jocular, impromptu, evanescent, congruent, blithe: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 10. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. jocular · adjective/ˈdʒɑkjələ/

   characterized by joking or humor

   His jocular attitude made everyone laugh at the party.

   Synonyms: humorous, funny, playful

   Origin: The word 'jocular' comes from the Latin 'jocularis', meaning 'jesting' or 'joking', derived from 'jocus', meaning 'joke'.

2. impromptu · adjective/ɪmˈprɑmptu/

   done or said without previous preparation or planning

   We had an impromptu picnic in the park when the sun came out.

   Synonyms: unplanned, spontaneous, offhand

   Origin: from Latin 'impromptus', meaning 'unforeseen' or 'unexpected'

3. evanescent · adjective/ˌiːv.əˈnɛs.ənt/

   tending to vanish like vapor

   The evanescent mist covered the lake in the early morning, disappearing as the sun rose.

   Synonyms: fleeting, temporary, transitory

   Origin: from Latin 'evanescens', the present participle of 'evanescere', meaning 'to disappear'.

4. congruent · adjective/ˈkɑŋɡruənt/

   having the same size and shape

   The two triangles are congruent and fit perfectly on top of each other.

   Synonyms: identical, alike, matching

   Origin: from Latin 'congruens', meaning 'agreeing, fitting together', from 'con' (together) and 'gruere' (to grow or to step)

5. blithe · adjective/blaɪθ/

   showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be improper

   She made a blithe remark about her friend's loss, not realizing it was hurtful.

   Synonyms: carefree, happy, lighthearted

   Origin: from Old English 'blīþe', meaning 'happy, cheerful'