Proficient Plus — Set 33

Set 33 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: blithe, virulent, assiduous, voluminous, abreast. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. blithe · adjective/blaɪð/

   showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper

   Her blithe disregard for the rules made everyone else mad.

   Synonyms: carefree, casual, cheerful

   Origin: Old English, from 'blīðe' meaning 'happy' or 'joyful'

2. virulent · adjective/ˈvɪrələnt/

   extremely severe or harmful in its effects

   The scientist warned everyone about the virulent disease that was spreading quickly in the town.

   Synonyms: toxic, harmful, deadly

   Origin: from Latin 'virulentus' meaning 'poisonous or full of poison'

3. assiduous · adjective/əˈsɪdʒ.u.əs/

   showing great care and perseverance

   The assiduous student spent many hours studying for the exam.

   Synonyms: diligent, careful, persistent

   Origin: Latin 'assiduus', meaning 'sitting near, constant, diligent'

4. voluminous · adjective/vəˈluː.mə.nəs/

   having great volume or size

   She wore a voluminous dress that flowed beautifully around her.

   Synonyms: large, big, bulky

   Origin: from Latin 'voluminōsus', meaning 'full of volume'

5. abreast · adverb/əˈbrɛst/

   beside or alongside each other in a line

   The runners lined up abreast at the starting line, ready to race.

   Synonyms: side by side, alongside, together

   Origin: The word 'abreast' comes from the Old English 'on brǣoste', meaning 'on the breast or chest'.