observant, resourceful, humble, diligent, decisive: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 18. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. observant · adjective/əbˈzərv(ə)nt/

   quick to notice details, especially those that are not obvious

   Being an observant parent is not only about watching your child's behavior but also taking note of any changes in mood or personality.

   Synonyms: attentive, perceptive, insightful

   Origin: late Middle English (as a noun): from French, literally ‘watching’, present participle of observer (see observe)

2. resourceful · adjective/rəˈsɔrsf(ə)l/

   good at finding practical solutions in challenging situations

   When the storm suddenly appeared, the resourceful mountain climbers were able to make a decent shelter with relatively few tools on hand.

   Synonyms: imaginative, creative, inventive

3. humble · adjective/ˈhəmb(ə)l/

   not proud or arrogant, or simple and modest in scale

   Frederick was such a humble boy that he told his friends he was an ordinary artist, although he had actually won several awards for his drawings.

   Synonyms: modest, simple, unpretentious

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French, from Latin humilis ‘low, lowly’, from humus ‘ground’

4. diligent · adjective/ˈdɪlədʒ(ə)nt/

   acting with great care and attention

   The new safety regulations require manufacturers to be more diligent about safety in their product design.

   Synonyms: thorough, hard-working

   Origin: Middle English: via Old French from Latin diligens, diligent- ‘assiduous’, from diligere ‘love, take delight in’

5. decisive · adjective/dəˈsaɪsɪv/

   able to make quick and firm decisions; playing a key role

   Vanessa thanked her father for playing a decisive role in her getting into college and being granted a full scholarship.

   Synonyms: resolute, strong-willed, crucial

   Origin: early 17th century: from French décisif, -ive, from medieval Latin decisivus, from decis- ‘determined’, from the verb decidere (see decide)