conspicuous, complacent, erudite, peevish, ambivalent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 59. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. conspicuous · adjective/kənˈspɪk.ju.əs/

   easily seen or noticed

   The bright red car was very conspicuous in the parking lot.

   Synonyms: obvious, noticeable, clear

   Origin: from Latin 'conspicuus', meaning 'visible' or 'obvious'

2. complacent · adjective/kəmˈpleɪ.sənt/

   self-satisfied and unconcerned, often leading to a lack of awareness of potential dangers or deficiencies

   After winning the championship, the team became complacent and stopped practicing hard.

   Synonyms: self-satisfied, smug, unconcerned

   Origin: from Latin 'complacent-' meaning 'pleasing, satisfied'.

3. erudite · adjective/ˈɛr.jʊˌdaɪt/

   having or showing great knowledge or learning

   The erudite professor shared interesting facts during his lecture.

   Synonyms: learned, knowledgeable, educated

   Origin: From Latin 'eruditus', meaning 'instructed, learned', derived from 'erudire', which means 'to educate'.

4. peevish · adjective/ˈpiːvɪʃ/

   easily irritated or annoyed

   The peevish child kept complaining about his toys not working properly.

   Synonyms: irritable, cranky, grumpy

   Origin: Middle English from 'pevishe', of uncertain origin, possibly related to the Old French word 'pavissier' meaning to be or become ill-tempered.

5. ambivalent · adjective/æmˈbɪv.ə.lənt/

   having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

   She felt ambivalent emotions about moving to a new city.

   Synonyms: undecided, uncertain, conflicted

   Origin: The word 'ambivalent' originates from the Latin 'ambivalens', which means 'having strong feelings in opposite directions'.