audacious, ambivalent, docile, impetuous, adept: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 6. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. audacious · adjective/ɔˈdeɪʃəs/

   showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks

   The young artist made an audacious decision to exhibit her work in a famous gallery.

   Synonyms: bold, daring, adventurous

   Origin: from Latin 'audax', meaning bold or daring

2. ambivalent · adjective/æmˈbɪv.ələnt/

   having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

   She feels ambivalent about moving to a new city for her job because she loves her hometown but wants to try something new.

   Synonyms: conflicted, uncertain, unsure

   Origin: from Latin 'ambivalens', meaning 'valuing two things' ('amb-' meaning 'both' + 'valens' meaning 'having worth')

3. docile · adjective/ˈdɑː.səl/

   easily managed or trained; submissive

   The dog was very docile, making it easy to train for tricks.

   Synonyms: compliant, obedient, tame

   Origin: from Latin 'docilis', meaning 'easily taught'

4. impetuous · adjective/ɪmˈpɛʧuəs/

   acting or done quickly and without thought or care

   His impetuous decision to quit his job surprised everyone.

   Synonyms: rash, hasty, impulsive

   Origin: from Latin 'impetuosus' meaning 'impetuous, violent', from 'impetus' meaning 'attack, force, violence'

5. adept · adjective/əˈdɛpt/

   skilled or proficient at something

   She is adept at solving math problems quickly.

   Synonyms: skilled, proficient, expert

   Origin: from Latin 'adeptus' meaning 'to obtain' or 'acquire'