satisfied, envious, honored, insulted, irritated: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 39. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. satisfied · adjective/ˈsædəsˌfaɪd/

   pleased because something meets your expectations

   The employee was apparently satisfied with the decision made at the meeting and immediately set a team to implement it.

   Synonyms: contented, fulfilled

2. envious · adjective/ˈɛnviəs/

   feeling or showing a desire to have what another person has

   Jenny is not only hostile towards her sister Amy, but also seems envious of her beauty.

   Synonyms: jealous, resentful

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French envieus, from envie ‘envy’, on the pattern of Latin invidiosus ‘invidious’

3. honored · adjective/ˈɑnərd/

   feeling proud and pleased because of special recognition

   The actress felt honored to be rewarded with a lifetime award from a distinguished group of directors.

   Synonyms: respected, dignified, distinguished

4. insulted · adjective/ɪnˈsəlt/

   feeling disrespected

   She felt insulted when Raji saw her at the party but never glanced at her, he completely ignored her.

   Synonyms: offended, shamed,humiliated

   Origin: mid 16th century (as a verb in the sense ‘exult, act arrogantly’): from Latin insultare ‘jump or trample on’, from in- ‘on’ + saltare, from salire ‘to leap’. The noun (in the early 17th century denoting an attack) is from French insulte or ecclesiastical Latin insultus. The main current senses date from the 17th century, the medical use dating from the early 20th century

5. irritated · adjective/ˈɪrəˌteɪdəd/

   feeling impatience and anger

   The rock star looked visibly irritated when he got snapped by the paparazzi last Saturday.

   Synonyms: annoyed, angry, disturbed