inquest, magnate, lamentation, duplicity, exposition: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 58. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. inquest · noun/ˈɪnkwɛst/

   a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts relating to an incident, typically a death

   The police held an inquest to find out how the man died.

   Synonyms: investigation, inquiry, examination

   Origin: Middle English 'inqueste', from Latin 'inquisitio', meaning 'a seeking after'.

2. magnate · noun/ˈmæɡneɪt/

   a wealthy and influential person in a specific industry or field

   The media magnate built a large company with many famous TV channels.

   Synonyms: tycoon, mogul, baron

   Origin: from Latin 'magnates', meaning 'great or important person'

3. lamentation · noun/ˌlæmənˈteɪʃən/

   the passionate expression of grief or sorrow

   During the funeral, there was a deep lamentation from the family as they remembered their lost loved one.

   Synonyms: mourning, sorrow, grief

   Origin: from Latin 'lamentatio', meaning 'a crying out or weeping'

4. duplicity · noun/dəˈplɪsɪti/

   deceptive nature or behavior

   Her duplicity made it hard for her friends to trust her again.

   Synonyms: deceit, trickery, dishonesty

   Origin: from the Latin 'duplicitas', meaning 'doubleness', from 'duplex' meaning 'double'

5. exposition · noun/ˌɛkspəˈzɪʃən/

   a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory

   The teacher gave a thorough exposition of the new science theory so that all the students could understand it.

   Synonyms: explanation, description, presentation

   Origin: from the Latin word 'expositio', which means 'exposition' or 'exposure'