Only 30% Of People Can Match All These English Words To Their Meaning

When it comes to languages, English is probably one of the most popular languages out there. In fact, one can go to almost any country in the world and be assured that someone there will speak at least a little bit of English.

Today, it is estimated that there are around 400 million native English speakers worldwide. A further 400 million people speak English as their second language and as many as 700 million people speak English as a foreign language. As such, English is also known as a "lingua franca" which basically means that it is a common language or a language of trade.

As a language, English - which is a West Germanic language - has quite a rich history. In fact, it is believed that it has been around for as many as 1,400 years, if not more. Most people who do not speak English as their native language find it rather difficult to learn and one can see why - English has a rich vocabulary with words that sometimes have more than one meaning, its pronunciation is challenging and there are plenty of exceptions to rules.

However, it is worth noting that even native English speakers may, at times, find English to be challenging, especially when it comes to knowing the meanings of all the words out there.

Question 1

"Nonplussed" means what?

Who knows what the word above - nonplussed - means? Does it mean someone who is calm, someone who is bewildered, someone who is sad or someone who is shrewd? According to etymologists, the verb form of this word originated in the late 16th century. It comes from the Latin word "non plus" (which basically means "no more"). Nowadays we don't often hear this word used in everyday conversations but it is not uncommon to come upon this word in written text.

Question 2

"Altruistic" is a word that means what?

If someone is described as altruistic, does that mean that they are selfless, scheming, cunning or ambitious? Unlike the word above this word here is used pretty often on a day to day basis, although certain people might use it more often than others. This word was introduced into the English language relatively recently - in the mid-19th century - and according to etymologists, it comes from the French word "altruisme". In fact, this word was made popular by a French philosopher named Auguste Comte.

Question 3

Who knows the meaning behind the word "Serendipity"?

Most people will probably agree that the above word - serendipity - is one of the most beautiful words in the English language. But what exactly does it mean? In your opinion, does the word serendipity mean peace, an unexplained feeling of happiness, a happy accident or a delicate feeling of love? This word originated in the mid-18th century, or, to be more exact, in 1754 when it was coined by the historian Horace Walpole who was inspired by the book "The Three Princes of Serendip".

Question 4

What does the word "Nefarious" mean?

Who knows the meaning of the above word (nefarious)? Does this word describe someone who is evil, someone who is playful, someone who is terrifying or someone who is of poor appearance? This word dates to the early 17th century and apparently comes from the Latin words "nefarius" and "nefas". Once again, this is not exactly a word that many of us would use on a daily basis and yet it is not at all uncommon to come across it in written text.

Question 5

Who can match the word "Conundrum" to its meaning?

Who knows the meaning behind the word "conundrum"? Does this word refer to a problem, a solution, a tragedy or a miracle? There are various theories as to the etymology of this word. Some say that its origins are unknown and that it was first used in a Thomas Nashe (a famous English Elizabethan pamphleteer) work sometime in the 16th century. Back then, this word had a rather different meaning. In fact, this word was not used in the same way that we use it today until the 17th century.

Question 6

"Uncanny" refers to...?

As far as words on this quiz go, this one is used pretty often. As such, we have no doubt that most people taking this quiz will ace this question. So, does the word uncanny refer to something that is haunted, something that is unsettling, something that is shocking or something that is totally ordinary? This word originally originated in the late 16th century in Scotland and Northern England. In 1973, the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud wrote a book which he titled "Uncanny."

Question 7

What does the word "Embezzlement" mean?

Most of us don't use this word on a daily basis purely because the situation that it refers to doesn't happen all that often. So, who knows whether this word refers to theft of someone else's assets, a bribe, corruption or arrest? Etymologists claim that this particular word has been in use ever since the 15th century. Apparently, this word comes from the Anglo-French word "enbesiler" (which is said to have been used all the way back in the 13th century).

Question 8

What does the word "Cacophony" refer to?

Just like the word above, one doesn't often hear this particular word - cacophony - used in everyday conversations (although of course that doesn't mean that no one uses it). So, does this word refer to an unpleasant noise, an unpleasant sight, worsening eyesight or an unpleasant feeling? Etymologists believe that this word came into use sometime in the mid-17th century. It is said that it comes from the French word "cacophonie" as well as from the Latin word "kakophonia".

Question 9

Match the word "Archaic" to its meaning.

Does archaic mean traditional, modern, delicious or old-fashioned? Again, this is a word that is still used to this day albeit not as often as it was used once upon a time for over the years it has been replaced with other - and some may say easier - words. According to etymologists, this word has been in use ever since the early 19th century. It is believed that it comes from the French word "archaique" (which has been in use ever since the late 18th century) and the Greek word "arkhaikos".

Question 10

What does the word "Ragamuffin" mean?

How many of us would use the word "ragamuffin" to describe someone? Probably not many, although we believe that this word should be used more often for it sounds rather nice and it describes a specific person perfectly. In your opinion, does this word - which originated in the Middle English language - refer to a person who talks a lot but doesn't make any sense, a person who regrets his or her decision, a person who wears ragged clothes or a person who is foolish?

