Advanced Plus — Set 11

Set 11 of Advanced Plus covers 5 words: contagious, descend into, exponentially, steep, abrupt. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. contagious · adjective/kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/

   capable of being transmitted from one individual to another

   The flu is a contagious illness that can spread easily in crowded places.

   Synonyms: infectious, spreading, transmissible

   Origin: from Latin contagiosus, from contagio meaning 'contact'

2. descend into · verb/dɪ'sɛnd/

   to move or slope downwards or to decline to a lower state or condition

   As the sun set, the path began to descend into the valley below.

   Synonyms: drop, fall, sink

   Origin: from Old French 'descendre', from Latin 'descendere', from 'de-' meaning down and 'scandere' meaning to climb

3. exponentially · adverb/ˌɛkspəˈnɛnʃəli/

   in a manner that involves rapid increase or growth

   The population of the city is growing exponentially as more people move there for jobs.

   Synonyms: rapidly, quickly, fast

   Origin: from the word 'exponential,' derived from the Latin 'exponere' meaning 'to put forth'

4. steep · adjective/stip/

   having a sharp slope or rising or falling sharply

   The mountain has a steep slope that is hard to climb.

   Synonyms: sharp, abrupt, sheer

   Origin: Middle English steepe, from Old English stēap; related to Old Norse steipr

5. abrupt · adjective/əˈbrʌpt/

   happening suddenly or unexpectedly

   The car came to an abrupt stop when it saw the red light.

   Synonyms: sudden, quick, unexpected

   Origin: from Latin 'abruptus', meaning 'broken off, steep', from 'ab' meaning 'from' and 'rumpere' meaning 'to break'