Set 199 · Study 1 / 5

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rigorous

adjective/ˈrɪɡərəs/

definition

strict and demanding in standards or discipline

example

The university's rigorous admission process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are accepted.

synonyms
strictdemandingstringent
word origin — from Latin 'rigorosus', meaning 'stiff, severe', from 'rigor' meaning 'stiffness, severity'.

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 199

Set 199 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: rigorous, rational, ephemeral, scrupulous, irrefutable. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. rigorous · adjective/ˈrɪɡərəs/

    strict and demanding in standards or discipline

    The university's rigorous admission process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are accepted.

    Synonyms: strict, demanding, stringent

    Origin: from Latin 'rigorosus', meaning 'stiff, severe', from 'rigor' meaning 'stiffness, severity'.

  2. rational · adjective/ˈræʃənl/

    based on or in accordance with reason or logic

    His rational decision to invest in renewable energy sources proved to be very beneficial in the long run.

    Synonyms: logical, reasonable, sensible

    Origin: from Latin 'rationalis', from 'ratio' meaning 'reason'.

  3. ephemeral · adjective/ɪˈfɛm.ɚ.əl/

    lasting for a very short time

    The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading away within minutes as daylight turned to dusk.

    Synonyms: transitory, fleeting, short-lived

    Origin: from the Greek 'ephemeros', meaning 'lasting only a day'

  4. scrupulous · adjective/ˈskruːpjələs/

    diligent and attentive to details, especially in matters of ethics and morality

    The lawyer was scrupulous in his examination of the evidence, ensuring that every detail was thoroughly reviewed before presenting the case.

    Synonyms: meticulous, exacting, conscientious

    Origin: From Latin 'scrupulosus' meaning 'ethically careful', from 'scrupulus' meaning 'a small stone, a trifle'.

  5. irrefutable · adjective/ˌɪrɪˈfjuːt̬əbl/

    impossible to deny or disprove

    The scientist presented irrefutable evidence that climate change is accelerating due to human activity.

    Synonyms: indisputable, undeniable, incontrovertible

    Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'irrefutabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'refutabilis' meaning 'able to be refuted' (from 'refutare' meaning 'to repel, disprove').