saccharine [ sak-er-in ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. of the nature of or resembling that of sugar 2. very sweet to the taste USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He added fruit juice to the drink to increase its saccharine taste. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Rihanna's style evolution has likely been so engrossing because it's not only th e complete opposite of the saccharine and safe clothes she wore while promoting her first two albums, but because it's so rare to see an R&B artist cross over t o the dark side. CNN, Rihanna's fierce fashion 'roars', Breeanna Hare, 30 November 2009. [Bookmark this word] sacerdotal [ sas-er-DOHT-l ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. priestly or of priesthood 2. suggestive of or pertaining to sacerdotalism USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sacerdotal emphasis on the authority of priests was unchallenged. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Unlike his predecessor, the historian and liberal churchman Edward Carpenter, Ma yne was an unmistakably sacerdotal figure. CNN, Taming the closet monsters, By Fran J. Donegan, October 4, 2007 [Bookmark this word] sacrilegious [ sak-ruh'-LIJ-uh's ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. pertaining to or involving violation of anything sacred 2. guilty of blasphemy 3. contrary to what is held to be sacred USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He outraged their religious sentiment by his sacrilegious behaviour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Burning books that contain wisdom and knowledge and experience, is seen as a sac rilegious and politically abhorrent act. BBC, What's your passion? Damon Rose, 21 November 2004. [Bookmark this word] sacrosanct [ SAK-roh-sangkt ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. hallowed, holy or sacred 2. one that is uninfringeable or inviolable USAGE EXAMPLE 1: All the sacrosanct objects were kept in a safe and rarely displayed to the publi c. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In the run-up to the March presidential elections, Putin refused repeated calls to seek a constitutional amendment allowing him to run for a third consecutive t erm, saying the constitution was sacrosanct. abc News, Russian Lawmakers Back Extending Presidential Term, By DAVID NOWAK, No vember 14, 2008 [Bookmark this word] sagacious [ suh -GEY-shuh s ]

[adjective] MEANING : shrewd, wise, farsighted or having an acute judgement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She was considered to be a sagacious old lady. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sagacious judgements to bring say, a sensible backpack for touristy wandering gi ve way to a vague recollection of an SAS technique for making a suitable carrier out of discarded clothing. BBC, Venice: By the Sleepy lagoon, 08 September, 2004 [Bookmark this word] salacious [ suh'-LEY-shuh's ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. lecherous 2. promoting sexual desire USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The salacious old man was arrested for indecent behaviour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: They are thought to have asked to see the script to ensure the plot is not too s alacious. The Telegraph, Film reignites Indian passions over Mountbatten affair, Dean Nels on, 18 September 2009 [Bookmark this word] sallow [ SAL-oh ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) a sickly, yellow shade or hue of yellow 2. (tr.v.) to cause something to become sallow 3. (n.) a broad-leaved willow USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His sallow skin indicated that he had been sick for a long time. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The plants they really clobber include ash, hazel, and sallow. And it's characte ristic of all woods with high deer densities that bramble gets heavily browsed. National Geographic, Deer Behind Britain's Great Bird Decline?, James Owen in th e United Kingdom for National Geographic News, March 3, 2003 [Bookmark this word] salubrious [ suh -LOO-bree-uh s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. healthful, wholesome or conducive to well-being USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It is important to eat a salubrious diet. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It was quoted as having "salubrious cuisine" and being "nearby." abcNews, Showbiz Commentary: Heidi Oringer, By Heidi Oringer, March 7 [Bookmark this word] salutary [ SAL-yuh -ter-ee ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. favourable to health 2. designed for improvement USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The extremely competitive environment that most students encounter in the IIMs i s designed to serve as a salutary reminder of the temperament required to succee

d in the corporate sector. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sometimes we build a fire for no reason whatsoever. No guests, no need to heat, just to be with. It is salutary -- the warmth, the color, the crackle, the hiss. The Sun, When Winter's Bringing Me Down, I Turn To The Fireplace, By SUSAN PLESE , The Hartford Courant [Bookmark this word] sanctimonious [ sangk-tuh -MOH-nee-uh s ] [adjective] MEANING : feigning piety or pretending to be holy or righteous USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His sanctimonious attitude was overbearing to many people. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Salman Rushdie denounced Germaine Greer as a "philistine, sanctimonious, and dis graceful, but it is not unexpected" over her support for the Brick Lane activist s. BBC, Housing slump hits Shanghai owners, By Chris Hogg BBC News, Shanghai, 4 Mar ch 2009 [Bookmark this word] sanctimony [ SANGK-tuh'-moh-nee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. pretended righteousness 2. affected religious devotion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The people soon realised his sanctimony and forced him to leave town. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If the recent GOP scandals have proved anything, it is that neither party has a monopoly on virtue, but one has planted itself firmly at the corner of sanctimon y and hypocrisy. CNN, Commentary: The politics of self destruction, Paul Begala, 7 July 2009 [Bookmark this word] sanction [ SANK-shuh'n ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) the penalty for not adhering to certain rules 2. (n.) approval from an authority to do something 3. (tr. v.) to authorize or grant official approval USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Security Council imposed sanctions against the country for harbouring terror ists. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: When someone continuously breaks house rules, or perhaps posts one stonking grea t rule break, they receive a sanction of a period of time in premod. BBC, Ouch! It's a disability thing, 28 May 2009 [Bookmark this word] sang-froid [ Fr. Sahn*-fr*wa* ] [noun] MEANING : calmness, composure or equanimity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sang-froid displayed by the athlete in the face of imminent defeat was comme ndable. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: They were all repelled, but Delanoe's sang-froid was tested to the limit as he j

ust managed to resist countless invitations to hit back at London. Telegraph, The Very Rev Michael Mayne, 24 Oct 2006 [Bookmark this word] sanguinary [ SANG-gwuh -ner-ee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. bloody or involving bloodshed 2. blood thirsty, cruel or murderous 3. composed or consisting of blood USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sanguinary witnessed in Rwanda horrified the world. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: With the Civil War now in its fourth sanguinary year, Christman's body was among all too many bodies overwhelming the nation's capital. Telegraph, Other great feuds between leading authors, By Urmee Khan, 01 Jun 2008 [Bookmark this word] sanguine [ SANG-gwin ] [adjective,noun] MEANING : 1. (adj.) lively and hopeful or optimistic 2. (adj.) reddish or like blood 3. (n.) a red oxide crayon used for marking USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It was his sanguine belief that a search party would be sent out to rescue them. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If that seemed a remarkably sanguine assessment, it should be remembered that Bu tton was not able to keep his cool all weekend. The Telegraph, Jenson Button shunted out of Belgian Grand Prix but result is hug e let-off in title race, Tom Cary, 30 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] sanity [ SAN-i-tee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. the quality of being of sound mind USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The man told us that whenever he would read the bible to preserve his sanity. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Frank Field has, for many years now, been the voice of sanity in the Labour Part y. The Telegraph, Bribing voters with their own money is no longer an option, Frank Field, 12 September 2009 [Bookmark this word] sapient [ SEY-pee-uh nt ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. sagacious, wise or shrewd 2. pertaining to or of humans viz. homo sapiens USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His sapient inputs made the presentation a success. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As Andrei Piontkovsky, a sapient Russian commentator, points out, an alliance be tween Russia and China would be like one between a rabbit and a boa constrictor, with Russia as the lapine element. The Economist, The new cold what?, Sep 4th 2008 [Bookmark this word]

sarcophagus [ sahr-KOF-uh -guh s ] [noun] MEANING : a coffin made of stone that usually bears sculptures or inscriptions USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sarcophagus was found surrounded by artefacts made of gold and silver. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In an operation lasting around eight hours, pathologists removed the body of Wla dyslaw Sikorski from its two-ton marble sarcophagus in the crypt of Krakow's Waw el Cathedral, the resting place of many of Poland's national heroes. BBC, The state of play in Singapore, By Andrew Fraser BBC Sport in Singapore, 4 July, 2005 [Bookmark this word] sardonic [ sahr-DON-ik ] [adjective] MEANING : cynical, mocking, scornful or sarcastic USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He regarded her with a sardonic expression on his face. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: As the composer's current worldwide champion, he was undaunted by the music's co ntradictions, whereby bitter and sweet, icy and graceful, harsh and witty, big a nd small, romantic and unromantic, sardonic and sentimental, delicate and bludge oning are qualities that go together. The Herald, London Symphony Orchestra, Usher Hall, CONRAD WILSON, August 18 2008 [Bookmark this word] sash [ sash ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a band worn about the waist or over one shoulder 2. (n.) a frame in which panes are fixed 3. (tr. v.) to wear a band USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The captain of the school's football team wore a red sash at the parade. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Just look at that silver warrior belt in Waterhouse s Marianne , the gilded fringed sas h worn by his Cleopatra , the rich colours of the velvet gown on Fair Rosamund . The Telegraph, All the inspiration you need for Pre-Raphaelite style, Hilary Ale xander, 22 July 2009 [Bookmark this word] sate [ seyt ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to satiate completely 2. to glut or satiate in excess USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She kept eating till her appetite was sated. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Hollywood should offer legal alternatives to sate the appetite for movie and TV downloads. BBC, Testing times for video downloads, By Alfred Hermida, Technology editor, BB C News website, 2 August 2005 [Bookmark this word] satiate [ v. SEY-shee-eyt; adj. SEY-shee-it, -eyt ] [transitive verb,adjective] MEANING :

