tenet, coercion, plethora, hermetic, catharsis: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 29. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. tenet · noun/ˈtɛn.ɪt/

   a principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy

   One important tenet of Buddhism is to be kind to all living beings.

   Synonyms: principle, belief, doctrine

   Origin: from Latin 'tenet', meaning 'heshe holds', which is derived from 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'.

2. coercion · noun/koʊˈɜrʒən/

   the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats

   The teacher used coercion to force students to finish their homework by threatening to give them a bad grade.

   Synonyms: pressure, force, intimidation

   Origin: from Latin 'coercere', meaning 'to confine, restrain'.

3. plethora · noun/ˈplɛθərə/

   an excessive amount or variety of something

   The garden had a plethora of flowers, making it colorful and beautiful.

   Synonyms: abundance, excess, variety

   Origin: from Greek 'plethora' meaning 'fullness'

4. hermetic · adjective/hɜrˈmɛtɪk/

   relating to an ancient tradition of alchemical writings and esoteric knowledge

   The book contained many hermetic symbols that were difficult to understand.

   Synonyms: mystical, secret, arcane

   Origin: The word 'hermetic' comes from the name of the Greek god Hermes, who was associated with knowledge, magic, and alchemy.

5. catharsis · noun/kəˈθɑrsɪs/

   the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions

   After watching the sad movie, I felt a strong catharsis as I cried and let out my feelings.

   Synonyms: release, relief, cleansing

   Origin: The word 'catharsis' comes from the Greek word 'katharsis,' meaning 'cleansing' or 'purification.'