TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 1

Set 1 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: truce, impact, inclination, discrepancy, catharsis. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. truce · noun/truːs/

   an agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting for a certain period of time

   After months of intense fighting, the two sides agreed to a temporary truce to allow for humanitarian aid to reach the affected areas.

   Synonyms: armistice, cease-fire, peace

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'truce', from Latin 'treuga'; of uncertain origin

2. impact · noun/ˈɪmpækt/

   the effect or influence of one thing on another

   The impact of climate change on biodiversity is a growing concern for scientists and environmentalists.

   Synonyms: effect, influence, result

   Origin: from Latin 'impactus', meaning 'to strike against'

3. inclination · noun/ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃən/

   a tendency to behave in a particular way or a preference for a particular thing

   Her inclination towards creativity made her an excellent artist.

   Synonyms: tendency, preference, leaning

   Origin: From Latin 'inclinatio', from 'inclinare' which means 'to lean' or 'to bend'.

4. discrepancy · noun/dɪsˈkrɛpənsi/

   a difference or inconsistency between two or more things

   There was a significant discrepancy between the witness statements and the video evidence presented in court.

   Synonyms: disparity, difference, inconsistency

   Origin: from Latin 'discrepantia', from 'discrepare', meaning to differ or disagree

5. catharsis · noun/kəˈθɑr.sɪs/

   the emotional release or purification achieved through the expression of strong feelings

   Writing in her journal provided a much-needed catharsis after a long week of stress at work.

   Synonyms: purging, release, cleansing

   Origin: from the Greek word 'katharsis', meaning 'cleansing' or 'purification'