ebullient, prone, covert, arduous, malevolent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 92. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. ebullient · adjective/ɪˈbʌl.jənt/

   cheerful and full of energy

   The ebullient crowd cheered as the team scored a goal.

   Synonyms: joyful, exuberant, lively

   Origin: from Latin 'ebullientem', the present participle of 'ebullire', meaning to bubble out, boil over

2. prone · adjective/proʊn/

   having a tendency to do something or being susceptible to something

   Children are often prone to getting colds during winter.

   Synonyms: likely, inclined, susceptible

   Origin: from Latin 'pronus', meaning 'bending forward' or 'inclined'

3. covert · adjective/ˈkoʊ.vɝːt/

   not openly acknowledged or displayed

   The spy had a covert plan to gather information without anyone knowing.

   Synonyms: secret, hidden, concealed

   Origin: from Middle French 'covert', meaning 'covered', from Latin 'cooperire' meaning 'to cover'

4. arduous · adjective/ˈɑrdʒuəs/

   involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring

   Climbing the tall mountain was an arduous task that took all day.

   Synonyms: difficult, tiring, hard

   Origin: From Latin 'arduus' meaning 'hard to climb or steep'.

5. malevolent · adjective/məˈlɛvələnt/

   having or showing a wish to do evil to others

   The malevolent spirit haunted the old house, scaring everyone who entered.

   Synonyms: malicious, malevolous, spiteful

   Origin: from late Latin 'malevolentem', meaning 'wishing evil', from 'mal-' meaning 'bad' and 'velle' meaning 'to wish'