IELTS Vocabulary — Set 177

Set 177 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: curse, concern, shore, repetition, soil. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. curse · noun/kɝs/

   a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment

   The old woman muttered a curse under her breath, hoping to exact revenge on those who had wronged her.

   Synonyms: hex, jinx, malediction

   Origin: Middle English 'curce', from Old French 'curser', from Latin 'aversare' (to turn away or repel), from 'cura' (care, concern).

2. concern · noun/kənˈsɜrn/

   a feeling of worry or interest about something

   Her main concern is the rising cost of living, which affects many families in the community.

   Synonyms: worry, anxiety, interest

   Origin: Middle English 'concerne', from Old French 'concerner', from Latin 'concernere', meaning 'to sift together, to relate to'

3. shore · noun/ʃɔr/

   the land along the edge of a sea or lake

   We walked along the sandy shore, collecting seashells and watching the waves crash onto the coast.

   Synonyms: coast, bank, waterfront

   Origin: Middle English 'schore', from Old English 'sċore', of uncertain origin.

4. repetition · noun/ˌrɛpəˈtɪʃən/

   the act of doing or saying something again

   The teacher emphasized the importance of repetition in mastering new vocabulary.

   Synonyms: reiteration, duplication, recurrence

   Origin: from Middle French 'répétition', from Latin 'repetitionem', from 'repetere' meaning 'to repeat'

5. soil · noun/sɔɪl/

   the upper layer of earth in which plants grow containing organic matter and nutrients

   The rich soil in the garden is perfect for growing a variety of vegetables.

   Synonyms: dirt, earth, ground

   Origin: From Old French 'soille' (modern 'sol'), from Latin 'solum', meaning 'ground, soil'.