Set 145 · Study 1 / 5

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accountable

adjective/əˈkaʊntəbl/

obligated to explain, justify, or report on something

As a manager, she is accountable for her team's performance and must provide regular updates to her superiors.

answerableresponsibleliable
word origin — from Middle English 'acounteble', from Old French 'acontable', from Latin 'computare' meaning to count, sum up.

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 145

Set 145 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: accountable, abstract, catastrophic, exemplary, preliminary. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. accountable · adjective/əˈkaʊntəbl/

    obligated to explain, justify, or report on something

    As a manager, she is accountable for her team's performance and must provide regular updates to her superiors.

    Synonyms: answerable, responsible, liable

    Origin: from Middle English 'acounteble', from Old French 'acontable', from Latin 'computare' meaning to count, sum up.

  2. abstract · adjective/ˈæbstrækt/

    existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence

    The concept of justice is often seen as an abstract idea rather than something that can be touched or measured.

    Synonyms: theoretical, conceptual, intangible

    Origin: From Latin 'abstractus', meaning 'drawn away' or 'taken away'

  3. catastrophic · adjective/ˌkætəˈstræfɪk/

    involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering

    The earthquake had catastrophic consequences, leaving thousands homeless and in desperate need of aid.

    Synonyms: disastrous, devastating, calamitous

    Origin: originates from the Late Latin 'catastrophus', from the Greek 'katastrophē', meaning 'overturning' or 'sudden turn', from 'katastrephein', meaning 'to turn down or overturn'.

  4. exemplary · adjective/ɪɡˈzɛm.plɚ.i/

    serving as a desirable model or example

    Her exemplary leadership during the crisis set a standard for others to follow.

    Synonyms: ideal, model, superb

    Origin: from Latin 'exemplar', meaning 'sample' or 'pattern'

  5. preliminary · adjective/prɪˈlɪməneri/

    occurring before a main event or action to prepare or introduce it

    The committee held a preliminary meeting to discuss the agenda for the upcoming conference.

    Synonyms: initial, introductory, preparatory

    Origin: From Latin 'prae-' (before) + 'limin-' (threshold), indicating something that comes before a main event.