gullibility, epistemology, array, usurer, nadir: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 38. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. gullibility · noun/neɪˈiː.və.ti/

   tendency to be easily deceived or tricked

   His gullibility made it easy for the scammer to take his money.

   Synonyms: naivety, credulity, innocence

   Origin: From Latin 'naivus', meaning natural or native.

2. epistemology · noun/ɪˌpɛs.təˈmɑː.lə.dʒi/

   the study of knowledge, its nature, sources, and limits

   Epistemology helps us understand how we know what we know about the world.

   Synonyms: knowledge theory, theory of knowledge

   Origin: from Greek 'epistēmē' meaning 'knowledge' and 'logia' meaning 'study of'

3. array · noun/əˈreɪ/

   a systematic arrangement of similar items or elements in a particular order

   The store displayed a beautiful array of colorful flowers for sale.

   Synonyms: collection, display, arrangement

   Origin: from the Old French 'arer' meaning to arrange, and the Latin 'arrare', meaning to prepare

4. usurer · noun/ˈjuː.ʒɚ/

   a person who lends money at unreasonably high interest rates

   The usurer charged very high interest rates that poor people could not afford.

   Synonyms: moneylender, loan shark, lender

   Origin: From Old French 'usurier', from Latin 'usura' meaning 'interest, usury'

5. nadir · noun/ˈneɪdɪr/

   the lowest point in a person's fortunes or in a situation

   After losing his job and facing many problems, he reached the nadir of his life.

   Synonyms: lowest point, rock bottom, bottom

   Origin: from Latin 'nadir', meaning 'the opposite point in the heavens'.