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stimulating

adjective/ˈstɪmjəˌleɪtɪŋ/

definition

causing or promoting enthusiasm, interest, or excitement

example

The professor delivered a stimulating lecture that sparked a lively discussion among the students.

synonyms
excitinginvigoratinginspiring
word origin — derived from the Latin word 'stimulus,' meaning 'a goad, impulse, or incentive'

stimulating, irresistible, arbitrary, fond, cynical: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 201. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. stimulating · adjective/ˈstɪmjəˌleɪtɪŋ/

    causing or promoting enthusiasm, interest, or excitement

    The professor delivered a stimulating lecture that sparked a lively discussion among the students.

    Synonyms: exciting, invigorating, inspiring

    Origin: derived from the Latin word 'stimulus,' meaning 'a goad, impulse, or incentive'

  2. irresistible · adjective/ˌɪr.ɪˈzɪs.tə.bəl/

    too attractive or appealing to be resisted

    The chocolate cake was so irresistible that I couldn't help but have a second slice.

    Synonyms: attractive, alluring, enticing

    Origin: From the Latin 'irresistibilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'resistere' meaning 'to resist'.

  3. arbitrary · adjective/ˈɑːr.bə.tri/

    based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system

    The committee made an arbitrary decision to change the rules without consulting any of the members.

    Synonyms: random, whimsical, capricious

    Origin: From Latin 'arbitrarius', meaning 'depending on the will or judgment (of a person)'

  4. fond · adjective/fɑnd/

    having an affection or liking for someone or something

    She is very fond of classical music and listens to it every evening.

    Synonyms: affectionate, loving, tender

    Origin: Middle English, from the past participle of 'fonden' which means 'to be foolish or silly', derived from Old English 'fōndian', which means to 'to experience or feel'.

  5. cynical · adjective/ˈsɪnɪkəl/

    believing that people are motivated by self-interest distrustful of human sincerity or integrity

    Her cynical perspective on politics made it difficult for her to trust anyone in government.

    Synonyms: skeptical, jaded, sardonic

    Origin: The word 'cynical' derives from the Greek 'kynikos', which means 'dog-like' or 'currish', referring to the Cynics, a philosophical school that believed in living a life in accordance with nature and often criticized social conventions.