TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 105

Set 105 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: divination, edict, sector, filibuster, nuance. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. divination · noun/ˌdɪvəˈneɪʃən/

   the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means

   Many ancient civilizations practiced divination to predict the outcomes of important events, such as battles and harvests.

   Synonyms: fortune-telling, prophecy, clairvoyance

   Origin: from Latin 'divinatio', from 'divinare' meaning 'to foresee, to predict', related to 'divinus' meaning 'divine'

2. edict · noun/ˈiː.dɪkt/

   an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority

   The king issued an edict declaring that all citizens must pay their taxes by the end of the month.

   Synonyms: decree, mandate, proclamation

   Origin: derived from the Latin 'edictum', meaning 'that which is declared', from the verb 'edicere', meaning 'to proclaim'.

3. sector · noun/ˈsɛktɚ/

   a distinct part or division of a larger system or area

   The technology sector has seen immense growth over the past decade, driven by innovation and consumer demand.

   Synonyms: division, area, segment

   Origin: Late Latin 'sector' meaning 'a cutter' or 'a part cut off', derived from 'secāre' meaning 'to cut'.

4. filibuster · noun/ˈfɪlɪˌbʌstər/

   a prolonged speech or series of speeches made to delay legislative action

   The senator initiated a filibuster to block the proposed healthcare bill, believing it would negatively impact his constituents.

   Synonyms: obstruction, delay, stall

   Origin: The term 'filibuster' originally comes from the Spanish 'filibustero,' which referred to pirates or freebooters in the Caribbean during the early 19th century. The word evolved to describe tactics used in legislative settings to delay or obstruct proceedings.

5. nuance · noun/ˈnuˌɑns/

   a subtle difference or distinction in meaning or expression

   The artist's use of color adds a lot of nuance to the overall mood of the painting.

   Synonyms: subtlety, distinction, variation

   Origin: The word 'nuance' comes from the French word 'nuance,' which means 'shade' or 'gradation,' and is derived from the Latin 'nubilare,' meaning 'to cloud or darken.'