Advanced Plus — Set 14

Set 14 of Advanced Plus covers 5 words: setback, scapegoat, compel, attain, witty. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. setback · noun/ˈsɛt.bæk/

   an unexpected change or difficulty that causes a delay or hindrance

   The team faced a setback when the main player got injured before the game.

   Synonyms: obstacle, hurdle, delay

   Origin: The word 'setback' combines 'set', meaning to place or put in a specified position, and 'back', referring to something being pushed away or behind, dating back to the late 19th century.

2. scapegoat · noun/ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/

   a person or group blamed for the wrongdoing or problems of others

   The employee became the scapegoat for the team's failure to meet the project deadline.

   Synonyms: fall guy, patsy, whipping boy

   Origin: The word 'scapegoat' comes from the Hebrew term 'Azazel', which referred to a goat sent into the wilderness after the Jewish high priest symbolically laid the sins of the people on it. It was later used in English in the late 16th century.

3. compel · verb/kəmˈpɛl/

   to force or drive someone to do something

   The teacher had to compel all the students to finish their homework on time.

   Synonyms: force, urge, coerce

   Origin: from Latin 'compellere', meaning 'to drive together, compel', composed of 'com-' (together) and 'pellere' (to drive)

4. attain · verb/əˈteɪn/

   to achieve or reach a goal or target

   She worked hard to attain her dream of becoming a doctor.

   Synonyms: achieve, reach, gain

   Origin: from Middle English 'atayn', from Old French 'atteindre', from Latin 'attingere' meaning 'to touch or reach'

5. witty · adjective/ˈwɪti/

   having a clever and humorous way of expressing ideas

   Her witty remarks always make everyone laugh during the meeting.

   Synonyms: humorous, clever, funny

   Origin: from Middle English 'witty', from Old English 'wita', meaning 'wise'.