lacuna, platitude, homiletic, bevy, acolyte: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 65. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

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'