feral, effulgent, dubious, empirical, fatuous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 59. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. feral · adjective/ˈfɛr.əl/

   existing in a wild or untamed state especially after escape from captivity

   The feral cats prowled through the abandoned buildings, hunting for food in the shadows.

   Synonyms: wild, untamed, savage

   Origin: from Latin 'feralis', from 'ferus' meaning 'wild, untamed'

2. effulgent · adjective/ɪˈfʌldʒənt/

   shining brightly; radiant

   The effulgent sun rose over the mountains, casting a warm glow on the valley below.

   Synonyms: radiant, resplendent, luminous

   Origin: from Latin 'effulgentem', the present participle of 'effulgere', meaning 'to shine out'.

3. dubious · adjective/ˈduː.bi.əs/

   hesitating or doubting

   She was dubious about the promises made by the salesman, feeling uncertain about their validity.

   Synonyms: doubtful, uncertain, questionable

   Origin: from Latin 'dubius' meaning 'doubtful', from 'duo' meaning 'two'

4. empirical · adjective/ɛmˈpɪrɪkəl/

   based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic

   The researchers gathered empirical evidence to support their hypothesis about climate change.

   Synonyms: observational, experiential, practical

   Origin: from Greek 'empeirikos', meaning 'experienced' or 'having experience', derived from 'empeiria', meaning 'experience'

5. fatuous · adjective/ˈfætʃ.uəs/

   silly and pointless

   His fatuous remarks during the meeting only served to derail the important discussions at hand.

   Synonyms: silly, foolish, witless

   Origin: from Latin 'fatuus', meaning 'silly, foolish'