Proficient Plus — Set 53

Set 53 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: arcane, intransigent, irate, sophomoric, apocryphal. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. arcane · adjective/ɑrˈkeɪn/

   understood by few; mysterious or secret

   The ancient book contained many arcane secrets that only a few could understand.

   Synonyms: mysterious, secret, obscure

   Origin: from Latin 'arcanus', meaning 'secret, hidden'

2. intransigent · adjective/ˌɪnˈtræn.dʒənt/

   unwilling to change one’s views or to agree about something

   The teacher was intransigent about not allowing late homework submissions.

   Synonyms: uncompromising, stubborn, resolute

   Origin: from Latin 'intransigentem', meaning 'not yielding'

3. irate · adjective/aɪˈreɪt/

   feeling or showing extreme anger

   The irate customer shouted at the manager because his order was wrong.

   Synonyms: angry, enraged, furious

   Origin: The word 'irate' comes from the Latin word 'iratus', which means 'angry'.

4. sophomoric · adjective/sɑːfəˈmɔrɪk/

   suggesting excessive confidence or knowledge but lacking maturity and experience

   His sophomoric attitude made it hard for him to get along with his classmates.

   Synonyms: juvenile, immature, naive

   Origin: The word 'sophomoric' comes from the Greek word 'sophos', meaning 'wise', and 'moros', meaning 'foolish'. It originally referred to a second-year student who is seen as halfway between wisdom and foolishness.

5. apocryphal · adjective/əˈpɑːkrɪfəl/

   of doubtful authenticity or although widely circulated as being true

   Many people believe the apocryphal stories about the old haunted house, but they may not be true.

   Synonyms: false, untrue, dubious

   Origin: From Late Latin 'apocryphus', meaning 'hidden or secret', from Greek 'apokryphos', meaning 'hidden'