operative, consequential, forthcoming, conventional, idle: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 189. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. operative · adjective/ˈɑːpəˌreɪtɪv/

   functioning or having effect

   The new policy is now operative, meaning it will be enforced starting next week.

   Synonyms: effective, working, functional

   Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'operativus' meaning 'working, effective', from 'operari' meaning 'to work'.

2. consequential · adjective/ˌkɑːnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl/

   following as a result or effect

   The manager's decision to cut the budget had consequential impacts on the entire project timeline.

   Synonyms: resultant, resultant, resultant

   Origin: From Latin 'consequentialis', from 'consequi' meaning 'to follow' plus 'alis', a suffix forming adjectives.

3. forthcoming · adjective/ˈfɔrθˌkʌmɪŋ/

   about to happen or appear

   The forthcoming election has sparked a lot of debate among the candidates and voters.

   Synonyms: impending, approaching, imminent

   Origin: The word 'forthcoming' comes from the Old English 'forðcuman', where 'forð' means 'forth' and 'cuman' means 'to come'.

4. conventional · adjective/kənˈvɛnʃənl/

   generally accepted or done in a traditional way

   Her conventional methods of teaching often relied on textbooks and lectures rather than modern technology.

   Synonyms: traditional, customary, standard

   Origin: The word 'conventional' comes from the Late Latin 'conventionalis', which derives from 'conventio' meaning 'agreement, contract'.

5. idle · adjective/ˈaɪ.dəl/

   not active or engaged in any work or activity

   After finishing her homework, she found herself with idle time and decided to read a book.

   Synonyms: inactive, unoccupied, lazy

   Origin: Middle English, from Old English 'īdle', meaning 'empty, vacant, or vain'