viable, bizarre, conservative, lucrative, numerous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 110. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. viable · adjective/ˈvaɪəbl/

   capable of working successfully or feasible

   The team proposed a viable solution to the ongoing issues in the project.

   Synonyms: feasible, practicable, workable

   Origin: from French 'viable', from 'vie' meaning 'life', from Latin 'vita'

2. bizarre · adjective/bɪˈzɑr/

   very strange or unusual

   The presentation took a bizarre turn when the speaker suddenly began performing magic tricks.

   Synonyms: strange, odd, peculiar

   Origin: The word 'bizarre' comes from the French 'bizarre', which means 'odd' or 'peculiar'. It is believed to have Spanish origins from the word 'bizarro', meaning 'brave' or 'handsome', possibly derived from the Italian 'bizzarro'.

3. conservative · adjective/kənˈsɜrvətɪv/

   disposed to preserve existing conditions or to restore traditional ones

   The conservative approach to education reform emphasizes traditional teaching methods and core subjects over experimental strategies.

   Synonyms: traditional, cautious, moderate

   Origin: from Latin 'conservare', meaning 'to keep, retain' (con- 'together' + servare 'to keep, save')

4. lucrative · adjective/ˈluː.krə.tɪv/

   producing a great deal of profit

   Investing in real estate can be a lucrative venture for those who know the market well.

   Synonyms: profitable, rewarding, fruitful

   Origin: from Latin 'lucrativus', from 'lucrari' meaning 'to gain or profit'

5. numerous · adjective/ˈnuː.mər.əs/

   many in number

   The researchers published numerous studies that highlighted the benefits of regular exercise.

   Synonyms: countless, many, myriad

   Origin: from Latin 'numerosus', meaning 'full of numbers'