--- title: S — The English dictionary with trees and pragmatics · page 95 description: The 2316 words of the English dictionary under S, every meaning for a pupil and every example with its dependency tree and pragmatics. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/95/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [dictionaries](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/) / [English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/) / S # S — The English dictionary · page 95 [A](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/A/) · [B](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/B/) · [C](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) · [D](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/D/) · [E](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/E/) · [F](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/F/) · [G](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/G/) · [H](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/H/) · [I](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/I/) · [J](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/J/) · [K](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/K/) · [L](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/L/) · [M](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/M/) · [N](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/N/) · [O](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/O/) · [P](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) · [Q](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Q/) · [R](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/R/) · [S](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/) · [T](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/T/) · [U](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/U/) · [V](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/V/) · [W](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/W/) · [X](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/X/) · [Y](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Y/) · [Z](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Z/) [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/) … [94](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/94/) **95** [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/96/) … [127](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/127/) **sterility** — *In Jewish tradition, meaning 1:* The condition of being unable to have children or to produce crops; barrenness.[↗](../../sterility/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* These are double, because their opposites take part in life, opposed to Life is Death; to Peace, War; to Riches, Poverty; to Beauty or Reputation, Deformity or Disrepute; to Wisdom, Ignorance; to Fruitfulness, Sterility; to Power, Slavery.[↗](../../sterility/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887)[↗](../../sterility/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") **sterling** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Sterling is the money of the United Kingdom; its main unit is the pound (£).[↗](../../sterling/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") «Pound sterling» is its full name.[↗](../../sterling/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Sterling silver is silver that is 92.5% pure.[↗](../../sterling/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Sterling (adjective) means excellent and reliable: sterling work, a sterling effort.[↗](../../sterling/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The price is given in pounds sterling.[↗](../../sterling/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · £1 sterling is worth 100 pence.[↗](../../sterling/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Grandma's necklace is sterling silver.[↗](../../sterling/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The volunteers did sterling work at the fair.[↗](../../sterling/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · We changed our sterling into euros for the trip to Ireland.[↗](../../sterling/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The goalkeeper made a sterling save.[↗](../../sterling/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Sterling is one of the oldest currencies still used.[↗](../../sterling/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **stern** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Stern means serious and strict, not smiling, like a teacher who wants you to behave.[↗](../../stern/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* The stern is the back part of a ship or boat.[↗](../../stern/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Stern can also describe a hard, serious test or warning: a stern warning.[↗](../../stern/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The headteacher gave us a stern look.[↗](../../stern/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Grandpa's voice was stern: «Go to bed now.»[↗](../../stern/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · We got a stern warning about running in the corridor.[↗](../../stern/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · We sat at the stern of the boat.[↗](../../stern/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The captain stood at the stern and steered.[↗](../../stern/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · She is stern but fair.[↗](../../stern/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The ship was cleaned from stem to stern.[↗](../../stern/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Now, Minos was a stern and pitiless king.[↗](../../stern/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **sternly** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* In a strict, serious and unsmiling way, often when someone has done wrong.[↗](../../sternly/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* «Sit down,» said the teacher sternly.[↗](../../sternly/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Badger looked sternly at Toad.[↗](../../sternly/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Dad sternly reminded us to look both ways.[↗](../../sternly/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The judge spoke sternly to the thief.[↗](../../sternly/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · She frowned sternly at the muddy boots.[↗](../../sternly/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The sign sternly warned: No Swimming.[↗](../../sternly/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · “You know it now,” the king replied sternly.[↗](../../sternly/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **steroid** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A steroid is a kind of chemical, made in the body or as a medicine, that can calm swelling or act like hormones.[↗](../../steroid/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Steroid creams and inhalers are medicines doctors give for eczema, asthma and other illnesses.[↗](../../steroid/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Steroids (anabolic steroids) are also drugs some people take to build muscles; using them like this is often against sports rules and can harm health.