aplomb, disquiet, rectitude, interlocutor, contention: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 115. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. aplomb · noun/əˈplɑm/

   self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation

   She handled the challenging presentation with remarkable aplomb, impressing everyone in the audience.

   Synonyms: poise, composure, self-assurance

   Origin: French, literally meaning 'perpendicularity' or 'vertically', derived from 'aplomb', which means 'to be perpendicular' or 'to have balance.'

2. disquiet · noun/dɪsˈkwaɪ.ɪt/

   a feeling of unease or anxiety

   The community expressed deep disquiet over the sudden rise in crime rates, fearing for their safety.

   Synonyms: unease, anxiety, agitation

   Origin: From Middle English disquieten, derived from Latin disquietare, meaning 'to make unquiet.'

3. rectitude · noun/ˈrɛktɪtud/

   moral integrity and righteousness

   Her unwavering rectitude in the face of adversity earned her the respect of her peers.

   Synonyms: uprightness, morality, integrity

   Origin: from Latin 'rectitudo', from 'rectus' meaning 'right' or 'straight'

4. interlocutor · noun/ˌɪntəlˈkjuːtər/

   a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue

   During the debate, each interlocutor presented their arguments clearly and respectfully.

   Synonyms: dialogist, conversant, participant

   Origin: The word 'interlocutor' comes from the Latin 'interlocut-,' the past participle of 'interloqui,' which means 'to speak between.'

5. contention · noun/kənˈtɛn.ʃən/

   a disagreement or argument

   The primary contention among the team members was over the best strategy to approach the project.

   Synonyms: disagreement, dispute, argument

   Origin: from Latin 'contentio', meaning 'a stretching, straining, or contesting', derived from 'contendere' meaning 'to stretch against' or 'to strive'.