1. (tr. v.) to give more than required 2. to satisfy completely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The host was happy to see that all the guests were satiated after the sumptuous banquet. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Your best bet is a snack that contains a little bit of carbohydrate, to give you an energy boost, with some protein to make you feel satiated. CNN, Celebrity diet tricks that work (and two that you should avoid), Hallie Lev ine Sklar, 9 December 2008 [Bookmark this word] saturnine [ SAT-er-nahyn ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. gloomy, taciturn, sardonic or sullen 2. having a temperament suggestive of one being born under the astrological infl uence of planet saturn 3. enduring lead poisoning or some disorder due the absorption of lead USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His saturnine disposition does not bode well. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Gidon Saks played the three villains with saturnine charisma and Graham Clark ma de perfectly focused cameos of the four comic servants. Telegraph, Les Contes d'Hoffmann at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, 26 Nov 2008 [Bookmark this word] satyr [ SEY-ter, SAT-er ] [noun] MEANING : 1. (greek mythology) one belonging to a class of woodland deities that attended on bacchus, who was represented as part human, part horse or sometimes part huma n, part goat and noted for his lasciviousness 2. a male who is licentious, lecherous or lascivious esp. one who has satyriasis 3. any butterfly belonging to the family satyridae that is characterised by havi ng brown or gray wings that are marked with eyespots USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The inclusion of satyrs in Greek mythology was to induce mayhem into the mytholo gical stories. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The sculpture's title refers to Marsyas, the satyr in Greek mythology, who was f layed alive by the god Apollo. BBC, Artist attacks government policies, 14 October, 2002 [Bookmark this word] saunter [ SAWN-ter, SAHN- ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to walk or stroll in a relaxed manner or with a gentle gait 2. (n.) a relaxed, gentle gait 3. (n.) a stroll or unhurried, relaxed walk USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He sauntered around the park to gain her attention. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: So far, their new peace process is sauntering along at a casual pace. BBC, A special Mid-East anniversary looms, By Jeremy Bowen, 27 February 2008 [Bookmark this word] savant [ sa-VAHNT, SAV-uh [noun] nt; Fr. Sa*-vahn* ]

MEANING : 1. a philosopher, scholar or one who is learned USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The king decided to consult a savant for a better understanding of the subject. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: There is usually some savant among the holiday guests who notes that of course t here's room for dessert -- there is a hollow leg or extra stomach set aside for just that purpose. abc NEWs, I Couldn't Eat Another Bite! What's for Dessert?, By DAVID L. KATZ, M. D., Nov. 22, 2007 [Bookmark this word] savoir-faire [ SAV-wahr-FAIR; Fr. sa*-vwa*r*-fer* ] [noun] MEANING : tact, poise, polish or courtesy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The savoir-faire displayed by the diplomat saved the day. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mr de La Bourdonnaye wants Liberty to have the popular appeal of Disneyland but the status and savoir faire of a luxury brand. Telegraph, Frenchman aims to revolutionise the very fabric of the Liberty brand, By James Hall, 15 Sep 2008 [Bookmark this word] savor [ SEY-ver ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to relish 2. (tr. v.) to experience the taste or aroma of 3. (tr. v.) to give flavour to 4. (intr. v.) to have a pleasing taste or aroma 5. (n.) a hearty appetite for something enjoyable USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He tilted his head to one side, savored the food in his mouth and then let out a sigh of approval. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He moves languidly as if to savor his dark deeds, his head and body jerking at t imes from an overload of brain impulses. The Telegraph, The critics' verdict on Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight, Rebecca Davies, 16 July 2008 [Bookmark this word] savour [ SEY-ver ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) the flavour, taste or smell of something 2. (intr.v.) to have a particular flavour, smell or taste 3. (intr.v.) to relish or enjoy something 4. (tr.v.) to season or add flavour to something USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The savour was so tantalizing that all the guests required seconds. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: If you eat proper chocolate and really savour the flavour then a small amount go es a long way and does satisfy you. BBC, 'Savour the real chocolate flavour', 12 March 2009 [Bookmark this word] scabbard [ SKAB-erd ] [noun]

MEANING : 1. a sheath or holder for a sword or knife USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ferocious warrior drew his sword from its scabbard and battled the enemy. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Wearing only his pyjamas, Carson hurled abuse at Mr Korn, 58, before drawing the antique Japanese weapon from its scabbard and lunging towards him. The Telegraph, Millionaire attacked 'noisy' neighbour with Samurai sword, Murray Wardrop, 25 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] scad [ skad ] [noun] MEANING : 1. any fish of the family Carangidae, which inhabit tropical and subtropical sho re waters and belonging to the genus Decapterus 2. in great quantity or number USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The bank robbers scattered scads of money behind them as they escaped in their g etaway car. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Scads of small businesses have come up with clever ways to move ahead and add jo bs wherever they can. CNN, Dear President Obama #455: Building up Kansas, 19 April 2010. [Bookmark this word] scarify [ SKAR-uh -fahy ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to make superficial or shallow incisions or cuts 2. to lacerate or criticise severely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: While getting a tattoo, the skin has to be scarified making it a painful process . USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In the Gulf of Mexico, trawlers ply back and forth year in year out, hauling vas t nets that scarify the seabed and allow no time for plant and animal life to re cover. Economist, Troubled waters, Dec 30th 2008 [Bookmark this word] scathing [ SKEY-th ing ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. harshly critical 2. harmful, injurious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The manager's scathing criticism for poor performance demoralized the staff. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: George Carlin, 71 -- Comedian whose groundbreaking comedy tested the boundaries of censorship and gave scathing social criticism a new voice. abc News, In Memoriam: Lives of Note, June 29, 2008 [Bookmark this word] scavenge [ SKAV-inj ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to search through and gather from wastage 2. (tr. v.) to expel exhaust gases from the cylinder of an internal-combustion e ngine

3. (tr. v.) to remove impurities from molten metal by chemicals 4. (intr. v.) to search through refuse 5. (intr. v.) to feed on dead or decaying matter USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The children scavenged the city dump for material to use in their science projec t. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Yasar told Sahintas he scavenges packing paper and cardboard boxes from garbage bins for resale to private recycling companies. CNN, Cab-driving shutterbug chronicles Istanbul's underbelly, Ivan Watson and Ye sim Comert, 6 October 2009. [Bookmark this word] schism [ SIZ-uh m, SKIZ- ] [noun] MEANING : 1. division of a large group or organisation into smaller groups or factions 2. an attempt to bring about a division or split in a religious body like the ch ristian church USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The schism within the party has started to become visible. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: There is a period with early musicals where the singers were required to sing wi th classical techniques. It wasn't until the 1960s that a schism appeared. Telegraph, Carousel: a poor man's opera? No way!, 17/11/2008 [Bookmark this word] scintilla [ sin-TIL-uh ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a spark, flash or a miniscule particle 2. an iota or miniscule amount USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A scintilla of attraction is often enough for people to fall in love. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He said prosecutors had offered "not one scintilla of proof" otherwise. CNN, More protests planned over acquittal of officers in Diallo case, February 2 6, 2000 [Bookmark this word] scintillate [ SIN-tl-eyt ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to sparkle, shimmer or flash 2. (tr.v.) to twinkle or gleam like the stars (tr.v) to be animated, witty or brilliant (intr.v.) to gleam, shimmer or sparkle USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her dress scintillated in the evening lights. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It is a delightful mix of young dancers who scintillate with their synchronised steps," Neha Jha, who saw the performance in Mumbai, said. The Times of India, 'Moulin Rouge' will now dazzle Delhi, 3 Dec 2005 [Bookmark this word] scion [ SAHY-uh'n ] [noun] MEANING : 1. an heir or descendant 2. a twig containing buds for grafting or a shoot

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He claims to be the scion of a mafia Don. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The scion of a powerful pro-government clan suspected in the massacre of 57 peop le in the Philippines has turned himself in but denied involvement. The Telegraph, Philippines massacre: scion of political family surrenders, 26 No vember 2009. [Bookmark this word] scoff [ skawf, skof ] [noun] MEANING : 1. (n.) gibe or an instance or object of scorn or mockery 2. (tr.v.) to mock, jeer or express scorn 3. (intr.v.) to display contempt by ridiculing or jeering USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She scoffed at his attempt to explain why he was late. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Many scholars scoff at Brown's appeals to scholarship, arguing that the bloodlin e theory has been around for centuries and thoroughly discredited as a fraud. National Geographic, ""Da Vinci Code"" Spurs Debate -- Who Was Mary Magdalene?, Stefan Lovgren for National Geographic News, May 17, 2006 [Bookmark this word] scorch [ skawrch ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to burn slightly so as to cause discolouration 2. (tr. v.) to wither with heat 3. (tr. v.) to subject to severe criticism censure; excoriate 4. (intr. v.) to become singed 5. (intr. v.) to move at a very fast pace 6. (n.) the mark left by a slight burn USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Arabs wear a keffiyeh to prevent being scorched by the heat of the desert su n. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Of course the fires still happen, but instead of being small and their effects b eing benign, they scorch the earth, and damage the capacity of the soil to funct ion again. The Telegraph, How's your carbon footprint doing? Goeffrey Lean, 4 September 200 9 [Bookmark this word] scorn [ skawrn ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to reject with utmost contempt or scorn 2. (intr.v.) to treat with scorn or reject disdainfully 3. (n.) a contemptuous or disdainful rejection USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She scorned anyone who disagreed with her. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: But there has been a counter, more populist tradition, which is not only to scor n liberal ideas but to scorn ideas entirely. CNN, Palin's future causes Republican rift, By Alexander Mooney, October 29, 200 8 [Bookmark this word] scourge [ skurj ]

[noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a whip or a lash 2. (n.) a person who administers punishment or severe criticism 3. (n.) a cause of calamity or affliction 4. (tr. v.) to punish by whipping 5.(tr. v.) to chastise or criticize severely USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Anyone caught stealing would be administered twelve strokes of the scourge in th e market square. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He was elected as a nationalist reformer, the scourge of the landowning classes. The Telegraph, Hot on the heels of Imelda Marcos, Nick Meo, 2 May 2010. [Bookmark this word] scribble [ SKRIB-uh'l ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to write fast and carelessly 2. (tr. v.) to cover with meaningless writing 3. (intr. v.)to write in a fast and careless manner 4. (intr. v.) to make meaningless notations 5. (n.) writing that has little or no meaning 6. (n.) writing which is illegible USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He would scribble notes in his rough pad during the lectures. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: By their second birthday, many children will be able to copy you as you scribble 'round and round' in a circular pattern, and, soon after, to copy as you draw a vertical or a horizontal stroke. BBC, Learning to Draw [Bookmark this word] scrimmage [ SKRIM-ij ] [noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a vigorous struggle 2. (n.) a practice game 3. (n.) a skirmish 4. (intr. v.) to engage in a rough struggle USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Some spectators said that the scrimmage was more like an arena full of battling gladiators. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: There were a few scrimmages in there but it didn't look as though they would sco re from anything but a set play. BBC, Crewe 0-0 Watford, 24 September 2005. [Bookmark this word] scrupulous [ SKROO-pyuh'-luh's ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. principled or having a strict regard for what one considers right 2. painstaking or minutely careful USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The young executive was rewarded by the company for his scrupulous performance d uring the year. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Charles Wheeler was a scrupulous reporter who tirelessly pursued the truth. BBC, The facts and a good story, 12 July 2008.

