IELTS Vocabulary — Set 117

Set 117 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: instinctive, cooperative, credible, instrumental, indifferent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. instinctive · adjective/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/

   relating to or denoting a natural or inherent capability or response

   Her instinctive response to danger was to run rather than think.

   Synonyms: intuitive, inherent, automatic

   Origin: from Latin 'instinctivus', from 'instinctus', meaning 'to instill, to impart'

2. cooperative · adjective/koʊˈɑːpərətɪv/

   involving mutual assistance in working toward a common goal

   The team worked together in a cooperative effort to complete the project ahead of schedule.

   Synonyms: collaborative, united, joint

   Origin: derived from the Latin 'cooperari', meaning 'to work together'

3. credible · adjective/ˈkrɛdəbəl/

   able to be believed or trusted

   The detective was able to provide a credible witness who confirmed the suspect's alibi.

   Synonyms: believable, reliable, trustworthy

   Origin: from Latin 'credibilis', from 'credere' meaning 'to believe'

4. instrumental · adjective/ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntəl/

   serving as a means or instrument to achieve something

   The community center was instrumental in providing resources for low-income families.

   Synonyms: helpful, contributory, facilitative

   Origin: from Latin 'instrumentalis', meaning 'serving as an instrument or tool'

5. indifferent · adjective/ɪnˈdɪf.ɚ.ənt/

   having no particular interest or concern

   Despite the important issue at hand, she remained indifferent to the ongoing debate, as if it didn't concern her at all.

   Synonyms: apathetic, uninterested, unconcerned

   Origin: from Latin 'indifferentem', meaning 'not different' or 'not caring'