onerous, opalescent, opprobrious, sumptuous, orotund: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 175. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. onerous · adjective/ˈoʊnərəs/

   involving a great deal of effort and difficulty

   The onerous task of organizing the community event took weeks of planning and coordination.

   Synonyms: burdensome, heavy, arduous

   Origin: from the Latin 'onerous', which means 'burdensome'.

2. opalescent · adjective/oʊpəˈlɛsənt/

   having a play of lustrous colors like those of an opal

   The opalescent surface of the water shimmered under the morning sun, reflecting hues of blue, green, and pink.

   Synonyms: iridescent, shimmering, pearlescent

   Origin: The word 'opalescent' is derived from 'opal,' which comes from the Latin word 'opalus,' and from the Greek word 'opalios.' The term describes the play of colors characteristic of the gemstone opal.

3. opprobrious · adjective/əˈproʊ.bri.əs/

   expressing scorn or criticism

   The politician's opprobrious remarks about his opponents sparked outrage among the public.

   Synonyms: disgraceful, scurrilous, contemptuous

   Origin: from Latin 'opprobiosus', meaning 'full of reproach', from 'opprobrio' (reproach) + '-ous' (full of)

4. sumptuous · adjective/ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/

   luxurious and fine in appearance or quality

   The sumptuous banquet featured a variety of exquisite dishes, each more lavish than the last.

   Synonyms: opulent, lavish, grand

   Origin: from Latin 'sumptuosus', meaning 'costly, extravagant', derived from 'sumptus', meaning 'a taking, consumption, expense'.

5. orotund · adjective/ˌɔːr.əˈtʌnd/

   full, round, and rich in sound or voice

   The orotund voice of the narrator brought the story to life, filling the room with warmth and richness.

   Synonyms: resonant, full-toned, rich

   Origin: from Latin 'orotundus', from 'oro' (to speak) + 'tundere' (to strike)