tome, accost, scintilla, subpoena, diatribe: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 50. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. tome · noun/toʊm/

   a large, heavy book, often a scholarly or formal work

   The library has a large tome on history that is very thick.

   Synonyms: volume, book, manuscript

   Origin: from Latin 'tomus', meaning a section or a volume

2. accost · verb/əˈkɔst/

   to approach and speak to someone boldly or aggressively

   The stranger accosted me on the street and asked for directions.

   Synonyms: approach, confront, address

   Origin: The word 'accost' comes from the Middle French 'acoster', which means 'to approach' or 'to land beside'.

3. scintilla · noun/sɪnˈtɪlə/

   a tiny amount or trace of something

   There was not a scintilla of evidence to support his claim.

   Synonyms: bit, speck, shred

   Origin: from Latin 'scintilla' meaning 'spark'; diminutive of 'scintilla' meaning 'spark, flash'

4. subpoena · noun/səˈpiː.nə/

   a legal document ordering a person to appear in court or produce evidence

   The lawyer received a subpoena to bring the documents to the trial.

   Synonyms: summons, citation, order

   Origin: from Latin 'subpoena', meaning 'under penalty'

5. diatribe · noun/ˈdaɪətraɪb/

   a bitter and prolonged verbal attack

   After the meeting, he went on a diatribe against the new project, saying it was a waste of money.

   Synonyms: tirade, rant, harangue

   Origin: from Greek 'diatribe' meaning 'a wearing away or a discourse'