apprehensive, capable, capacious, immaculate, arduous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 81. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. apprehensive · adjective/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv/

   anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen

   She felt apprehensive about the results of her medical tests, fearing the worst could happen.

   Synonyms: anxious, worried, nervous

   Origin: from Latin 'apprehensivus,' meaning 'capable of apprehending, fearful,' from 'apprehendere' meaning 'to seize, grasp.'

2. capable · adjective/ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/

   having the ability or qualities necessary to do something

   She is capable of leading the team to success with her strong leadership skills.

   Synonyms: able, competent, skilled

   Origin: from Latin 'capabilis' meaning 'able to seize or take hold of' derived from 'capere' meaning 'to seize or take'.

3. capacious · adjective/kəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/

   having a lot of space inside; roomy or able to hold much

   The capacious backpack easily accommodated all of my camping gear and supplies.

   Synonyms: spacious, roomy, vast

   Origin: From Latin 'capax', meaning 'capable of holding much'.

4. immaculate · adjective/ɪˈmæk.jə.lət/

   free from any blemish or imperfection

   Her immaculate appearance made a lasting impression on everyone at the gala.

   Synonyms: spotless, unblemished, pristine

   Origin: from Latin 'immaculatus', meaning 'without a stain'.

5. arduous · adjective/ˈɑrdʒ.u.əs/

   involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring

   The team faced an arduous task in completing the project on time, requiring long hours of work and intense focus.

   Synonyms: difficult, strenuous, laborious

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Old French 'ardueux', from Latin 'arduus' meaning 'high, steep, difficult'.