structure, stuff, tendency, target, punctuality: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 8. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. structure · noun/ˈstrək(t)ʃər/

   the overall form or organization of something

   Some old apartments may lose heat rapidly due to the structure of the building.

   Synonyms: organization, framework, design

   Origin: late Middle English (denoting the process of building): from Old French, or from Latin structura, from struere ‘to build’. The verb is rarely found before the 20th century

2. stuff · noun/stəf/

   items; things

   Alissa had so much stuff that she could not fit it into two bags.

   Synonyms: things, items, belongings

   Origin: Middle English (denoting material for making clothes): shortening of Old French estoffe ‘material, furniture’, estoffer ‘equip, furnish’, from Greek stuphein ‘draw together’

3. tendency · noun/ˈtɛnd(ə)nsi/

   likelihood of doing something, behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction

   I have a tendency to speak too quickly when I get nervous.

   Synonyms: inclination, disposition, predisposition, proneness

   Origin: early 17th century: from medieval Latin tendentia, from tendere ‘to stretch’ (see tend)

4. target · noun/ˈtɑrɡət/

   something that you are trying to achieve; something or someone that is the object of an attack

   His target for this year is to increase sales by 20% compared to the previous year.

   Synonyms: goal, objective, aim, purpose

   Origin: late Middle English (in target): diminutive of targe. The verb dates from the early 17th century

5. punctuality · noun/ˌpəŋ(k)(t)ʃəˈwælədi/

   the state of being on time

   Her punctuality is outstanding; she has never been late to a meeting or appointment.

   Synonyms: promptness, timeliness, being on time