TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 67

Set 67 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: poignant, copious, cognitive, ongoing, surly. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. poignant · adjective/ˈpɔɪn.jənt/

   evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

   The film's poignant portrayal of loss left the audience in tears.

   Synonyms: touching, sad, emotional

   Origin: from Middle French poignant, meaning 'to prick, pierce,' from Latin pungere 'to puncture'

2. copious · adjective/ˈkoʊ.pi.əs/

   abundant in supply or quantity

   The researcher collected copious data during the experiment, which allowed for a thorough analysis.

   Synonyms: plentiful, ample, profuse

   Origin: from Latin 'copia', meaning 'abundance'

3. cognitive · adjective/ˈkɑɡnɪtɪv/

   related to mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and judgment

   The researchers conducted a study on cognitive development in children, focusing on how they acquire language skills.

   Synonyms: mental, intellectual, cerebral

   Origin: from Latin 'cognitivus', from 'cognoscere', meaning 'to know'

4. ongoing · adjective/ˌɔnˈɡoʊɪŋ/

   continuing to exist or happen without interruption

   The ongoing debate about climate change has sparked numerous discussions in the community.

   Synonyms: continuing, perpetual, unceasing

   Origin: The word 'ongoing' is a combination of the prefix 'on-' meaning 'in progress' and the gerund 'going', derived from the verb 'go'. It emerged in the early 20th century.

5. surly · adjective/ˈsɜrli/

   bad-tempered and unfriendly

   The surly waiter refused to take our order with a smile, making the entire dining experience unpleasant.

   Synonyms: grumpy, sullen, moody

   Origin: Middle English 'surlie', from 'sour' + '-ly'