trace, privilege, designation, positivity, illustration: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 37. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. trace · noun/treɪs/

   a mark or indication of the existence of something

   The detective found a trace of blood on the floor, indicating that a struggle had taken place.

   Synonyms: mark, sign, indication

   Origin: Middle English 'trace', from Old French 'trac', from Latin 'tractus', meaning 'to pull' or 'to draw'.

2. privilege · noun/ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/

   a special right or advantage granted to a person or group

   Having access to quality education is a privilege that not everyone enjoys.

   Synonyms: advantage, entitlement, benefit

   Origin: from Latin 'privilegium', meaning 'law for one person'.

3. designation · noun/ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/

   the act of assigning a name or title to someone or something

   The company's official designation for the new position is 'Senior Project Manager'.

   Synonyms: title, label, name

   Origin: from Latin 'designatio', meaning 'marking out, appointment, selection', from the verb 'designare', meaning 'to mark out, to designate'.

4. positivity · noun/ˌpɑːzɪˈtɪvəti/

   the state of being positive or optimistic

   Her unwavering positivity helped lift the spirits of everyone in the team during challenging times.

   Synonyms: optimism, hopefulness, confidence

   Origin: From Latin 'positus', the past participle of 'ponere', meaning 'to place or put', combined with the suffix '-ity' indicating a state or condition.

5. illustration · noun/ˌɪl.əˈstreɪ.ʃən/

   a visual explanation or representation of a concept or idea

   The textbook included several colorful illustrations to enhance the student's understanding of complex scientific concepts.

   Synonyms: example, depiction, representation

   Origin: from Latin 'illustratio', meaning 'the act of shining light upon' or 'clarifying'