grain, blade, competency, craft, commitment: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 21. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. grain · noun/ɡreɪn/

   the small hard seeds of food plants or the cultivated plants producing such seeds

   The farmer harvested a large crop of grain this season, which will provide food for many communities.

   Synonyms: seed, cereal, crop

   Origin: Old French 'grain', from Latin 'granum', meaning 'seed' or 'kernel'

2. blade · noun/bleɪd/

   a flat and typically sharpened edge of a tool or weapon used for cutting

   The chef expertly sharpened the blade of his knife before starting to chop the vegetables.

   Synonyms: edge, cutter, sharp

   Origin: Old English 'blæd', meaning 'blade, leaf'

3. competency · noun/ˈkɑmpə tə n si/

   the ability to do something successfully or efficiently

   Her competency in project management has led to several successful product launches.

   Synonyms: capability, proficiency, competence

   Origin: From Middle French 'compétence', from Latin 'competentia', meaning 'suitability, efficiency'.

4. craft · noun/kræft/

   a skill in making things by hand

   She honed her craft by taking various pottery classes and experimenting with different techniques.

   Synonyms: skill, art, trade

   Origin: Old English 'cræft', meaning strength or skill

5. commitment · noun/kəˈmɪt.mənt/

   a pledge or promise to do something or to support someone

   Her commitment to the project ensured that it was completed on time and with high quality.

   Synonyms: dedication, pledge, obligation

   Origin: From the verb 'commit', which comes from the Latin 'committere', meaning 'to bring together, to join together'.