odd, trivial, toxic, obscure, expressive: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 305. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. odd · adjective/ɑd/

   differing from what is normal or expected

   It was odd to see her wearing a winter coat in the middle of summer.

   Synonyms: unusual, strange, peculiar

   Origin: from Old English 'odd' meaning 'uneven or odd number', influenced by the idea of being out of the norm.

2. trivial · adjective/ˈtrɪv.i.əl/

   of little importance or significance

   He often spends time worrying about trivial matters that don't really affect his life.

   Synonyms: insignificant, inconsequential, minor

   Origin: From Latin 'trivialis', meaning 'commonplace', from 'trivium' (three way or crossing of roads).

3. toxic · adjective/ˈtɑːksɪk/

   causing harm or damage to living things or the environment

   The factory was fined for releasing toxic waste into the nearby river, endangering the local wildlife.

   Synonyms: poisonous, harmful, detrimental

   Origin: from the Greek 'toxikon', meaning 'poison', derived from 'toxon', meaning 'bow' (as in a bow and arrow).

4. obscure · adjective/əbˈskjʊr/

   not well known or difficult to understand

   The professor gave a lecture on an obscure theory that few students had heard of before.

   Synonyms: unknown, unclear, ambiguous

   Origin: from Latin 'obscurus' meaning 'dark, dim, or hidden'

5. expressive · adjective/ɪkˈsprɛsɪv/

   effectively conveying thoughts or feelings

   Her expressive face revealed her true emotions during the performance.

   Synonyms: emotive, articulate, demonstrative

   Origin: from Middle English 'expressif', from Old French 'expressif', from Latin 'expressivus', from 'expressus', the past participle of 'exprimere', meaning 'to press out'.