S Flashcards
(600 cards)
0
Q
sabre
A
(n) a cavalry sword with a curved blade.
1
Q
sabotage
A
(n) wilful damaging of machinery or materials, or disruption of work, by dissatisfied workmen or hostile agents. (v)1. To commit sabotage on. 2. To destroy or render useless, (sabotaged my plans). Saboteur (n).
2
Q
saccharin
A
(n) a very sweet substance used as a substitute for sugar. Saccharine (adj).
3
Q
sachet
A
(n)1. A small bag, especially one filled with a sweet-smelling substance for laying among clothes etc. to scent them. 2. A sealed plastic or paper pack containing a single portion of a substance.
4
Q
sack (v)
A
- (v)1. To put into a sack or sacks. 2. (informal) to dismiss from a job.
- (v) to plunder (a capture town etc.) in a violent destructive way. (n) the act or process of sacking a place.
5
Q
sacred cow
A
an idea or institution which its supporters will not allow to be criticised. (the phrase refers to the Hindus’ respect for the cow as a sacred animal.)
6
Q
sacrilege
A
(n) disrespect or damage to something regarded as sacred. Sacrilegious (adj).
7
Q
sacrosanct
A
(adj) reverenced or respected and therefore secure from violation or damage.
8
Q
saddle (v)
A
(v)1. To put a saddle on (an animal). 2. To burden (a person) with a task. In the saddle: in a controlling position.
9
Q
sadism
A
(n) enjoyment of inflicting or watching cruelty, this as a form of sexual perversion. Sadist (n), sadistic (adj), sadistically (adv).
10
Q
safeguard
A
(n) a means of protection. (v) to protect.
11
Q
safety-valve
A
(n) a valve that opens automatically to relieve excessive pressure in a steam boiler; an outlet for releasing feelings of anger or excitement etc. harmlessly.
12
Q
saga
A
(n) a long story with many episodes.
13
Q
sagacious
A
(adj) showing wisdom in one’s understanding and judgement of things. Sagaciously (adv), sagacity (n).
14
Q
sage (2)
A
(adj) profoundly wise, having wisdom gained from experience. (n) a profoundly wise man. Sagely (adv).
15
Q
sahib
A
(n) a former title of address to European men in India.
16
Q
saintly
A
(adj)(saintlier, saintliest) like a saint. Saintliness (n).
17
Q
salacious
A
(adj) lewd, erotic. Salaciously (adv), salaciousness (n). Salacity (n).
18
Q
salary
A
(n) fixed payment made by an employer at regular intervals to a person other than manual or mechanical work, usually calculated on an annual or quarterly or monthly basis.
19
Q
sales talk
A
persuasive talk designed to make people buy goods or accept an idea.
20
Q
salient
A
(adj) projecting, prominent, most noticeable, (the salient feature of the plan). (n) the projecting part, especially of a battle-line.
21
Q
saline
A
(adj) salty, containing salt or salts. Salinity (n).
22
Q
sallow (1)
A
(adj)(of a person’s skin or complexion) yellowish. Sallowness (n).
23
Q
sally (v)
A
(v)(sallied, sallying) sally out/ forth: to make a sally (a sudden rush forward in attack, a sortie) (in attack) or an excursion.
24
salt of the earth
people with a wholesome influence on society.
25
take it with a grain/ pinch of salt
not believe it wholly.
26
worth one's salt
competent, deserving one's position.
27
saltpetre
(n) a salty white powder (potassium nitrate) used in making gunpowder and preserving meat, and medicinally.
28
salubrious
(adj) health-giving. Salubrity (n).
29
salvage
(n)1. Rescue of a wrecked or damage ship or its cargo, rescue of property from fire or other disaster. 2. The goods or property saved. 3. The saving and use of waste paper, scrap meal, etc. 4. the items saved. (v) to save from loss or for use as salvage.
30
salve
(n)1. A soothing ointment. 2. Something that soothes conscience or wounded feelings. (v) to soothe (conscience etc.).
31
salvo
(n)(pl salvoes)1. The firing of a number of guns simultaneously, especially as a salute. 2. A volley of applause.
32
samurai
(n)(pl samurai)1. A Japanese army officer. 2. A member of the former military caste in Japan.
33
sanatorium
(n)(pl sanatoriums) an establishment for treating chronic diseases (eg. tuberculosis) or convalescents.
34
sanctimonious
(adj) making a show of righteousness or piety. Sanctimoniously (adv), sanctimoniousness (n).
35
sanction
(n)1. Permission or approval for an action or behaviour etc. 2. Action taken by a country to penalise and coerce a country or organisation that is considered to have violated a law or code of practice or basic human rights. (v) to give sanction or approval to, to authorise.
36
sanctuary
(n)1. A sacred place. 2. The holiest part of a temple, the part of a chancel containing the altar. 3. An area where birds and wild animals are protected and encouraged to breed. 4. Refuge, a place of refuge, (seek sanctuary).
37
sang-froid
(n) calmness in danger or difficulty.
38
sanguine
(adj) hopeful, optimistic, (the are not very sanguine about their chances of winning).
39
sanitation
(n) arrangement to protect public health, especially by drainage and the efficient disposal of sewage.
40
sarcasm
(n)1. An ironical remark or taunt. 2. The use of such taunts. Sarcastic (adj), sarcastically (adv).
41
sarcophagus
(n)(pl sarcophagi) a stone coffin, often decorated with carvings.
42
sardonic
(adj) humorous in a grim or sarcastic way. Sardonically (adv).
43
sartorial
(adj) of tailoring, of men's clothing, (sartorial elegance).
44
satchel
(n) a small bag for carrying light articles (especially school books), hung over the shoulder or carried on the back.
45
sateen
(n) a closely-woven cotton fabric resembling satin.
46
satellite town
a smaller town dependent on a larger one near it.
47
satiate
(v) to satisfy fully, to glut or cloy with an excess of something. Satiation (n). Satiety (n): the condition or feeling of being satisfied.
48
satire
(n)1. The use of ridicule or irony or sarcasm in speech or writing. 2. A novel or film or play etc. that ridicules people's hypocrisy or foolishness in this way, often by parody. Satirical (adj): using satire, criticising in a humorous or sarcastic way. Satirically (adv). Satirist (n). Satirise (v).
49
saturnine
(adj) (of a person or his looks) having a gloomy forbidding appearance.
50
saucy
(adj)(saucier, sauciest)1. Impudent. 2. Jaunty. Saucily (adv), sauciness (n).
51
saunter
(v) to walk in a leisurely way. (n) a leisurely walk or walking-pace.
52
savage
(adj)1. In a primitive or uncivilised state, (savage tribes). 2. Wild and fierce, (savage animals). 3. Cruel and hostile, (savage criticism). 4. (informal) very angry. (n) a member of a savage tribe. (v) to attack savagely, to maul. Savagely (adv), savageness (n), savagery (n).
53
savannah
(n) a grassy plain in hot regions, with few or no trees.
54
save one's breath
to keep silent because it would be useless to speak.
55
saving grace
a good quality that redeems a person whose other qualities are not good.
56
savour
(n)1. The taste or small of something. 2. The power to arouse enjoyment, (felt that life had lost its savour). (v)1. To have a certain taste or smell. 2. to taste or smell (a thing) with enjoyment. 3. To give a certain impression, (the reply savours of impertinence).
Savoury (adj)1. Having n appetising taste or smell. 2. Having a salty or piquant and not sweet flavour. Savouriness (n).
57
sawdust
(n) powdery fragments of wood produced when timber is sawn.
58
have one's say
to say all one wishes to say.
59
scab
(n)1. A crust forming over a sore as it heals. 2. A skin-disease or plant-disease that causes scab-like roughness. 3. (informal, contemptuous) a blackleg (a person who works while his fellow workers are on strike). Scabby (adj).
60
scabbard
(n) the sheath of a sword or dagger or bayonet.
61
scaffolding (n)
(n)1. A temporary structure of poles or tubes and planks providing workmen with platforms to stand on while building or repairing a house etc. 2. The poles etc. from which this is made.
62
scald
(v)1. To injure or pain with hot liquid or steam. 2. To heat (milk) o near boiling point. 3. To cleanse (pans etc.) with boiling water. (n) an injury to the skin by scalding.
63
tip/ turn the scale(s)
to be the decisive factor in a situation.
