evasive, malign, perilous, verbose, frenetic: meanings and examples

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

1. evasive · adjective/ɪˈveɪ.sɪv/

   tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation especially by responding only indirectly

   When asked about his plans, he gave an evasive answer that did not reveal much information.

   Synonyms: elusive, vague, indirect

   Origin: derived from the Latin word 'evasivus,' which means 'avoiding.'

2. malign · verb/məˈlaɪn/

   to speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner

   She tried to malign her rival by spreading false rumors about her.

   Synonyms: slander, defame, belittle

   Origin: from Latin malignari, meaning 'to speak evil of'

3. perilous · adjective/ˈpɛr.ɪ.ləs/

   full of danger or risk

   Climbing the mountain without equipment is a perilous journey.

   Synonyms: dangerous, risky, hazardous

   Origin: Originates from Middle English 'perilous', from Old French 'perilleux', from Latin 'periculosus', which derives from 'periculum' meaning 'danger'.

4. verbose · adjective/vɜrˈboʊs/

   using more words than necessary

   The teacher's explanation was too verbose, making it hard for the students to understand.

   Synonyms: wordy, long-winded, lengthy

   Origin: from Latin 'verbosus', meaning 'full of words'

5. frenetic · adjective/frəˈnɛtɪk/

   marked by fast and energetic activity or emotion

   The children played in a frenetic race around the park, laughing and shouting with joy.

   Synonyms: frantic, hurried, energetic

   Origin: from Latin 'freneticus', meaning 'frantic', from 'frenare' meaning 'to restrain'