SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 296

Set 296 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: unstable, supplementary, compliant, underground, curt. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. unstable · adjective/ʌnˈsteɪbəl/

   prone to change or disorder; lacking stability

   The stock market is often considered unstable during periods of economic uncertainty.

   Synonyms: precarious, insecure, volatile

   Origin: from un- 'not' + stable, a term derived from Latin 'stabilis', meaning 'firm, steady'

2. supplementary · adjective/ˌsʌpləˈmɛnˌtɛri/

   forming an addition to something in order to complete or enhance it

   The teacher provided supplementary materials to enhance the students' understanding of the subject.

   Synonyms: additional, extra, auxiliary

   Origin: Late Latin 'supplementarius', from 'supplementum', meaning 'a thing added'.

3. compliant · adjective/kəmˈplaɪ.ənt/

   yielding to requests or requirements

   The company ensured that all its products were compliant with safety regulations to avoid legal issues.

   Synonyms: obedient, submissive, acquiescent

   Origin: from middle French 'compliant', from Latin 'compliantem', present participle of 'complicare', meaning 'to fold together'

4. underground · adjective/ˈʌndɚˌɡraʊnd/

   located beneath the surface of the ground

   The underground tunnel system was built to transport goods quickly beneath the city streets.

   Synonyms: subterranean, buried, below ground

   Origin: Middle English: from 'under' + 'ground', related to Old English 'undergrund' meaning 'the surface beneath the earth'

5. curt · adjective/kɜrt/

   brief and abrupt in speech or manner

   When I asked him for feedback on my presentation, his curt reply left me feeling disheartened.

   Synonyms: brusque, terse, short

   Origin: from Latin 'curtus', meaning 'cut off, shortened'