64
scalpel
(n) a surgeon's small light straight knife.
65
scamp
(n) a rascal. (v) to do (work) hastily and inadequately.
66
scamper
(v) to run hastily, to run about playfully as a child does. (n) a scampering run.
67
scan
(v)(scanned, scanning)1. To look at all parts of (a thing) intently. 2. To glance at quickly and not thoroughly. 3. To pass a radar or electronic beam over. 4. To resolve (a picture) into elements of light and shade for TV transmission. 5. To analyse the rhythm of (a line of verse). 6. (of verse) to be correct in rhythm. (n) scanning. Scanner (n).
68
scandalise
(v) to shock by something shameful or disgraceful. Scandalous (adj), scandalously (adv). Scandalmonger (n): a person who invents or spreads scandal.
69
scant
(adj) scanty, insufficient. Scanty (adj)(scantier, scantiest)1. Of small amount or extent, (scanty vegetation). 2. Barely enough. Scantily (adv), scantiness (n).
70
scapegoat
(n) a person who is made to bear blame or punishment that should rightly fall on others.
71
make oneself scarce
(informal) to go away.
72
scaremonger
(n) a person who raises unnecessary or excessive alarm. Scaremongering (n).
73
scarp
(n) a steep slope on a hillside.
74
scathing
(adj)1. (of criticism) very severe. 2. Making severe criticisms.
75
scatter-brain
(n) a scatter-brained person. Scatter-brained (adj): unable to concentrate or do things in a systematic way, frivolous.
76
scavenge
(v)1. (of an animal) to search for decaying flesh as food. 2. To search for usable objects or material among rubbish or discarded things. Scavenger (n).
77
scenario
(n)(pl scenarios)1. The outline or script of a film, with details of the scenes. 2. A detailed summary of the action of a play, with notes on scenery and special effects. 3. An imagined sequence of future events.
78
be on the scene
to be present.
79
scenic
(adj) having fine natural scenery.
80
sceptic
(n) a skeptical (adj: inclined to disbelieve things, doubting or questioning the truth of claims or statements etc.) person, one who doubts the truth of religious doctrines. Sceptically (adv). Scepticism (n).
81
sceptre
(n) a staff carried by a king or queen as a symbol of sovereignty.
82
scheme (v)
(v) to make plans, to plan in a secret or underhand way. Schemer (n).
83
scholar
(n)1. A person with great learning in a particular subject. 2. A person who is skilled in academic work. 3. A person who holds a scholarship. Scholarly (adv).
84
scholastic
(adj) of schools or education, academic.
85
of the old school
according to old standards, (a gentleman of the old school).
86
school-leaver
(n) a person who has just left school for good.
87
schooner
(n) a kind of sailing ship with two or more masts.
88
scimitar
(n) a short curved Oriental sword.
89
scintillate
(v)1. To sparkle, to give off sparks. 2. To be brilliant, (a scintillating discussion). Scintillation (n).
90
scion
(n) a descendant of a family, especially a noble one.
91
scoff
1. (v) to jeer, to speak contemptuously. Scoffer (n).
| 2. (v)(slang) to eat (food) quickly or greedily.
92
scoop (v)
(v) 1. To lift or hollow with or as if with a scoop. 2. To forestall (a rival newspaper) with a news scoop.
93
scoot
(v) to run or dart, to go away hastily.
94
scooterist
(n) a person who rides a scooter.
95
scope
(n)1. The range of something, (the subject is outside the scope of this inquiry). 2. Opportunity, outlet, (a kind of work that gives scope for her abilities).
96
scorch
(v)1. To burn or become burnt on the surface, to make or become discoloured in this way. 2.(slang) to drive or ride at a very high speed. (n) a mark made by scorching. Scorcher (n): (informal) a very hot day. Scorching (adj): (informal) extremely hot.
97
scorn
(n) strong contempt; (laughed it to scorn), ridiculed it. (v)1. To feel or show strong contempt for. 2. To reject or refuse scornfully, (would scorn to ask for favours). Scornful (adj), scornfully (adv), scornfulness (n).
98
scot-free
(adj)1. Unharmed, not punished. 2. Free of charge.
99
Scotland Yard
1. The headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police. 2. Its Criminal Investigation Department.
100
scoundrel
(n) a dishonest or unprincipled person.
101
scour
1. (v)1. To cleanse or brighten by rubbing. 2. To clear out (a channel or pipe etc.) by the force of water flowing through or over it. 3. To purge drastically. (n) scouring, the action of water on a channel etc., (the scour of the tide). Scourer (n).
2. (v) to travel over (an area) in search of something, to search thoroughly.
102
scourge
(n)1. A whip for flogging people. 2. A person or thing regarded as a great affliction, (the scourge of war). (v)1. To flog with a whip. 2. To afflict greatly.
103
scout
1. (n)1. A person sent out to gather information eg. about an enemy's movements or strength. 2. A ship or aircraft designed for reconnoitring. (v) to act as scout, to make a search.
2. (v) to reject (an idea) scornfully.
104
scowl
(n) a sullen or angry frown. (v) to make a scowl.
105
scraggy
(adj)(scraggier, scraggiest) lean and bony. Scragginess (n).
106
scram
(v)(slang) to go away.
107
scrape through
to get through a situation or pass an examination by only a very narrow margin.
108
scraping the barrel
driven to using one's last and inferior resources because the better ones are finished.
109
scrappy
(adj)(scrappier, scrappiest) made up of scraps or odds and ends or disconnected elements. Scrappiness (n).
110
start from scratch
to begin at the very beginning; to begin with no advantage or preparation.
111
up to scratch
up to the required standard.
112
scrawl
(n) bad handwriting, something written in this. (v) to write in a scrawl.
113
scrawny
(adj)(scrawnier, scrawniest) scraggy (adj: lean and bony).
114
scree
(n) a mass of loose stone on a mountain side, sliding when trodden on.
115
screech
(n) a harsh high-pitched scream or sound. (v).
116
screen (v)
(v)1. To shelter or conceal or protect. 2. To protect (a person) from discovery or deserved blame by diverting suspicion from him. 3. To show (images or a cinema film etc.) on a screen. 4. To pass (grain or coal etc.) through a screen. 5. To examine systematically in order to discover something, eg. a person's suitability for a post where national security is involved, or the presence or absence of a substance or disease.
117
have a screw loose
(informal) to be slightly mad.
118
put the screw(s) on
(informal) to put pressure on, eg. to intimidate or extort money.
119
screwy
(adj)(screwier, screwiest) (slang)1. Crazy, eccentric. 2. Drunk.
120
scribe
(n)1. A person who (before the invention of printing) made copies of writings. 2. (in New Testament times) a professional religious scholar.
121
scrimp
(v) to skimp.
122
Scrooge
(n) a miser. (Name after a character in Dickens' novel 'A Christmas Carol'.)
123
scrounge
(v)(slang)1. To cadge (v: to ask for as a gift, to go about begging). 2. To collect by foraging. Scrounger (n).
124
scrubby
(adj)(scrubbier, scrubbiest) small and mean or shabby.
125
scruff
(n) the back of the neck as used to grasp or lift or drag a person or animal.
126
scruffy
(adj)(scruffier, scruffiest) shabby and untidy. Scruffily (adv), scruffiness (n).
127
scrumptious
(adj)(informal) delicious, delightful.
128
scruple
(n) a feeling of doubt or hesitation about doing or allowing an action, produced by one's conscience or principles. (v) to hesitate because of scruples. Scrupulous (adj)1. Very conscientious even in small matters, painstakingly careful and thorough. 2. Strictly honest or honourable. Scrupulously (adv), scrupulousness (n). Scrupulosity (n): scrupulousness.
129
scrutinise
(v) to look at or examine carefully. Scrutiny (n).
130
scud
(v)(scudded, scudding) to move along straight and fast and smoothly, (clouds were scudding across the sky). (n) clouds or spray driven by the wind.
131
scuff
(v)1. To scrape or drag (one's feet) in walking. 2. To mark or wear away by doing this. 3. To scrape (a thing) with one's foot or feet.
132
scuffle
(n) a confused struggle or fight at close quarters. (v) to take part in a scuffle.
133
scull
(n)1. One of a pair of small oars used by a single rower. 2. An oar that rests on the stern of a boat, worked with a screw-like movement. (v) to row with sculls.