[↗](../../steroid/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* (informal) «On steroids» means much bigger or stronger than usual: «It's like a skateboard on steroids».[↗](../../steroid/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The doctor gave me a steroid cream for my eczema.[↗](../../steroid/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · My brown inhaler has a small dose of steroid in it.[↗](../../steroid/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The runner was banned for taking steroids.[↗](../../steroid/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Taking steroids without a doctor can damage your heart.[↗](../../steroid/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · This new bike is like a scooter on steroids.[↗](../../steroid/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Your body makes some steroids naturally, like hormones.[↗](../../steroid/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **stethoscope** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A doctor's tool with earpieces and a tube with a small disc at the end, used to listen to the heart, lungs and breathing.[↗](../../stethoscope/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The doctor listened to my chest with a stethoscope.[↗](../../stethoscope/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The disc of the stethoscope felt cold.[↗](../../stethoscope/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Through the stethoscope I heard my heart beating.[↗](../../stethoscope/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The vet used a stethoscope on our dog.[↗](../../stethoscope/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · She wore a toy stethoscope for the school play.[↗](../../stethoscope/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Count the heartbeats you hear in 15 seconds, then multiply by 4.[↗](../../stethoscope/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **stew** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A meal of meat or vegetables cooked slowly in liquid in a pot.[↗](../../stew/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To cook food slowly in liquid.[↗](../../stew/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *e.g.* "stewed apples".[↗](../../stew/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Informally, "in a stew" means worried and upset; to "stew" means to keep worrying about something.[↗](../../stew/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* We had beef stew for dinner.[↗](../../stew/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Irish stew is made with lamb and potatoes.[↗](../../stew/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Grandma stewed some apples for the crumble.[↗](../../stew/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The stew cooked slowly for three hours.[↗](../../stew/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Stop stewing about the test and go to bed.[↗](../../stew/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · She was in a real stew about losing her keys.[↗](../../stew/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The Fowler with great joy ran home to his wife, who speedily made a savoury stew of the Yellow Bird.[↗](../../stew/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · And if thy offering be a meal-offering of the stewing-pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil.[↗](../../stew/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah LEV.2.7, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stew/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · And every meal-offering that is baked in the oven, and all that is dressed in the stewing-pan, and on the griddle, shall be the priest's that offereth it.[↗](../../stew/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah LEV.7.9, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stew/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") **steward** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A steward is a person whose job is to look after passengers on a plane, ship or train.[↗](../../steward/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A person who helps organise and keep people safe at a big event, like a match or a concert.[↗](../../steward/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* A person who looks after land, property or something precious for others.[↗](../../steward/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The steward brought us drinks on the plane.[↗](../../steward/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Ask a steward if you get lost at the match.[↗](../../steward/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The stewards showed people to their seats.[↗](../../steward/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Listen to the steward during the safety talk.[↗](../../steward/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Farmers are stewards of the land.[↗](../../steward/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The steward checked our tickets on the ferry.[↗](../../steward/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The steward said that he would manage this all right.[↗](../../steward/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they spoke unto him at the door of the house, (Torah GEN.43.19, JPS 1917)[↗](../../steward/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · And he commanded the steward of his house, saying: 'Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.[↗](../../steward/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah GEN.44.1, JPS 1917)[↗](../../steward/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house: 'Bring the men into the house, and kill the beasts, and prepare the meat; for the men shall dine with me at noon.'[↗](../../steward/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah GEN.43.16, JPS 1917)[↗](../../steward/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · So the steward took away their food, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.[↗](../../steward/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings DAN.1.16, JPS 1917)[↗](../../steward/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · Then said Daniel to the steward, whom the chief of the officers had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: (Writings DAN.1.11, JPS 1917)[↗](../../steward/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") · Thus saith the Lord, the GOD of hosts: Go, get thee unto this steward, even unto Shebna, who is over the house: (Prophets ISA.22.15, JPS 1917)[↗](../../steward/#x13 "tree and pragmatics") **stewardship** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Looking after something carefully on behalf of someone else, or for the future.[↗](../../stewardship/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (church) Christians believe God made the world and gave people stewardship of it: the duty to care for the earth, animals and gifts, not waste them.[↗](../../stewardship/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (money, formal) Managing money or a business carefully and responsibly.[↗](../../stewardship/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Christians believe humans have stewardship of God's creation.