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Words 8301–8400 of 10,000Independent bank · American English
stemmedadjectiveHaving a stem or stems or having a stem as specified; often used in combination.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Long-stemmed roses.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stepnounSupport consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He paused on the bottom step.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stepsnounThe course along which a person has walked or is walking in.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He retraced his steps.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stereotypedadjectiveLacking spontaneity or originality or individuality.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stereotyped phrases of condolence.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

sterileadjectiveDeficient in originality or creativity; lacking powers of invention.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A sterile ideology lacking in originality.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

sternadjectiveSevere and unremitting in making demands.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stern disciplinarian.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Frisian, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

sternlyadverbWith sternness; in a severe manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

`No,' she said sternly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Frisian, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

sternnessnounThe quality (as of scenery) being grim and gloomy and forbidding.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The sternness of his surroundings made him uncomfortable.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Frisian, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stewnounAgitation resulting from active worry.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Don't get in a stew.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, Medieval Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stewingnounAn extreme state of worry and agitation.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His stewing over the fight kept him awake most of the night.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

sticknounAn implement consisting of a length of wood.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The kid had a candied apple on a stick.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stickingadjectiveExtending out above or beyond a surface or boundary.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A pile of boards sticking over the end of his truck.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

sticklernounSomeone who insists on something.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stickler for promptness.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Chinese, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stickyadjectiveMoist as with undried perspiration and with clothing sticking to the body.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Felt sticky and chilly at the same time.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stiffadjectiveRigidly formal.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The letter was stiff and formal.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stiffenverbMake stiff or stiffer.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stiffen the cream by adding gelatine.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stiffeningnounThe act of becoming stiff.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stiffening his shoulders, he prepared to advance.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stifflyadverbIn a stiff manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His hands lay stiffly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stiffnessnounThe property of moving with pain or difficulty.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He awoke with a painful stiffness in his neck.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stifleverbSmother or suppress.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stifle your curiosity.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stiflernounA person who stifles or smothers or suppresses.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He is a real conversation stifler.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stiflingnounForceful prevention; putting down by power or authority.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The stifling of all dissent.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stigmatizeverbMark with a stigma or stigmata.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They wanted to stigmatize the adulteress.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Medieval Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stilladjectiveMarked by absence of sound.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The night was still.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stillbornadjectiveFailing to accomplish an intended result.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stillborn plot to assassinate the President.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stiltedadjectiveArtificially formal.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stilted letter of acknowledgment.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stimulantadjectiveThat stimulates.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stimulant phenomena.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stimulateverbCause to be alert and energetic.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Coffee and tea stimulate me.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stimulatingadjectiveRousing or quickening activity or the senses.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stimulating discussion.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stingnounA kind of pain; something as sudden and painful as being stung.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The sting of death.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stingingnounA kind of pain; something as sudden and painful as being stung.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He felt the stinging of nettles.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stingyadjectiveUnwilling to spend.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

She practices economy without being stingy.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stintnounAn individual's prescribed share of work.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Her stint as a lifeguard exhausted her.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stipulationnoun(law) an agreement or concession made by parties in a judicial proceeding (or by their attorneys) relating to the business before the court; must be in writing unless they are part of the court record.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stipulation of fact was made in order to avoid delay.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stirverbMix or add by stirring.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stir nuts into the dough.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Romani, Sanskrit. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stirringnounAgitating a liquid with an implement.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Constant stirring prevents it from burning on the bottom of the pan.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stochasticadjectiveBeing or having a random variable.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stochastic processes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stocknounThe capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He owns a controlling share of the company's stock.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Italian, Middle Dutch, Middle High German, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stockedadjectiveFurnished with more than enough.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A well-stocked store.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stockholdingnounOwnership of stocks; the state or fact of holding stock.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Prohibition of unrestricted intercorporate stockholding.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Italian, Middle Dutch, Middle High German, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stockingnounThe activity of supplying a stock of something.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He supervised the stocking of the stream with trout.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Italian, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Middle High German, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stockpilingnounAccumulating and storing a reserve supply.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The stockpiling of war materials.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stodgyadjectiveExcessively conventional and unimaginative and hence dull.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stodgy dinner party.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old French, Old High German. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoicallyadverbWithout emotion; in a stoic manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He stoically accepted all suffering.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hindi, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stolidadjectiveHaving or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Her face showed nothing but stolid indifference.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stomachnounAn appetite for food.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Exercise gave him a good stomach for dinner.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stonenounBuilding material consisting of a piece of rock hewn in a definite shape for a special purpose.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He wanted a special stone to mark the site.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoopverbDebase oneself morally, act in an undignified, unworthy, or dishonorable way.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

