Proficient Plus — Set 90

Set 90 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: bashful, conniving, monolithic, nascent, fervent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bashful · adjective/ˈbæʃ.fəl/

   shy and self-conscious in social situations

   The bashful girl hid behind her mother when strangers came to the party.

   Synonyms: shy, timid, reserved

   Origin: from Middle English 'bashful', from 'bash' + the suffix '-ful'

2. conniving · adjective/kəˈnaɪ.vɪŋ/

   involving secret scheming or plotting to achieve an unfavorable or dishonest goal

   The conniving boy tricked his friends into giving him their toys.

   Synonyms: scheming, deceitful, underhanded

   Origin: The word 'conniving' comes from the Latin 'connivere', meaning 'to close one's eyes' or 'to pretend not to notice'.

3. monolithic · adjective/ˌmɑːnəˈlɪθɪk/

   formed from a single large block of stone or composed of a single unified structure

   The monolithic statue stood tall in the park, made from a single block of stone.

   Synonyms: solid, massive, unified

   Origin: from the Greek word 'monolithēs', meaning 'made of one stone'

4. nascent · adjective/ˈneɪsənt/

   just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential

   The nascent technology showed promise for improving energy efficiency.

   Synonyms: emerging, budding, beginning

   Origin: from Latin 'nascent-', the present participle of 'nasci', meaning 'to be born'.

5. fervent · adjective/ˈfɜr.vənt/

   having or displaying a passionate intensity

   She is a fervent supporter of animal rights and works hard to help them.

   Synonyms: passionate, intense, ardent

   Origin: from Latin 'ferventem,' meaning 'boiling' or 'glowing,' present participle of 'fervēre,' which means 'to boil.'