[Bookmark this word] scrutinize [ SKROOT-n-ahyz ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to examine in detail or observe careful 2. (tr. v.) to inspect critically or with attention to details 3. (intr. v.) to conduct a detailed examination of USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The lawyer told him not to sign until he had scrutinized the document. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Democrats have promised a 72-hour period for the bill to be scrutinized before a vote. CNN, Where does health care reform stand? 17 March 2010. [Bookmark this word] scuffle [ SKUHF-uh'l ] [transitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to put up a struggle with of fight in a confused way 2. (tr. v.) to move in a confused hurry 3. (n.) a fight or confused struggle 4. (n.) the shuffling of feet on the floor 5.(n.) scuffle hoe or a spadelike hoe USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The police were called to put an end to the scuffle in the alley. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Vinnie Jones was involved in a scuffle with fellow actor Tamer Hassan following an argument at a hotel in Los Angeles. The Telegraph, Vinnie Jones and Tamer Hassan in LA 'scuffle', 26 April 2010. [Bookmark this word] scurrilous [ SKUR-uh-luh s, SKUHR- ] [adjective] MEANING : foul, vulgar, indecent or obscene USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The scurrilous behaviour displayed by the teenagers caused them to be arrested. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said Ms Lewsley had made "scurril ous and ill-informed allegations against the NASUWT". BBC, Union in legal threat to Lewsley, 20 October 2008 [Bookmark this word] scurry [ SKUR-ee, SKUHR-ee ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to hurry or scamper hastily 2. (tr.v.) to send along in a hurried manner 3. (n.) a scamper or rush USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Mice scurried around the dingy hallway. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The NPA (news preparation area) is where, every hour, the bulletin-reader of the day will scurry along into, anxiously rehearsing to themselves the main headlin es as they go. BBC, NPA or The Bulletin Studio [Bookmark this word] scurvy [ SKUR-vee ]

[noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a sickness caused by a deficient intake of vitamin C USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Many of the crew were stricken with scurvy because the captain of the ship did n ot care to provide his crew with a proper diet. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A spokeswoman for the U.N.-affiliated group said doctors were still not complete ly clear about the outbreak, but now believe it to be scurvy with a secondary in fection. CNN, Scurvy likely cause of Afghanistan outbreak, 8 March 2002 [Bookmark this word] scuttle [ SKUHT-l ] [noun,intransitive verb,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a scamper, short run or scurry 2. (n.) an open, broad and shallow basket that usually is used to carry vegetabl es or grain 3. (intr.v.) to run or scamper away 4. (tr.v.) to sink by, on purpose, making holes or opening in the bottom of a sh ip or other nautical vessel USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He scuttled ahead and managed to catch the bus. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Once caught, suspected smugglers often "scuttle," or sink, the subs, sending bot h vessel and cocaine to the bottom of the sea. CNN, Smugglers sink 'drug subs,' but not feds' case, By Azadeh Ansari CNN, Janua ry 14, 2009 [Bookmark this word] seamy [ SEE-mee ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) unpleasant 2. (adj.) disgusting 3. (adj.) pertaining to a seam USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was contemplating suicide as he was fed up with his seamy life. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The ruling, coming only hours before the World Cup kicks off in Germany, was ano ther reminder of the seamy side of the game. CNN, FOOTBALL Ex-Marseille coach Courbis jailed, 9 June 2006. [Bookmark this word] sear [ seer ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to burn the surface of 2. (tr. v.) to cause to wither 3. (intr. v.) to become withered 4. (n.) the catch or lever in the firing mechanism of a gun which keeps the hamm er either half cocked or fully cocked USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The village medicine man would sear the arm of children with a hot copper strip to protect them from jaundice. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Instead of baking your chicken, we'll sear it or grill it CNN, The lowdown on airline food, Andrea Bennett, 29 September 2009.

[Bookmark this word] sebaceous [ si-BEY-shuh s ] [adjective] MEANING : greasy, fatty or pertaining to sebum or tallow USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Sebaceous glands are overactive in humid climate. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The fungus, which is genetically related to yeast, feeds on sebum, the oily prod uct produced by the sebaceous glands found in the skin. BBC, Genetic code of dandruff cracked, 6 November 2007 [Bookmark this word] secession [ si-SESH-uh'n ] [noun] MEANING : 1. to formally withdraw from a political union or alliance 2. break away from or cease to be associated with 3. the act or instance of quitting USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The Territorial Council claimed that secession was legally constitutional and wo uld take the demand for a separate Bodo state in Assam into consideration. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The national and presidential elections are a crucial step in the 2005 north-sou th peace deal that ended a 21-year civil war and paves the way for a referendum when southerners would decide whether they will opt for secession from the Musli m-dominated north. The Telegraph, Sudan's opposition parties withdraw from elections, 1 April 2010. [Bookmark this word] seclusion [ si-KLOO-zhuh n ] [noun] MEANING : 1. the state, condition or act of being isolated or at solitude 2. a place that is isolated USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The seclusion rendered her demented. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A scattering of wooden cottages blends seamlessly with the lush green gardens of the hillside, offering sweet seclusion, understated luxury and a deserted white -sand beach. Telegraph, Hermitage Bay, Antigua & Barbuda: overview, Mr & Mrs Smith review, 15 Dec 2008 [Bookmark this word] secular [ SEK-yuh'-ler ] [adjective,noun] MEANING : 1. (adj.) of or relating to worldly things or matters 2. (adj.) promoting secularism 3. (adj.) occurring but once in a century 4. (n.) a layperson USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He claimed to be a truly secular person and paid scant attention to spiritual ma tters. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The programme's mix of sacred and secular includes songs by King Henry himself, and settings of texts in his honour by leading composers of the day. BBC, What's On / Proms by Day, 20 July 2009

[Bookmark this word] sedate [ si-DEYT ] [adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) calm or composed 2. (adj.) unperturbed by excitement 3. (tr. v.) to administer a sedative to USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He seemed to be quite sedate at the moment though they say that he is a terror w hen excited. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: She's hospitalized and sedated for days and weeks before her husband (Willem Daf oe), a therapist, insists she return home. CNN, Review: Von Trier's 'Antichrist' an atrocity, Tom Charity, 23 October 2009. [Bookmark this word] sedentary [ SED-n-ter-ee ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. characterized by remaining in one place or not moving about 2. accustomed to rest a great deal or to take little exercise 3. having or requiring a sitting posture USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The physiotherapist told him that his backache was due to his sedentary job. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Leading a sedentary lifestyle may make us genetically old before our time, a stu dy suggests. BBC, Sedentary life 'speeds up ageing', 29 January 2008. [Bookmark this word] sedition [ si-DISH-uh n ] [noun] MEANING : rebellion or incitement against an authority or a government USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was arrested on charges of sedition. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Malaysian authorities charged three ethnic Indian activists with sedition yester day in an apparent bid to stop a rally in support of a lawsuit that holds the Br itish responsible for the Indians' economic woes. The Herald, Protest bid over 2 trillion case [Bookmark this word] sedulous [ SEJ-uh -luh s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. assiduous, diligent or hardworking 2. cautiously or persistently maintained USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was regarded as a sedulous, young man who would do well in life. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Think of the sedulous fashion in which Mr.Brown has cultivated an image of a man of integrity, wisdom and lack of self-interest. Telegraph, Gordon Brown's psychological flaws will come back to haunt him, by Si mon Heffer, 03 Jan 2009 [Bookmark this word] seethe [ seeth ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb,noun] MEANING :

1. (intr.v.) to boil or foam as though boiling 2. (intr.v.) to be in an angry or agitated state 3. (tr.v.) to stew, boil or cook by boiling 4. (tr.v.) to steep or soak 5. (n.) an act or instance of seething USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She seethed and vowed revenge. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Many still seethe over suggestions by Nicolas Sarkozy, France s president, that st ate aid for French carmakers should depend on a pledge to keep jobs in France. Economist, Europe's family squabbles, Feb 26th 2009 [Bookmark this word] seine [ seyn ] [noun,transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a fishing net that hangs vertically in the water with floats at the uppe r edge and weights at the lower edge 2. (tr. v.) to catch fish with a net which is hung vertically in the water 3. (intr. v.) to fish with a vertical net USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Our team used a seine and caught ninety-seven fishes in just one hour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Most notorious are the purse seine nets, up to three miles long, used to encircl e and 'bag up huge numbers of fish. The Telegraph, Tuna fishing: The fairest catch, Rose Prince. 11 March 2010. [Bookmark this word] seismic [ SAHYZ-mik, SAHYS- ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. pertaining to or characterized by an earthquake 2. caused by earth vibration or by an earthquake 3. quaking of the earth USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The test of an underground nuclear explosion caused seismic disturbances over a radius of ten miles from its epicentre. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The plan authorizes the Interior Department to conduct seismic surveys off the s outh- and mid-Atlantic coasts to "determine the quantity and location of potenti al oil and gas resources to support energy planning," according to a statement f rom a White House official. CNN, Obama energy plan would open Atlantic and Gulf drilling, 1 April 2010. [Bookmark this word] semblance [ SEM-bluh ns ] [noun] MEANING : 1. form or outward appearance 2. a copy, likeness or representation 3. modicum or trace USAGE EXAMPLE 1: A semblance of order has to exist for things to run smoothly. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: An Iraqi member of staff at the BBC Baghdad bureau reflects on the return of tra ffic police and some semblance of order to Baghdad's streets. BBC, Viewpoint: Law and order Iraqi style, 3 March 2009 [Bookmark this word] seminary [ SEM-uh'-ner-ee ]

