widespread, admit, overweight, distinguish, doubt: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 10. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. widespread · adjective/ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd/

   existing or happening over a large area or among many people

   There is a widespread belief that an economic crisis is coming, so consumers are being very careful when making purchases.

   Synonyms: prevalent

2. admit · verb/ədˈmɪt/

   to accept that something is true

   It took him a very long time to admit that he was living a life that he did not desire.

   Synonyms: accept, concede

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin admittere, from ad- ‘to’ + mittere ‘send’

3. overweight · adjective/ˌoʊvərˈweɪt/

   heavier than something or someone should be

   The doctor explained that being overweight can increase the risk of certain health problems.

   Synonyms: fat, gross, heavy, bulky, obese

4. distinguish · verb/dəˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

   to be able to tell the differences between things

   During the eye examination, it was discovered that I had difficulty distinguishing between letters and colors.

   Synonyms: recognize, differentiate, identify, tell apart

   Origin: late 16th century: formed irregularly from French distinguer or Latin distinguere, from dis- ‘apart’ + stinguere ‘put out’ (from a base meaning ‘prick’)

5. doubt · noun/daʊt/

   a feeling of uncertainty or suspicion about something or someone

   His failure to pass the first stage of the test raised some serious doubts about his potential and abilities.

   Synonyms: disbelief, suspicion, skepticism, mistrust

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French doute (noun), douter (verb), from Latin dubitare ‘hesitate’, from dubius ‘doubtful’ (see dubious)