ingenious, heinous, vindictive, abrupt, abundant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 143. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. ingenious · adjective/ɪnˈdʒinɪəs/

   having or showing an inventive or creative skill

   The ingenious design of the new smartphone allows for a longer battery life and faster processing speeds.

   Synonyms: inventive, clever, imaginative

   Origin: from Latin 'ingenuus' meaning 'native, inborn, freeborn; honorable, noble', derived from 'ingenium' meaning 'innate character, mental power, talent'.

2. heinous · adjective/ˈheɪ.nəs/

   shockingly evil or wicked

   The heinous crime committed in the quiet neighborhood shocked the entire community.

   Synonyms: atrocious, wicked, vile

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'haineus', based on 'haine' meaning 'hate', from Latin 'inimicus' meaning 'enemy'.

3. vindictive · adjective/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/

   having or showing a strong desire for revenge

   After being betrayed by her colleague, she became increasingly vindictive, plotting ways to sabotage his career.

   Synonyms: vengeful, spiteful, malicious

   Origin: from Latin 'vindictivus', meaning 'vengeful', from 'vindicta', meaning 'vengeance'

4. abrupt · adjective/əˈbrʌpt/

   sudden and unexpected

   The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm went off unexpectedly.

   Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, swift

   Origin: Originates from the Latin word 'abruptus', meaning 'broken off' or 'steep'.

5. abundant · adjective/əˈbʌndənt/

   existing in large quantities plentiful

   The garden was abundant with colorful flowers during the spring season.

   Synonyms: plentiful, copious, ample

   Origin: from Latin 'abundans', present participle of 'abundare', meaning 'to overflow'