exegesis, umbrage, impropriety, cornucopia, pluck: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 58. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. exegesis · noun/ˌɛksɪˈdʒisɪs/

   critical interpretation and analysis of a text, especially religious scriptures

   The teacher gave a clear exegesis of the Bible, helping the students understand its deeper meanings.

   Synonyms: interpretation, analysis, explanation

   Origin: from the Greek word 'exegeisthai' meaning 'to lead out or explain'

2. umbrage · noun/ˈʌm.brɪdʒ/

   offense or annoyance

   She took umbrage at his rude comment about her dress.

   Synonyms: offense, annoyance, irritation

   Origin: from Old French 'ombrage', meaning 'shadow' or 'shade', which stems from Latin 'umbra' meaning 'shadow'.

3. impropriety · noun/ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəˌti/

   a failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty

   The teacher was fired for impropriety during the class, as she did not treat the students fairly.

   Synonyms: misconduct, wrongdoing, inappropriateness

   Origin: from Latin 'improprius' meaning 'not one's own, improper'

4. cornucopia · noun/ˌkɔrn.jəˈkoʊ.pi.ə/

   an abundant supply of good things of unspecified kind

   At the festival, there was a cornucopia of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy.

   Synonyms: abundance, plenty, profusion

   Origin: From Latin 'cornucopia', meaning 'horn of plenty', from 'cornu' (horn) + 'copia' (plenty)

5. pluck · verb/plʌk/

   to pull or gather with a sudden motion

   She decided to pluck a flower from the garden.

   Synonyms: pull, pick, gather

   Origin: Middle English 'plokken', of uncertain origin