indignant, aspire, self-inflicted, indulge, impede: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 1. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. indignant · adjective/ɪnˈdɪɡ.nənt/

   angry or annoyed at what is perceived as unfair treatment

   She felt indignant at the unfair decision made by the judges.

   Synonyms: angry, offended, upset

   Origin: from Latin 'indignus' meaning 'unworthy, not deserving'

2. aspire · verb/əˈspaɪr/

   to have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something

   She aspires to become a doctor and provide medical care in poor communities.

   Synonyms: aim to, strive to, hope to

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'aspirare' meaning 'to breathe upon' or 'to aim at'

3. self-inflicted · adjective/ˌsɛlf.ɪnˈflɪk.tɪd/

   resulting from one's own actions or choices

   His financial problems were largely self-inflicted because he kept spending more than he earned.

   Synonyms: self-caused, self-imposed, self-created

   Origin: The term 'self-inflicted' originates from the combination of 'self,' meaning oneself, and 'inflicted,' derived from the Latin 'inflictus,' meaning to strike or impose.

4. indulge · verb/ɪnˈdʌldʒ/

   to allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something

   After a long week at work, I like to indulge in my favorite dessert.

   Synonyms: treat oneself, enjoy, savor

   Origin: from Latin 'indulgere' meaning to be lenient or to allow oneself

5. impede · verb/ɪmˈpid/

   to obstruct or hinder the progress or movement of something

   Heavy rain can impede our ability to drive safely.

   Synonyms: hinder, obstruct, delay

   Origin: from Latin 'impedire', meaning 'to catch in' or 'to hinder'