Proficient — Set 41

Set 41 of Proficient covers 5 words: bombastic, vivacious, succulent, pesky, insentient. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bombastic · adjective/bɑmˈbæstɪk/

   highly inflated or extravagant language intended to impress

   The speaker used bombastic language to make his story sound more important.

   Synonyms: pompous, pretentious, extravagant

   Origin: The word 'bombastic' comes from the Middle French 'bombace', meaning 'cotton', which is derived from the Latin 'bombax', referring to 'soft or cottony material'. The usage evolved to mean inflated or extravagant language.

2. vivacious · adjective/vɪˈveɪʃəs/

   lively and animated in temperament or behavior

   The vivacious girl danced happily at the party and made everyone smile.

   Synonyms: lively, spirited, animated

   Origin: from Latin 'vivax', meaning 'lively' or 'full of life'

3. succulent · adjective/ˈsʌk.jə.lənt/

   having a juicy or tender quality

   The steak was very succulent and melted in my mouth.

   Synonyms: juicy, tender, moist

   Origin: from Latin 'succulentus', meaning 'juicy, rich in juice'

4. pesky · adjective/ˈpɛski/

   causing annoyance or trouble

   The pesky mosquitoes kept buzzing around us when we were trying to have a picnic.

   Synonyms: annoying, nuisance, troublesome

   Origin: The word 'pesky' is believed to be a variation of 'pesky' from the earlier word 'pest', which comes from the Middle English 'pest', meaning 'pestilence' or 'plague'.

5. insentient · adjective/ɪnˈsɛnʃənt/

   lacking the ability to perceive or feel

   The insentient stone lay on the ground, unable to feel the warmth of the sun.

   Synonyms: unfeeling, unresponsive, numb

   Origin: from Latin 'insentientem', meaning 'not feeling', from 'in-' (not) + 'sentire' (to feel)