contagious, descend into, exponentially, steep, abrupt: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 11. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

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/

   at an increasingly rapid rate proportional to the current amount

   In the simulation, the number of connections grew exponentially as each new node linked to several others.

   Synonyms: geometrically

   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 driver brought the car to an abrupt stop when the traffic light turned red.

   Synonyms: sudden, unexpected

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