TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 118

Set 118 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: resolution, breach, allegiance, polymath, apprehension. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. resolution · noun/ˌrɛzəˈluʃən/

   a firm decision to do or not to do something

   Every New Year, I make a resolution to exercise more and eat healthier.

   Synonyms: determination, decision, resolve

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin resolutio(n-) 'a loosening', from the verb resolvere

2. breach · noun/briːtʃ/

   the act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct

   The company faced legal consequences due to a breach of contract that significantly affected their partnership.

   Synonyms: violation, infringement, contravention

   Origin: Middle English breche, from Old French brèche, from a Germanic source; related to the verb break.

3. allegiance · noun/əˈliː.dʒəns/

   loyalty or commitment to a group or cause

   Many citizens express their allegiance to the country by participating in national holidays and ceremonies.

   Synonyms: loyalty, fidelity, devotion

   Origin: from Middle English 'alegeance', from Old French 'allegeance', from 'aleguer' meaning 'to pledge' or 'to bind'.

4. polymath · noun/ˈpɑlɪˌmæθ/

   a person with knowledge and expertise in a wide range of subjects

   Leonardo da Vinci is often regarded as the quintessential polymath, excelling in fields such as art, science, and engineering.

   Synonyms: knowledgeable person, renaissance man, polymathic individual

   Origin: The word 'polymath' comes from the Greek 'polymathēs', meaning 'having learned much', where 'poly-' means 'many' and 'manthanein' means 'to learn'.

5. apprehension · noun/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən/

   anticipation of something bad or unpleasant

   She waited in apprehension for the results of the medical tests, fearing the worst outcome.

   Synonyms: anxiety, unease, dread

   Origin: from Latin 'apprehensio', from 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize or take hold of'