rebellious, prospective, hasty, fundamental, inevitable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 96. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. rebellious · adjective/rəˈbɛljəs/

   not conforming to the rules

   According to a study, rebellious teenagers are more likely to be successful in the future as they are more stubborn about what they want to achieve.

   Synonyms: restless, disobedient, unmanageable

2. prospective · adjective/prəˈspɛktɪv/

   something likely to happen soon

   Prospective candidates for a managerial position in the company met with the current manager last week in order to discuss a future development plan for the firm.

   Synonyms: potential, anticipated, expected

   Origin: late 16th century (in the sense ‘looking forward, having foresight’): from obsolete French prospectif, -ive or late Latin prospectivus, from Latin prospectus ‘view’ (see prospect)

3. hasty · adjective/ˈheɪsti/

   something that is done too quickly and probably incorrectly

   After starting to study their major at university, most students regret making the hasty decision of choosing their topic only based on their test scores.

   Synonyms: speedy, abrupt, reckless

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French hasti, hastif, from haste (see haste)

4. fundamental · adjective/ˌfəndəˈmɛn(t)l/

   relating to the significant part of something

   Unplanned construction, deforestation and exhaust gas are thought to be the fundamental causes of environmental destruction.

   Synonyms: crucial, central, essential

   Origin: late Middle English: from French fondamental, or late Latin fundamentalis, from Latin fundamentum, from fundare ‘to found’

5. inevitable · adjective/ɪnˈɛvɪdəb(ə)l/

   something that cannot be avoided

   Catching a disease is an inevitable result of a weakened immune system due to malnutrition or leading an unhealthy life.

   Synonyms: unavoidable, undeniable, certain

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin inevitabilis, from in- ‘not’ + evitabilis ‘avoidable’ (from evitare ‘avoid’)