equivocation, penchant, animosity, lethargy, plutocracy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 42. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. equivocation · noun/ɪˌkwɪv.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

   the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself

   His equivocation during the interview made it hard to know what he really thought about the job.

   Synonyms: ambiguity, evasiveness, prevarication

   Origin: from Latin 'aequivocatio', meaning 'a calling the same' (aequus = equal + vocare = to call)

2. penchant · noun/ˈpɛnʃənt/

   a strong inclination or liking for something

   She has a penchant for music, and she listens to it every day.

   Synonyms: liking, inclination, leaning

   Origin: French, from the verb 'pencher' meaning 'to incline'

3. animosity · noun/ˌæn.əˈmɑː.sə.ti/

   strong hostility or hatred towards someone

   There was a lot of animosity between the two teams after the unfair game.

   Synonyms: hostility, rivalry, resentment

   Origin: from Latin 'animositas' meaning 'spirit, courage, or animosity'

4. lethargy · noun/ˈlɛθərdʒi/

   a state of extreme tiredness or lack of energy

   After staying up all night, I felt a terrible lethargy and struggled to get out of bed.

   Synonyms: sluggishness, fatigue, drowsiness

   Origin: from late Middle English, derived from Latin 'lethargia', from Greek 'lēthargia' meaning 'forgetfulness'

5. plutocracy · noun/pluˈtɑ.krə.si/

   a society or system ruled or controlled by the wealthy

   In a plutocracy, the richest people make all the important decisions for everyone else.

   Synonyms: oligarchy, aristocracy, moneyocracy

   Origin: The word 'plutocracy' comes from the Greek 'ploutos' meaning 'wealth' and 'kratos' meaning 'strength' or 'power'.