IELTS Vocabulary — Set 103

Set 103 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: ingenuity, exclusivity, endurance, shade, devastation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. ingenuity · noun/ˌɪn.dʒəˈnuː.ə.ti/

   the quality of being inventive and creative in devising solutions or ideas

   The engineer's ingenuity was evident in the innovative design of the new solar panel.

   Synonyms: inventiveness, creativity, resourcefulness

   Origin: from Latin 'ingenuitas', meaning 'natural talent' or 'innate ability'

2. exclusivity · noun/ɪkˌskluːˈsɪvɪti/

   the state of being limited to a particular group or individual

   The exclusivity of the private club attracted only the wealthiest individuals in the city.

   Synonyms: selectivity, restrictiveness, privacy

   Origin: from Latin 'exclusivus' meaning 'to shut out'

3. endurance · noun/ɪnˈdʊr.əns/

   the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity

   His remarkable endurance during the marathon surprised everyone, as he pushed through the pain for hours.

   Synonyms: stamina, perseverance, resilience

   Origin: from Middle English 'enduren', from Old French 'endurer', from Latin 'indurare' meaning 'to make hard'

4. shade · noun/ʃeɪd/

   a slight variation in color or a darker area caused by blocking light

   The artist chose a deep shade of blue for the ocean scene, creating a sense of depth and tranquility.

   Synonyms: tint, hue, shadow

   Origin: Middle English 'shade' from Old English 'sceadu', meaning 'shadow, darkness'

5. devastation · noun/ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/

   severe and overwhelming destruction

   The devastation caused by the hurricane left entire towns in ruins.

   Synonyms: destruction, ruin, havoc

   Origin: From Latin 'devastatio', from 'devastare', meaning 'to lay waste'.