Intermediate — Set 35

Set 35 of Intermediate covers 5 words: forgiveness, enthusiasm, confusion, disappointment, acceptance. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. forgiveness · noun/fərˈɡɪvnəs/

   to pardon someone for their actions, to no longer feel ill will towards them

   They say that when you pray for forgiveness with a clean and a pure heart, it reaches the other person’s soul.

   Synonyms: understanding, tolerance

   Origin: Old English forgiefenes, from forgiefen (past participle of forgiefan ‘forgive’) + the noun suffix -nes

2. enthusiasm · noun/ɪnˈθuziˌæz(ə)m/

   the feeling of being very interested in/excited about something

   Hiring managers are more likely to offer you the position if you show enthusiasm during the job interview.

   Synonyms: willingness, excitement

   Origin: mid 16th century (in enthusiasm (sense 2)): via late Latin enthusiasmus ‘inspiration, frenzy’ from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein ‘be inspired or possessed by a god’ (based on theos ‘god’)

3. confusion · noun/kənˈfjuʒ(ə)n/

   a feeling that you do not understand something; misunderstanding

   There was confusion as to whether he resigned or was fired.

   Synonyms: uncertainty, doubt

   Origin: Middle English: from Latin confusio(n-), from the verb confundere ‘mingle together’ (see confuse)

4. disappointment · noun/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntm(ə)nt/

   a feeling of sadness because something you wanted did not happen

   They expressed their disappointment that the international community has not fulfilled their promises to bring an end to the tragedy in the region.

   Synonyms: sadness, regret

5. acceptance · noun/əkˈsɛpt(ə)ns/

   agreeing that something is true or correct

   He argues in his article that the acceptance of the Theory of Evolution in the USA is lower than in other countries.

   Synonyms: belief, approval

   Origin: mid 16th century: from Old French, from accepter (see accept)