SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 142

Set 142 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: compassionate, descriptive, contingent, notorious, eager. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. compassionate · adjective/kəmˈpæʃəˌnɪt/

   showing concern and empathy for the suffering of others

   The compassionate doctor spent extra time with her patients, ensuring they felt heard and understood during their treatment.

   Synonyms: empathetic, sympathetic, caring

   Origin: From Old French 'compassion' and Latin 'compassio', meaning 'to suffer with'.

2. descriptive · adjective/dɪˈskrɪp.tɪv/

   serving to describe or providing detailed information about something

   The novel was filled with descriptive language that brought the characters and settings to life.

   Synonyms: illustrative, representational, defining

   Origin: The word 'descriptive' originates from the Latin 'descriptivus', which is derived from 'describere', meaning 'to describe'.

3. contingent · adjective/kənˈtɪn.dʒənt/

   dependent on certain conditions or occurrences

   The success of the project is contingent upon securing sufficient funding.

   Synonyms: conditional, dependent, possible

   Origin: from Latin 'contingens' meaning 'touching, dependent on', from 'contingere' meaning 'to touch, to depend on'

4. notorious · adjective/noʊˈtɔːr.i.əs/

   famous or well known for a particular bad quality or deed

   The notorious criminal was finally apprehended after years of evading the police.

   Synonyms: famous, infamous, renowned

   Origin: The word 'notorious' comes from the Latin 'notorius,' meaning 'well known' or 'evident,' derived from 'notus,' the past participle of 'scire,' meaning 'to know.'

5. eager · adjective/ˈiː.ɡɚ/

   intensely wanting or yearning to do something

   She was eager to learn new skills that would help her advance in her career.

   Synonyms: keen, enthusiastic, avid

   Origin: from Old French 'egre' meaning 'sharp, keen' and Latin 'acer' meaning 'sharp' or 'fierce'