TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 72

Set 72 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: reverence, cohesion, condolence, famine, defendant. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. reverence · noun/ˈrɛv.ɚ.əns/

   a deep respect for someone or something

   The children listened to the elder's stories with great reverence, understanding the wisdom he imparted.

   Synonyms: respect, admiration, esteem

   Origin: The word 'reverence' originates from the Latin 'reverentia', meaning 'awe' or 'respect', which comes from 'revereri', meaning 'to stand in awe of' or 'to respect'.

2. cohesion · noun/koʊˈhiː.ʒən/

   the act or state of forming a united whole

   The cohesion within the team was evident as they worked together seamlessly to achieve their common goal.

   Synonyms: unity, togetherness, connection

   Origin: from Latin 'cohaesio', from 'cohaerere' which means 'to stick together'

3. condolence · noun/kənˈdoʊləns/

   an expression of sympathy especially on the occasion of a death

   I sent my heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.

   Synonyms: sympathy, commiseration, solace

   Origin: from Latin 'condolentia', from 'condolere' meaning 'to suffer with'

4. famine · noun/ˈfæmɪn/

   a severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger

   The region has been struggling with a severe famine that has affected thousands of families.

   Synonyms: hunger, starvation, malnutrition

   Origin: The word 'famine' originates from the Latin 'fames', meaning hunger or starvation, and its first known use in English dates back to the 14th century.

5. defendant · noun/dɪˈfɛndənt/

   a person accused of a crime in a court of law

   The defendant maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting he was not present at the crime scene.

   Synonyms: accused, respondent, litigant

   Origin: from Middle English, derived from Old French 'defendant', meaning 'defending', from the verb 'defendre', which comes from Latin 'defendere', meaning 'to ward off, to defend'.