IELTS Vocabulary — Set 185

Set 185 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: contest, breakthrough, deliberation, fur, rectification. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. contest · noun/ˈkɑːntɛst/

   a competition or event in which individuals or teams compete for a prize or recognition

   The annual science fair is a prestigious contest that attracts students from all over the city.

   Synonyms: competition, tournament, challenge

   Origin: from Latin 'contestari', meaning 'to call to witness, dispute, contest'

2. breakthrough · noun/ˈbreɪkˌθru/

   a significant and sudden advance or development that solves a problem or improves a situation

   The scientist announced a major breakthrough in cancer research that could save countless lives.

   Synonyms: advancement, discovery, innovation

   Origin: The word 'breakthrough' is a compound of 'break' and 'through', where 'break' originates from Old English 'brecan' meaning 'to shatter or break', and 'through' comes from Old English 'þurh' meaning 'by means of or during'. The combined term captures the notion of breaking through barriers or obstacles.

3. deliberation · noun/dɪˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən/

   the process of carefully considering or discussing something before making a decision

   After much deliberation, the committee reached a unanimous decision on the proposed policy changes.

   Synonyms: consideration, discussion, contemplation

   Origin: from Latin 'deliberatio', from 'deliberare' meaning to weigh carefully

4. fur · noun/fɜr/

   the short fine soft hair that covers the skin of many mammals

   The rabbit's soft fur kept it warm during the cold winter nights.

   Synonyms: pelt, coat, fleece

   Origin: Middle English 'furre', from Old French 'forre', from Germanic origins

5. rectification · noun/ˌrɛk.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

   the act of correcting or setting right something

   The company's rectification of the billing errors pleased many of its customers.

   Synonyms: correction, amendment, adjustment

   Origin: from the Latin 'rectificatio', meaning 'a making straight, a correction'