IELTS Vocabulary — Set 22

Set 22 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: significant, abrupt, dramatic, impure, neat. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. significant · adjective/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

   having meaning or importance

   The researchers found a significant correlation between diet and health outcomes.

   Synonyms: meaningful, important, noteworthy

   Origin: from Latin 'significans', meaning 'indicating, signifying', from 'significare' which means 'to signify'

2. abrupt · adjective/əˈbrʌpt/

   occurring suddenly and unexpectedly

   The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm went off.

   Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, hasty

   Origin: from Latin 'abruptus', meaning 'broken off, steep', from 'ab-' (off, away from) + 'rumpere' (to break)

3. dramatic · adjective/drəˈmætɪk/

   relating to drama or the performance of plays often characterized by intense emotion or conflict

   The play featured a dramatic climax that had the audience on the edge of their seats.

   Synonyms: theatrical, emotive, striking

   Origin: from the Latin 'dramaticus', derived from the Greek 'dramatikos', meaning 'pertaining to drama'.

4. impure · adjective/ɪmˈpjʊr/

   not pure or contaminated

   The water from the river was deemed impure due to the high levels of contamination from nearby factories.

   Synonyms: contaminated, unclean, polluted

   Origin: from Latin 'impurus', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'purus' meaning 'pure'

5. neat · adjective/nit/

   tidy and organized in appearance

   She always keeps her desk neat and tidy, making it easy to find her supplies.

   Synonyms: tidy, orderly, organized

   Origin: From Old English 'neat', meaning 'clean, tidy', related to the word 'neat' in Middle English.