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spontaneous

adjective/spɑnˈteɪniəs/

definition

occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination without premeditation or external stimulus

example

Her spontaneous decision to go on a road trip made for an unforgettable adventure.

synonyms
impulsiveinstinctiveunplanned
word origin — from Latin 'spontaneus', meaning 'of one's own accord, voluntary', from 'sponte', meaning 'of one's own will'

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 119

Set 119 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: spontaneous, prevalent, iridescent, contemporary, dexterous. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. spontaneous · adjective/spɑnˈteɪniəs/

    occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination without premeditation or external stimulus

    Her spontaneous decision to go on a road trip made for an unforgettable adventure.

    Synonyms: impulsive, instinctive, unplanned

    Origin: from Latin 'spontaneus', meaning 'of one's own accord, voluntary', from 'sponte', meaning 'of one's own will'

  2. prevalent · adjective/ˈprɛvələnt/

    widespread or commonly occurring

    Obesity has become a prevalent issue among children in many developed countries.

    Synonyms: common, widespread, usual

    Origin: from Latin 'praevalentem' (present participle of 'praevalere' meaning 'to be stronger, to prevail')

  3. iridescent · adjective/ˌɪr.ɪˈdɛs.ənt/

    exhibiting a spectrum of colors that shimmer and change due to angle of view

    The butterfly's wings were especially iridescent, reflecting a dazzling array of colors as it fluttered in the sunlight.

    Synonyms: shimmering, lustrous, opalescent

    Origin: from Latin 'iris' meaning 'rainbow', combined with the suffix '-escent' which means 'becoming'.

  4. contemporary · adjective/kənˈtɛmpəˌrɛri/

    belonging to the same period of time or occurring at the same time

    Many contemporary artists draw inspiration from historical events, creating works that resonate with both the past and present.

    Synonyms: coexisting, simultaneous, modern

    Origin: from Latin 'contemporarius', from 'con-' meaning 'with' + 'temporarius' meaning 'of time'

  5. dexterous · adjective/ˈdɛks.tər.əs/

    showing skill and grace in physical movement or handling of objects

    The dexterous gymnast performed a flawless routine, showcasing her incredible agility and precision.

    Synonyms: skilled, nimble, agile

    Origin: From Latin 'dexter', meaning 'right' or 'skillful'.