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restriction

noun/rəˈstrɪkʃən/

definition

a rule or limit that controls what is allowed

example

The 50 km per hour speed restriction applies to all areas in European towns regardless of how big and empty the roads are.

synonyms
limitconstraint
word origin — late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin restrictio(n-), from restringere ‘bind fast, confine’ (see restrict)

restriction, diversity, acquisition, incentive, defect: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 97. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. restriction · noun/rəˈstrɪkʃən/

    a rule or limit that controls what is allowed

    The 50 km per hour speed restriction applies to all areas in European towns regardless of how big and empty the roads are.

    Synonyms: limit, constraint

    Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin restrictio(n-), from restringere ‘bind fast, confine’ (see restrict)

  2. diversity · noun/dəˈvərsədi/

    the presence of many different types of people or things

    While cultural diversity may enrich the workplace, communication failure among employees could easily hinder development.

    Synonyms: difference, variety, heterogeneity

    Origin: Middle English: from Old French diversite, from Latin diversitas, from diversus ‘diverse’, past participle of divertere ‘turn aside’ (see divert)

  3. acquisition · noun/ˌækwəˈzɪʃən/

    the process of gaining knowledge, a skill, or an ability

    Language acquisition is the process when individuals comprehend language and start using words and sentences to communicate.

    Synonyms: gain, achievement, obtainment

    Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘act of acquiring something’): from Latin acquisitio(n-), from the verb acquirere (see acquire)

  4. incentive · noun/ɪnˈsɛn(t)ɪv/

    something that encourages you to work harder and achieve something

    Rewarding children can provide an incentive for children to make them continue their good behaviour.

    Synonyms: encouragement, motivation, stimulus

    Origin: late Middle English: from Latin incentivum ‘something that sets the tune or incites’, from incantare ‘to chant or charm’

  5. defect · noun/ˈdifɛk(t)/

    a fault or imperfection that prevents something from working properly

    The auditory brainstem test is done to a newborn to understand whether s/he is born with a hearing defect or not.

    Synonyms: imperfection, bug, flaw

    Origin: late Middle English (as a noun, influenced by Old French defect ‘deficiency’): from Latin defectus, past participle of deficere ‘desert or fail’, from de- (expressing reversal) + facere ‘do’