magniloquent, sullen, ineluctable, nefarious, trenchant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 127. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. magniloquent · adjective/mæɡˈnɪlɪkwənt/

   using high-flown or pompous language

   The politician's magniloquent speech promised to bring about great change, but many were skeptical of his lofty rhetoric.

   Synonyms: grandiloquent, pompous, ostentatious

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'magniloquus', from 'magnus' meaning 'great' and 'loqui' meaning 'to speak'.

2. sullen · adjective/ˈsʌlən/

   gloomy or silent due to a brooding mood

   After hearing the disappointing news, she sat in a sullen silence, refusing to engage with anyone around her.

   Synonyms: morose, sulky, moody

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'solen', of uncertain origin.

3. ineluctable · adjective/ɪnˈɛləktəbl/

   inevitably certain to happen

   The ineluctable march of time affects us all, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life.

   Synonyms: inevitable, unavoidable, certain

   Origin: From Latin 'ineluctabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'eluctabilis' meaning 'to be fought out or overcome'.

4. nefarious · adjective/nəˈfɛr.i.əs/

   wicked or criminal in nature

   The villain's nefarious plans were finally uncovered by the brave detective.

   Synonyms: wicked, evil, sinful

   Origin: from Latin 'nefarious', meaning 'wicked, criminal', derived from 'nefarius', from 'nefas', meaning 'wrong, unspeakable'.

5. trenchant · adjective/ˈtrɛnʧənt/

   incisive and forceful in expression or style

   The critic's trenchant analysis of the film revealed its deeper themes and flaws, leaving the audience with much to ponder.

   Synonyms: incisive, acute, piercing

   Origin: from Middle English, from Old French 'trenchant', present participle of 'trencher' meaning to cut, from Latin 'trancare'