Advanced — Set 8

Set 8 of Advanced covers 5 words: sparsely, vehemently , forthcoming, desirable, transparent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. sparsely · adverb/ˈspɑrsli/

   characterized with a small or inadequate number

   Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the world with only about two people living per square mile.

   Synonyms: scarcely, insufficiently

2. vehemently · adverb/ˈviəmən(t)li/

   in a passionate way, often linked to a disagreement

   He vehemently denied cheating on his exam and demanded to speak with the dean.

   Synonyms: fiercely, intensely, forcefully

3. forthcoming · adjective/ˌfɔrθˈkəmɪŋ/

   about to happen

   If you give us your email address, we will send you more information about the forthcoming festival season.

   Synonyms: approaching, upcoming, prospective

4. desirable · adjective/dəˈzaɪrəb(ə)l/

   wanted or wished

   The researcher has been accused of manipulating the data in order to present more desirable results.

   Synonyms: pleasing, acceptable, preferable

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, suggested by Latin desiderabilis, from desiderare ‘to desire’ (see desiderate)

5. transparent · adjective/træn(t)ˈspɛrənt/

   characterizing a material that allows light to pass through; disclosing information so that it can be known and not kept secret

   The company was criticized for not being transparent about its waste disposal and the impact it had on the environment.

   Synonyms: clear, open, evident, apparent, see-through

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, from medieval Latin transparent- ‘shining through’, from Latin transparere, from trans- ‘through’ + parere ‘appear’