invasion, likelihood, unrest, captivity, intention: meanings and examples

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

1. invasion · noun/ɪnˈveɪʒ(ə)n/

   when a foreign army enters a country by force, when a foreign entity enters without permission

   The area was still under reconstruction many years after the military invasion.

   Synonyms: takeover, intrusion, violation

   Origin: late Middle English: from late Latin invasio(n-), from the verb invadere (see invade)

2. likelihood · noun/ˈlaɪkliˌ(h)ʊd/

   the possibility of something happening

   I took my umbrella with me since the forecast said there was a high likelihood of rain.

   Synonyms: probability, odds, chance, prospect

3. unrest · noun/ˌənˈrɛst/

   a state of dissatisfaction on a personal or societal level

   Social inequality is said to prevent economic development and often causes civil unrest.

   Synonyms: disturbance, disorder, turmoil, discontent

4. captivity · noun/kæpˈtɪvədi/

   a situation in which a person or animal is kept by force

   Unlike their mother, who lived in the vast mountains of China, these pandas were raised in captivity.

   Synonyms: imprisonment, enslavement, confinement

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin captivitas, from captivus ‘taken captive’ (see captive)

5. intention · noun/ɪnˈtɛn(t)ʃən/

   a plan or an idea that a person thinks of before taking action

   Jim really has some good intentions, but his problem is putting them into action.

   Synonyms: aim, purpose, goal, target

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French entencion, from Latin intentio(n-) ‘stretching, purpose’, from intendere (see intend)