Proficient — Set 11

Set 11 of Proficient covers 5 words: inclination, hiatus, analogy, euphemism, culprit. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. inclination · noun/ˌɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

   a tendency or preference toward a particular idea or action

   Her inclination to help others makes her a great friend.

   Synonyms: tendency, preference, leaning

   Origin: from Latin 'inclinatio', from 'inclinare' meaning 'to lean in'

2. hiatus · noun/haɪˈeɪtəs/

   a pause or break in continuity

   The band took a long hiatus before releasing their new album.

   Synonyms: break, pause, interruption

   Origin: from Latin 'hiatus', meaning 'opening'; derived from 'hiare', meaning 'to stand open'

3. analogy · noun/əˈnælədʒi/

   a comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification

   The teacher used an analogy to explain how a cell works, comparing it to a small factory.

   Synonyms: similarity, comparison, parallel

   Origin: from Greek 'analogia' meaning 'proportion' or 'relationship'

4. euphemism · noun/ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm/

   a mild or indirect word or expression used to replace one considered harsh or blunt

   He used a euphemism to say that someone was fired, calling it a 'job change' instead.

   Synonyms: circumlocution, paliative, understatement

   Origin: from Greek 'euphemismos', meaning 'the use of words of good omen'

5. culprit · noun/ˈkʌlprɪt/

   a person responsible for a crime or wrongdoing

   The police caught the culprit who stole the car last night.

   Synonyms: offender, wrongdoer, perpetrator

   Origin: from Middle English 'culprit', originally from Anglo-Norman 'culprit', meaning 'guilty', derived from 'culpable' (from Latin 'culpabilis') meaning 'blameworthy'.