gaps in between.

A small cloud of tiny liquid drops sent into the air. It can also mean the liquid container that releases drops this way.

to begin to grow new leaves, shoots, or small plants. It can also mean to start growing or developing quickly.

Spuds is an informal word for potatoes. It is common in everyday speech, especially in British English. It can also mean a potato-shaped tool or object in some contexts.

to try to do something that is impossible or very difficult, especially by finding a clever solution. People use it when two goals seem to conflict.

Training given to employees so they can do their jobs better. It is often planned by a company, school, or organisation.

A stage-play is a play written to be performed live on a stage. It is usually different from a film or television drama.

The skill of planning and controlling a live performance so it looks smooth and effective. It includes lighting, sound, movement, and the way actors use the stage.

Not flowing or developing; dull and unchanging.

A stakeholder is a person, group, or organization that is affected by a decision, project, or business. In business and academic writing, it often means someone who has an interest in the result.

stakeholder engagement means the act of keeping people or groups involved, informed, and heard when decisions affect them. It is common in business, public policy, and project work.

A very enthusiastic fan of a person, group, or thing, especially a celebrity or artist. It is often used online and in pop culture.

To make things follow the same rule, size, style, or method. It is often used when a company, school, or system wants everything consistent.

A star is a large ball of hot gas in space that gives out its own light and heat. The Sun is a star.

Very clear, complete, and showing the truth without any softness.

To begin doing something, or to make something begin. It can also mean to launch an activity, business, or process.

To begin operating or to make a machine, engine, or company begin working. It can also mean to begin doing an activity.

A person's mental condition or mood at a particular time. It describes how someone feels or thinks right now, especially under stress or pressure.

Steep means rising or falling at a sharp angle. A steep road, hill, or slope is hard to walk or drive on.

In a cool, confident, and stylish way, often with an easy or effortless look. It is usually informal and connected to street style or swagger.

Thin pieces of wood from trees. People also use the word for a hard, straight piece of something similar.

to encourage activity or progress

To mark or draw with many small dots. Artists use it to create shade, texture, or tone.

To state as a condition or requirement in an agreement or rule.

To move a liquid or mixture around with a spoon or similar tool. This helps mix the ingredients evenly.

Based on chance or probability rather than fixed rules. In science and statistics, it describes things that can vary unpredictably.

A stock-room is a room where a shop, office, or business keeps extra goods, supplies, or equipment. It is usually not open to customers.

A stockholder is a person or company that owns shares in a business. Stockholders may receive part of the company's profits and can vote on some company decisions.

Able to endure pain, hardship, or difficult emotions without complaining or showing how you feel. A stoic person stays calm and quiet even when things are very hard.

pain, sorrow, or distress that is shown with calm control. It suggests someone suffers deeply but does not complain openly.

Stoichiometry is the part of chemistry that studies the amounts of substances in a reaction. It helps you work out how much reactant you need and how much product will form.

Very excited, pleased, or enthusiastic about something. It is informal and common in spoken English.

To walk with heavy steps, often because you are angry or upset. It can also mean to put your foot down hard.

A hard type of pottery made from clay and baked at a very high temperature. It is strong, dense, and often used for dishes, mugs, and jars.

To make something end, or to no longer do something. It can also mean to pause or bring movement to an end.

Used to describe weather with strong wind, rain, thunder, or rough seas. It can also describe a time or situation with trouble, anger, or conflict.

not bent, curved, or sloping. A straight line, road, or object goes directly from one point to another.

Straightly means in a direct, straight, or honest way. It is rare today and often sounds old-fashioned. In modern English, people usually say "straight" or "directly" instead.

Relating to a careful, long-term plan designed to reach an important goal. Something strategic is not just planned — it is meant to give you an advantage or move you closer to a big objective.

a formal agreement between two companies, groups, or countries to work together because it helps both sides achieve a goal. It is usually made for a practical reason, not because they are close friends.

