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recession

noun/rɪˈsɛʃən/

definition

a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced

example

The country experienced a significant recession that led to high unemployment rates and decreased consumer spending.

synonyms
downturnslumprecessionary period
word origin — from Latin 'recessio', meaning 'a going back, retreat'

recession, apprentice, mandate, agnostic, advocate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 32. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. recession · noun/rɪˈsɛʃən/

    a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced

    The country experienced a significant recession that led to high unemployment rates and decreased consumer spending.

    Synonyms: downturn, slump, recessionary period

    Origin: from Latin 'recessio', meaning 'a going back, retreat'

  2. apprentice · noun/əˈprɛntɪs/

    a person who is learning a trade or skill from a skilled employer

    As an apprentice carpenter, she spent years mastering the craft under the guidance of a seasoned tradesman.

    Synonyms: trainee, novice, learner

    Origin: from Middle French 'apprentiz', from 'apprendre' meaning 'to learn', derived from Latin 'apprehendere' meaning 'to grasp' or 'to seize'.

  3. mandate · noun/ˈmænˌdeɪt/

    an official order or commission to do something

    The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public to ensure safety during the pandemic.

    Synonyms: order, commission, directive

    Origin: from Latin 'mandatum', meaning 'something that is commanded', from the verb 'mandare', meaning 'to order, entrust'

  4. agnostic · noun/æɡˈnɑːstɪk/

    a person who believes that the existence of a god or gods is unknown or unknowable

    Despite being raised in a religious household, he identifies as an agnostic, questioning the nature of faith and the existence of a higher power.

    Synonyms: skeptic, noncommittalist, doubter

    Origin: The term 'agnostic' was coined by the British biologist Thomas Huxley in 1869, derived from the Greek 'agnostos' meaning 'unknown' or 'unknowable', composed of 'a-' (not) and 'gnosis' (knowledge).

  5. advocate · noun/ˈæd.və.keɪt/

    a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy

    The environmental advocate spoke passionately about the need for sustainable practices in agriculture.

    Synonyms: champion, supporter, proponent

    Origin: from Middle English 'advocaten', from Old French 'advocaat', from Latin 'advocatus', meaning 'one called to aid'