Proficient Plus — Set 16

Set 16 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: abrasive, infallible, overt, prodigal, inert. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. abrasive · adjective/əˈbreɪ.sɪv/

   tending to annoy or cause irritation

   His abrasive remarks often hurt people's feelings during meetings.

   Synonyms: annoying, irritating, grating

   Origin: from Latin 'abrasivus', meaning 'to rub away'

2. infallible · adjective/ɪnˈfæl.ə.bəl/

   incapable of making mistakes or being wrong

   Many people believe that the teacher has infallible knowledge about math.

   Synonyms: unfailing, flawless, perfect

   Origin: from Latin 'infallibilis', meaning 'not liable to err'

3. overt · adjective/oʊˈvɜrt/

   open and observable not concealed or hidden

   Her overt support for the team helped them win the game.

   Synonyms: clear, obvious, evident

   Origin: from Middle French 'ouvert', from Latin 'apertus', meaning 'open'

4. prodigal · adjective/ˈprɑːdɪɡəl/

   spending money or resources freely and recklessly

   The prodigal son spent all his money on parties and expensive clothes.

   Synonyms: wasteful, extravagant, lavish

   Origin: from the Latin 'prodigalis', meaning 'wasteful or lavish'

5. inert · adjective/ɪˈnɜrt/

   lacking the ability or strength to move or act

   After the accident, the car sat inert on the side of the road.

   Synonyms: inactive, sluggish, motionless

   Origin: from Latin 'iners', meaning 'inactive' or 'unskilled'