SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 217

Set 217 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: analogous, impossible, clever, insufficient, malicious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. analogous · adjective/əˈnæl.ə.ɡəs/

   similar or comparable in certain respects

   The structure of the human eye is analogous to that of a camera, where both systems focus light to create an image.

   Synonyms: similar, comparable, akin

   Origin: from Latin 'analogus', from Greek 'analōgos', meaning 'proportionate, analogous'

2. impossible · adjective/ɪmˈpɑːsəbl/

   not able to occur or be done

   It is impossible to finish the project by the deadline given the current circumstances.

   Synonyms: unachievable, unattainable, infeasible

   Origin: from Latin 'impossibilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'possibilis' meaning 'able to be done'

3. clever · adjective/ˈklɛvər/

   quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas

   She came up with a clever solution to the problem that impressed everyone in the meeting.

   Synonyms: smart, brilliant, astute

   Origin: from Middle English 'clever' meaning 'skillful' or 'able', possibly derived from the Old English 'cleofor' meaning 'suitable, fit'

4. insufficient · adjective/ˌɪn.səˈfɪʃ.ənt/

   not enough or inadequate to meet a requirement

   The funds raised for the project were insufficient to cover the costs of development.

   Synonyms: inadequate, lacking, deficient

   Origin: from Latin 'insufficientem' (nominative 'insufficiens'), from 'in-' (not) + 'sufficientem' (sufficient)

5. malicious · adjective/məˈlɪʃ.əs/

   intending or intended to do harm

   The hacker launched a malicious attack on the company's network, causing significant data breaches.

   Synonyms: malevolent, spiteful, vindictive

   Origin: from Latin 'malitiosus', from 'malitia' meaning 'badness, ill will'.