134
scullery
(n) a room where dishes etc. are washed up. Scullion (n): (old use) a cook's boy, one who washes dishes and pots.
135
scum
(n)1. Impurities that rise to the surface of a liquid, a film of material floating on the surface of a stretch of water. 2. People regarded as the most worthless part of the population. Scummy (adj).
136
scupper
(n) an opening in a ship's side to carry off water from the deck. (v)1. To sink (a ship) deliberately. 2. (informal) to wreck.
137
scurrilous
(adj)1. Abusive and insulting, (a scurrilous attack on his character). 2. Coarsely humorous. Scurrilously (adv), scurrility (n).
138
scurry
(v)(scurried, scurrying) to run or move hurriedly, especially with quick short steps, to hurry. (n)1. Scurrying, a rush. 2. A flurry of rain or snow.
139
scutter
(v)(informal) to scurry. (n) a scurrying movement or sound.
140
scuttle (3)
(v) to scurry, to hurry away. (n) scurrying.
141
scythe
(n) an implement with a slightly curved blade on a long wooden pole with two handles, used for cutting long grass or grain. (v) to cut with a scythe.
142
at sea
in a ship on the sea; perplexed, not knowing how to proceed.
143
by sea
carried or conveyed in a ship.
144
sea-legs
(pl n) ability to walk steadily on the deck of a moving ship, (hasn't got his sea-legs yet).
145
seafarer
(n) a seafaring person. Seafaring (adj & n): working or travelling on the sea, especially as one's regular occupation.
146
seal off
to prevent access to (an area).
147
seamstress
(n) a woman whose job is sewing things.
148
seamy
(adj)(seamier, seamiest) showing seams. Seamy side: the less presentable or less attractive aspect of life.
149
seance
(n) a spiritualist meeting.
150
seaplane
(n) an aeroplane, especially one with floats, designed to alight on and take off from a stretch of water.
151
search-warrant
(n) a warrant allowing officials to enter the premises of a person though to be concealing stolen property etc.
152
searching (adj)
(adj)(of a scrutiny or examination) thorough.
153
seascape
(n) a picture or view of the sea.
154
seasonal
(adj) of a season or seasons, varying according to these, (the seasonal migration of geese); (fruit-picking is seasonal work).
155
seaworthy
(adj)(of a ship) in a fit state for a sea voyage.
156
secateurs
(pl n) clippers used with one hand for pruning plants.
157
secede
(v) to withdraw oneself from membership of an organisation. Secession (n): seceding.
158
seclude
(v) to keep (a person) apart from others. Secluded (adj): (of a place) screened or sheltered from view. Seclusion (n): secluding, being secluded, privacy.
159
second fiddle
a subsidiary or secondary role, (had to play second fiddle to his brother).
160
second nature
a habit or characteristic that has become automatic, (secrecy is second nature to him).
161
second-rate
(adj) not of the best quality, rated second-class (adj & adv: of second or inferior quality).
162
second thoughts
a change of mind after reconsideration.
163
second wind
recovery of one's ease of breathing during exercise, after having become out of breath.
164
second (2)
(v) to transfer (an officer or official) temporarily to another appointment or department. Secondment (n).
165
secret ballot
one in which individual voters' choices are not made public.
166
Secret Service
a government department responsible for conducting espionage.
167
secret society
a society whose members are sworn to secrecy about it.
168
Secretary-General
(n) the principal administrator of a large organisation.
169
sect
(n) a group of people with religious or other beliefs that differ from those more generally accepted. Sectarian (adj): 1. Of or belonging to a sect or sects. 2. Narrow-mindedly putting the beliefs or interests of one's sect before more general interests.
170
secular
(adj)1. Concerned with worldly affairs rather than spiritual ones. 2. Not involving or belonging to religion, (secular music); (secular clergy), clergy who are not members of a monastic community.
171
sedan
(n)1. A sedan-chair. 2. (Amer.) a saloon car. Sedan-chair (n): an enclosed chair for one person (used in the 17th-18th centuries), mounted on two poles and carried by two bearers.
172
sedate
1. (adj) calm and dignified, not lively. Sedately (adv), sedateness (n).
2. (v) to treat (a person) with sedatives. Sedation (n). Sedative (adj): having a calming or soothing effect. (n) a sedative medicine or influence.
173
sedentary
(adj)1. Spending much time seated, (sedentary workers). 2. Requiring much sitting, (sedentary work).
174
sedition
(n) words or actions that make people rebel against the authority of the State. Seditious (adj).
175
seduce
(v)1. To persuade (especially into wrongdoing) by offering temptations, (was seduced into betraying his country). 2. To tempt (a person) immorally into sexual intercourse. Seducer (n). Seduction (n): 1. Seducing, being seduced. 2. A tempting and attractive feature, (the seductions of country life). Seductive (adj): tending to seduce, alluring. Seductively (adv), seductiveness (n).
176
sedulous
(adj) diligent and persevering. Sedulously (adv).
177
see the back of
to be rid of.
178
see th light
to understand after failing to do so, to realise one's mistakes.
179
see through
to understand the true nature of, not be deceived by; (see a thing through), not abandon it before it is completed. See-through (adj): transparent.
180
seedy
(adj)(seedier, seediest)1. Full of seeds. 2. (informal) looking shabby and disreputable. 3. (informal) feeling slightly ill.
181
seek out
to seek specially, to make a special effort to meet and address (a person).
182
seemly
(adj) proper, suitable, in accordance with accepted standards of good taste. Seemliness (n).
183
seep
(v) to ooze slowly out or through. Seepage (n): seeping, the amount that seeps out.
184
seethe
(v)1. To bubble or surge as in boiling. 2. To be very agitated or excited.
185
segregate
(v)1. To put apart from the rest, to isolate. 2. To separate (people) according to their race. Segregation (n). Segregationist (n): a person who is in favour of racial segregation.
186
seismic
(adj)1. Of an earthquake or earthquakes. 2. Of or using vibrations of the earth that are produced artificially by explosions. Seismogram (n): the record produced by a seismograph (n: an instrument for detecting, recording, and measuring earthquakes). Seismology (n): the scientific study of earthquakes. Seismological (adj). Seismometer (n): a seismograph.
187
seize
(v)1. To take hold of (a thing) forcibly or suddenly or eagerly. 2. O take possession of (a thing) forcibly or by legal right, (seize smuggled goods). 3. To have a sudden overwhelming effect on, (panic seized us). 4. To seize up. Seize on: to make use of (an excuse etc.) eagerly. Seize up: (of a moving part or the machine containing it) to become stuck or jam because of friction or undue heat.
188
selective
(adj) chosen or choosing carefully. selectively (adv), selectivity (n).
189
self-assured
(adj) self-confident. Self-assurance (n).
190
self-catering
(adj) catering for oneself, especially while on holiday.
191
self-confessed
(adj) openly admitting oneself to be, (a self-confessed coward).
192
self-contained
(adj)1. Complete in itself, (of accommodation) having all the necessary facilities and not sharing these. 2. (of a person) able to do without the company of others, reserved.
193
self-employed
(adj) working independently and not for an employer.
194
self-evident
(adj) clear without proof or explanation or further evidence.
195
self-help
(n) use of one's own powers to achieve things, without dependence on aid from others.
196
self-important
(adj) having a high opinion of one's own importance, pompous. Self-importance (n).
197
self-interest
(n) one's own advantage.
198
self-made
(adj) having risen from poverty or obscurity and achieved success by one's own efforts, (a self-made man).
199
self-possessed
(adj) calm and dignified. Self-possession (n).
200
self-reliant
(adj) independent, relying on one's own abilities and resources. Self-reliance (n).
201
self-righteous
(adj) smugly sure of one's own righteousness.
202
selfsame
(adj) very same, (died in the selfsame house where he was born).
203
self-satisfied
(adj) pleased with oneself and one's own achievements, conceited. Self-satisfaction (n).
204
self-styled
(adj) using a name or description one has adopted without right, (one of these self-styled fast safe drivers).
205
self-sufficient
(adj) able to provide what one needs without outside help.
206
self-taught
(adj) having taught oneself without formal teaching from another person.
207
sell out
to dispose of (all one's stock etc.) by selling; to betray. Sell-out (n): the selling of all tickets for a show etc., a great commercial success; a betrayal.
