infinitesimal
/ˌɪnfɪnɪˈtɛsɪməl/The opposite of huge — so small it can barely be measured or noticed.
Example: The margin of error was so infinitesimal it wasn't even worth mentioning.
C222 words · Proficient
Size & Speed vocabulary — C2
Vocabulary for size, amount and degree at its most precise — infinitesimal, myriad, breakneck and interminable — scale from nominal to astronomical, and pace from dilatory to expeditious.
22 questions
Words in this set
22myriad
/ˈmɪriəd/The opposite of a handful — an extremely large, uncountable number of something.
Example:
The festival offers myriad ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
prohibitive
/proʊˈhɪbətɪv/The opposite of affordable — a price so high that it stops people from buying.
Example:
The prohibitive cost of downtown parking pushed most commuters onto the train.
plethora
/ˈplɛθərə/The formal word for far too many of something, used about an amount that feels overwhelming or unwelcome.
Example:
We received a plethora of complaints after the price increase.
precipitous
/prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/Another word for steep — a sudden, dramatic drop, especially in value or numbers.
Example:
Share prices took a precipitous fall after the scandal broke.
extortionate
/ɛkˈstɔrʃənət/Another word for prohibitive — used informally about a price that feels shockingly unfair.
Example:
They charge extortionate prices for parking downtown.
nominal
/ˈnɑmənəl/Another word for negligible — a fee or amount so small it's almost symbolic.
Example:
Members pay only a nominal fee to join.
countless
/ˈkaʊntləs/Another word for myriad — used in everyday writing about a number too large to count.
Example:
She has answered countless questions from curious students.
sizeable
/ˈsaɪzəbəl/Another word for substantial — an amount large enough to be clearly noticed.
Example:
They made a sizeable donation to the hospital.
astronomical
/ˌæstrəˈnɑmɪkəl/Another word for exorbitant — a number or cost so large it seems almost unbelievable.
Example:
The company's debts have reached astronomical levels.
preponderance
/priˈpɑndrəns/The formal word for being greater in number, used about evidence or opinion.
Example:
The preponderance of evidence pointed one way from the start.
breakneck
/ˈbreɪkˌnɛk/The opposite of glacial — moving so fast that the pace feels reckless or dangerous.
Example:
He drove home at breakneck speed to catch his flight.
interminable
/ˌɪnˈtɜrmənəbəl/Another word for endless — a meeting or speech that feels like it will never end.
Example:
The safety briefing felt interminable, and half the room fell asleep.
incessant
/ˌɪnˈsɛsənt/The opposite of occasional — happening constantly, often in a way that starts to grate on you.
Example:
The incessant drumming next door gave her a splitting headache.
perennial
/pərˈɛniəl/Another word for recurring — a problem that comes back again and again, not tied to any single time of year.
Example:
Funding remains a perennial issue for small theatres.
expeditious
/ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃəs/The opposite of sluggish — handled quickly and efficiently, with nothing wasted or overlooked.
Example:
We appreciated the bank's expeditious handling of the refund.
relentless
/rɪˈlɛntlɪs/Another word for incessant — pressure or effort that never lets up.
Example:
The team faced relentless criticism after the loss.
ephemeral
/ɪˈfɛmərəl/Another word for fleeting — used in formal or literary writing about something that lasts a very short time.
Example:
Fame in social media can be ephemeral.
instantaneous
/ˌɪnstənˈtæniəs/Another word for immediate — happening the very instant a cause occurs, with no delay at all.
Example:
The medicine provided almost instantaneous relief.
everlasting
/ˌɛvərˈlæstɪŋ/Another word for perennial — used about something that seems to last forever.
Example:
Their everlasting friendship began in kindergarten.
hasty
/ˈheɪsti/Another word for rushed — a decision made too quickly, often carelessly.
Example:
He regretted making such a hasty decision.
dilatory
/ˈdɪləˌtɔri/The opposite of prompt — slow to act, in a way that causes delay.
Example:
The department was dilatory and the deadline passed unnoticed.
