sparsely, vehemently , forthcoming, desirable, transparent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 8. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. sparsely · adverb/ˈspɑrsli/

   with only a small number of people or things spread over an area

   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 forceful and passionate way, especially when expressing opposition

   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/

   worth having or doing because it is attractive, useful, or beneficial

   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/

   allowing light to pass through, or open and honest about information

   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’