intimidating, convenience, strangle, futile, dazzling: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 12. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. intimidating · adjective/ɪnˈtɪməˌdeɪtɪŋ/

   causing fear or apprehension

   The tall man with a loud voice looked very intimidating to the shy children.

   Synonyms: frightening, scary, daunting

   Origin: From the Latin 'intimidare', meaning 'to frighten'

2. convenience · noun/kənˈviːniəns/

   the quality of being easy and suitable for one's needs

   For my convenience, the store is open late on weekends.

   Synonyms: ease, comfort, suitability

   Origin: from Latin 'convenientia', meaning 'suitability or fitness'

3. strangle · verb/ˈstræŋɡl/

   to restrict the breathing of someone or something by squeezing the neck or throat

   Excessive debt can strangle a small company's ability to invest and grow.

   Synonyms: squeeze, choke, throttle

   Origin: from Middle English 'stranglen', from Old French 'estrangler', from Latin 'stringere' meaning 'to bind tight'.

4. futile · adjective/ˈfjuːtaɪl/

   having no useful result or effect

   Trying to change his mind about the movie was a futile effort.

   Synonyms: useless, pointless, vain

   Origin: from Latin 'futilis' meaning 'leaky, useless'

5. dazzling · adjective/ˈdæzlɪŋ/

   extremely impressive, beautiful, or skillful

   The dancer gave a dazzling performance that left everyone in awe.

   Synonyms: amazing, stunning, brilliant

   Origin: The word 'dazzling' comes from the Old English 'dægel,' meaning to daze or blind with light.