pronunciation, alertness, pipe, spite, constant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 180. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. pronunciation · noun/prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

   the way in which a word is pronounced

   Her pronunciation of French words is impeccable, making her sound like a native speaker.

   Synonyms: articulation, enunciation, utterance

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin pronuntiatio(n-), from pronuntiare 'proclaim' (see pronounce).

2. alertness · noun/əˈlɜrt.nəs/

   the state of being watchful and ready to respond or react

   The soldier's alertness during the drill ensured that he was ready for any unexpected situation.

   Synonyms: awareness, vigilance, keenness

   Origin: from alert + -ness, where 'alert' originated from the Italian 'all'erta' meaning 'on the watch' or 'to be on the lookout'

3. pipe · noun/paɪp/

   a hollow cylinder or tube used to convey substances such as liquids or gases

   The contractor installed a new drainage pipe to prevent flooding in the basement.

   Synonyms: tube, cylinder, conduit

   Origin: Middle English from Old French 'pipe' and Latin 'pīpa'

4. spite · noun/spaɪt/

   the desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone

   She decided to act out of spite and cancel the plans they had made together.

   Synonyms: malice, bitterness, resentment

   Origin: Middle English 'spite', from Old French 'espeit', meaning 'despite, malice', from Latin 'despectus', past participle of 'despicere' meaning 'to look down on'.

5. constant · noun/ˈkɑnstənt/

   a value that does not change

   In physics, the speed of light is considered a universal constant that remains unchanged in a vacuum.

   Synonyms: parameter, invariant, fixed value

   Origin: from Latin 'constans', from 'constare' meaning 'to stand firm, be fixed'