hypothetical, prospective, nuclear, reluctant, homogeneous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 207. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. hypothetical · adjective/haɪ'pɑːθɪkəl/

   based on or involving a suggested idea or theory

   In a hypothetical scenario where the economy collapses, many people would lose their jobs.

   Synonyms: theoretical, suppositional, conjectural

   Origin: from the Greek 'hypothetikos', meaning 'having the nature of a supposition'

2. prospective · adjective/prəˈspɛktɪv/

   likely to become or happen in the future

   The company held an open day to attract **prospective** customers interested in their new product line.

   Synonyms: potential, future, probable

   Origin: From Latin prospectivus, from prospectus (to look forward, to see ahead)

3. nuclear · adjective/ˈnuː.kli.ɚ/

   relating to the nucleus of an atom or to nuclear energy

   Scientists are studying the effects of nuclear radiation on human health.

   Synonyms: atomic, radiative, energetic

   Origin: from the Latin 'nucleus,' meaning 'kernel' or 'core'

4. reluctant · adjective/rɪˈlʌkənt/

   unwilling or hesitant to do something

   She was reluctant to accept the job offer because it required moving to a new city.

   Synonyms: unwilling, hesitant, disinclined

   Origin: from Latin 'reluctantem', present participle of 'reluctari' meaning 'to struggle against'

5. homogeneous · adjective/həˈmoʊdʒɪnəs/

   of the same kind or nature having a uniform structure or composition

   The population of the small town is remarkably homogeneous, with most residents sharing similar cultural backgrounds.

   Synonyms: uniform, identical, consistent

   Origin: from the Greek 'homogenes', meaning 'of the same kind', composed of 'homo-' (same) and 'genes' (kind or type)