paragon, welfare, tedium, arbitrator, catalyst: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 47. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. paragon · noun/ˈpærəˌɡɑn/

   a model of excellence or perfection of a kind

   She is a paragon of virtue, always demonstrating kindness and generosity in her actions.

   Synonyms: model, exemplar, ideal

   Origin: from Middle French 'paragon', from Latin 'paragonem' meaning 'to show beside, to compare'.

2. welfare · noun/ˈwɛlˌfɛr/

   the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group

   The government has implemented several programs to enhance the welfare of low-income families.

   Synonyms: well-being, happiness, prosperity

   Origin: Middle English, from the phrase 'welle faren', meaning 'to fare well'.

3. tedium · noun/ˈtiːdiəm/

   the state of being tedious or boring

   She struggled to overcome the tedium of the long meeting that seemed to drag on forever.

   Synonyms: boredom, monotony, stiffness

   Origin: From Latin 'taedium', meaning 'weariness, disgust'.

4. arbitrator · noun/ˈɑr.bɪ.trə.tər/

   a person appointed to settle a dispute or determine the outcome of a conflict

   The parties agreed to submit their disagreement to an impartial arbitrator for a fair resolution.

   Synonyms: mediator, adjudicator, umpire

   Origin: from Middle Latin 'arbitrator', from 'arbitrare' meaning to judge or to consider

5. catalyst · noun/ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/

   a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change

   Enzymes act as natural catalysts in biological reactions, speeding up processes like digestion without being consumed.

   Synonyms: accelerator, promoter, facilitator

   Origin: from the Greek 'katalutikos', meaning 'to dissolve or loosen', through the French 'catalyse'