Upper-Intermediate — Set 88

Set 88 of Upper-Intermediate covers 5 words: smooth, thorough, remarkable, primitive, outstanding. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. smooth · adjective/smuð/

   something happening without any issues

   Transition from kindergarten to a big school should be made as smooth as possible to help the child adapt to the new environment.

   Synonyms: clear

   Origin: Old English smōth, probably of Germanic origin, though no cognates are known. The verb dates from Middle English

2. thorough · adjective/ˈθəroʊ/

   very detailed and well thought

   After the incident where 3 children were reported as lost, the police started a thorough investigation in the area and questioned a lot of people

   Synonyms: comprehensive, clear, exhaustive

   Origin: Old English thuruh, alteration of thurh ‘through’. Original use was as an adverb and preposition, in senses of through. The adjective dates from late Middle English, when it also had the sense ‘going or extending through something’, which survives in thoroughfare

3. remarkable · adjective/rəˈmɑrkəb(ə)l/

   something that is different and is worthy of attention

   After having 3 serious operations in a year, the old man has made a remarkable recovery for a man at his age.

   Synonyms: exceptional, extraordinary, notable

   Origin: early 17th century: from French remarquable, from remarquer ‘take note of’ (see remark)

4. primitive · adjective/ˈprɪmədɪv/

   something that is at its simple development and not is not related to modern technology

   The tools that were used by primitive men could sometimes be more complex than the tools the modern technology has created.

   Synonyms: ancient, basic, archaic

   Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘original, not derivative’): from Old French primitif, -ive, from Latin primitivus ‘first of its kind’, from primus ‘first’

5. outstanding · adjective/ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ/

   something that is extremely good

   People who visit Giethoorn in Netherlands are amazed by the outstanding natural beauty it has.

   Synonyms: superior, excellent, distinguished