[noun] MEANING : 1. a school, especially one providing education in theology the training of mini sters, priests, or rabbis 2. a place of origin and propagation 3. a high grade school for young women USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The couple proudly announced that their son had entered the seminary to train fo r priesthood. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Mercaz Harav seminary is a well-known center for Jewish studies. BBC, In pictures: Israel seminary attack, 6 March 2008. [Bookmark this word] senescence [ si-NES-uh nt ] [noun] MEANING : 1. old age, antiquity or elderliness 2. the phase in the growth of a plant between maturity and death USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Senescence has rendered him bedridden. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: One theory of ageing suggests senescence is a result of damage caused to body ce lls by reactive molecules called free radicals. Economist, Eat less. Live longer, Apr 12th 2007 [Bookmark this word] senility [ si-NIL-i-tee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. weakness or mental infirmity of old age 2. the physical and mental deterioration associated with old age USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Grandpa said that it was not the growing old part that bothered him but rather t he senility which accompanied old age USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It was because my mother was so independent and strong-minded that her swift dec line into senility became so hard to watch. The Telegraph, Michael Parkinson: The dignity every mother deserves, Sir Michael Parkinson, 14 January 2010. [Bookmark this word] sensitization [ sen-si-tuh-ZEY-shuhn ] [noun] MEANING : 1. the state or process of being susceptible 2. the process of becoming susceptible to a particular stimulus that previously had no effect 3. the condition in which a previously encountered foreign substance initiates a n immune reaction USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sensitization of the patient was accomplished by the use of combination drug therapy. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: We believe that this will also work since breast feeding induces protection agai nst sensitization to allergens which is the first step before developing clinica l symptoms such as dermatitis, rhinitis or asthma. The Telegraph, Allergens in breast milk help tolerance, Roger Highfield, 27 Janu ary 2008.

[Bookmark this word] sensual [ SEN-shoo-uh l ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. pertaining to the sensory and bodily needs and not to the intellect 2. voluptuous, carnal, indecent or lewd 3. worldly, materialistic or not religious USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Latin American dances include a lot of sensual movements and fancy foot work. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In the Dance of the Seven Veils she gave Herod exactly what he meant by dancing, and included among a range of sensual movements one spectacular roll right acro ss the stage, Telegraph, German soprano whose 'sensual' performances as Salome enthralled crit ics and audiences for a quarter of a century, 01 Dec 2008 [Bookmark this word] sententious [ sen-TEN-shuh's ] [adjective] MEANING : 1.(adj.) relying excessively on the use of pithy sayings 3. (adj.) given to affected moralizing USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Most of the students remained unimpressed by the sententious speech of the profe ssor. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His delivery sank for a moment into sententious smoothness. BBC, Doctor Who Ebooks The Well-Mannered War, 23 September 2009 [Bookmark this word] sentinel [ SEN-tn-l ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a watchman or a person or thing that stands as if watching 2. (n.) a soldier stationed as a guard or sentry 3. (tr. v.) to provide with a guard or watch over as a guard USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The general had a sentinel posted outside his tent. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Visitors since Victorian times have been drawn to this evocative chunk of the Em erald Isle, where mysterious ancient ring forts stand sentinel on mossy hillside s. CNN, Ireland's Ring of Kerry a must-see, Rick Steves, 30 January 2010. [Bookmark this word] sepulcher [ SEP-uh'l-ker ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a tomb or burial vault 2. (n.) a receptacle for sacred relics, as saints or martyrs 3.(n.) a burial place or chamber 2. (tr. v.) to bury or place in a tomb USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They destroyed the sepulcher in their search for buried treasure. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The grandmother, mother and three children are struck stark dead and buried in t he ruins of this humble edifice, a sepulcher well worth the enemy's remembrance. BBC, THE SIEGE OF CHESTER DURING THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR. 22 August 2002. [Bookmark this word]

sepulchre [ SEP-uh l-ker ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) grave or tomb 2. (n.) a cavity or vault to collect relics esp. in an altar 3. (tr.v.) to bury in a sepulchre USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The team of archaeologists found gold ornaments in a sepulchre during the excava tion. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Two teenagers have been found guilty of the ancient crime of violating a sepulch re. BBC, Youths guilty of tomb violation, 26 March, 2004 [Bookmark this word] sequester [ si-KWES-ter ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to separate or segregate 2. (tr.v.) to withdraw or remove 3. (law) to confiscate or take possession of temporarily 4. (intr.v.) to undergo separation or sequestration USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She was sequestered from her friends as a part of her punishment. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The country is not awash with petrodollars because the state taxes its energy ea rnings heavily, and sequesters its dollar takings in its central-bank reserves a nd its Stabilisation Fund. The Economist, A taxonomy of trouble, Oct 23rd 2008 [Bookmark this word] seraphic [ si-RAF-ik ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. pure or angelic 2. of or pertaining to an angel or seraph USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her seraphic appearance fooled everyone. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In response I gave a smile of seraphic serenity. The Times of India, Desibel power, JUGULAR VEIN/JUG SURAIYA, 18 Apr 2004 [Bookmark this word] sere [ seer ] [adjective,noun] MEANING : 1. (adj.) completely dry or parched 2. (adj.) withered 3. (n.) a stage in a series of ecological communities from beginning to end USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sere pasture was the result of there being no rainfall in the area. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: What appears to be the sere grassland of Sub-saharan Africa in the dry season is actually a New England golf course in winter. The Urban Pantheist, Franklin Park, in too many pictures, 12 February 2007 [Bookmark this word] serendipity [ ser-uh [noun] MEANING : n-DIP-i-tee ]

1. an instance or phenomenon where good luck or fortune is found accidentally 2. an aptitude or gift of accidentally finding good luck or fortune USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He could not believe that serendipity was a reason behind his success. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: And the results, which are published in the August issue of the journal GSA Toda y, were ""a bit of serendipity,"" Stanley said. National Geographic, Ancient ""Lost"" City's Remains Found Under Alexandria's Wa ters, Dan Morrison in Alexandria, Egypt for National Geographic News, July 31, 2 007 [Bookmark this word] serenity [ suh -REN-i-tee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. calmness, composure or tranquillity 2. a royal title of honour that is usually preceded by your, his or her USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her serenity was much needed during those troubled times. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: On one wall of the office was a huge photograph of Missy, a picture of Lassie-li ke serenity. Telegraph, Pet cloning: Best friends reunited, By Tom de Castella, 21 Jan 2009 [Bookmark this word] sermon [ SUR-muh'n ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a religious lecture 2. a discourse based on scripture USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The preacher s sermon on the topic of love thy neighbour touched the hearts of the p eople. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The meetings at his home lasted six to eight hours, with the screening of videos that included sermons and scenes promoting holy war, the statement said. CNN, Madrid train bomb suspect moved to Spain, Al Goodman, 12 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] serpentine [ SUR-puh'n-teen, -tahyn ] [adjective,noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) pertaining to or resembling a serpent 2. (adj.) having a winding course 3. (adj.) shrewd, cunning or wily 4. (n.) a cannon used from the 15th to the 17th century 5. (n.) a school figure made by skating two figure eights that share a single lo op 6. (intr. v.) to follow a winding course USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The people who were waiting for the bus had formed a long serpentine queue. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: After a serpentine five-hour drive from the coast along a vertiginous slope, we arrived at Thirunelli. The Telegraph, Tuskers in trouble - man and elephant battle for survival, 1 Apri l 2010. [Bookmark this word] serrated [ SER-ey-tid, suh -REY- ] [adjective]

MEANING : saw-toothed or having an edge that is notched and used esp. for cutting USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The saw was serrated which made it a very sharp tool. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: After dinner we kill the camp lights and watch the moon rise over a ring of serr ated bluffs behind our bay. CNN, Cozy up to Lake Powell, By Lawrence W. Cheek, April 7, 2006 [Bookmark this word] serration [ se-REY-shuh'n ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a saw-toothed edge 2. in the form of small sharp projections or sawlike USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The jungle knife had serrations along one edge of the blade while the other edge was smooth and razor sharp. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The serrations make gripping slippery prey, such as fish and frogs, much easier. BBC, Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) [Bookmark this word] serried [ SER-eed ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. compacted, crowded or packed closely together 2. saw-toothed or marked by ridges USAGE EXAMPLE 1: People get used to travelling in serried local trains in Mumbai. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The headstones stand now shining in the winter sun as serried ranks, meaning not , as some imagine, regular or even rows, but packed close together, leaving no s pace in between. BBC, Yugoslavia: Death of a country, By Allan Little BBC world affairs correspon dent, 16 February, 2003 [Bookmark this word] servile [ SUR-vil, -vahyl ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. a fawning or submissive attitude 2. of or pertaining to slaves or servants USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The servile adoration of the servant angered him. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Enslaved workers are also employed as domestic servants, working in kitchens or subjected to servile marriages. abc NEWS, In Australia, bid to help trafficking victims, By Phil Mercer [Bookmark this word] servitude [ SUR-vi-tood, -tyood ] [noun] MEANING : 1. the condition of being enslaved; bondage or a lack of personal freedom to do as one pleases 2. enforced labour as a punishment for criminals 3. the right to use someone's property USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The lawyer pleaded with the judge to assign the accused six months of community

