Upper-Intermediate — Set 53

Set 53 of Upper-Intermediate covers 5 words: divine, martyr, ritual, orthodox, temple. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. divine · adjective/dəˈvaɪn/

   related to or coming from a god or deity; exceptionally good or beautiful

   The church bells rang with a divine melody that filled the entire village with a sense of respect.

   Synonyms: godly; godlike

   Origin: late Middle English: via Old French from Latin divinus, from divus ‘godlike’ (related to deus ‘god’)

2. martyr · noun/ˈmɑrdər/

   a person who has died or suffered due to his religious or political beliefs

   St. Stephen, who was the first Christian martyr, was killed by an angry crow who stoned him to death.

   Synonyms: sufferer, scapegoat

   Origin: Old English martir, via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek martur ‘witness’ (in Christian use, ‘martyr’)

3. ritual · noun/ˈrɪtʃ(əw)əl/

   a kind of ceremony for an important religious occasion

   Buddhists often engage in meditation as a daily ritual to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.

   Synonyms: ceremony, tradition, custom

   Origin: late 16th century (as an adjective): from Latin ritualis, from ritus (see rite)

4. orthodox · adjective/ˈɔrθəˌdɑks/

   ideas that are accepted true by many people

   Unlike traditional methods, orthodox medicine makes use of surgery, drugs and other treatment methods whose effectiveness are approved by the doctors.

   Synonyms: accepted, conventional, conservative

   Origin: late Middle English: from Greek orthodoxos (probably via ecclesiastical Latin), from orthos ‘straight or right’ + doxa ‘opinion’

5. temple · noun/ˈtɛmp(ə)l/

   a building or place of worship that is often used for religious or spiritual activities and rituals

   She visited the ancient temple to admire its stunning architecture and meditate in its peaceful surroundings.

   Synonyms: shrine, sanctuary

   Origin: Old English templ, tempel, reinforced in Middle English by Old French temple, both from Latin templum ‘open or consecrated space’