adversary, serendipity, artisan, candour, archetype: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 34. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. adversary · noun/ˈæd.vɜːr.səri/

   one that opposes or resists an opponent or enemy

   In the game, each player must face their adversary with courage.

   Synonyms: opponent, rival, foe

   Origin: from Latin 'adversarius', meaning 'opponent' or 'enemy'

2. serendipity · noun/ˌsɛr.ənˈdɪp.ɪ.ti/

   the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way

   Finding an old friend at the store was a wonderful example of serendipity.

   Synonyms: luck, fortune, coincidence

   Origin: The word 'serendipity' was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754, derived from 'The Three Princes of Serendip,' a Persian fairy tale.

3. artisan · noun/ˈɑrtɪzən/

   a skilled craftsman who makes goods by hand

   The artisan made beautiful pottery by hand for the market.

   Synonyms: craftsman, craftsworker

   Origin: From Middle French 'artisane', from Latin 'artisanus', meaning 'of art' or 'skillful'.

4. candour · noun/ˈkændər/

   the quality of being open and honest in expression

   Her candour during the meeting helped everyone understand the problem clearly.

   Synonyms: openness, honesty, frankness

   Origin: From Latin 'candor', meaning 'whiteness' or 'purity', which also relates to openness and clarity in expression.

5. archetype · noun/ˈɑr.kɪ.taɪp/

   a very typical example of a certain person or thing

   The brave knight is an archetype of a hero in many stories.

   Synonyms: model, example, standard

   Origin: The word 'archetype' originates from the Greek 'archētypos', where 'archē' means 'first' or 'original' and 'typos' means 'impression' or 'model'.