TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 184

Set 184 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: proportion, idiosyncrasy, pathos, prognosis, procedure. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. proportion · noun/prəˈpɔrʃən/

   a relationship between quantities, often expressed as a fraction or ratio

   The proportion of students who passed the exam increased this year compared to last year.

   Synonyms: ratio, fraction, percentage

   Origin: from Latin 'proportio', meaning 'a part, division, proportion'

2. idiosyncrasy · noun/ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/

   a characteristic, habit, or mannerism peculiar to an individual

   His tendency to always wear mismatched socks is just one of his many idiosyncrasies that make him unique.

   Synonyms: quirk, peculiarity, trait

   Origin: from the Greek 'idiosynkrasia', which means 'a peculiar temperament', from 'idios' meaning 'private, one's own' and 'sunkrasis' meaning 'mixing, mixture'

3. pathos · noun/ˈpeɪθɑs/

   a quality that evokes pity or sadness

   The film garnered critical acclaim for its profound pathos, leaving the audience in tears by the end.

   Synonyms: emocion, poignancy, compassion

   Origin: derived from Greek 'pathos' meaning 'suffering' or 'experience'

4. prognosis · noun/prɑɡ'nosis/

   a prediction of the likely course or outcome of a disease or situation

   The doctor provided a cautiously optimistic prognosis for the patient's recovery after treatment.

   Synonyms: forecast, prediction, outlook

   Origin: from Greek 'prognōsis', meaning 'foreknowledge'

5. procedure · noun/prəˈsiːdʒər/

   a series of actions conducted in a certain order

   The procedure for filing a complaint requires several steps, including gathering evidence and submitting the form to the appropriate department.

   Synonyms: process, method, operation

   Origin: from Middle French 'procédure' and from Latin 'procedere' meaning 'to go forward, advance'