Set 145 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

circumstance

noun/ˈsɜr.kəm.stæns/

definition

a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

example

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event was postponed until next month.

synonyms
situationconditionaccount
word origin — From Middle French 'circonstance', from Latin 'circumstantia', from 'circumstare' meaning 'to stand around'

circumstance, fledgling, prosecutor, duration, foreboding: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 145. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. circumstance · noun/ˈsɜr.kəm.stæns/

    a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

    Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event was postponed until next month.

    Synonyms: situation, condition, account

    Origin: From Middle French 'circonstance', from Latin 'circumstantia', from 'circumstare' meaning 'to stand around'

  2. fledgling · noun/ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ/

    a young bird that has just acquired its feathers for flying or a person or organization that is inexperienced or newly established

    The fledgling took its first flight, wobbling awkwardly as it soared into the sky.

    Synonyms: neophyte, novice, rookie

    Origin: Late Middle English from the word 'fledgling,' which is a diminutive form of 'fledge,' referring to a bird acquiring feathers.

  3. prosecutor · noun/ˈprɑsɪˌkjutər/

    a legal representative who accuses someone in a court of law

    The prosecutor presented compelling evidence that led to the defendant's conviction.

    Synonyms: attorney, district attorney, public prosecutor

    Origin: from Middle English 'prosecutour', from Latin 'prosecutor', meaning 'to pursue or follow up'.

  4. duration · noun/duˈreɪʃən/

    the length of time something lasts

    The duration of the movie is two hours and fifteen minutes, making it one of the longest films in recent years.

    Synonyms: length, period, time span

    Origin: from Middle English 'duracion', from Old French 'duracion', from Latin 'duratio', from 'durare' meaning 'to last'

  5. foreboding · noun/fɔrˈboʊ.dɪŋ/

    a feeling that something bad will happen

    As the dark clouds rolled in and the wind picked up, a sense of foreboding filled the air, making everyone anxious about the impending storm.

    Synonyms: premonition, apprehension, apprehensiveness

    Origin: The word 'foreboding' comes from the prefix 'fore-' meaning 'before' and 'boding', which is derived from the Old English 'bodian' meaning 'to announce'.