Upper-Intermediate English (2) • ADJECTIVES, ADVERBS • 'S'

collocation with shady adjective B2 informal, disapproving • synonyms: suspicious, dubious, corrupt • shady organizations/deals/networks/figures • work with/be linked to/fund shady organizations • freq in AmE: 7/10

groups or entities whose activities are secretive, suspicious, or potentially illegal; often associated with corruption, manipulation, or hidden agendas

adjective B2 • synonyms: homeless, abandoned, wandering • stray dog/cat/animal; rescue/feed/spot a stray • freq in AmE: 7/10

used to describe an animal that has no home or owner; often seen wandering alone or lost

adjective B2 informal, figurative • synonyms: expensive, excessive, unreasonable, high, over the top • a steep price/cost/fee/fine/increase; prices are getting steeper • freq in AmE: 8/10

(of prices, costs, or demands) unreasonably high; much more expensive or excessive than seems fair or expected

collocation with steep adjective B2 informal, figurative • synonyms: high cost, hefty price • pay/charge/ask a steep price; come at a steep price; steep price for something • steep price of failure/success/freedom • freq in AmE: 6/10

a very high cost, often implying excessiveness or emotional consequence. Used both in financial contexts and metaphorically to describe sacrifices, consequences, or burdens

collocation with stunning adjective B2 • synonyms: breathtaking scenery, spectacular vistas, panoramic views • stunning views of something; offer/enjoy/capture stunning views; someone wakes up to stunning views • freq in AmE: 7/10

(BEAUTIFUL) exceptionally beautiful or breathtaking visual scenes, often of landscapes, cityscapes, or natural surroundings; evokes admiration or awe

collocation with sprawling adjective B2 • synonyms: expansive/rambling/lush garden • sprawling garden filled with X; wander through/maintain sprawling garden • freq in AmE: 5/10

a large, wide-reaching garden that extends irregularly or expansively over an area — often evoking abundance, natural growth, or relaxed design

adjective B2 • synonyms: expansive, extensive, rambling • sprawling city/metropolis/complex; sprawling suburbs • vast and sprawling; sprawling branches/roots • freq in AmE: 6/10

spreading out over a large area in an irregular or uncontrolled way, often used to describe cities, buildings, or plants

collocation with sprawling adjective B2 • synonyms: extensive metropolis, spread-out city • navigate/explore a sprawling city; live in a sprawling city • the sprawling city of (name); vast/massive sprawling city • freq in AmE: 7/10

a city that spreads out over a large area in an irregular, unplanned way, often with low-density development and unclear boundaries

adjective [after verb ] B2 • synonyms: stretched out, spread out, lying flat • sprawled (out) on something; sprawled on/across something; lie/sit sprawled • sprawled out; sprawled on the floor/couch/ground • freq in AmE: 6/10

lying or sitting with limbs spread out in a relaxed, careless, or awkward way, often after falling or collapsing