sympathy, bravery, dedication, appreciation, credibility: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 95. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. sympathy · noun/ˈsɪmpəθi/

   a feeling of kindness towards someone especially in a difficult situation

   The prime minister expressed his sympathy for the flood victims and promised to help them as much as he can.

   Synonyms: compassion, sensitivity, compassion

   Origin: late 16th century (in sympathy): via Latin from Greek sumpatheia, from sumpathēs, from sun- ‘with’ + pathos ‘feeling’

2. bravery · noun/ˈbreɪv(ə)ri/

   courageous behavior in a difficult or dangerous situation

   The war veterans all get a medal for their bravery during war time in order to protect their country.

   Synonyms: courage, boldness, heroism

   Origin: mid 16th century (in the sense ‘bravado’): from French braverie or Italian braveria ‘boldness’, based on Latin barbarus (see barbarous)

3. dedication · noun/ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən/

   strong commitment and continued effort toward a task or purpose

   Dedication to your beliefs no matter what the situation is is the greatest strength you may ever have.

   Synonyms: loyalty, devotion, commitment

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin dedicatio(n-), from dedicare ‘devote, consecrate’ (see dedicate)

4. appreciation · noun/əˌpriʃiˈeɪʃən/

   a feeling of gratitude or recognition of someone's or something's value

   Every family hopes that their children will one day show their appreciation for what their parents have done to them.

   Synonyms: thankfulness, gratitude

   Origin: late 15th century: from French appréciation, from late Latin appretiatio(n-), from the verb appretiare ‘set at a price, appraise’ (see appreciate)

5. credibility · noun/ˌkrɛdəˈbɪlədi/

   the quality of being believable and trustworthy

   Adopting an inappropriate style in what you are writing especially in political matters can damage your credibility as a writer no matter how successful you are.

   Synonyms: reliability, trustworthiness, liability

   Origin: mid 16th century: from medieval Latin credibilitas, from Latin credibilis (see credible)