208
sell up
to sell one's house or business.
209
semantic
(adj) of meaning in language. Semantically (adv).
210
semblance
(n)1. An outward appearance (either real or pretended), a show, (spoke with a semblance of friendship). 2. A resemblance or likeness to something.
211
semi-detached
(adj)(of a house) being one of a pair of houses that have one wall in common with each other but are detached from other houses.
212
seminal
(adj)1. Of seed or semen. 2. Giving rise to new developments,(seminal ideas).
213
seminar
(n) a small class for advanced discussion and research.
214
semi-skilled
(adj) having or requiring some training but less than that needed for skilled work.
215
Semite
(n) a member of the group of races that includes the Jews and Arabs and formerly the Phoenicians and Assyrians. Semitic (adj): of the Semites or their languages.
216
senate
(n)1. The governing council in ancient Rome. 2. (Senate), the upper house of the parliamentary assemblies of the USA, Australia, France, and certain other countries. 3. The governing body of certain universities. Senator (n): a member of a senate.
217
send for
to order (a person) to come to one's presence; to order (a thing) to be brought or delivered from elsewhere.
218
send-off
(n) a friendly demonstration at a person's departure.
219
senile
(adj) suffering from bodily or mental weakness because of old age, (of illness etc.) characteristic of elderly people. Senility (n).
220
señor
(n)(pl señores) the title of a Spanish-speaking man, = Mr or sir. Señora (n): Mrs or madam. Señorita (n): Miss or madam.
221
sensational
(adj)1. Producing eager interest or excitement or admiration in many people. 2. (informal) extraordinary. Sensationally (adv). Sensationalism (n): the use of subject-matter or words or style etc. in order to produce excessive emotional excitement in people. Sensationalist (n).
222
come to one's senses
to regain consciousness; to become sensible after behaving stupidly.
223
make sense of
to find a meaning in.
224
senseless
(adj)1. Not showing good sense, foolish. 2. Unconscious.
225
sensibility
(n) the ability to feel things mentally, sensitiveness, delicacy of feeling.
226
sensitise
(v) to make sensitive or abnormally sensitive. Sensitisation (n).
227
sensual
(adj)1. Physical, gratifying to the body, (sensual pleasures). 2. Indulging oneself with physical pleasures, showing that one does this, (a sensual face). Sensually (adv), sensuality (n).
228
sensuous
(adj) affecting or appealing to the senses, especially by beauty or delicacy. Sensuously (adv). (this word does not have the implication of undesirable behaviour that 'sensual' can have.)
229
sentence (v)
(v) to pass sentence upon (a person), to condemn (to punishment).
230
sentient
(adj) capable of perceiving and feeling things, (sentient beings).
231
sentimental
(adj)1. Showing or influenced by romantic or nostalgic feeling. 2. Characterised by emotions as opposed to reason. Sentimentally (adv), sentimentality (n).
232
sentinel/ sentry
(n) a soldier posted to keep watch and guard something.
233
separatist
(n) a person who favours separation from a larger unit, eg. so as to achieve political independence. Separatism (n).
234
septuagenarian
(n) a person in his or her seventies.
235
sequential
(adj)1. Forming a sequence, following in succession. 2. Occurring as a result. Sequentially (adv).
236
sequester
(v)1. To seclude. 2. To confiscate.
237
sequin
(n) a circular spangle ornamenting clothing or other material. Sequinned (adj).
238
sequoia
(n) a coniferous tree of California, growing to a great height.
239
serendipity
(n) the making of pleasant discoveries by accident, the knack of doing this.
240
sermon
(n)1. A talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one delivery by a clergyman during a religious service. 2. A long moralising talk. Sermonise (v): to give a long moralising talk.
241
serpentine
(adj) twisting and curving like a snake, (a serpentine road).
242
serrated
(adj) having a series of small projections like the teeth of a saw. Serration (n).
243
service area
an area beside a motorway where petrol and refreshments etc. are available.
244
serviceable
(adj)1. Usable. 2. Suitable for ordinary use or wear, hard-wearing. Serviceably (adv).
245
serviceman
(n)(pl servicemen) a man who is a member of the armed services. Servicewoman (n): a woman...
246
serviette
(n) a table-napkin.
247
servile
(adj)1. Suitable for a servant, menial, (servile tasks). 2. Excessively submissive, lacking independence, (servile flattery/ imitation). Servility (n).
248
servitude
(n) the condition of being forced to work for others and having no freedom.
249
session
(n)1. A meeting or series of meetings for discussing or deciding something. 2. A period spent continuously in an activity. 3. The academic year in certain universities, (Amer.) a university term. 4. The governing body of a Presbyterian church.
250
be set on
to be determined about.
251
set about
to begin (a task); to attack with blows or words.
252
set back
to halt or slow the progress of, to cause a change for the worse; (slang) to cost, (it set me back £50). Set-back (n): something that sets back progress.
253
set eyes on
to catch sight of.
254
set in
to become established, (depression had set in).
255
set off
to begin a journey; to cause to begin, (set off a chain reaction); to ignite or cause to explode; to improve the appearance of by providing a contrast.
256
set one's hand to
to begin (a task); to sign (a document).
257
set out
to declare or make known, (set out the terms of the agreement); to begin a journey or effort.
258
set sail
to hoist sail(s); to begin a voyage.
259
set to
to begin doing something vigorously; to begin fighting or arguing.
260
settle up
to pay what is owing.
261
settlement
(n)1. Settling, being settled. 2. A business or financial arrangement. 3. An amount or property settled legally on a person. 4. A place occupied by settlers or colonists etc. Settler (n): a person who goes to live permanently in a previously unoccupied land, a colonist.
262
seventh heaven
a state of intense delight.
263
sever
(v)(severed, severing) to cut or break off from a whole, to separate; (sever a contract), to end it.
264
severally
(adv) separately.
265
severance
(n) severing, being severed. Severance pay: an amount of money paid to an employee on termination of his contract.
266
severe
(adj)1. Strict, without sympathy, imposing harsh rules on others. 2. Intense, forceful, (severe gales). 3. Making great demands on endurance or energy or ability etc., (the pace was severe). 4. Plain and without decoration, (a severe style of dress). Severely (adv), severity (n).
267
sexagenarian
(n) a person in his or her sixties.
268
sexist
(adj)1. Discriminating in favour of members of one sex. 2. Assuming that a person's abilities and social functions are predetermined by his or her sex. (n) a person who does this. Sexism (n).
269
sextant
(n) an instrument used in navigating and surveying, for finding one's position by measuring the altitude of the sun etc.
270
shabby
(adj)(shabbier, shabbiest)1. Worn and threadbare, not kept in good condition, (of a person) poorly dressed. 2. Unfair, dishonourable, (a shabby trick). Shabbily (adv), shabbiness (n).
271
shack
(n) a roughly-built hut or shed.
272
shackle
(n) one of a pair of iron rings joined by a chain, for fastening a prisoner's wrists or ankles. (v)1. To put shackles on. 2. To impede or restrict, (they were shackled by tradition).
273
put in the shade
to cause to appear inferior by contrast, to outshine.
274
shadow-boxing
(n) boxing against an imaginary opponent as a form of training.
275
shady
(adj)(shadier, shadiest)1. Giving shade. 2. Situated in the shade, (a shady corner). 3. Disreputable, not completely honest, (shady dealings). Shadiness (n).
276
shah
(n) the king of Iran.
277
no great shakes
(slang) not very good.
278
shake-up
(n) an upheaval, a reorganisation.
279
shallow
(adj)1. Not deep, (a shallow stream). 2. Not thinking or thought out deeply, not capable of deep feelings. (v) to make or become shallow. Shallowly (adv), shallowness (n). Shallows (pl n): a shallow place.
280
sham
(n)1. A pretence, a thing or feeling that is not genuine. 2. A person who shams. (adj) pretended, not genuine. (v)(shammed, shamming) to pretend or pretend to be, (to sham illness, sham dead). Shammer (n).
281
shambles
(n) a scene or condition of great bloodshed or disorder.
282
shamefaced
(adj) looking ashamed.
283
shameless
(adj) having or showing no feeling of shame, impudent. Shamelessly (adv).
284
shanghai
(v)(shanghaied, shanghaiing) to take (a person) by force or trickery and compel him to do something.