Question 11

"Ubiquitous" means what?

Does the word ubiquitous refer to something that is modern, something that makes one's life easier, something that is found everywhere or something that takes over one's life? As far as words go, this one emerged rather recently. Indeed, it was only introduced into the English language in the early 19th century although etymologists claim that a version of this word has been around at least since the early 17th century. It is said that this word comes from Modern Latin.

Question 12

"Dogmatic" means...?

The image to the right sums up this word perfectly. So, if someone is dogmatic, are they authoritarian, angry, dramatic, or crazy? Being dogmatic is not necessarily a bad thing but can become bad when taken to the extreme. We all know people who are dogmatic and while most of us don't outright hate them, we do find them annoying. Etymologists claim that this word originated in the late 17th century and speculate that it derives from the Late Latin word "dogmaticus" and the Greek word "dogmatikos".

Question 13

Does anyone know what the word "Stoic" means?

Stoic is not a word one hears on a regular basis but it is a word that describes someone perfectly and as such we believe that it should be used more often. So, does the word stoic refer to someone who doesn't complain or show feelings, someone who doesn't believe in love, someone who is a cynic, or someone who believes that there is no purpose in life? This word is actually the noun form of the word stoicism which is a philosophy of the Hellenistic (basically Greek) thinker Zeno of Citium.

Question 14

What does the word "Illustrious" mean?

We illustrate this question with an image of Isaac Newton, who, as many will undoubtedly know, was a very influential scientist interested in fields such as mathematics, theology, physics, and astronomy among many other. The above word - illustrious - perfectly describes Newton, but what does it mean? Does it mean creative, genius, noteworthy or controversial? This word has been in use ever since the mid-16th century and was inspired by the Latin word "illustris" as well as the Middle French word "illustre".

Question 15

Who knows the meaning behind the word "Bourgeois"?

Bourgeois is a word that is often used in intellectual circles, and especially in discussions among those who are interested in philosophy and economy. So, who knows what the above word means? Does bourgeois refer to new home owners, middle-class people, socialists or lower-class people? Etymologists claim that this particular word has been in use ever since the mid-16th century and that it comes from two Old French words - "burgeis" and "borjois". Initially this word was only used to describe French people.

Question 16

Who can match the word "Hapless" to its meaning?

As far as words on this quiz go, this one is still used on a daily basis. But who knows what exactly does the word hapless mean? Does it mean something that is broken, something that is useless, something that is fortunate (after all, it is said that shards bring luck) or something that is unfortunate? This word was introduced into the English language sometime in the early 15th century and surprisingly, its meaning has not changed at all in the years since it first emerged.

Question 17

Does anyone know what "Peevish" means?

If a person is deemed to be peevish, is he or she easily scared, irritable, indecisive or depressed? This word was introduced into the English language sometime in the late 14th century, or so etymologists claim. However, back then this word's meaning was slightly different to the meaning we are so used to today. Indeed, this word was not used in the same sense that we use it today until the early 16th century. It is quite likely that this word comes from the Latin word "perversus".

Question 18

The word "Bezoar" refers to...

Who knows what the word bezoar refers to? Does it refer to a mass of material found in an animal's stomach, a pumice stone, a rare rock that is found on a beach or a rock that has been chemically altered? Most of us wouldn't use this word on a regular basis but lovers of Harry Potter are bound to know what it means for it was mentioned in the sixth Harry Potter book (and movie), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Question 19

What does the word "Defunct" mean?

Defunct is a word that many of us use on a regular basis. So, what does it mean? Does it refer to something that is touristy, something that is useless, something that is broken or something that is obsolete? Etymologists claim that this word has been in use ever since the late 16th century. Apparently, the word defunct comes either from Old French (the French word "defunct", which is exactly the same as the English word") or else from Latin (from the word "defunctus")

Question 20

"Egregious" means...

Who knows what the word "egregious" means? Does it mean something that is very challenging, something that is impossible, something that is very bad or something that is required (for example, students might be required to take exams)? This word has been around since the early 16th century. However, it is worth noting that back then its meaning was rather different (it actually meant the opposite of what it means today). Today's meaning only arose sometime in the late 16th century and initially it was used ironically.

Question 21

Who knows the meaning of the word "Contentious"?

Does the word "contentious" refer to something that is undisputed, something that is controversial, someone that is disbelieving or someone that is proud? Etymologists claim that this word originated sometime in the early 15th century. It is generally believed that it comes from the Latin word "contentiosus", which is rather similar to the above English word we are so used to today. Although to be perfectly honest, today the word contentious is not a word that many people use on a daily basis.

Question 22

"Ineffable" means what?

The above word - ineffable - is yet another word that one probably wouldn't use on a regular basis although that is a shame because it is a beautiful word and one that we should use more often. But who knows what this word means? Does it mean something that is incredibly beautiful, something that is indescribable, something that is transparent, or something that is magical? This word dates back all the way to the late 14th century and its meaning hasn't changed since.

Question 23

"Ethereal" describes something that is...

