TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 166

Set 166 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: innate, indifferent, torpid, onerous, concise. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. innate · adjective/ɪˈneɪt/

   existing naturally or inherently rather than being learned or acquired

   Her innate ability to empathize with others makes her a great counselor.

   Synonyms: inborn, inherent, congenital

   Origin: from Latin 'innatus', from 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'natus' meaning 'born'

2. indifferent · adjective/ɪnˈdɪfərnt/

   having no particular interest or concern

   She remained indifferent to the outcome of the game, showing no excitement whether they won or lost.

   Synonyms: apathetic, unconcerned, disinterested

   Origin: from Middle French 'indifférent', from Latin 'indifferentem' (nominative 'indifferens') meaning 'not bearing a difference'.

3. torpid · adjective/ˈtɔːrpɪd/

   having lost motion or the ability to move; physically inactive

   After a long winter, the torpid animals emerged from their dens, still groggy and slow to react.

   Synonyms: inactive, sluggish, lethargic

   Origin: Latin 'torpidus', from 'torpere' meaning 'to be stiff or numb'

4. onerous · adjective/ˈoʊ.nər.əs/

   involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty

   The committee found the reporting requirements to be onerous, creating unnecessary delays in their project timeline.

   Synonyms: burdensome, taxing, arduous

   Origin: from Middle English 'onerous', from Latin 'onerosus', from 'onus' meaning 'burden'.

5. concise · adjective/kənˈsaɪs/

   expressing much in few words

   The report was praised for its concise summary of the findings.

   Synonyms: brief, succinct, terse

   Origin: from Latin 'concīsus', meaning 'cut up' or 'shortened'