285
shanty
1. (n) a shack. Shanty town: a town consisting of shanties.
| 2. (n) a sailors' traditional song.
286
share-cropper
(n) a tenant farmer who pays part of his crop as rent to the owner. Share-cropping (n): doing this.
287
shark
(n)1. A sea-fish with a triangular fin on its back, some kinds of which are large and dangerous to bathers. 2. A person who ruthlessly extorts money from another or others, a swindler.
288
sharp-eyed
(adj) quick at noticing things.
289
sharpshooter
(n) a skilled marksman.
290
shatter
(v)1. To break or become broken violently into small pieces. 2. To destroy utterly, (shattered our hopes). 3. To disturb or upset the calmness of, (we were shattered by the news).
291
shave
(v)1. To scrape (growing hair) off the skin with a razor, to remove hair from the chin etc. 2. To cut or scrape thin slices from the surface of (wood etc.). 3. To graze gently in passing. 4. To reduce or remove, (shave production costs); (shave ten per cent off our estimates). (n) the shaving of hair from the face, (needs a shave). Close shave: (informal) a narrow escape from injury or risk or failure.
292
sheaf
(n)(pl sheaves)1. A bundle of stalks of corn etc. tied together after reaping. 2. A bundle of arrows or papers or other things laid lengthwise together.
293
shear (v)
(v)(sheared, shorn/ sheared, shearing)1. To cut or trim with shears or other sharp device, to remove (a sheep's wool) in this way. 2. To strip bare, to deprive, (shorn of his glory). 3. To break or distort by shear, to be broken or distorted by shear.
294
sheath
(n)(pl sheaths)1. A close-fitting covering, a cover for a blade or tool. 2. A woman's close-fitting dress. Sheath-knife: (n) a dagger-like knife carried in a sheath. Sheathe (v):1. To put into a sheath. 2. To encase in a covering.
295
shed (2)
(v)(shed, shedding)1. To lose (a thing) by a natural falling off, (trees shed their leaves). 2. To take off, (shed one's clothes). 3. Allow to pour forth, (shed tears); (shed one's blood), to be wounded or killed for one's country etc. 4. To send forth, (shed light).
296
sheen
(n) gloss, lustre. Sheeny (adj).
297
like sheep
(of people) easily led or influenced.
298
sheepish
(adj) bashful, embarrassed through shame. Sheepishly (adv), sheepishness (n).
299
sheer (1)
(adj)1. Pure, not mixed or qualified, (sheer luck). 2. (of a rock or fall etc.) having a vertical or almost vertical surface, with no slope. 3. (of fabric) very thin, transparent. (adv) directly, straight up or down, (the cliff rises sheer from the sea).
300
sheikh
(n) the leader of an Arab tribe or village. Sheikhdom (n): the territory of a sheikh.
301
on the shelf
(of a person) made to be inactive as no longer of use; (of an unmarried woman) past the age when she is regarded as likely to be sought in marriage.
302
shelf-life
(n) the time for which a stored thing remains usable.
303
come out of one's shell
to become more sociable and less shy.
304
shell-shock
(n) nervous breakdown resulting from exposure to battle.
305
sherbet
(n)1. A cooling Oriental drink of weak sweet fruit-juice. 2. A fizzy sweet drink or the powder from which this is made 3. (also sorbet) A flavoured water-ice.
306
shield (v)
(v) to protect or screen, to protect from discovery.
307
shifty
(adj)(shifter, shiftiest) evasive, not straightforward in manner or character, untrustworthy. Shiftily (adv), shiftiness (n).
308
shilly-shally
(v)(shilly-shallied, shilly-shallying) to be unable to make up one's mind firmly.
309
shimmer
(v) to shine with a soft light that appears to quiver. (n) a shimmering effect.
310
shin (v)
(v)(shinned, shinning) to climb by using arms and legs (not on a ladder).
311
shindy/ shindig
(ns)(informal) a din, a brawl.
312
shingle (2)
(n) small rounded pebbles, a mass of these, especially on a shore.
313
shipment
(n)1. The putting of goods on a ship. 2. The amount shipped, a consignment.
314
shipshape
(adv & adj) in good order, tidy.
315
shire
(n)1. A county. 2. (Austral.) a rural area with its own elected council.
316
shirk
(v) to avoid (a duty or work etc.) selfishly or unfairly. Shirker (n).
317
shirty
(adj)(shirtier, shirtiest) (slang) annoyed, angry. Shirtily (adv), shirtiness (n).
318
shoal (1)
(n) a great number of fish swimming together. (v) to form shoals.
319
shocker
(n)(informal) a shocking person or thing, a very bad specimen of something.
320
shocking
(adj)1. Causing great astonishment or indignation or disgust, scandalous. 2. (informal) very bad, (shocking weather). Shockingly (adv).
321
shod
(adj) having shoes of a certain kind, (sensibly shod).
322
shoddy
(n)1. Fibre made from old cloth shredded. 2. Cloth made partly from this. (adj)(shoddier, shoddiest) of poor quality or workmanship. Shoddily (adv), shoddiness (n).
323
be in a person's shoes
to be in his situation or plight.
324
on a shoe-string
with only a small amount of capital and resources, eg. in running a business.
325
shoot up
to rise suddenly; (of a person), to grow rapidly.
326
shop around
to look for the best bargain.
327
shop-floor
(n) workers as distinct from management or senior officials of a trade union.
328
shop-lifter
(n) a person who steals goods that are on display in a shop, after entering as a customer. Shop-lifting (n).
329
shore (2)
(v) to prop or support with a length of timber set at a slant. (n) a support of this kind.
330
in short supply
scarce.
331
make short work of
to deal with rapidly.
332
short-change
(v) to rob by giving insufficient money in change; to cheat (a person).
333
short-handed
(adj) having an insufficient number of workmen or helpers.
334
short-lived
(adj) having a short life, not lasting long.
335
short of
without going the length of, (will do anything for her short of having her to stay).
336
short shrift
curt treatment.
337
short-tempered
(adj) easily becoming angry.
338
shortage
(n) a lack of something that is needed, insufficiency.
339
shortcoming
(n) failure to reach a required standard, a fault.
340
shortfall
(n) a deficit.
341
shorthand
(n) a method of writing very rapidly, using quickly-made symbols.
342
shortly
(adv)1. In a short time, not long, soon, (coming shortly); (shortly afterwards). 2. In a few words. 3. Curtly.
343
like a shot
without hesitation, willingly.
344
shot in the arm
a stimulus or encouragement.
345
shot in the dark
a mere guess.
346
put one's shoulder to the wheel
to make an effort.
347
shout down
to silence (a person) by shouting.
348
give the show away
to reveal things that were intended to be secret.
349
show-down
(n) a final test, disclosure of intentions or conditions etc.
350
show of hands
raising of hands to vote for or against something.
351
show up
to make or be clearly visible; to reveal (a fault or inferiority etc.); (informal) to appear, to be present.
352
showmanship
(n) skill in presenting an entertainment or goods or one's abilities to the best advantage.
353
showy
(adj)(showier, showiest)1. Making a good display. 2. Brilliant, gaudy. Showily (adv), showiness (n).
354
shrapnel
(n)1. An artillery shell containing bullets or pieces of metal which it scatters as it explodes. 2. The pieces it scatters.
355
shred
(n)1. A small piece torn or cut from something. 2. A small amount, (not a shred of evidence). (v)(shredded, shedding) to tear or cut into shreds. Shredder (n).
356
shrew
(n)1. A small mouse-like animal. 2. A sharp-tempered scolding woman. Shrewish (adj): sharp-tempered and scolding.
357
shrewd
(adj) having or showing sound judgement and common sense, clever. Shrewdly (adv), shrewdness (n).
358
shrine
(n) an altar or chapel or other place that is hallowed because of its special associations.
359
shrinkage
(n) the process of shrinking, the amount by which something has shrunk.
360
shroud (v)
(v)1. To wrap in a shroud (a sheet in which a dead body is wrapped for burial, a garment for the dead). 2. To protect or conceal in wrappings. 3. To conceal, (his past life is shrouded in mystery).
361
shrug off
to dismiss (a thing) as unimportant.
362
shrunken
(adj) having shrunk.
363
shudder
(v)1. To shiver violently with horror or fear or cold. 2. To make a strong shaking movement. (n) a shuddering movement.
364
shun
(v)(shunned, shunning) to avoid, to keep away from.
