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battle

noun/ˈbæt̬.əl/

definition

a sustained fight between large organized armed forces

example

The soldiers prepared for the fierce battle that was expected to determine the outcome of the war.

synonyms
conflictskirmishengagement
word origin — from Old French 'bataille', from Latin 'battalia', derived from 'battuere' meaning 'to beat'

battle, rebel, hierarchy, encounter, efficacy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 37. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. battle · noun/ˈbæt̬.əl/

    a sustained fight between large organized armed forces

    The soldiers prepared for the fierce battle that was expected to determine the outcome of the war.

    Synonyms: conflict, skirmish, engagement

    Origin: from Old French 'bataille', from Latin 'battalia', derived from 'battuere' meaning 'to beat'

  2. rebel · noun/ˈrɛb.əl/

    a person who resists or defies authority control or tradition

    The young rebel challenged the school's strict dress code, encouraging others to express their individuality.

    Synonyms: insurgent, dissenter, revolutionary

    Origin: from the Old French 'rebel', from Latin 'rebellis' (to revolt), from 're-' (back) + 'bellare' (to wage war)

  3. hierarchy · noun/ˈhaɪərɑːrki/

    a system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority

    In many corporate settings, a strict hierarchy exists that determines who makes decisions and who reports to whom.

    Synonyms: ranking, pecking order, social order

    Origin: from the Greek 'hierarchia', meaning 'rule of a high priest', from 'hierarchēs' meaning 'leader of sacred rites' and 'archē' meaning 'rule, authority'

  4. encounter · noun/ɪnˈkaʊntər/

    a meeting or confrontation with someone or something

    The scientist's encounter with the rare species provided valuable insights into its behavior.

    Synonyms: meeting, confrontation, engagement

    Origin: Middle French 'enconter' from Latin 'incontrāre', meaning 'to meet' or 'to face'.

  5. efficacy · noun/ˈɛfɪkəsi/

    the ability to produce a desired or intended result

    The efficacy of the new vaccine has been demonstrated in several clinical trials.

    Synonyms: effectiveness, efficiency, potency

    Origin: from Middle French 'efficacité', from Latin 'efficientia', which is derived from 'efficere' meaning 'to accomplish'.