introspective, furious, unpredictable, irreparable, chaotic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 157. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. introspective · adjective/ˌɪntrəˈspɛktɪv/

   given to examining one's own thoughts and feelings

   After a difficult year, she became more introspective and started journaling her thoughts and feelings.

   Synonyms: reflective, self-examining, meditative

   Origin: from Latin 'introspicere' meaning 'to look within'

2. furious · adjective/ˈfjʊr.i.əs/

   extremely angry

   She was furious with her brother for borrowing her car without asking.

   Synonyms: angry, irate, enraged

   Origin: from Latin 'furiosus' meaning 'mad, furious,' from 'furia' meaning 'fury, rage'

3. unpredictable · adjective/ˌʌnprɪˈdɪk.tə.bəl/

   not able to be predicted or foreseen

   The weather in this region is often unpredictable, making it hard to plan outdoor events.

   Synonyms: uncertain, erratic, capricious

   Origin: The word 'unpredictable' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', the root 'predict' from Latin 'praedicere' meaning 'to declare or foretell', and the suffix '-able' meaning 'capable of'.

4. irreparable · adjective/ɪˈrɛp.ər.ə.bəl/

   incapable of being repaired or rectified

   The car suffered irreparable damage in the accident, leaving it unusable.

   Synonyms: irretrievable, unrepairable, irreversible

   Origin: from Latin 'irreparabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'reparabilis' meaning 'able to be repaired'

5. chaotic · adjective/keɪˈɑtɪk/

   characterized by complete disorder and confusion

   The chaotic environment of the market made it difficult for anyone to find what they were looking for.

   Synonyms: disorganized, tumultuous, turbulent

   Origin: The word 'chaotic' comes from the Greek word 'khaos,' meaning 'abyss' or 'void,' which indicates a state of complete disorder.