Understanding ‘Detrimental’: Boost Your IELTS Score
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘detrimental’ for your IELTS exam. This video covers the definition, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors to help you use this powerful adjective effectively in your writing and speaking tasks.
Imagine a scenario where a single decision could alter the course of your entire future. That’s the power of understanding the word detrimental.
In this lesson, we’ll explore this crucial vocabulary term that can elevate your IELTS score to the coveted band 9.0.
Word type: Detrimental is an adjective.
Meaning: Detrimental means causing harm or damage. It describes something that has a negative effect or is disadvantageous to someone or something.
Word history: The word detrimental has its roots in the late Middle English period, derived from the Latin word detrimentum, meaning damage or loss.
It’s composed of de, meaning away or from, and terere, meaning to rub or wear down.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of detrimental include beneficial, advantageous, favorable, and constructive.
Synonyms: Synonyms for detrimental include harmful, damaging, injurious, deleterious, and prejudicial.
Examples use in sentences: Excessive screen time can be detrimental to both physical and mental health.
The new policy had a detrimental effect on small businesses in the area. Environmental pollution is detrimental to the survival of many species.
The athlete’s poor diet proved detrimental to his performance during the competition. Common errors in use:
One common mistake is confusing detrimental with determined. While they may sound similar, determined means resolute or having made a firm decision.
Another error is using detrimental when a milder word like disadvantageous might be more appropriate in certain contexts.
It’s crucial to understand the strength of the word detrimental and use it when emphasizing significant negative impacts.
Understanding and correctly using the word detrimental can significantly enhance your vocabulary and writing skills for the IELTS exam.
It allows you to express the concept of harm or damage with precision and sophistication. Remember, detrimental implies a serious negative impact, so use it judiciously to describe situations where the consequences are truly harmful or damaging.
By mastering words like detrimental, you’re well on your way to achieving that perfect band 9.0 score.
