Proficient Plus — Set 19

Set 19 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: catharsis, malady, pundit, propensity, dormancy. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. catharsis · noun/kəˈθɑːr.sɪs/

   the release of strong emotions or tension for emotional relief

   Crying can provide a catharsis for people who are feeling very sad.

   Synonyms: release, relief, purification

   Origin: from Greek 'katharsis', meaning 'cleansing' or 'purification'

2. malady · noun/ˈmæl.ə.di/

   a disease or disorder of the body or mind

   The doctor said that the malady affecting her legs could be treated with medicine.

   Synonyms: sickness, illness, disease

   Origin: From Middle English 'maladie', from Old French 'maladie', from Latin 'male habitus' meaning 'ill condition'.

3. pundit · noun/ˈpʌndɪt/

   a person who offers expert advice or opinion on a particular subject

   The political pundit shared his thoughts on the upcoming election.

   Synonyms: expert, authority, specialist

   Origin: The word 'pundit' originates from the Hindi word 'pandit', which means 'learned' or 'one who is learned in the scriptures'.

4. propensity · noun/prəˈpɛn.sə.t̬i/

   an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way

   She has a strong propensity to help others in need.

   Synonyms: tendency, inclination, predisposition

   Origin: from Latin 'propensitas', from 'propendere' meaning 'to hang forward', from 'pro-' meaning 'forward' + 'pendere' meaning 'to hang'

5. dormancy · noun/ˈdɔːr.mən.si/

   a state of temporary inactivity or rest in which an organism or a part of an organism ceases to grow or develop

   During the winter, many plants go into a state of dormancy to survive the cold weather.

   Synonyms: inactivity, silence, rest

   Origin: from the Latin 'dormire', meaning 'to sleep'