conceivable, sluggish, consecutive, cordial, lax: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 73. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. conceivable · adjective/kənˈsiːvəbl/

   capable of being imagined or thought of

   In a world of limitless possibilities, any outcome is conceivable with enough imagination.

   Synonyms: imaginable, thinkable, possible

   Origin: from Old French 'concevoir', from Latin 'concipere' meaning 'to take in, to seize, to conceive'

2. sluggish · adjective/ˈslʌɡɪʃ/

   moving slowly or lacking energy

   After staying up late, I felt sluggish in the morning and struggled to get out of bed.

   Synonyms: lethargic, slow, listless

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'slug' meaning 'sluggish, slow.'

3. consecutive · adjective/kənˈsɛk.jə.tɪv/

   following one after another in order without interruption

   She won the championship for three consecutive years, showcasing her exceptional skills.

   Synonyms: successive, sequential, continuous

   Origin: From Latin 'consecutivus', derived from 'consīqui' meaning 'to follow closely'.

4. cordial · adjective/ˈkɔr.dʒəl/

   warm and friendly

   Despite the tense situation, he greeted his colleague with a cordial smile and handshake.

   Synonyms: friendly, warm, affable

   Origin: From Middle English, from Old French 'cordial', from Latin 'cordialis' meaning 'of or pertaining to the heart'.

5. lax · adjective/læks/

   not strict or severe; lenient

   The school's lax attendance policy allowed students to skip classes without any repercussions.

   Synonyms: lenient, relaxed, permissive

   Origin: from Latin 'laxus' meaning 'loose, not rigid'