so|phis|ti|cat|ed ◆◇◇ /səf I st I ke I t I d/
1 ADJ A sophisticated machine, device, or method is more advanced or complex than others. □ Honeybees use one of the most sophisticated communication systems of any insect. □ …a large and sophisticated new British telescope.
2 ADJ Someone who is sophisticated is comfortable in social situations and knows about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important. □ Claude was a charming, sophisticated companion.
3 ADJ A sophisticated person is intelligent and knows a lot, so that they are able to understand complicated situations. □ These people are very sophisticated observers of the foreign policy scene.
so|phis|ti|ca|tion /səf I st I ke I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT The sophistication of machines or methods is their quality of being more advanced or complex than others. □ [+ of ] Given the sophistication of modern machines, there is little that cannot be washed at home.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Sophistication is the quality of being comfortable in social situations and knowing about culture, fashion, and other matters that are considered socially important. □ James Bond is known for his sophistication, his style and his sense of class.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Sophistication is the quality of being intelligent and knowing a lot, so that you are able to understand complicated situations. □ Growing sophistication among biotech investors presented an opportunity for a more specialist investment fund.
soph|ist|ries /sɒ f I striz/ N‑PLURAL Sophistries are clever arguments that sound convincing but are in fact false. [FORMAL ] □ They refuted the 'sophistries of the economists'.
soph|ist|ry /sɒ f I stri/ N‑UNCOUNT Sophistry is the practice of using clever arguments that sound convincing but are in fact false. [FORMAL ] □ Political selection is more dependent on sophistry and less on economic literacy.
sopho|more /sɒ fəmɔː r / (sophomores ) N‑COUNT A sophomore is a student in the second year of college or high school. [AM ]
sopo|rif|ic /sɒ pər I f I k/ ADJ Something that is soporific makes you feel sleepy. [FORMAL ] □ …the soothing, soporific effects of sitting by an open fire .
sop|ping /sɒ p I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is sopping or sopping wet is extremely wet. [INFORMAL ] □ They came back sopping wet.
sop|py /sɒ pi/ (soppier , soppiest ) ADJ If you describe someone or something as soppy , you mean that they are foolishly sentimental. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ He's constantly on the phone to his girlfriend being soppy.
so|pra|no /səprɑː noʊ, -præ n-/ (sopranos ) N‑COUNT A soprano is a woman, girl, or boy with a high singing voice. □ She was the main soprano at the Bolshoi theatre. □ …a pretty girl with a sweet soprano voice.
sor|bet /sɔː r be I , [AM ] -b I t/ (sorbets ) N‑VAR Sorbet is a frozen dessert made with fruit juice, sugar, and water. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a light lemon sorbet. in AM, use sherbet
sor|cer|er /sɔː r sərə r / (sorcerers ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a sorcerer is a person who performs magic by using the power of evil spirits.
sor|cer|ess /sɔː r sər I s/ (sorceresses ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories, a sorceress is a woman who performs magic by using the power of evil spirits.
sor|cery /sɔː r səri/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorcery is magic performed by using the power of evil spirits.
sor|did /sɔː r d I d/
1 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as sordid , you mean that it is immoral or dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I don't want to hear the sordid details of your relationship with Sandra.
2 ADJ If you describe a place as sordid , you mean that it is dirty, unpleasant, or depressing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the attic windows of their sordid little rooms.
sore /sɔː r / (sorer , sorest , sores )
1 ADJ If part of your body is sore , it causes you pain and discomfort. □ It's years since I've had a sore throat like I did last night. □ My chest is still sore from the surgery. ● sore|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ The soreness lasted for about six weeks.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are sore about something, you are angry and upset about it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [+ at/about ] The result is that they are now all feeling very sore at you.
3 N‑COUNT A sore is a painful place on the body where the skin is infected.
4 → see also cold sore
5 PHRASE If something is a sore point with someone, it is likely to make them angry or embarrassed if you try to discuss it. □ [+ with/for/between ] The continuing presence of American troops on Korean soil remains a very sore point with these students.
6 to stick out like a sore thumb → see thumb
sore|ly /sɔː r li/ ADV [ADV before v] Sorely is used to emphasize that a feeling such as disappointment or need is very strong. [EMPHASIS ] □ I for one was sorely disappointed. □ The new wing of the church provided sorely needed classroom space. □ He will be sorely missed.
sor|ghum /sɔː r gəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorghum is a type of corn that is grown in warm countries. Its grain can be made into flour or syrup.
so|ror|ity /sɒrɔː r I ti/ (sororities ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a sorority is a society of female university or college students.
sor|rel /sɒ rəl, [AM ] sɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Sorrel is a plant whose leaves have a bitter taste and are sometimes used in salads and sauces.