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English Words Starting With S

15,552 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

self-revelation
nounC1
/ˌself ˌrev.əˈleɪ.ʃən/The act of revealing or disclosing one's own thoughts, feelings, or character, often unintentionally.
self-rule
nounC1
/ˌself ˈruːl/The right or ability of a country, region, or group to govern itself without external control.
self-sabotage
nounverb-ambitransitiveMedium-High
/ˌself ˈsæb.ə.tɑːʒ/The act of intentionally or unconsciously undermining one's own goals, success, or well-being through one's own thoughts or actions.
self-sacrifice
nounMedium (C1-C2 on CEFR)
/ˌself ˈsæk.rɪ.faɪs/The act of giving up one's own interests, desires, or well-being for the benefit of others or a cause.
self-satisfaction
nounC1
/ˌself ˌsæt.ɪsˈfæk.ʃən/A feeling of being pleased with yourself, often due to achievement or a belief in your own superiority, sometimes with negative connotations of smugness.
self-seeker
nounLow
/ˌself ˈsiːkə/A person who is primarily interested in their own personal gain, advancement, or pleasure.
self-seeking
adjectivenounB2/C1
/ˌself ˈsiːkɪŋ/Acting with the primary or sole aim of gaining advantage for oneself.
self-selection
nounC1-C2
/ˌself sɪˈlek.ʃən/the action or process of selecting or choosing something by oneself, without external imposition.
self-service
adjectivenounB2 (Intermediate)
/ˌself ˈsɜː.vɪs/A system where customers serve themselves, typically in retail, dining, or technology contexts.
self-slaughter
nounVery Low
/ˌself ˈslɔːtə/The act of killing oneself; suicide.
self-slayer
nounRare
/ˌsɛlf ˈsleɪə/A person who kills themselves; a suicide.
self-soothe
verb-intransitiveB2
/ˌselfˈsuːð/To calm or comfort oneself, especially during emotional distress, without external help.
self-sow
verb-intransitiveLow (specialist/gardening/agriculture contexts)
/ˌself ˈsəʊ/To propagate naturally without human intervention, typically by scattering seeds from a parent plant.
self-starter
nounC1
/ˌself ˈstɑːtə/A person who is able to begin and continue tasks independently, without needing external direction or encouragement.
self-study
adjectivenounB2
/ˌself ˈstʌdi/The process of acquiring knowledge or skill independently, without direct instruction from a teacher, by using books, online materials, or other resources.
self-suggestion
nounLow
/ˌself səˈdʒestʃən/The act of influencing one's own thoughts, attitudes, or physical state by repeatedly affirming ideas to oneself, often to bring about a desired change.
self-support
nounMedium
/ˌself səˈpɔːt/The ability to maintain oneself financially or independently without external assistance.
self-surrender
nounC1/C2
/ˌself səˈren.dər/The voluntary act of giving up one's own will, control, or autonomy to a higher power, another person, or a cause.
self-talk
nounB2
/ˌself ˈtɔːk/The internal dialogue one has with oneself, comprising thoughts, statements, and questions directed at the self.
self-tanning
nounC1
/ˌself ˈtæn.ɪŋ/The process or practice of applying a product to one's own skin to produce a tanned appearance without exposure to the sun.

Showing 3601–3620 of 15552 words.