equivocation, penchant, lethargy, plutocracy, animosity: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 49. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. equivocation · noun/ɪˌkwɪvəˈkeɪʃən/

   the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself

   The politician's equivocation during the debate made it hard to understand his true opinion.

   Synonyms: ambivalence, prevarication, evasion

   Origin: from Latin 'aequivocatio', from 'aequivocare' meaning 'to call the same' (aequus 'equal' + vocare 'to call')

2. penchant · noun/ˈpɛn.tʃənt/

   a strong or habitual inclination or liking for something

   She has a penchant for painting beautiful landscapes.

   Synonyms: liking, fondness, preference

   Origin: French, from 'pencher' meaning 'to incline'

3. lethargy · noun/ˈlɛθ.ər.dʒi/

   a state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy

   After staying up late, I felt a strong lethargy that made it hard to get out of bed.

   Synonyms: sluggishness, lethargic state, inactivity

   Origin: from Greek 'lēthargos', meaning 'forgetful, inactive', from 'lēthe' (oblivion) + 'ergon' (work)

4. plutocracy · noun/pluˈtɑkrəsi/

   a system of government or control by the wealthy or privileged class

   In a plutocracy, the rich make all the important decisions for everyone.

   Synonyms: oligarchy, aristocracy

   Origin: from Greek 'ploutos' meaning 'wealth' and 'kratos' meaning 'power' or 'rule'

5. animosity · noun/ˌæn.əˈmɑː.sɪ.ti/

   strong hostility or resentment towards someone or something

   There was a lot of animosity between the two teams during the game.

   Synonyms: hostility, resentment, hatred

   Origin: from Latin animositas, meaning 'courage, spirit', derived from anima meaning 'soul, spirit'.