belfry, incision, nadir, chimera, propinquity: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 33. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. belfry · noun/ˈbɛlfrɪ/

   a tower or part of a tower in which a bell is hung

   The village grew quiet as the sun set, allowing the sound of the church bells from the belfry to resonate through the air.

   Synonyms: bell tower, tower, steeple

   Origin: from Middle English 'belfrie', from Old French 'berfrei', of Germanic origin.

2. incision · noun/ɪnˈsɪʒ.ən/

   a surgical cut made in skin or flesh

   The surgeon made a precise incision along the patient's abdomen to perform the necessary operation.

   Synonyms: cut, slice, opening

   Origin: Latin 'incisio', from 'incidere' meaning 'to cut in' (in- 'in' + caedere 'to cut')

3. nadir · noun/ˈneɪ.dɪr/

   the lowest point in a person's fortunes or in a particular situation

   After losing his job and going through a tough divorce, John felt he had reached the nadir of his life.

   Synonyms: lowest point, bottom, rock bottom

   Origin: from Arabic نَظِير‎ (naẓīr, 'opposite, counterpart'), via medieval Latin nadir, from the Latin nadir.

4. chimera · noun/kaɪˈmɪrə/

   an unrealistic or fanciful idea; an illusion

   His dreams of becoming a rock star were nothing more than a climera, given his lack of musical talent.

   Synonyms: fantasy, illusion, delusion, pipe dream

   Origin: from Greek 'khimaira', a mythical fire-breathing creature with parts of a lion, goat, and serpent; later used figuratively for an impossible or fanciful idea

5. propinquity · noun/prəˈpɪŋkwɪti/

   nearness in place or relationship

   Their propinquity to each other fostered a deep friendship that blossomed over the years.

   Synonyms: proximity, nearness, closeness

   Origin: from Latin 'propinquitas', meaning 'nearness, relation', from 'propinquus', meaning 'near, related'