discern, benevolent, void, potent, advent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 29. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. discern · verb/dɪˈsɜrn/

   to perceive or recognize something clearly

   It was hard to discern the shape of the mountain through the fog.

   Synonyms: detect

   Origin: from Latin 'discernere', meaning 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'

2. benevolent · adjective/bəˈnɛvələnt/

   well-meaning and kindly

   The benevolent man always helped the poor in his neighborhood.

   Synonyms: kind, generous, caring

   Origin: from Latin 'benevolens', meaning 'well wishing'

3. void · noun/vɔɪd/

   a completely empty space or area

   The room felt strange because it had a void where the furniture used to be.

   Synonyms: empty space, gap, vacuum

   Origin: from Old French 'veide', meaning 'empty', from Latin 'vacuus', meaning 'empty or unoccupied'

4. potent · adjective/ˈpoʊtnt/

   having great power, influence, or effect

   The medicine was very potent, helping people feel better quickly.

   Synonyms: powerful, strong, influential

   Origin: from Latin 'potens', meaning 'powerful, able'

5. advent · noun/ˈæd.vɛnt/

   the arrival or beginning of an important event, period, or invention

   The advent of new technology has changed how we communicate.

   Synonyms: arrival, coming, onset

   Origin: from Latin 'adventus', meaning 'arrival'