Proficient Plus — Set 84

Set 84 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: catharsis, hermetic, tenet, plethora, coercion. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. catharsis · noun/kəˈθɑːr.sɪs/

   the process of releasing strong or repressed emotions

   After watching the sad movie, I felt a sense of catharsis as I cried for the characters.

   Synonyms: release, purging, cleansing

   Origin: from Greek 'katharsis', meaning 'cleansing' or 'purification'

2. hermetic · adjective/hɜrˈmɛtɪk/

   impermeable to external influence or the outside world

   The scientist kept the chemical in a hermetic container to prevent any outside air from getting in.

   Synonyms: sealed, closed, tight

   Origin: The word 'hermetic' comes from the name of Hermes Trismegistus, a mythical figure associated with alchemy and magic, suggesting a sense of secrecy and protection.

3. tenet · noun/ˈtɛnɪt/

   a principle or belief held to be true by an individual or group

   One important tenet of democracy is that everyone has the right to vote.

   Synonyms: principle, belief, doctrine

   Origin: from Latin 'tenet', meaning 'heshe holds'

4. plethora · noun/ˈplɛθərə/

   an excessive amount or abundance of something

   There is a plethora of fruits at the market, making it hard to choose which ones to buy.

   Synonyms: abundance, excess, surplus

   Origin: from Greek 'plethora', meaning 'fullness or fullness of blood'

5. coercion · noun/koʊˈɜrʒən/

   the act of compelling a person to act against their will by using psychological pressure or threats

   He felt that there was coercion involved when they forced him to sign the contract.

   Synonyms: force, pressure, intimidation

   Origin: Late Latin 'coercionem', meaning 'a restraining'.