Set 65 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

lacuna

noun/ləˈkuː.nə/

a gap or missing part in a manuscript or a textual work

The old book had a lacuna, which made it hard to read the story.

gapmissing partvoid
word origin — Latin 'lacuna' meaning 'a gap or hole'

Proficient Plus — Set 65

Set 65 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: lacuna, platitude, homiletic, bevy, acolyte. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. lacuna · noun/ləˈkuː.nə/

    a gap or missing part in a manuscript or a textual work

    The old book had a lacuna, which made it hard to read the story.

    Synonyms: gap, missing part, void

    Origin: Latin 'lacuna' meaning 'a gap or hole'

  2. platitude · noun/ˈplæt.ɪ.tuːd/

    a remark that is very common and has been used many times before, often with no real meaning

    His speech was full of platitudes that did not really say anything new.

    Synonyms: cliché, truism, statement

    Origin: from French 'platitude', from 'plat' meaning 'flat' + '-tude' indicating a state or condition

  3. homiletic · adjective/ˌhɑː.mɪˈlɛt.ɪk/

    relating to the art of preaching or delivering sermons

    The pastor gave a powerful homiletic message that inspired the congregation to reflect on their values.

    Synonyms: preaching, sermonic, didactic

    Origin: from the Greek word 'homiletikos', meaning 'of discourse' or 'of speech', related to 'homilia', meaning 'conversation', 'discourse' or 'sermon'

  4. bevy · noun/ˈbɛvi/

    a large group of people or things of a particular kind

    A bevy of birds flew over the lake during sunset.

    Synonyms: group, crowd, gathering

    Origin: from Middle English 'bevy' meaning a group of animals, probably from the Old French 'bevee' meaning a herd

  5. acolyte · noun/ˈæk.ə.laɪt/

    a person who assists a clergy in religious services or rituals

    The acolyte helped the priest during the Sunday service.

    Synonyms: helper, assistant, attendant

    Origin: from Latin 'acolyta', meaning 'follower' or 'helper'