clandestine, confluent, copious, cryptic, culpable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 76. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. clandestine · adjective/klænˈdɛstɪn/

   kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit

   The government conducted a clandestine operation to gather intelligence on the suspected terrorist group.

   Synonyms: secret, covert, furtive

   Origin: from Latin 'clandestinus', meaning 'secret, hidden', from 'clam', meaning 'secretly'.

2. confluent · adjective/ˈkɑnfluənt/

   flowing together; merging

   The confluent rivers created a stunning confluence that enriched the local ecosystem.

   Synonyms: merging, flowing, coalescent

   Origin: From Latin 'confluens', which is the present participle of 'confluere' meaning 'to flow together'

3. copious · adjective/ˈkoʊ.pi.əs/

   abundant in supply or quantity

   The scientist took copious notes during the lecture to ensure that no details were missed.

   Synonyms: plentiful, abundant, profuse

   Origin: Latin 'copia', meaning 'abundance'

4. cryptic · adjective/ˈkrɪp.tɪk/

   having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

   The ancient manuscript contained a series of cryptic messages that puzzled historians for centuries.

   Synonyms: enigmatic, obscure, mysterious

   Origin: from Latin 'crypticus', from Greek 'kryptikos' meaning 'concealed, hidden'

5. culpable · adjective/ˈkʌlpəbl/

   responsible for wrongdoing or fault

   The investigation revealed that the manager was culpable for the financial mismanagement that led to the company's bankruptcy.

   Synonyms: blameworthy, liable, at fault

   Origin: from Latin 'culpabilis', from 'culpa' meaning 'fault' or 'blame'