Set 181 · Study 1 / 5

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worthwhile

adjective/ˌwɜrθˈwaɪl/

having value or significance

Volunteering at the local shelter was a truly worthwhile experience that allowed me to give back to the community.

valuablesignificantmeaningful
word origin — Derived from the Old English 'wyrth', meaning 'worth' or 'value', combined with 'while', suggesting a time frame where something is valuable.

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 181

Set 181 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: worthwhile, humble, identical, derogatory, interdependent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. worthwhile · adjective/ˌwɜrθˈwaɪl/

    having value or significance

    Volunteering at the local shelter was a truly worthwhile experience that allowed me to give back to the community.

    Synonyms: valuable, significant, meaningful

    Origin: Derived from the Old English 'wyrth', meaning 'worth' or 'value', combined with 'while', suggesting a time frame where something is valuable.

  2. humble · adjective/ˈhʌm.bəl/

    having a modest opinion of one's own importance

    Despite his many achievements, he remains a humble person who always credits his team for their success.

    Synonyms: modest, unassuming, meek

    Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'humble', from Latin 'humilis' meaning 'lowly, insignificant'

  3. identical · adjective/aɪˈdɛnɾɪkəl/

    being exactly the same in every way

    The two paintings were identical in style and color, making it difficult to tell them apart.

    Synonyms: same, equal, alike

    Origin: from Latin 'identicus', from 'idem' meaning 'the same'

  4. derogatory · adjective/dɪˈrɑɡəˌtɔri/

    showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

    Many people find the term 'lazy' to be a derogatory label that unfairly stigmatizes those who are struggling.

    Synonyms: disparaging, belittling, contemptuous

    Origin: from late Latin 'derogatorius', from 'derogare' meaning 'to detract or take away'.

  5. interdependent · adjective/ˌɪntərdɪˈpɛndənt/

    dependent on each other for mutual support or existence

    In an interdependent world economy, countries rely on each other for trade and resources.

    Synonyms: interrelated, reciprocal, mutually dependent

    Origin: The term 'interdependent' is derived from the prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' or 'among' and 'dependent' from Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang down' or 'to rely on'.