wisdom, saviour, purity, prophet, faith: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 52. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. wisdom · noun/ˈwɪzdəm/

   the ability to make good decisions based on knowledge and experience

   Conventional wisdom is the body of ideas or beliefs that are accepted as true by the public.

   Synonyms: insight, judgement, intelligence

   Origin: Old English wīsdōm(see wise, -dom)

2. saviour · noun/ˈseɪvjər/

   a person who saves you from a difficult or dangerous situation

   In most religions, the believers not only consider their prophet as a saviour but also worship them besides God.

   Synonyms: guardian, defender, protector

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French sauveour, from ecclesiastical Latin salvator (translating Greek sōtēr), from late Latin salvare ‘to save’

3. purity · noun/ˈpjʊrədi/

   the state of being physically or morally clean

   In Western societies, the color white has been the symbol of purity and being morally good.

   Synonyms: innocence, cleanliness

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French purete, later assimilated to late Latin puritas, from Latin purus ‘pure’

4. prophet · noun/ˈprɑfət/

   a person believed to communicate messages from a god or a divine source

   In religion, a prophet is regarded as being in contact with a spiritual being and delivers teachings from the supernatural source.

   Synonyms: NONE

   Origin: Old English propheta, via Latin from Greek prophētēs ‘interpreter, expounder’, from pro ‘before’ + phētēs ‘speaker’ (from phēnai ‘speak’); subsequently reinforced by Old French prophete

5. faith · noun/feɪθ/

   a strong belief in religion

   People who have deep religious faith are believed to be honest and they do not attempt to harm a person.

   Synonyms: loyalty, acceptance, belief

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French feid, from Latin fides