Upper-Intermediate — Set 95

Set 95 of Upper-Intermediate covers 5 words: sympathy, bravery, dedication, appreciation, credibility. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

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/

   the behaviour ,n which you show courage and confidence

   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/

   time and effort you put into something to be successful

   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/

   the positive feeling that you have when you are grateful for someone

   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/

   a quality people have that makes them 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)