Set 47 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

fracas

noun/ˈfræk.əs/

a noisy disturbance or quarrel

The fracas in the street made everyone stop and look.

disputebrawlfight
word origin — French, from 'fracasser' meaning 'to shatter'

Proficient — Set 47

Set 47 of Proficient covers 5 words: fracas, reticence, welter, abeyance, ingrate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. fracas · noun/ˈfræk.əs/

    a noisy disturbance or quarrel

    The fracas in the street made everyone stop and look.

    Synonyms: dispute, brawl, fight

    Origin: French, from 'fracasser' meaning 'to shatter'

  2. reticence · noun/ˈrɛtɪsəns/

    the quality of being reserved or holding back in expression

    His reticence about his feelings made it hard for her to understand him.

    Synonyms: reserve, hesitance, restraint

    Origin: from Latin 'reticentia', meaning 'being silent or reserved'

  3. welter · noun/ˈkeɪɑs, kənˈfjuʒən, ˈtɜrˌmɔɪl/

    a state of confusion or turmoil

    After the storm, the town was left in a welter of broken trees and debris.

    Synonyms: chaos, confusion, turmoil

    Origin: The word 'welter' originates from the Middle English 'weltren,' meaning 'to roll' or 'to tumble.'

  4. abeyance · noun/əˈbeɪəns/

    a state of temporary inactivity or suspension

    The project was put in abeyance until more funding could be secured.

    Synonyms: suspension, inactivity, pause

    Origin: from Middle English 'abeyaunce,' from Old French 'abeiance,' meaning 'state of being in abeyance'

  5. ingrate · noun/ˈɪnɡreɪt/

    a person who is ungrateful and does not show appreciation

    After all she did for him, it was hurtful to realize he was an ingrate.

    Synonyms: ungrateful person, thankless person, ingratiate

    Origin: from the Latin 'ingratus' meaning 'ungrateful'