TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 84

Set 84 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: erudition, misdemeanor, paucity, ailment, diminutive. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. erudition · noun/ˌɛrʊˈdɪʃən/

   deep, extensive knowledge acquired through study and learning

   His erudition in classical literature made him a respected scholar in academic circles.

   Synonyms: knowledge, wisdom, learning

   Origin: from Latin 'eruditio', from 'erudire' meaning to educate or instruct

2. misdemeanor · noun/ˌmɪs.dəˈmiː.nɚ/

   a minor wrongdoing or a less serious crime

   The court determined that his actions constituted a misdemeanor, prompting a small fine rather than jail time.

   Synonyms: offense, infraction, petty crime

   Origin: Middle English misdeed, from Old French mesdein, from mes- ('wrongly') + deien ('to do')

3. paucity · noun/ˈpɔːsɪti/

   the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities

   The paucity of resources in the remote village made it difficult for the community to thrive.

   Synonyms: scarcity, shortage, dearth

   Origin: Late Latin 'paucitas', from 'paucus' meaning 'few'

4. ailment · noun/ˈeɪlmənt/

   a physical disorder or condition that causes pain or discomfort

   She has been struggling with a chronic ailment that makes it difficult for her to perform daily activities.

   Synonyms: illness, disorder, malady

   Origin: Middle English 'ailmente', from Old French 'alement', from 'aillier' meaning 'to bring to life, to enliven', from Latin 'alere', meaning 'to nourish'.

5. diminutive · adjective/dɪˈmɪnəˌtɪv/

   something that is notably small or lower in size

   The diminutive kitten curled up in the corner, looking for a warm place to nap.

   Synonyms: small, tiny, petite

   Origin: Late Latin 'diminutivus', from 'diminut-', the past participle of 'diminuere' meaning 'to lessen'