Ethereal is another beautiful English word that certainly deserves to be used more often. So, who knows what this word means? Does it mean something that is magical, something that is very delicate, something that lasts a very short amount of time or something that one has never seen before? This word was introduced into the English language sometime in the early 16th century but its meaning back then was slightly different. This word got the meaning that it is known for today sometime in the mid-17th century.

Question 24

Does anyone know what the word "Ephemeral" means?

Another word that deserves to be used more often than it is used currently? Definitely the word ephemeral! This word was originally introduced into the English language in the mid-16th century although back then its meaning was rather restrictive. Indeed, it wasn't until the early 17th century that the meaning of this word was extended slightly, so that it began to mean exactly the same thing that it means today. So, does the word ephemeral refer to something that is brief, something that is gentle, something that is soft or something that is wonderful?

Question 25

The word "Torpid" means...

Who knows what the word torpid means? The image to the right might give a slight hint to those who are not exactly sure as to what the word means. This word originated in 1610s although as is so often the case, back then its meaning was a bit more specified. It wasn't until forty years later that this word started to mean the same thing that it means today. So, who knows whether the word torpid refers to someone who is sleepy, someone who is bored, someone who is lethargic or someone who is sad?

Question 26

"Noisome" refers to what?

Does the word above - noisome - mean something that is polluted, something that smells very bad, something that looks very bad or a social act that is not morally acceptable? According to etymologists, this word originated sometime in the late 14th century. Its meaning then, however, was slightly different. In fact, this word was not used in the same way that we would use it today until the late 16th century. It is generally believed that this word comes from the Old French word "anoier".

Question 27

What does the word "Sonorous" mean?

Who here knows what the word "sonorous" refers to? Does it refer to a deep sound, a pleasant sound, something that is mute or something that is exceptionally loud? This word originated sometime in the early 17th century, or so etymologists say. Apparently, it comes from the Latin word "sonorus" and from the two Medieval Latin words "sonosus" and "sonourse". Nowadays it is rather unusual to hear someone use this particular word which is a shame for it is a lovely descriptive term.

Question 28

The word "Propriety" refers to...

Does the word propriety refer to someone who is being totally transparent, a good deal, ownership, or good manners? This word was introduced into the English language sometime in the 15th century and as is so often the case, back then it had a slightly different meaning. In fact, the word as we use it today was not used until the late 18th century. As far as words with challenging meanings go, this one is used pretty often, especially by older people.

Question 29

What does the word "Vacillate" mean?

Who knows whether the word vacillate means to be stuck somewhere, to come up with a plan, to be completely overwhelmed by something or to hesitate? One doesn't hear this word used often nowadays for another - much more accessible - word has replaced it. As is the case with so many words, back when this particular word was first introduced (in the late 16th century) it had a slightly different meaning. In fact, the word as we would use it today was only used from the early 17th century onward.

Question 30

Who knows the meaning behind the word "Phlegmatic"?

Who knows whether the word phlegmatic refers to someone who is happy with one's life, someone who is calm and apathetic, someone who meditates on a regular basis or someone who is a total pushover (and whom people take advantage of)? This word has been in use ever since the late 16th century. According to etymologists the literal meaning of this word back then was basically "someone who has lots of phlegm" (as many will undoubtedly know, phlegm is another word for mucus).

Question 31

"Ennui" means what?

Does the word ennui mean seeing something one has seen before, sleepiness, a young child, or boredom? Once again, this is not a word that many of us would use on a daily basis and yet one can still hear it being used once in a while. This word is actually a French word and has been in use ever since the mid-17th century. However, it was apparently only introduced into the English language in 1758, or so the etymologists say.

Question 32

Who knows what the word "Blasé" means?

Here we have another French word that made it into the English language, and which, surprisingly, has not been changed. According to experts, this word has been in use ever since the early 19th century and its meaning has never changed. So, who knows what this particular word means? Does the word blase refer to someone who is easily bored, someone who is unhappy with one's life, someone who is indifferent to something one has seen before or someone who is hard to entertain?

Question 33

Does anyone know the meaning behind the word "Glib"?

What does the word glib mean? Does it mean someone who lies on a regular basis, someone who is confident but insincere, someone who is extremely sociable or someone who is mentally unstable? It is generally believed that this word has been in use in the English language ever since the late 16th century. Etymologists speculate that this word might have come from the Middle Low German word "glibberich" or from the word "glibber". However, it is said that this word was only used to describe people from the 17th century onward.

Question 34

"Dilatory" means what?

If one calls someone dilatory, does he or she mean that the person is someone who procrastinates, someone who is depressed, someone who is really tired or someone who is a couch potato? This word was introduced into the English language in the late 15th century. According to etymologists, it more than likely comes from the Late Latin word "dilatorius" or from the word "dilator". Today it is rather unusual to hear someone use this particular word. In fact, it seems like this word has fallen out of fashion.

Question 35

What does the word "Indelible" mean?

Who knows what the word indelible refers to? Does it refer to something that is temporary, something that is permanent, something that is thick or something that is of the color black? Once again this is a word that most of us wouldn't use on a daily basis and yet it is still possible to come across it once in a while. It is believed that this word entered the English language in the early 16th century and that it was inspired by the Latin word "indelebilis"

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