Proficient — Set 9

Set 9 of Proficient covers 5 words: oblique, credulous, prolific, itinerant, salient. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. oblique · adjective/əˈbliːk/

   not explicit or done in a direct way

   The teacher gave an oblique hint about the upcoming test, so we had to think carefully to understand it.

   Synonyms: indirect, vague, evasive

   Origin: from Latin 'obliquus', meaning 'slanting, sloping'

2. credulous · adjective/ˈkrɛdʒələs/

   having or showing too great a readiness to believe things

   The credulous man believed every story he heard without asking questions.

   Synonyms: gullible, naive, trusting

   Origin: from Latin 'credulus', meaning 'believing' or 'trusting'

3. prolific · adjective/prəˈlɪfɪk/

   producing abundant results or offspring

   The prolific author wrote many best-selling books every year.

   Synonyms: fruitful, productive, abundant

   Origin: from Latin 'prolificus', from 'proles' meaning 'offspring' and 'facere' meaning 'to make or do'

4. itinerant · adjective/aɪˈtɪnərənt/

   traveling from place to place

   The itinerant workers move from farm to farm during the harvest season.

   Synonyms: traveling, wandering, nomadic

   Origin: Latin 'itinerans', from 'itineris' meaning 'journey'

5. salient · adjective/ˈseɪ.lɪ.ənt/

   most noticeable or important

   The salient features of the plan are easy to understand.

   Synonyms: prominent, noticeable, significant

   Origin: from Latin 'salientem', meaning 'leaping' or 'jumping'