anathema, surrogate, vitality, anguish, alias: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 47. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. anathema · noun/əˈnæθəˌmə/

   a person or thing that is detested or loathed

   For many people, cruelty to animals is an anathema that they cannot accept.

   Synonyms: abomination, bane

   Origin: Greek anathema, meaning 'something dedicated' or 'a ban.'

2. surrogate · noun/ˈsɜrəɡət/

   a person or thing that takes the place of another

   The woman acted as a surrogate for her friend who wanted a baby.

   Synonyms: replacement, substitute, proxy

   Origin: from Latin 'surrogatus', meaning 'chosen to replace another'

3. vitality · noun/vaɪˈtæl.ɪ.ti/

   the state of being strong and active; energy

   The morning yoga class helped her feel a lot of vitality throughout the day.

   Synonyms: energy, vigor, liveliness

   Origin: from Latin 'vitalitas', from 'vitalis' meaning 'of life'

4. anguish · noun/ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/

   extreme suffering or grief

   She felt deep anguish when her best friend moved away.

   Synonyms: suffering, distress, pain

   Origin: from Middle English 'angush', from Old French 'angoisse', from Latin 'anguis' meaning 'pain, distress'

5. alias · noun/eɪliəs/

   a name used to disguise or replace one's real name

   The thief used an alias to hide his identity from the police.

   Synonyms: pseudonym, false name

   Origin: From Latin 'alias' meaning 'otherwise, at another time'