Intermediate — Set 34

Set 34 of Intermediate covers 5 words: kindness, failure, permission, defense, occasion. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. kindness · noun/ˈkaɪn(d)nəs/

   the quality of being kind and warm hearted

   I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our hosts for their great kindness and hospitality during our visit.

   Synonyms: thoughtfulness, kind-heartedness, warm-heartedness

2. failure · noun/ˈfeɪljər/

   an act that fails; lack of success

   "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." Henry Ford

   Synonyms: fiasco

   Origin: mid 17th century (originally as failer, in the senses ‘non-occurrence’ and ‘cessation of supply’): from Anglo-Norman French failer for Old French faillir (see fail)

3. permission · noun/pərˈmɪʃ(ə)n/

   the right to do something that is given to you by someone in authority

   The schools will have to request permission from parents to post any information about their children.

   Synonyms: consent, approval

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin permissio(n-), from the verb permittere ‘allow’ (see permit)

4. defense · noun/dəˈfɛns/

   protection from harm

   Students in our Taekwondo classes are finding that they are not only learning about self-defense, but also learning values and habits that enhance their lives.

   Synonyms: guarding, protection

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French defens, from late Latin defensum (neuter), defensa (feminine), past participles of defendere ‘defend’

5. occasion · noun/əˈkeɪʒ(ə)n/

   an event that occurs

   Rice is consumed only on special occasions like festivals, marriages, deaths, births and religious ceremonies.

   Synonyms: happening, occurrence

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin occasio(n-) ‘juncture, reason’, from occidere ‘go down, set’, from ob- ‘towards’ + cadere ‘to fall’