Proficient Plus — Set 69

Set 69 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: stupefying, grotesque, wily, querulous, jaded. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. stupefying · adjective/ˈstuːpəˌfaɪɪŋ/

   causing great surprise or shock

   The magician's trick was so stupefying that everyone in the audience gasped in shock.

   Synonyms: astonishing, shocking, amazing

   Origin: from the Latin 'stupefacere', meaning 'to make stupid or numb'

2. grotesque · adjective/ɡroʊˈtɛsk/

   characterized by absurdity or distortion, often in a disturbing or unnatural way

   The painting had a grotesque face that made everyone feel uneasy.

   Synonyms: bizarre, strange, odd

   Origin: The word 'grotesque' comes from the Italian 'grottesca', which means 'of a cave' and refers to decorative art found in ancient Roman caves.

3. wily · adjective/ˈwaɪli/

   cleverly deceptive or cunning

   The wily fox tricked the farmer by pretending to be hurt.

   Synonyms: sly, crafty, cunning

   Origin: from Old English 'wīlig' meaning 'cunning' or 'clever'.

4. querulous · adjective/ˈkwɛr.əl.əs/

   complaining in a petulant or whining manner

   The child had a querulous tone in her voice when she asked for more candy.

   Synonyms: complaining, whiny, petulant

   Origin: from Latin 'querulus', meaning 'full of complaints'

5. jaded · adjective/ˈdʒeɪ.dɪd/

   feeling or showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm due to having experienced too much of something

   After going to so many concerts, she felt jaded and no longer excited about live music.

   Synonyms: weary, tired, bored

   Origin: The word 'jaded' comes from the late 17th century, originally meaning 'wearied by excess'. It is derived from the early modern English term 'jade', referring to a worn-out horse.