Set 141 · Study 1 / 5

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devoir

noun/ˈduːti/

definition

a moral or legal obligation; duty

example

As a citizen, it is your devoir to participate in the democratic process and vote in elections.

synonyms
dutyobligationresponsibility
word origin — Middle English, from Old French 'devoir', from Latin 'debere', meaning 'to owe'

Word Ultra — Set 141

Set 141 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: devoir, etymon, scopophilia, amphibology, cataphract. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. devoir · noun/ˈduːti/

    a moral or legal obligation; duty

    As a citizen, it is your devoir to participate in the democratic process and vote in elections.

    Synonyms: duty, obligation, responsibility

    Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'devoir', from Latin 'debere', meaning 'to owe'

  2. etymon · noun/ˈɛtɪˌmɑn/

    a word or morpheme from which another word is derived

    The Latin word 'aqua' is the etymon of the English word 'aquatic'.

    Synonyms: root, basis, stem

    Origin: from Greek 'etumon' meaning 'true sense', which is derived from 'etymos' meaning 'true'.

  3. scopophilia · noun/skoʊˈpəfɪliə/

    the pleasure derived from looking at erotic or sexual objects or images

    The film explored the theme of scopophilia, delving into the complex relationship between desire and visual pleasure.

    Synonyms: voyeurism, scopophilia, exhibitionism

    Origin: The term 'scopophilia' is derived from the Greek words 'skopein' meaning 'to look' and 'philia' meaning 'love' or 'affection'.

  4. amphibology · noun/æmˈfɪbələdʒi/

    a statement that is ambiguous due to its grammatical structure

    The amphibology in his statement left everyone confused about his true intentions during the meeting.

    Synonyms: ambiguity, vagueness, uncertainty

    Origin: derived from the Greek word 'amphibolia', which combines 'amphi-' meaning 'on both sides' and 'ballein' meaning 'to throw'.

  5. cataphract · noun/ˈkætəfrækt/

    heavily armored cavalryman of ancient and medieval times

    The cataphract charged into battle, his armor glinting in the sunlight as he led the cavalry charge against the enemy.

    Synonyms: knight, heavy cavalry, horseman

    Origin: From Latin 'cataphractus' meaning 'armed', from Greek 'kataphraktos', derived from 'kata' (down) and 'phrain' (to show, to wear).