service instead of penal servitude. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He spoke about young girls trying to escape early marriage and domestic servitud e. CNN, Idol giveth back, and Idol taketh away, 22 April 2010. [Bookmark this word] sever [ SEV-er ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to cut off 2. (tr. v.) to separate of break off 3. (intr. v.) to become cut USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The accident victim and his severed hand were placed in the ambulance and rushed to the hospital. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A Hampshire boy who survived a racing crash which almost severed his head from h is neck is back behind the wheel. BBC, 'Head sever' boy is back racing, 3 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] severance [ SEV-er-uh'ns, SEV-ruh'ns ] [noun] MEANING : 1. the act of cutting off or chopping off 2. separation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The king decreed that the severance of the traitor's head from his body be done by a guillotine. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Patch had died, just a few days after Henry Allingham, I felt an almost physical sensation of severance. The telegraph, We are still lost in the mystery of that war, Simon Heffer, 1 Aug ust 2009 [Bookmark this word] sextant [ SEK-stuh'nt ] [noun] MEANING : 1. an instrument used to determine latitude and longitude at sea by measuring th e altitudes of the stars or other celestial bodies USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In the old days, before the discovery of radar the sextant was used in the navig ation of ships. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Last week, a sextant -- an instrument used by navigators to measure the angular distance of the sun from the horizon -- with the inscription "Mercier" was found near "the fault". CNN, French explorer's shipwreck found, 10 May 2005. [Bookmark this word] sham [ sham ] [noun,adjective,verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) something false that is alleged to be genuine 2. (n.) a person who feigns illness or pretends 3. (n.) a cover up or giving a false outward appearance 4. (adj.) feigned or pretended 5. (v.) to pretend or put on false appearances

USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The investigation was a sham as the detectives were not keen on catching the cul prit. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A man jailed for arranging sham marriages in Northern Ireland has launched a leg al bid to avoid deportation to Nigeria. BBC, Sham marriage scammer to fight deportation, 4 February 2010. [Bookmark this word] shambles [ sham-buh'l-es ] [noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a scene of complete ruin, clutter or disorder 2. (n.) a scene of bloodshed or carnage 3. (n.) a slaughterhouse 4. (intr. v.) to walk by shuffling the feet or in an awkward, unsteady manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The entire house was left in a shambles after the police searched the place for concealed drugs. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Oregon police say teens used a foreclosed home for a party and left the place in shambles. CNN, Kids party it up in foreclosed home, leave it trashed, 7 April 2010. [Bookmark this word] shard [ shahrd ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a small piece of broken metal, glass or earthenware 2. the hard exterior shell or scale USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The old woman swept the shards of broken earthenware out of her shop. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Scattered around the ship are shards of pottery, animal bones, and thousand-year -old clamshells. CNN, Tunnel links continents, uncovers ancient history, Ivan Watson, 21 Septembe r 2009 [Bookmark this word] shear [ sheer ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to remove the hair or fleece from 2. (tr. v.) to cut or clip 3. (intr. v.) to use a cutting tool to clip hair or fleece 4. (n.) a pair of clippers like a scissors USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sheep farmer sheared the wool and sent it to the factory. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Erlend and our friend Grahmme worked out a trade: he'd shear our sheep and Erlen d would lend him a tractor and grass topper. BBC, Sheep shearing! 23 June 2007. [Bookmark this word] sheath [ sheeth ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a case or covering for a sharp instrument like a sword or knife 2. (n.) a condom 3. (n.) the metal covering of an electric cable

4. (tr. v.) to insert a sharp instrument into its case USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The soldier put his sword back in its sheath and said that he had done enough of killing for one lifetime. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: One of Antonio's companions pulled his knife from its sheath and took a step for ward. BBC, Doctor Who, 24 September 2009 [Bookmark this word] sheathe [ sheeth ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to put into or provide with a casing 2. to enclose in a casing or protective covering 3. to cover or provide with a protective covering USAGE EXAMPLE 1: After the battle the surviving soldiers would sheathe their swords and return to their respective camps. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Two screeches of metal as two swords were sheathed. BBC, Daisho, Joseph Mallon, 16 July, 2007 [Bookmark this word] shibboleth [ SHIB-uh -lith, leth ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a word or phrase that sets apart a group or class of persons 2. a catchphrase, slogan, catchword or password 3. a peculiarity of style of dressing, behaviour or pronunciation that sets oup apart from the rest USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The shibboleth of, "Weasley is king" became representative of any good goal er. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The economic crisis is destroying the traditional shibboleths of American t only American politics. Telegraph, No place for yes men in special relationship, By Sir Christopher r, 24 Jan 2009

a gr keep and no Meye

[Bookmark this word] shirk [ shurk ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to evade 2. (tr. v.) to avoid or neglect 3. (intr. v.) to avoid one's duty USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was dedicated and never shirked his responsibilities. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He has never shirked a challenge and some of our best known companies have benef ited from his leadership and guidance. The Telegraph, Telegraph award: industry acclaim for Sir Philip Hampton, a busin essman for all seasons, Roland Gribben, 11 November 2009. [Bookmark this word] shoal [ shohl ] [noun,adjective,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) the place where the river or sea is shallow

2. (adj.) shallow 3. (tr.v.) to cause to become shallow USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The lifeguard mentioned that the shoal was a safe place to swim. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The guided missile cruiser got stuck on a rock and sand shoal late Thursday and wasn't pulled free until Monday. abcNews, Grounded Warship Discharged Raw Sewage off Oahu, By AUDREY McAVOY Assoc iated Press Writerm, February 10, 2009 [Bookmark this word] shoddy [ SHOD-ee ] [adjective,noun] MEANING : 1. (adj.) containing or made from inferior material 2. (adj.) dishonest or reprehensible 3. (n.) woollen yarn made from scraps with some new wool added 4. (n.) a cheap imitation or anything of inferior quality USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The shoddy toys were imported from China merely because they were cheap. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The shoddy construction of school buildings may be to blame for the high number of child casualties in China's earthquake, according to state media. BBC, China anger over 'shoddy schools', 15 May 2008. [Bookmark this word] shrew [ shroo ] [noun,transitive verb] MEANING : 1. an ill-tempered woman known for her scolding 2. a small, mouse-like insectivorous mammal that has a long, pointed snout and s oft fur USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The shrew screeched the house down. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A conservation project in Kent is giving people the chance to learn more about w ater shrews. BBC, Project to protect water shrews, 19 August, 2004 [Bookmark this word] shun [ shuhn ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to purposely avoid 2. to keep away from USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They used to be friends but now they shun each other at every opportunity. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Also, some of sterling's weakness can be seen as the corollary of dollar strengt h, rather than a wholesale decision by international investors to shun sterling assets. BBC, Sterling shunned, Robert Peston, 24 October 2008 [Bookmark this word] shunt [ shuhnt ] [transitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to push aside 2. (tr. v.) to move around or divert 3. (n.) the act of pushing aside

4. (n.) a railroad switch from one track to another USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He edged up to the overturned car with his truck and shunted it off the road. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: And the PAN has been overseeing a government that has shunted from one crisis to another, Pastor said. CNN, Sunday's Mexican elections are referendum on Calderon, Arthur Brice, 3 July 2009 [Bookmark this word] shyster [ SHAHY-ster ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a lawyer who uses unethical or unscrupulous methods 2. a person who indulges in petty or questionable practices. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They did not have enough money to engage a good lawyer and, so, ended up hiring a shyster. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Richard Gere is the definitive shyster, doing what he does best - being smarmy. BBC, Chicago (2002), Stella Papamichael, 26 December 2002 [Bookmark this word] sidereal [ sahy-DEER-ee-uh l ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. astral or related or pertaining to the stars 2. measured with or determined by reference to the stars USAGE EXAMPLE 1: This mission will concentrate on the sidereal aspects of the faraway planets in our solar system. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Venus Express is expected to begin its primary science mission -- a 15-Earth mon th period that translates into two of Venus' long sidereal days -- in June after a series of maneuvers to reach its final operational orbit. CNN, Bound for Venus, By Tariq Malik, April 10, 2006 [Bookmark this word] sidestep [ SAHYD-step ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to step to one side 2. (tr. v.) to elude or dodge 3. (intr. v.) to avoid by stepping out of the way USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The little boy swiftly sidestepped to escape the charging bully. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Appointed deputy general secretary of the POEU in August 1969, Stanley sidestepp ed the argument between the union barons and Barbara Castle over her In Place of Strife reform package, arguing that much of it could be implemented without leg islation as the government was already the employer. The Telegraph, Bryan Stanley, 17 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] simian [ SIM-ee-uh n ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) pertaining to or characteristic of a monkey or an ape 2. (n.) a monkey, primate or ape USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

