factual, deliberate, generous, liable, subtle: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 120. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. factual · adjective/ˈfæktʃuəl/

   based on or relating to facts

   The report provided a factual account of the events that took place during the incident.

   Synonyms: actual, real, true

   Origin: derived from the Latin word 'factus', which means 'made or done'.

2. deliberate · adjective/dɪˈlɪb.ər.ət/

   done consciously and intentionally

   The committee made a deliberate decision to postpone the event until next month.

   Synonyms: intentional, purposeful, calculated

   Origin: from Latin 'deliberatus', past participle of 'deliberare' meaning to weigh carefully

3. generous · adjective/ˈdʒɛn.ər.əs/

   showing a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary or expected

   Her generous donation to the charity allowed them to reach their fundraising goals much quicker than expected.

   Synonyms: magnanimous, open-handed, charitable

   Origin: from Middle English 'generous', from Old French 'généreux', from Latin 'generosus', meaning 'of noble birth, high-born'.

4. liable · adjective/ˈlaɪəbl/

   legally responsible or obligated

   The company is liable for any damages caused by its products.

   Synonyms: responsible, accountable, answerable

   Origin: from Middle French 'liable', from Latin 'ligabilis' meaning 'binding', from 'ligare' meaning 'to bind'

5. subtle · adjective/ˈsʌtəl/

   delicate or precise in meaning or intention

   Her subtle smile suggested that she understood more than she let on.

   Synonyms: faint, fine, nuanced

   Origin: from Latin 'subtilis', meaning 'fine, delicate'.