IELTS Vocabulary — Set 204

Set 204 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: novel, pile, empathy, pride, dispute. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. novel · noun/ˈnɑː.vəl/

   a fictional narrative of considerable length and complexity

   The author's latest novel explores the complexities of human relationships in a rapidly changing world.

   Synonyms: book, tale, narrative

   Origin: from Latin 'novellus', meaning 'new, young', diminutive of 'novus', meaning 'new'

2. pile · noun/paɪl/

   a typical arrangement of objects, often stacked or accumulated in a heap

   After the party, there was a large pile of empty bottles in the corner of the room.

   Synonyms: heap, stack, mound

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'pile', from Latin 'pila' meaning pillar or mound

3. empathy · noun/ˈɛm.pə.θi/

   the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

   Her deep empathy for others allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life.

   Synonyms: compassion, understanding, sympathy

   Origin: The word 'empathy' is derived from the Greek word 'empatheia', which means 'passion' or 'state of emotion', and combines 'en-' (in) and 'pathos' (feeling). It was first used in English in the early 20th century.

4. pride · noun/praɪd/

   a feeling of deep satisfaction derived from one's own achievements or the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated

   She felt a great sense of pride in her son's accomplishments at school.

   Synonyms: self-respect, dignity, self-esteem

   Origin: The word 'pride' originates from the Old English 'pryde', which is believed to stem from the Proto-Germanic *prūdō, relating to 'proud' or 'to be proud'.

5. dispute · noun/dɪˈspjuːt/

   a disagreement or argument between two or more parties

   The two companies are involved in a legal dispute over the terms of their contract.

   Synonyms: controversy, argument, disagreement

   Origin: from Old French 'disputer', from Latin 'disputare' meaning 'to discuss, to weigh' which is composed of 'dis-' (apart) and 'putare' (to reckon).