TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 5

Set 5 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: vestige, infirmity, acumen, plagiarism, buttress. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. vestige · noun/ˈvɛstɪdʒ/

   a trace or remnant of something that is no longer present or in existence

   The ruins of the ancient temple were the last vestige of a once-thriving civilization.

   Synonyms: trace, remnant, relic

   Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'vestigium', meaning 'footprint, trace'.

2. infirmity · noun/ɪnˈfɜrmɪti/

   a physical or mental weakness or disability

   Despite his advancing age and various infirmities, he remained sharp-minded and active in his community.

   Synonyms: disability, weakness, ailment

   Origin: from Latin 'infirmus' meaning 'weak' or 'feeble'

3. acumen · noun/əˈkjumən/

   the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain

   Her business acumen helped her turn the struggling company into a profitable enterprise in just a year.

   Synonyms: insight, discernment, shrewdness

   Origin: from Latin 'acumen', meaning 'a sharp point or edge, keenness of mind' derived from 'acuere', meaning 'to sharpen'

4. plagiarism · noun/ˈpleɪdʒəˌrɪzəm/

   the act of using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution

   The university has strict policies against plagiarism, requiring students to cite their sources properly in all assignments.

   Synonyms: copying, imitation, theft

   Origin: from Latin 'plagiarius' meaning 'kidnapper', from 'plagium' meaning 'kidnapping or plundering'

5. buttress · noun/ˈbʌt.rəs/

   a structure built against a wall to support or reinforce it

   The ancient cathedral featured towering buttresses that supported its high walls and intricate stained glass windows.

   Synonyms: support, prop, brace

   Origin: from Old French 'bottir', meaning 'to thrust, to support', derived from Latin 'buttire', meaning 'to push' or 'to strike'.