Set 113 · Study 1 / 5

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literal

adjective/ˈlɪt̬.ər.əl/

definition

representing the exact meaning of words without metaphor or exaggeration

example

When she said she was so hungry she could eat a horse, I took her words in a literal sense and asked if she'd like to go to the diner.

synonyms
exactstraightforwardplain
word origin — from Latin 'literalis', meaning 'of letters', derived from 'littera' meaning 'letter'

SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 113

Set 113 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: literal, chronological, fantastic, stark, enthusiastic. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. literal · adjective/ˈlɪt̬.ər.əl/

    representing the exact meaning of words without metaphor or exaggeration

    When she said she was so hungry she could eat a horse, I took her words in a literal sense and asked if she'd like to go to the diner.

    Synonyms: exact, straightforward, plain

    Origin: from Latin 'literalis', meaning 'of letters', derived from 'littera' meaning 'letter'

  2. chronological · adjective/ˌkrɑːnəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/

    arranged in the order of time in which events occurred

    The documentary presents a chronological timeline of the significant events that led to the war.

    Synonyms: sequential, ordered, historic

    Origin: from the Greek 'khronos' meaning 'time' and 'logia' meaning 'study of'

  3. fantastic · adjective/fænˈtæstɪk/

    extraordinarily good or attractive

    The concert last night was absolutely fantastic, leaving everyone in the audience thrilled and wanting more.

    Synonyms: fantabulous, marvelous, terrific

    Origin: From Middle English 'fantastik', derived from Latin 'fantasticus', meaning 'imaginary, fanciful', from Greek 'phantastikos', which means 'able to make visible or to produce a vision'.

  4. stark · adjective/stɑrk/

    harsh or severe in appearance or outline

    The stark contrast between the vibrant flowers and the barren landscape was striking.

    Synonyms: severe, desolate, austere

    Origin: Middle English stark, from Old English styrce, meaning 'strong or stiff'

  5. enthusiastic · adjective/ɪnˈθuːziˌæstɪk/

    showing intense and eager enjoyment or interest

    The students were enthusiastic about participating in the science fair, eager to showcase their projects and ideas.

    Synonyms: eager, passionate, zealous

    Origin: from the Greek 'enthousiasmos' meaning 'to be inspired or possessed by a God'