adept, pristine, punitive, magnanimous, cumbersome: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 86. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. adept · adjective/əˈdɛpt/

   very skilled or proficient at something

   She is adept at solving complex mathematical problems quickly and accurately.

   Synonyms: skilled, proficient, expert

   Origin: from Latin 'adeptus', past participle of 'adipisci' meaning 'to attain, to achieve'.

2. pristine · adjective/prɪˈstiːn/

   in its original condition untouched and unspoiled

   The hikers were amazed by the pristine beauty of the untouched forest, where every tree and stream appeared to be in perfect harmony.

   Synonyms: unspoiled, immaculate, untouched

   Origin: from Latin 'pristinus' meaning 'former, original'

3. punitive · adjective/ˈpjunɪtɪv/

   intended to punish or to impose a penalty

   The new law includes punitive measures aimed at companies that violate environmental regulations.

   Synonyms: punishing, disciplinary, corrective

   Origin: from Latin 'punitivus', from 'punire' meaning 'to punish'

4. magnanimous · adjective/ˌmæɡˈnæn.ɪ.məs/

   generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person

   Despite their long-standing rivalry, she was magnanimous in victory, graciously congratulating her opponent after the match.

   Synonyms: generous, charitable, benevolent

   Origin: from Latin 'magnanimus', meaning 'great-souled', from 'magnus' (great) + 'animus' (soul, spirit)

5. cumbersome · adjective/ˈkʌmbərsəm/

   large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use

   The old, cumbersome furniture made it difficult to rearrange the living room.

   Synonyms: bulky, unwieldy, clumsy

   Origin: From Middle English 'cumbrous', originating from Old French 'combreux', which comes from 'combrer' meaning 'to encumber'.