apt, unlimited, maternal, polar, collective: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 311. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. apt · adjective/æpt/

   having a tendency to do something or being suitable for a particular situation

   He is apt to forget his keys if he doesn't leave a reminder on the table.

   Synonyms: inclined, likely, suitable

   Origin: Middle English 'apt' from Old French ‘apte’, from Latin 'aptus', meaning 'fit, suitable'.

2. unlimited · adjective/ʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd/

   not restricted in terms of quantity or extent

   With an unlimited data plan, you can browse the internet without worrying about running out of data.

   Synonyms: boundless, infinite, endless

   Origin: from un- (not) + limited, derived from the Latin word 'limitare' (to bound or limit)

3. maternal · adjective/məˈtɜrnəl/

   relating to a mother or motherhood

   Her maternal instincts kicked in as soon as she heard her baby's cry.

   Synonyms: motherly, maternalistic, nurturing

   Origin: from Latin 'maternalis', from 'mater' meaning 'mother'

4. polar · adjective/ˈpoʊlər/

   relating to the North or South Pole or the regions around them

   The polar regions are experiencing significant changes due to climate change.

   Synonyms: Arctic, Antarctic, frigid

   Origin: from Latin 'polaris', meaning 'of the pole', from 'polus' meaning 'pole'

5. collective · adjective/kəˈlɛktɪv/

   relating to a group of individuals acting as a single entity

   The team's collective effort resulted in a stunning victory that surprised everyone.

   Synonyms: joint, communal, shared

   Origin: from Latin 'collectivus', meaning 'gathered together', from 'collectus', the past participle of 'colligere', meaning 'to gather together'