I won't stoop to reading other people's mail.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Old Dutch, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoopingadjectiveHaving the back and shoulders rounded; not erect.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A little oldish misshapen stooping woman.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stopnounThe event of something ending.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

It came to a stop at the bottom of the hill.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stopovernounA brief stay in the course of a journey.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

They made a stopover to visit their friends.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoppagenounThe act of stopping something.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His stoppage of the flow resulted in a flood.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoppedadjective(of a nose) blocked.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A stopped (or stopped-up) nose.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoppernoun(bridge) a playing card with a value sufficiently high to insure taking a trick in a particular suit.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

If my partner has a spade stopper I can bid no trump.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoppingnounThe kind of playing that involves pressing the fingers on the strings of a stringed instrument to control the pitch.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The violinist's stopping was excellent.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

storagenounDepositing in a warehouse.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

My car is in storage.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Norse, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

storeverbKeep or lay aside for future use.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Store grain for the winter.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

storiedadjectiveHaving stories as indicated.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A six-storied building.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

storminessnounViolent passion in speech or action.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Frightened by the storminess of their argument.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stormyadjective(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Wide and stormy seas.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

storynounA record or narrative description of past events.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The story of exposure to lead.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoutadjectiveEuphemisms for `fat'.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Men are portly and women are stout.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stoutlyadverbIn a resolute manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He was stoutly replying to his critics.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stovenounA kitchen appliance used for cooking food.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Dinner was already on the stove.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle Dutch, Middle Low German, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

straddleverbRange or extend over; occupy a certain area.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The plants straddle the entire state.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stragglenounA wandering or disorderly grouping (of things or persons).intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A straggle of followers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

straightadjectiveSuccessive (without a break).beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Sick for five straight days.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

straightawayadjectivePerformed with little or no delay.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A straightaway denial.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

straightenverbMake straight or straighter.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Straighten this post.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

straightforwardadjectiveWithout evasion or compromise.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He is not being as straightforward as it appears.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strainverbUse to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Don't strain your mind too much.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strainedadjectiveShowing signs of mental and emotional tension.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Her voice was strained as she asked the question.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strainingadjectiveTaxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His final, straining burst of speed.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strandnounA necklace made by a stringing objects together.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A strand of pearls.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Middle High German, Old English, Old French, Old High German. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strandedadjectiveCut off or left behind.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Several stranded fish in a tide pool.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strangeadjectiveBeing definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A strange fantastical mind.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strangleverbPrevent the progress or free movement of.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The imperialist nation wanted to strangle the free trade between the two small countries.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strangledadjectiveHeld in check with difficulty.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A strangled scream.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strappingadjectiveMuscular and heavily built.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A strapping boy of eighteen.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strategicadjectiveRelating to or concerned with strategy.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Strategic considerations.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stratifiedadjectiveArranged in a sequence of grades or ranks.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stratified areas of the distribution.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strayadjectiveNot close together in time.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A few stray crumbs.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strayingadjectiveUnable to find your way.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Found the straying sheep.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

streaknounA distinctive characteristic.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A streak of wildness.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

streamnounDominant course (suggestive of running water) of successive events or ideas.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stream of consciousness.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

streamingadjectiveExuding a bodily fluid in profuse amounts.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

His streaming face.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

streamlinedadjectiveMade efficient by stripping off nonessentials.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Short streamlined meetings.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

streetnounA thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He lives on Nassau Street.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strengthnounThe property of being physically or mentally strong.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Fatigue sapped his strength.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strengthenverbMake strong or stronger.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

This exercise will strengthen your upper body.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strenuousadjectiveCharacterized by or performed with much energy or force.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Strenuous exercise.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strenuouslyadverbIn a strenuous manner; strongly or vigorously.advanced+
USAGE EXAMPLE

He objected strenuously to the stand his party was taking.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stressnoun(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stress is a vasoconstrictor.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stressedadjectiveBearing a stress or accent.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

An iambic foot consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable as in `delay'.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

stressfuladjectiveExtremely irritating to the nerves.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The stressful days before a war.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stretchverbExtend one's limbs or muscles, or the entire body.beginner+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Stretch your legs!

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stretchedadjective(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

Well-stretched muscles are less susceptible to injury.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

strictadjectiveRigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

A strict vegetarian.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

strictlyadverbRestricted to something.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

We talked strictly business.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

stridentlyadverbIn a strident manner.intermediate+
USAGE EXAMPLE

The cheap clock ticked stridently.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

Definitions and usage examples in the expanded bank come from WordNet 3.0, with pronunciation references from CMUdict. Records are automatically screened and source-validated, not individually human reviewed. Practice difficulty is an estimate, not a grade level or official Scripps band. Sources and coverage ↗ · WordNet license · CMUdict license