impugn, exhaustive, prescient, preeminent, malleable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 50. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. impugn · verb/ɪmˈpjun/

   to challenge or dispute the validity or truth of something

   The lawyer tried to impugn the witness's statement during the trial.

   Synonyms: challenge, dispute, question

   Origin: from Latin 'impugnare', meaning 'to assail, attack' (from 'in-' meaning 'against' + 'pugnare' meaning 'to fight')

2. exhaustive · adjective/ɪɡˈzɔstɪv/

   thorough and complete in coverage or detail

   The teacher gave an exhaustive review of the subject before the exam.

   Synonyms: comprehensive, thorough, complete

   Origin: from Latin 'exhaurire', meaning 'to draw out' or 'to use up'

3. prescient · adjective/ˈprɛʃ.ənt/

   having knowledge of events before they occur

   The prescient scientist predicted the weather changes months in advance.

   Synonyms: foreseeing, prophetic, clairvoyant

   Origin: from Latin 'praescientem', meaning 'knowing beforehand'

4. preeminent · adjective/priˈɛmɪnənt/

   having paramount rank, dignity, or importance

   Albert Einstein is a preeminent scientist whose ideas changed the way we see the universe.

   Synonyms: superior, outstanding, supreme

   Origin: from Latin 'praeeminens', meaning 'standing out or above'

5. malleable · adjective/ˈmæl.i.ə.bəl/

   capable of being shaped or bent without breaking

   The clay is very malleable, so I can easily shape it into different forms.

   Synonyms: flexible, pliable, adaptable

   Origin: from Latin 'malleabilis', from 'malleare' meaning 'to hammer'