prosaic, malevolent, eclectic, licentious, inexorable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 22. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. prosaic · adjective/proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

   having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty

   Despite the beautiful scenery, his prosaic description of the landscape left much to be desired.

   Synonyms: uninspired, mundane, ordinary

   Origin: from Latin 'prosaicus', from 'prosa' meaning 'prose'

2. malevolent · adjective/məˈlɛvələnt/

   having or showing a wish to do evil to others

   The malevolent glare from the villain sent chills down the spines of the heroes standing before him.

   Synonyms: malicious, spiteful, wicked

   Origin: From Latin 'malevolentem', meaning 'wishing evil', from 'male' (badly) + 'velle' (to wish).

3. eclectic · adjective/ɪˈklɛktɪk/

   deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources

   Her eclectic taste in music includes genres from classical to hip-hop, showcasing her appreciation for a wide variety of styles.

   Synonyms: varied, diverse, assorted

   Origin: from Greek 'eklektikos', meaning 'selective', from 'eklegein', meaning 'to select'

4. licentious · adjective/laɪˈsɛnʃəs/

   lacking legal or moral restraints especially in sexual conduct

   The licentious behavior of the characters in the novel shocked many readers, who expected a more conventional depiction of romance.

   Synonyms: lewd, immoral, lascivious

   Origin: from Latin 'licentiosus', meaning 'unrestrained'

5. inexorable · adjective/ɪˈnɛksərəbəl/

   impossible to stop or prevent

   The inexorable march of time waits for no one, reminding us that we must make the most of every moment.

   Synonyms: inevitable, relentless, unyielding

   Origin: The word 'inexorable' comes from the Latin 'inexorabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'exorabilis' meaning 'to be moved by entreaty'.