controversial, articulate, subtle, sufficient, equitable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 197. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. controversial · adjective/ˌkɒn.troʊˈvɚ.ʃəl/

   causing or likely to cause public disagreement or controversy

   The politician's controversial remarks on immigration sparked heated debates across the country.

   Synonyms: debatable, contentious, divisive

   Origin: from Latin 'controversialis', from 'controversia' meaning 'dispute, controversy'

2. articulate · adjective/ɑrˈtɪk.jə.lɪt/

   able to express ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing

   Her articulate explanation of the complex theory made it easy for everyone to understand.

   Synonyms: eloquent, expressive, clear

   Origin: from Latin 'articulatus', the past participle of 'articulare', meaning 'to divide into distinct parts'

3. subtle · adjective/ˈsʌtəl/

   delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe

   The artist used subtle brush strokes to create depth and texture in the painting.

   Synonyms: faint, delicate, nuanced

   Origin: from Middle English 'subtil', from Old French 'subtil', from Latin 'subtilis', meaning 'fine, delicate, or thin'

4. sufficient · adjective/səˈfɪʃənt/

   enough to meet the needs or requirements

   The team provided sufficient evidence to support their claims during the presentation.

   Synonyms: adequate, ample, satisfactory

   Origin: from Latin 'sufficientem', meaning 'sufficient, adequate', from 'sufficere', meaning 'to meet, to satisfy'

5. equitable · adjective/ˈɛkwɪtəbl/

   fair and impartial in treatment or judgment

   The committee reached an equitable solution that satisfied both parties involved in the dispute.

   Synonyms: fair, just, impartial

   Origin: from Middle French 'équitable', from Latin 'aequitablem', meaning 'equal, fair'