Word Master — Set 85

Set 85 of Word Master covers 5 words: compendium, stratagem, skiff, nonentity, edifice. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. compendium · noun/kəmˈpɛndiəm/

   a collection or summary of information or detailed contents

   The teacher gave us a compendium of our class notes to help us study for the exam.

   Synonyms: summary, collection, digest

   Origin: from Latin 'compendium', meaning 'a summary, a collection'

2. stratagem · noun/ˈstrætədʒəm/

   a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve a goal

   The general used a clever stratagem to surprise his enemy during the battle.

   Synonyms: tactic, scheme, plan

   Origin: from Greek 'stratēgema,' meaning 'a general's plan or trick'

3. skiff · noun/skɪf/

   a small, lightweight boat designed for one or a few people

   They took the skiff out on the calm lake to fish for dinner.

   Synonyms: boat, launch, dinghy

   Origin: The word 'skiff' originated from the Middle Dutch word 'schif', meaning 'ship or boat'.

4. nonentity · noun/nɑˈnɛntiˌti/

   a person or thing regarded as lacking importance or value

   To everyone in the group, he felt like a nonentity who didn't matter at all.

   Synonyms: nobody, nothing, insignificant

   Origin: The word 'nonentity' comes from the Latin 'non' meaning 'not' and 'ens' meaning 'being'.

5. edifice · noun/ˈɛdɪfɪs/

   a large, imposing building

   The old edifice stood tall in the center of the city, attracting many visitors.

   Synonyms: building, structure, construction

   Origin: from Latin 'aedificium', meaning 'building', from 'aedificare', meaning 'to build'