Upper-Intermediate — Set 22

Set 22 of Upper-Intermediate covers 5 words: diverse, distribute, reward, irrational, manufacture. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. diverse · adjective/dəˈvərs/

   having a variety of different elements

   During the pilot focus group, I had the chance to work with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

   Synonyms: various, varying, varied

   Origin: Middle English: variant of divers

2. distribute · verb/dəˈstrɪbjut/

   to give out or spread something among a group or over an area

   The company will distribute the product to stores across the country, ensuring wide availability for customers.

   Synonyms: hand out, dispense

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin distribut- ‘divided up’, from the verb distribuere, from dis- ‘apart’ + tribuere ‘assign’

3. reward · noun/rəˈwɔrd/

   something given in recognition of a person's effort, achievement, or contribution, typically to motivate or show appreciation

   She received a reward for her outstanding performance at work, a bonus and a certificate of appreciation.

   Synonyms: prize, award, gift

   Origin: Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, variant of Old French reguard ‘regard, heed’, also an early sense of the English word

4. irrational · adjective/ɪ(r)ˈræʃ(ə)nəl/

   without clear logical explanation or reason

   Since the accident, she has been experiencing anxiety and having some irrational thoughts.

   Synonyms: illogical, absurd, insane, unreasonable

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin irrationalis, from in- ‘not’ + rationalis (see rational)

5. manufacture · verb/ˌmæn(j)əˈfæk(t)ʃər/

   to produce something

   The company designs and manufactures wheels that can tolerate heavier weights.

   Synonyms: make, create, build, fabricate

   Origin: mid 16th century (as noun, denoting something made by hand): from French (re-formed by association with Latin manu factum ‘made by hand’), from Italian manifattura. The verb dates from the mid 17th century