Set 163 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

stem

noun/stɛm/

definition

the main body or central part of a plant that supports leaves and flowers

example

The gardener trimmed the long stem of the rose to promote new growth.

synonyms
trunkstalkmain axis
word origin — Middle English stem, from Old English stefn, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch stam and German Stamm.

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 163

Set 163 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: stem, dependability, illusion, aspiration, flaw. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. stem · noun/stɛm/

    the main body or central part of a plant that supports leaves and flowers

    The gardener trimmed the long stem of the rose to promote new growth.

    Synonyms: trunk, stalk, main axis

    Origin: Middle English stem, from Old English stefn, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch stam and German Stamm.

  2. dependability · noun/dɪˌpɛndəˈbɪləti/

    the quality of being trustworthy and reliable

    Her dependability made her the go-to person for critical projects at work, as everyone knew they could count on her to meet deadlines.

    Synonyms: reliability, trustworthiness, dependableness

    Origin: The word 'dependability' originates from the Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang from', which progressed through Old French into Middle English before taking its current form.

  3. illusion · noun/ɪˈluʒən/

    a false perception or belief that misrepresents reality

    The illusion of control can often lead people to make risky decisions as they believe they can influence outcomes that are actually out of their hands.

    Synonyms: delusion, mirage, misconception

    Origin: from Latin 'illusionem' (nominative 'illusio') meaning 'a mocking, a deceit', from 'illudere' meaning 'to mock, to deceive'.

  4. aspiration · noun/ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/

    a strong desire or ambition to achieve something

    Her aspiration to become a doctor motivated her to study hard throughout high school.

    Synonyms: ambition, desire, goal

    Origin: from Latin 'aspiratio', from 'aspirare' meaning 'to breathe upon, aim at'

  5. flaw · noun/flɔ/

    a mistake or weakness in something that reduces its quality

    The report had a serious flaw in its methodology, which ultimately compromised the results.

    Synonyms: defect, imperfection, mistake

    Origin: Middle English 'flawe,' possibly from Old Norse 'flǫttr' meaning 'a flaw or blemish.'