vagary, vagrant, wile, zealot, zenith: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 201. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. vagary · noun/ˈveɪɡəri/

   an unpredictable or erratic action or occurrence

   The vagaries of the weather made planning the outdoor event quite challenging.

   Synonyms: whim, caprice, quirk

   Origin: The word 'vagary' originates from the Latin 'vagari,' meaning 'to wander.'

2. vagrant · noun/ˈveɪɡrənt/

   a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or employment

   The city implemented new policies to address the rising number of vagrants in the downtown area.

   Synonyms: drifter, wanderer, homeless person

   Origin: from Middle English 'vagrant', from Latin 'vagrans', the present participle of 'vagari' meaning 'to wander'

3. wile · noun/waɪl/

   a cunning or deceitful trick or stratagem

   The cunning fox ensnared its prey with a clever wile, showcasing its mastery of deceit.

   Synonyms: trick, stratagem, ruse

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'wīl' meaning 'cunning'.

4. zealot · noun/ˈzɛlət/

   a person who is fanatically devoted to a cause or organization

   The political zealot tirelessly campaigned for his candidate, believing fervently that change could only come through his vision.

   Synonyms: fanatic, extremist, enthusiast

   Origin: from the Greek 'zelotes', meaning 'zealous person'

5. zenith · noun/ˈzinəθ/

   the highest point reached by a celestial or other object

   At midnight, the full moon reached its zenith, illuminating the entire landscape with a silvery glow.

   Synonyms: summit, peak, pinnacle

   Origin: The word 'zenith' derives from the Arabic 'samt', meaning 'direction' or 'path', which evolved through Old French and Middle English.