TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 104

Set 104 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: hackneyed, wary, caustic, vacuous, simultaneous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. hackneyed · adjective/ˈhæknid/

   lacking in originality or freshness due to overuse

   The plot of the movie was so hackneyed that I could predict every twist before it happened.

   Synonyms: trite, cliché, stale

   Origin: The word 'hackneyed' comes from the 16th-century term 'hackney', which referred to a horse that was old or worn out from overuse, and by extension, came to signify anything that is overused or stale.

2. wary · adjective/ˈwɛri/

   cautious about possible dangers or problems

   She was wary of the stranger who approached her in the parking lot.

   Synonyms: cautious, careful, vigilant

   Origin: from Middle English 'weri', from Old English 'werig' meaning wary or cautious

3. caustic · adjective/ˈkɔːstɪk/

   able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action or sarcastically biting in tone

   The chemist handled the caustic substance carefully, knowing it could burn through organic tissue on contact.

   Synonyms: corrosive, biting, sarcastic

   Origin: from Greek 'kaustikos', meaning 'combustible' or 'able to burn', stemming from 'kaustos', meaning 'burnt' or 'burning'.

4. vacuous · adjective/ˈvæk.ju.əs/

   lacking ideas or intelligence

   The politician's vacuous promises failed to resonate with the concerned electorate.

   Synonyms: empty, insipid, superficial

   Origin: Late Latin 'vacuus', meaning 'empty, void'

5. simultaneous · adjective/ˌsɪmlˈteɪnəs/

   occurring or done at the same time

   The two athletes completed the race with a simultaneous finish, crossing the line at exactly the same moment.

   Synonyms: concurrent, coincident, synchronous

   Origin: from Latin 'simultaneus', from 'simul' meaning 'at the same time'