forgiveness, enthusiasm, confusion, disappointment, acceptance: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Intermediate set 35. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. forgiveness · noun/fərˈɡɪvnəs/

   the act of no longer feeling angry with someone for something they did

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

   Synonyms: pardon, mercy

   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: excitement, eagerness, passion

   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

   She could not hide her disappointment when the concert was canceled.

   Synonyms: letdown, sadness, dissatisfaction

5. acceptance · noun/əkˈsɛpt(ə)ns/

   the act of agreeing with, approving of, or welcoming something or someone

   The new policy gained widespread acceptance among employees.

   Synonyms: belief, approval

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