TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 10

Set 10 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: servile, cognizant, meticulous, deficient, opulent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. servile · adjective/ˈsɜr.vaɪl/

   excessively willing to serve or please others

   His servile attitude toward his boss made it clear he would do anything to please her, even at the expense of his own dignity.

   Synonyms: subservient, obsequious, sycophantic

   Origin: from Latin 'servilis', meaning 'of a slave', from 'servus' meaning 'slave'

2. cognizant · adjective/ˈkɑɡ.nɪ.zənt/

   having knowledge or awareness of something

   The manager was cognizant of the team's concerns regarding the new policy changes.

   Synonyms: aware, conscious, informed

   Origin: from Middle English 'cognizant', derived from the Latin 'cognizans', present participle of 'cognoscere', meaning 'to become acquainted with, to know'.

3. meticulous · adjective/məˈtɪkjələs/

   showing great attention to detail and precision

   The artist was meticulous in her craftsmanship, ensuring that every brushstroke was perfectly placed.

   Synonyms: thorough, detailed, careful

   Origin: from Latin 'meticulosus', which means 'fearful' or 'timid'; derived from 'metus' meaning 'fear'.

4. deficient · adjective/dɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/

   lacking in some necessary quality or element

   The student's understanding of the material was deficient, which impacted their performance on the exam.

   Synonyms: lacking, inadequate, insufficient

   Origin: from Middle English, from Latin 'deficientem', meaning 'failing, lacking', which is the present participle of 'deficere', meaning 'to fail, to lack'.

5. opulent · adjective/ˈɑːpjələnt/

   characterized by wealth and luxury

   The opulent surroundings of the five-star hotel made every guest feel like royalty.

   Synonyms: luxurious, sumptuous, lavish

   Origin: from Latin 'opulentus', meaning 'wealthy, rich', derived from 'opus', meaning 'work, wealth'