vulgar, avenge, agile, amicable, bashful: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 51. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. vulgar · adjective/ˈvʌl.ɡər/

   lacking sophistication or good taste; unrefined or coarse

   His vulgar jokes made everyone feel uncomfortable at the party.

   Synonyms: crude, coarse

   Origin: From Latin 'vulgāris' meaning 'of the common people'

2. avenge · verb/əˈvɛndʒ/

   punish someone for a wrong or harm done to oneself or another

   He wanted to avenge his brother's death after the fight.

   Synonyms: retaliate, take revenge

   Origin: from Middle English 'avengen', derived from Old French 'avengier', which comes from 'a-' (from) + 'vengier' (to avenge, take vengeance)

3. agile · adjective/ˈædʒaɪl/

   able to move quickly and easily

   The agile cat jumped quickly from one roof to another.

   Synonyms: nimble, dexterous

   Origin: from Latin 'agilis', meaning 'nimble, quick', derived from 'agere' which means 'to do, to act'

4. amicable · adjective/ˈæmɪkəbl/

   characterized by friendliness and absence of discord

   After their meeting, the two sides reached an amicable agreement about the project.

   Synonyms: friendly, cordial, harmonious

   Origin: From Latin 'amicabilis', meaning 'friendly', from 'amicus', meaning 'friend'.

5. bashful · adjective/ˈbæʃ.fəl/

   shy or self-conscious in social situations

   The bashful boy hid behind his mother when he saw the guests at the party.

   Synonyms: shy, timid, self-conscious

   Origin: The word 'bashful' comes from the Middle English 'basful', which is derived from 'bash' meaning to embarrass or to become confused.