debilitating, unsolicited, subliminal, guile, adamant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 63. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. debilitating · adjective/dɪˈbɪlɪˌteɪtɪŋ/

   causing a severe reduction in strength or ability

   The disease caused debilitating pain that made it hard for her to get out of bed.

   Synonyms: weakening, crippling, exhausting

   Origin: from Latin 'debilitare', which combines 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'habilis' meaning 'able'

2. unsolicited · adjective/ʌn.səˈlɪs.ɪ.tɪd/

   not asked for or requested

   She received unsolicited advice from her neighbor about how to decorate her house.

   Synonyms: uninvited, unwanted, unrequested

   Origin: From the Latin word 'solicitare' meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask.'

3. subliminal · adjective/səˈblɪmɪnəl/

   existing or operating below the threshold of awareness

   Many ads use subliminal messages to influence people without them knowing.

   Synonyms: subconscious, hidden, covert

   Origin: Originated from the Latin word 'subliminis', meaning 'of the threshold'.

4. guile · noun/ɡaɪl/

   sly or cunning intelligence

   The thief used his guile to trick the old man into giving him money.

   Synonyms: deceit, trickery, cunning

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'guile' or 'guile' meaning 'deceit' or 'wiles'

5. adamant · adjective/ˈæd.ə.mənt/

   refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind

   She was adamant about not changing her plans for the weekend.

   Synonyms: stubborn, unyielding, inflexible

   Origin: from Middle English 'adamant', derived from Latin 'adamantem', meaning 'untameable, invincible', from the Greek 'adamantinos', meaning 'untameable' or 'unbreakable'