innovation, advancement, breakthrough, appliance, maintenance: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 56. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. innovation · noun/ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/

   a new idea, method, or product that improves something

   Artificial Intelligence is the most important innovation for farming as it provides a realistic solution to our current and future agricultural problems.

   Synonyms: change, novelty

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin innovatio(n-), from the verb innovare (see innovate)

2. advancement · noun/ədˈvænsm(ə)nt/

   gradual improvement or development

   It is believed that India is much better equipped to deal with the upcoming decade of technological advancement than any other country.

   Synonyms: improvement, upgrading

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French avancement, from avancer ‘to advance’

3. breakthrough · noun/ˈbreɪkˌθru/

   an important discovery

   The introduction of Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) in 2011 has marked an important breakthrough in technology for weather forecasting.

   Synonyms: development, discovery, finding

4. appliance · noun/əˈplaɪəns/

   a machine or device used for a particular household task

   She relied on her microwave as a time-saving appliance for quickly heating up meals.

   Synonyms: device, gadget, tool

5. maintenance · noun/ˈmeɪnt(ə)nəns/

   the act of keeping something in good condition by regularly checking, repairing, and caring for it

   Regular maintenance of your computer can extend its lifespan and prevent unexpected hardware failures.

   Synonyms: perpetuation, care, preservation

   Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause’): from Old French, from maintenir (see maintain)