atavism, exacerbation, pedant, eddy, waft: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 40. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. atavism · noun/ˈæt.ə.vɪ.zəm/

   the reappearance of characteristics of an ancestor in a subsequent generation

   His strong interest in hunting is an atavism that he inherited from his ancestors.

   Synonyms: reversion, relapse, return

   Origin: From Latin 'atavus,' meaning 'forefather' or 'ancestor.'

2. exacerbation · noun/ɪɡˌzæb.ərˈbeɪ.ʃən/

   an increase in the severity of a problem or a condition

   The exacerbation of her asthma made it hard for her to breathe at night.

   Synonyms: worsening, escalation, aggravation

   Origin: The word 'exacerbation' comes from the Latin 'exacerbatio', from 'exacerbare' meaning 'to make severe'.

3. pedant · noun/ˈpɛd.ənt/

   a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning

   The teacher was such a pedant that he corrected every small mistake in our essays.

   Synonyms: stickler, nitpicker, scholar

   Origin: from French 'pédante', from 'pédant', which means 'one who shows off learning'

4. eddy · noun/ˈɛdi/

   a circular movement of water or air that creates a small whirlpool

   The boat spun around in an eddy near the shore, making it hard to steer.

   Synonyms: whirlpool, swirl, vortex

   Origin: The word 'eddy' originates from the Old English 'idda,' which is related to the action of moving or turning.

5. waft · verb/wæft/

   to move lightly and smoothly through the air

   The sweet smell of cookies wafted through the kitchen as they baked.

   Synonyms: drift, float, breeze

   Origin: Middle English 'waften' from Old English 'waftian'