Set 179 · Study 1 / 5

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de facto

adjective/dɪ ˈfækˌtoʊ/

definition

in practice or effect but not formally recognized

example

Despite the lack of official acknowledgment, he became the de facto leader of the group, making all the key decisions.

synonyms
in practicein effectde facto
word origin — Latin, meaning 'from the fact'

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 179

Set 179 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: de facto, aloof, emaciated, intrinsic, infallible. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. de facto · adjective/dɪ ˈfækˌtoʊ/

    in practice or effect but not formally recognized

    Despite the lack of official acknowledgment, he became the de facto leader of the group, making all the key decisions.

    Synonyms: in practice, in effect, de facto

    Origin: Latin, meaning 'from the fact'

  2. aloof · adjective/əˈluf/

    not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant

    Despite her impressive resume, she remained aloof during the interview, making it hard for the panel to connect with her.

    Synonyms: distant, detached, unfriendly

    Origin: Early 17th century: from the phrase 'a loof', meaning 'at a distance', derived from Dutch 'aflof' (ocean current), combined with 'a' from 'a' plus 'loof' (origin unknown).

  3. emaciated · adjective/ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd/

    extremely thin and weak, especially because of illness or lack of food

    The emaciated dog timidly approached the bowl of food, its ribs visible beneath its thin fur.

    Synonyms: thin, gaunt, scrawny

    Origin: The word 'emaciated' comes from the Latin 'emaciatus,' the past participle of 'emaciare,' which means 'to make thin,' from 'e-' (a variant of 'ex-', meaning 'out of') and 'macies' (meaning 'leanness').

  4. intrinsic · adjective/ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk/

    belonging naturally; essential

    The intrinsic value of a piece of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought.

    Synonyms: innate, inherent, essential

    Origin: From Latin 'intrinsecus', meaning 'inward, inner'

  5. infallible · adjective/ɪnˈfælɪbəl/

    incapable of making mistakes or being wrong

    Many people believe that the author's infallible logic leaves no room for doubt in his arguments.

    Synonyms: unerring, flawless, unbeatable

    Origin: from Latin 'infallibilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive or fail'