365
shunt (v)
(v)1. To move (a train) on to a side track. 2. To divert into an alternative course. 3. To provide (an electric current) with a shunt.
366
shut down
to cease working or business, either for the day or permanently; to cause to do this. Shut-down (n): this process.
367
shutter
(n)1. A panel or screen that can be closed over a window. 2. A device that opens and closes the aperture of a camera lens to allow light to fall on the film. Shuttered (adj): fitted with shutters; with the shutters closed.
368
shuttle service
a transport service in which a vehicle goes to and fro over a relatively short distance.
369
shy (v)
(v)(shied, shying) 1. to jump or move suddenly in alarm, (the horse shied at the noise). 2. To fling or throw (a stone etc.) (n) a throw.
370
sibyl
(n)(in ancient times) any of a number of women regarded as the mouthpiece of a god and uttering oracles and prophecies. Sibylline (adj).
371
sic
(adv) used or spelt in that way. (Latin = thus). (this word is placed in brackets after a word that seems odd or is wrongly spelt, to show that one is quoting it exactly as it was given.)
372
sicken
(v)1. To begin to be ill; (be sickening for a disease), showing the first signs of it. 2. To make or become distressed or disgusted. Sickening (adj): annoying, disgusting.
373
sickly
(adj)(sicklier, sickliest)1. Often ill, (a sickly child). 2. Unhealthy-looking. 3. Causing ill health, (a sickly climate). 4. Causing sickness or distaste, (sickly smell); (sickly sentimentality). 5; weak, (sickly smile).
374
on the side
as a sideline; as a surreptitious or illicit activity.
375
side-effect
(n) a secondary (usually less desirable) effect.
376
side-show
(n) a small show forming part of a large one (eg. at a fair).
377
side-step
(v) to avoid by stepping sideways; to evade (a question or responsibility etc.).
378
side-track
(v) to divert from the main course or issue.
379
sideline
(n) something done in addition to one's main work or activity. Sidelines (pl n): the lines bounding a football pitch etc. at its sides; the space just outside these; a place for spectators as distinct from participants.
380
sidle
(v) to advance in a timid or furtive or cringing manner, to edge.
381
siege
(n) the surrounding and blockading of a town or fortress by armed forces, in order to capture it. Lay siege to: to begin besieging.
382
siesta
(n) an afternoon nap or rest, especially in hot countries.
383
sift
(v)1. To sieve. 2. To sprinkle lightly from a perforated container. 3. To examine carefully and select or analyse. 4. (of snow or light) to fall as it from a sieve. Sifter (n).
384
at/ on sight
as soon as a person or thing has been seen; (she plays music at sight), without preliminary practice or study of the score.
385
in sight
visible; clearly near at hand, (victory was in sight).
386
lower one's sights
to adopt a less ambitious policy.
387
sign on/ up
to sign a contract of employment; to register oneself.
388
signatory
(n) any of the parties who sign a treaty or other agreement.
389
signet
(n) a person's seal used with or instead of a signature. Signet-ring (n): a finger-ring with an engraved design, formerly used as a seal.
390
significant
(adj)1. Having a meaning. 2. Full of meaning, (a significant glance). 3. Important, noteworthy, (significant developments). Significantly (adv). Significance: (n)1. What is meant by something, (what is the significance of this symbol?) 2. Being significant, importance, (the event is of no significance). Signification (n): meaning.
391
signify (v)
(v)(signified, signifying)1. To be a sign or symbol of. 2. To have as a meaning. 3. To make known, (signified her approval). 4. To be of importance, to matter.
392
silencer
(n) a device for reducing the sound made by a gun or a vehicle's exhaust etc.
393
silent majority
people of moderate opinions who rarely make themselves heard.
394
silken
(adj) like silk.
395
sill
(n)1. A strip of stone or wood or metal at the base of a window. 2. A sheet of igneous rock that has intruded between other rocks, parallel to their strata.
396
silly-billy
(n)(informal) a foolish person.
397
born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
destined to be wealthy.
398
silver jubilee
the 25th anniversary of a sovereign's accession or other event.
399
silver lining
a consolation or hopeful prospect in the midst of misfortune.
400
simian
(adj) monkey-like.
401
simile
(n) a figure of speech in which one thing is compared to another, eg. (he is as fit as a fiddle); (went through it like a hot knife through butter).
402
simper
(v) to smile in an affected way. (n) an affected smile.
403
simpleton
(n) a foolish or easily-deceived person, a half-wit.
404
simplicity
(n) being simple. Be simplicity itself: to be very easy.
405
simplistic
(adj) over-simplifying.
406
simulate
(v)1. To reproduce the conditions of (a situation), eg. by means of a model, for study or testing or training etc. 2. to pretend to have or feel, (they simulated indignation). 3. To imitate the form or condition of. Simulation (n), simulator (n). Simulated (adj): (of furs or pearls etc.) manufacture to look like natural products.
407
sine qua non
an indispensable condition (Latin = without which not).
408
sinew
(n)1. Tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone. 2. A tendon. Sinews (pl n): muscles, strength. Sinewy (adj): like sinew, muscular.
409
sing a person's praises
to praise him greatly.
410
sing out
to call out loudly.
411
singe
(v)(singed, singeing) to burn slightly, to burn the ends or edges of. (n) a slight burn.
412
single-handed
(adj) without help from others.
413
single-minded
(adj) with one's mind set on a single purpose.
414
singleton
(n) something occurring singly, not as one of a group.
415
singularise
(v) to make different from others.
416
Sinhalese
(adj) of Sri Lanka or its people or language. (n)(pl Sinhalese)1. A Sinhalese person. 2. The Sinhalese language.
417
sinister
(adj)1. Suggestive of evil. 2. Involving wickedness, criminal, (sinister motives).
418
sink-hole
(n) a pool or marsh into which a stream's water flows and disappears by evaporating or by percolating into the underlying soil.
419
sinuous
(adj) with many curves, undulating. Sinuously (adv).
420
siphon (v)
(v)1. To flow or draw out through a siphon (a pipe or tube in the form of an upside-down U, arranged so that atmospheric pressure forces liquid to flow through it from one container to another that is at a lower level). 2. To take from a source, (funds were siphoned off for this purpose). Siphonal (adj).
421
sire
(n)1. (old use) a father or male ancestor. 2. (old use) a title of respect, used to a king. 3. The male parent of an animal. (v)(of an animal) to be the sire of, to beget.
422
sissy
(n) an effeminate boy or man, a cowardly person.
423
sit on the fence
to avoid taking sides in a dispute.
424
sit out
to take no part in (a dance etc.); to stay till the end of, (had to sit the concert out).
425
sitcom
(n)(informal) a situation comedy.
426
sitting duck/ target
a person or thing that is a helpless victim of attack.
427
save the situation
to prevent a disaster.
428
at sixes and sevens
in disorder.
429
sixth sense
a supposed extra power of perception other than the five physical ones, intuition.
430
size up
to estimate the size of; (informal) to form a judgement of (a person or situation etc.)
431
sizeable
(adj) of large or fairly large size.
432
sizzle
(v)1. To make a hissing sound like that of frying. 2. (informal) to be very hot, to be angry or resentful.
433
skein
(n)1. A loosely-coiled bundle of yarn or thread. 2. A number of wild geese etc. in flight.
434
skeleton in the cupboard
a discreditable secret.
435
skeleton key
a key made so as to fit many locks.
436
skeleton staff
the minimum needed to do the essential things in work which normally requires more staff.
437
skiff
(n) a small light boat for rowing or sculling.
438
skim
(v)(skimmed, skimming)1. To take (floating matter) from the surface of a liquid, to clear (a liquid) in this way. 2. To move lightly and quickly over a surface, to glide through air. 3. To read quickly, noting only the chief points, (skim through a newspaper) or (skim it). Skimmer (n). Skim the cream: to take the best part.
439
skimp
(v) to supply or use rather less than what is needed, to scrimp.
440
skimpy
(adj)(skimpier, skimpiest) scanty, especially through being skimped. Skimpily (adv), skimpiness (n).
441
by the skin of one's teeth
only just, barely.
442
get under a person's skin
(informal) to interest or annoy him greatly.
443
save one's skin
to avoid injury or loss.
444
skin-deep
(adj) superficial.
445
skipper (2)
(n) a captain. (v) to captain.
