Upper-Intermediate — Set 14

Set 14 of Upper-Intermediate covers 5 words: amused, anxious, bitter, astonished, embarrassed. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. amused · adjective/əˈmjuzd/

   finding something funny or enjoyable

   She laughed loudly because she was really amused by the funny comments she heard in the office.

   Synonyms: entertained, delighted

2. anxious · adjective/ˈæŋ(k)ʃəs/

   feeling worried or nervous

   After the divorce, her father was anxious to maintain a good relationship with his children.

   Synonyms: worried, nervous, uneasy

   Origin: mid 16th century: from Latin anxius (from angere ‘to choke’) + -ous

3. bitter · adjective/ˈbɪdər/

   feeling strong resentment or unhappiness

   Despite their long friendship, she couldn't help but feel bitter when her friend betrayed her trust.

   Synonyms: hateful, resentful, hostile

   Origin: Old English biter, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German bitter, and probably to bite

4. astonished · adjective/əˈstɑnɪʃt/

   extremely surprised or shocked

   He was astonished to see his brother at the door at midnight and immediately gave him a hug.

   Synonyms: surprised, amazed, bewildered

5. embarrassed · adjective/əmˈbɛrəst/

   feeling self-conscious or ashamed

   Alison felt embarrassed that she had to admit she hadn't completed her part of the group project.

   Synonyms: ashamed, shamed