retraction, celerity, coffer, panache, egress: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 66. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. retraction · noun/rɪˈtræk.ʃən/

   the act of withdrawing or taking back a statement or opinion

   The author issued a retraction of his statement after realizing it was false.

   Synonyms: withdrawal, recantation, renouncement

   Origin: from Latin 'retractio', which comes from 'retractus', meaning 'to draw back'

2. celerity · noun/səˈlɛr.ɪ.ti/

   swiftness of movement or action

   The teacher praised the students for their celerity in completing the project on time.

   Synonyms: speed, swiftness, quickness

   Origin: from Latin 'celeritas', meaning 'swiftness'

3. coffer · noun/ˈkɔːfər/

   a strongbox or chest for holding valuables

   The old coffer was filled with gold coins and beautiful jewels.

   Synonyms: box, chest, container

   Origin: From Old French 'coffre', from Latin 'cophinus' meaning 'basket'.

4. panache · noun/pəˈnæʃ/

   distinctive and stylish flair or elegance

   She wore her new dress with panache at the party.

   Synonyms: style, flair, elegance

   Origin: French, meaning 'feather' or 'plume'

5. egress · noun/ˈiː.ɡrɛs/

   the act of going out or leaving a place

   The emergency exit is marked clearly for safe egress during a fire drill.

   Synonyms: exit, departure, leave

   Origin: derived from Latin 'egressus', which means 'a going out'