remuneration, largesse, vestige, foible, libertarian: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 59. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. remuneration · noun/rɪˌmjuː.nəˈreɪ.ʃən/

   payment or compensation for services or employment

   The company offers a fair remuneration for all its workers.

   Synonyms: payment, salary, compensation

   Origin: derived from Latin 'remuneratio', meaning 'reward' or 'payment for services'

2. largesse · noun/lɑrˈdʒɛs/

   generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others

   The charity was grateful for the largesse of the donors who gave so much to help those in need.

   Synonyms: generosity, munificence, charity

   Origin: from French 'largesse', from Latin 'largitia' meaning 'abundance' or 'generosity'

3. vestige · noun/ˈvɛstɪdʒ/

   a trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists

   The old castle was a vestige of the once-powerful kingdom.

   Synonyms: trace, remnant, sign

   Origin: from Latin 'vestigium' meaning 'footprint' or 'trace'

4. foible · noun/ˈfɔɪbəl/

   a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character

   Everyone has a foible, like my friend who always forgets where she puts her keys.

   Synonyms: quirk, flaw, weakness

   Origin: from French 'foible', meaning 'weak' or 'weakness', derived from the Latin 'flabilis', meaning 'able to be bent or broken'

5. libertarian · noun/ˌlɪbərˈtɛriən/

   a person who supports individual liberty and limited government

   As a libertarian, she believes that people should make their own choices without too much government control.

   Synonyms: liberal, free-thinker, individualist

   Origin: from the word 'liberty', derived from the Latin 'libertas', meaning freedom.