admission, fertility, prohibition, resemblance, revolution: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 93. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. admission · noun/ədˈmɪʃən/

   a statement acknowledging that something is true

   When people keep silent and resist answering your questions, it is interpreted as an admission of guilt.

   Synonyms: confession, acceptance, acknowledgement

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin admissio(n-), from the verb admittere (see admit)

2. fertility · noun/fərˈtɪlədi/

   the ability to produce offspring or support abundant plant growth

   Many countries have taken steps to increase soil fertility by encouraging the farmers to use compost during plantation.

   Synonyms: productivity, fruitfulness abundance

3. prohibition · noun/ˌproʊ(h)əˈbɪʃən/

   the act of forbidding something by law

   The prohibition of smoking on many university campuses has started a debate whether it is taking away people's personal freedom or not.

   Synonyms: ban, prevention, forbiddance

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin prohibitio(n-), from prohibere ‘keep in check’ (see prohibit)

4. resemblance · noun/rəˈzɛmbləns/

   the state of being alike

   The resemblance between the identical twins was striking despite the clear scientific explanation.

   Synonyms: alikeness, closeness, similarity

   Origin: Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, from the verb resembler (see resemble)

5. revolution · noun/ˌrɛvəˈluʃən/

   a major and far-reaching change in the way something is done

   The usage of smart boards has been a revolution for may teachers who are not used to integrating technology into their classrooms.

   Synonyms: transformation, upheaval, innovation

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, or from late Latin revolutio(n-), from revolvere ‘roll back’ (see revolve)