woeful, deceptive, convoluted, diligent, defiant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 191. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. woeful · adjective/ˈwoʊfəl/

   characterized by deep sorrow or distress

   After hearing the woeful news of her friend's accident, she couldn't help but weep.

   Synonyms: mournful, sorrowful, dismal

   Origin: from Middle English 'woeful', from Old English 'wōf' meaning 'sorrowful' + '-ful' suffix indicating 'full of'.

2. deceptive · adjective/dɪˈsɛptɪv/

   tending to mislead or trick

   The salesperson used deceptive tactics to convince customers to buy the overpriced product.

   Synonyms: misleading, deceitful, duplicitous

   Origin: from Latin 'deceptivus', derived from 'decept-', the past participle of 'decipere' meaning 'to catch, ensnare, or deceive'

3. convoluted · adjective/ˈkɑnvəˌluːtɪd/

   extremely complex and difficult to follow

   The plot of the movie was so convoluted that I struggled to keep track of the characters' motivations.

   Synonyms: complex, intricate, elaborate

   Origin: Late Latin 'convolutus', past participle of 'convolvere', meaning 'to roll together'

4. diligent · adjective/ˈdɪlədʒənt/

   showing careful and persistent effort or work

   She was diligent in her studies, always completing her assignments ahead of time.

   Synonyms: industrious, assiduous, hard-working

   Origin: From Latin 'diligentem', the present participle of 'diligere', meaning 'to value highly, love, take delight in'.

5. defiant · adjective/dɪˈfaɪənt/

   showing resistance or disobedience

   Despite the teacher's warnings, the student remained defiant, refusing to follow the rules of the classroom.

   Synonyms: rebellious, resistant, disobedient

   Origin: from Middle English 'defiant', from Old French 'defier', from Latin 'defiare', meaning 'to challenge'