inseparable, intolerant, constructive, innovative, deceptive: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 89. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. inseparable · adjective/ɪnˈsɛpərəb(ə)l/

   people or things that are always together and not possible to part

   Ever since the family bought their dog Rex home, him and their children have become inseparable. They spend all their time together, wherever they go.

   Synonyms: integral, connected, indivisable

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin inseparabilis, from in- ‘not’ + separabilis (see separable)

2. intolerant · adjective/ɪnˈtɑl(ə)rənt/

   not wanting to accept ideas that are not similar to yours

   Some people are intolerant of people with a different point of view, especially concerning topics related to politics or religion.

   Synonyms: prejudiced, biased, impatient

   Origin: mid 18th century: from Latin intolerant-, from in- ‘not’ + tolerant- ‘enduring’ (see tolerant)

3. constructive · adjective/kənˈstrəktɪv/

   something that is likely to be beneficial

   When you offer your opinions about the performance of others and deliver both positive and negative points in a friendly manner, that means you are offering constructive criticism.

   Synonyms: helpful, positive, practical

   Origin: mid 17th century (in constructive (sense 2)): from late Latin constructivus, from Latin construct- ‘heap together’, from the verb construere (see construct)

4. innovative · adjective/ˈɪnəˌveɪdɪv/

   something that is new and better than the previous one

   Using innovative technologies, famous brands are always one step ahead of their competitors in attracting the customers to their products.

   Synonyms: creative, original, new

5. deceptive · adjective/dəˈsɛptɪv/

   something that looks like very different from its original state, often to trick

   No matter how beautiful a person may be, their personality may be ugly or cruel as looks can always be deceptive.

   Synonyms: misleading, dishonest, unreliable