Advanced Plus — Set 21

Set 21 of Advanced Plus covers 5 words: unprecedented, prevail, vulnerable, altruistic, menace. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. unprecedented · adjective/ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd/

   never done or known before

   The pandemic caused an unprecedented rise in online shopping as everyone stayed at home.

   Synonyms: unusual, extraordinary, unique

   Origin: The word 'unprecedented' originates from the Latin 'praecedens', meaning 'going before', combined with the prefix 'un-' which denotes negation.

2. prevail · verb/prɪˈveɪl/

   to be victorious or triumphant

   In the end, good will prevail over evil.

   Synonyms: succeed, win, triumph

   Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'prevalere', meaning to be strong or be powerful

3. vulnerable · adjective/ˈvʌlnərəbəl/

   susceptible to physical or emotional harm or attack

   Young children are often vulnerable to bullying at school.

   Synonyms: exposed, sensitive, defenseless

   Origin: From Latin 'vulnerabilis', meaning 'woundable', from 'vulnus', meaning 'wound'

4. altruistic · adjective/ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/

   showing selfless concern for the well-being of others

   The altruistic teacher spent her weekend helping students who needed extra help.

   Synonyms: selfless, charitable, generous

   Origin: from the French 'altruisme', derived from the Latin 'alter' meaning 'other'

5. menace · noun/ˈmɛn.əs/

   a person or thing that is likely to cause harm or danger

   The stray dog became a real menace in the neighborhood, scaring children and chasing cars.

   Synonyms: threat, danger, hazard

   Origin: From Old French 'menace', which comes from Latin 'minae', meaning 'threats' or 'promises'.