anesthesia, verdict, clamor, avocation, aspiration: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 169. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. anesthesia · noun/ˌæn.əsˈθiː.ʒə/

   a state of temporary induced loss of sensation or awareness

   The patient was given anesthesia before the surgery to ensure they felt no pain during the procedure.

   Synonyms: analgesia, numbness, insensibility

   Origin: The word 'anesthesia' originates from the Greek 'anaisthesis', meaning 'without sensation', from 'an-' meaning 'without' and 'aisthesis' meaning 'sensation'.

2. verdict · noun/ˈvɜrdɪkt/

   a formal decision or judgment made by a jury or judge

   The jury reached a unanimous verdict after deliberating for several hours.

   Synonyms: ruling, decision, judgment

   Origin: From Latin 'veredictum', meaning 'true saying', from 'verus' (true) + 'dictum' (saying).

3. clamor · noun/ˈklæmɚ/

   a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting

   The clamor of the crowd grew louder as the main event approached, drowning out any attempts at conversation.

   Synonyms: uproar, racket, din

   Origin: from Latin 'clamor', meaning 'shout or cry'

4. avocation · noun/ˌæv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

   a hobby or minor occupation

   He spends his weekends pursuing his avocation of painting, finding joy and relaxation in every brushstroke.

   Synonyms: hobby, pastime, profession

   Origin: from Latin 'avocatio', meaning 'a calling away', from 'avocare' (to call away)

5. aspiration · noun/ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/

   a hope or ambition of achieving something

   Her aspiration to become a doctor motivated her to study hard throughout high school.

   Synonyms: ambition, desire, goal

   Origin: from Latin 'aspiratio', which means 'a breathing or desire', from 'aspirare' meaning 'to breathe upon, to long for'