446
skirmish
(n) a minor fight or conflict. (v) to take part in a skirmish.
447
skirt (v)
(v)1. To go or be situated along the edge of. 2. To avoid dealing directly with (a question or controversial topic etc.).
448
skittish
(adj) frisky. Skittishly (adv), skittishness (n).
449
skive
(v)(slang) to dodge a duty. Skiver (n).
450
skulduggery
(n)(informal) trickery.
451
skylark
(n) a lark that soars while singing. (v) to play about lightheartedly.
452
skyline
(n) the visible horizon, the outline of hills, buildings, etc., against the sky.
453
skyscape
(n) a picture or view chiefly showing the sky.
454
skyscraper
(n) a very tall building with many storeys.
455
slab
(n) a flat broad fairly thick piece of something solid.
456
slack (n)
(n) the slack (loose, not tight or tense) part of a rope etc., (haul in the slack).
457
slam (v)
(v)(slammed, slamming)1. To shut forcefully with a loud noise. 2. To put or knock or hit forcefully. 3. (slang) to criticise severely.
458
slander
(n)1. A false statement uttered maliciously that damages a person's reputation. 2. The crime of uttering this. (v) to utter a slander about. Slanderous (adj), slanderously (adv).
459
slap (v)
(v)(slapped, slapping)1. To strike with the open hand or with something flat. 2. To lay forcefully, (slapped
the money on the counter). 3. To place hastily or carelessly, (slapped paint on the walls). Slap-happy (adj): (informal) cheerfully casual or irresponsible. Slap-up (adj): (slang) first-class, (a slap-up meal).
460
slapdash
(adj) hasty and careless. (adv): in a slapdash way.
461
slapstick
(n) comedy with boisterous activities.
462
slash (v)
(v)1. To make a sweeping stroke or strokes with a sword or knife or whip etc., to strike in this way. 2. To make an ornamental slit in (a garment), especially to show underlying fabric. 3. To reduce drastically, (prices were slashed). 4. To criticise vigorously.
463
slat
(n) one of the thin narrow strips of wood or metal or plastic arranged so as to overlap and form a screen, eg. in a Venetian blind.
464
a clean slate
a record of good conduct with nothing discreditable; (wipe the slate clean), to forgive and forget past offences.
465
slaughter (v)
(v)1. To kill (animals) for food. 2. To kill ruthlessly or in great numbers. 3. (informal) to defeat utterly. (n). Slaughterer (n).
466
slave-driver
(n) a person who makes others work very hard. Slave-driving (n).
467
slavish
(adj)1. Like a slave, excessively submissive. 2. Showing no independence or originality. Slavishly (adv), slavishness (n).
468
slay
(v)(slew, slain, slaying) to kill.
469
sleazy
(adj)(sleazier, sleaziest) (informal) dirty and slovenly.
470
sleep on it
to delay deciding about something until the next day.
471
sleepy
(adj)(sleepier, sleepiest) 1. Feeling or showing a desire to sleep. 2. Inactive, without stir or bustle, (a sleepy little town). 3. (of fruit) tasteless and dry from being over-ripe and about to decay. Sleepily (adv), sleepiness (n).
472
sleet
(n) snow and rain falling at the same time, hail or snow that melts while falling. (v) to fall as sleet, (it is sleeting). Sleety (adj).
473
up one's sleeve
concealed but available for use, in reserve; (laugh up one's sleeve), to laugh secretly or be secretly pleased with oneself.
474
sleight of hand
(n) great skill in using the hands to perform conjuring tricks etc.
475
sleuth
(n) a detective. Sleuthing (n): searching for information as a detective does.
476
slick
(adj)1. Done or doing things smoothly and cleverly but perhaps with some trickery. 2. Smooth in manner or speech. 3. Smooth and slippery. (n) a slippery place, a thick patch of oil floating on the sea. (v) To make sleek. Slickness (n).
477
let things slide
to fail to give them proper attention, to make no effort to control them.
478
sliding scale
a scale of fees or taxes or wages etc. that varies in accordance with the variation of some standard.
479
slight
(adj)1. Not much or great or thorough. 2. Slender, not heavily built. (v) to treat or speak of (a person etc.) as not worth one's attention, to insult by lack of respect or courtesy. (n) an insult given in this way. Slightly (adv), slightness (n).
480
slink
(v)(slunk, slinking) to move in a stealthy or guilty or shamefaced way. Slinky (adj)1. Moving in a slinking way. 2. Smooth and sinuous.
481
give a person the slip
to escape from him or avoid him skilfully.
482
let slip
to release accidentally or deliberately; to miss (an opportunity); to reveal news etc. unintentionally or thoughtlessly.
483
slip of the pen/ tongue
a small mistake in which one thing is written or said accidentally instead of another.
484
slip-road
(n) a road for entering or leaving a motorway or other main road.
485
slip-stream
(n) a current of air driven backward as something is propelled forward.
486
slip up
(informal) to make a mistake. Slip-up (n).
487
slippery
(adj)1. Smooth and difficult to hold, causing slipping by its wetness or smoothness. 2. Not to be trusted to keep an agreement etc., (a slippery customer). Slippy (adj): (informal) slippery.
488
slipshod
(adj) not doing things carefully, not done or arranged carefully.
489
slither
(v)(informal) to slide unsteadily.
490
sliver
(n) a thin strip cut or split from wood or glass etc.
491
slobber
(v) to slaver (to have saliva flowing from the mouth) or dribble; (slobber over a person), to behave with repulsively excessive affection to him.
492
slog
(v)(slogged, slogging)1. To hit hard. 2. To work or walk hard and steadily. (n)1. A hard hit. 2. A spell of hard steady work or walking. Slogger (n).
493
slogan
(n) a word or phrase adopted as a motto, a short catchy phrase used in advertising.
494
slop
(v)(slopped, slopping) 1. To spill over or cause to spill, to splash liquid on. 2. To plod clumsily, especially through mud or puddles etc. (n)1. Weak unappetising drink or liquid food. 2. A quantity of slopped liquid. 3. Swill fed to pigs.
495
sloth
(n)1. Laziness. 2. An animal of tropical America that lives in trees and is capable of only very slow movement. Slothful (adj) lazy, slothfully (adv).
496
slouch
(v) to stand or sit or move in a lazy awkward way, not with an upright posture. (n) a slouching movement or posture. Sloucher (n).
497
slough
(v) to shed, (a snake sloughs its skin periodically. (n) a snake's cast skin, dead tissue that drops away.
498
slovenly
(adj) careless and untidy in appearance, not methodical in work. Slovenliness (n).
499
sluggish
(adj) slow-moving, not alert or lively. Sluggishly (adv), sluggishness (n).
500
sluice (n)
(n)1. A sliding gate for controlling the volume or flow of water in a stream etc. 2. The water controlled by this. 3. A channel carrying off water. 4. A place where objects are rinsed. 5. The act of rinsing.
501
slum
(n) a dirty overcrowded district inhabited by very poor people. (v)(slummed, slumming) slum it: (informal) to live in slum-like conditions. Slumming (n): visiting a slum for curiosity or for charitable purposes.
502
slumber
(n) sleep. (v) to sleep. Slumberer (n).
503
slump
(n) a sudden or great fall in prices or values or in the demand for goods etc. (v)1. To undergo a slump. 2. To sit or flop down heavily and slackly.
504
slur (n3)
(n)3. Discredit, (a slur on his reputation).
505
slurry
(n) thin mud, thin liquid cement.
506
slut
(n) a slovenly woman. Sluttish (adj).
507
smack (v)
(v)1. To slap, to hit hard; (smack one's lips), to close and then part them noisily in enjoyment. 2. To have a slight flavour or trace of something, (his manner smacks of conceit).
508
small-minded
(adj) narrow or selfish in outlook.
509
look/ feel small
to be humiliated.
510
small print
matter printed in small type, limitations (in a contract etc.) stated inconspicuously in this way.
511
small hours
the hours soon after midnight.
512
small talk
social conversation on unimportant subjects.
513
small-time
(adj) of an unimportant level, (small-time crooks).
514
smarmy
(adj)(informal) trying to win favour by flattery or excessive politeness, fulsome. Smarminess (n).
515
smart (v)
(v) to feel a stinging pain (bodily or mental).
516
smash hit
(slang) an extremely successful thing.
