rebellion, quarrel , volition, facilitator, fluctuation: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 31. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. rebellion · noun/rəˈbɛljən/

   resistance to an authority, often using violence

   As a sign of rebellion, employees refused to speak with their boss until the company agreed to sit down and address their complaints

   Synonyms: revolt, uprising

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French, from Latin rebellio(n-), from rebellis (see rebel)

2. quarrel · noun/ˈkwɔrəl/

   an argument

   The study suggested that couples who embraced after a quarrel were more likely to stay together than those who walked away angry.

   Synonyms: fight, disagreement, dispute, bickering

   Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘reason for disagreement with a person’): from Old French querele, from Latin querel(l)a ‘complaint’, from queri ‘complain’

3. volition · noun/voʊˈlɪʃən/

   the power or ability to decide and take action by oneself

   It is not clear whether the former employee resigned of his own volition or whether the employment was terminated by the company.

   Synonyms: will, free will, intention

   Origin: early 17th century (denoting a decision or choice made after deliberation): from French, or from medieval Latin volitio(n-), from volo ‘I wish’

4. facilitator · noun/fəˈsɪləˌteɪdər/

   someone that makes a process easier, particularly by guiding a group discussion

   The neighbors sat down with the mediator, who acted as a facilitator in the meeting about their disputes with the property owner.

   Synonyms: discussion leader, helper, promoter, guide

5. fluctuation · noun/ˌfləktʃʊˈeɪʃən/

   irregular changes in amount, value or number

   There have been great fluctuations in the stock market recently, making it difficult for economists to anticipate whether the interest rate will rise or fall in the near future.

   Synonyms: variation, volatility, unsteadiness, alteration, change