Advanced — Set 97

Set 97 of Advanced covers 5 words: negligent, distinctive, improbable, contrary, liable. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. negligent · adjective/ˈnɛɡlədʒ(ə)nt/

   not paying careful attention to something

   After an accident that killed 4 people, including 3 children, the driver was found guilty of negligent driving.

   Synonyms: irresponsible, careless, inattentive

2. distinctive · adjective/dəˈstɪŋ(k)tɪv/

   having a special feature that is easily recognizable

   The third wave coffee served at some cafes has a distinctive flavour that you can easily differentiate from regular coffee.

   Synonyms: different, unique, extraordinary

   Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘serving to differentiate’): from late Latin distinctivus, from Latin distinct- ‘distinguished’ (see distinct)

3. improbable · adjective/ɪmˈprɑbəb(ə)l/

   something not likely to happen

   It is highly improbable that teaching will become an outdated job, especially when multinational communication has become such an integral part of various careers.

   Synonyms: unlikely, doubtful, implausible

   Origin: late 16th century: from French, or from Latin improbabilis ‘hard to prove’, from in- ‘not’ + probabilis (see probable)

4. contrary · adjective/ˈkɑntrɛri/

   ideas completely different from each other that may conflict

   As a result of a panel discussion regarding the use of tablets in education, two contrary beliefs concerning the safety of their usage emerged.

   Synonyms: opposing, conflicting, adverse

   Origin: Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French contrarie, from Latin contrarius, from contra ‘against’

5. liable · adjective/ˈlaɪəb(ə)l/

   being responsible for compensating for damage you have caused

   The construction company was held liable for the collapse of the building in a low intensity earthquake.

   Synonyms: responsible, accountable

   Origin: late Middle English: perhaps from Anglo-Norman French, from French lier ‘to bind’, from Latin ligare