unjust, adaptive, coherent, intuitive, dire: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 308. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. unjust · adjective/ʌnˈdʒʌst/

   lacking fairness or justice

   The court's verdict was seen as unjust, leading to widespread protests against the decision.

   Synonyms: unfair, inequitable, biased

   Origin: from Latin 'injustus', meaning 'not just, unjust'

2. adaptive · adjective/əˈdæptɪv/

   able to adjust to new conditions or environments

   The adaptive features of the species allowed it to thrive in diverse climates around the world.

   Synonyms: adjustable, flexible, versatile

   Origin: derived from the Latin word 'adaptivus', meaning 'able to adjust', from 'adaptare' meaning 'to adjust; to fit'.

3. coherent · adjective/koʊˈhɪrənt/

   logically connected and consistent; able to be understood

   The scientist presented a coherent argument that clearly explained her research findings.

   Synonyms: logical, consistent, clear

   Origin: from Latin 'cohaerentem' meaning 'sticking together, connected', from 'cohaerere' meaning 'to cling together'

4. intuitive · adjective/ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv/

   able to understand something instinctively without the need for conscious reasoning

   Her intuitive understanding of the situation allowed her to make decisions quickly and effectively.

   Synonyms: instinctive, innate, perceptive

   Origin: Late Middle English from the Latin 'intuitivus', from 'intuit' which means 'to look at, consider, contemplate'

5. dire · adjective/ˈdaɪər/

   extremely serious or urgent

   After the hurricane, the region faced a dire humanitarian crisis that required immediate assistance.

   Synonyms: serious, urgent, critical

   Origin: from Latin 'dirus', meaning fearful or dreadful