convenient, discreet, hostile, lone, fiscal: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 100. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. convenient · adjective/kənˈviː.nənt/

   suitable or agreeable to the needs or purpose

   The grocery store is conveniently located next to my apartment, making it easy for me to pick up essentials on my way home.

   Synonyms: suitable, appropriate, handy

   Origin: From Latin 'conveniens', meaning 'coming together, agreeing', from 'convenire' (to come together).

2. discreet · adjective/dɪˈskrit/

   careful not to cause offense or attract attention

   He made a discreet inquiry about the job opening to avoid drawing attention to his interest.

   Synonyms: prudent, cautious, subtle

   Origin: from Old French 'discret', from Latin 'discretus', meaning 'separate, distinct, or marked off'

3. hostile · adjective/ˈhɑːstaɪl/

   unfriendly or antagonistic

   Despite their attempts to negotiate, the discussions turned hostile, with both sides accusing each other of bad faith.

   Synonyms: unfriendly, antagonistic, malevolent

   Origin: from Latin 'hostilis', meaning 'of an enemy', from 'hostis', meaning 'enemy'

4. lone · adjective/loʊn/

   solitary or alone without others

   The lone wolf wandered through the forest, searching for companionship in the cold, empty wilderness.

   Synonyms: solitary, alone, single

   Origin: The word 'lone' comes from the Middle English 'lone', which is derived from the Old English 'āna', meaning 'one' or 'alone'.

5. fiscal · adjective/ˈfɪskl/

   relating to government revenue, especially taxes

   The government announced a new fiscal policy aimed at increasing tax revenue for public services.

   Synonyms: financial, budgetary, economic

   Origin: From Latin 'fiscalis', meaning 'of the treasury', from 'fiscus' meaning 'treasury, purse'.