TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 77

Set 77 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: minuscule, ambiguous, gargantuan, solitary, perspicacious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. minuscule · adjective/ˈmɪnəskjəl/

   extremely small or tiny

   The scientist discovered a minuscule organism living in the depths of the ocean.

   Synonyms: tiny, minute, small

   Origin: from Latin 'minusculus', a diminutive of 'minus' meaning 'less'

2. ambiguous · adjective/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/

   having more than one meaning or interpretation

   The instructions for the project were ambiguous, leaving many team members unsure of how to proceed.

   Synonyms: unclear, vague, equivocal

   Origin: From Latin 'ambiguus', meaning 'having two ways, uncertain'.

3. gargantuan · adjective/ɡɑrˈɡæn.tʃu.ən/

   extremely large or giant in size or scale

   The festival featured a gargantuan statue of a dragon that towered over the crowd.

   Synonyms: huge, enormous, colossal

   Origin: The word 'gargantuan' originates from the name Gargantua, a giant character in the novel 'Gargantua and Pantagruel' written by François Rabelais in the 16th century, derived from the Old French 'gargantu'.

4. solitary · adjective/ˈsɑːlɪtɛri/

   existing or living alone or without companions

   After years of living in a bustling city, she decided to move to a solitary cottage in the woods.

   Synonyms: alone, lonely, isolated

   Origin: from Latin 'solitari', from 'solus' meaning 'alone'

5. perspicacious · adjective/ˌpɜr.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/

   having a ready insight into and understanding of things

   Her perspicacious observations during the meeting revealed insights that others had overlooked.

   Synonyms: perceptive, insightful, astute

   Origin: from Latin 'perspicācis,' meaning 'clear-sighted,' from 'perspicere,' meaning 'to look through, to see clearly'