His simian facial features made him stand out in a crowd. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The marauding simian that gave residents of Kamakshipalya sleepless nights last week, attacked two more victims on Monday night: Anil Kumar, a youth who was sle eping outside his house in BDA Layout, was bit by the monkey in the thigh. The Times of India, Monkey business: Act III, 17 Mar 2004 [Bookmark this word] simper [ SIM-per ] [intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to grin or smile in a coy or silly manner 2. (tr.v.) to express or say by grinning coyly 3. (n.) a coy, shy or silly grin or smile USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She simpered and tried to gain his attention. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Lib Dem Nicol Stephen summons a soppy simper on his wistful, wee-boy phizzer. BBC, Beware those smiling politicians, By Robert McNeil, 30 April 2007 [Bookmark this word] simulate [ SIM-yuh'-leyt ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. to take on the appearance of or create a likeness 2. to make a pretense of 3. to imitate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He simulated the accident using computer generated images. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It is this aspect that allows delicate and critical procedures to be realistical ly simulated. BBC, Simulator promises safer surgery, 25 february 2000. [Bookmark this word] sinecure [ SAHY-ni-kyoo r, SIN-i- ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a job or position that provides a high salary but requires minimal or no work USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He loved his job as it was a sinecure. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Before that she resigned a State sinecure, protesting the lack of ethics of fellow Republican members, and went on to destroy the political careers of Randy Ruedr ich, GOP State Chairman, and Gregg Renkes, a former Alaska Attorney General. Chronicles Magazine, Editors Round Table on Sarah Palin: An Innocent Abroad, by S rdja Trifkovic [Bookmark this word] sinewy [ SIN-yoo-ee ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. tough, strong or stingy 2. forceful, powerful or vigorous esp. in case of language 3. muscular 4. like or marked by the strength of sinews USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His sinewy muscles were earned doing hard labour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Britain's industrial wastelands, the sinewy places which once produced the coal

and steel, now lie empty and silent. BBC, Why farmers think they deserve help, 20 September, 1999 [Bookmark this word] sinuous [ SIN-yoo-uh s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. winding, serpentine or marked by curves and bends 2. crooked, devious or under-handed 3. complex, complicated or intricate USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sinuous path was dangerous. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: In another few minutes a long sinuous airship appeared high up in the blue black sky, lit up faintly by searchlights BBC, The Home Front in World War One, By Peter Craddick-Adams [Bookmark this word] skiff [ skif ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a small boat meant for one person only. USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Tom and Jerry would shoot the rapids in their skiffs for the excitement. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A search was launched after Brixham Coastguard received a report of an empty upt urned skiff in the River Plym near Plymouth. BBC, Man dies in river rowing accident, 1 August 2008 [Bookmark this word] skimp [ skimp ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb,adjective] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to deal with carelessly or hastily 2. (tr. v.) to provide with inadequate attention or to be stingy with 3. (intr. v.) to be very thrifty 4. (adj.) scanty USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In his attempt to get the project completed on time, the manager skimped over so me details which he thought were minor or insignificant. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood press ure by up to 14 mm Hg. CNN, 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication, 1 May 2010. [Bookmark this word] skirmish [ SKUR-mish ] [noun,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a fight between troops 2. (n.) any brisk dispute or encounter 3. (intr. v.) to engage in a fight or conflict USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The police had to intervene as the skirmish among the fans was getting out of ha nd. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Sixteen German police officers were slightly hurt and 15 England fans arrested a fter a skirmish in Cologne. BBC, England fans held after skirmish, 30 June 2006.

[Bookmark this word] skittish [ SKIT-ish ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. lively, capricious or restless 2. coy, shy or bashful 3. jumpy, restive, frightful or excitable 4. variable, uncertain, undependable or fickle USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The kitten was skittish and a little jittery. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: SUVs are not as equipped as sporty cars to travel safely at higher speeds -- and sporty cars tend to get skittish much more readily when it snows. CNN, Safe driving rules everyone should follow, By Eric Peters, November 28, 200 8 [Bookmark this word] skulduggery [ skuhl-DUHG-uh -ree ] [noun] MEANING : crafty trickery or unscrupulous behaviour USAGE EXAMPLE 1: In 19th century Britain, gypsies were accused of skulduggery. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: US finance giant Citigroup is dumping the boss of its investment banking arm, Sa lomon Smith Barney, amid allegations of biased research and skulduggery in its c orporate finance operations. BBC, Scandal-hit Salomon ditches chief, 9 September, 2002 [Bookmark this word] skulduggery(skullduggery) [ skuh'l-DUHG-uh'-ree ] [noun] MEANING : 1. dishonest or dishonourable proceedings 2. a deceitful act 3. underhand work USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He is notorious for resorting to skulduggery to get ahead in business. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Skullduggery and jockeying for position associated with the transition of power in China have gone into high gear. CNN, Factional intrigue hots up in China, Willy Wo-Lap Lam, 11 December 2001. [Bookmark this word] skulk [ skuhlk ] [intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to move about in a stealthy or furtive manner 2. (intr.v.) to hide or conceal stealthily out of fear or cowardice 3. (intr.v.) to shirk or evade responsibility or work 4. (n.) a person who shirks work and responsibilities 5. (n.) a congregation or flock of thieves or foxes USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He skulked but was found by the security guard. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Glass chips in by whistling at the mares, who skulk slowly around the stall befo re lifting their tail slightly, a sign that she's ready to go. abc News, Three Chimneys Gears up for Big Brown's Arrival, By WILL GRAVES AP Spo rts Writer, June 5, 2008

[Bookmark this word] slack [ slak ] [adjective,noun] MEANING : 1. (adj.) loose or weak 2. (adj.) slow or not brisk 3. (adj.) negligent 4. a loose state USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The staff would take advantage of the slack manager by having frequent breaks.. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: But their opener in the 10th minute was gifted by slack defending by England as Dirk Kuyt cut out Rio Ferdinand's weak pass and rounded goalkeeper Robert Green before sending a right foot shot past captain John Terry on the line. CNN, Defoe double rescues England in Amsterdam, 12 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] slacken [ SLAK-uh'n ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to make or become looser or less taut 2. (tr. v.) to make or become less active USAGE EXAMPLE 1: During the recession demand for items like cement and steel slackened. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mr Rogge emphasised that the Greeks must not slacken their pace. BBC, Greeks told to keep on running, 2 May 2001. [Bookmark this word] slag [ slag ] [noun,transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) cinder or the fused and vitrified matter separated during the process of smelting or obtaining metal from its ore 2. (n.) leftover waste after the re-sorting of coal 3. (tr. v.) to convert into dross or cinder 4. (tr. v.) to remove the dross or cinder formed during the metal making process 5. (intr. v.) to form dross or cinder USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Slag from the smelter was sent to the cement factory to be used as raw material in the making of cement. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A 50-foot high pile of slag was left over from 74 years of making nails, wire an d fencing from scrap metal. The Telegraph, Abandoned US steel mill is sign of the times, Mira Oberman, 15 De cember 2009. [Bookmark this word] slake [ sleyk ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to satisfy 2. (tr. v.) to quench 3. (tr. v.) to reduce the intensity of 4. (intr. v.) to undergo the quenching process USAGE EXAMPLE 1: They found themselves in an arid wasteland and had no water to slake their thirs t. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

You can slake your thirst with Somerset and Devonshire ales (Otter and Branscomb e), local organic soft drinks, Devon cider or the most fabulous Phillips of Bris tol old English lovage and brandy cocktail. The telegraph, Somerset Pub Guide: Lord Poulett Arms, Hinton St George, Belinda Richardson, 21 March 2008 [Bookmark this word] slaked [ sleyk ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to quench or satiate a desire or craving 2. (tr.v.) to rejuvenate or invigorate 3. (tr.v.) to disintegrate lime by hydrating it 4. (tr.v.) to curb or diminish 5. (intr.v.) to cause lime to undergo slaking by hydration 6. (intr.v.) to abate or curb USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He slaked his thirst by drinking an entire bottle of cold water. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: This unstable material is then "slaked" in a water bath (a violent chemical reac tion during which the rock turns to lime putty). Telegraph, Property in Hampshire: Old Ship happy to live off the land, Anna Tyza ck, 08 Aug 2008 [Bookmark this word] slander [ SLAN-der ] [noun,transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) defamation, a false statement that harms the reputation of another or ca lumny 2. (tr.v.) to defame, malign or vilify 3. (intr.v.) to spread or circulate slander USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He filed a lawsuit citing slander of his good name. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Professor Allyson Pollock (April 18) is right to accuse Health Minister Andy Ker r of slander when he refers to "biased academics who seek to mislead the public with outdated and discredited arguments". The Herald, Why the Labour Party s claims about the SNP do not add up [Bookmark this word] slate [ sleyt ] [noun,transitive verb,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) a fine grained rock that splits into layers 2. (n.) a record of previous activities 3. a dark bluish grey colour 4. (tr. v.) to cover with layers of rock 5. (tr. v.) to schedule 6. (adj.) made out of layers of fine grained rock USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The slate from the quarry is used to make heat resistant roof tiles. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Slate is formed when mud with high levels of clay was compacted and squeezed at high temperature during continental shifts some 300-400 million years ago. BBC, Slate mining in Wales [Bookmark this word] sleight [ slahyt ] [noun]

MEANING : 1. skill, flair or dexterity 2. craftiness, artifice, trickery or cunning stratagem USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sleight displayed by the killer made the detectives suspect him to be a surg eon. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For a while, the disappearance of an executive bonus restriction from last month 's economic stimulus looked like sleight of hand worthy of a Las Vegas stage. abcNews, Dodd: Administration Sought Bonus Limit Revision, By JIM KUHNHENN Assoc iated Press Writer, March 18, 2009 [Bookmark this word] slipshod [ SLIP-shod ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. untidy or careless 2. slovenly 3. shabby in appearance USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was denied entry into the five star restaurant because of the slipshod way he was dressed. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The surprise, and disappointment, of "The Da Vinci Code" is how slipshod and hok ey the religious detective story now seems. CNN, EW review: 'Da Vinci' is no masterpiece, Owen Gleiberman, 19 May 2006. [Bookmark this word] slither [ SLITH -er ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to glide, slip or slide like the motion of a reptile 2. (intr.v.) to move or walk with a sliding motion 3. (tr.v.) to cause to glide or slide 4. (n.) sliding or gliding motion USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Being cursed, he lost the power to use his legs and often slithered around. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The island seemed like a tiny slither of land, buildings squashed to the very ed ge of the waterline on all sides. BBC, Standing on the roof of the world, 11 September, 2001 [Bookmark this word] sloth [ slawth or, especially for 2, slohth ] [noun] MEANING : 1. laziness, indolence or an aversion to hard work 2. any of numerous sluggish, arboreal, edentate mammals of the family Bradypodid ae of South and Central America, that possess long hooklike claws using which th ey hang upturned from branches of trees and that feed on buds, fruits, and leave s 3. a company or pack of bears USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Sloth and a disposition to procrastinate caused him to lose his job. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: On the beach, the kids cavort with white-faced monkeys and snap numerous photos of sloths, iguanas and birds. CNN, Costa Rica adventures keep kids on the go, By Eileen Ogintz, August 25, 200 8

