parsimonious, insolent, incessant, extensive, wistful: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 31. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. parsimonious · adjective/ˌpɑːr.səˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

   excessively frugal or stingy

   Despite his wealth, he was parsimonious with his donations to charity, giving only the bare minimum required.

   Synonyms: stingy, miserly, frugal

   Origin: from Latin 'parsimonia', meaning 'sparing, frugality'.

2. insolent · adjective/ˈɪn.sə.lənt/

   showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect

   The student's insolent behavior during the lecture shocked the professor and disrupted the entire class.

   Synonyms: impudent, disrespectful, impertinent

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin insolent- 'unaccustomed, rude', from the verb insolere, from in- 'not' + solere 'be accustomed'.

3. incessant · adjective/ɪnˈsɛsənt/

   continuing without interruption

   The incessant noise from the construction site made it difficult for residents to enjoy their homes.

   Synonyms: unending, perpetual, ceaseless

   Origin: from Latin 'incessans', present participle of 'incessare', meaning 'to ceaselessly go on or continue'

4. extensive · adjective/ɪkˈstɛnsɪv/

   covering or affecting a large area or range

   The research team conducted an extensive study on climate change impacts across various ecosystems.

   Synonyms: vast, widespread

   Origin: from Latin 'extensivus', which is derived from 'extendere' meaning 'to stretch out'

5. wistful · adjective/ˈwɪstfl/

   having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing

   She looked out the window with a wistful expression, reminiscing about the carefree days of her youth.

   Synonyms: nostalgic, reflective, pensive

   Origin: from the adjective 'wist' meaning 'to know' (related to the Old English 'witan') combined with the suffix '-ful'