sovereign, nomadic, besieged, heroic, undefeated: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 62. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. sovereign · adjective/ˈsɑv(ə)rən/

   having the power and independence to act without outside interference; the most important

   Indigenous peoples in the US and Canada continue to demand a sovereign state based on their own constitution and way of life.

   Synonyms: autonomous, self-ruled, independent, supreme

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French soverain, based on Latin super ‘above’. The change in the ending was due to association with reign

2. nomadic · adjective/noʊˈmædɪk/

   not settled in one place, moving to different locations

   Some aboriginal tribes were known to be nomadic, following seasonal changes and hunting patterns to different regions throughout the year.

   Synonyms: wandering, mobile, migrating

3. besieged · adjective/bəˈsidʒd/

   being surrounded by armed forces threatening capture

   The city was besieged by military and was unable to defend itself due to its limited army and meager resources.

   Synonyms: occupied, invaded

4. heroic · adjective/həˈroʊɪk/

   in a way that is fearlessly brave in order to help others

   There were heroic attempts to defend the city under attack, with ordinary civilians like farmers and shopkeepers taking up arms to fight back.

   Synonyms: courageous, fearless, brave, hero-like

   Origin: mid 16th century (in Scots): from Old French heroique or Latin heroicus, from Greek hērōikos ‘relating to heroes’, from hērōs ‘hero’

5. undefeated · adjective/ˌəndəˈfidəd/

   unable to be overthrown; winning consecutively in competitions

   Despite the many attempts to conquer it, the city positioned high in the mountains remained undefeated for over one hundred years.

   Synonyms: unbeaten, unconquered, victorious