Word Master — Set 31

Set 31 of Word Master covers 5 words: gerontocracy, verbosity, apostle, supplicant, savant. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. gerontocracy · noun/ˌdʒɛrənˈtɑkrəsi/

   a government or society ruled by older individuals

   In a gerontocracy, the elderly often make the important decisions for everyone.

   Synonyms: eldership, seniority, old age rule

   Origin: From the Greek 'geron', meaning 'old man', and 'kratos', meaning 'power' or 'rule'.

2. verbosity · noun/vɜrˈbɑː.sɪ.ti/

   the quality of using more words than necessary

   The teacher asked us to avoid verbosity in our essays to make them clearer.

   Synonyms: wordiness, long-windedness, prolixity

   Origin: from Latin 'verbositas', from 'verbum' meaning 'word'

3. apostle · noun/əˈpɑː.səl/

   one of the early followers of jesus who spread his teachings

   Peter was one of the first apostles who helped spread the teachings of Jesus.

   Synonyms: disciple, follower

   Origin: from Greek 'apostolos' meaning 'one who is sent away'

4. supplicant · noun/ˈsʌplɪkənt/

   a person who asks for something earnestly or humbly

   The young girl was a humble supplicant, asking the king for help for her sick mother.

   Synonyms: beggar, petitioner, requester

   Origin: from Latin 'supplicans', present participle of 'supplicare', meaning to plead or beg

5. savant · noun/səˈvænt/

   a person of profound or extensive learning or a person who demonstrates exceptional skill or knowledge in a particular area

   The young musician is a true savant, playing the piano flawlessly by ear.

   Synonyms: expert, scholar, genius

   Origin: French, from 'savoir' meaning 'to know'