insolvent, grandiose, boisterous, aloof, indolent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 100. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. insolvent · adjective/ɪnˈsɑlvənt/

   unable to pay debts owed

   The company was declared insolvent after failing to pay its employees for three months.

   Synonyms: bankrupt, broke, unable to pay

   Origin: from Latin 'insolventem', meaning unable to pay debts

2. grandiose · adjective/ˈɡræn.di.oʊs/

   impressive or magnificent in appearance or style, often pretentiously so

   The grandiose architecture of the old palace amazed all the visitors.

   Synonyms: impressive, magnificent, lavish

   Origin: from French 'grandiose', based on 'grand' meaning 'large or great'

3. boisterous · adjective/ˈbɔɪstərəs/

   noisy, energetic, and cheerful

   The boisterous children played outside, laughing and shouting with joy.

   Synonyms: lively, animated, noisy

   Origin: from Middle English 'boistous', meaning 'rough, rude, or hearty', possibly influenced by the word 'boister', meaning 'to make noise or play'.

4. aloof · adjective/əˈluf/

   distant and detached in manner or attitude

   The boy seemed aloof during the party, standing by himself and not talking to anyone.

   Synonyms: distant, detached, remote

   Origin: Originated from the Middle English word 'aloof', which comes from the Dutch 'a loef', meaning 'to the windward side'.

5. indolent · adjective/ˈɪndələnt/

   habitually lazy or inactive

   The indolent cat lay on the couch all day and refused to play.

   Synonyms: lazy, idle, sluggish

   Origin: from Latin 'indolens', meaning 'free from pain' or 'lazy'