sum, bet, outcome, rubber, justification: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 71. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. sum · noun/sʌm/

   the total amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers

   The sum of 15 and 27 is 42, which we calculated using our math skills.

   Synonyms: total, amount, aggregate

   Origin: from Old French 'somme', from Latin 'summa', meaning 'highest, total'.

2. bet · verb/bɛt/

   to wager money or something of value on the outcome of an event

   I decided to bet a hundred dollars on the final score of the game.

   Synonyms: wager, gamble, stake

   Origin: Middle English 'betten', from Old English 'bæhtan'.

3. outcome · noun/ˈaʊtkʌm/

   the result or consequence of an action or event

   The outcome of the experiment confirmed the scientist's hypothesis, leading to further research opportunities.

   Synonyms: result, consequence, conclusion

   Origin: The word 'outcome' comes from the combination of 'out' and 'come', indicating the result or what comes out of a situation, first recorded in the late 19th century.

4. rubber · noun/ˈrʌbər/

   a flexible elastic substance made from the latex of certain plants or synthesized chemically

   The new tire is made of high-quality rubber, providing excellent traction on wet roads.

   Synonyms: elastic, latex, gum

   Origin: The word 'rubber' originates from the use of the material for rubbing out pencil marks, derived from the verb 'to rub'. It was first used in the 18th century.

5. justification · noun/ˌdʒʌs.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

   the action of showing something to be right or reasonable

   The lawyer presented a compelling justification for his client's actions during the trial.

   Synonyms: explanation, rationale, excuse

   Origin: from the Latin 'justificatio', from 'justificare' meaning 'to make right'