function, loneliness, suggestion, behaviour, statement: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Intermediate set 100. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. function · noun/ˈfəŋ(k)ʃən/

   the special purpose that something has

   It is thought that all works of art also perform a social function.

   Synonyms: purpose, role, job

   Origin: mid 16th century: from French fonction, from Latin functio(n-), from fungi ‘perform’

2. loneliness · noun/ˈloʊnlinəs/

   the sad feeling you have when you have no company or friends

   After moving to a new city, he felt a deep loneliness for several months.

   Synonyms: isolation, feeling alone

3. suggestion · noun/səˈdʒɛstʃən/

   an idea or plan that you offer for someone to think about

   The manager asked the staff for their suggestions about improving the office.

   Synonyms: advice, recommendation, proposal

   Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘an incitement to evil’): via Old French from Latin suggestio(n-), from the verb suggerere (see suggest)

4. behaviour · noun/bɪˈheɪvjər/

   the way a person acts

   A sudden change in a child’s _____ can sometimes be a sign that something is troubling them.

   Synonyms: conduct, actions, manners

5. statement · noun/ˈsteɪtmənt/

   something that you say or write officially and clearly

   The company will make a statement about the accident later today.

   Synonyms: remark, declaration, assertion