[Bookmark this word] slough [ slou or sluhf ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to get shed or cast off 2. (tr.v.) to dispose off, get rid of or shed 3. (n.) swamplike region 4. (n.) a condition or state of degradation or helplessness 5. (n.) the outer layer of a snake's skin, which it periodically casts off USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The electoral candidate sloughed off her former campaign workers as she felt the y were the cause of her loss during the previous elections. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The supreme leader declared last week's presidential election a "definitive vict ory" for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and sloughed off charges of vote tamperin g. CNN, Iran's supreme leader warns protesters, 19 June 2009. [Bookmark this word] slovenly [ SLUHV-uh n-lee ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) untidy, unkempt or bedraggled 2. (adj.) characteristic of or pertaining to a sloven or slipshod 3. (adv.) in a manner that reflects untidiness or shabbiness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He lost his job because of his slovenly dressing style. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Behind his slovenly, shambling flabbiness, he packs a vicious left hook. Chronicles Magazine, I Love My Mother, Sicko [Bookmark this word] sluggard [ SLUHG-erd ] [noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) an idler or one who is perpetually lazy or sluggish 2. (adj.) lazy, slothful, indolent or sluggish USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sluggard was criticised by his employer. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Apparently neither fun laps in his old car, nor teaching sluggards like me, adve rsely affect his pace in Formula One. Telegraph, Wilson delivers lesson in speed, By Andrew Baker, 17 Jul 2003 [Bookmark this word] sluice [ sloos ] [noun,transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) an artificial channel fitted with a gate for conducting and regulating t he flow of water 2. (n.) a channel or drain for surplus water 3. (n.) a stream of surplus water 4. (tr. v.) to drain the water from 3. (tr. v.) to flush or cleanse with a rush of water 4. (intr. v.) to flow through USAGE EXAMPLE 1: When the water in the dam reached the overflow mark they opened all the sluices for the water level to subside. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The EA are very concerned that large rafts of weed could block sluice gates and

weirs. The Telegraph, Punting in Cambridge threatened by river weed, 22 March 2010. [Bookmark this word] slur [ slur ] [transitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to utter indistinctly 2. (tr. v.) to slander 3. (tr. v.) to not give proper consideration to 4. (n.) a slanderous remark 5. (n.) an unclear tone of voice USAGE EXAMPLE 1: After imbibing three pegs of whiskey, he would slur and so nobody was able to un derstand what he said. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Klein said that when Jackson came to his office the week of his death, there wer e no indications anything was wrong: no "problems of slurred speech, shorten mov ement or anything." CNN, Dermatologist doesn't think he's Jackson kids' dad, Alan Duke, 8 July 2009 [Bookmark this word] smattering [ SMAT-er-ing ] [noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (n.) superficial, piecemeal or slight knowledge 2. (n.) a small amount or number 3. (adj.) superficial or slight USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose was quite distinctive o n her fair skin. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The Cass program takes business executives, as well as a smattering of foreign d iplomats, through much of English and British culture, everything from the way t he country is governed to how its people tend to view themselves. CNN, Negotiating the cultural maze, By Peter Walker for CNN, January 9, 2007 [Bookmark this word] smirk [ smurk ] [transitive verb,intransitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to simper, smile or express smugly 2. (tr.v.) to smile or simper in a smug manner 3. (n.) a smug smile or the expression on the face of one who smirks USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He smirked simply to annoy her. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Mr Stevenson is a man of great dignity and patience but Mr Zorin's face began to crack, somewhere between a smirk and a sigh. BBC, The last step of brinkmanship, 29 October, 2002 [Bookmark this word] smolder [ SMOHL-der ] [verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) to burn slowly without a flame 2. (tr. v.)to be in a suppressed state 3. (tr. v.) to act with subdued feelings 4. (n.) thick smoke resulting from a slow burning fire USAGE EXAMPLE 1:

They had piled up a lot of wood in the hope that the fire would smolder througho ut the night. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: That sounds like common sense, but a forgotten cigarette butt can smolder for ho urs, CNN, 'Stand by your pan' to avoid kitchen fires, expert says, Ruth Underwood, 14 November 2006 [Bookmark this word] snare [ snair ] [noun,verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a trap or device used to catch game 2. (v.) to trap USAGE EXAMPLE 1: We prepared a snare with rope bamboo sticks and a sack. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Once an animal is trapped in a snare it can suffer from dehydration, starvation and distress as well as being at a higher risk from other predators. BBC, Countryside 'cowboys' warned off, 18 November 2008 [Bookmark this word] snivel [ SNIV-uh l ] [intransitive verb,transitive verb,noun] MEANING : 1. (intr.v.) to sniffle while weeping 2. (intr.v.) to whine or complain in a tearful manner 3. (tr.v.) to utter or speak while sniffling 4. (n.) nasal mucus 5. (n.) an act or instance of snivelling USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His manners were revolting and my irritation increased when he snivelled. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The only thing worse than an employee calling in sick is having them sniveling a nd sneezing all over you. CNN, Presenteeism more than a health risk, December 30, 2004 [Bookmark this word] snub [ snuhb ] [transitive verb,noun,adjective] MEANING : 1. (tr. v.) 1. to ignore or refuse to recognize 2. (tr. v.) to turn down with a sharp retort 3. (n.) a deliberate insult 4. (adj.) blunt USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The few innovative ideas put forth by the fresher were snubbed by his seniors. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Among other things, I didn't want to be -- to borrow from sixth-grade parlance - a user, a phony who thought she could get what she wanted by conveniently nuzz ling up to someone she usually snubbed. CNN, Cancer, my parents and my doubts about God, Kelly Corrigan, 11 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] sober [ SOH-ber ] [adjective,verb] MEANING : 1. (adj.) abstaining from drugs and alcohol 2. (adj.) a calm and quiet manner 3. (adj.) plain, straightforward not showy

4. (v.) to recover from an intoxicated state USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was the only sober person at the party and was amused by the display of drunk en antics though he could not figure out why they were so desperately trying to make fools of themselves. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Singer George Michael has said he was "stone cold sober" when he was arrested af ter a car crash. BBC, Michael 'sober' at crash arrest, 15 August 2009 [Bookmark this word] sobriety [ suh -BRAHY-i-tee, soh- ] [noun] MEANING : 1. in a sober condition 2. abstinence in the consumption of or moderation when consuming alcohol 3. solemnity, sedateness or seriousness USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was asked to leave class because of his lack of sobriety. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: My husband completed 11 years of sobriety yesterday, she announces, her smile gr owing radiant with the heavy applause that follows. The Times of India, Fighting the spirits with spirituality, Sharmila Ganesan, TN N, 1 Jun 2008 [Bookmark this word] sobriquet [ SOH-bruh -key, -ket, soh-bruh -KEY, -KET; Fr. saw-br*ee-KE ] [noun] MEANING : an epithet or nickname USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He gained the sobriquet "the hawk" after his win in the race. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For their loyalty, the Pashtuns of eastern Afghanistan earned the sobriquet, "th e kingmakers." National Geographic, Afghan Warlords Clash Over King's Return, Christian Science Monitor, January 31, 2002 [Bookmark this word] sodden [ SOD-n ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) soggy, saturated or moisture-laden 2. (adj.) expressionless, unintelligent or dull caused by indulgence in alcoholi c beverages 3. (adj.)torpid or listless 4. (tr.v.) to become or be made sodden 5. (intr.v.) to become or be made sodden USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her sodden garments were not fit to be reused. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Unfortunately, it is the half-drunk, not the drink-sodden, who experience the he ightened excitement of intoxication who throw themselves out of windows in the exp ectation of flying, in preference to falling downstairs in a heap on the way out . Chronicles Magazine, Liberalism as Addiction, by Chilton Williamson, Jr. [Bookmark this word] soggy [ SOG-ee ] [adjective]

MEANING : 1. (adj.) soaked 2. (adj.) damp 3. (adj.) dull USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The ravenous children at the orphanage were happy to eat the soggy biscuits that were spoiled by the dampness. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A small band of sailors are facing a summer of raging Arctic storms, cramped qua rters and soggy clothes in their search for the human face of climate change. CNN, Sailing the Arctic to find the human face of climate change, Cameron Dueck, 9 Juny 2009 [Bookmark this word] sojourn [ n. SOH-jurn; v. SOH-jurn, soh-JURN ] [noun] MEANING : 1. (n.) a trip, vacation or tour 2. (n.) a temporary or short term residence 3. (intr.v.) to visit or reside temporarily in some place USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He decided to take a sojourn to Las Vegas. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: You could even bring a potted shrub or tree in from the garden for a short sojou rn, covering any unsightly soil with a smart mulch of pebbles, shells, even glas s marbles or old corks. Telegraph, 50 ways to improve your home: In the garden, 31 Mar 2008 [Bookmark this word] solace [ SOL-is ] [transitive verb] MEANING : 1. (tr.v.) to comfort someone or cheer someone up 2. (tr.v.) to allay or relieve someone of their misery or grief 3. (n.) comfort, alleviation or consolation 4. (n.) a source of alleviation, comfort or consolation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: She solaced the grieving widow by offering words of comfort. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: But its buoyancy is a solace to Asian countries, several of which enjoy trade su rpluses with China, and to the European Union, for which China is the fastest-gr owing market albeit, as the Europeans like to point out when they complain about C hinese trade barriers, still no bigger than Switzerland. Economist, China moves to centre stage, Oct 30th 2008 [Bookmark this word] solecism [ SOL-uh -siz-uh m, SOH-luh - ] [noun] MEANING : 1. something inconsistent with the normal, or accepted order 2. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage of language 3. a breach of decorum or good manners USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Committing a solecism during a job interview could prove costly. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: A solecism of initial blunder may generate legal heat and forensic spiral from c ourt to court. The Hindu, Industrial jurisprudence, V. R. KRISHNA IYER [Bookmark this word]

