savant, gerontocracy, apostle, verbosity, supplicant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 76. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. savant · noun/səˈvænt/

   a person of profound or extensive learning or ability in a particular subject or area

   The young math savant solved complex problems faster than his teachers could follow.

   Synonyms: expert, scholar, genius

   Origin: French, from Latin 'savans', meaning 'learned'

2. gerontocracy · noun/ˌdʒɛrənˈtɑkrəsi/

   a government or society ruled by older people

   In a gerontocracy, older leaders make most of the important decisions for the country.

   Synonyms: aging society, elder rule, old governance

   Origin: from Greek 'geron' meaning 'old man' and 'kratos' meaning 'power' or 'rule'

3. apostle · noun/əˈpɑː.səl/

   one of the earliest followers of jesus who spread his teachings

   Peter was an apostle who helped spread the teachings of Jesus to many people.

   Synonyms: disciple, follower, believer

   Origin: From the Greek word 'apostolos', meaning 'messenger' or 'one who is sent out'.

4. verbosity · noun/vɚˈbɑː.sə.ti/

   the quality of using more words than necessary

   The verbosity of his speech made it hard to understand his main point.

   Synonyms: wordiness, long-windedness, loquacity

   Origin: from the Latin 'verbositas', from 'verbum' meaning 'word'

5. supplicant · noun/ˈsʌplɪkənt/

   a person who asks for something earnestly or humbly

   The hungry child was a supplicant at the door, asking for food.

   Synonyms: beggar, petitioner

   Origin: from Latin 'supplicans', meaning 'kneeling or humbly requesting'