delicate, paramount, fanciful, sheer, mandatory: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 224. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. delicate · adjective/ˈdɛlɪkɪt/

   easily broken or damaged; fragile in nature or structure

   The delicate glass figurine shattered into pieces with the slightest touch.

   Synonyms: fragile, dainty, frail

   Origin: from Middle French 'délicat', from Latin 'delicatus', meaning 'luxurious, soft, pleasing, agreeable'

2. paramount · adjective/ˈper.ə.maʊnt/

   of utmost importance or significance

   The safety of our children is of paramount importance to every parent.

   Synonyms: supreme, foremost, principal

   Origin: from Middle English 'par montant,' from Anglo-French 'paramont' meaning 'above or beyond' from 'par' (by) + 'monter' (to mount).

3. fanciful · adjective/ˈfæn.sɪ.fəl/

   overly imaginative and unrealistic

   The children's story was filled with fanciful tales of flying dragons and enchanted forests that were unlike anything found in reality.

   Synonyms: imaginative, unrealistic, whimsical

   Origin: The word 'fanciful' originates from the Middle English word 'fancyful', derived from 'fancy', which comes from the Old French 'fancies', meaning 'imagination' or 'fantasy'.

4. sheer · adjective/ʃɪr/

   used to emphasize the degree of something

   The sheer volume of applications for the scholarship was overwhelming.

   Synonyms: utter, absolute, complete

   Origin: Middle English schere, from Old English scear; related to the Old Norse skar, meaning 'to cut, sheer, or separate'.

5. mandatory · adjective/ˈmændətɪˌtɔri/

   required by law or rules

   Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in all states to ensure driver safety.

   Synonyms: obligatory, required, compulsory

   Origin: from Latin 'mandatorius', meaning 'commanded'