In a careful and planned way, with a clear goal in mind. It often means choosing actions that give an advantage.

To arrange or divide groups so they form separate layers or classes.

The study of rock layers and the order they were formed in. It helps scientists understand Earth's history and past environments.

An idea, argument, or opponent made to look weaker than it really is, so it is easier to attack. In discussion, people use it to misrepresent another side's real point.

To make a process, organization, or system faster and more efficient by removing unnecessary steps or parts. This word is very common in business and professional settings.

Art made in public places, usually outside on walls, buildings, or pavements. It often includes graffiti, murals, and stencils.

Informal respect or trust from people who seem tough, fashionable, or real. It means others see you as believable or socially respected in a cool, authentic way.

Art made on public walls, buildings, or other outdoor spaces. It is often created without official permission and seen by many people in the street.

Pressure or worry caused by difficult situations. It can affect how you feel and how your body works.

Stringent means very strict and hard to satisfy. It is often used for rules, laws, standards, or checks.

Having a lot of physical power or force. It can also mean difficult to break, move, or damage.

The activity of learning about a subject, usually by reading, thinking, or practice. It can also mean a school or college course of learning.

In a way that relates to style, especially the look, writing, design, or manner of something. It describes how something is done or presented, not its basic meaning.

Located just below the alpine zone on a mountain. It describes plants, forests, or land found at high elevations, but not on the highest peaks.

Based on personal feelings, opinions, or views, not on facts that everyone agrees on. It often describes judgments that can change from person to person.

To change a strong feeling or desire into another form, especially a more useful or acceptable one. Writers often use this in psychology or formal speech.

Describes anger or strong emotion that has been changed into a safer or more useful form. It is often used in psychology, literature, or formal writing.

Coming after something else in time; following.

If something subsides, it becomes less strong, less active, or less severe. It is often used for pain, anger, noise, or bad weather.

To give money to a person, company, or activity so the cost is lower. Governments often subsidize food, transport, farming, or housing.

The state of having just enough money, food, or other basic needs to live. It often suggests a simple or difficult way of life.

The material that something is made of. It can also mean a basic type of matter or a physical thing.

In philosophy, the difference between a thing itself and its qualities or features. The substance is the thing; the attributes are the properties it has.

Large in amount, size, or importance; significant and solid.

To show that something is true by giving facts, evidence, or proof. It is often used in formal or academic English.

Providing support, proof, or substance. It is a formal word, often used in legal or academic writing.

Subterranean means under the ground. It is used for things like tunnels, caves, or water below the earth's surface.

Not obvious or easy to notice. A subtle change is small, delicate, or hard to see at first.

intended to weaken or destroy a political system, belief, or rule from inside. It often suggests hidden or indirect opposition.

Ideas in books, films, art, or speech that question authority, rules, or accepted beliefs. They can seem bold, political, or challenging.

To secretly weaken, damage, or overturn a system, plan, rule, or belief. It often suggests hidden or harmful action.

A woodland area that grows back naturally after land has been cleared or disturbed. It is part of ecological succession, where plants change over time.

Expressed in a clear and brief way, using only the words that are needed. A succinct statement says exactly what is meant without any extra detail.

Juicy and soft, especially because it has a lot of water. It is often used for plants or cooked food.

A sudden tired, weak, or irritable feeling after eating a lot of sugar. It happens when your energy rises quickly, then drops.

A short period of extra energy or excitement after eating a lot of sugar. It often feels sudden and does not last long.

To stay silent and look upset because you feel angry, hurt, or disappointed. A sulking person often shows their mood without talking about it.

The highest point of a hill or mountain. It is the top part you reach after going up.

the star at the center of our solar system that gives Earth light and heat.

Bright with sunlight. A sunny place or day has a lot of direct sunlight. It can also mean cheerful or hopeful in tone.