[↗](../../stewardship/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Planting trees is good stewardship of the land.[↗](../../stewardship/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The club grew under the stewardship of its new coach.[↗](../../stewardship/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Our eco-club teaches stewardship of the school garden.[↗](../../stewardship/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Stewardship means looking after what is not only ours.[↗](../../stewardship/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The church talked about stewardship of time and money.[↗](../../stewardship/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **stick** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A stick is a thin piece of wood, often fallen from a tree.[↗](../../stick/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A stick is a long thin thing: a walking stick, a hockey stick, a glue stick, a stick of celery.[↗](../../stick/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* To stick is to fix one thing to another with glue or tape.[↗](../../stick/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* To stick is to push a pointed thing into something: stick a pin in.[↗](../../stick/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 5:* To stick is to become fixed and unable to move: the door sticks.[↗](../../stick/#m5 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 6:* To stick with something is to keep doing it.[↗](../../stick/#m6 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 7:* Stick can also be an informal, affectionate name for a friend, as in "old stick".[↗](../../stick/#m7 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Tom collected 24 sticks for the fire.[↗](../../stick/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Each pack has 6 glue sticks.[↗](../../stick/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · She sticks 5 stickers on each page.[↗](../../stick/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · A stick is 30 centimeters long.[↗](../../stick/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The dog fetched the stick from the river.[↗](../../stick/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Grandpa walks with a stick.[↗](../../stick/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Stick the picture into your book.[↗](../../stick/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Friends stick together.[↗](../../stick/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · Stick to the path in the forest.[↗](../../stick/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · “OLD Stick!” said the Rocket, “impossible\![↗](../../stick/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.[↗](../../stick/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah NUM.15.33, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stick/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks upon the sabbath day.[↗](../../stick/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah NUM.15.32, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stick/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") · And there shall be six branches going out of the sides thereof: three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candle-stick out of the other side thereof; (Torah EXO.25.32, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stick/#x13 "tree and pragmatics") · They are joined one to another; they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.[↗](../../stick/#x14 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings JOB.41.9, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stick/#x14 "tree and pragmatics") · And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thy hand before their eyes.[↗](../../stick/#x15 "tree and pragmatics") (Prophets EZK.37.20, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stick/#x15 "tree and pragmatics") · And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and made the iron to swim.[↗](../../stick/#x16 "tree and pragmatics") (Prophets 2KI.6.6, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stick/#x16 "tree and pragmatics") **sticker** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A sticker is a small picture or label with glue on the back that you can stick on things.[↗](../../sticker/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A price sticker is a small label in a shop that shows how much something costs.[↗](../../sticker/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Anna has 9 stickers and gives 4 to a friend.[↗](../../sticker/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Max buys 3 sheets of stickers with 10 stickers on each.[↗](../../sticker/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Zoe loses a quarter of her stickers.[↗](../../sticker/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The teacher gave me a gold star sticker for my spelling.[↗](../../sticker/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · I stuck a dinosaur sticker on my lunch box.[↗](../../sticker/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Mia keeps her stickers in a sticker book.[↗](../../sticker/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Peel the sticker off slowly so it does not tear.[↗](../../sticker/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · The price sticker on the toy says 5 dollars.[↗](../../sticker/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **stickleback** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A stickleback is a small fish with sharp spines on its back, found in ponds, streams and coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere.[↗](../../stickleback/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* The male three-spined stickleback builds a nest of plants and turns red underneath in the breeding season.[↗](../../stickleback/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* We caught a stickleback while pond dipping and then let it go.[↗](../../stickleback/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The stickleback has spiky spines on its back.[↗](../../stickleback/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The male stickleback builds a nest and guards the eggs.[↗](../../stickleback/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · In spring the male stickleback's belly turns red.[↗](../../stickleback/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Herons and kingfishers eat sticklebacks.[↗](../../stickleback/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Sticklebacks raise their spines so bigger fish can't swallow them.[↗](../../stickleback/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Scientists study sticklebacks to learn how animals change over time.[↗](../../stickleback/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **sticky** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Sticky means covered with something like glue, honey or syrup that sticks to things.[↗](../../sticky/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Sticky can mean able to stick to surfaces, like sticky tape or a sticky note.[↗](../../sticky/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Sticky weather is hot and damp, making you feel sweaty.