Proficient — Set 24

Set 24 of Proficient covers 5 words: fervent, fallible, esoteric, capricious, eminent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. fervent · adjective/ˈfərvənt/

   having or displaying a passionate intensity

   A fervent supporter of the revolution.

   Synonyms: enthusiastic, passionate, ardent

   Origin: Middle English: via Old French from Latin fervent- ‘boiling’, from the verb fervere. Compare with fervid and fervor

2. fallible · adjective/ˈfæl.ə.bəl/

   capable of making mistakes or being wrong

   Everyone is fallible, and we all make mistakes sometimes.

   Synonyms: errors, flawed, imperfect

   Origin: from Middle English, derived from Latin 'fallibilis', meaning 'liable to err'

3. esoteric · adjective/ˌɛs.əˈtɛr.ɪk/

   intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest

   The professor gave an esoteric lecture about ancient philosophies that only a few students understood.

   Synonyms: specialized, obscure, cryptic

   Origin: From Greek esōterikos, meaning 'inner,' from esō, meaning 'within.'

4. capricious · adjective/kəˈprɪʃ.əs/

   governed by sudden, unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

   The capricious weather made it hard to plan our picnic, as it changed from sunny to rainy in minutes.

   Synonyms: fickle, mercurial, whimsical

   Origin: from French 'capricieux', from Italian 'capriccioso', from 'capriccio' meaning 'a whim' or 'fancy'

5. eminent · adjective/ˈɛmɪnənt/

   famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession

   The eminent scientist received a award for her groundbreaking research.

   Synonyms: prominent, distinguished, famous

   Origin: from Latin 'eminens', meaning 'standing out' or 'prominent'