genius, incentive, essence, inadequacy, crown: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 206. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. genius · noun/ˈdʒiː.njəs/

   exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability

   The young artist showcased a genius for capturing emotions on canvas that left everyone in awe.

   Synonyms: prodigy, talented, virtuoso

   Origin: The word 'genius' originates from the Latin 'genius', which referred to a guardian spirit or deity associated with a person, and later evolved to mean natural inclinations or talents.

2. incentive · noun/ɪnˈsɛntɪv/

   a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something

   The company offered a financial incentive to employees who exceeded their sales targets.

   Synonyms: motivation, inducement, encouragement

   Origin: from Latin 'incentivus', meaning 'to incite or encourage', which stems from 'incinere', meaning 'to set on fire'

3. essence · noun/ˈɛs.əns/

   the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character

   The essence of friendship lies in trust and mutual respect.

   Synonyms: nature, substance, core

   Origin: from Latin 'essentia', meaning 'being, essence', from 'esse' meaning 'to be'

4. inadequacy · noun/ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/

   the state of being insufficient or not meeting requirements

   Her feelings of inadequacy kept her from applying for the promotion, even though she was qualified for the job.

   Synonyms: insufficiency, deficit, shortcoming

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin inadequatia, from in- 'not' + adequatus 'adequate'

5. crown · noun/kraʊn/

   a circular ornamental headdress worn by a sovereign as a symbol of authority

   The king proudly wore his golden crown during the grand ceremony.

   Synonyms: tiara, diadem, coronet

   Origin: from Old French 'corone', which comes from Latin 'corona' meaning 'garland, crown'.