idyllic, ignominious, incontrovertible, indefatigable, indigent: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 50. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. idyllic · adjective/ɪˈdɪlɪk/

   like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque

   They spent their vacation in an idyllic village, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and serene lakes.

   Synonyms: perfect, picturesque, blissful

   Origin: from Greek 'eidyllion', diminutive of 'eidos' meaning 'form' or 'shape'

2. ignominious · adjective/ˌɪɡ.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/

   deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

   The politician faced an ignominious downfall after the scandal was exposed, leading to widespread public outrage.

   Synonyms: disgraceful, shameful, humiliating

   Origin: Latin 'ignominiosus', from 'ignominia' meaning disgrace, from 'in-' (not) + 'nomen' (name)

3. incontrovertible · adjective/ˌɪn.kənˈtrɑː.vɚ.tə.bəl/

   not able to be denied or disputed

   The scientists presented incontrovertible evidence that climate change is primarily caused by human activities.

   Synonyms: indisputable, undeniable, unquestionable

   Origin: Late Middle English, from Latin 'incontrāvertibilis', from 'in-' (not) + 'contrāvertere' (to turn against)

4. indefatigable · adjective/ɪnˌdɛf.ɪˈtɪɡ.ə.bəl/

   persisting tirelessly

   Her indefatigable spirit inspired the entire team to push through the toughest challenges.

   Synonyms: tireless, unflagging, unrelenting

   Origin: From Latin 'indefatigabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'defatigare' meaning 'to tire out'.

5. indigent · adjective/ˈɪndɪdʒənt/

   lacking the means to support oneself financially

   The charity organization provides assistance to indigent families struggling to afford basic necessities.

   Synonyms: needy, impoverished, destitute

   Origin: Latin 'indigentem', meaning 'needy' or 'poor', from 'indigere', meaning 'to be in need'