commendable, regenerative, smart, sticky, accustomed: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 124. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. commendable · adjective/kəˈmɛnɪdəbl/

   worthy of praise or commendation

   Her dedication to volunteering in the community is truly commendable and inspires others to give back.

   Synonyms: praiseworthy, admirable, laudable

   Origin: from Middle English 'comenden', from Latin 'commendare' meaning 'to entrust, recommend' (com- 'with' + mandare 'to entrust')

2. regenerative · adjective/rɪˈdʒɛn.ə.reɪ.tɪv/

   pertaining to the process of regeneration or renewal

   The regenerative capabilities of the ecosystem allowed it to recover quickly after the wildfire.

   Synonyms: restorative, revitalizing, renewing

   Origin: from Latin 'regenerare', meaning 'to produce again', composed of 're-' (again) and 'gen- (to produce)

3. smart · adjective/smɑrt/

   having or showing quick-witted intelligence or the ability to think and learn quickly

   She always comes up with smart solutions to complex problems.

   Synonyms: intelligent, clever, bright

   Origin: Middle English smert, from Old English smeortan meaning 'to sting or pain', adopted in the sense of 'keen, sharp-minded'.

4. sticky · adjective/ˈstɪki/

   having the quality of adhering or capable of adhering to a surface

   The sticky adhesive on the back of the tape made it easy to attach the poster to the wall.

   Synonyms: tacky, adhesive, clinging

   Origin: Middle English 'sticki', from Old English 'sticca', meaning 'to stick'.

5. accustomed · adjective/əˈkʌs.təmd/

   familiar with something through frequent use or experience

   She was accustomed to waking up early every morning for her daily jog.

   Synonyms: used to, familiar, habituated

   Origin: From the late Middle English 'accustumed,' from Old French 'acostumer' meaning 'to make accustomed,' from Latin 'accustomare,' combining 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'custom' meaning 'custom or habit.'