lithe, detrimental, inimitable, conducive, unfathomable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 102. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. lithe · adjective/laɪθ/

   gracefully slender and flexible

   The dancer moved with a lithe grace that captivated the audience.

   Synonyms: graceful, slender, supple

   Origin: Middle English 'lithe', from Old English 'lī th', meaning 'smooth; tender; mild'

2. detrimental · adjective/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl/

   causing harm or damage

   Excessive screen time can have detrimental effects on children's physical health and social skills.

   Synonyms: harmful, damaging, adverse

   Origin: from Latin 'detrimentum', meaning loss or damage

3. inimitable · adjective/ɪˈnɪmətəbl/

   too special or unique to be imitated

   Her inimitable style of painting captured the essence of joy in a way that no other artist could replicate.

   Synonyms: unmatched, unparalleled, unique

   Origin: The word 'inimitable' comes from the Latin 'inimitabilis', which combines 'in-' (not) and 'imitabilis' (able to be imitated).

4. conducive · adjective/kənˈduːsɪv/

   tending to produce a certain result or outcome

   A quiet environment is conducive to effective studying.

   Synonyms: beneficial, advantageous, favorable

   Origin: from Latin 'conducere', meaning 'to lead together'

5. unfathomable · adjective/ʌnˈfæθə.mə.bəl/

   incapable of being fully explored or understood

   The depths of the ocean remain largely unfathomable, hiding countless mysteries beneath the waves.

   Synonyms: incomprehensible, inscrutable, unfathomed

   Origin: The term 'unfathomable' originates from the Old English word 'fæthom', meaning 'to embrace or encircle', combined with the prefix 'un-', indicating negation.