nerve, recollection, entitlement, obedience, standardization: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 136. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. nerve · noun/nɜrv/

   a bundle of fibers that transmits signals between the brain and all parts of the body

   The doctor explained how the sensory nerve carries signals from the skin to the brain, allowing us to feel touch and temperature.

   Synonyms: cord, fiber, nerve fiber

   Origin: The word 'nerve' originates from the Latin 'nervus', meaning 'sinew' or 'tendon'.

2. recollection · noun/ˌrɛkəˈlɛkʃən/

   the action of remembering something

   Her recollection of the events was detailed and vivid, making it easy for her to share the story.

   Synonyms: remembrance, memory, recall

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Old French 'recollectcion' or from Latin 'recollectio(n-)', from 're-' meaning 'again' + 'collegere' meaning 'gather'.

3. entitlement · noun/ɪnˈtaɪt(ə)lmənt/

   the belief that one is deserving of certain privileges or special treatment

   His sense of entitlement made it difficult for him to appreciate the hard work of others around him.

   Synonyms: privilege, right, claim

   Origin: The word 'entitlement' derives from the Middle English 'entitlen,' which comes from the Latin 'entitlāre,' meaning to give a title to.

4. obedience · noun/əˈbiːdiəns/

   compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority

   The soldier's obedience to commands ensured the success of the mission.

   Synonyms: compliance, submission, loyalty

   Origin: from Old French 'obedience', from Latin 'obedientia', from 'obedire' meaning 'to obey'

5. standardization · noun/ˌstændərdaɪˈzeɪʃən/

   the process of making something conform to a standard

   The standardization of safety protocols across all branches of the company has significantly reduced workplace accidents.

   Synonyms: standard, normalization, regulation

   Origin: The word 'standardization' originated from 'standard' which comes from Old French 'estandard' (meaning 'a flag or a sign') combined with the suffix '-ization' indicating the process of making.