Proficient — Set 96

Set 96 of Proficient covers 5 words: veneer, caprice, frenzy, figment, whim. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. veneer · noun/vəˈnɪr/

   a thin layer of wood or other material applied to a surface

   The table has a beautiful veneer that makes it look very elegant.

   Synonyms: laminate, facing, facade

   Origin: from French 'veneer', from Middle Dutch 'fineer', meaning 'to cover or to coat'

2. caprice · noun/kəˈpriːs/

   a sudden and whimsical change of mind or behavior

   Her decision to go to the party was just a caprice, as she changed her mind the next moment.

   Synonyms: whim, fancy, quirk

   Origin: from French 'caprice', meaning 'a sudden change; a whim'

3. frenzy · noun/ˈfrɛn.zi/

   a wild or sudden burst of activity or emotion

   The sudden shopping frenzy started after the big sale was announced.

   Synonyms: rage, fury, madness

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'frenesie,' from Latin 'frenesia' meaning 'madness or rage'

4. figment · noun/ˈfɪɡmənt/

   something that is imagined or not real

   The monster in my dream was just a figment of my imagination.

   Synonyms: fantasy, illusion, dream

   Origin: from Latin 'fingere' meaning 'to shape or form'

5. whim · noun/wɪm/

   a sudden desire or change of mind often without any real reason

   She bought a new dress on a whim when she saw it in the store window.

   Synonyms: fancy, quirk, impulse

   Origin: The word 'whim' originated in the late 17th century, likely from the word 'whimsy', which means a fanciful idea or notion.