Proficient — Set 90

Set 90 of Proficient covers 5 words: deference, prelude, malediction, annex, indictment. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. deference · noun/ˈdɛfərəns/

   respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, or will of another

   Out of deference to her parents, she decided to wait before making a big decision.

   Synonyms: respect, submission, regard

   Origin: From Latin 'deferre', meaning 'to carry down' or 'to yield'

2. prelude · noun/ˈpreɪlud/

   an introductory event or action that precedes something more important

   The thunderstorm was a loud prelude to the heavy rain that followed.

   Synonyms: introduction, prologue, opening

   Origin: from Latin 'praeludere', meaning 'to play before'

3. malediction · noun/ˌmæl.ɪˈdɪk.ʃən/

   a curse or the utterance of a curse

   The old woman spoke a malediction over the thief who stole her apples.

   Synonyms: curse, hex, jinx

   Origin: from Latin 'maledictio', meaning 'a speaking ill' or 'curse'; 'male' (bad) + 'dictio' (saying)

4. annex · verb/əˈnɛks/

   to attach or add something, especially to a larger or more significant entity

   The school decided to annex a new building to create more classrooms.

   Synonyms: add, attach, join

   Origin: from Latin 'annexare', meaning 'to fasten to' or 'to bind to'

5. indictment · noun/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

   a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime

   The grand jury issued an indictment against the suspect for theft.

   Synonyms: charge, accusation, allegation

   Origin: Middle English from Old French 'indictament', from the verb 'indict' which comes from Latin 'indictare', meaning 'to proclaim' or 'to announce'.