solemnity [ suh'-LEM-ni-tee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. gravity or impressiveness 2. a formality that renders an act or document valid USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The fun and frolic of the celebration contrasted with the solemnity of the praye r service. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For all the solemnity of the setting, and the grandeur of hymns that included Je rusalem and I Vow To Thee, My Country, WO1 Chant s funeral was a personal service. The Telegraph, Daughter's tears at funeral of Darren Chant, shot dead in Afghani stan, 2 December 2009. [Bookmark this word] solicitous [ suh -LIS-i-tuh s ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. displaying concern, anxiety or eagerness careful, cautious or meticulous USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her solicitous behaviour was regarded as fake. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: For reasons not entirely clear to me, Stark repairs to his home lab and, with th e help of a robot more solicitous than Luke Skywalker s R2D2, improves upon his or iginal metal suit, transforming it into a gleaming red and gold mannequin remini scent of Hollywood s Oscar award. Chronicles Magazine, Wogs, by George McCartney [Bookmark this word] soliloquy [ suh-LIL-uh -kwee ] [noun] MEANING : 1. an act or instance when one talks to oneself 2. a monologue or speech in a drama where the character expresses his feelings a nd thoughts to the audience by means of talking to himself or herself rather tha n by talking to the other characters USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her habit of soliloquy caused her to be termed crazy. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Yet because Sterling has made his own impact as a writer of fiction, he uses as his theme the famous "all the world's a stage" soliloquy describing the seven st ages of life from Shakespeare's "As You Like It." CNN, Author takes a peek at the future in 'Tomorrow Now', By Renay San Miguel, F ebruary 26, 2003 [Bookmark this word] solstice [ SOL-stis, SOHL- ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a furthermost point of the sun from the celestial equator 2. a point of culmination or a turning point USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The summer solstice is a time of merry-making. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The trouble with the holiday on July 4th is that it comes barely a fortnight aft er the summer solstice. The Economist, Fireworks, Jul 6th 2007 [Bookmark this word]

solvent [ SOL-vuh nt ] [adjective,noun] MEANING : 1. (adj.) capable of meeting or repaying legal debts 2. (adj.) capable of dissolving 3. (n.) a substance dissolving another when forming a solution 4. (n.) one providing a solution USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Solvent funds are the need of the hour. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Illegal sales of aerosols containing solvents took place in 95% of shops checked by a survey in Derbyshire. BBC, Shop sting reveals solvent sales, 24 March, 2005 [Bookmark this word] somatic [ soh-MAT-ik, suh - ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. bodily or physical 2. parietal or pertaining to the wall of the body USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His condition was not somatic in nature rather it was psychological. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Scientists remove the nucleus from an egg cell, which contains the cell's geneti c material, and replace it with genetic material from another somatic, or body t issue, cell. National Geographic, U.S. Team Produces First Mule Clone, Stefan Lovgren, May 29 , 2003 [Bookmark this word] somber [ SOM-ber ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. dim, gloomy or dull 2. having a dark hue or colour 3. dismal, melancholic or despondent 4. grim, grave or solemn USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His somber expression indicated that the operation had been unsuccessful. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Humorless guards ensure that the line moves swiftly and the atmosphere remains s omber at Vladimir Lenin s resting place; his embalmed body has been on view since his death in 1924. National Geographic, Best of Moscow: Must-Dos [Bookmark this word] somnambulist [ som-NAM-byuh -list ] [noun] MEANING : one who walks whilst asleep USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The doctors identified her to be a somnambulist. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Like a somnambulist, I reached the gate of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, struggl ing to keep the drooping eyes open. The Times of India, Marathon on a heady morning, Indraneel Das, TNN, 15 Nov 2002 [Bookmark this word] somnolent [ SOM-nuh -luh [adjective] nt ]

MEANING : 1. sleepy, dozy or drowsy likely to induce drowsiness or sleep USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Her somnolent behaviour made everyone think she was drunk. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: George Bush, by contrast, appeared tentative, if not somnolent: unsure of himsel f and the issues. CNN, Bill Press: Gore finally hits his stride, By Bill Press/CNN [Bookmark this word] sonnet [ SON-it ] [noun] MEANING : 1. (n.) a rhapsody 2. (n.) a poem properly expressive of a single, complete thought of 14 lines USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He has the entire collection of Shakespeare's sonnets. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Writing for children is like the difference between writing a sonnet and writing a gossip column. CNN, 'Wicked' author Gregory Maguire returns to Oz, Jacque Wilson, 4 November 20 08. [Bookmark this word] sonorous [ suh'-NAWR-uh's ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. (adj.) giving off a deep sound 2. (adj.) resonant or rich in sound 3. (adj.) an impressive style or manner of speech USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The sonorous sound made by the horn marked the beginning of the games. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His chilling, sonorous tones were later brought to Hollywood, most notably as tr eacherous and overreaching power-seeker Saruman in "Lord of the Rings. CNN, The Screening Room's Top 10 British Villains, 26 October, 2007. [Bookmark this word] soot [ soo't ] [noun,verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a black powdery substance resulting from incomplete combustion 2. (v.) to treat with soot USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The little boy wanted to know how Santa Claus could climb down their chimney wit hout getting dirty with soot. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: One of the boys came out and he was full of soot. The Telegraph, Mother dies saving children from house fire, 18 September 2009 [Bookmark this word] soothsayer [ SOOTH-sey-er ] [noun] MEANING : 1. (n.) a person who declares that he can predict the future 2. (n.) anyone who makes predictions USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The soothsayer thrived due to the gullibility of the villagers. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

Mother Shipton was a renowned soothsayer who published many predictions for cent uries ahead of time. The Telegraph, Mother Shipton's Cave for sale at 1.8m, 7 September 2009. [Bookmark this word] sophist [ SOF-ist ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a philosopher, thinker or scholar 2. one who is skilled at reasoning or arguing adroitly or speciously 3. a teacher or philosopher in ancient greece who reasoned out or argued or spec ulated on theology, metaphysics, and the sciences USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He considered himself to be a sophist. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The reduction of the manpower in infantry battalions has been justified by the b udgetary sophists in a number of ways. Telegraph, Infantry losses hit harder than figures suggest, By Simon Barry, 17 J ul 2007 [Bookmark this word] sophistry [ SOF-uh'-stree ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a tricky, seemingly plausible method of reasoning that is actually misleading 2. believable but fallacious argumentation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The glib executive would indulge in sophistry to justify his actions. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran lived up to his reputation for assertivene ss and sophistry during an address last week to the United Nations General Assem bly, a prickly interview on CNN, and a stilted exchange with about two dozen mem bers of the Council on Foreign Relations. CNN, Highlights from the world's press, Ravi Agarwal, 25 September 2006 [Bookmark this word] sophomoric [ sof-uh -MAWR-ik, -MOR- ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. over-confident, lacking good judgement or immature 2. pertaining to or characteristic of sophomores USAGE EXAMPLE 1: His sophomoric thoughts landed him in trouble. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The blogs are more than sophomoric ramblings about college life. The Times of India, US students go online to attend dream college, 23 May 2006 [Bookmark this word] soporific [ sop-uh -RIF-ik, soh-puh - ] [adjective,noun] MEANING : 1. (adj.) causing or tending to cause sleep 2. (adj.) of or pertaining to sleep or drowsiness 3. (n.) something that causes sleep USAGE EXAMPLE 1: For a generation brought up on a diet of T20 cricket, a test match could prove t o be positively soporific. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: His lecture is titled "Meaning in American Politics," but it might have been bet ter titled "Dreaming in American Politics," for it proves a powerful soporific.

ABC News, Book Excerpt: 'Smashmouth' by Dana Milbank (Pt. 2), Dana Milbank, Sept ember 30, 2004 [Bookmark this word] sordid [ SAWR-did ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. vile, ignoble or morally degraded 2. selfish, mercenary or grasping 3. unclean, filthy or dirty 4. squalid, sleazy, wretched or seedy USAGE EXAMPLE 1: It was a sordid story which appalled everyone who heard it. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: It seems that this gives her solace in the sordid and heartless world of Scottis h politics. The Herald, Divine madness of faith deciding laws of the land, IAIN MacWHIRTER, February 11 2008 [Bookmark this word] spangle [ SPANG-guh'l ] [noun,transitive verb,intransitive verb] MEANING : 1. (n.) a small circular piece of glittering metal or other material 2. (n.) any small, bright drop, spot, or the like 3. (tr. v.) to stud or sprinkle with small, bright pieces 4. (intr. v.) to sparkle or glitter like decorative spots USAGE EXAMPLE 1: The room looked bright due to the sparkle and spangle of her evening gown. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: He was uncharacteristically dressed down in jeans and hooded top with just a hin t of spangle. BBC, Erasure at the Lowry 7/10, 16 April 2006. [Bookmark this word] spartan [ SPAHR-tn ] [noun] MEANING : 1. pertaining to or like Sparta or its people 2. characterized by rigorously self-discipline or self-restrain 3. undaunted or courageous in the face of adversity USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He was an idealistic person and lived a spartan lifestyle. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: The reluctance to leave the university flats might also be because parents, with memories of more spartan student accommodation, are often taken aback by the re lative luxury, says Mr Hicks. BBC, Parents reluctant to leave student accommodation, Sean Coughlan, 15 Decembe r 2009. [Bookmark this word] spasmodic [ spaz-MOD-ik ] [adjective] MEANING : 1. pertaining to or resembling spasms 2. intermittent, sporadic or fitful 3. excitable or extremely emotional USAGE EXAMPLE 1: Spasmodic jerks seemed to rack his body. USAGE EXAMPLE 2:

The violence in Iraq will persist, the candidate believes, but it will be "spasm odic and much reduced." CNN, McCain predicts Iraq war over by 2013, May 15, 2008 [Bookmark this word] spate [ speyt ] [noun] MEANING : 1. a rush, outpouring or sudden outburst 2. a flood, freshet or inundation USAGE EXAMPLE 1: He voiced a spate of arguments to defend his friend. USAGE EXAMPLE 2: Police are warning people living on South Tyneside to secure their homes fo