Set 36 · Study 1 / 5

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blind

adjective/blaɪnd/

unable to see or lacking the sense of sight

The blind man navigated the bustling city with the help of his guide dog.

sightlessvisionlessunseeing
word origin — Old English 'blind', from Proto-Germanic '*blinda', possibly from Proto-Indo-European '*bʰlendʰ-', meaning 'to blind, to be blind'.

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 36

Set 36 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: blind, apologetic, elastic, mandatory, predominant. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. blind · adjective/blaɪnd/

    unable to see or lacking the sense of sight

    The blind man navigated the bustling city with the help of his guide dog.

    Synonyms: sightless, visionless, unseeing

    Origin: Old English 'blind', from Proto-Germanic '*blinda', possibly from Proto-Indo-European '*bʰlendʰ-', meaning 'to blind, to be blind'.

  2. apologetic · adjective/əˌpɑləˈdʒɛtɪk/

    expressing or showing regret or remorse

    She gave an apologetic smile after accidentally bumping into me in the hallway.

    Synonyms: regretful, remorseful, contrite

    Origin: from Middle French 'apologétique', from Latin 'apologeticus', from Greek 'apologetikos', meaning 'to speak in defense of'

  3. elastic · adjective/ɪˈlæstɪk/

    capable of resuming shape after deformation

    The rubber band is highly elastic, allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape effortlessly.

    Synonyms: flexible, stretchable, springy

    Origin: From French 'élastique', derived from Greek 'elasstikos' meaning 'able to be distended'.

  4. mandatory · adjective/ˈmændəˌtɔri/

    required by law or rules

    Wearing seat belts is mandatory in most states to ensure passenger safety.

    Synonyms: compulsory, obligatory, required

    Origin: from Latin 'mandatorius', from 'mandare' meaning 'to command'

  5. predominant · adjective/prɪˈdɑː.mɪ.nənt/

    having the greatest importance or influence

    The predominant influence of social media on youth culture cannot be ignored.

    Synonyms: dominant, prevailing, chief

    Origin: from Latin 'praedominari', meaning 'to prevail over'