frenetic, cardinal, incumbent, deliberate, discreet: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 129. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. frenetic · adjective/frəˈnɛtɪk/

   filled with an energetic and chaotic activity

   The city was alive with frenetic energy as crowds rushed to the festival, music blaring and lights flashing.

   Synonyms: frantic, hectic

   Origin: from the Latin 'freneticus', meaning 'lyrical, frenzied', derived from 'frenesis', meaning 'frantic' or 'madness'.

2. cardinal · noun/ˈkɑrdənl/

   a number that indicates quantity but not order

   The cardinal number three represents the quantity of apples in the basket.

   Synonyms: number, integer, digit

   Origin: from Latin 'cardinalis', meaning 'pertaining to a hinge' or 'principal'

3. incumbent · noun/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/

   a person currently holding a specified office or position

   The incumbent senator has announced her intention to run for re-election next year.

   Synonyms: officeholder, holder, occupant

   Origin: from Latin 'incumbens', present participle of 'incumbere' meaning 'to lie upon, to press upon'

4. deliberate · adjective/dɪˈlɪbərɪt/

   done consciously and intentionally

   The committee made a deliberate decision to postpone the meeting until next week.

   Synonyms: intentional, purposeful, calculated

   Origin: The word 'deliberate' originates from the Latin 'deliberatus', the past participle of 'deliberare', which means 'to weigh' or 'to consider'.

5. discreet · adjective/dɪˈskrit/

   careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions to avoid causing offense or attracting attention

   She made a discreet inquiry about the job opening, ensuring no one would overhear her questions.

   Synonyms: tactful, circumspect, unobtrusive

   Origin: Middle English 'discrete', from Latin 'discretus', meaning 'separate, distinct'