insipid, sanguine, laudable, loquacious, fervid: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 14. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. insipid · adjective/ɪnˈsɪpɪd/

   lacking flavor or vigor

   The chef was disappointed with the insipid soup, which lacked any interesting flavors.

   Synonyms: bland, tasteless, flavorless

   Origin: from Latin 'insipidus', meaning 'tasteless', from 'in-' (not) + 'sapor' (taste, flavor)

2. sanguine · adjective/ˈsæŋ.ɡwɪn/

   optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation

   Despite the challenges we faced during the project, she remained sanguine about the outcome, believing we would ultimately succeed.

   Synonyms: optimistic, hopeful, positive

   Origin: Middle English sanguin, from Latin sanguineus, meaning 'of blood'.

3. laudable · adjective/ˈlɔː.də.bəl/

   worthy of praise

   Her efforts to promote environmental sustainability are truly laudable and deserve recognition.

   Synonyms: commendable, praiseworthy, applaudable

   Origin: from Latin laudabilis, from laudare meaning 'to praise'

4. loquacious · adjective/loʊˈkweɪ.ʃəs/

   talkative or chatty to a excessive degree

   At the party, her loquacious nature made her the life of the event, as she effortlessly engaged everyone in lively conversation.

   Synonyms: talkative, verbose, chatty

   Origin: from Latin 'loquax', meaning 'talkative', from 'loqui', meaning 'to speak'

5. fervid · adjective/ˈfɝː.vɪd/

   intensely passionate or enthusiastic

   The fervid debate about climate change highlighted the deep divisions within the community.

   Synonyms: ardent, passionate, zealous

   Origin: from Latin 'fervidus', meaning 'boiling, glowing, glowing with heat'