consensus, impasse, imperative, constraint, prospect: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 11. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. consensus · noun/kənˈsɛn.səs/

   general agreement among a group or individuals

   The committee reached a consensus on the new policy after hours of discussion.

   Synonyms: agreement, harmony

   Origin: from Latin 'consensus', meaning 'agreement, accord', from 'consentire' (to feel together)

2. impasse · noun/ˈɪm.pæs/

   a situation in which progress is impossible due to disagreement or obstacles

   After hours of negotiations, the committee reached an impasse, unable to agree on the budget allocation.

   Synonyms: stalemate, deadlock, standstill

   Origin: Early 19th century: from French 'impasse', meaning 'a way that is blocked'; 'in' (not) + 'passer' (to pass).

3. imperative · adjective/ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

   expressing a command or request

   It is imperative that you submit your report by the deadline to ensure your project's success.

   Synonyms: commanding, essential, crucial

   Origin: from Latin 'imperativus', meaning 'indicating command', from 'imperare', meaning 'to command'.

4. constraint · noun/kənˈstreɪnt/

   a limitation or restriction on the way something can be done

   The project faced several budget constraints that limited our ability to hire additional staff.

   Synonyms: limitation, restriction, restraint

   Origin: from Latin 'constrare', meaning 'to stand together' or 'to bind together'

5. prospect · noun/ˈprɑː.spɛkt/

   the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring

   The prospect of a promotion motivated her to work harder on her projects.

   Synonyms: possibility, likelihood, chance

   Origin: from Latin 'prospectus' meaning 'a viewing, a sight' which comes from 'prospicere' meaning 'to look forward'.