abstemious, affable, ambiguous, anomalous, arcane: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 65. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. abstemious · adjective/æbˈstiː.mi.əs/

   marked by restraint, especially in consumption of food or drink

   Despite the lavish feast before him, he remained abstemious in his choices, opting for only a small salad and water.

   Synonyms: moderate, temperate, self-denying

   Origin: From Latin 'absteminus', from 'ab-' (away from) + 'tenere' (to hold)

2. affable · adjective/ˈæf.ə.bəl/

   friendly and easy to talk to

   He is an affable host, always making guests feel welcome and at ease during the gathering.

   Synonyms: friendly, approachable, sociable

   Origin: from Latin 'affabilis', meaning 'easily spoken to', derived from 'affari' which means 'to speak to'

3. ambiguous · adjective/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/

   having more than one meaning orinterpretation

   The instructions were so ambiguous that several team members misinterpreted them.

   Synonyms: uncertain, vague, unclear

   Origin: from Latin 'ambiguus', meaning 'doubtful, wavering', from 'amb-' (both) + 'agere' (to drive, move)

4. anomalous · adjective/əˈnɑːmələs/

   deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected

   The scientist observed anomalous data that did not fit the expected trends of the experiment.

   Synonyms: abnormal, unusual, atypical

   Origin: from Greek 'anomalos', meaning 'uneven' or 'irregular', composed of 'a-' (not) + 'nomalos' (even, regular)

5. arcane · adjective/ɑrˈkeɪn/

   understood by few; mysterious or secret

   The professor's lecture on arcane theories of quantum mechanics left most students puzzled, as the concepts were understood by few.

   Synonyms: mysterious, obscure, esoteric

   Origin: from Latin 'arcānus', meaning 'secret' or 'hidden'