TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 45

Set 45 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: stable, accurate, ludicrous, ambivalent, reminiscent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. stable · adjective/ˈsteɪbl/

   not likely to change or fail; firmly established

   The company's strong financial performance has led to a stable growth rate over the past five years.

   Synonyms: secure, steady, constant

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'estable', from Latin 'stabilis', meaning 'firm, steadfast'.

2. accurate · adjective/ˈæk.jʊ.rɪt/

   free from error or defect; consistent with fact or truth

   The scientist provided an accurate assessment of the data collected during the experiment.

   Synonyms: exact, precise, correct

   Origin: from Latin 'accuratus', past participle of 'accurare' meaning 'to take care of, to pay attention to'

3. ludicrous · adjective/ˈluː.dɪ.krəs/

   ridiculously absurd or laughable

   The idea of a cat leading a dog training class is absolutely ludicrous.

   Synonyms: absurd, ridiculous, preposterous

   Origin: From Latin 'ludicrus', meaning 'playful', from 'ludere', meaning 'to play'.

4. ambivalent · adjective/æmˈbɪvələnt/

   having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

   She felt ambivalent feelings about moving to a new city, excited for the change but sad to leave her friends behind.

   Synonyms: mixed, uncertain, conflicted

   Origin: The word 'ambivalent' is derived from the Latin 'ambivalens', which combines 'amb-' meaning 'both' and 'valens' meaning 'having strength or worth'.

5. reminiscent · adjective/ˌrɛmɪˈnɪsənt/

   tending to remind one of something

   The scent of freshly baked cookies is reminiscent of my grandmother's kitchen during the holidays.

   Synonyms: evocative, suggestive, redolent

   Origin: from Middle French 'reminiscente', from Latin 'reminiscentem', meaning 'to remember'