TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 117

Set 117 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: inimical, lethargic, soporific, contentious, lugubrious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. inimical · adjective/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/

   hostile or unfriendly

   The government took measures to counter the inimical forces that threatened the stability of the region.

   Synonyms: hostile, unfriendly, antagonistic

   Origin: from Latin 'inimicalis', from 'inimicus' meaning 'enemy'

2. lethargic · adjective/lɛˈθɑrdʒɪk/

   sluggish and inactive, often as a result of lacking energy or motivation

   After staying up late the night before, I felt lethargic and struggled to concentrate at work.

   Synonyms: sluggish, apathetic, inactive

   Origin: from Latin 'lethargicus', from Greek 'lēthargikos', from 'lēthargos' meaning 'forgetful, inactive'.

3. soporific · adjective/ˌsɑːpəˈrɪfɪk/

   causing or tending to cause sleep

   The gentle sound of the rain outside was soporific, lulling me into a deep sleep.

   Synonyms: sleep-inducing, sedative, calming

   Origin: from the Latin 'soporificus', which derives from 'sopor' meaning 'deep sleep'.

4. contentious · adjective/kənˈtɛn.ʃəs/

   causing or likely to cause an argument or controversy

   The debate over the proposed law was particularly contentious, drawing fierce reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.

   Synonyms: controversial, disputatious, argumentative

   Origin: Late Latin 'contentiosus', from 'contentio' meaning 'striving, contention'

5. lugubrious · adjective/ləˈɡuː.brɪ.əs/

   looking or sounding sad and dismal

   The lugubrious melody of the funeral march filled the air, casting a shadow over the mourners.

   Synonyms: mournful, mournful, gloomy

   Origin: from Latin 'lugubris', meaning 'mournful' or 'sorrowful'