cautious, moody, sensitive, envious, trustworthy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 81. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. cautious · adjective/ˈkɔʃəs/

   careful to avoid danger, mistakes, or unnecessary risks

   Some governments were criticised because they lacked a cautious approach to eliminate the risks of the virus to spread in their countries.

   Synonyms: careful, vigilant, guarded

   Origin: mid 17th century: from caution, on the pattern of pairs such as ambition, ambitious

2. moody · adjective/ˈmudi/

   having frequent or unpredictable changes in mood

   Because the teenagers' brain change really quickly, they become moody and they think they are not understood by adults.

   Synonyms: temperamental, changeable

   Origin: Old English mōdig ‘brave or willful’ (see mood, -y)

3. sensitive · adjective/ˈsɛnsədɪv/

   easily affected, damaged, or upset by something

   Some people are really sensitive about their weight and they cannot stand any comments that are made about it.

   Synonyms: delicate, emotional, touchy

   Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘sensory’): from Old French sensitif, -ive or medieval Latin sensitivus, formed irregularly from Latin sentire ‘feel’. The current senses date from the early 19th century

4. envious · adjective/ˈɛnviəs/

   desiring something that another person has

   Allowing envious feelings towards your colleague could be really bad for your career as it hinders your efficiency at work.

   Synonyms: jealous

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

5. trustworthy · adjective/ˈtrəs(t)ˌwərði/

   can be trusted or relied on

   It is always a good idea to leave a spare key to a trustworthy neighbour in case of an emergency that can happen in the house when you are away.

   Synonyms: reliable, dependable, truthful