circuitous, nonpareil, congruent, sinuous, ameliorative: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 134. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. circuitous · adjective/sərˈkjutəs/

   having a roundabout or indirect course

   The circuitous route taken by the bus added an extra hour to our journey, making us late for the meeting.

   Synonyms: indirect, roundabout, meandering

   Origin: From Latin 'circuitus', meaning 'a going around'

2. nonpareil · adjective/ˌnɑn.pəˈrɛl/

   having no equal or match unmatched

   Her baking skills are nonpareil, making her the go-to person for every family gathering.

   Synonyms: unequaled, unmatched, unrivaled

   Origin: From French 'nonpareil', meaning 'without equal'; from Latin 'non' (not) + 'par' (equal).

3. congruent · adjective/ˈkɑːŋɡruənt/

   having the same size and shape

   The two triangles are congruent, meaning they have the same size and shape.

   Synonyms: similar, identical, matching

   Origin: from Latin 'congruens', present participle of 'congruere' meaning 'to agree, coincide'

4. sinuous · adjective/ˈsɪn.ju.əs/

   having many curves and turns

   The river flowed through the valley in a sinuous path, its many curves creating a beautiful landscape.

   Synonyms: winding, serpentine, twisting

   Origin: from Latin 'sinuosus', meaning 'full of curves' or 'winding'

5. ameliorative · adjective/əˈmiːljəˌreɪtɪv/

   serving to improve or make better

   The government proposed an ameliorative policy aimed at improving the living conditions of low-income families.

   Synonyms: beneficial, advantageous, helpful

   Origin: From the Latin 'amelioratus', the past participle of 'ameliorare', meaning to make better.