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substance

noun/ˈsʌbstəns/

definition

that which has mass and occupies space

example

Water is a common substance that exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.

synonyms
mattermaterialphysical entity
word origin — from Latin 'substantia', which means 'being, essence', from 'substare' meaning 'to stand firm, to be, exist'

substance, prejudice, bulk, plough, intensification: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 120. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. substance · noun/ˈsʌbstəns/

    that which has mass and occupies space

    Water is a common substance that exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.

    Synonyms: matter, material, physical entity

    Origin: from Latin 'substantia', which means 'being, essence', from 'substare' meaning 'to stand firm, to be, exist'

  2. prejudice · noun/ˈprɛdʒ.ə.dɪs/

    a preconceived opinion or judgment about a person or group not based on reason or actual experience

    Her prejudice against people from different cultures was evident in her dismissive comments.

    Synonyms: bias, discrimination, intolerance

    Origin: from Old French 'prejudicium', which comes from Latin 'praeiudicium', meaning 'judgment in advance', from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'iudicium' meaning 'judgment'.

  3. bulk · noun/bʌlk/

    the mass or volume of something large, especially when regarded as a single entity

    The bulk of the shipment arrived at the warehouse yesterday, ready for distribution.

    Synonyms: mass, volume, size

    Origin: From Middle Dutch 'bulck', meaning 'a mass or load', derived from the Old Norse 'bölk', meaning 'a pile or bulk'.

  4. plough · noun/plaʊ/

    a large agricultural implement used for tilling the soil and preparing it for planting

    The farmer used a modern plough to cultivate the fields for the upcoming planting season.

    Synonyms: plow, tiller, cultivator

    Origin: Old English 'plōg', related to Dutch 'ploo', German 'Pflug', from Proto-Germanic '*plōhwan' meaning to plough or turn over soil.

  5. intensification · noun/ɪnˌtɛnsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

    the process of making something stronger or more intense

    The intensification of the training program resulted in significant improvements in the athletes' performance.

    Synonyms: amplification, escalation, enhancement

    Origin: from the Latin 'intensificare', meaning 'to strengthen' or 'to heighten'