517
smattering
(n) a slight superficial knowledge of a language or subject.
518
smear (v)
(v)1. To spread with a greasy or sticky or dirty substance. 2. To try to damage the reputation of. Smeary (adj).
519
smirch
(v)1. To smear or soil. 2. To bring discredit upon (a reputation). (n) a smear, discredit.
520
smirk
(n) a self-satisfied smile. (v) to give a smirk.
521
smite
(v)(smote, smitten, smiting) 1. To hit hard. 2. To have a sudden effect on, (his conscience smote him).
522
smithereens
(pl n) small fragments.
523
smitten with
affected by (a disease or desire or fascination etc.)
524
smog
(n) fog polluted by smoke.
525
smoke out
to drive out by means of smoke.
526
smoke-screen
(n) a mass of smoke used to conceal the movements of troops; something intended to conceal or disguise one's activities.
527
smoking-compartment
(n) a compartment where smoking is permitted on a train.
528
smooth-tongued
(adj) pleasantly polite or convincing but insincere.
529
smorgasbord
(n) Swedish hors d'oeuvres, a buffet meal with a variety of dishes.
530
smother
(v)1. To suffocate or stifle, to be suffocated. 2. To put out or keep down (a fire) by heaping ash on it. 3. To cover thickly. 4. To restrain or suppress, (smothered a smile). (n) a dense cloud of dust or smoke etc.
531
smoulder
(v)1. To burn slowly with smoke but no flame. 2. To burn inwardly with concealed anger or jealousy etc. 3. (of feelings) to exist in a suppressed state, (discontent smouldered).
532
smudge
(n) a dirty or blurred mark. (v)1. To make a smudge on or with. 2. To become smudged or blurred. Smudgy (adj).
533
smug
(v)(smugger, smuggest) self-satisfied. Smugly (adv), smugness (n).
534
smuggle
(v)1. To convey secretly. 2. To bring (goods) into or out of a country illegally, especially without paying customs duties. Smuggler (n).
535
smut
(n)1. A small flake of soot, a small black mark made by this or otherwise. 2. Indecent talk or pictures or stories. Smutty (adj): (smuttier, smuttiest)1. Marked with smuts. 2. (of talk or pictures or stories) indecent.
536
snaffle
(n) a horse's bit without a curb. (v)(slang) to take for oneself.
537
snag
(n)1. A jagged projection. 2. A tear in fabric that has caught on a snag. 3. An unexpected difficulty. (v)(snagged, snagging) to catch or tear or be caught on a snag.
538
snail's pace
a very slow pace.
539
snap out of it
(slang) to make oneself recover quickly from an illness or mood etc.
540
snappy
(adj)(snappier, snappiest) (informal)1. Brisk, vigorous. 2. Neat and elegant. Snappily (adv). Make it snappy: (informal) be quick about it.
541
snare (v)
(v) to trap in a snare (a trap for catching birds or animals, usually with a noose).
542
snarl up
to make or become jammed or tangled. Snarl-up (n).
543
snatch (n)
(n)1. The act of snatching. 2. A short or brief part, (snatches of song); (works in snatches), in short spells.
544
snazzy
(adj)(slang) smart, stylish.
545
sneak
(v)1. To go or convey furtively. 2. (slang) to steal furtively. 3. (school slang) to tell tales. (n) (school slang) a telltale. (adj): acting or done without warning, (sneak raider). Sneaky (adj). Sneaking (adj): persistent but not openly acknowledged, (had a sneaking affection for him).
546
sneer
(n) a scornful expression or remark. (v) to show contempt by a sneer.
547
not to be sneezed at
(informal) not to be despised, worth having.
548
snicker/ snigger
(n) a sly giggle. (v) to give a snigger.
549
snide
(adj)(informal)1. (of coins etc.) counterfeit. 2. Sneering in a sly way.
550
sniff at
(informal) to show contempt for.
551
sniffle
(v) to sniff slightly or repeatedly. (n) the act or sound of sniffling.
552
snipe (v)
(n)(pl snipe) a wading-bird with a long straight bill, frequenting marshes. (v)1. To fire shots from a hiding-place. 2. To make sly critical remarks attacking a person or thing. Sniper (n).
553
snippet
(n)1. A small piece cut off. 2. A fragment of information or news, a brief extract.
554
snitch
(v)(slang) to steal.
555
snivel
(v)(snivelled, snivelling) to cry or complain in a miserable whining way.
556
snook
(n)(slang) a contemptuous gesture with thumb to nose and fingers spread out. Cock a snook: to make this gesture; to show cheeky contempt.
557
snoop
(v)(informal) to pry inquisitively. Snooper (n).
558
snooty
(adj)(informal) haughty and contemptuous. Snootily (adv).
559
snooze
(n) a nap. (v) to take a snooze.
560
snort
(n) a rough sound made by forcing breath suddenly through the nose, usually expressing annoyance or disgust. (v) to utter a snort.
561
snowed under
covered with snow; overwhelmed with a mass of letters or work etc.
562
snowed up
snow-bound, blocked with snow.
563
snowball (v)
(v)1. To throw snowballs at, to play in this way. 2. To grow quickly in size or intensity, as a snowball does when rolled in more snow, (opposition to the war snowballed).
564
snub (1)
(v)(snubbed, snubbing) to reject or humiliate by scornful or unfriendly treatment. (n) treatment of this kind.
565
snuff
1. (n) powdered tobacco for sniffing into the nostrils. Snuff-coloured (adj): dark yellowish-brown.
2. (v) to put out (a candle) by covering or pinching the flame. Snuffer (n).
566
snug
(adj)(snugger, snuggest) cosy, (of a garment) close-fitting. Snugly (adv).
567
snuggle
(v) to nestle, to cuddle.
568
so-called
(adj) called by that name or description but perhaps not deserving it.
569
soar
(v)1. To rise high in flight. 2. To rise very high, (prices soared).
570
sobriety
(n) being sober.
571
sobriquet
(n) a nickname.
572
social climber
a person seeking to gain a higher rank in society.
573
social science
the scientific study of human society and social relationships.
574
social security
State assistance for those how lack economic security through being unemployed or ill or disabled etc.
575
social services
welfare services provided by the State, including the educational, health, housing, and pensions services.
576
social work
organised work done to help people with social problems, especially by persons (social workers) trained for this.
577
socialism
(n) a political and economic theory advocating that land, transport, natural resources, and the chief industries should be owned and managed by the State. Socialist (n), socialistic (adj).
578
socialite
(n) a person who is prominent in fashionable society.
579
sociology
(n) the scientific study of human society and its development and institutions, or of social problems. Sociological (adj).
580
pull one's socks up
(informal) to make an effort to do better.
581
sock (2)
(v)(slang) to hit forcefully. (n)(slang) a forceful blow.
582
sodden
(adj) made very wet.
583
soft-hearted
(adj) compassionate.
584
soft option
the easier alternative.
585
soft spot
a feeling of affection towards a person or thing.
586
softie
(n)(informal) a person who is physically weak or not hardy, or who is soft-hearted.
587
soil (2)
(v) to make or become dirty.
588
soirée
(n) a social gathering in the evening, eg. for music.
589
sojourn
(n) a temporary stay. (v) to stay at a place temporarily.
590
solace
(n) comfort in distress, something that gives this. (v) to give solace to.
591
sold on
(slang) enthusiastic about.
592
soldier on
(informal) to persevere doggedly.
593
sole (3)
(adj)1. One and only, (our sole objective is this). 2. Belonging exclusively to one person or group, (we have the sole right to sell these cars). Solely (adv).
594
solicit
(v) to seek and obtain, to ask for earnestly, (solicit votes/ for votes). Solicitation (n).
595
solicitor
(n) a lawyer who advises clients on legal matters and prepares legal documents for them but who does not represent them as an advocate except in certain lower courts.
596
solicitous
(adj) anxious and concerned about a person's welfare or comfort. Solicitously (adv). Solicitude (n): solicitous concern.
597
solidarity
(n) unity resulting from common interests or feelings or sympathies.
598
soliloquy
(n) a speech in which a person expresses his thoughts aloud without addressing any person.
599
solitaire
(n)1. A diamond or other gem set by itself. 2. A game for one person, in which marbles are removed from their places on a special board after jumping others over them. 3. (Amer.) the card game of patience.