[↗](../../sticky/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* A sticky situation is difficult or awkward.[↗](../../sticky/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* My hands are sticky from the honey.[↗](../../sticky/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Hold the picture with sticky tape.[↗](../../sticky/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Write the reminder on a sticky note.[↗](../../sticky/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · It was a hot, sticky summer night.[↗](../../sticky/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The floor was sticky where the juice spilled.[↗](../../sticky/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · We were in a sticky situation when the bus left without us.[↗](../../sticky/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Spider webs are sticky to catch insects.[↗](../../sticky/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · They could not pull their feet out of the sticky mass.[↗](../../sticky/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **stiff** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Stiff means hard and not easy to bend or move.[↗](../../stiff/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* If your body is stiff, your muscles or joints hurt and are hard to move.[↗](../../stiff/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Stiff means difficult or strong, like a stiff test or a stiff wind.[↗](../../stiff/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* Stiff behaviour is too formal and not friendly or relaxed.[↗](../../stiff/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 5:* Bored stiff or scared stiff means very bored or very scared.[↗](../../stiff/#m5 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 6:* Stiff can also mean stubborn and refusing to give way.[↗](../../stiff/#m6 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The new shoes are stiff and hurt my feet.[↗](../../stiff/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · My legs were stiff after the long walk.[↗](../../stiff/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Cardboard is stiffer than paper.[↗](../../stiff/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · I woke up with a stiff neck.[↗](../../stiff/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · A stiff wind blew across the field.[↗](../../stiff/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The test was stiff, but I passed.[↗](../../stiff/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · I was scared stiff during the film.[↗](../../stiff/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Who's a gwine fer ter stan' stiff-kneed en bol'.[↗](../../stiff/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck; behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?[↗](../../stiff/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah DEU.31.27, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stiff/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · He runneth upon him with a stiff neck, with the thick bosses of his bucklers.[↗](../../stiff/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings JOB.15.26, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stiff/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and all his bones grow stiff; (Writings JOB.33.19, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stiff/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · yet they hearkened not unto Me, nor inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff; they did worse than their fathers.[↗](../../stiff/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") (Prophets JER.7.26, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stiff/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") **stiffen** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To stiffen is to become hard, firm or difficult to bend.[↗](../../stiffen/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* When a person or animal stiffens, their body suddenly goes tense and still, often from fear or anger.[↗](../../stiffen/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* To stiffen something is to make it firmer or stronger.[↗](../../stiffen/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* To stiffen can also mean to turn into stone.[↗](../../stiffen/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Whisk the egg whites until they stiffen.[↗](../../stiffen/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · My legs stiffened after the long walk.[↗](../../stiffen/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The dog stiffened when it heard a noise.[↗](../../stiffen/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · She stiffened when the stranger spoke to her.[↗](../../stiffen/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Starch is used to stiffen collars.[↗](../../stiffen/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The clay stiffens as it dries.[↗](../../stiffen/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Stretch after running so your muscles don't stiffen.[↗](../../stiffen/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Calling to his friends to avert their faces, he drew it from his wallet, and held it before Phineus and his formidable body-guard, whereupon they all stiffened into stone.[↗](../../stiffen/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God; but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD, the God of Israel.[↗](../../stiffen/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings 2CH.36.13, JPS 1917)[↗](../../stiffen/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") **stiffly** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Stiffly means in a stiff way, without bending easily, as when your body is sore or cold.[↗](../../stiffly/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Stiffly means in a cold, formal, unfriendly way: «she answered stiffly».[↗](../../stiffly/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Grandpa got up stiffly from his chair.[↗](../../stiffly/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · After the race I walked stiffly to the car.[↗](../../stiffly/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The soldier stood stiffly to attention.[↗](../../stiffly/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · «No, thank you,» she said stiffly.[↗](../../stiffly/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The robot moved its arms stiffly.[↗](../../stiffly/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · He bowed stiffly to the guests.[↗](../../stiffly/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The frozen washing hung stiffly on the line.[↗](../../stiffly/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/) … [94](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/94/) **95** [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/96/) … [127](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/127/) - ← previous: [page 94](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/94/) - next →: [page 96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/page/96/) - ↑ back to [The English 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