adaptable, humorous, passionate, dependable, courageous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 17. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. adaptable · adjective/əˈdæptəb(ə)l/

   able to adapt to new or changing conditions

   Being a successful leader requires you to be adaptable in the workplace and handle change well.

   Synonyms: compliant, cooperative

2. humorous · adjective/ˈhjumərəs/

   full of humor or arousing laughter; funny

   His humorous anecdotes and witty jokes always lightened the mood at family gatherings.

   Synonyms: amusing, entertaining, funny

3. passionate · adjective/ˈpæʃ(ə)nət/

   having or expressing strong emotions

   Tim is so passionate about his work that he has a company logo tattooed somewhere on his body.

   Synonyms: sensual, Intense, sentimental, desirous

   Origin: late Middle English (also in the senses ‘easily moved to passion’ and ‘enraged’): from medieval Latin passionatus ‘full of passion’, from passio (see passion)

4. dependable · adjective/dəˈpɛndəb(ə)l/

   can be trusted or relied on

   Sonja proved herself to be a dependable employee and a hard worker with her enthusiasm and problem solving skills.

   Synonyms: reliable, trustworthy

5. courageous · adjective/kəˈreɪdʒəs/

   brave; willing to face and overcome fear, danger, or difficulty

   Knights were courageous warriors who lived to serve and protect their people.

   Synonyms: daring, brave, fearless

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French corageus, from corage (see courage)