TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 103

Set 103 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: terse, impecunious, despondent, rudimentary, skeptical. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. terse · adjective/tɜrs/

   brief and succinct in expression

   The manager's terse response left no room for debate during the meeting.

   Synonyms: concise, succinct, brief

   Origin: Late Latin 'tersus', meaning 'polished'; from 'tergere', meaning 'to wipe' or 'to clean.'

2. impecunious · adjective/ɪmˈpɛk.juː.ni.əs/

   having little or no money

   Despite his impressive education and talents, he remained an impecunious artist, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing his passion.

   Synonyms: penniless, impoverished, broke

   Origin: From Latin 'impecuniosus', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'pecunia' meaning 'money'.

3. despondent · adjective/dɪsˈpɑndənt/

   in a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage

   After receiving the news of his job loss, he felt despondent and unable to see a way forward.

   Synonyms: dejected, disheartened, forlorn

   Origin: Early 17th century from Latin 'despondent-', the present participle of 'despondere', from 'de-' (down from) + 'spondere' (to pledge).

4. rudimentary · adjective/ˌruːdəˈmɛn.tɛr.i/

   basic or elementary in nature

   Even with his rudimentary knowledge of mathematics, he was able to solve simple equations.

   Synonyms: basic, fundamental, essential

   Origin: The word 'rudimentary' originates from the Latin word 'rudimentum', meaning 'a beginning' or 'the first principles'.

5. skeptical · adjective/ˈskɛptɪkəl/

   having or showing doubt about something

   Despite the claims of the product's effectiveness, she remained skeptical about its benefits.

   Synonyms: doubtful, cynical, uncertain

   Origin: from the Greek 'skeptikos', meaning 'thoughtful' or 'inquiring'