boycott, predecessor, apathy, peril, profanity: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 14. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. boycott · noun/ˈbɔɪkɑt/

   a refusal to buy or use goods and services as a form of protest

   The community started a boycott against the local store because they did not treat their workers fairly.

   Synonyms: protest, ban, exclusion

   Origin: The word 'boycott' comes from the name of Charles Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland, who was socially ostracized in the 1880s as part of a campaign against him.

2. predecessor · noun/ˈprɛdɪsɛsər/

   a person or thing that came before another in position or time

   The new manager made changes that were different from those of his predecessor.

   Synonyms: forerunner, ancestor, precursor

   Origin: from Latin 'praedecessor', from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'decessor' meaning 'to go away'

3. apathy · noun/ˈæp.ə.θi/

   lack of interest enthusiasm or concern

   The student's apathy towards his homework worried his teacher.

   Synonyms: indifference, disinterest, unconcern

   Origin: The word 'apathy' comes from the Greek word 'apatheia', meaning 'lack of feeling' or 'without feeling'.

4. peril · noun/ˈper.əl/

   exposure to the risk of harm or injury

   The hikers faced great peril when they got lost in the dark forest.

   Synonyms: danger, risk, hazard

   Origin: From Middle English 'peril', from Old French 'peril', from Latin 'periculum', meaning 'danger' or 'risk'.

5. profanity · noun/prəˈfæn.ɪ.ti/

   language considered obscene, indecent, or offensive

   The teacher was upset because the student used profanity during class.

   Synonyms: swearing, cursing, obscenity

   Origin: From Latin 'profanitas', from 'profanus' meaning 'outside the temple, unholy'