somnolent, baneful, nocturnal, sanguinary, furtive: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 104. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. somnolent · adjective/ˈsɑːmnələnt/

   drowsy or sleepy

   After a long day at work, I felt somnolent and struggled to keep my eyes open during dinner.

   Synonyms: drowsy, lethargic, tired

   Origin: from Latin 'somnolentem', which means 'sleepy', from 'somnus' meaning 'sleep'

2. baneful · adjective/ˈbeɪnfəl/

   causing harm or destruction

   The baneful effects of pollution on the environment are becoming increasingly evident as wildlife suffers.

   Synonyms: harmful, destructive, deleterious

   Origin: Middle English 'baneful', from 'bane' meaning 'death' or 'killer', from Old English 'bana'.

3. nocturnal · adjective/nɑkˈtɜrnəl/

   active during the night

   Bats are known for their nocturnal habits, as they hunt insects and navigate in the dark.

   Synonyms: nightactive, nighttime, night-loving

   Origin: from Latin 'nocturnalis', from 'nocturnus' meaning 'of the night', from 'nox' meaning 'night'

4. sanguinary · adjective/ˈsæŋɡwəˌnɛri/

   involving or causing much bloodshed

   The sanguinary battle left a lasting scar on the history of the nation, remembered for its unimaginable bloodshed.

   Synonyms: bloodthirsty, bloody, murderous

   Origin: From Latin 'sanguinarius', from 'sanguis' meaning 'blood'.

5. furtive · adjective/ˈfɜr.tɪv/

   characterized by stealth or secrecy

   With a furtive glance, she quickly checked to see if anyone was watching her as she slipped the note into his locker.

   Synonyms: sly, secretive, stealthy

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'furtif', from Latin 'furtivus' meaning 'thievish' or 'secret'.