The pandemic caused an unprecedented rise in online shopping as everyone stayed at home.
synonyms
unparalleledunheard-of
word origin — The word 'unprecedented' originates from the Latin 'praecedens', meaning 'going before', combined with the prefix 'un-' which denotes negation.
unprecedented, prevail, vulnerable, altruistic, menace: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 21. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
unprecedented · adjective/ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd/
never done or known before
The pandemic caused an unprecedented rise in online shopping as everyone stayed at home.
Synonyms: unparalleled, unheard-of
Origin: The word 'unprecedented' originates from the Latin 'praecedens', meaning 'going before', combined with the prefix 'un-' which denotes negation.
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
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'
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'
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'.