Superconductivity is a state in which some materials carry electricity with no resistance when they are very cold. It can also refer to the study or use of this state in science and technology.

Not deep; limited to the surface or appearance without serious thought or feeling.

A food that is thought to be very healthy because it contains many nutrients. People often use this word for foods like berries, seeds, and leafy greens.

To take the place of something, often by authority or formal decision.

To replace someone or something, often by taking its place completely. It usually suggests a new person, thing, or idea pushing out the old one.

Something added to complete or enhance something else; an addition.

An amount of something that is too much. It often suggests a richer or more than enough supply, and sometimes a feeling of being fed up with it.

Something unexpected, especially something that happens without warning. It can be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral.

Feeling suddenly caught off guard because something unexpected happened. It can describe a person, face, or reaction.

A 20th-century art and literary movement that shows dreamlike, strange, or illogical scenes. It tries to go beyond ordinary reality and explore the unconscious mind.

A surrealist is an artist or writer who uses dreamlike, strange, or unrealistic ideas. The work often mixes real life with imagination in unusual ways.

In a suspicious way; with doubt or distrust. This is not a standard dictionary word in normal English, so many native speakers may not understand it.

1.0 (verb) to temporarily stop something or to stop it for a period of time.

To keep something going or alive over time; to support or maintain.

Able to continue for a long time without using up resources or causing harm. Often used to describe practices that protect the environment for future generations.

Sustenance is food and drink that keep a person or animal alive. It can also mean support that helps someone continue or survive.

A soft, whispering, rustling sound. It is often used for quiet sounds from wind, leaves, water, or voices.

A swamp is a wet area of land with water and many plants. Trees and muddy ground are common there.

In a way that makes sweat visible or that shows a lot of sweating. It can also mean with nervous effort, strain, or heat.

To move a brush, hand, or other object across a surface to remove dirt or dust. It can also mean to move something in a wide, smooth motion.

Having a pleasant taste like sugar or honey. Sweet food is not bitter, sour, or salty. It can also mean pleasing or enjoyable.

Sweet foods or candies, especially small sugary treats. In British English, this is a common word for confectionery.

To move through water using your arms, legs, or body. It can also mean to travel in water naturally, like a fish.

to act in a way that goes against what most people think or do. It often suggests effort, courage, or stubbornness.

To move a finger left across a phone or screen. On dating apps, it also means to reject or say no to someone or something.

To move a finger to the right on a phone or app screen. On dating apps, it usually means you like someone or want to match with them.

A syllogism is a form of reasoning with two statements that lead to a third conclusion. If the two statements are true and fit together, the conclusion should be true too.

Based on a syllogism, or using deductive reasoning from two statements to reach a conclusion. It often describes formal logic, arguments, or thinking.

Showing or representing an idea, feeling, or belief. Something symbolic has a deeper meaning beyond its literal form.

The strong meaning or feeling a symbol creates beyond its literal form. It is the effect of an object, image, or action when people connect it with a bigger idea.

Sympathy is care and understanding for someone who is unhappy, hurt, or in pain. It can also mean shared feeling or agreement with another person's situation.

To arrange events or actions to occur at the same time or match exactly in speed or timing.

Synergistic means working together in a way that gives a better result than each part could give alone. It is often used in business, science, and teamwork.

The combined effect of two or more things is greater than the sum of their separate effects. It is used in science, business, and teamwork.

To work together in a way that creates a better result than working alone. It often means the parts support each other and become more effective together.

To combine different ideas or sources into a coherent whole.

Made by chemical processes, not found naturally. Synthetic materials are often used in clothing, plastics, and medicine.

Syrupy describes something that is thick, sticky, and like syrup. It can also describe speech, writing, or behaviour that is too sweet, emotional, or insincere.

In a methodical, careful, and organized way. It describes doing something step by step, not randomly.

Systemic volatility is a situation where instability is built into a whole system, so changes and shocks happen often and affect many parts at once.