novel, predecessor, obsolete, devise, egregious: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 27. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. novel · noun/ˈnɑːvəl/

   a long work of fiction describing connected characters and events

   I read a fascinating novel about a young girl who goes on an adventure.

   Synonyms: work of fiction

   Origin: from Latin 'novus' meaning 'new'

2. predecessor · noun/ˈpriːdɪsɛsər/

   a person or thing that precedes another in time, history, or position

   The new manager worked hard to improve the projects left by his predecessor.

   Synonyms: forerunner, precursor

   Origin: from Latin 'praedecessor', meaning 'to go before'

3. obsolete · adjective/ˌɑb.səˈlit/

   no longer used or produced because something newer has replaced it

   Many old phones have become obsolete as new models with better features are released.

   Synonyms: outdated, old-fashioned, passé

   Origin: from Latin 'obsoletus', meaning 'worn out, forgotten'

4. devise · verb/dɪˈvaɪz/

   to plan or invent something through careful thought

   The teacher will devise a new way to help students learn math better.

   Synonyms: create, invent, formulate

   Origin: Middle English 'devisen', from Old French 'deviser', from Latin 'dividere' meaning 'to divide'

5. egregious · adjective/ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/

   extraordinarily bad or shocking

   The team's egregious mistakes cost them the game.

   Synonyms: outrageous, shocking, terrible

   Origin: from Latin 'egregius', meaning 'distinguished, eminent', originally denoting 'remarkable' but evolved into a negative connotation.