the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers
example
The local community is known for its warm hospitality, always welcoming newcomers with open arms.
synonyms
welcomingcordialityfriendliness
word origin — from Middle English 'hospitalite', from Old French 'hospitalité', from Latin 'hospitalitatem', from 'hospes' meaning 'guest'
hospitality, contrast, mechanism, detection, inefficiency: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 156. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
hospitality · noun/ˌhɑːspɪˈtælɪti/
the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers
The local community is known for its warm hospitality, always welcoming newcomers with open arms.
Synonyms: welcoming, cordiality, friendliness
Origin: from Middle English 'hospitalite', from Old French 'hospitalité', from Latin 'hospitalitatem', from 'hospes' meaning 'guest'
contrast · noun/ˈkɑntræst/
the state of being strikingly different from something else
The contrast between the vibrant colors of the painting and the dullness of the surrounding walls made the artwork stand out even more.
Synonyms: difference, distinction, comparison
Origin: from Latin 'contrastare', meaning 'to stand against'
mechanism · noun/ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/
a system of parts working together in a machine or a process
The clock's intricate mechanism ensures that all the gears turn smoothly and accurately.
Synonyms: device, apparatus, system
Origin: from Latin mechanismus, from Greek mĕkhanĭsmos, from mĕkhanē (machine)
detection · noun/dɪˈtɛkʃən/
the act of discovering or identifying something
Early detection of cancer can significantly improve a patient's chances of recovery.
Synonyms: discovery, identification, recognition
Origin: from Latin 'detectio', meaning 'a uncovering' or 'discovery', from 'detegere', meaning 'to uncover, to remove the cover'
inefficiency · noun/ɪˌnɛfɪˈʃənsi/
the state of failing to make the best use of resources or time
The inefficiency in the company's workflow led to missed deadlines and frustrated employees.
Origin: The word 'inefficiency' originates from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the root 'efficient', which comes from the Latin 'efficiens', meaning 'accomplishing, working out'.